April 2018 issuu 127

Month: April 2018 Issue No: 127 Independent monthly community news and business directory for KT5 & KT6

Delivered free each month to homes in Berrylands, plus Surbiton or Tolworth

Inside this issue: * New Advertisers * Reports on local charities * Sir Edward Davey reports on schools * Recipes * Articles and quizzes

2 A pages 1-8.indd 2

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers 13/03/2018 01:06:23

Hello Readers,

A

pril already! By the time you will be reading this message, I hope that the untimely winter weather has gone and we are firmly into Spring!

This month sees some past advertisers returning and also some very welcome newcomers. I hope that you will use their services.

One advertiser returning to our magazine is Ample Security. Due to an increase in break ins and burglary, perhaps you may need to review your home security.

Perhaps you are considering moving home, so Winkworth Surbiton could be just the company to help you.

Like these businesses, you too can advertise in A Berrylands Companion magazine, and see how it might help you reach more possible clients and customers. Contact me to see how easy it can be!

Are you holding an event in the Spring or Summer months? Perhaps you are planning a Street Party for the Royal Wedding next month, or a school fair in the Summer? Remember to get it listed in the magazine diary for more people to attend.

Best wishes,

Karen

Useful Numbers Kingston Council www.kingston.gov.uk Action Fraud (Trading Standards) Refuse Collection Electoral Registration Council Tax Citizens Advice Customs & Excise (VAT) Inland Revenue Helpline Environmental Agency Surbiton Library Kingston Police Non Emergency Police Emergency Services Non Emergency NHS Transport: National Rail Enquiries Public Transport Traveline Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 8547 4630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 0300 123 1212 101 999 111

Emergencies/Utilities: Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency Water Emergency BT Fault Line Virgin Media Crimestoppers Kingston Hospital Childline Samaritans Age Concern Kingston Relate www.relatekh.org Domestic Violence Helpline www.victimsupport.org.uk Surbiton Safer Neighbourhood Team based at YMCA

0800 111 999 0800 783 8866 0845 920 0800 0800 800 151 0845 142 0000 0800 555 111 020 8546 7711 0800 1111 116 123 0800 00 99 66 020 8549 3318 020 8547 3202 020 8721 2518

08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 0844 335 1801 A Berrylands Companion 18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk www.berrylands-companion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

3

History A Memorial to Post

By Catherine Rose

stamp, also known as a ‘Bishop stamp’ after its inventor, Henry Bishop.

The cost of postage wasn’t rationalised however, and the recipient had to pay for their letter. Post was often refused, resulting in losses and an inefficient system.

In the era of email, many believe the art of letter writing is declining. So, what of the history of our postal system, once the only way people could communicate across long distances?

During medieval times letters were usually handwritten on velum and sealed with wax (there were no envelopes in those days), after which they were sent via servants, or even by trained hawk or carrier pigeon.

In 1507, Cardinal Wolsey appointed a Master of the Posts to manage a postmaster in each major town who would keep a team of horses and post boys to deliver letters.

In 1635, the Royal Mail was founded and the first official post or ‘letter’ offices were set up. By 1660 letters were being inked to show the date they were mailed using a hand-held

4

In 1837, polymath Sir Rowland Hill made a case for abolishing the existing complicated and expensive postal tariffs. He suggested introducing a penny post across the board for standard letters of an ounce or less, paid for by the sender, with higher rates of postage for packets and parcels dependent on weight.

Together with the Postmaster General Lord Lichfield, they came up with the idea of using a small label that could be stuck to an envelope to show that the sender had paid the required postage.

It was decided to place the stamp in the top right-hand corner of the envelope to speed up postmarking (also known as cancellation), because postal workers would be using their right hand.

In 1839, Hill ran a competition to design the first postage stamp with a prize of £200.

There were nearly 3,000 entries. In the end, it was R. A. William Wyon’s depiction of a young Queen Victoria’s profile that was chosen, based on a bust he had modelled of her when she was just fifteen.

Henry Corbould drew up the design which was then line engraved for printing.

The Penny Black was officially launched in May 1840, followed two days later by the Tuppeny Blue. 350 million letters were being sent by 1850. Along with the demand for post came the production of folded envelopes.

The initial stamps were printed onto sheets of paper and then manually cut using scissors.

Perforated sheets to facilitate tearing were introduced in 1854, and the Penny Red was the first to appear with the characteristic edge we now associate with stamps.

Surprisingly, it was the Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope who introduced the iconic pillar box, in 1853.

Initially, it was designed in green to blend with the surroundings, but it soon became clear that people needed to be able to spot it and green was replaced with the now famous ‘pillar box red’.

Postcodes were phased in between 1959 and 1974 to help with sorting and delivery. It is interesting to note that prior to Hill’s founding of our modern postal system, rural addresses often only consisted of a number and the name of the village – fine for a messenger on horseback searching through a handful of houses.

Today, we can sit at our laptops and send a message in the blink of an eye. And with companies increasingly going ‘paperless’, who knows what the future will be for our postal system?

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

5

Be Happy With a Book Whether you love curling up with a psychological thriller or prefer biographies, enjoy flicking through a cookbook or need business advice, we’ve got just the book to keep you and your e-reader happy.

How Not To Be a Boy – Robert Webb Actor and comedian Robert Webb has turned his hand to writing, with great success.

How Not To Be a Boy is part biography, part reflection on the expectations that are put on boys and men to act a certain way. Webb reveals his grief at losing his mother and his difficult relationship with his father, and ruminates on how trying to ‘act like a man’ has had a negative effect on his life.

Through it all, Webb writes with his trademark humour, taking the reader from laughing out loud to blinking back tears in moments.

The History of Bees – Maja Lunde The History of Bees tells the stories of three people, all connected by bees. In 1851, William is attempting to build a revolutionary beehive to bring honour and fame to his family.

In 2007, George is struggling to keep the family bee farm going.

Almost 100 years later, Tao is enjoying a rare day off from her job hand-pollinating fruit trees, when her son is taken seriously ill. The History of Bees was a surprise international bestseller last year and is ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.

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Anything You Do Say – Gillian McAllister A split second decision has lasting implications for the protagonist in this tense psychological thriller. Late at night, believing that she’s being followed, Joanna lashes out, pushing her pursuer down a set of concrete steps. Does she call an ambulance, or walk away? Both scenarios are then explored. Ingenious, original and fast-paced, this is perfect for fans of Gone Girl and Girl on a Train.

The Paying Guests – Sarah Waters It’s 1922, but the roaring twenties have yet to reach the quiet corner of London where Frances and her mother live.

Frances has resigned herself to a life spent looking after the family home, but the arrival of lodgers Lilian and Leonard Barber reawakens her life, energy and passions. Paying Guests was published in 2014 and was named ‘Fiction Book of the Year’ by The Sunday Times, for good reason. A modern classic, it’s beautifully written, with believably flawed characters, plot twists and a building tension that’ll keep you reading ‘just one more chapter’ until late into the night.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Ultimate Fit Food – Gordon Ramsey Planning to get a bit fitter before the summer? Gordon Ramsey’s latest book might help. It’s split into three sections, each of which offers a range of dishes to promote general wellbeing, achieve weight loss or provide fuel for work-outs. There are recipes for everything from healthy snacks and breakfasts to impressive main courses, and plenty of treats are included too. The emphasis is on dishes so delicious you’ll almost forget they’re good for you.

Start Me Up – Various If you’re thinking of setting up your own business, take advice and inspiration from people who’ve done just that.

Enterprise Nation is a website for small businesses and has recently released a free ebook.

Start Me Up features stories from 100 entrepreneurs, including the owner of Cool Cold Brew, which will soon be available in Sainsbury’s, and the founder of the fastest growing baby food brand in the UK. You can download Start Me Up from the blog at www. enterprisenation.com.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Ms Fiona Smith MSSCh MBChA Chiropodist HPC Registered CH22747

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Tel: 020 8399 0262 or 07817 013 707 for appointment

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Please wear flat Please soledwear trainers flat soled to protect trainers the to playing protect the playing protectsurface the playing surface. surface For information For ‘phone information Keith on ‘phone 020 8390 Keith0638 on 020 or 8390 0638 or For information please call email: surbitonbowlingclub@yahoo.co.uk email: surbitonbowlingclub@yahoo.co.uk

Keith 020 8241 1192 or Brian 020 8399 1831 email: surbitonbowlingclub@yahoo.co.uk

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If you’re looking to make a move, call us for all your property needs.

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7

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Is It Worthwhile Taking Out Private Health Insurance?

NHS services, so your GP would need to refer you for a private consultation. Policies are renewed annually, with monetary excesses applying in the same way as with other forms of insurance.

Private health insurance generally covers the cost of private consultations, treatments, and immediate aftercare as an inpatient. Some policies also pay for outpatient care, such as physiotherapy.

Employers sometimes offer this type of insurance as a benefit to their employees, but if you’re thinking of taking out your own policy, how do you know if it’s going to be worthwhile?

Before we look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of private medical insurance, here’s a little more detail on the cover that could be included.

What might a health insurance policy cover?

The benefits provided by private health insurance vary according to the monthly premiums, with comprehensive policies offering the greatest level of cover.

Here’s a general outline of the main benefits: • Private consultations • Anaesthesia • Inpatient stays for investigative tests, surgery, or immediate post-treatment care • Treatments and procedures as a day patient • Outpatient treatments and aftercare - physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, for example How does private health insurance work?

Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside

8

The insurer sets a limit on the amount of cover available to you annually. They define the benefits, plus any exclusions that apply - a pre-existing illness, for example - in the policy document.

Why might you decide to take out private health insurance?

• You need fast access to a consultation, investigative procedure, or treatment • Treatment isn’t available on the NHS • You’re employed, but don’t receive private health insurance as a benefit • You’d like to see a particular consultant, or require a specialist referral • You want the comfort of staying in a private room • You don’t want to wait for physiotherapy after surgery What are the potential drawbacks of private medical insurance?

• Policies are costly, with premiums increasing every year • Some health conditions are excluded, so a private healthcare policy may not cover all your medical needs • You have to pay an excess each year • You may have ethical concerns about private health care • The insurer sets limits on the amount of cover available for each condition, each type

of treatment, and an overall amount in the policy year How much will private health insurance cost?

Various factors are taken into account by insurers when setting the price of private healthcare premiums - these include (but are not limited to): • Age • Existing health • Medical history as an individual, and of your family • Lifestyle • Types of cover required It’s advisable to shop around before buying private health insurance - comparison websites are a good way to find out about the cost of various policies.

Alternatives to private health insurance There are alternative ways to fund private medical treatment without taking out an insurance policy. If you have residual income or existing savings, for example, you could set aside a sum to cover a proportion of future treatments.

Paying only for the initial consultation is also an option if you require an urgent medical opinion. The consultant would then refer you back to the NHS for treatment, if necessary.

Healthcare cash plans also exist that help you cover your medical costs. In this case you’re refunded the costs that you pay up front, up to pre-agreed limits. www.money.co.uk/healthinsurance/how-does-healthinsurance-work.htm www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ en/articles/do-you-need-privatemedical-insurance#what-does-itcover

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WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP SECURE MY HOME? Join Neighbourhood Watch * Lock all doors and windows when you go out, even if it is for a few minutes, such as school run, dog walk, etc. * Don’t leave keys in door locks. * Front doors (P V C Type) make sure you always double lock the door. * Never just close door and walk away. * Don’t leave valuables on show in front of windows like lap tops or i-pads, or keys etc, pull curtains or blinds * Install timers to turn on lights automatically * Leave outside light near front door on all night, if possible * Don’t leave wheelie bins next to side gate (it makes a great step ladder) * If you go away, remember to cancel milk and newspaper deliveries, ask your neighbour to park their car on your drive, make sure no post is sticking out of your letter box. If you have a porch, get post moved every day, as this will look very obvious no one is home. * Fit a Burglar Alarm System (Insurance Approved)

A house with an Alarm System fitted will have a Siren box on the front and rear of the house and this will give a good Visual Deterrent to burglars.

Q I already have an alarm system but don’t use it.

A Most importantly, make sure you have a code number for your alarm.

An alarm can go off at any time, even when not set, and the code number is the only thing which will stop the alarm sound from ringing. This can be very embarrassing and extremely stressful, for you and for your neighbours.

If you have no code, call a local alarm company so you don’t get caught out, or alternatively have the alarm system disconnected if you are not going to use it.

If you are lucky enough to have an alarm system, but have not been using it, maybe because you now have a pet or it has a fault, pet sensors are now available. One call to your local alarm company to correct the fault and your alarm system could be working next week.

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

9

Sweet Recipe Lemon Mascarpone Creams These quick and easy desserts make a delicious sweet treat for any occasion. Add the zest of 1 lemon to the cream mixture for an extra citrus kick.

Ingredients: • Juice of 2 large lemons • 50g caster sugar

1.

2. Place the mascarpone in a large mixing

bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until soft and smooth. Gradually beat in half the lemon sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.

• 250g tub mascarpone cheese • 200ml double cream • 10 sponge fingers • 2 tbsp white chocolate curls, to decorate (see tip)

Serves 4 Ready in 15 minutes

3. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until

softly peaking. Gently fold the cream into the lemon mascarpone mixture. If it is a little too firm, fold in 2-3 tbsp of milk or single cream.

4. Dip four of the sponge fingers in some of

the remaining lemon and sugar mixture then arrange in the base of four glass serving dishes, breaking to fit if necessary. Spoon half the mascarpone cream mixture on top.

TIP Add a creamy soft frosting instead of the dusting of icing sugar, if liked. Simply beat 100g full-fat soft cheese with 100g very soft unsalted butter until smooth, then beat in 100g sifted icing sugar.

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Mix the lemon juice and sugar in a bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

5.

Repeat the layers once more using the rest of the sponge fingers, lemon sugar mixture and lemon mascarpone cream. Scatter the white chocolate curls over the top. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours before serving.

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C.D Jennings Jennings & & Sons Sons C.D Surbiton’s High Surbiton’s Class Surbiton’ s High High Class Class Traditional Family Family Butchers Traditional Traditional Family Butchers Butchers Meatof of the Highest Meat Quality Meat of the Highest Highest Quality Quality fromthe the Finest Finest Sources Sources from Finest Sources from the

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

11

Spice Crusted

Baked Salmon Fillets Serves 6

Ready in 1 hour

This salmon dish is ideal for easy weekend entertaining. Bake the day before and when cold cover and chill in the fridge overnight. Allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

• 6 x 150g salmon fillets • 2tsp mild chilli powder • 2tsp ground coriander • 2tsp ground cumin • 1/2tsp freshly ground black pepper • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice • 2tbsp olive oil TO SERVE • 6tbsp mayonnaise or soured cream • 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped • Zest and juice from 1 lime • Lime wedges and spring onion curls (see tip) to garnish

12

Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C Fan, Gas 6. Run your fingers along the top of the salmon fillets and remove any fine bones with tweezers. Mix together the spices and rub over the surface of the salmon fillets.

Season with a little salt.

Place the salmon pieces in a foil-lined roasting tin. Whisk together the lime or lemon juice and oil and drizzle over the salmon.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the salmon is just cooked to the centre. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.

Arrange the cold salmon fillets on a platter.

Mix together the mayonnaise or soured cream, spring onions and lime zest and juice. Serve the salmon and mayonnaise garnished with lime wedges and spring onion curls.

TIP To make spring onion curls use a sharp knife to thinly shred a few spring onions.

Place in a bowl of iced water and leave in the fridge for about 1 hour until curled. Drain on kitchen paper before using.

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 14/01/2017

22:24

13

And Another Thing...

Tom Has a Spring Clean

by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

“Tom, I can’t move in this bloody garage, when are you going to sort it?” Camper Van Monthly fell limply from my hands as my Dearly Beloved’s command echoed around the house.

Time once more to don the gardening gloves and spring into action. Old

you think?”

in the other. Intimidated, I resolved to

“That’s not a storm cloud gathered

gather together my flattened cardboard

over Mount Fuji, that’s a water stain.

Now stop rummaging and throw it out.

No, not them! They’re my best table decorations!”

lamps, decorations and suitcases fell

With bags of rubbish piled high in

at my feet as Sarah ploughed through

the car, I crawled to the council tip.

twenty years of accumulated detritus.

About fifty yards from the entrance,

“Look, there’s only one thing for it,

I joined a queue of cars waiting their

you’ll have to go the tip.”

turn. After half an hour of listening to

“On a Sunday morning? Are you insane?”

“Well what else were you planning on doing today?”

Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs we

camper van place. Have a look at what my pension will buy when I’m fifty five.”

“Is this your latest obsession? Camper vans? Have you seen the price of them?

Anyway, amazingly enough Tom, when we’re retired I don’t want to be carrying

just about to heave it into the skip when the little bearded man with the brush jumped in front of me, waving his arms.

“Whoa! What you doing with that?”

“You let me take care of that, sir.”

“And what have we got in there, sir?”

“Rugs,

suitcases,

boots,

jumpers,

pillows, paint

pictures,

pots,

paint

brushes, paint rollers, table decorations, old bottles, old bags, old memories, lost causes, dashed hopes and broken

Reversing the Mondeo Ghia X up to

dreams in non-recyclable.”

the garage door, I began to heave all

And with a wave of his hand, I was

manner of rubbish into the cavernous

in. Pausing for a moment to wait for

boot. I paused as I came across a

a space, I observed batteries, plastic

Japanese silk print. Geisha women

chairs, old shrubs and bags of gypsum

dressed in blue and black gowns

being unceremoniously dumped into

shuffled over a tiny bridge. Ominous

their respective receptacles. A small,

storm clouds circled Mount Fuji. Sarah

bearded man wielding a massive yard

re-appeared.

brush shook his head as he retrieved

“Tom, stop rummaging and get on with

a cracked toilet from one hopper

14

Then it was time for the silk print. I was

sure how I can make this any clearer.”

“Rugs in the carpet hopper, sir, broken

those storm clouds, very ominous, don’t

we staggered together towards the skip.

giant sporting a construction hat and a

want a bit of luxury.”

– it might be worth a few bob. Look at

lady ran over to steady my ship. Slowly,

“Well, this is a tip, this is rubbish. I’m not

dreams.”

“This is your Great Uncle Jack’s picture

just before I was blown off course an old

through the barrier when a tattooed

a chemical toilet to the shower block, I

it.”

But I was undone by a gust of wind and

began to move. I was just about to drive

high-vis jacket held up his hand.

“I was hoping to take a trip to that

boxes and dispose of them in one go.

and exasperatedly flung it into a

Gently relieving me of Great Uncle Jack’s print, the little man scuttled off, disappearing behind a Portakabin.

Back home, Sarah was still in the garage. “Tom you forgot all these old magazines.”

“No, I didn’t forget them, they’re staying.”

“You know hoarding can be a sign of a deeper, more troubling mental condition?”

That evening, during Silent Witness, I was browsing on my laptop when suddenly I froze.

“Tom, what’s up?” asked Sarah.

I spun my laptop round. “Look, Uncle Jack’s silk print is on eBay – opening bid £99!”

neighbouring skip. I parked up and

“Who’s selling it?”

began to unload. A well-muscled young

“Bigbrush780. Well, you know best

man trotted past holding a wheelbarrow

dear!”

in one hand and a bag of set concrete

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Next held: 1st April, 6th May and 3rd June 2018

15

Belgrade

By Solange Hando

Whichever way you arrive, the first sight of Belgrade takes your breath away, the ‘White City’ rising like a sphinx above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Up on the hill, the iconic spire of St Michael’s, the Orthodox cathedral, dominates the old town but all eyes are set on the citadel spreading along the ridge, 125 metres above the valley.

This strategic location fired up battles and invasions for almost 2,000 years, razing the city to the ground 44 times, but in the new independent Serbia peace has come and the old fortress sprinkles towers, turrets and walls in the wonderful oasis of Kalemegdan, the city’s central park. Birds twitter all around and there are statues and flower displays, grand staircases, fountains and gates, a few crenellations, a couple of museums and churches and lots of winding paths and shaded seats where locals come to chat or play chess.

Visitors stroll along the beautiful cliff top promenade to enjoy the views, the modern city in the distance, the bridges, the cruising boats anchored along the Sava, the green waters of the Danube flowing around the Big Island’s nature reserve.

Excavations have revealed the presence of the Vinca, one of

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the oldest prehistoric cultures in Europe, the Celts, Romans and many others, but surviving fortifications only date back to the 18th century, rebuilt by Austro-Hungarian and Turkish rulers.

The ‘old town’ is even younger, claiming 200 years at the very most, but is stylish and colourful with tree-lined streets, outdoor restaurants and stunning buildings ranging from Romantic or Renaissance style to neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau or early Deco, in white or pastel hues. The wide pedestrian street Knez Mihailova is everyone’s favourite, the place to meet friends, enjoy a drink or browse the luxury shops before heading to the vast Republic Square. There you can gaze at the equestrian statue of 19th century ruler Prince Michael, the National Theatre and the National Museum containing some 290,000 exhibits from around the world. Most valuable is the Miroslav’s Gospel, the oldest Cyrillic manuscript of its kind, with 362 illuminated pages dating back to around 1180.

Belgrade has myriad churches, including Saint Sava rebuilt in the 20th century and now one of the largest in the world, honouring the country’s medieval patron saint and

founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Saint Sava is set on the Vracar plateau but nearer to the town centre is an elegant cluster of former palaces, now turned City Hall and Presidential Seat, enhanced by lawns and flower beds. Look out for the House of the National Assembly across the park, pristine white and fronted by sculptures of ‘Black Horses Playing’.

Relaxed and cosmopolitan, easy to walk around, Belgrade is a delightful capital, from the gently buzzing centre and waterways to the lovely Botanical Garden or the secluded Bohemian District around Skadarska Street.

Once home to gypsies, this steep cobbled lane is full of old charm, a hideaway for writers, artists and savvy visitors.

There are intriguing paintings and trompe l’oeil, antique and ethnic shops, small galleries and inviting flower-draped terraces serving delicious food and wine at affordable prices.

Guitar, harmonica, violin or tamburitza, traditional music sounds in every corner, late into the night but a world away from the throbbing nightclubs and floating restaurants along the Sava. Meanwhile on the cliff-like ridge, all is quiet and the old citadel glows high above the mighty rivers.

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20 is Plenty There is no doubt our roads are getting safer.

Annual road deaths from 2013 - 2016 are around 1,750, lower than the 1990s when they were well above 3,000. However, there has been an increase in fatalities in built-up areas involving elderly pedestrians.

To try and reduce this figure, local authorities are introducing 20 mph speed limits in urban areas.

This lower speed limit is not new: 20 mph zones have been used in lots of places for many years.

So zone or limit: what’s the difference?

20 mph zones are usually found in urban areas and are designed to be ‘self-policing’, with the use of measures such as humps, pinch points and chicanes to slow traffic and indicate that the road is shared with pedestrians and other road users.

A 20 mph limit area differs in that motorists are alerted to this lower speed limit either via repeated permanent signs or flashing indicators at key places and times, e.g. outside a school at pick-up time.

Research shows that 20 mph limits are very effective at reducing deaths and injuries.

Highlighting the reason for the lower speed limit, by the use of ‘Frail pedestrians’ or ‘Pedestrians in road ahead’ triangular warning signs or the yellow ‘school zone’ sign, also helps.

Having been a witness to a fatal accident involving an elderly pedestrian, I welcome these speed-reduced zones. Frankly, in urban areas, going above the 30 mph limit only gets us to the next red light quicker, so what’s the issue with driving a little slower if it saves a life?

By Iain Betson

Berrylands Autocare * MOT Testing (while you wait) * Diagnostic Testing * Servicing & Mechanical Repairs * Open until 5.30pm weekdays * Saturdays: 9.00am to 1.00pm

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17

Technology

4

3

Don’t be an april fool Keep your stuff safe on PCs and phones It seems like every day there’s a new warning about hackers and dodgy software — and over Christmas we learned that there was a security flaw in almost every modern computer, tablet and phone that could let baddies get our passwords and other private information. So how do we keep our important information safe and secure?

at the time of writing Seagate’s Expansion drive, which offers 1TB of storage and has a super-fast USB 3.0 connection for modern PCs and Macs, is just £45. If you’re backing up really massive libraries, a whopping 4TB of storage is still under £100 — although most of us won’t need anything close to that.

There are three important things to consider.

They are: loss, where you lose digital things such as photos, home movies or documents you don’t want to lose; malicious software, which is when a program sneaks onto your computer and causes trouble; and hacking, which is when somebody you don’t know gets into your computer to access your personal information and/or demand money.

The good news is that they’re all easy to deal with.

External hard disks aren’t the only options. You could burn your own DVD data discs, or use USB flash drives such as SanDisk’s Ultra Flair 32GB 2 (£12.95). However, we’re not convinced they’re great options for long-term backups. Drives such as the Patuoxun Portable USB DVD CD RW Writer may be cheap — £17 from Amazon, with discs even cheaper — but DVD and CD discs don’t last forever and many of our ones started to rot after a few years in normal conditions. And if you’ve used many USB sticks you’ll know of their incredible ability to go missing and never be found again. There’s not much point in having a backup if you can’t find it when you need it.

Let’s talk about loss first. The single best way to prevent loss of valuable personal things such as family photos is to have extra copies. They don’t need to be printed copies — if you take as many photos as we do the cost of getting even some of them printed is frightening — and if you keep your copies digital then you don’t need to spend too much money to copy your entire photo or video library, or anything else you want to keep a backup of.

You can store backups on services such as Google Photos, Flickr and Apple’s iCloud, but for proper peace of mind we’d recommend backing up to an external hard disk: 1 that’s much faster, and doesn’t require you to keep up a membership or pay a monthly subscription as some online services do.

You can get a really good external hard disk for less than £40, and you don’t need to pay much for faster, even higher capacity ones:

18

The cures for malicious software and hacking are the same: security software. There are plenty of free options such as the excellent AVG Free (www.avg.com), but it’s worth considering spending a little money on a paid-for security suite such as BitDefender Total Security (around £49/£69 for an unlimited-device Family Pack).

BitDefender doesn’t just cover your PC: it protects Macs, Android and iPhone/iPads too, and it includes tools to stop bad things getting onto your devices as well as anti-hacking protection for your personal data. It comes highly recommended by the internet’s most trusted review sites.

1. Seagate Expansion USB hard disk 2. SanDisk USB Flash Drive 3. Patuoxun Portable USB CD RW Writer 4. BitDefender Security software

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19

Overhaul Your Lawn

by Pippa Greenwood

It has rained so much in recent months and the ground has become so wet that there have been times when I’ve thought that my garden might be about to turn into a paddy-field! The flower and vegetable beds are starting to pick up remarkably well, but it is the lawn that seems to have taken the most obvious battering. Over-wet conditions can cause roots to die off and will reduce the oxygen in the soil. Worse still, any areas of the lawn that you’ve had to walk on, albeit infrequently, or over which you’ve had to move a wheelbarrow or other fairly weighty bit of equipment, will have become compacted or squashed. It may not be obvious but the air spaces that should be plentiful in the soil will have been dramatically reduced, and the heavier your soil is, the worse the problem is likely to be. So if you want your grass to be as green as it should be and ready for the summer use it’s likely to get, it’s time to get to work now.

20

Check over your lawn mower and see to anything that needs sorting. If it’s too much to take on yourself, take it to a reputable outlet for a service as soon as possible – you’ll need it even more in a few weeks’ time! Once it is working well again, you’ll be surprised at how much quicker and easier each mowing session becomes.

In most areas of the country grass will have started to grow quite a bit faster recently and so may need cutting. Make sure that you don’t set the blades too low for the first few cuts, as this will weaken the growth and make it more likely that weeds will start to invade.

You can relieve some of the soil compaction to allow air down to the roots, making for better growth and healthier grass. Do this after you’ve mown the lawn. If only small areas are compacted, use a garden fork and drive it into the lawn every 4-6 inches or so, trying to get the tines of the

fork to a depth of 4-6 inches as well. Once the tines are in the soil, gently ease the handle of the fork back and forth to enlarge each hole. You now have some drainage holes.

If you mix up some sieved garden soil or loam with horticultural sand (about one part soil/loam to nine parts sand) you can brush this mixture across the lawn and into the holes you’ve made.

The result is a drainage system over those compacted areas.

If the soil in the garden is quite heavy or contains a lot of clay, the chances are that these last few months will have done a lot of damage and the whole lawn will benefit from aerating. For an enduring and even more useful effect, buy, borrow or hire a ‘hollow-time aerator’, either as a hand operated one, a machine or a mower attachment. This will actually cut cylinders of soil out of your lawn, and when filled with the ‘top-dressing’ mix above will result in much longer-lasting

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drainage channels.

Moss might look good and green right now, but it tends to look miserable later in the year as it dries out and becomes brown. So apply some moss killer and then rake it all out after the time specified on the pack. It will make your lawn look worse initially, but allows more air to the roots of the grass plants and gives them more space to grow and spread too.

Lawns that have suffered from serious waterlogging will really benefit from a suitable feeding regime. Poor growth and over-wet conditions will have put these plants under a lot of stress. Whether you choose a granular or liquid feed, make sure that it is a spring lawn

food, as this will be formulated specially to give the balance of nutrients lawns need now.

If you do use a granular feed, ensure that you water it in unless it rains shortly after you’ve applied it.

Walking on a very wet lawn soon wears it out and kills off grasses. Get these bare or bald areas sorted now and by the time the summer comes it won’t look like a patchwork.

Roughen up the bare or thin areas using a rake and then sprinkle a suitable seed mix on to match in with the existing grasses. If you’ve not got many patches to sow, you can buy small patch repair packs to keep the cost down.

in total (depending on the size of the lawn and exactly how damaged and waterlogged it was), try your best to keep off it for a few weeks to allow it to bask in all that pampering and take advantage of all the TLC and grow away really well.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in May accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

Once all the work is done, and it may well take several hours

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21

Home & Interiors Wooden Flooring

By Katherine Sorrell

the floor may be riddled with woodworm, be too uneven, or made of such poor quality wood, that replacing would actually be better.

If you are planning to sand, the first job is to mend or replace any boards that are damaged, hopefully with matching second hand boards (if you use new boards you will have to stain them later to match).

Make sure you hammer down protruding nail heads before you start sanding.

They are beautiful, natural, healthy, and get better with age – wooden floors are ideal almost everywhere in the house.

SAND BACK YOUR OLD BOARDS If you are renovating, the simplest and cheapest option is often simply to sand back the boards that are already there. Not every floor is worth sanding, however. The effort of removing copious amounts of nails may be too much, or

USING RECLAIMED BOARDS The aged patina of reclaimed boards is absolutely beautiful, but such authenticity does not come cheap – do not expect to pay substantially less than for new boards, while common problems include woodworm, ingrained dirt and stains, dents and splits, variations in thickness or colour, broken tongue and groove, and the need to remove or countersink thousands of old rusty nails.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask

where the wood came from and how it has been stored since it was reclaimed – timber that has stood outside for any length of time may be useless, and would certainly need to dry out considerably before it could be used again. The rule of thumb is that pine is cheaper than oak, and narrower boards are cheaper than wider ones.

FITTING A NEW TIMBER FLOOR New timber floors can be fitted anywhere in the house, on solid or suspended floors, though they’re often not advised for bathrooms or other wet areas.

This is because wood expands and contracts according to the humidity of the room. Can you fit a timber floor if you want underfloor heating? The answer is yes, though timber does not give quite as high a heat output as a concrete floor.

When retro-fitting, it may be possible to lay new boards over old ones – but only if they are very even, and usually covered with 18-20mm of ply to give a

finishes for floorboards • PAINT: a great cover-up, available in a range of colours.

• STAINS: may be oil or water-based. Will change the colour but may still need a finish for protection.

• WAX: a polished wooden floor is a sight to behold, with a lovely gentle sheen and natural smell, but they do require regular re-waxing.

• OIL: gives a natural finish, sinking deep into the grain to protect the wood. Again, they need re-applying regularly, so don’t even consider it unless you’re prepared to put in the hard work.

• UV-CURED OIL AND WAX: almost like lacquer, but with the look of oil or wax.

• LACQUER AND VARNISH: available in matt, satin and gloss finishes, these are very hard wearing but don’t give such a natural finish.

22

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substantial base. Bear in mind that you will raise your floor level and that, when fixing the floor down, you’ll need to avoid any pipes and wires that may run beneath the existing floor.

TYPES OF TIMBER The main choice you’ll be faced with is between solid wood, engineered wood and laminate.

Solid wood is just that – whatever type of wood it is goes all the way through, so it looks entirely natural and can be sanded again and again. It’s available in the form of boards, strips (less than 10cm wide), blocks (extremely strong, laid in patterns such as herringbone and basket weave) and parquet (like blocks, but thinner).

Engineered wood (sometimes called multi-layer or, confusingly, laminated) is made from layers of solid timber or a

veneer of solid timber on top of MDF, plywood, chipboard or softwood, with a balancing veneer beneath. Most are made up of either three or five layers, cross-bonded for greater stability. A top layer of at least 5mm allows for limited sanding if necessary.

Laminates generally comprise a resin-impregnated decorative paper surface layer (with photographs of real wood) bonded to a thin MDF or chipboard core. With cheap versions it’s easy to spot the pattern repeat and they’re not awfully durable, but more expensive versions are incredibly tough and come with long guarantees.

manufacturer to manufacturer, but are often called ‘select’, ‘natural’ and ‘rustic’ or ‘country’.

As you might imagine, they therefore range from very even in colour and grain to rather gnarled and knotty. ‘Rustic’ grades are the cheapest and ‘select’ the most expensive.

Timber floors are given ‘grades’ describing their appearance (nothing to do with quality or durability). They vary from

Image Above: Sussex oak parquet industrial oval dining table, £1,850, Modish Living: 01273 499 057; modishliving.co.uk.

Image Left: Lulworth Blue floor paint, £67 per 2.5l, Farrow & Ball: 01202 876 141; farrow-ball.com.

Est 35 YEARS

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ST R N NO YLE AN EW W S & GE AV C OF AI OL LA OU BL RS E

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O

Surbiton Racket and Fitness.

A busy Club, whatever the weather

nly a month ago, at the very end of February, we had several days of snow. This was an unwelcome surprise, because after a run of reasonable weather we had assumed that the generally mild Winter would continue.

No such luck! Suddenly the Snow Beast surged across from Siberia, reminding us that everything nasty and wintry was still possible.

Yet this didn’t worry us unduly at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, because there’s always so much going on indoors at our Club. Plenty of squash, where we have four state-of-the-art courts, all air conditioned and heated as required. Saturday night is Club Night for squash, an opportunity to make new friends on and off the court.

There’s Racketball too, played in the squash courts.

Another major attraction indoors is our Fitness Suite which extends over two levels and is always a major attraction.

Our Suite is on two levels, offering some of the latest equipment, from Cloud-based cardiovascular aids to resistance machines and free weights.

Alongside is our Studio, where we run regular classes in Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and Indoor Cycling. And there’s Physiotherapy on offer, run in partnership with Kingston Physiotherapy. We even have our own Chiropracter, Neil Reilly (0208 390 9030 for appointments).

three of the Borough’s municipal parks.

For an annual fee of only £50 per household, families and individuals will be able to enjoy unlimited use of the courts, bookable in advance on the Internet. Fantastic value! It’s planned to encourage everyone to take up and enjoy tennis.

The Community Parks Tennis Programme is expected to begin in the Spring. Please ring 0208 399 1594 for details. The Programme will also be linked into our extensive allyear coaching programmes which already involve fourteen registered coaches and over a thousand pupils.

Our social events are very popular and our regular Quiz and Theme Nights are often over-subscribed. Overall, we offer a unique set of facilities for our Members unmatched by any similar local Club.

Central to all our activities is the Clubhouse Bar, where you can chat with new friends and relax with a coffee or a drink. Or if you fancy some cooked food, this can be ordered from our extensive Club Menu throughout the day.

Why not come and see us? There’s no obligation, of course. We’re proud of our Club, and we’ll show you round with pleasure.

Best wishes Roy

Community Parks Tennis Programme

Roy Staniland is Director of Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, Berrylands, KT5 8JT 0208 399 1594 www.surbiton.org

During 2018 the Club will be responsible for the management of ten tennis courts in

Community Parks Tennis Programme www.parktennisinkingston.co.uk

26

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27

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Disclaimer

Whilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in A Berrylands Companion , the publisher takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or for the loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement.

Any errors, omissions or offers are the resposibilty of the advertiser. All artwork is accepted on the condition that the advertiser has obtained permission from any copyright holder for its use by A Berrylands Companion. Whilst every care is taken when printing artwork, we cannot guarantee an exact colour match due to variations in print processes. Bookings are accepted only on this basis.

It is the advertiser’s responsibility to submit any amendments to adverts by the deadline date of the 8th.

To advertise any event, or community activity in the magazine, please call: Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Extensions or New Build • Planning + Building Regulation Consents • Health and Safety for Construction • Party Wall Awards

Ken Burgess

Tele: 07976 837 031 Fax: E-mail: kcbdesign69@gmail.com

28

K B Design

• Architectural Services • Residential + Commercial

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William Stallion

150 Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 9HF

*Alterations & Additions *New Installations *Maintenance *Rewires *Testing & Inspection EICR/PIR *NIC/EIC Registered,insured,certified

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29

Show Clearance Cowboys The Door

by Kate McLelland

Clearing a property after the death of a loved one can be a complex and difficult task.

As well as coping with the emotional impact, you’ll need to find a new home for a whole range of household items, from large pieces of furniture to items of clothing.

It can feel overwhelming, and that’s why many people employ a house clearance service to remove the lot in one go.

However, with a systematic approach and little time, you should be able to tackle the job yourself.

What to sell Before you start to sell, it may be helpful to research current fashions in antique and vintage items. Be aware that today’s bidders are more likely to fight over a chipped enamel bread bin or a paint-splashed wooden ladder than a skillfully crafted piece of brown furniture.

You can take valuable pieces to an auction house, or sell them online, but remember that you will pay a sellers’ fee with either of these options (10% of the final transaction cost on Ebay or between 8% - 20% plus 20% VAT for an auction house).

What to give away Charity shops are always happy to receive quality clothing,

30

ceramics, pots and pans and small items of furniture. Some charities, like the British Heart Foundation and DEBRA, will even collect large pieces such as sofas or wardrobes free of charge, but if you are disposing of upholstered furniture you should make sure that it is in good condition and the manufacturer’s fire label is still attached.

What to recycle or throw away When everything that is valuable or useful has been eliminated, you will be left with stuff to be recycled or thrown away. Visit recyclenow.com to see how much of this can be recycled, and once you have whittled everything down you can simply take the rest to your local tip.

When the only way is clearance If the property is rented, or if a sale is going through, you may have no choice but to use a house clearance service.

These companies will remove everything from the property, charging fees to dispose of unwanted items and paying an agreed sum for anything of value.

Although most clearance companies offer a genuine

service, there are cowboy operators out there who will offer little for valuable pieces and may charge for waste disposal when they actually intend to dump your unwanted items in a field. If fly-tipped waste is traced back to you, you will be liable for a hefty fine, so your first step should be to check that the company is registered for the transport and disposal of waste by going to environment.data.gov.uk and simply entering the company name or registration number.

The second step is to test whether the company representative is offering you a fair price for saleable items. The online auction site Ebay (ebay. co.uk) can provide a rough idea of each item’s market value.

Tick the “sold listings” box that appears on the left of each search results page, as this will show what people have paid for similar pieces.

Stripping out a property loaded with a lifetime’s possessions is never easy, but once it has been cleared you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that everything valuable or useful has found a home, while the remainder has been disposed of in a responsible (and environmentally friendly) way.

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31

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Managing Your Stress

Persistent stress can affect our health and even cause serious illness, so we need to know how to reduce stress and its effects.

‘Stress’ can refer to two different but related things: situations or events that put pressure on us; and our reaction to that pressure.

Stress can: • Affect your mental health, causing problems such as depression and exacerbating existing mental health issues.

• Affect your physical health by preventing proper sleeping or eating, and causing excess cortisol and adrenaline release.

This makes you feel unwell and may eventually lead to serious conditions, e.g. heart disease, asthma, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

What Causes Stress?

• Major changes or events: bereavement, moving home, financial crises, exams, redundancy, retirement, job change, marriage, relationship break-up, illness/injury, pregnancy/parenthood. ‘Happy’ events put extra pressure on us not to appear stressed.

• Continual pressure: job, health or relationship worries, overwhelming responsibilities.

• Feeling out of control and unable to change situations.

• Uncertainty, e.g. potential redundancy.

• A life that lacks change, purpose or activity.

• Clutter and disorganisation, e.g. always running late. Research shows just the sight of clutter causes stress.

Your stress threshold may depend on:

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• Your perception of the situation (affected by your positivity (or lack of it) and past experiences).

• Your mental health and emotional resilience.

• The support you receive.

Symptoms of Stress • Avoiding the stress source.

• Irritability, impatience, aggression, restlessness.

• Depression or anxiety.

• An inability to enjoy yourself/ take an interest.

• A sense of dread.

• Feeling neglected or tearful.

• Difficulty making decisions and concentrating.

• Poor lifestyle choices: biting your nails, smoking or drinking, eating too much/too little.

• Shallow breathing/ hyperventilating.

• Panic attacks.

• Insomnia or disturbed sleep.

• Muscle tension.

• Blurred eyesight or sore eyes.

• Loss of libido.

• Teeth grinding or clenching your jaw.

• Headaches.

• Chest pains.

• High blood pressure.

• Indigestion or heartburn.

• Constipation or diarrhoea.

• Nausea or dizziness.

• Fatigue.

Reducing and Coping with Stress Reducing your responsibilities and using time-management or organisational techniques can help to reduce stress in your life.

You can find time management tips at www.nhs.uk/conditions/ stress-anxiety-depression/ time-management-tips/ and www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/tips-for-everydayliving/stress/dealing-withpressure/, which also has coping strategies for specific pressures, such as being a student.

Reducing the causes of our stress is important, but sometimes we can’t change stressful situations.

However, we can learn to improve how we react to them.

Self-help strategies include: > Complementary therapies Therapies like yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and ecotherapy (time spent in nature) may help you relax. > Lifestyle Changes A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep help. Spend time with family and friends and talk through your problems. Make time for hobbies and relaxation; downtime isn’t a luxury, but essential for a healthy mind and body. > Changing Your Mind Develop a more positive outlook.

This video discusses replacing negative thinking with positive: www.nhs.uk/Video/Pages/ unhelpful-thinking-podcast.asp x?searchtype=Tag&searchterm =Mental+health. > Breathing eercises You can find instructions at www. nhs.uk/conditions/stressanxiety-depression/waysrelieve-stress/ > Stress-busting apps and courses Try the NHS’ Chill Panda apps. beta.nhs.uk/chill-panda/, Silver Cloud apps.beta.nhs. uk/silvercloud/ and the Stress & Anxiety Companion apps. beta.nhs.uk/stress-anxietycompanion/.

For further help, visit your GP, who can recommend: > Talking treatments • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you understand your stress triggers and reaction to them, showing you how to act and react more positively.

• Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) combines mindfulness, meditation and yoga to reduce stress. > Medication to reduce symptoms E.g. antidepressants, sleeping pills, irritable bowel syndrome treatments and high blood pressure medication.

Don’t ignore stress until it’s damaged your health. Tackle it now.

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33

Beauty Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

It’s not just homes that benefit from a good ol’ spring clean…

Ditch old makeup and skincare products Most of us are guilty of holding onto favourite cosmetics way longer than we should do. While makeup doesn’t have a fixed use-by date as such, it does start to degrade once it’s been exposed to air and sunlight. If you check the packaging of any skincare or cosmetic product, you’ll find the PAO symbol. This shows the ‘period after opening’ that the product needs to be used within. In most cases, it’s six or 12 months.

Products that come into direct contact with your skin, such as a lipstick, or a moisturiser that you scoop out of the jar with a finger, are particularly virulent breeding grounds for bacteria. So have a good sort through and ditch anything that’s been open longer than its PAO. It’s also worth having a bit of a declutter at the same time. Are you ever going to wear that lurid purple eyeshadow?

If you want products that will last longer, check the PAO before you buy. In general, pump action lotions will last longer than those in jars, as the lotion comes into less contact with oxygen and light.

34

Clean makeup brushes Makeup brushes and cases can get decidedly grubby, so it’s a good idea to give them a gentle clean on a regular basis.

Most cosmetic bags can be washed by hand, using a mild detergent. Brushes can be cleaned with face wash, baby shampoo or a mild soap. Soap is probably the easiest. Just swirl the brush gently on wet soap to create lather, use your fingers to massage the bristles, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and leave it to dry.

If your old brushes are past the point of revival, the Nellie Make Up Brush Set from Oliver Bonas is worth considering.

For £38, you get five different types of brushes and a handy mirror, all housed in a stylish pink case.

Try something new It’s easy to get stuck in a perfume rut, wearing the same fragrance year after year.

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Or worse, wearing a fragrance you’ve been given as a gift but aren’t in love with.

Fragrance doesn’t have to be expensive.

Marks and Spencer’s Island Escape Eau De Toilette is £16 for a 95ml bottle. For £18 you can have the giftset, which includes a full size fragrance and body lotion. Island Escape is a light, citrusy fragrance, with notes of bergamot, pear and rose, mixed with a hint of sea salt, so it’s perfect for spring and summer.

Slap on the SPF Ideally, we should protect our skin from the sun every day, rain or shine. The easiest way to take care of your face is by choosing a moisturiser with a high SPF rating. Nspa Expert Daily Rejuvenate Cream has an SPF of 30 and contains active ingredients such as Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb extract, which has been proven to improve the appearance of ageing skin. What’s more, the cream costs just £10 in ASDA. It’s ideal for spring, but come summer you’ll need a sun lotion that you can reapply throughout the day.

hot! be with

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Slimming World

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          

            

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Surbiton New Life Baptist Church 1 Balaclava Road, KT6 5PW 5.30pm and 7.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8224 3336

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               

TUESDAY Surbiton

Surbiton New Life Baptist Church 1 Balaclava Road, KT6 5PW 9.30am and 11.30am Tel: Justine 020 8224 3336 slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

35

Lungworm Awareness Month

D

og Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite that can cause serious health problems. It affects dogs and can even be fatal if not prevented or treated.

Lungworm can have visible symptoms in puppies or older dogs however it can also show no outward symptoms in dogs that are otherwise healthy, until the worm burden becomes too great.

An animal that suffers from lungworm without showing symptoms can be problematic.

Lungworm affects the clotting abilities of the blood. This means a perfectly healthy looking dog who is secretly suffering from lungworm can have major complications in routine surgeries such as neutering. Complications in surgery can be avoided, either by treating your pet with a recommended product, known to prevent or treat lungworm, as well as simple blood tests for detection (which can be carried

out routinely at your vets prior to surgery)

become infected when they accidentally (or purposefully) eat a snail or ingest larvae which are left in the snail trail on grasses and bowls.

According to records, there have been 696 cases of lungworm in a 50 mile radius of Kingston and Tolworth. We have also treated many cases over the years. This means it is a real problem locally and we do encourage local dog owners to educate themselves about lungworm and take the necessary steps to prevent their dog contracting it.

There is also a lung worm that can affect cats too. This is a different species of lungworm altogether, called Aelurostrongylus abstrusus.

Cats become infected with lungworms when they drink infected water or eat prey infected with the larval stage of the worm. The larvae then move out of the intestines via the bloodstream to the lungs, causing respiratory symptoms which can be fatal.

If you have questions about Lungworm or would like advise on how to prevent and treat it please contact us at the Aspen Veterinary Surgery or visit our website

www.aspenvets.co.uk

Lungworm is spread via a host slug or snail which carry the lungworm larvae. When a slug or snail travels over grass, or a water bowl left outside, they leave a trail and dogs can

36

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Aspen Veterinary Surgery

HOME WANTED!

Your pet matters to us

Gypsy and Louis

This gorgeous 2-year-old sister & brother pair came into care after their previous owner could no longer care for them. These beautiful siblings were born into a multi-cat household so they didn’t get as much attention as they needed and as a result were very shy when they first arrived at the cattery, but with some TLC both have become much more confident and affectionate.

Louis is a particular favourite with people who come to the cattery as no one can resist his cheeky nature and big blue eyes! Gipsy is more shy around strangers but once she gets to know you she is very sweet. Gipsy & Louis love other cats and are looking for a home with understanding owners and no young children.

If you feel you can give these cats the loving forever home they so desperately deserve, please call Rosemary on 01737 350307 Epsom Ewell & District Branch http://www.epsom.cats.org.uk If you cannot adopt a cat but would still like to help us please go to https://www.justgiving.com/Epsom-Cats-Protection

As we have around 7,000 cats and kittens in our care at any one time, we will find you the perfect feline friend.

Join Aspen Pet Care Plan Save Money, Spread Costs, Pay Monthly, Open Mon-Fri: 8am-7.30pm Sat: 8.30-11am 24 hour Emergency Service

www.aspenvets.co.uk 351 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7BZ

020 8399 6437

www.cats.org.uk Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

Protect Your Cats and Dogs in the Garden This Spring If you’re enjoying the warmer weather this springtime, and spending more time in the garden with your pet, here are a few tips to keep both cats and dogs safe and well, and avoid any urgent visits to the vet.

Seasonal plants Some spring bulbs and plants can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Daffodils, in particular, cause problems if ingested, but other plants such as tulips, hyacinths, crocuses and clematis are also toxic.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy, potentially leading to dehydration

PETS

and convulsions. In cases where the most poisonous plants have been consumed, the after-effects may be seen within 15 minutes.

Chocolate Easter eggs Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to your dog or cat.

Although dark chocolate contains the most theobromine, the levels in milk chocolate are also sufficient to cause serious health problems.

It’s advisable to consult your vet as a matter of urgency if you know that your pet has consumed chocolate – symptoms include rapid breathing, hyperactivity, seizures, vomiting and diarrhoea.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Slug and snail pellets As spring is ‘slug season’, you may be tempted to use slug pellets to control this problem in your garden. Dogs and cats tend to find slug pellets tasty, however, and as many brands contain a poisonous substance called metaldehyde, your pet’s health is at serious and immediate risk after ingestion.

Look out for symptoms such as muscle spasms, seizures and lack of coordination, and contact your vet as a matter of urgency. www.nawt.org.uk/advice/keeping-petssafe-spring www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/springsafety-tips-for-dog-owners.html www.vets-now.com/2017/01/springhazards-cats/

By Ann Haldon

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

37

Ready Steady for the Charity Walk for Peace Charity Dinner held at The Guildhall, Kingston

T

he Charity Walk for Peace Charity Reception Dinner was held at The Guildhall in Kingston on Saturday February 24th 2018 where over 65 guests, including many charities, attended to show their support for the upcoming Charity Walk for Peace being held on Sunday April 29th 2018 in the Windsor Great Park in association with Runnymede Borough Council.

Rt. Hon Sir Edward Davey MP graced the occasion and spoke at length about the incredible success of the annual Charity Walk for Peace and was followed by a number of Mayors from the Boroughs of Kingston, Epsom, Sutton, Elmbridge and Runnymede.

The Dinner provided an opportunity for participants to meet the organisers and sponsors of the annual Charity Walk for Peace and brought together a host of charities and beneficiaries, MP’s, Mayors and local community groups, as well as representatives from the media, with the objective of introducing them to this year’s National Walk, its aims and objectives, and its fundraising efforts throughout the previous year.

Boroughs and the Superintendent for Kingston Police. With your support, we are confident that this year’s Charity Walk for Peace will be best one yet, so let us work together towards the one million target.”

Guest speakers at the Charity Reception Dinner included: • Rt. Hon Sir Edward Davey, MP • Cllr. Iftikhar Chaudhri – The Mayor of Runnymede • Cllr. Julie Pickering – The Mayor of Kingston upon Thames • Cllr. Liz Frost – The Mayor of Epsom • Cllr. Jean Crosby – The Mayor of Sutton • Supt. Debbie Brown – Kingston Police • Cllr. Rachel Lake – The Mayor of Elmbrdige • Nicola Short – Commanding Office Sea Cadets Kingston • Tessa Kind – Love Kingston

Her Worshipful the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Julie Pickering recorded a special video message prior to the Charity Reception where she said: "I’m really supportive of the Charity Walk for Peace, not only does it allow any organisation or charity to take part in it, but particularly for the Kingston charities to actually take part. It’s a 5 mile walk around Windsor Great Park in Runnymede on the 29th April and not only will it be a fun day out to raise valuable funds for whatever your organisation in Kingston is, but the Charity Walk for Peace also match fund whatever your organisation raises by £2,000.”

The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association, who sponsor the annual walk, Dr. Ijaz Ur Rehman, said: “I am so grateful to you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this evenings Charity Reception. We are so fortunate that today we have Sir. Edward Davey amongst us, five Mayors of

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As in previous years, similar Charity Reception Dinners are being held across the UK enabling communities and members of the public to engage with the Charity Walk for Peace.

All community groups, charities, school and supporting organisations are invited to join us and help raise funds for the many hundreds of deserving charities across the UK. TO REGISTER FOR THE CHARITY WALK FOR PEACE, please visit: www.charitywalkforpeace.org

07812 070 810

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

39

Short Story The Third Egg By Jackie Brewster “How do you blow an egg, Ben?” Ben looked up from his laptop.

He’d been pretending not to watch Leanne, who was sitting at the dining table with her craft basket and a box of eggs.

“You’ve got to make a hole at both ends Lea - otherwise you’ll be blowing forever.”

“I realise that now,” she pouted, “but look, I blow really hard and nothing comes out.”

She pressed her lips against the end of an egg, puffed out her cheeks and blew. The light fitting shook.

“I’ve got to blow three,” she said breathlessly, “and I can’t even manage one.”

“Here, let me do it.” Ben wasn’t sure it was good for Leanne’s face to turn that colour.

“I don’t want to spoil the surprise.” Leanne put the egg back in its box. “You’re not supposed to see any of this.”

“What surprise?” Ben said.

“I’m going to decorate an egg each for the twins.” She seemed to be weighing her words carefully. “Make them look like little yellow chicks.”

Ben raised his eyebrows.

“For Easter,” she added.

“Wouldn’t they rather have a chocolate egg?”

“My sister said too much chocolate’s bad for them.”

“I bet she did!” Ben chuckled.

“She said don’t buy them chocolate, give them money instead.” Leanne frowned. “I’m not falling for that one again.”

“Yeah, what was it at

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Christmas?” Ben laughed.

“Don’t buy them presents, get them Top Shop vouchers.”

Leanne giggled.

“Aren’t we supposed to spoil our nephews with chocolate?”

Ben closed his laptop. “Then, when we’ve got kids of our own, your sister can get her own back. That’s the deal.”

Leanne blushed, and busied herself with her craft basket.

“I might get them some chocolate as well,” Leanne smiled. “I just wanted to make them something as a bit of a keepsake.”

“But, sweetheart, an eggshell won’t last five minutes in the hands of a toddler,” Ben said kindly.

“The egg’s just a decoration,” Leanne shrugged lightly, “something cute to put in the egg cups.”

“What egg cups?”

Leanne’s hands shot up to her mouth. “Now I’ve really spoilt the surprise!”

“Come on Lea,” Ben laughed, “show me.”

Leanne cautiously lifted the lid of her craft basket and pulled out two yellow egg cups. “I decorated them at ‘Paint a Pot’ with their names on.”

“They’re pretty,” Ben grinned.

“Tweedledum and Tweedledee will love tucking into their chucky eggs using them.”

“You have to stop calling them that!” Leanne laughed.

“Let me help you blow the eggs,” Ben offered again. “I promise your secret is safe with me.”

“Alright then,” Leanne frowned.

“Here, hold it over the bowl so we don’t get yolk everywhere.”

Ben weighed the egg in his palm and gave it a shake.

“Leanne,” he said carefully, “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’ve boiled these eggs?”

“Yes,” she said, “I thought you were supposed to?”

“How did you hope get a hardboiled egg out of a hole the size of a pin?” Ben laughed.

“I thought it was a magic trick?”

Leanne said.

“That would be quite a trick,” Ben agreed. “And why did you say you needed three?”

“I didn’t, did I?” Leanne said, and hid behind the lid of her craft box.

“Yes, you said you needed to blow three eggs.”

Leanne took a deep breath.

“That will be because the third one is for you.” She lifted another egg cup out of the basket.

“That’s lovely,” Ben smiled.

“And what have you written on mine?”

She gently turned the cup to face him. In neat gold lettering it said: ‘DADDY TO BE’.

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On Your Bike

by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk

Learning to ride a bike opens up a whole new world of fun and independence for children.

Even babies and toddlers can join in the fun of a family bike ride, with a little help…

Babies can start joining you on bike rides from around nine months old, as long as they can hold their head up unsupported.

You’ll need to choose between a trailer and a front or rear bike seat.

Child bike seats start from around £30. The more expensive ones usually have extra features, such as a five-point safety harness, rather than a threepoint one. Some have backs that can be tilted for on-the-go naps.

Front-mounted seats sit in front of you and attach to the frame. They sometimes have a shorter back than rear mounted seats, and usually have a lower maximum weight allowance, so they won’t last you quite as long.

On the plus side, you’ll be able to see your child, which makes sharing a ride more fun.

Some rear seats fit to a pannier rack, while others fit to the frame.

You might find balancing is a little bit easier with a rear seat

compared to a front one, and it should last you until your child is around four years old.

Whichever type of seat you go for, you’ll need to check that it’s suitable for your bike and the weight of your child. Look for a seat with plenty of padding, a good safety harness and adjustable foot supports.

Bike trailers are more expensive than seats, but you can pull older children, and often two at a time (plus picnics or shopping).

Trailers usually have a cover, so your child will stay dry if you get caught in the rain, even if you get soaked. You might struggle with a trailer on steep hills though, and you’ll need a garage or shed to store it when it’s not in use.

It’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop to speak to a specialist adviser before you make any decisions. They’ll be able to recommend a trailer or bike seat that’s right for you, your bike and your child.

Cycling with young children Once your child is old enough to ride a 16” bike, you might want to progress from a seat or trailer

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

to a Trail Gator or other tow bar.

These attach your bike to your child’s, so you can pull your child behind you. They’re handy for when you fancy a longer ride than your child could otherwise manage. Some tow bars can be unclipped and folded down, if your child wants to ride on their own for a while. Your child’s bike might feel a bit wobbly when it’s being pulled, so tow bars aren’t suitable for children under around four.

Where to go Lots of roads have designated cycle lanes now, and there are plenty of traffic-free routes to explore too. The National Cycle Network offers 14,000 miles of bike-friendly roads and paths.

Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for free printable cycle route maps.

Fancy joining other families for a bike ride? www.cyclinguk.org lists hundreds of UK cycling events, including ones that are suitable for families. It’s also worth asking what your local bike club has to offer, as lots of cycling clubs organise volunteerled rides for beginners and families.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

41

42

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CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26.

The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

43

Feeling stressed out? Take a walk with a llama

by Kate McLelland

According to the advertisement strapline for one of the many llama trekking trips available in the UK today: “You feel calmer when you walk with a llama”.

Llamas originally came from South America, where local people have used them as pack animals for hundreds of years.

Their specially adapted feet padded, like a dog’s - together with their friendly natures made them the perfect companion for long treks across the mountainous Andes region.

What happens on a llama trek?

Although llamas are able to pull carts and carry up to 25% of their body weight, they are not suitable for riding, so your trekking experience will be limited to leading your llama on a halter as you walk along. At first glance this may not seem like much of an ‘experience’, but trekkers report that leading a llama is a surprisingly relaxing and calming experience.

A UK llama trek can involve anything from a half-day trip (ending with a cream tea, of course) to a ramble lasting several days. Brenda Stevens, a member of the British Llama Society and owner of the trekking company UK Llamas, offers visitors the opportunity

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to halter and groom their llama before leading them into the country lanes and footpaths around the village of Mosterton in Dorset. Llamas are usually well-behaved but have been known to pause on their route if they find a particularly tasty hedgerow plant. Brenda explains: “Our llamas enjoy nothing more than exploring the village and helping our neighbours by ‘trimming’ their bushes and trees along the way!”

What makes llamas so special?

Llamas will also stop in the middle of a trekking expedition if they sense the presence of wildlife, helping their human companions spot creatures they might otherwise fail to see on a countryside walk. With their sharp senses and strong protective instincts, they are often used on farms to guard lambs, ducks and chickens from attack by predators. Hardy and undemanding, they are also placed in paddocks to provide companionship for horses and ponies.

Perhaps it is this ability to bond with other species that has singled llamas out as ideal travelling companions for humans. In spite of rumours that llamas can spit in spectacular

fashion if angered, this rarely happens. In fact, many UK llama owners have become so confident of their animals’ good behaviour that they have started to involve them in animal therapy sessions.

Parties and celebrations are another growth area for the ‘llama experience’. James and Suzanne Benson from Nidderdale Llamas even make their animals available for hen parties and weddings. For hen parties the llamas are equipped with pink ‘L’ plates on their tails, while participants can hire sashes to wear as they walk.

At weddings, llamas can meet and greet guests and provide a focus for photographs. Suzanne says: “We can arrange for two llamas or one llama and one alpaca to accompany the bride and groom through the ceremony, walk down the aisle, even carry the rings!”

Paying to lead an animal on a countryside ramble may seem like a slightly eccentric thing to do, but there’s little doubt that llama trekking is a magical and unforgettable experience for those who take part. To quote one happy customer who reviewed his trekking trip on the TripAdvisor website: “Quite simply one of the BEST days out we have had.”

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Hollyfield School and Sixth Form in Surbiton get behind a local scheme to support children in Laos.

W

hen Sixth Form Student Paul Ainscough heard about this local ‘re-use’ initiative to help others he undertook to launch it at Hollyfield School. He briefed his Headmaster and the Head of 6th Form, then with the help Vigo McDonagh (Year 7) they effectively advertised the campaign to parents and students before inviting the project lead and local Dad, Steve Blevins, to present the scheme to all students in their assemblies.

An amazing response saw the students, parents and staff donate 105 pairs of used sports shoes and £59:00 Since 2016 Shrewsbury House School and local partners have been supporting the girls and boys in Laos engaged in a youth rugby development scheme by passing on used trainers, AstroTurf shoes and football boots. Over 900 pairs have already been delivered by DHL. Laos, in South East Asia has one of the lowest incomes in the world and the majority of children have no access to organised sport and its benefits.

The playing grounds in rural locations are rough, hard and stony, with the majority of children playing in bare feet or in flip-flops leading to preventable injuries.

T h e b e ne f i t s are not simply giving s h o e s to the children in Laos b u t showing them the support and equipment they need to be safely involved with a project that uses the ChildFund ‘Pass It Back’ rugby and life-skills curriculum. This focuses on introducing young people to topics such as confidence building, child rights, saving money, planning for the future and a strong focus on gender equality. Over 50% of players are females.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

The shoe re-use scheme ‘CONVERSION – a new life for old shoes’ was inspired by a visit from the youth team and staff from Laos Rugby, in 2015 when they took part in the “Touraid festival” and were hosted

by Shrewsbury House School.

Quotes: Duncan Warren, Head of Sixth Form said “ I have been very impressed with the way that Paul has identified a local initiative that is re-using sports shoes to benefit children in Laos. He has clearly understood the benefits and managed to successfully implement it here at Hollyfield. We encourage all of our students to think of themselves as ‘Global Citizens’ and look to help others less fortunate then them locally or anywhere in the world. Paul clearly understands this principal and we hope to support the scheme in the future.”

Steve Blevins, Project Lead CONVERSION said “ I’m am very grateful to Paul, Vigo and the Hollyfield community for understanding and supporting this scheme so generously.

These shoes make an incredible difference to the lives of young girls and boys in Laos.”

Get Involved: If you want to know more about this scheme please get in touch.

Steve Blevins 07841718965 steveblevs@outlook.com Photo left shows Paul Ainscough with Duncan Warren, Head of 6th Form.

Photo above shows Vigo packing the shoes.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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School: bad news on places, money and new build by Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP

O

ne of the many great things about our Borough is Kingston’s high performing schools.

Yet this education excellence valued so highly by local families can’t be taken for granted – and three recent developments give cause for alarm.

On secondary school places, this March saw a particularly poor result for pupils getting their first preference offer – with a staggering 94 children not receiving any offer of a local secondary school place. This compares with last year, when every child was offered a place at this stage.

At the end of last year, we found out Kingston’s overall education budget was so overspent that our cumulative deficit had risen to over £12 million – the worst in London. So that the Council had written to Education Ministers asking for permission to take over £4 million direct from schools.

Finally, the 2 new “free” primary schools parents had been promised - and the Council keeps boasting about – are all seriously delayed and overbudget, and building hasn’t even begun on either of them!

Secondary school places The failure for so many families to get their first preference - or even any secondary school place at all - has blown up so recently that I’m just trying to figure out what on earth the Council has been doing.

I’m hastily arranging meetings to see how I can help parents, though I hope by the time you read this, at least some of that group will have been allocated places.

But my early findings suggest extraordinary incompetence. Although an increase in applications had been predicted, Kingston Council in their wisdom actually allowed the number of secondary school places to reduce by 30. With

46

applications up by 116 – or 7.1% - the problem now looks serious.

Back in 2007, most of London was caught out by an unexpected increase in the number of primary school children, and I led a pan-London campaign to get Government cash to help Councils. The difficulty this time, is this problem was totally predictable, so Ministers may prove less sympathetic.

Kingston’s education deficit To make matters worse, Kingston Council and Achieving for Children have failed to spend wisely on their high needs budget, and failed to take the early measures to halt a ballooning deficit.

Just four years ago, this budget was in a healthy £2 million surplus – so this turnaround to a £12 million deficit has been quite alarming, with next year’s budget predicted to be another £8 million overspent.

It’s partly down to national underfunding, to be fair. Kingston gets around £5,000 less per special needs child than the average outer London Borough – and as numbers increase, so does the budget impact.

But it's also about Kingston Council failing to invest to save - for example, failing to build an access to a new special needs facility at Dysart school, so the places couldn't be used and huge amounts were wasted on educating children out of Borough.

And that’s why I sought and got a special meeting with Education Ministers just before Christmas – to argue for more money for the Borough.

But I also asked for that meeting to oppose a request by Kingston’s Council Leader and Chief Executive, asking Ministers for permission to cut local schools’ budgets by a further £4 million.

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THE BAKEWELL Hinchley Manor Operatic Society Present

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M U S I C A L

Book, Music and Lyrics by Book, Music and Lyrics by THE BAKING COMMITTEE THE BAKING COMMITTEE

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24TH APRIL 2018 2018 24TH -- 28TH APRIL

HILL, HAMPTON TW12 1NZ

67

M U S I C A L

Hinchley Manor Operatic Society Present

BAKE OFF BAKE OFF

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Of course, there has always been the odd mistake.

But nothing on this scale. This has to get sorted, and quick. Otherwise, the amazing work being done in our schools will be seriously affected.

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Hinchley Manor Operatic Society Present cs T byTHE BAKEWELL THE BAKEWELL TTEE

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Quite frankly, in my 23 years’ involvement in Kingston politics, I have never witnessed such a sustained period of utter incompetence by Kingston Council.

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WELL THE BAKEWELL

Councils with primary school expansion and a new primary build were really positive – with schools built or expanded on time and on budget. In fact, the previous council managed a historically large expansion of primary school Hinchley Manor Operatic Society Present places of a massive 2,750, in just four years between 2010 and 2014.

HAMPTON HILL THEATRE, 90 HIGH ST, HAMPTON HILL, HAMPTON TW12 1NZ

BAKE OFF

ociety Present A N E Wof helping M U S previous I C A L Kingston My past experience

And the oft-talked about 2 new primary schools – Michael Gove’s “free” schools – have still not been built. One is open for children – in an old health centre, that is already too small for the school. While the staff and parents are doing amazing things, it’s just not fair that their longpromised new school building has been delayed yet again. The other school remains on the drawing board.

24TH - 28TH APRIL 2018

New Build

HMOS.ORG.UK

Book, Music and Lyrics by

HMOS BOX OFFICE

HAMPTON HILL THEATRE, 90 HIGH ST, HAMPTON HILL, HAMPTON TW12 1NZ

020 8942 6867

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24TH - 28TH APRIL 2018

The more I’ve studied how Kingston has got into this mess – now with the worst education finance of any London Borough, despite being the smallest Borough – the more I’ve become shocked at the scale of incompetence at the Guildhall. THE BAKING COMMITTEE

Yet since 2014, the new Council has failed to deliver. True, The Kingston Academy opened its doors in September 2015 – but that new secondary school had been largely planned by the previous Council.

An amateur production by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe

With Kingston’s headteachers already with R&H Theatricals Europe struggling with their budgets, they had opposed An amateur production by arrangement this proposal at Kingston’s Schools Forum – but HMOS.ORG.UK 020 ahead 8942 with 6867their school cuts the Council pressed HMOS BOX OFFICE plan.

HAMPTONHILL THEATRE, 90 HILL THEATRE, 90 HIGH HIGH ST, HAMPTON HAMPTON HILL, HAMPTON HILL,HAMPTON HAMPTONTW12 TW121NZ 1NZ

HMOS BOX BOX OFFICE HMOS OFFICE

020 8942 8942 6867 020 6867 HMOS.ORG.UK HMOS.ORG.UK

An amateur production by arrangement

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Our Wi-Fi internet connections often behave in weird ways. Sometimes we can’t get connected at all, and sometimes we can connect but it’s terribly L A C I S slow or there’s no internet.

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Assuming the connection is your own, there are several things you can do.

If you’re connected but there’s no internet, the yb scir yL d Tbroadband.

TIMM Wi-Fi router isn’t connecting E to E your Turning it off and back on again usually fixes that.

The other problems may be caused by interference or obstacles – for example, you may be in range of many other networks.Your router will have settings to change Wi-Fi channels: experiment with different Z N 1and 2 1you’ll W T often NOT PM A H ,results.

L L I H And NOTPM ones see dramatic ECIFF watch out for physical blockages, especially metal 76 86 ones, as they can block signals. If you can’t relocate KU. the router, move it higher up.

8102 LIRP

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

47

QUIZ SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

TWO M NUTE TR AL 3 Letters AMP APE APT ATE DAM EAT MAD MAP MAT MET

PAD PAT PEA PET TAD TAM TAP TEA 4 Letters APED DAME

DAMP DATE MADE MATE MEAD MEAT PATE PEAT TAME TAMP TAPE

HIDATO SOLUTION

CODEWORD SOLUTION

TEAM TEMP 5 Letters ADEPT AMPED MATED TAMED TAPED 6 Letters TAMPED

WORDWHEEL ANSWER INSTRUCT WORDSEARCH ANSWER

Art holds fast when all else is lost – German proverb

CHILDREN’S PAGE Kites B & D are the same There are 25 flying leaves on the page 48

WORD LADDER ANSWER (This is one solution, there may be others)

CITY pity pits pots tots tows TOWN

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What’s on in April:20th: 25th: 29th: 30th:

National Pet Month Stress Awareness Month Bowel Cancer Awareness Month National Child Abuse Awareness Month

Vernal Equinox, Spring begins British Summer Time begins, clocks go forward.

Maundy Thursday Good Friday, Bank Holiday. The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square, Free.

Events in April 1st April - 7th May: National Pet Month 1st April: Easter Sunday. Check for Easter Egg Hunts

April Fool’s Day 2nd: Easter Monday, Bank Holiday

Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week

International Childrens’ Book Day 6th: Walk to Work Day 7th: World Health Day 8th: Deadline for May edition of A Berrylands Companion 9th: Parkinsons Awareness Week 12-15th: London Coffee Festival, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QL 13-18th: Thai New Year 17th: World Haemophillia Day 21st: Queen Elizabeth II 92nd birthday. 41 Gun Salutes Hyde Park at noon,

followed by 62 Gun Salute at Tower of London at 13.00.

22nd: London Marathon 23rd: St George’s Day.

Shakespeare Day. William Shakespeare’s Anniversary of his birth & death 24-28th: Hinchley Manor Operatic Society performing: ‘The Bakewell Bake Off’ a

new musical at Hampton Hill Theatre, TW12 1NZ. HMOS Box office: 020

8942 6867 for tickets.

24-28th: David Walliams’ ‘Awful Auntie’ at New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway 25th: National MS Week; World Malaria Day

Home-Start Richmond, Kingston & Hounslow is holding a free volunteer

preparation course. At Kingston Quaker Centre, on Wednesdays, 9.30 am

- 2.30 pm, until 6th June. It can be accredited to NVQ 1 or 2. For info: call

Angie Ahmed on 020 8487 8500 or email info@homestart-richmond.org.uk 29th: Charity Walk in aid of Charity Walk For Peace

Events in May: 6th: Freshwater Sardine Festival, 13.00.

7th: May Day Bank Holiday 8th: Deadline for June edition of A Berrylands Companion 17 May-15 June: JM Barries’ ‘Peter Pan’ at Open Air Theatre, Regents Park, Inner

Circle, NW1 4NR 19th: Royal Wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markel marry at Windsor Castle 22-26th: RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

26th: The Major General’s Review, rehersal for Trooping the Colour. Free to

watch, but need to have tickets, apply to The Brigade Major, Headquarters

Household Division, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX. 28th: Spring Bank Holiday

Are you holding any events to celebrate the Royal Wedding next month? Get it advertised here.

Are you holding Summer Fairs and Fêtes? Advertise here!

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, 10-12pm at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121 Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, meet outside Clas Ohlson Market Place 10.00. 020 8547 5865. E-mail: ccst@rbk. kingston.gov.uk Art Classes: Every Monday 10-12noon & 2-4pm, with Berrylands Artists at Berrylands Christian Centre, 41 King Charles Road, Surbiton, KT5 8PF. Info: 020 8644 0941 Broadway Sequence Dance Club: Meets every Monday from 8pm at The Raeburn Hall, Tolworth United Reform Church, Raeburn/Elgar Avenues.

New sequences are taught, some knowledge of ballroom dancing required.

Contact Brenda Deane for more info: 020 8390 0233. www.broadway sequencedance.co.uk Chinese Brush Painting: Held once a month at Sunray Community Centre, Knollmead, Tolworth. 10-13.00pm Contact Gwen: 020 8398 7313. Beginners & intermediates welcome.

Encore Singing Group: Mondays, 10am - 12.15pm in Berrylands. For info: gillyvor@hotmail.com Kingston Camera Club: Camera enthusiasts welcome. Meet Mon eves, at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Athelstan Rd off Villiers Avenue. 7.30pm - 10pm with coffee break. New members welcome. For more information visit: www. kingstoncameraclub.com Kingston Jazz Society meets alternate Tuesdays at the Druid’s Head pub, Kingston Market. We are a friendly group who listen to recorded jazz from all periods and would welcome new members. Contact Mike Crimmen (Sec) on 07795 574 776 or m.crimmen@btinternet.com Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Meets 2nd Monday each month at Reform Church, Eden Street, at 2pm. New members welcome. Talks, outings and tea and coffee. For more info: Pam Wilson Secretary, 020 8241 9913, www. kingstonpensionersforum@hotmail.co.uk Kingston Philatelic Society: Meets 8-10pm on 1st Thurs & 3rd Fri, at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road. Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: brian.sole@btinternet.com Ladies Exercise Club: Friendly & fun exercise/movement class for ladies 65+ at Berrylands Christian Centre, King Charles Road. Friday 10.15 - 11.15am plus coffee. Come & try first, free first class. Call Mary, 01483 284 716 or maryedwards@uwclub.net Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom:Wednesdays. Learn Regency dancing at St Mark’s Church Hall, Surbiton, 8pm - 10.30pm. Cost £5 per eve. See advert. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail.com Oasis daytime group for over 60s: at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. We have a social meeting at 2.30pm on Weds 4th & 18th April with time to chat, play games and listen to a 5 minte Bible based talk relevant to our lives, followed by refreshments. Tel: 020 8390 6631.

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What’s On/Local Events

Open Door: Alternate Thursdays, 4pm. Meetings on 12th & 26th April. A friendship group aimed at seniors. Afternoon tea, chat and short talks from local organisations. Christ Church Lounge, King Charles Road, Surbiton.

020 8390 7215 St Marks Church:Weds mornings 10.00-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers at St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill. Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am, drop in for coffee at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them.

Scottish Country Dancing: On Thursdays 7.30pm - 10.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall. Tuition for half an hour from 7.30. Membership £5 a year, Members £3/evening, non-members £4. Join our friendly, informal club for good fun and an easy way to excercise. Check website: www. surbitoncaledonian.co.uk or call: 01932 784 866 ‘Sing on Purpose’ at the CornerHouse, Douglas Road, KT6 7SB. All welcome, £5 per session. Adults: Mondays 9.30 - 10.30am; Youth: Fridays 4.45 5.45pm. Contact: Steve or Pam 07763 081320 Surbiton Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Meets alternate Tues 2-4pm at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, Ewell Road. Social club with entertainment and tea. Transport available if necessary. For information: 0744 364 3716 . Volunteer drivers very welcome.

Surbiton Floral Club: 1st Weds of the month at Raeburn Hall United Reform Church, Elgar Avenue. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Floral demos, talks, workshops & outings. Tel: 020 8399 8193 Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening throughout winter months. First meeting free, fee for complete year is £50. Details on www.talkingoftrains.co.uk For further information contact: David Blackmore, 020 8391 1116.Em: dandp@ blueyonder.co.uk Tiny Tunes: Mon 10am & 10.50am at Surbiton Library Hall. Tues 10am & 10.50am at St Nicholas Parish Church, Summer Rd, Thames Ditton.

All sessions 40 mins long, features music, dance, parachutes, bubbles & pom-poms. Age 3 months -5 years, pay as you go £5, siblings £2.50 www. tinytuneslive.com Tolworth World of Dance: Weds 8 - 9.30pm (term time). Dance for Fun, Fitness & Friends, beginners always welcome, see advert. Contact: Brenda 020 8397 9649 or philip.steventon@btinternet.com

If your club or society is not listed on the Local Events, send in the details!!

Why not send in your events for Summer Events for the What’s On Page?

School, Churches & Charity events, Open Days and Fairs should be submitted to: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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COMMUNITY PAGE Surbiton & District Historical Society Tues 3rd April: Dr Julie Wheelwright, University of London, will talk on “Revamping the Vamp: Mata Hari: Myths & Realities” Tues 1st May: Dr Christopher French to talk on “The Metropolitan & City Police Orphanage of Twickenham - 1880” Tues 5th June: Mr Peter Stammers will give a talk on “Going to War in Style - The Roman Army on the March” Tues 3rd July: Mr Mike Page from the Surrey History Centre will give a talk on “The most wretched man in the World: the lives & loves of the 5th Viscount Midleton 1806-1848” Meetings start time: 7.45pm at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Surbiton. Visitors welcome, Contribution of £2 appreciated For more details about meetings and the Society, call

The Secretary: 020 8399 4473 Email: lenandmarilyn@virginmedia.com

Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society

Tues April 17th: Ashley Grove: New Zealand’s Remote Islands & Rare Birds.

For all gardeners and allotment holders!

Tues May 15th: Social

We are a small friendly local society providing gardening supplies at very reasonable prices to our members: 9 Seeds, summer and spring bulbs, onion sets, seed potatoes.

9 Summer bedding plants and other young plants according to season.

9 Traditional and organic fertilizers and soil improvers/conditioners.

9 Lawn and rose treatments, weedkillers, pest controls.

9 Growbags and bagged compost, pots, gloves, trays, canes, netting etc.

Annual membership just £2, senior citizens £1.

Website:www.horticultural.moonfruit.co.uk Email: chesshort@live.co.uk

Outings: Sun 8th April: Bushy Park Family Day. All day.

Cars. Thelma & Gary Caine Tel: 01372 468432 Sun 15th April: Rainham Marshes RSPB, all day. Cars. Jonathan Hannam, Tel:01372 470 280 Sun 29th April: Pagnam Harbour. All day. Cars.

Mike White Tel:01372 457 719 Sat 5th May: Horton Country Park, morning, cars Paul Spencer Tel: 020 8397 3770

Our trading hut is conveniently sited at Moor Lane Allotments (just off Moor Lane near The Bonesgate pub) Open every Sunday 10am to 12noon, except December.

Please note that it is imperative to phone the leader to confirm participation, arrange time and meeting place and/or pre-arrange lifts.

In accordance with our "members only" policy, new members are always welcome to join!

Meetings are held 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Main Hall, Surbiton Library at 8pm.

Annual Membership just £2.50, senior citizens £1.50

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SDBWS Publicity Annemarie Stiegler

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27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

COMMUNITY PAGE

Down:

1. Terminate gradually (5,3) 2. A Sultanate in northwestern Borneo (6) Kingston upon Thames 3. Horologist (10) 4. Archaeological Slightly open (4) Society 5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6) 6. Represents or performs as if in a play (6) Thurs8.12th Liquid Assets: Interpreting ComeApril: to terms with (7) 9. Shortened term for provocation (5) the Prehistoric Finds from the London 13. Returning to political office (10) Thames.

Jon Cotton.

Independent 15. Unusually great in size (7) Archeological Researcher, with long standing 16. After sunrise and before sunset (8) interest London’s Prehistory & the 17.in Strong and sharp (5) Archeology of the 18. Having little Thames. emotion or sensibility (6) 20. Add to the very end (6) The May: highestUpdate point; culminate (6) Thurs22.

10th on recent 24. Compass point (4) Lambert, MSc excavations

by Rebecca

(Oxon) ACIfA.

October Sudoku

Meetings, unless otherwise stated, are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm for 8pm start, in the Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, KT6 6AG. Visitors will be asked for £3 donation towards expenses.

Remember, you can pick up a copy of A Berrylands Companion magazine at the following: C.D.Jennings, B&M Budget Store, Surbiton & Tolworth Libraries, Shan’s Pharmacy, Tolworth Recreation Centre, The Lamb, MBE Surbiton, Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Berrylands Autocare Garage, Confidental Dentist Surgery, Collinsons Opticians,

http://www.kingstonarchaeology.com/

If you would like copies at your business please call me on: 020 8274 0096

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION

Deadlines for submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion

Are you interested in gardening?

Did you know there is an association in Hook?

Our Association was founded over 50 years ago and is run by volunteers, can provide a wide range of composts, fertilisers, seeds and other gardening products at not-for-profit E Page 33-40.indd 36 prices to our members.

We support gardeners and allotment holders.

We currently have full and half plots available to rent. Contact: John on 07807 300 749 Membership is £2.50 a year and new allotment holders have free membership for the first year Our trading facility is situated next to the entrance to the allotment plots, beyond the rugby club pavillion, rear of King Edward’s Recreation Ground, Hook Road, Chessington Open: Sundays 10am - 12 noon Feb - Nov 10am - 11am Nov - Jan

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

8th April for May issue 8th May for June issue June 8th for July/Aug 22/01/2010 issue 00:22:03 Aug 8th for September issue Sept 8th for October issue 8th Oct for November issue 8th Nov for Dec/January issue 8th Jan for February issue 8th Feb for March issue 8th March for April issue For more information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers Index Home & Garden Car Maintenance

21 9 27 23 5 29 25 39 39 28 23 31 55 24 28 31 21 29 20 22

All Your Garden Needs Ample Security Berrylands Building Company Berrylands Property Maintenance Carpets4U Chris Mould Plumber Dream Doors (Kingston Kitchens) George Curren Electrical James Anthony KB Design Kevin Robinson Decorators Leverett Electricals Pro-Fit Windows Systems R.J.Tree Services Richie Brickwork Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Will Lord William Stallion Electricals Gardening Home & Interiors

33 7 33 35 32

Care & Health Effective Therapy Fiona Smith Chiropodist Liu Yang Slimming World Health

33 43 35 43 7 56

Rest & Relaxation Cine Sanctuary King George Field Bowls Club Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom Classes Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Surbiton Bowling Club Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club

41 42

Children & Education Parenting Kids Page

27

Solicitors Lewis-Dick

19 17 2 19 13 17

Alan Sursham Berrylands Autocare Community Motors K&P Tyres Walsh Vehicle Management Drive

11 15 13 10 12

Food & Drink C.D.Jennings Glenmore House Carvery Prithi Bake Recipe

Veterinary 36/37 Aspen Veterinary Surgery Cats Protection League 37 Pet Care 37

52/53 50/51 31 45 3 46

Articles & Editorials Community Pages What’s On & Local Events Pages Crossword Hollyfield School Appeal Useful Telephone Numbers Rt. Hon Sir Edward Davey M.P

Want To Advertise Your Business?

Just because there is already an advert for a similar one, please do not think we will not take your advert!

There are so many businesses, trades and services that are not represented in

A Berrylands Companion From as little as £54 a month your advert can feature here for a year!

An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured.

So What is Stopping You? Call Now!

Contact Karen: tel: 020 8274 0096 email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

54

Magazine printed by Warwick Printing, Warwickshire

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55

surbiton.org 020 8399 1594

First For tennis, squash gym & classes 56

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