December-January 2015-16 Issuu 104

Month: December 2015/ January 2016 Issue No: 104 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:

* Christmas planning & Charities * School Christmas Fairs * Make sure pets are safe at Christmas * Recipes * Trading Standards offer shopping advice * Puzzles & Quizzes * Articles and Community pages * New Advertisers And more......

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2

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Hello Readers

I

sn’t it exciting! It’s almost Christmas, again... where did the year go? Hope you are organised. Perhaps there are some suggestions in the magazine.

As a taster for the New Year, and pun is intended, I am pleased to tell you that I have been lucky enough to secure exclusive interviews with Eric Lanlard, aka CakeBoy, and Paul Rankin, the Michelin starred Chef.

And as an added bonus, both have agreed to supply some of their recipes and photos, just for A Berrylands Companion magazine!!

That is not all folks, I have also had an interview session with Madeline Bell which will feature in the magazine shortly, also the Captain of Britannia, the newest ship in the P&O cruise line.

Exclusive news is that Father Christmas is wallking around Surrey this month, to raise funds for various charities. So please read

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 Services 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 85474630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 020 8541 1212 101 999 111

the article later in the magazine.

Appearing once again in an appeal to find a forever home is Dinah, a cat in the care of the Cats’ Protection for almost a year, through no fault of her own. Can you give her the love and home she so deserves?

We have a timely reminder from Trading Standards to remain vigilant when shopping for Christmas presents. So I do hope there are no problems ahead!

All that remains for me to say, is I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best wishes,

Karen

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 Millbank House surbitonhill.snt@met.police.uk

0800 111 999 0800 783 8866 0845 920 0800 0800 800 151 0845 142 0000 0800 555 111 020 8546 7711 0800 1111 0845 790 9090 0800 00 99 66 020 8549 3318 020 8547 3202 020 8721 2518

08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 A Berrylands Companion 0844 335 1801 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

Celebrating A Life - How the UK has Embraced Independent Funerals

by Kate McLelland

N

owadays if you happen to see a group of people emerging from a church or crematorium after a funeral service, the chances are they won’t be wearing black.

Instead of hearing faint strains of Verdi’s Requiem emanating from inside, you’re more likely to hear a chorus of Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (recently voted the most popular song played at UK funerals) booming out through the open doors.

But this doesn’t mean we’ve become less respectful towards the dead: far from it. It simply follows the current trend in funerals, where the end of life is now seen as an occasion for reflection and celebration. It’s a fitting tribute to a life well lived, and provides an alternative approach to a traditional religious ceremony.

Another change you might notice is that a casket made of cardboard, bamboo or willow has replaced the standard wooden coffin, and this is thanks to the growing interest in more eco-friendly

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funerals. A ‘green’ funeral may encompass anything from simply placing the body in a non-toxic, biodegradable casket, to observing stricter environmental practices such as using biodegradable shrouds, banning embalming with formaldehyde products and placing a tree or natural stone to mark the grave rather than an engraved headstone.

Many people choose to bury their loved one in a specially designated field or woodland area, in preference to a churchyard or other traditional burial ground. The idea behind natural burial is to be at one with nature, but families should be aware that marking and tending the grave is often discouraged at natural burial sites, so make sure you have read and understood the site’s policy before arranging the burial. The Natural Death Centre - www.naturaldeath.org. uk - has a list of grounds all around the UK. The Natural Death Centre is also happy to advise on ‘DIY’ funerals. There is no legal requirement to use the services

of a funeral director, but while you may have good reasons for wanting to go it alone, many families find it very daunting to arrange the practicalities of a funeral without any support from an undertaker.

A middle way might be to look for a funeral director who will provide you with as much or as little help as you need. Funeral Advisor (www.funeraladvisor. org.uk) is a not-for-profit social enterprise, completely independent of the funeral industry, which aims to help people find a funeral director that is right for them. You can use the search facility on their website to locate local services.

If the deceased was not particularly religious, then a humanist celebrant may be the right person to lead the burial or cremation ceremony. The British Humanist Association (www.humanism.org.uk) provides information on how to get in touch with a celebrant who can advise on music and poetry readings as well as giving guidance on practical matters such as timing the service.

Planning a funeral is never easy, but in recent years the breakdown of many of the taboos that previously surrounded mourning and funerals has helped friends and families express their feelings in a much more personal way. But perhaps the greatest advantage of this new freedom is that it gives space for people suffering the anguish of loss to grieve in a way that brings them the greatest comfort and solace.

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Just in time for Christmas Stockings!

A

A new book on

TOLWORTH

NEW book of Tolworth memories is to be launched at Tolworth Community Library, The Broadway, on Friday, November 27, from 10.30am to midday.

Fireside tales of

Author Mark Davison has compiled the book, Fireside Tales of Tolworth, after interviewing many people about their lives in Tolworth.

They have furnished him with pictures of the past as well as family tales based on growing up in Tolworth.

Mark's first book on the area, Tolworth Remembered, was first published in 2000 and is still selling. He also co-wrote Surbiton Bombed and Surbiton Memories.

Debbie McGee, wife of the magician, Paul Daniels, has contributed to the new book. She was brought up in Cranborne Avenue and attended Our Lady immaculate School and Tolworth Girls' School.

The book is priced £9.95 and will be on sale at the library and the Regency Bookshop, Surbiton.

by Mark Davison

By Mark Davison, author of Tolworth Remembered, Hook Remembered, Surbiton Bombed and Surbiton Memories etc

Price £9.95. Available now at Tolworth Community Library; The Regency Bookshop, Surbiton; Surbiton Library and elsewhere.

Other titles in the series still available

More details call 01737 221215 or e-mail mark.davison1@virgin.net

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail) Friday 4th December Monday 7th December Tuesday 8 December Thursday 10th December Monday 14th December Tuesday 15th December Wednesday 16th December Thursday 17th December Friday 18th December th

Africa, Middle East Asia, Cyprus, Far East, Eastern Europe, (except Czech Republic, Poland & Slovakia) Caribbean, Central & South America Australia, Greece, New Zealand Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland Canada, Finland, Sweden, USA Austria, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Spain France Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Switzerland

LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES

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UK Inland Services Saturday 19th December

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Christmas D tes ostal Dates Po P as Postal mas m tm riissstttmas hristmas Ch 6

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Hidato Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

22

14 23

26

13

18

9

30

8 31 3 k

40

5

37

44

34

1

49

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Finance:

A Fresh Financial Start in 2016 Begin the New Year with a Budget

By Ann Haldon

I

f you’ve overspent this Christmas, you might be wondering how to get your finances back under control. It’s easy to get carried away by the spirit of giving – the problem is, it can jeopardise your financial wellbeing into the New Year and beyond. So what can you do to get yourself back onto a firm financial footing?

One of the first things is to analyse your finances and make a realistic budget. By taking a long-term view and identifying exactly how much you spend during the course of a year, you can take back control of your dwindling finances, and prevent spiralling into longterm debt.

Why budget?

A budget helps to establish whether you’re living beyond your means. This isn’t always obvious on a day-to-day basis but if you’re constantly spending more than you earn, at some point you might find yourself unable to keep a roof over your head.

But there’s a secret to making a budget that’s fit for purpose, and that’s to incorporate every expense that you make during the course of the year, including Christmas, birthdays, summer holidays and more.

long-term financial situation, and set yourself up for a lifetime of control.

Non-regular expenses, plus how much is coming in Motoring costs such as car insurance, tax, new tyres and the annual service, are easily forgotten. Annual membership subscriptions are also often left out, as is one of the biggest expenses of the year - the summer holiday.

When thinking about the money that comes in, don’t forget to include wages, benefit and pension payments, and any income from savings, investments or self-employment. Once you’ve totalled the figures, deduct your expenses and hopefully you’ll be left with a positive number.

Not a static document Your budget isn’t meant to be a static document. It needs to reflect your income and spending in the long-term, and this is likely to change often.

So make it part of your routine to update it regularly, and make sure new expenses and sources of income are carefully recorded.

Having a clear idea of where your money goes will also help to meet specific financial goals such as saving for retirement, putting money away for a deposit, or simply avoiding debt. Achieving financial clarity in this way helps you to live the life you want, so don’t view it as a restriction on spending – it’s more like the road to freedom.

So you’ve got all your figures – what now?

There’s a great way to divide up your money called ‘piggybanking.’ It’s described in detail on the Money Saving Expert website, and essentially means opening a separate bank account for each of your main categories of spending.

This allows you to allocate an amount of money to each one via standing order from the main account.

The word ‘budget’ often implies having to go without, but knowing your spending patterns and gaining financial control can give you back your freedom – the freedom to enjoy life without the worry of debt. http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/banking/Budget-planning

Birthdays and Christmas Friends’ and family’s birthdays may only cost a few pounds here and there, but over the course of a year, and in addition to Christmas expenses, constitute a significant chunk of annual expenditure.

It’s going to take some time to calculate your total spend for the year, but once it’s done you’ll be able to use it confidently to improve your

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Taxation advice and guidance to local businesses and sole traders for more than 15 years.

• • • • • •

Accounts and Taxation Self Assessment Tax Returns CIS and Payroll VAT Returns Tax Planning and Advice Book Keeping Services

Contact Mark Baker 020 3044 2747 07909 703463

Email: markbaker@mbaccountancy.co.uk

Christmas Alleluia Bells Camel Cards Carols Chimney Crib Cupid Donkey Donner Elves Family Gifts Gold Happy Holly Inn

Ivy Jolly Joy Manger Merry Mince pie Myrrh Noel

Party Ribbon Sing Star Toys Vixen Winter Xmas

Find the names associated with christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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This Winter, come and enjoy the warmth and welcome at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club

T

his is an ideal time for you, and maybe your family, to join our big local Club, where there’s always plenty going on. At Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club there are no strangers – only friends you haven’t met yet!

Our facilities are excellent and varied and unmatched by any other local Club of our sort.

For winter tennis, for instance, we have nine fastdraining hard courts. Six of them are floodlit for evening play outdoors and two more are under cover in our magnificent Dome, safely sheltered from any weather problems. All are available for booking.

Back indoors we have four state-of-the-art squash courts, all air-conditioned and heated as necessary. Squash is an important game at the Club. Every Saturday evening is Squash Club Night from 5.30pm, when you can meet your friends and find new opponents. There’s a Beginners’ Night every Sunday from 5pm to 6pm. And if you fancy improving your game, you can book our Squash Coach through the Club office.

suggests Roy Staniland

We have recently introduced a number of new Member-friendly membership options at the Club. One that is especially popular is Off Peak Gym Membership, which applies to weekdays only and up to 5pm. This offers remarkable value – the use of our splendid Fitness Suite at Off Peak times for only £112 for three months or £360 for a full year. At just £30 a month* it’s a real bargain. Our growing Junior Membership can also benefit from very generous terms.

Why not pop in and see us, whenever it suits you? We’ll be delighted to show you round, with no obligation, of course. If you like, ring me in advance on 0208 399 1594.

Lastly, we wish all our friends locally a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you all during the Festive period.

Best wishes Roy

Our spacious Fitness Suite is on two floors and has become one of the most popular features of the Club. We have some of the latest equipment, such as cardiovascular aids, resistance machines and free weights.

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

Close by is our Studio, where we run regular classes for Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and Indoor Cycling. And you could enjoy Cardio-Tennis and Racketball, too.

*terms and conditions apply

We offer Professional Sports Massage, which has become extremely popular, and our Physiotherapy facility is run in conjunction with Kingston Physiotherapy.

During the winter we have many social activities.

For instance, we have our regular Quiz Nights, and these are usually fully booked.

And we mustn’t forget our friendly Clubhouse, where Members can relax with coffee or a drink, and where cooked meals can be ordered from our menu.

P D U H L O You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 9 4 letters: 5 5 letters: 0 6 letters: 2

10 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

Authentic Pub Thai Restaurant The Waggon and Horses is now part of our Dragon group of pubs, offering a truly “Authentic” English Pub with an exciting Thai Restaurant.

The pub has everything from award winning real ales, darts board, open fires to comfy sofas. Our restaurant offers authentic Thai food served in an atmospheric Eastern influenced restaurant.

If you are planning a party or get together at home we also deliver for free on all orders over £15 within a 3 mile radius.

For more info about us and our food visit: www.waggonandhorsessurbiton.co.uk

25% Off Food Restaurant only

Please fill in the information to redeem your offer. We will use your email address to keep you informed of upcoming events and special offers, we promise not to bore you!

We will never pass your details on to third parties.

Name: .............................................................................................................

Valid until 29th February 2016 Not available with special set Email: ............................................................................................................. menus or in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes Christmas Date: .........................................

Bill Value: .....................

Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and News Years Day. Offer limited To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096 email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk to 6 people per table.

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11

Have a Healthier, Happier Christmas By Alison Runham

www.alison.runham.co.uk

www

C

hristmas is often laden with expectations, anxieties, overindulgence and family tensions. It’s no coincidence that divorce lawyers are busiest in January.

So how can you make Christmas happier and healthier?

TAKe The Pressure Off • Buy presents throughout the year, even on holiday; gift shops may stock something unique.

• Try to resolve family conflicts beforehand.

• You can’t please all of the people all of the time, so ask everyone involved (including yourself) what one or two things really makes their Christmas. Agree on a plan that includes these things, plus exercise and group activities. Allot tasks to ensure one person doesn’t do everything.

• Bake and freeze food in advance where possible.

AvOid fesTive fOOd POisOning Hygiene can slip with extra food, extra cooks and extra time pressure, so: • Store and prepare ALL raw food separately from ready-toeat foods.

• Rub fruit and vegetables clean – don’t just rinse them.

• Defrost foods thoroughly and then cook or refrigerate immediately. Large turkeys take time - always check inside for ice crystals.

• Ensure your fridge stays below 5°C and there’s room for cold air circulation.

• Keep food in the fridge until the last possible moment.

• Make sure nobody skimps on washing (and drying) their hands. Germs love damp.

• Ensure that meat between the

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breast and thigh of your turkey isn’t pink, and that juices are clear.

• Adhere to ‘use by’ dates and check food carefully when beyond its ‘best before’ date.

• Don’t leave buffet food out for more than four hours.

• Chill leftovers rapidly and reheat them thoroughly (just once). heAlThier ChrisTmAs eATing Start with a healthy, filling breakfast to avoid snacking temptations. dinner: • Avoid fat-laden starters and the salt shaker.

• Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start to feel full.

• Poultry fat is predominantly in the skin, so prick it then cook it on a rack, above the escaping fat.

• Use vegetarian sausage mix rather than sausage meat in stuffing.

• Forget goose fat roasties. Use a healthy oil spray or cook jacket potatoes.

• Microwave, steam or boil vegetables in minimal water until just soft. Add herbs or lemon juice rather than butter.

• Use low salt gravy mix and remove fat from meat juices before adding them.

• Keep Christmas pudding portions small and add lowfat custard, crème fraîche or Greek yogurt rather than cream or brandy butter.

snacks for savouries made with herbs, light dressings and marinades.

• Choose tomato-based dips or make creamy dips with yogurt or crème fraîche.

• Avoid crisps, salted nuts and chocolates; choose plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and fruit dipped in chocolate (preferably dark).

Be drink Wise • Even small amounts of alcohol affect judgement and reactions. Absorption depends on many factors, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal driving limit - and Scotland has a lower limit than the rest of the UK. • Don’t exceed NHS recommended weekly limits: 21 units for men and 14 units for women.

• Alcohol and salty snacks contribute to dehydration, making people irritable.

Provide jugs of chilled water jazzed up with winter berries or citrus peel.

Take time out to relax, and remember: a burnt turkey isn’t the end of the world.

Christmas Party or Tea: • Swap traditional mince pies for filo or open-top versions.

• Swap breaded or battered

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Long Ditton Yoga Friendly yoga classes for all levels - beginners welcome.

Would you like to:

be fitter? be more flexible? reduce your stress levels?

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

6:45 - 8:15 pm 9.30 - 11.00 am 6:45 - 8:15 pm

& & &

8:30 - 10:00 pm 11:15 - 12:45 pm 8:30 - 10:00 pm

Long Ditton Parish Hall KT6 5LE. www.longdittonyoga.co.uk enquiries@longdittonyoga.co.uk or call Carolyn on 020 8390 9522

CATHERINE BAYLISS D.H.D.P; M.B.C.H.

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Beauty: Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

B

eauty gifts need to be a little bit decadent. The recipient should feel truly pampered, and will appreciate that you haven’t just picked up a run-of-the-mill gift set with your supermarket shopping. however, that doesn’t mean that you have to max the credit card out this Christmas. so, here are our top picks for great value skin and body care gift sets, starting from under a fiver.

A gifT fOr yOur mum Pai have released a limited edition version of their bestselling rosehip Bioregenerate Oil, for £22. This oil is the darling of the beauty media and packs a pretty powerful anti-aging punch. It’s the most concentrated rosehip oil on the market, and has been shown to offer visible skin healing benefits, including improving skin firmness, and minimising the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines.

It also feels lovely to apply.

box, this set is sure to go down a treat. sTOCKing fillers If stockings are still the best part of your Christmas morning, you’ll love narynda’s sample pots. Choose between the Body Care Pack at £5, and the Face Care Pack at £7.50, then just wrap each item separately. They both offer great value for money, and are ideal for a weekend away. Narynda’s products are formulated from some of nature’s finest skin soothers, including oat oil, grapefruit oil and beeswax, so they’re a good choice for sensitive skin. seCreT sAnTA The prettily packaged soaps

by Akamuti are 100% natural and handmade. The rose Beauty soap Bar contains shea butter, olive oil and cocoa butter, along with luxurious rose oil. A bar costs £4.75 and is a much more thoughtful choice for a co-worker than the usual box of chocolates or gift voucher. fOr A friend Who wouldn’t want to receive the gift of beautiful hair? Kms California has released three gift sets this Christmas, each containing a shampoo, conditioner, two styling products and a hair accessory. Choose the desired results from Tame Frizz, Moist Repair and Add Volume. Each set retails at £29.95.

fOr yOur sisTer neal’s yard uplifting Jasmine & ylang ylang Organic Collection includes a shower gel and body cream, and is a real bargain at £15. As well as smelling absolutely divine, the products are very nourishing, so are ideal for the cold winter months.

Packaged in a pretty gift 14 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

fOr A PArTy hOsT If you fancy giving your host something a bit more imaginative than a bottle of wine or bunch of flowers, a gift set from B skincare is a great choice.

The lavender scented B relaxed set is particularly relevant at this hectic time of year, and at £12.50 it won’t break the bank. Handmade in Cornwall by a small family business, B Skincare make seriously luxurious products, at pocketfriendly prices.

of good skincare? The elemis Perfect man giftset should go down a treat.

The set comprises Ice Cool Foaming Gel (for shaving), Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for Men, Aching Muscle Super Soak and two sachets of ProCollagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks. At £49 it isn’t cheap, but as it includes £77.50 worth of products, it is great value for money.

One fOr The BOys Buying for a man who understands the importance “The Ultimate Class for Mums and Babies” The Times

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

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        To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

This power walking class, with a mix of cardio, strengthening & toning exercises is proving to be the answer to shifting postnatal weight & re-toning your body after giving birth!

• Burns fat, improves posture & strengthens , ITON core muscles • A one hour social class with SURB LDEN, A M time to chat to other Mums • For all levels NEW STON KING of fitness • Suitable for all buggies/pushchairs • It’s fun & your baby or toddler comes too!

Visit www.buggyfit.com www.mumsinshape.co.uk or email: anna@mumsinshape.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

15

And Another Thing...... Tom’s Organic Christmas

by Tom Hughes We gagged, we retched, we

charity - it was Christmas Day and I

spluttered.

was one turkey short of a dinner.

“Tom get it out, it’s off!”

“Listen mate, you haven’t got any

“I told you to just go to Tesco, but no, we had to go

The callow youth stared up at the

all organic, didn’t we?”

menu. “We got lasagne, we got

The bin was full so I

I

plonked the bird on an old

love Christmas morning. The choir on the radio, the Buck’s

turkeys back there have you?”

plastic garden chair. Even

scampi, we got…”

It was then I saw them, huddled together in the otherwise empty

next door’s cat pulled a face.

fridge in the mini-supermarket

the Buck’s Fizz, the presents under

“Well, it’s a good job you stopped

my name on them. Eagerly, I sprinted

the tree, the Buck’s Fizz.

drinking that fizz.”

over, just in time to see a shop

“Tom, don’t drink any more of that,

“Why?”

Fizz, the half-eaten mince pie,

you have to pick up your Mum at two.”

“Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to go and get this family

opposite. Two corn fed chickens with

assistant swipe them from the fridge.

Furious, I confronted the startled woman.

“Madam, I demand that you sell me

“There’s hardly anything in this stuff.

a turkey.” And with that, she threw me

Where’s the other bottle?”

the car keys.

“I’ve hidden it. Now, go and get the

“A turkey? On Christmas Day?

turkey out the fridge.”

Impossible!”

the poultry was grabbed, scanned

I rolled up my sleeves, spat on my

There is nothing as desolate as a

later I was standing in the kitchen,

hands and pulled open the fridge

retail park on Christmas morning.

triumphantly holding the prizes

door. And there she sat, gleaming

Abandoned shopping trolleys, a

above my head.

in the light. I grabbed at the plastic

desperate couple sat in a car arguing.

wrapping around her viscous,

It was pointless. Then I had an idea.

clammy flanks and heaved her onto

I gunned the Mondeo and headed

the kitchen table.

towards the sign for the M62,

“The butcher assured me that these birds are the very best. They have lots of room to move about.”

I glanced at the price tag. “Blood and sand woman - where did this one move about - Claridges? Look at the price!”

speeding past glum families heading to miserable rendezvous with distant relatives.

A more wretched looking service station assistant I couldn’t imagine, with his standard issue company Christmas hat sat forlornly atop his head. I approached determinedly and

“Only the best for your Mummy,

eyeballed the young chap.

those chickens!”

And before you could say Scrooge, and purchased. Less than an hour

“Chickens?”

“Not just chickens darling. Organic chickens!”

“Well, I suppose they will have to do.”

“Don’t mention it!”

Three pm, empty plates, laughter and full glasses.

“Mum, where’s Dad?” “Where do you think? Standing in the lounge, crying at the Queen.”

Thomas.” My Dearly Beloved’s

“Today’s special, sir, is the big

sarcastic grin disappeared as she

breakfast.” The boy was so glum I

handed me the knife. I slit open the

felt like taking him home to share a

Follow Tom @groomsdaybook

packaging and...whoosh - the stink!

Pot Noodle. But this was no time for

groomsdaybook.com

16

Merry Christmas everybody!

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M o b i l e b i c yc l e

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prior to commencing.

• Will contact you immediately if any other • Contact: Jon Martin jon@rebelwaltz-cyclesolutions.co.uk | 07514 435855

Thinking of buying a hamster?

Which type should you choose?

As one of the most popular small pets in the UK, hamsters take pride of place in many homes. They can make a great first pet for children, although they do not tolerate rough handling, so you need to make sure that younger ones treat them gently.

Dwarf vs golden hamsters Not many people know that you can buy dwarf hamsters as an alternative to the more commonly known Syrian, or golden hamster. Syrian

PETS

hamsters live for 2-3 years on average, and are very solitary in nature. They should be kept on their own in a cage, as they display a strong tendency to fight with other hamsters.

Dwarf hamsters grow to approximately 8cm in length.

They look extremely cute, but beware if they escape their cage – they can be very difficult to catch! This type of hamster is not as solitary as its golden counterpart, but even so it is advisable to check with the breeder or pet shop whether two or more hamsters would mix.

Caring for your hamster Hamsters are usually bought

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between the ages of four and eight weeks. Care will involve cleaning their cage, providing the correct type of food, as well as making sure they are entertained when you are asleep.

Hamsters love to climb and run around, and these activities are essential for their health.

They’ll need a large cage with a wheel and other toys such as cardboard tubes. Wooden toys are also good for keeping their teeth short. http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/ advice/small-animal-care-advice/hamstercare-advice/caring-for-your-hamster http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/ advice/small-animal-care-advice/hamstercare-advice/are-hamsters-the-rightanimal-for-you

By Ann Haldon

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

17

Keeping Your Pets Safe

by Aspen Veterinary Surgery

W

e don’t want you to miss the Christmas celebrations this year, but for some, Christmas day is spent sitting in the emergency waiting room of the vets.

Here are the most common Christmas hazards for your pet that should be avoided.

• Chocolate poisoning: Chocolate is the most common poisoning at Christmas and it can be fatal. The severity does depend on a few factors i.e. The cocoa content (dark chocolate is the worst) the amount eaten and the size of your dog.

If your dog eats chocolate the vets can work out if the amount eaten will have ill effects so always call for advice.

• Wrappers: Chances are if your pet ate the chocolate they also ate the wrapper! Foreign bodies in the gut often require surgical removal.

Try to avoid chocolate and sweet decorations on your tree. Also ensure that the wrapping paper from your presents, ribbons, tinsel and other decorations are out of reach and not left lying around.

• Christmas cake and Christmas pudding: Christmas cake is full of Raisins (and sometimes alcohol) both not good for your dog or cat.

Raisins and grapes can cause renal failure, although the exact reason and toxic dose is not quite understood. Animals are light weights and not much alcohol is required for them to show the ill effects of alcohol poisoning.

• Christmas Foliage: Holly, mistletoe, lilies and poinsettias are all extremely poisonous to pets.

Cats especially, often love fresh flowers in the house and rub their face on them or chew the leaves and flowers. These plants can cause kidney failure, vomiting and diarrhoea and worse case can be fatal to your pet. Plastic / ornamental versions of these plants may be more suited if you have pets in the home.

• Electrics: Just as you would be careful with electrics with children we also advise care with your pets. Try to keep electric cords out of the way or cover with a cable tidy. When you are not in the house turn the power to the Christmas

18

decorations off at the wall.

If you are at all concerned over the Christmas period please do not hesitate to contact us at the Aspen Veterinary Surgery on 020 8399 6437 or visit our website www.aspenvets.co.uk.

We would like to take this opportunity to also wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From all of us at Aspen Veterinary Surgery.

Aspen Veterinary Surgery

Your pet matters to us

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

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HOME WANTED!

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Dinah is a small, brindle tortie spayed female & is approximately 7 years old.

She came into care as she was a long term stray being fed by a kind person.

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She settled into the shelter very quickly & has come on in leaps & bounds. Dinah is affectionate & loving & is looking for a quiet home, preferably with someone who is there most of the day, as she loves a lot of attention. She would be fine with older children, but must be the only cat.

Dinah has been in care since December 2014 and is getting bored in her cabin day after day & so does deserve a loving forever home of her own. Dinah is fully vaccinated and microchipped.

If you feel that you could give Dinah a much deserved forever loving home please call YVONNE on 01372 379155 Epsom Ewell & District Branch http://www.epsom.cats.org.uk

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If you cannot adopt a cat but would still like to help us please go to https://www.justgiving.com/Epsom-Cats-Protection

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The importance of brushing your dog’s teeth Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth from an early age can prevent serious medical issues such as heart, liver and kidney disease. Don’t expect them to thank you for it though.

Most dogs dislike having their teeth brushed, but starting a routine while they are still young will help you both adjust.

You’ll need to buy toothpaste specifically for dogs, as the fluoride in human toothpaste

PETS

is poisonous to them.

Gain their confidence slowly It is a good idea to let them get used to the taste of toothpaste before brushing. They should lick it off your finger to start with, and then off the brush you are going to use.

Once accustomed to the taste of their toothpaste and the sight of the brush, it won’t be such a shock when you first brush their teeth properly.

What type of brush?

There are various types of toothbrush on the market for your pet – some people prefer to use a ‘finger brush’ when their dog is young, as this type of brush is soft and small,

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

giving you more control when brushing.

As your dog grows, however, a larger brush may be more suitable, and these are available in various shapes and sizes.

Initially, it is a good idea to only brush your dog’s front teeth – let them get used to that and then gradually try to brush more. Reassuring the dog will help, as will treating them to a game or a walk afterwards. http://uk.pedigree.com/health-andtraining/keeping-your-dog-healthy/howto-brush-your-dogs-teeth http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/ dog-health/7-tips-for-doggie-dental-care

By Ann Haldon

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

19

Home & Interiors

T

Making room for guests at Christmas

by Katherine Sorrell

he tree is decorated and the turkey in the freezer, but are you ready to welcome friends and family this Christmas?

Katherine Sorrell outlines some quick and easy ways to create extra space for holiday visitors.

thing to have in the back of a cupboard, too. If your living room is acting as a temporary bedroom, clear away as much as possible so your guests have room to put down their luggage, and place a small lamp near the head of their ‘bed’ and a spare throw or blanket nearby. A box, bag or basket into which they can stow bedding during the day will also help keep things tidy.

Dinner is served An extendable dining table is perfect for

Lounging around When you’re passing the Quality Street around in front of the Bond film, you’re going to need somewhere for everyone to relax in the living room. If the sofas and armchairs are full, bring in beanbags for the kids and pop cushions on top of coffee tables and benches to create a few extra TV-viewing spaces.

A bed for the night No guest room? No problem.

A sofa bed, day bed or futon – or simply a longish sofa – will do the trick. A good quality airbed is a great

20

accommodating additional guests. Ideally, choose one that doesn’t require you to store an extra leaf in the loft or somewhere equally awkward. Alternatively, you could enlarge your table temporarily by topping it with an overhanging sheet of plywood (you might want to protect the table with a pad or cloth first), covered with a pretty tablecloth or flat sheet, making sure the edges aren’t too wobbly. Another way to tackle the problem is to create a separate dining table – maybe just for kids – using anything with a flat surface,

from a trestle table to a coffee table, surrounded by cushions on the floor.

Any old china If you haven’t got enough crockery for all your guests, plan ahead and pick up extras at car boot sales, charity shops or vintage shops. If you pick a colour theme and mix with some plain white dinnerware, you can make a virtue of the fact that they don’t exactly match. The same goes for glasses and cutlery. If all else fails, have a stack of paper plates to hand – no one will mind once the turkey is dished out, and at least you’ll save on washing up!

Are you sitting comfortably?

If you have a shortage of dining chairs, consider investing in a few inexpensive folding chairs that you could hide out of the way when not in use. They might come in handy for picnics next summer, too. If you’re not keen on how they look, try covering them with pillowcases and adding a pretty cushion. Alternatively, a flat-topped stool can double as a seat and as a side table – handy next to that seldomused guest bed, too – and will slide out of the way under the table when not in use.

Hallway solutions Extra guests means a proliferation of coats, shoes, boots and umbrellas – which can all too easily end up in a messy pile just inside the

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front door. A simple stacking shoe rack will always come in handy, as will a few extra hooks mounted on the wall.

How about a free-standing coat rack? Or, for cheap and instant space-saving, overdoor racks, hooks and shoe organisers can be added anywhere in the house.

Eat, drink and be merry No doubt everyone will be doing a little extra eating and drinking at this time of year, so aim to create enough room in your kitchen to store all your festive goodies by clearing out your cupboards and fridge in good time.

Add internal racks, shelves, boxes and baskets so you can stack everything neatly (clear plastic makes it easy to see everything at once).

Bathroom bliss Regular de-cluttering is always a good idea in the bathroom – so have a good sort out before your guests arrive and clear plenty of space for them to store their toiletries.

If you have really run out of room, look for bath and shower caddies that attach by hook or suction, allowing you to stock all sorts of products out of the way. As a finishing touch, provide clean towels on a separate hook or rail from your own – a clothes airer that hooks over a radiator is a great gadget for this – and some luxury soaps.

Your visitors will never want to go home…

IMAgES - Left: Stella sofa bed in Herringbone, £1,340, sofa.com, 0845 400 2222. Above: Homer flip-top kitchen table, £625, Loaf, 0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com.

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m: 07905 533 738 Office: 020 3302 1537 e: info@sosheatingandplumbing.com

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Interior / Exterior Decorating Fully Insured References For Free Quotations & Advice

Family business established 25 years

Call:

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21

Finding Gifts for the “Nothing I Need” Brigade

by Kate McLelland

“There’s nothing I need. Don’t buy me anything.”

It’s the festive season, and not buying anything just isn’t an option, unless you want to feel like a cross between the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas morning. But what do you get for those friends or family members who genuinely seem to have everything? I’m not talking a mansion, a yacht and a Ferrari: just all the things required for comfortable, everyday living.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when it’s likely that they will have collected all the knick-knacks, gadgets and gizmos they’ll ever need. So what are the options when it comes to buying an original gift for the man or woman who says “There’s nothing I need”?

to a hot air champagne balloon flight for one (from £109 at www.buyagift.co.uk). This isn’t the kind of gift you can keep in your bottom drawer, but the lucky recipient is unlikely to ever forget the sensation of drifting high over the British countryside with a glass of bubbly in their hand.

Adopt a rare animal The World Wildlife Fund (now called WWF) has another clever gift idea for people who

give a goat At Oxfam (www. oxfam.org.uk) it costs just £25 to buy a goat for a needy family trying to survive in areas affected by war or drought, who can use the gift to produce nutritious dairy products such as milk and cheese. Oxfam also supplies a brightly coloured gift card that explains your purchase.

like to feel they are helping a good cause. Go to www.wwf. org.uk and buy an “adopt a wild animal” pack as a gift.

This isn’t an actual adoption – your donation won’t be linked to a specific animal – but the adoption pack does include a cuddly toy version of the chosen species.

An unforgettable experience If you’ve run out of gift ideas for your nearest and dearest, why not give them an experience? It could be anything from afternoon tea for two at a choice of 70 hotels and restaurants nationwide (£36 from www.redletterdays.co.uk),

go retro Treat them to a retro sweet hamper (£36) or a retro chocolate gift box (£12.95) full of Munchies, Curly Wurlies and other nostalgic goodies, both from www.retrosweets.co.uk.

Vintage board games are also popular: you can buy old games

22

in “as new” condition from online retailers such as eBay and Amazon.

Buy a gift voucher It used to be that gift vouchers could only be exchanged at one particular retailer, but those days are long gone.

The “Love2Shop” voucher can be spent in over 20,000 UK locations, including restaurants, hotels, spas and leisure resort (www. highstreetvouchers.com).

Can’t afford any of the above?

If your Christmas gift budget won’t stretch to the items mentioned here, consider giving the gift of your time. Buy a small gift box and enclose a note promising to do something for the recipient: a couple of hours of gardening; baking a cake every week for a month; decorating the spare room.

These gifts are a far cry from a boring box of toiletries or a shirt and tie set, and at least you’ll win Brownie points for original thinking. You’ll also avoid the dirty looks and long silences that come from having taken the “Nothing I need” brigade’s protestations a bit too literally!

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23

The Tech Trends for 2016

What Will Everybody Be Talking About?

I

n many ways 2015 has been an in-between year, with many firms offering slightly updated versions of products they launched last year – so, for example, Apple replaced the iPhone 6 with the iPhone 6S, Samsung updated the Note 4 to the Note 5 and so on. Bigger things are coming in 2016 so what will be hogging the high-tech headlines? Let’s find out.

WEARABLE COMPUTERS We’ve seen these already, of course, but devices such as the Apple Watch and Android Wear watches were just the first steps. Wearables are getting smarter, their batteries better and their apps more useful, and increased competition means they should get a lot cheaper too. And wearables aren’t just for showing off or for going to the gym: they can help monitor chronic medical conditions too.

WIRELESS CHARgINg Some smartphones already charge wirelessly, as do some smartwatches, but this year should see wireless charging become more mainstream: Intel’s new PC processors support it, and there’s a good chance Apple will throw its weight behind it too. The long-promised wire-free world might not be too far off.

STREAMINg EVERYTHINg If you’re still buying CDs or DVDs you’re in a shrinking minority: more and more

24

TV, music and movies are being streamed over the internet, usually as part of subscription services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.

That trend will continue in a big way this year, with streaming firms investing heavily in new programming - so for example Amazon is spending millions to bring the Top Gear trio back to TV on its service. You’ll also see some TV channels going streaming-only, and rival channels appearing on the BBC’s iPlayer.

SMARTER DIgITAL ASSISTANTS Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Google Now are already pretty clever, but they’ll get smarter still this year. Apple, Microsoft and Google are spending big money on hiring artificial intelligence experts, and the goal is to make Siri and Google Now so familiar with your routine that they’ll show you the information you need before you even need it. Their voice recognition will improve too: it’s already good, but if you’ve got a strong accent you’ll know that there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

SMARTER THINgS The Internet of Things has been massively hyped, but it should start to deliver on its promises in 2016. Smart plugs, smart lights, smart cameras, smart TVs, smart locks… if it’s possible to

connect it to the internet and control it from a phone, somebody will do it. The automated home might just be on its way, a mere 90 years after it was first predicted.

PRIVACY WORRIES The problem with letting your digital assistants organise everything is that your digital assistants end up knowing everything about you and possibly sharing that information with marketers or other third parties. The more we let our devices organise our lives and our homes, the more likely a really big privacy scandal is likely to strike.

AD BLOCKINg Trouble’s brewing on the internet over advertising.

Invasive ads and privacyinvading advertising trackers are making some websites unusable, and more and more of us are blocking those ads - which means the websites aren’t making any money.

This issue has been bubbling under for a few years but now that ad-blocking tools are available on mobile devices - something that wasn’t the case until the end of this year - it’s going to be a really big deal in 2016.

Images left to right: Netflix on a TV; Samsung Gear 2 smartwatches; Nest wireless camera; Cortana digital assistant on Windows Phone

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Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

25

Gardening: Gardening: Growing Fruit Fruit Trees Trees Growing

By ByPippa PippaGreenwood Greenwood

W W

ho hodoesn’t doesn’tenjoy enjoy sinking sinkingtheir theirteeth teeth into intoa adelicious, delicious, flavour-packed, flavour-packed,superbly superbly juicy apple or pear? Mmm! juicy apple or pear? Mmm! But if you want the ultimate But if you want the ultimate in gorgeous apples, pears, in gorgeous apples, pears, plums or more, then the fruit plums then the fruit needs toor bemore, freshly picked needs to be freshly and sun-warmed - so picked grow andown sun-warmed - so also grow your and you can youryourself own and youbob, can also save a few have save yourself a fewgood bob, have fun and make some fun andadditions make some good looking to your garden, when space is lookingeven additions to your limited. no need to is garden,There’s even when space have a massive plot an to limited.

There’s no or need orchard grow fruit have a to massive plot trees… or an

orchard to grow trees…

You can grow fruitfruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, You can grow fruit trees in especially if you don’t grow surprisingly small spaces, them in a classic tree shape, especially if you don’t grow but train them. Training them in a classic tree shape, them into espaliers (so that but have train several them. Training they sets of them into espaliers (so that horizontal ‘arms’), cordons they havemain several setsgrown of (as single stems athorizontal an angle) ‘arms’), or fans cordons (with (as single main stems branches trained into a grown at shape) an angle) or fans fan means that(with you branches trained into a of can grow many varieties apples and pears upthat against fan shape) means you a can suitable surface of growvertical many varieties such as aand wall, fence set of apples pears uporagainst sturdy wires.vertical surface a suitable

such as aalso wall,train fencefruits or set of You could sturdy wires. like apples as ‘step-overs’ this just means trained so You could also train fruits they make a neat edging for like apples as ‘step-overs’ a bed or border, about 45cm just means trained orthis so above ground level.so they make a neat edging A step-over apple basicallyfor a bed about 45cm goes uportoborder, a height of about or soand above ground level.so 30cm is then trained A step-over apple basically that it forms two horizontal goes up to alook height ofwhen about ‘arms’.

They great

ininflower flowerand andwill willeven evenbear bear a asmallish smallishcrop cropofoffruit fruitalong along the thearms. arms.Try Trystep-overs step-overs around aroundthe theedge edgeofofyour your vegetable plot or flower bed.

vegetable plot or flower bed.

Alternatively, why not make Alternatively, why not make a real feature of fruit and use realtofeature fruit and use a atree create of a decorative a tree to create a decorative and, later on, a productive and, Buy lateran on,inexpensive a productive arch? arch? Buy an inexpensive bare-root cordon (straight bare-root cordonfruit (straight stem) or a ‘whip’ tree or a ‘whip’variety, fruit tree ofstem) your favourite of your favourite pair it with anothervariety, variety that suitable pollinator pairisitawith another variety (check the nursery) and that iswith a suitable pollinator plant onewith on each side of and (check the nursery) the arch, training them plant one on each sideinofas they It will look great, the grow. arch, training them in as phenomenally pretty when they grow. It will look great, covered in blossom in spring, phenomenally pretty when and after a few years will bear covered in blossom in spring, tasty fruit too.

and after a few years will bear

But what if you tasty fruit too. don’t have any open ground, beds or But what if youbackyard don’t have borders in your any garden? open ground, bedsyou or style Provided borders in your backyard get the right rootstock (see style garden?

Provided below) it is quite possibleyou thefruit righttrees rootstock (see toget grow in large containers. container below) it isThe quite possible needs to be as trees big asinpossible to grow fruit large - acontainers. half-barrelThe at least - and container must have drainage holes needs to be as big as possible kept clear usingataleast few inches - a half-barrel - and ofmust broken china or ‘crocks’ have drainage holes atkept its bottom.

Good quality clear using a few inches loam-based compost such as of broken china or ‘crocks’ John Innes No.3 will work at its bottom. Good quality well, but help to keep it well loam-based compost such aerated and free-draining byas John Innes No.3 will work adding 25-50% multi-purpose well, but compost. help to keep it well loam-free

aerated and free-draining by

Whatever the size of your adding 25-50% multi-purpose garden, butcompost. especially if loam-free space is short, when you

are arechoosing choosingfruit fruittrees treesitit isisessential essentialtotoget getthem themonon the theright right‘rootstock’, ‘rootstock’,asasthis this determines determinesthe theultimate ultimate size and vigour of the tree. size and vigour of the tree.

The rootstock is the type The rootstock is the type of roots onto which the of roots onto which the chosen variety of apple has chosen variety of apple been grafted.

Apples are has been grafted.

Apples areand particularly complicated complicated a particularly good nursery will advise and a good nursery you, but as a rule,will for advise stepyou, but as a rule, forbushes stepovers, cordons, dwarf overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing but and trees in containers try somewhat trickydwarfing M27 - but do the extremely but beware weaktricky varieties anydo somewhat M27or - but tree grown on this rootstock beware weak varieties or any intree poor soil or grown onnot thiswell rootstock pampered may fail. For in poor soil or well not well bush, cordon, espaliers and pampered may well fail.

For half-standard try the easier to bush, cordon, espaliers and look after dwarfing rootstock half-standard try the easier to M26, while for a cordon, an look after dwarfing rootstock espalier on poor soil, arches M26, while fortry a cordon, an and bush trees the semiespalier MM106. on poor soil, arches dwarfing

and bush trees try the semi-

You can either buy one year dwarfing MM106. old ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ You can one year which are either small, buy fairly old ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ straight stems and train them yourself, or if you want which are small, fairlyto save time stems you can often straight and trainbuy them trained or part-trained fruit yourself, or if you want to trees. you’ll paybuy saveObviously time you can often more for aortrained tree, but trained part-trained fruit ittrees. can save you several Obviously you’llyears pay work!

more for a trained tree, but

it cansure saveyou youchoose severalthe years Make varieties work! you grow so that they are in flower at the same Make sure you choose the time and thus can pollinate varieties grow is sono that each otheryou - if there they arepollinator in flower in at the the same suitable time and vicinity youthus willcan notpollinate get fruit. each other - if there is no Check with your supplier

30cm and is then trained so suitable pollinator in the Whatever the size of your that 26 it forms Please two horizontal mention the magazine when contactingvicinity Advertisers you will not get fruit. garden, but especially if ‘arms’. They look great when Check with your supplier space is short, when you

26

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D Dec15-Jan 16.25-32.indd 26

12/11/2015 23:56:49

who will be able to tell you which ‘pollination group’ each variety is in.

At this time of year you can buy fruit trees which are really good value because they are sold ‘bare root’, this just means lifted from a field and not container grown. These are not only inexpensive, but also establish particularly well.

Bare root fruit trees are generally available from about November until early March, depending on the weather - so don’t delay, get ordering or planting today!

system. Select the vegetables you’d like to grow at www. pippagreenwood.com and your garden-ready plants will be delivered in May, accompanied by weekly emails packed full of at-your-elbow advice and tips, ensuring great results.

There’s a stylish gift card available too for this perfect present! It is great value and various pack sizes are available (e.g. up to 55 plants for just £29), plus that weekly advice.

Perfect as a Christmas gift (or as a treat for you!) make vegetable growing fun with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’

LOCAL CARPENTER GARDENER CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED

Doors/Skirting Maintenance Repair Work Hedge Trimming Shelving/Carpentry Gates Joinery Fencing Stud Walling Clearance Wardrobes Decking

Friendly, reliable and tidy service

Will: 020 8399 7872 Mobile: 07961 450 618 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

07714 592 650

020 8390 7151

mem.allyourgardenneeds@gmail.com

maintenance Trimming, tidying & mowing timberwork Fencing, decking, gates & sheds paving Patios & paths dFor a friendly, reliable service at a competitive rate Landscape construction &

Fencing

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

27

R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance.

Free Quotes Diploma qualified NPTC licensed Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Felling Stump Removal Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports £10 million insurance liability cover

Office: 020 8399 0103 Mobile: 07980 903881 info@rjtrees.co.uk LOOK FOR THE RED TREE!

R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

13

18

12

4 5

14

16

18 17

14

10

6

25

10

11 18 10 23

5

28

16

25

7

5

18

20 6

17

5

11 10

5

17

6

25

4

19

23

17

5

13

6

5

16

21

10

17

21

13

24

19

3

15

26

11

6

2 4

17

6

1 15

21

11

6 4

6

4

6

6

10

6

11 18

17

4 17

26 8

5

24

5

16 13

14 26

17 13

10

T

L

5

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11

O

16 4

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18 16

4

24 24

10

23 10

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22

9 24

6

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14 19

25 13

6

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

10

14 6

19

26

Est 35 YEARS

ROBINSON & SON

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS Wallpapering

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL High Quality WORK AT LOCAL RATES

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ deposits from: ● Ovens ● Grills ● Extractors

Experienced professional Tradesman

● Filters

● Hobs

● BBQ’s

● Ranges

● Microwaves

● AGA’s

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

020 8399 9803

RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE

Call Sheree today to book your Ovenclean appointment on

01932 706223 www.ovenclean.com

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

EMail: robinsonandson24@talktalk.net

Word Ladder

ALL OF YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. GAS APPLIANCE SERVICING AND REPAIRS, LANDLORD AND SAFETY CERTIFICATES

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

S H I P

NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL CHRIS MOULD

Phone 07922 246673

E Mail chris@cjmplumbingandheating.co.uk

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

CJM Plumbing and Heating

P O R T

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

29

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

For a beautiful new kitchen...

just change the doors

Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.

Less cost, less time, less mess...

• Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • Free Estimating and planning • 50% deposit with balance on completion www.dreamdoors.co.uk

For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226 Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, View our credentials at Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk 30 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers 30

...Need Help Getting A Good Roof?

•Fascia and Soffit Boards •Guttering Cleared •Tiles Replaced •Roof Repairs •New Roofs

•All Re-pointing Work •Tiling and Slating •Gutters Fitted •Chimneys •Flat Roofs

www.goodroofs.co.uk do

0208 241 80 90 Call us now: 07510 358 101

0208 241 80 90 07510 358 101 38 Rookwood Road, New Malden, Kt3 4ly To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

31

LEWIS DICK

solicitors

Need a DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP WITH CONTACT speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten Need to MOVE HOUSE OR GET HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS speak to Jonathan Owens Need to MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE speak to James Winfield

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, AND PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE For more information or a no obligation quote

Call: 020 8393 0055

Email: ewell@lewis-dick.com or visit our Website: www.lewis-dick.com Lewis & Dick, 443 Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey, KT19 0DG

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 15 or more words Good: 12 words Fair: 9 words

T

N

T

O E

N C

JAMES ANTHONY DECORATORS

Specialising in quality interior & exterior decorations

• •

Domestic and Commercial Bathroom Refurbishment • Tiling and Plastering • Free Estimate Provided • Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience

07939 333 324 020 8399 9735

jamesanthony36@gmail.com

info@jamesanthonydecorators.co.uk

www.jamesanthonydecorators.co.uk

32 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

ELECTRICIAN RELIABLE & PROMPT SERVICE FREE VERBAL ESTIMATE

Painting and Decorating Roofing and Guttering Plastering and Tiling Household Maintenance Loft conversions and extensions

50 YEARS EXPERIENCE CERTIFIED NO JOB TOO SMALL

0DUFXV 6DUDK %DLQHV

EHUU\ODQGV SURSHUW\#EOXH\RQGHU FR XN

WWW .CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

24 HOUR ANSWER PLEASE RING: 020 8974 2711 MOB: 07929 786 895

No obligation quotations. References available.

All work guaranteed and fully insured.

Supported by

preheat We need you to whip out your whisks, children help to gh dou e your oven and raise som UK in hospitals and hospices across the

Kindly supported by

k

r.co.u www.homeprideflou

ity baking pack for your Register today for your FREE char friends and family! with or work ol, scho at sale bake

Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake raises funds for Wallace and Gromit’s Children’s Charity, which supports children in hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. Registered charity 1043603. Company number 04659630. Š and ™ Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Limited 2015

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

33

Cake and Bake

Stollen This spiced and fruity Continental sweet bread is perfect for serving over the festive season with a glass of warm mulled wine.

Ingredients: • 50g butter • 175ml milk • 3 tbsp caster sugar • 375g strong plain white flour, plus extra for kneading • � tsp salt • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast • Zest of 1 lemon • 1 large egg, beaten • 125g raisins • 25g chopped mixed peel • 50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered • 175g marzipan • Melted butter, for brushing • Icing sugar, for dusting

Makes 10-12 slices Ready in about 3 hours

34

1. Put the butter, milk and caster sugar in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

2. Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir in the dried yeast. Make a well in the centre and stir in the milk mixture, lemon zest and egg. Mix together with a round-bladed knife to form a soft and sticky dough.

3. Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. At first the dough will be quite sticky so add more flour as necessary.

4. Flatten out the dough and knead in the raisins, cherries and peel until just combined. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1� hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, then roll out to a 25cm square. Shape the marzipan into a sausage shape and place down the centre of the dough. Fold one side over to cover the marzipan then repeat with the other side, overlapping in the centre. Seal the ends. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5.

6. Bake the stollen for 35-45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Brush the hot stollen all over with melted butter and roll in the icing sugar to coat. Leave to cool.

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0208 390 7564

Book Now for your Christmas Party

We are now taking bookings for Christmas Day and New Years Eve

Celebrate Christmas with us • 3 Course Lunch £25.00 • 3 Course Dinner £29.50 • Private Function Room Available • Late Licence till 1 a.m • Live Music Book Your Table Today!

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

CONTACT US E: info@langleysrestaurant.co.uk T: 0208 390 7564 F: 0208 390 4596 158 Ewell Road | Surbiton | Surrey KT6 6HE

www.langleysrestaurant.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

35 35

Your Big Christmas Choice!

Will it be Turkey or a Goose?

asks Alan Jennings

I

n most families December is a month of high expectation, with everyone preparing for and looking forward to Christmas. For many of us the Christmas Turkey is central to these family celebrations, and our customers know that we are proud to recommend only the famous Kelly Bronze strain of birds.

What’s so special about Kelly Bronze? They come only from the Kelly Farm in Essex, where the birds are reared by traditional methods and range freely in pasture, stubble fields and woodland. They are fed on locally-grown cereals and vegetable protein, without any additives, growth promoters or drugs of any sort.

That’s why they taste superb, just as prime turkeys always used to taste and ought to taste now. You can rely on Kelly Bronze for the luscious, lingering deep flavour and fine succulence of a beautiful, carefully-raised turkey.

But you could have a choice for your Christmas table. After all, the popular turkey is a relative newcomer on the celebration scene.

For centuries the favourite bird for special occasions was the goose, and in many houses it still is today. Both Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle speak highly of the Christmas goose, so you could easily follow suit and add a traditional Victorian flavour to your big meal if you wished.

Today, there’s no doubt that the goose is coming back into popularity. At Jennings we find that more and more of our customers ask for them. They appreciate the fine distinctive flavour of a well-nurtured goose, and as a bonus look forward to using the goose fat for cooking. Most cooks agree that nothing beats potatoes roasted in goose fat - truly, they are roast potatoes to die for!

There’s another choice, too.

36

customers go for a big beef joint for Christmas, and a very fine choice it can be. All our beef is chilled, never frozen, and it is hung for a minimum of three weeks before we can pass it on to you. This allows the natural enzymes to start breaking down the fibres and releasing all the subtle flavours that first-class beef should bring to your table.

But please make your Christmas choice as early as you can, so that we can reserve our finest offerings for you. Please make sure to place your order when you next call in, or better still, give us a ring now on 020 8399 4870.

Meanwhile, all of us at Jennings would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Best wishes Alan C D Jennings and Sons Traditional Quality Butchers since 1962 146 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 6HE 0208 399 4870

Season’s Greetings from C.D.Jennings 146 Ewell Road KT6 6HE 020 8399 4870

Some of our

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

Serving Surbiton Since 1962 .

Order Now For Christmas & New Year!

Call: 020 8399 4870 Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkeys Free Range Geese, Ducks & Chickens Scotch Beef & Scotch Highland Lamb Free Range & Gloucester Old Spot Pork Balmoral Venison Gammons & Hams Chipolatas, Bacon & Sausage Meat New Parking Situation It is now easier to park by our shop.

Pay & Display bays operate between 10am-4pm with the first 30 minutes free.

Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite Sainsbury’s Local) or call us to place an order on 020 8399 4870

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

For more information view our website www.cdjenningsandsons.com

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

37

Marmalade and Mustard

Glazed Gammon Serves 6-8

Ready in 2 hours 45 minutes, plus cooling

Glazed gammon is a Christmas favourite – delicious hot from the oven as a festive supper or served cold as part of the Boxing Day buffet!

Place the gammon joint in a large deep pan with the onion, carrot, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour over enough cold water to cover the joint.

Ingredients: • 2.5kg smoked gammon joint

Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat, cover and leave to simmer for 1� hours, topping up the water level as needed.

• 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Lift out the gammon from the pan and place in a foil-lined roasting tin (discard the cooking liquid). Leave to cool for 10 minutes. Cut away the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat and score the fat into diamonds. Stud the scored fat with the cloves in an even pattern.

• 2 fresh bay leaves, plus extra to garnish • Few black peppercorns • 1 tbsp whole cloves • 3 tbsp shredless orange marmalade, warmed

Mix together the marmalade, honey, mustard and sugar and spoon all over the gammon fat. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes, basting regularly with the glaze and pan juices until the fat is golden. Serve hot or cold garnished with fresh bay leaves and orange wedges.

• 2 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp light soft brown sugar • Orange wedges, to garnish

TIP

Add 1 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander or a splash of Tabasco sauce to the glaze for a bit of extra spice, if liked.

38 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

New Years Eve Book a table for a great new year at The Ditton, give us a call or pop in for more details

Buy Two Large Glasses of wine and receive the rest of the bottle free available throughout January Kids eat free throughout January when a full price adult main course is purchased at the same time Every game shown live in our sports bar, Roll The Dice? And meal deals available • Great Food in Good Company • Great Food in Good company • FOOD SERVED 12-9PM MON TO SAT, SUN 12-5PM- CHILDREN WELCOME UNTIL 7:30PM The Ditton Restaurant Pub, 64 Ditton Hill Road, Long Ditton, Surrey, KT6 5JD 020 8339 0785 www.theditton.co.uk goodfood@theditton.co.uk To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

39

Fruiterer & Greengrocer

155 Surbiton Hill Park, Berrylands, Surbiton Tel: 020 8399 5550 Mob: 07753 690 518 Fax: 020 8390 9231

Fruits in Season

Satsumas, Clementines, Sharon Fruit, Melons, All Berries, Cranberries, Fresh Figs, Fresh Dates, Avocado, Lychees, Physalis, Chestnuts All varieties of Nuts

Vegetables in Season Broccoli, Cauliflower, All types of Baby Carrots Parsnips & Baby Parsnips Brussel Sprouts, Sprout Stalks, Brussel Tops Swede

May we wish all our customers A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Martyn and Team We have the following available: Dairy products, milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, fresh bread daily and a choice of mince pies Free delivery on Christmas Trees, Holly, Mistletoe and fresh Christmas Wreaths.

Homemade fruit and Vegetable Hampers for Christmas gifts, made to order.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements Tel: 020 8399 5550 Take the stress out of Christmas with our free local delivery service.

Please pop in to collect your Christmas order form.

40

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•Extensions •Conversions •All types of Paving Local builders with over 30 years experience.

Many local customers with excellent references, viewings by appointment

Check out our Check a Trade ratings.

71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LR

Tel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324 Check out our new website: www.berrylandsbuilders.co.uk Christ Church School Christmas Fair

William Stallion

150 Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 9HF

Tel: 07828 796 702

l e Al om c el W

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

Saturday 28th November 11am - 3pm Santa’s Grotto Christmas Crafts & Stalls Raffles & Tombola Delicious Christmas Fare And Plenty of Christmas Fun

willstallion@googlemail.com

DOMESTIC INSTALLER

APPROVED CONTRACTOR

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Christ Church School, Pine Gardens, Surbiton, KT5 8LJ

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

41

ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

Registered Office: 1, Orchard Close, West Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9NS

Your local MOT TESTER AND SERVICE REPAIRER

ALL CARS COLLECTED AND DELIVERED (LOCAL AREAS)

Interim Service - £85 Full Service - £145 (Parts and Labour included) CARS UP TO 2000 CC Quotes for cars over 2000 cc - please phone

Diagnostics - Brakes - Clutches - Bodywork - Welding etc.

Labour Rate £37.50 per hour Office - 020 8397 8654 Garage - 07784 716 567 (For instant attention)

Mini Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Recap about a leap (5) 4. Sounds like candid money (5) 7. Circular calls? (5) 8. Get up an increase in pay (5) 9. Small bird that goes back and forth (3) 10. Parking area to keep for future use? (3-2) 13. Paces round pests (5) 16. Colours that are sung (5) 19. Direction of a wandering thorn (5) 22. Letter read out for drink (3) 23. Proportion from a riot (5) 24. One trade is perfect (5) 25. Eagle’s nest sounds creepy (5) 26. Turned dye on senior member of a group (5) Down 1. Girl found in a warm sea reef (5) 2. Coin girl (5) 3. Corroded and out of practice (5) 4. Levels dwelling places (5) 5. One contesting group in a different direction (5) 6. Catches sight holding game (5) 11 . Pointed tool when law is broken (3) 12. Insect to exist up to a point (3)

42

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14. Couple seen back in growth (3) 15. Teacher’s favourite animal? (3) 16. City to catch fire, we hear (5) 17. Total state (5)

18. Votes cast for cooker (5) 19. Water nymph Diana dealt with (5) 20. First young animals turned thin (5) 21. Darling of Paris (5)

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©puzzlepress co uk

Telephone:

MEGA DEALS!

TYRE SPECIALISTS

(Ewell)

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS l l l l

High Performance Cars Light Commercials Family Saloons 4WD Vehicles

l l l l

All leading makes of tyres Available from stock Wheel alignment and balancing While U Wait service

www.k-p-tyres.co.uk Email: enquiries@k-p-tyres.co.uk 169 CHESSINGTON ROAD, WEST EWELL, EPSOM, SURREY

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

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

K B Design

• Architectural Services • Residential + Commercial

070 9200 3581

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

43

Time for a New Tradition

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

I

f your New Year traditions have dwindled to a rather slurred singing of Auld Lang Syne as the Big Ben chimes fade, why not adopt new ones this New Year or revive old customs?

and eating seven, nine, or twelve times on New Year’s Eve is believed to give you the strength of as many men as meals you’ve consumed.

Warning: you may need to diet afterwards.

LucKy New yeAr NibbLes It’s a Spanish tradition to eat twelve grapes, making a wish with each one, for every chime of the clock - bringing twelve months of happiness. In the southern US, Hoppin’ John, a traditional dish of black-eyed peas and ham hocks, brings a year of plenty, while Italians eat one spoonful of lentil stew with each toll of the midnight bells.

The round lentils represent coins and good fortune, while in Germany, luck comes via tiny marzipan pigs.

Greek hostesses places jewellery on a plate on the table to symbolise prosperity in the coming year and hide a coin inside their Vassilopitta (King’s Pie) that brings blessings to its finder. The Portugese also cook King Cake, or Bolo-Rei, which resembles a crown and conceals a lucky fava bean (although the finder pays for next year’s BoloRei, so not so lucky).

In Estonia, seven, nine and twelve are lucky numbers,

GeT DresseD uP AND MAKe soMe Noise Filipinos wear clothes with spots to represent coins and bring luck, and Spaniards and Italians wear red underwear for the same reason. In South America, they opt for coloured underwear too: red for finding love, gold for gaining wealth and white for peace. Mexicans believe red signifies love, yellow means improved employment, green improves finances and white brings good health. Perhaps new underwear for Christmas could be doubly beneficial if you specify the colour?

Auld Lang Syne, a traditional song transcribed by Robert Burns and made famous by bandleader Guy Lombardo, is the most popular New Year song in English-speaking communities, but why not make up your own?

The tradition of firing guns at

midnight is probably best left abandoned, but you could beat drums Swiss-style, bang saucepans Filipino-style, or follow Buddhist Temple tradition by striking a gong 108 times at midnight to expel the 108 human weaknesses. ouT wiTh The oLD, iN wiTh The New The first-footing tradition has dwindled in the UK, but the belief is that the first foot through your door after midnight dictates your household’s luck for the year. Tall, dark visitors and new mothers or brides are especially lucky, and should come bearing traditional gifts: coal, shortbread, salt, coins and maybe a tot of whisky. Worth a revival?

In Denmark they break old plates at the door of family and friends, but cleaning your house as the Japanese do may be safer. Or why not make a bonfire with the Christmas tree, like the Dutch? While it’s burning, throw on a list of last year’s bad events, Mexicanstyle, or burn unwanted photographs and clothes as they do in Ecuador.

In Costa Rica and Veezuela, people run across the street with luggage to wish for new adventures, but leaving a travel brochure under your partner’s nose may be more effective.

New resoLuTioNs The Babylonians, who supposedly ‘invented’ New Year’s resolutions, returned borrowed farm machinery and tried to start the year debt-free (as many Russians apparently do). Sounds like as good as resolution as any...

44 Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

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

250 yards from main line Berrylands Station Providing a service for our local community

020 8399 4362

info@berrylandsautocare.co.uk www.berrylandsautocare.co.uk

Accident? You Mean Collision Iain Betson learns there are no accidents on Britain’s roads.

Speaking to a Highways Agency officer the other day, I was intrigued to learn that the emergency services now do not class “incidents” on the road as “accidents”, but as “collisions”.

Previously, they would have attended a “Road Traffic Accident” (RTA). Now they attend a “Road Traffic Collision” or RTC. Why the subtle change in wording? Well, the use of the word “accident” implies something that was unexpected, unforeseen or that “just happened”. And calling these incidents as such has been used as a defence in a court of law.

“Yes your honour. I know I was clocked by the speed camera doing 60mph in

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

167 Surbiton Hill Park, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8EJ a 30mph zone. It is true I was pulled by the fire crew from my wrecked car that was part of the multiple pile-up outside the primary school at going home time. And I know my car was subsequently found to have four bald tyres, no insurance and dodgy brakes. But the whole event was classed as a traffic accident, so you can see I couldn’t have foreseen any of it happening. So, therefore, I am innocent of all charges.”

Accident or incident. Collision or coming together.

You say tomaytoe and I say tomato.

It may be interpretation but, ultimately, the results are the same. If we all took a little more consideration and, dare I say, care in our driving, then I think it’s likely the number of “collisions” our already stretched emergency services have to attend would be reduced. With, of course, a corresponding drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured.*

*Department of Transport figures for 2014: 1,775 killed; 22,807 seriously injured.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

45

Trading Standards advice for happy Christmas shopping is to remember CHRISTMAS •

c is for Counterfeits – don’t buy

them! They can be dangerous, are poor quality and the person you are buying for will be disappointed • h is for Hallmark – a mark to look for on Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium articles to prove the quality of the metal. If there is no hallmark, the item may not be made of the precious metal you wanted.

• r is for Receipts – keep them. If you find out that the items you have purchased are faulty you will need proof of purchase when you go back to the shop.

• i is for Increasing your protection when you buy expensive goods. If you buy goods over £100 it can be useful to use your credit card – that way if the company goes bust or the trader won’t help you with a problem you can go to your credit card company for help.

• s is for Safe goods. Look for the CE Mark on things like toys and electrical goods – this is the symbol used to show the goods have met the required safety standards.

• T is for time to change your mind.

You now have 14 days to change your mind about many goods you buy on-line, so order in good time and you will still have the chance to send them back and order something else if you don’t like what you receive.

46

• M is for manufacturer’s warranty.

Some goods come with a manufacturer’s warranty which you can use if the goods become faulty so keep hold of them. Remember though that your contract is with the shop where the goods were purchased so you can still go back to the seller even if you do have a warranty.

• A is for advice. If you need preshopping advice (or help after Christmas) call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.

• s is for scams. Christmas is an expensive time of year and a letter telling you that you have won a lottery may seem like a gift. Just remember, if you have not bought a ticket how can you be a winner? As with all scams, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

Season’s Greetings from

Your Post Office 104 Alexandra Drive Berrylands 020 8399 0567

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› SERVICING & REPAIRS

› MOT’S -

COLLECTIONS & DELIVERY

› HEALTH CHECKS -

LEVELS, LIGHTS, TYRES & PRESSURE CHECKS

is a mobile engineering service that can manage all of your vehicle needs. With over 20 years’ experience at Surbiton Hill Garage, we are passionate about continuing to provide a quality service in the local area, direct to your door.

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Short Story Waking up to Wheezy “Daffers, come quick!” Barry called from the front garden.

“It’s happened again.”

“It’s probably teenagers,” she said calmly. “You know how creative they can be.”

Daphne sighed and lifted the cat off her lap. Snow was falling in soft fat flakes and she had no desire to go outside.

Anyway, she could guess what this was all about. Ever since Barry had bought that eight foot inflatable snowman from a car boot sale there’d been nothing but trouble. Why couldn’t he just have put up some festive outdoor lights like everyone else?

Yesterday morning they had found Wheezy perched on the garden wall in the lotus position, and the night before someone had gaffer taped its hands so it looked like it was clinging to the guttering above the lounge window.

She slowly changed out of her slippers and wrapped a thick scarf round her neck. Through the hall window she could see Barry pacing up and down the drive. She could also see that the space next to the cherry tree where the snowman usually stooped - it couldn’t stand upright because it had several slow punctures - was empty.

“Oh good, you’re here,” Barry said, his hot breath turning to clouds of mist in the air, “it’s sabotage, that’s what it is.”

“What is dear?” Daphne asked innocently.

“Just look,” he said, pointing at the garage door. Someone had arranged Wheezy (for that’s what she privately called the snowman) so that it was pinned beneath the garage door, half in and half out of the garage. She covered her mouth quickly with her hand.

“I suppose that’s someone’s idea of a joke?” Barry said angrily. “I mean, how did they even get the garage door open?”

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“I’ve a good mind to call the police,” Barry said, pulling open the garage door.

“Oh, really?” Daphne had been waiting for this. “And what do you expect them to do about it?

Round the clock surveillance?”

“I could install CCTV,” Barry mumbled.

“It’s hardly worth it dear,” she said quickly, “just for a cheap snowman with a sinister grin, who looks like he’s had a fight with a puncture repair kit.”

Wheezy did have a strange expression. After Barry got it home he attempted to clean it up with white spirit, which had only resulted in smearing the paintwork on the snowman’s face. Now its mouth seemed to grimace. The neighbours had complained that it frightened their kids.

“You’re a light sleeper, didn’t you hear anything?” Barry asked.

“Only the sound of hot air escaping,” Daphne said under her breath.

Barry dragged the collapsing snowman back into its position by the cherry tree.

“Since we’ve had the snowman,” he said, propping

it awkwardly against the trunk, “I’ve noticed that this neighbourhood has really started to go downhill.”

Daphne bit her cheek and looked away.

“I shall have to pump some more air in him,” Barry said, trying, and failing to make the snowman stand up straight.

“Why don’t we simply move him out of harm’s way?” Daphne said finally.

“Do you mean into the lounge?”

Barry asked. “Looking out of the window?”

Daphne shuddered at the very idea.

“No. I mean in the back garden,” she suggested hopefully, “maybe behind the shed?”

“But no one will see him there,” Barry said, “he’s for the whole street to enjoy.” He ducked into the garage to find the foot pump.

Daphne sighed. It seemed the snowman would be terrifying the local residents for another night. But Daphne was a woman of quiet invention. She had plenty more adventures for Wheezy up her sleeve.

By Jackie Brewster

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49

Great Christmas Gifts Buying a book for someone can be a bit of a minefield…

Will they enjoy it? Do they already have a copy? Will you be able to borrow it?

Hopefully our top picks of recent releases will help you to navigate that minefield and get you on Santa’s good side.

Faber Poetry Diary 2016 – Various This is one of those books that you get given one year, and then find yourself buying as a gift for years to come. A weekto-view diary that offers a poem or illustration for each week, the Faber Poetry Diary makes Monday mornings just that bit more enjoyable. The 2016 version includes a wide variety of poets, from Simon Armitage to Wendy Cope, via Dylan Thomas, Alice Oswald, Sylvia Plath and a whole lot more.

The Jacqueline Wilson Christmas Cracker – Jacqueline Wilson Packed with Christmas tales featuring some of Jacqueline Wilson’s best loved characters, this book is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with girls aged 7-11. Tracy Beaker takes a starring role, and there are also appearances from identical twins Ruby and Garnet, along with Hetty Feather and other favourites. There are also festive puzzles, recipes, craft ideas, fun facts and more to keep her entertained long after the latest ‘must-have’ toy has been discarded. Ideally, give it as a gift early on in December, so that the recipient can make full use of the present-wrapping tips and Christmas craft ideas.

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Everyday Super Food – Jamie Oliver No present list would be complete without at least one cookery book, and Jamie Oliver seems to be a favourite with everyone from wannabee Junior Masterchefs to seasoned bakers. With Everyday Super Food, Jamie is making it his mission to prove that lowcalorie, nutritious meals can still be pretty darn delicious.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all covered and there’s something to tempt most taste buds, from spicy ‘Energy Balls’ to ‘Super Tasty Miso Broth’ and ‘Harissa Roasted Aubergine’.

The Lake House – Kate Morton It’s 1933 and a missing child throws the privileged Edevane family into a downward spiral.

Fast forward seventy years and the child’s older sister, Alice, finds herself re-opening old wounds when a police detective starts asking questions about the unsolved case. A real page-turner, this is the kind of book you want to curl up and disappear into on Boxing Day. (It’s also a great one to give as a gift in the understanding that you get to read it once the recipient has finished with it.)

The Three-Year Swim Club – Julie Checkoway Buying for a biography lover?

This inspiring book tells the story of a school teacher in 1930s Maui who wanted to give his under-privileged pupils a brighter future. Soichi Sakamoto set out to transform the children into Olympic swimmers, despite not having any training himself, and the fact that most of the children had never seen a swimming pool. A great read for lovers of tales of triumph over adversity.

The Magical Christmas – Lizzie Mary Cullen Who would have thought that colouring books for adults would have become such a phenomenon? If you know a fan, or are just buying a present for someone who could seriously do with a chance to unwind, The Magical Christmas is a good choice. From traditional gingerbread houses to alternative Christmas days (surfing in Sydney anyone?), each turn of the page reveals a new intricate scene just waiting for pen or pencil to bring it to life. The only difficult part of this gift is resisting the urge to start colouring it in yourself.

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Classical Ballet and Jazz Spring Term begins Saturday 9th January 2016 Winter Workshop on 12th & 13th December 2015 For more information contact: 020 8390 1953 020 8398 2463 / 6140 EMail: balletinsurbiton@aol.com

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the first page - which is surely the equivalent of speed dating?

Not every letter from an ag-pub is an acceptance or a rejection. If submitting sample material from your novel is a first date, the one where you only discuss your good points and NEVER rubbish an ex, a request for a ‘full’ is the set-up for a second date.

Full Steam Ahead Trying to get published is a lot like dating.

Your query letter to an agent or a publisher (increasingly rare in the digital age) is the answer to a literary lonely-hearts ad: Publishing professional would like to meet accomplished wordsmith, on the same wavelength, for long-term relationship.

Traditionally, ag-pubs asked for the first three chapters of a novel but times have changed. It can be the first 10,000 words (never end midsentence!), the opening chapter, or even just

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Sending in the full manuscript can be a fraught time. If you haven’t given equal attention to the whole book - perhaps you’ve only polished the opening chapters - your chickens may come home to roost and leave you with egg on your face. That second date can be a date with destiny.

Don’t assume you’ll get a quick response just because they’ve asked to see the rest of your book. You could be in for a three-month wait, although hopefully not the twelve-month hiatus I suffered - twice. The offer of a contract is akin to a proposal, but before you go gooeyeyed and shout, “Yes!” read the small print.

By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Father Christmas puts his boots on to walk for Charities Exclusive for A Berrylands Companion!

F

ather Christmas, aka John Dodd, is walking for charities again this year. Leaving on the 19th December he will be walking round Surrey until the 23rd to raise money for several local charities, including: Motor Neurone Disease, British Red Cross, Epsom Canine Rescue.

John does at least 5 walks a year, always culminating in his Father Christmas walk every December. As usual he grows his own beard and when we met him recently, it was well on the way to be good and bushy!

Already, John had visited some of the towns and villages in Surrey, raising £500 at least.

This year Father Christmas will leave Surbiton on the 18th December, walking to Russett,Leatherhead, Dorking, Kingston, Ham, Richmond, Shere, Guildford and Ripley. Make sure you go to meet Father Christmas as he goes on his way. If you miss him, please send your donation to one of the Charities and mention John and his walk. ‘Tis the Season of Goodwill, after all.

In the past John has been sponsored by up to 120 stars of the big and small screens, including Joley Richardson, Ian Kelsey, Dame Judi Dench and Bill Nighy amongst them. Ken Dodd has sponsored him and next year John and Ken will be doing a joint walk to celebrate Ken’s birthday.

Amongst local sponsors, C.D.Jennings & Sons have also donated money to John’s collection.

Last year, for his 70th birthday John did not rest, but walked from Surbiton to Arbroath in Scotland, approximately 400 miles!!

Christingle Service 13th 4pm Carols by Candlelight 20th 6.30pm Crib Service 24th 3.30pm Christmas Day Praise 10.30am www.emmanueltolworth.org.uk

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Surbiton Farmers’ Market supports local charities

L

ocal children who have caring responsibilities for family members will soon be enjoying a magical trip to Harry Potter World, thanks to Surbiton Farmers’ Market.

The award-winning market, held in Maple Road on the third Saturday of each month, has supported more than 40 local charities and causes since it began six years ago.

In the last month alone, donations totalling over £7,000 have been handed over, raised from stallholder fees and fundraising activities at the market, including: • £1,995 to Kingston Young Carers for a Christmas trip to Harry Potter World for 45 children who have caring responsibilities for someone at home.

• £2,000 to The Royal Star & Garter Homes towards the cost of dementia therapy equipment at its Surbiton home for the ex-Service community.

Blind for new kit and transport for its lawn bowls team.

Each month, the market also includes a Charity of the Month among its 26 stalls of fresh farm produce and speciality foods. In September, Kingston Beekeepers raised an amazing £542 on its popular stall and the market added a donation of £250 to support its local conservation work, to make £792 in total.

Commenting on the recent donations, Robyn McAllister said: ‘Local charities are at the heart of Surbiton Farmers' Market and we are absolutely delighted to be able to support such a diverse number of local projects through this year's larger donations.

‘We also love getting to know charities through our dedicated pitch at each market and owe a huge thank you to everyone who comes to the market for digging deep and helping us to raise funds for all sorts of fantastic work.’

• £1,500 to Mind in Kingston towards its Wellbeing Wednesdays project offering psycho educational courses aimed at improving general wellbeing.

The Christmas Market will be on Saturday 19th December, though orders for festive fare and foodie gifts will be taken at the November 21st market.

• £1,500 to Kingston Upon Thames Association for the

For info: www.surbitonfarmersmarket.co.uk

GREAT NEWS! ELSA BROWN FLOWERSTYLE has even more beautiful flowers and plants and lots of goodies to buy for Christmas, gifts, decorations and crafts

Lots in our new, big, bright shop at 146 Chiltern Drive, Surbiton, KT5 8LS opposite the Berrylands Pub and just up from Berrylands Station

Come and visit us soon or our web site: elsabrown.co.uk Tel: 020 8399 3975 Mob: 07960 545 532 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Hobbies: Has the Great Pottery Throwdown fired you up? by Kate McLelland

The BBC’s Great Pottery Throwdown finishes in December after its first successful series. Like Bake Off, it has helped the British public to understand more about the creation of artisan products, whether that’s a sourdough loaf or a set of stackable breakfast bowls.

As the series comes to an end, many viewers have been eager to try pottery making for themselves. So if you’re thinking of joining a class, what are the basic things you should know before you start?

IT’s messy!

The two essential ingredients when making pottery are clay and water – combine that with a wheel that spins your wet clay object around, and you get the picture. Be prepared to wear old clothes and shoes, cut your nails, tie back your hair and bring an apron that covers from the chest down!

IT’s noT All AbouT The wheel There are two different

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methods for making objects out of clay, hand-building and wheel throwing. You can use hand-building techniques to create a ‘pinch pot’ by making rolls of clay and combining them into a single shape.

Alternatively make a ‘slab pot’ by rolling the clay into flat slabs to create a square or rectangular shape.

The expression ‘throwing’ comes from the way the clay is thrown onto the centre of a flat, spinning tray (the potter’s wheel) and squeezed into shape as it revolves at speed. You’ll need quite a lot of strength in your hands to do this, as well as patience to cope with those early failures!

IT’s slow When an object is first made it is loaded with water and must be thoroughly and evenly dried out before it is fired. That’s a minimum of a week for freshly made (or ‘green’) objects to become kiln ready.

IT’s A scIence As well As A crAfT A pottery oven (kiln) is not the same as a domestic oven

and an apprentice potter will need to learn how clay and glazes react when heated to high temperatures.

The process of heating clay and glazes to reach their optimal point of melting is usually achieved over two steps. Bisque firing is the first stage, where unglazed pots are heated just enough for them to be able to take the glaze that will give them their final, glossy finish. Once glazes have been applied the pots go back into the kiln for the glaze firing.

IT needs sPAce And InvesTmenT Once you’ve learned all you can in class and decide to go it alone, you’ll need to find space for your hobby.

Consider where you’ll put the wheel and the kiln, where you’ll paint and glaze your pots and where you can leave them to dry. The equipment can be costly – expect to spend between £600 and £2,000 on a potter’s wheel and £1,000-£4,000 on a kiln, and that’s without all the accessories and materials you’ll need to make the pots themselves.

Once again, the BBC has opened our eyes to a craft that has been largely overlooked in recent years. The Great Pottery Throwdown may not eventually prove as successful as The Great British Bake-Off, but at least it has helped us to understand the skill, passion and commitment required to make a simple pottery object that can be used and enjoyed for years.

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QUIZ SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

TWO MINUTE TRIAL SOLUTION 3 LETTERS Duh, Duo, Hod, Hop, Hup, Lop, Old, Pod, Pud 4 LETTERS Hold, Loud, Loup, Plod 6 LETTERS Holdup, Uphold

HIDATO SOLUTION

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

SHIP shop shot soot sort PORT

CODEWORD SOLUTION

WORDSEARCH ANSWER

At Christmas all roads lead to home.

Majorie Holmes

WORDWHEEL ANSWER CONTENT CHILDREN’S PAGE

The colour with the most lights: red (11) The colour with the least lights: green (3) There are a total of 42 lights To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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What’s What’son onininNovember:November:Events Events in November in November

20-3rd 20-3rd Jan: Jan: Winterwonderland Winterwonderland in Hyde in Hyde Park, Park, ice ice skating, skating, bigbig toptop shows, shows, viewing viewing wheel wheel andand Christmas Christmas market. market.

Ice Ice skating skating at the at the Tower Tower of London of London Until Until 4th4th Jan: Jan: Ice Ice skating skating at at Hampton Hampton Court Court Ice Ice Rink Rink 3rd:3rd: Surbiton Surbiton Christmas Christmas Lights’ Lights’ Swtch Swtch On.On. 3 - 5.30pm 3 - 5.30pm Surbiton Surbiton station station forecourt forecourt for for choirs, choirs, farm, farm, Santa, Santa, face face painting, painting, stalls, stalls, station station illuminations; illuminations; 3 - 8pm 3 - 8pm Victoria Victoria Road Road Street Street Party, Party, circus circus acts, acts, magic, magic, stalls stalls bands, bands, bar.bar.

Volunteers Volunteers to to help help in advance in advance & on & the on the day,day, sponsorship sponsorship packages packages to help to help local local businesses, businesses, contact contact chair@surbitonbusiness.com chair@surbitonbusiness.com ForFor updates updates see:see: http://www.turnitonsurbiton.info/ http://www.turnitonsurbiton.info/ 11th: 11th: Santa’s Santa’s Post Post BoxBox in John in John Lewis.

Lewis.

All All children’s children’s letters letters willwill be answered. be answered.

12 -12 24- Dec: 24 Dec: Royal Royal Kingston Kingston Christmas Christmas Craft Craft & Gift & Gift Fair, Fair, Ground Ground All All Saints Saints Parish Parish Church Church open: open: 9.30am 9.30am - 6pm, - 6pm, 7pm 7pm Thurs.

Thurs.

Sunday Sunday 10am 10am - 5pm.

- 5pm.

From From 1st 1st Dec: Dec: 9.30am 9.30am - 7pm, - 7pm, Thursdays Thursdays till till 8pm.

8pm.

19th: 19th: Christmas Christmas Lights Lights Switch Switch On On at John at John Lewis Lewis at 6pm at 6pm with with livelive music. music.

21st: 21st: Surbiton Surbiton Farmer’s Farmer’s Market Market 9am 9am - 1pm - 1pm Maple Maple Road Road 26th: 26th: Thanksgiving Thanksgiving DayDay 30th: 30th: St Andrew’s St Andrew’s DayDay 30 -17th 30 -17th Dec: Dec: School School Choirs Choirs willwill perform perform on the on the 2nd2nd floor floor of John of John Lewis Lewis at 11am at 11am each each day.day.

Events Events in in December December

2-16th: 2-16th:NEC NEC Wheelchair Wheelchair Tennis Tennis Masters Masters at Queen at Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth Olympic Olympic Park.

Park.

Tickets Tickets from from www.wheelchairtennismasters.com www.wheelchairtennismasters.com 5th:5th: Small Small Business Business Saturday Saturday Mum2mum Mum2mum market market Baby Baby & Children’s & Children’s Nearly Nearly New New Sale.

Sale.

2-4pm, 2-4pm, St Mark’s St Mark’s Church Church Hall.

Hall.

Surbiton, Surbiton, KT6 KT6 4LS. 4LS. Contact: Contact: janine@mum2mummarket.co.uk janine@mum2mummarket.co.uk 5 -6th: 5 -6th:Christmas Christmas Countdown Countdown weekend weekend at John at John Lewis Lewis with with lotslots of activities. of activities.

7th:7th: Surbiton Surbiton Arts Arts Group Group Silent Silent Auction Auction andand Christmas Christmas Social.

Social.

Info: Info: 020020 8397 8397 1050 1050 11-13th: 11-13th: BRICK BRICK 2015: 2015: Built Built for for Lego Lego fans fans at ExCel. at ExCel. Book Book tickets tickets 19th: 19th: Surbiton Surbiton Farmers’ Farmers’ Market Market 9am 9am - 1pm - 1pm Maple Maple Road Road GetGet your your Christmas Christmas dinner dinner here! here!

22nd: 22nd: Winter Winter Solstice Solstice 22 -22 3rd - 3rd Jan: Jan: Disney Disney on Ice on Ice presents presents Worlds Worlds of Enchantment of Enchantment at the at the O2 O2 Book Book Tickets Tickets 24th: 24th: Christmas Christmas EveEve 25th: 25th: Christmas Christmas Day, Day, Bank Bank Holiday Holiday 26th: 26th: Boxing Boxing DayDay 27th: 27th: Clearance Clearance Sale Sale at John at John Lewis Lewis 28th: 28th: Bank Bank Holiday Holiday 31st: 31st: New New Year’s Year’s EveEve London London Mayor’s Mayor’s Firework Firework Display Display at London at London Eye, Eye, by ticket by ticket only. only.

Expect Expect travel travel chaos. chaos.

Until Until 31st31st Dec: Dec: Star Star Wars Wars at Madame at Madame Tussauds, Tussauds, Marylebone Marylebone Road, Road, 9.30 9.30 - 5.30 - 5.30 M-F; M-F; 9-69-6 SatSat & & Sun. Sun. From From £22£22 www.starwars.madametussauds.com/london/en www.starwars.madametussauds.com/london/en Until Until 31st31st December: December: Royal Royal School School of Needlework of Needlework Whitework Whitework Exhibition Exhibition at Hampton at Hampton Court Court Palace Palace on set on set days days each each month month & pre-booking & pre-booking is essential. is essential.

Tours Tours 1.5 1.5 hrs,hrs, Tkts Tkts £16pp, £16pp, groups groups welcome. welcome. tel:tel: 020020 3166 3166 6941, 6941, visit: visit: www.royal-needlework.org.uk www.royal-needlework.org.uk

1st1st January January 2016 2016 New New Year’s Year’s Day, Day, Bank Bank Holiday Holiday

New New Year’s Year’s DayDay Parade, Parade, from from Piccadilly Piccadilly at noon at noon to Parliament to Parliament Square Square at 3.30pm at 3.30pm 8th:8th: Deadline Deadline for for February February edition edition of AofBerrylands A Berrylands Companion Companion magazine. magazine.

24-30th: 24-30th: Cervical Cervical Cancer Cancer Prevention Prevention Week Week 25th: 25th: Burn’s Burn’s Night Night 27th: 27th: Holocaust Holocaust Memorial Memorial Day, Day, ‘Don’t ‘Don’t Stand Stand By’By’ 30 -6th 30 -6th FebFeb National National Storytelling Storytelling Week Week 31st: 31st: National National BugBug Busting Busting DayDay Events Events in February: in February: 8th:8th: Chinese Chinese New New Year Year 9th:9th: Shrove Shrove Tuesday Tuesday 10th: 10th: AshAsh Wednesday Wednesday 14th: 14th: Valentine’s Valentine’s DayDay

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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 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.

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 Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Meets 2nd Monday each month at Reform Church, Eden Street 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 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 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 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 Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom:Wednesdays. Learn Regency dancing at St Mark’s Church Hall, Surbiton, 8pm - 10.30pm. Cost £5 per eve. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail. com 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.

Oasis daytime group for over 60s: at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Plenty of opportunity to chat, play games, do puzzles. Meeting, Weds 18th Nov includes a 5 minute Biblebased talk. Meetings on Wednesdays fortnightly, at 2.30pm. Tel: 020 8390 6631.

Open Door: Alternate Thursdays, 2.45 - 4.30pm, 12th & 26th November. 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 Berrylands Women’s Club: Meets every Mon evening, 8pm at Elgar Hall, United Reform Church, Raeburn Avenue, . Talks, slides and outings. Contact: Joyce Johnson Tel: 020 8390 5817 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 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 Scottish Country Dancing: from September to June, Thursdays 7.30pm - 10.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall. Tuition from 7.30. Please note: 17 Dec at Tolworth United Reform Church Hall.

No dancing on 24th or 31st Dec. Burns Supper is on Friday 22 Jan at Claygate Village Hall.

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 Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening from 23rd Sept, 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 If your club or society is not listed on the Local Events, send in the details!!

Why not send in your events for Christmas & New Year for the What’s On page ?

Schools, Churches, & Charity events for Christmas should be submitted to karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 59

COMMUNITY PAGE

Disclaimer

For all gardeners and allotment holders!

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

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.

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

Annual Membership just £2.50, senior citizens £1.50

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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

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

COMMUNITY PAGE Surbiton & District Historical Society

Tues 1st Dec: The Christmas Social meeting with refreshments, a raffle and a wall quiz. An extra £2 is appreciated for refreshments.

Tues 19th Jan 2016: First meeting of the year features a talk by Major Paul Whittle on “Rock Steady - the Story of Gibraltar”.

This meeting starts at 2pm Tues 2nd Feb: Ms Shaan Butters will talk about her book “Writing Kingston’s History” and how it came into being.

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

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION 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 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

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, Londis Ewell Road Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Berrylands Autocare Garage, Cornerhouse Dentist If you would like copies at your business please call me on: 020 8274 0096

Deadlines for submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion 8th Jan for February issue 8th Feb for March issue 8th March for April issue 8th April for May issue 8th May for June issue June 8th for July/Aug issue Aug 8th for September issue Sept 8th for October issue 8th Oct for November issue 8th Nov for Dec/January 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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Index Pleasemention mentionthe themagazine magazinewhen whencontacting contactingadvertisers advertisers IndexPlease

Home & Garden & Garden AllHome Your Garden Needs All Your Berrylands Garden BuildingNeeds Company Berrylands Building Company Berrylands Property Maintenance Berrylands Property Maintenance Carpets4U Carpets4U Chris Mould Plumber ChrisDoors Mould(Kingston Plumber Kitchens) Dream Dream Doors (Kingston Kitchens) George Curren Electrical George Curren Electrical Goodroofs Goodroofs James Anthony Anthony KBJames Design KB Design Kevin Robinson Decorators Kevin Electricals Robinson Decorators Leverett Leverett Decorator Electricals M.Duffell M.Duffell Decorator Oven Cleaners OvenWindows CleanersSystems Pro-Fit Pro-FitServices Windows Systems R.J.Tree R.J.Tree Services Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Time4U Time4U Bespoke Wardrobes Wardrobes Bespoke Warmlite Warmlite Will Lord Will Lord William Stallion Electricals William Stallion Electricals Care & Health CareHouse & Health Corner Dental Practice Corner House Dental Practice Chessington Hypnotherapy Clinic Chessington Hypnotherapy Clinic Paula Maple Chiropodist Paula Maple Chiropodist Rest & Relaxation RestCoe & Relaxation Anna Anna CoeChurch Emmanuel Emmanuel Church King George Field Bowls Club King George Field Bowls Club Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom Classes Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom Classes Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Spray Tan Bunny Spray Tan Bunny Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club Yoga Long Ditton Yoga Long Ditton Children & Education Children & Education Mark Davison Mark Davison Margaret Barnes Dance Class Margaret Barnes Dance Class Monkey Music Monkey Rugby TotsMusic Rugby Tots School Fair Grand Avenue Grand Avenue School Fair Christ Church School Fair Christ Church School St Matthew’s School FairFair St Matthew’s School Fair Web Site Design WebWeb Site Design Fresh Fresh Web Veterinary Veterinary Aspen Veterinary Surgery Veterinary Surgery MrAspen Monty’s Fuss & Feed MrProtection Monty’s Fuss & Feed Cats League Cats Protection League

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27 4127 3341 5 33 295 3029 3330 31 33 3231 4332 2943 19 29 21 19 2921 6329 2863 21 28 2321 7 23 257 2725 4127 41 2 13 2 13 13 13 15 5415 51 54 15 51 17 15 7 17 647 13 64 13 7 51 7 4951 51 49 5351 4153 51 41 51 53

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18 17 18 19 17 19

Car Maintenance CarSursham Maintenance Alan Alan Sursham Berrylands Autocare BerrylandsMotors Autocare Community Community Motors K&P Tyres K&PVehicle Tyres Management Walsh Walsh Vehicle Management Food & Drink Food & Drink C.D.Jennings CFC.D.Jennings & MC Stears Greengrocer CF & MC Stears Greengrocer Langley’s Restaurant Langley’s Restaurant Prithi Prithi The Ditton Pub & Restaurant The Ditton Pub & Restaurant Waggon and Horses Waggon and Horses Solicitors Solicitors Lewis-Dick Lewis-Dick Florist Florist Elsa Brown Elsa Brown Accountant Accountant M&B Accountancy Services Ltd M&B Accountancy Services Ltd

42 4542 4745 4347 4743 47 37 4037 3540 21 35 3921 11 39 11 32 32 55 55 9

9

Articles & Editorials Articles &Pages Editorials 60/61 Community Community Pages 5260/61 Kids Page 52 Kids Page What’s On & Local Events Pages 58/59 58/59 What’s On & Local Events Pages 42 Crossword Crossword 5042 Book Review BookTelephone Review Numbers 3 50 Useful 3 Useful Telephone Numbers Gardening by Pippa Greenwood 2626 Gardening by Pippa Greenwood 38 Recipe Recipe 3438 Baking 34 Baking Last Posting Dates for Christmas 6 6 Last Posting Dates for Christmas 46 Trading Standard Advice Trading Standard Advice 5446 Charity Walk 54 Charity Walk

Want To Advertise Your Business?

Want Tothere Advertise Business?

Just because is already Your an advert for a Just because there already similar one, please dois not think an we advert will notfor a similar one, please do not think we will not take your advert! takeare your There soadvert! many businesses, trades and There that are so businesses, in trades and services aremany not represented services that are not represented in

A Berrylands Companion A Berrylands Companion From as little as £33 a month your advert as little a month your advert canFrom feature here as for£33 a year! feature a year!will ensure it is Ancan email with here yourfor artwork An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured. featured.

So What is Stopping You? So What is Stopping You? Call Now! Call Contact Now! Karen:

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

Magazine Magazineprinted printedbybyWarwick WarwickPrinting, Printing,Warwickshire Warwickshire

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

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