June 2017 issuu 119

Page 1

Month: June 2017 Issue No: 119 Independent monthly community news and business directory for KT5 & KT6

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

Inside this issue:

* New Advertisers * Sponsors wanted * Listing for What’s On and Local Events expanded * Recipes, Articles & Quizzes * And more.........


Cosmetic , Specialist And General Dentistry • • • • • • •

Cosmetic Dentistry Family Dentistry Invisible Braces Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentures Facial Rejuvenation Sedation for Nervous Patients 0% NO

FREE

CONSULTATION

DEPOSIT FINANCE

1/2 PRICE HYGIENIST

WITH NEW PATIENT HEALTH CHECKS

020 8399 1291

E: surbiton@confidentalclinic.com www.confidental-surbiton.com

2

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Hello Readers

D

o you take the time to watch the wild life in your garden, if you have one? Perhaps you have feeders up for the birds, as we do. That in its self can be entertaining. The squabbles between the different breeds, the contortion acts by squirrels or larger birds ..... and the noise!!

Each month, as I prepare the layout for the next edition of the magazine, you can be sure that I am left with some empty spaces.

Perhaps you are lucky enough to have other wildlife visiting. We have foxes living at the bottom of our garden and they come out to play on the lawn. See the piece on them, further on in the magazine.

But when I try to reconnect with previous enquirers desperate to advertise their business, and I do not get any response, it can be disappointing. And a loss for them.

The most annoying event for most people I am sure, is when you arrange to have a delivery or someone is supposed to visit for a meeting or service, and they don’t turn up. You have waited diligently, and then have the less than appreciative view of them, to say the least. I could name a couple of courier services that leave notes, but not the delivery. Especially when we are in, working. Another day perhaps.

This can be due to advertisers not being able to get their artwork ready in time, or I just don’t have enough advertisers!!

I hope that you are gearing up for Summer, and the weather improves.

Best wishes, Karen

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

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 8547 4630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 020 8541 1212 101 999 111 08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 0844 335 1801

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

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

A Berrylands Companion

18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk www.berrylands-companion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

3


Get involved, Sponsor a page!

E

ach month requests are made to include a club or society on the ‘Local Events’ page. In fact, so many are listed now, that it runs to two pages! Details also come in with dates of events for the ‘What’s On’ page. These are all free at the moment. And that’s not including the charities or schools, etc, that want an advert designed for their event and featured free.

or any of the other quizzes Recipe or Cake & Bake pages Children’s Quiz page Or there might be a page that really interests you and you might want to consider sponsoring that. Call me 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk The next magazine will be for July/August and the deadline is by the 8th June.

So the search is on for businesses or companies, or even kind hearted readers who might be willing to sponsor a page, or even a quiz, or perhaps be prepared to sponsor the school or charity advert.

This is a way for you to become involved in your local magazine, A Berrylands Companion. Thank you.

Would you be interested? A small box could be included with your details or logo. There would be a small charge. You may like to sponsor one of the pages on a regular basis.

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

If you know that your child’s school is going to advertise, or your club or society is planning to advertise an event or regular meetings, perhaps you could offer to sponsor that entry or advert? If you have a local business, you could think about offering a prize as well for one of the quizzes. The pages up for Sponsoring are: Community Pages What’s On Local Events Index Mini Cryptic Crossword Wordsearch

4

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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 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 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


FREE FITTING & MOVING OF FURNITURE

Over 40 years experience Small, friendly, family run business (Father and Daughter) based in Epsom

Over 900+

Customer reviews www.checkatrade.com/Carpets4U

We bring 100’s of samples & colours to you, all at competitive prices

CALL HOLLY FREE FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

0800 999 1900 www.carpets4u.co.uk Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

5


Finance

By Ann Haldon

Different Types Of Holiday Insurance: Are You Fully Covered?

Buying holiday insurance can sometimes take a back seat when you’re planning to get away. It’s an important investment in your health and safety, however, offering protection and reassurance if something goes wrong when you’re a long way from home. The cost of holiday insurance depends on a number of factors including your age, the length of time you’ll be away, whether or not you’re travelling alone, and the types of activity on the agenda. A comprehensive ‘standard’ policy generally covers the following, although policies do vary: • Holiday cancellation or missed departure. • Theft. • Medical assistance. • Emergency repatriation. • Baggage loss or delay. • Other lost or damaged items. • Personal injury. So what other types of holiday insurance are available, and which might be suitable for you? Single trip/annual or multi trip If you only intend to take one break during a 12-month period, a single trip insurance policy would be the most cost-effective choice as long as it covers everything you need. Annual

6

or multi trip insurance is more suitable if you’re going away more than once a year, but there’s usually a maximum allowable duration which is generally 90 days. European/worldwide travel The expense of repatriating travellers from countries outside Europe, or obtaining medical treatment in the USA for example, is very high. Insurance companies have to take this into account when pricing their policies, so if you’re only travelling to Europe the cost should be lower than for worldwide travel. Take care to check whether a specified number of days are mentioned in the policy, as your insurance will be invalid if you exceed this number. Winter/extreme sports A ‘standard’ holiday insurance policy usually contains exclusion clauses relating to winter or extreme sports due to the additional risk of injury. Also, winter sports equipment is expensive, so you’ll need to pay more to cover it against loss or theft. Gap year/backpackers’ insurance Backpackers’ insurance provides cover for an extended length of time away, but there may be limitations specified in the policy, for example the number of times you can return to the UK. There could also be restrictions on returning home before the stated period ends, so it’s important to check the details. Unlike annual insurance where you can go away for several

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

trips during a 12-month period, gap year and backpackers’ insurance covers one extended holiday break. Family policies Family travel policies generally require all those included on the policy to live at the same address, and can be a cheaper option than insuring each family member individually. Some insurers offer higher rates of cover, or even free insurance for children under a certain age. Group travel Groups such as work colleagues, stag and hen parties, or school trips, where everyone travels to and from the same place, can use group travel insurance to save money. Some insurance companies offer one member of the group free insurance as an incentive. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might be tempted to take a chance with your holiday insurance and not disclose it. This can prove to be a very expensive mistake, however, as the cost of repatriation is extremely high. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer policies for those already suffering from a health condition. Although it will be more costly than buying a standard policy, it’s impossible to put a price on peace of mind while you’re away. www.moneysupermarket.com/ travel-insurance/policy-types/ www.travelsupermarket.com/ en-gb/travel-insurance/medicalconditions/ www.askfinancially.co.uk/ travelinsurance/types-holiday. htm

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


Taxation advice and guidance to local businesses Taxation advice and sole traders and guidance to for more than local businesses 15 years. and sole traders for more than 20 years.

• • • • • •

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

• Book Keeping Services Contact Mark Baker Contact Mark Baker 020 3044 2747 020 3044 2747 07909 703463 07909 703463 Email: markbaker@mbaccountancy.co.uk Email: markbaker@mbaccountancy.co.uk

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

7


YONE ER

M

E

EV

E E R F

BER

W E LC O

ANDS L RY

7 1 20 Sunday 2nd July 11am — 3pm

The Old Surbiton Lagoon | Stirling Walk KT HQ

BBQ | Bar | Inflatables | Games | Scout skills workshop Music & entertainment | Local cra s & stalls | A fire engine & much more still to be announced Follow us! @BerrylandsFest

8

Organised by Berrylands Scout Group

For any organisations or businesses that want to be involved, please contact John Sweeney 07702 300167

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Fruiterer & Greengrocer

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

Fruits in Season Melons, Gala, Orange Flesh & Watermelon All Berries, English Strawberries & Raspberries Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines,Flat Peaches First of outdoor Rhubarb, UK New crop NZ Cox & Royal Gala Apples

We have the following available: Dairy products, milk, cream, yogurt, cheese and fresh bread daily

Vegetables in Season Broccoli, Cauliflower, Bunched Carrots, Peas, Rainbow Chard, Spring Cabbage, Broad Beans, Corn on the Cob, New crop New Potatoes, Jersey Royals, First English Mixed Tomatoes Baby Plum & Cherry Vine Tomatoes

We can supply any items for your special occasion - 24 hours notice required. Please contact us to discuss your requirements: Tel: 020 8399 5550

Daily delivery & 24 hr answering service. All types of restaurants, bars, cafes, schools, pubs, nursing homes and deli bars supplied.

Free Local Home Delivery Available

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

9


T

he restaurant is gearing up for the Spring/Summer season with enthusiasm, and freshly grown produce from their own private allotment.

become firm favourites among diners. Other highlights include the surprising Hickory smoked salmon, and the zesty lemon tart, a classic, and a refreshing finish to any meal.

Langley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar has been a staple of Surbiton life for nearly 4 years, with locals flocking there for the robust and enticing menu choices, and fine selection of wines and cocktails. Langley’s thrives in the community, as the building has done for since 1893, and continues to source fresh, local ingredients when crafting their menus. Moving into the Spring and Summer months, the chefs are excited to cook once again, with with vegetables ,herbs and micro herbs from the restaurant’s own private allotment (pictures from throughout the growing season) The new menu launched at the beginning of April with the amazing spiced rack of lamb paired with saffron mash, braised carrots and a curry emulsion; the Waldorf salad, fresh and crisp with creamy avocado and apple panna cotta, topped with crunchy toasted walnuts; the delicious scallops with bacon; and the chocolate c o f f e e mousse for dessert, with coffee jelly and cacao, to name just a few. All have

10

The seasonal change also brings about the busiest time of the year for Langley’s upstairs, private function room. The beautifully restored venue successfully plays host to weddings, events and parties throughout the year, and will now be opened to the public for the first time on the last Friday of each month. The launch of this monthly event, alongside the new menu in April, saw exquisite Indian tasting dishes from the kitchen, and the upstairs venue perfect for a chilled, lounge feel with live music until late. The original features in this spacious, airy room add to the atmosphere of sophistication and style; it makes for the perfect environment to enjoy the chefs specially created tasting menu. It’s an exciting season to eat at Langley’s.

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Wednesday

Ladies Night

0208 390 7564

Enjoy a night out with the girls

Free Wine all night with your meal

3 course meal ÂŁ25 www.langleysrestaurant.co.uk

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

11


Bolognese Meatballs Serves 4

Ready in 50 minutes

These delicious homemade meatballs are flavoured with basil and oregano then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve with spaghetti for a classic Italian supper, or for a change pile on top of boiled rice or steamed couscous.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

400g lean minced beef 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil 1 tsp dried oregano 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp virgin olive oil 500g carton passatta (sieved tomatoes) 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste 1 tsp sugar 400g spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve Fresh basil sprigs, to garnish

TIP

Give the meatballs extra flavour by adding some chopped black olives, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese or 2 tsp drained and rinsed baby capers.

12

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Put the mince, basil and oregano into a food processor or blender with half the chopped onion and half the crushed garlic. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then process until almost smooth. Divide and shape the mince mixture into about 28 small meatballs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently until browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the onion and garlic to the pan and fry for 5 minutes. Pour in the passatta and add the sundried tomato paste and sugar. Bring to the boil. Return the meatballs to the pan and stir in 150ml water. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding a little more water if necessary. Season to taste. Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of lightly salted water for 12 to 14 minutes or according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Serve the meatballs and sauce with the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


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

Serving ServingSurbiton SurbitonSince Since 1962 1962 ..

Proud ProudSuppliers Suppliersof: of: Scotch ScotchBeef Beef ScotchHighland Highland&&Romney RomneySalt SaltMarsh MarshLamb Lamb Scotch FreeRange Range&&Gloucester GloucesterOld OldSpot SpotPork Pork Free FreeRange RangeChickens Chickens&&Ducks Ducks Free Balmoral&&Royal RoyalDeeside DeesideVenison Venison Balmoral Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkeys Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkeys OwnMake MakeSausages, Sausages,Burgers Burgers&&Kebabs Kebabs Own

OpeningHours Hours Opening TuesdaytotoThursday Thursday Tuesday 8.00am am––5.30 5.30pm pm 8.00 Friday Friday 8.00am am––6.00 6.00pm pm 8.00 Saturday Saturday 7.00am am––4.00 4.00pm pm 7.00 Sunday&&Monday Monday- -Closed Closed Sunday Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite Sainsbury’s Local) or call us to place Sainsbury’s Local) or call us to place an order on 020 8399 4870 an order on 020 8399 4870

For more information For more information view our website view our website www.cdjenningsandsons.com www.cdjenningsandsons.com

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

13


Cake and Bake Apricot Jam Swiss Roll Great for a teatime treat, this light sponge cake is best eaten on the day it’s made. For a chocolate version replace 25g of the flour with 25g sifted cocoa powder.

Ingredients: • 100g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling • 3 large eggs • 100g self-raising flour FILLING • 100g unsalted butter, softened • 225g icing sugar • Few drops vanilla extract • 6 tbsp apricot conserve

Serves 8-10 Ready in 40 minutes, plus cooling time TIP

Use any fruit conserve you like or try lemon or lime curd for a really tangy filling.

14

1. Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas 6. Lightly

grease a 33x23cm Swiss roll tin and line the base and sides with baking paper. Lightly grease the baking paper. 2. Place the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk with a hand-held electric whisk until the mixture is very thick and pale and the whisk leaves a trail when lifted out – this will take 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Sift the flour over the whisked mixture, and gently fold it in with a metal spoon until just incorporated. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin, tilting it gently to make sure the mixture spreads evenly into the corners. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the sponge is pale golden and springs back when lightly pressed with your fingertips. Whilst the cake is baking, place a sheet of baking paper on a clean damp tea towel and sprinkle with 2tbsp caster sugar. 5. Quickly invert the hot sponge onto the paper and peel off the lining paper. Trim the edges of the sponge and roll up firmly from one short end with the paper inside. Leave to cool completely. 6. To make the buttercream filling, beat together the butter and vanilla extract then gradually beat in the icing sugar until smooth and creamy. 7. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the paper. Spread the buttercream over the sponge then spread the apricot conserve on top. Gently re-roll and serve sliced.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


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

2017

Disclaimer

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

Annual Art Exhibition Saturday 24 June 2017 10.00am - 4.00pm Berrylands Christian Centre 41 King Charles Road, Surbiton, KT5 8PF

Admission Free On display will be works in a variety of mediums. All works are for sale Refreshments Sponsors: Soroptimist International

Parker Promotions

Plant Sale

Blanton Arts

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

15


Use The Summer Months To Help Your Dog Become Fit And Healthy

PETS

As we all know, it’s very easy to put on weight during the winter without even realising it. The same applies to your dog, who might currently be displaying a larger than expected stomach - but it’s easy to help them lose weight and become fitter.

play into their exercise regime will work wonders. You can build a home-made agility course using large boxes and tubes, or buy the ready-made versions from pet stores and supermarkets. Hide and seek, or playing ball games on the beach will also be well received.

It’s not always obvious that your dog is gaining weight though, so it’s a good idea to have regular checks using your vet’s scales. Taking photos of your dog every few weeks during the whole year will also reveal any additional poundage.

Portion control Exercise plus careful control over how much your dog eats is a powerful combination for losing weight. It’s so easy to lose track of their food intake during a day, but choose a good quality food that will be easily digested.

So what else can you do to help them shed their excess weight during the longer days of summer?

Help from your vet Most vets run weight-loss clinics which are useful if you also have any health concerns about your dog. The vet can offer valuable advice, and make sure you’re giving them the correct food.

Not just walks Variety is the key to faster weight loss, and incorporating

By Ann Haldon

As well as providing a wide range of pet sitting services (from doggy day crèche, rabbit and guinea-pig boarding, and home visits for cats), we have now teamed up with Lily’s Kitchen to distribute their award-winning brand of dog and cat food in the local area. To take advantage of our great offers, simply download our app and click on ‘Lily’s Kitchen’ for the full range of pet food. Our fantastic new reward programme means that, with every order you place, we will automatically send you a surprise gift for your fur baby! Every order, Every time, Simple! We are also offering a 20% discount off the retail price on your order of any Lily's Kitchen product (Terms and conditions apply). To enquire about any of our services give us a call on 02082417525.

16

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Mini Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Two left – a novel problem (7) 7. Deer biting second tongue (5) 8. Great tin seen differently (7) 9. Informer giving real tips to fool (5) 11. Note added to awful lament (5) 12. Swan following Dutch yes man (5) 14. Marvell’s first poetry forms (5) 16. Odd garnets moved around (7) 18. Grumbler’s confession about a girl (5) 19. Cor, Hal’s turned academic! (7) Down 1. Up to 500 treated Gino (5) 2. Old filling an alien allowed (3) 3. Sign in sum sorted out (5) 4. Solitary leader out in front (5) 5. Put up with poor, rude Ned (7) 6. Edge inside like beginner (5) 10. One may get a lot from this! (7) 12. Trousers in France, I answer shortly (5)

HOME WANTED! WINSTON

13. One entering low grounds (5) 14. Stuff written about hot month (5)

15. Complete female (the queen) (5) 17. Garden I loathe some love (3)

Aspen Veterinary Surgery

Your pet matters to us

Winston is a loveable rogue. He came into care as an unneutered stray, who had been living in a lady's back garden. She couldn't have him inside as her own cat didn't like him but as the nights were bitterly cold and he had no shelter, the lady called us and he came into our care. Winston found it hard at first to be confined, but now he has turned a corner and is brilliant. He just loves to be stroked and can't get enough of it! He loves his food, catnip toys and is a very friendly and talkative chap. He's neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and is ready to find his forever home. He would like a family (sorry no very young children) with someone at home at least part of the day. If you would like the joy of Winston in your life, please call Sue on 020 8390 3165. Epsom Ewell & District Branch http://www.epsom.cats.org.uk If you cannot adopt a cat but would still like to help us please go to https://www.justgiving.com/Epsom-Cats-Protection

As we have around 7,000 cats and kittens in our care at any one time, we will find you the perfect feline friend. www.cats.org.uk Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 17


A Foxy Tail

F

or the last couple of years we have had a fox come into our garden, and it appears he has made his home at the back, in the brambles. Over time, he has accepted us and has taken to being fed by hand, mostly my husband’s. Mr Fox has had his injuries and wounds, but has healed and recovered. He has it seems, also been visiting other local gardens for food, but no-one else has hand fed him. We have cats and they mainly accept him, though occasionally try to sniff his tail, or try to divert some of the food their way. Mr Fox is tolerant of them. Sometimes we have seen another fox or possibly two, but they are smaller have different markings and very wary of us. Perhaps they are his wives?

each. They pranced around him, darting back and forth to the brambles again. Then suddenly, there was another cub, larger than the others, and its coat was more resembling Mr Fox. They all played together in the sunshine, and we watched for sometime. It was a privilege to watch the family together at play. The cubs w e r e curious about us standing at the other end of the garden and made a few daring darts away from dad towards us, but pulled back after a few steps. It was delightful! A little later in the evening Mr Fox was relaxing alone in the garden, when one of the vixens came darting out and danced around with him,. They called to each other and bowed down and rolled over in front of each other. A couple of the cubs came out and ran around them.

In the last few days, during the sunny days, he has been stretched out on the lawn, apparently without a care in the world. But, the other day, he made a little call and there scurring out from the brambles came, not one, not two, not three but four tiny cubs! They were the colour of the earth and each about the size of a small Chihuahua. They bounced over to Mr Fox and he carefully sniffed them and washed them

18 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Then, almost as soon as it started, it ended with the vixen and cubs running back into the brambles. Now we know why he has been sitting right on our back door step, looking into the kitchen. He has a not so small family to feed!!

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


R.J. Tree Services & professiona R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional staff arequalified dedicated the highest levels of service in every in to the highest levels of service intoevery instance. R.J. are Treehappy Services qualified &–professional to give advice on all your We are happy to give advice – onWe all your arboricultural queries. to the highest levels of service in every in

• Free quotes advice – on all your • Free quotesWe are happy to give • Fully NPTC qualified • Fully NPTC qualified Tree quotes reductions / cro are dedicated • Tree reductions / crown thins•• Free Tree felling •• Fully NPTC qualified e. • Tree felling are dedicated R.J. Tree Services providing excellence locally for 15 years. • Stump removal / cro • Tree reductions • Stump removal cultural queries. e. Hedgeworks •• Tree felling • Hedgeworks Our qualifi ed & professional staff are dedicated to the • Tree surveys & repor • Stump removal • Tree surveys & reports icultural queries. highest levels of service in every instance. • Hedgeworks • staff Tree surveys & repor R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional are dedicated ins Freelevels Quotes to the highest of service in every instance. hins We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural queries Tree Felling

• Free quotes • Fully NPTC qualified • Tree reductions / crown thins Stump Removal • Tree felling • Stump removal Hedgeworks • Hedgeworks • Tree surveys & reports Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Look

out for the r Look out for the red tree!

r.J. tree Servi ces, Berrylands, Surbiton 020 8 r.J.tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton 020 8399 0103 07980 903 881 Visit our website for information Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work and videos o

Tree Surveys & Reports

r.J.tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton 020 8 www.rjtrees.co www.rjtrees.co.uk Visit our website for information and videos o

£10 million insurance liability cover

tree! tree!

03 07980 903 881 103 07980 881 spects of our903 work spects of our work

k

Look out for the r

www.rjtrees.co

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

Look out 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

r.J.tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton 020 8399 0103 07980 903 881 our websitewhen for information andAdvertisers videos on all aspects of19 our work Please mention Visit the magazine contacting


Outdoor Relaxation by Pippa Greenwood

When you get back from a hard day’s work, or when you simply find the time to escape into the garden after a stressful day, then it is essential that you are met by a soothing environment. It is all very well creating a garden with lots of straight lines and wacky bits of metalwork, but if you want to really let your garden take the strain, then concentrate on a truly relaxing feel that will help you to unwind as you enjoy soft shades and textures of foliage, delicate flower colours and fabulous perfumes. Plants have an amazing ability to calm and soothe even the most wound up, stressed out mood, but what should you grow if you really want to create that perfect place to relax? Start by considering a fairly gentle perfume, like that produced by many roses. One of my favourites is ‘Felicia’.

20

For something slightly richer try ‘Tuscany Superb’. If you have an arch, arbour, pergola or even a spare bit of fence then train a honeysuckle over it. The combination of its delicately coloured flowers and fabulous perfume will cheer you up and you can even enjoy it in the early evening as you sit back and relax with a cup or glass of your favourite tipple! A sowing of night-scented stock will produce plants that, although not flamboyant, have the most heavenly rich perfume – also perfect for early evening relaxation as this is when the flowers open and produce wafts of really sweet scent. If you have space for a good-sized container plant, then grow your own Datura or Brugmansia. Commonly known as the angel’s trumpet and although potentially very poisonous, these plants

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

produce large elegant trumpet-shaped flowers with a wonderful perfume. Think too of plants with a relaxing feel to them, such as the grass Chasmanthium latifolium. This grows to a height of about 45 cm and carries its flattened seed heads in vast numbers above the leaves. They move about delicately in the breeze and are almost impossible not to stroke. Grow some Artemisia abrotanum - its soft, wonderfully grey-green leaves will make you want to touch it, and when you do so you will find it also releases a lovely aroma. The perfume of lavender is often used in aromatherapy because of its calming, soothing properties, so what could be better to grow in a sunny spot with free-draining soil than some lavender? You can even use it to edge a border providing conditions

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


are right, and it not only has lovely, slightly furry or feltlike foliage but also produces that heavenly smell. Take a look at some of the grasses and bamboos that are available; the rustling sound of bamboo foliage as the stems sway gently in a breeze, or as you brush your hand against them, is one of the most relaxing sounds I know, and for smaller spaces many of the grasses form wonderfully rounded and quite irresistible clumps of foliage. When it comes to choosing favourite flowers, don’t forget that although some bright colour is a good way to cheer you up, if you want to relax then concentrate on

cream, white and, of course, the pastel shades. There are a host of these available for annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Don’t forget that green is known to be a relaxing colour too, so ensure that you include plenty of plants with good foliage and, in shady areas, you may find that a miniature grotto-like patch planted up with ferns is just what you need. And finally, before you rush off to the garden centre to buy some of these truly magical ingredients, just a reminder that water in a garden always helps to relax you. Whether it’s a small pond or perhaps a bubble fountain, position it where you can hear that sound

of moving water or enjoy watching the wildlife as it comes to feed and drink – and before you know it you will find that you want to move the whole of your life into your garden. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of favourite gardening items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls and copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

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

07714 592 650

020 8390 7151

Mem.allyourgardenneeds@gmail.com

* Maintenance * Lawn mowing * Hedge pruning * Driveways

* Landscaping * Decking * Fencing * Patios

Or one off garden tidy

For a friendly, reliable service at a competitive rate call Mem For ALL Your Garden Needs

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

21


Home & Interiors The Art of Display

By Katherine Sorrell

all the difference to an effective display. For serious collectors, carefully positioned ceilingmounted spotlights are the ideal solution, but if you experiment with an adjustable lamp you may well be able to provide a more informal (and much cheaper) quick fix for a simple domestic display. Think about where the light comes from: directly above, behind (for a dramatic silhouette) or from the front, and how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the bulb should be in order to enhance colour and texture. Would you like to create displays of your treasured possessions that show them off to their finest advantage? Our top ten tips are sure to help. 1 Consider what you are displaying, whether it is sturdy or fragile, valuable or everyday. Do you wish to admire it from afar and protect it from sun, dust or accidental damage? Or are you happy for it to be close to hand and perhaps picked up at will? You may find you can manage with a display on a mantelpiece, shelf or table top, or you may wish to invest in a specially designed cabinet, case or stand. If you opt for specialist display furniture, whether that is a former shop fitting or a set of glass shelves, choose pieces that complement the style and proportions of your home. 2 Good lighting makes

22

3 Group objects together and they can be much more than the sum of their parts. Even the most unprepossessing of objects carries a certain weight when displayed in a group, and this sort of display is also ideal if some of the pieces are not exactly perfect, or if the items are not of great individual value or importance. A group display may consist of almost anything: a series of Delftware plates or tiles, a dozen framed silk headscarves, pebbles in graduating sizes, mirrored baubles, wooden shoe lasts, a row of modern chairs in sorbet shades…you can have great fun with almost anything you decide to gather together. 4 Displays of identical pairs of objects are probably the most simple, and often the most visually powerful, of all. Whether it’s a pair

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

of silver candlesticks or two raffia-wrapped lamps, there’s something extremely pleasing about this mirroring and doubling. The only catch is that you must ensure your objects are placed evenly and symmetrically. If you’re not confident about judging by eye, there’s nothing wrong with using a tape measure! 5 When choosing a group of different objects to display, look for ways in which they will work together, whether by colour, size, shape, texture or proportion. It is important to have something that creates coherence, and don’t forget that what you leave out can be as important as what you put in. However much you love them, some objects may simply not fit well into the group. 6 Every time you display more than one object, you need to make a decision whether to opt for symmetry or asymmetry. It depends partly on the items you have and partly on your home and personal taste. Symmetrical displays tend to appear more classical, considered and refined, and suit traditional rooms; the Georgian period, for example, tended to emphasise the rules of symmetry. Asymmetry, on the other hand, is ideal for making an impact in a contemporary space, and can seem more spontaneous and intuitive. 7 Less can often be more, and a great way to make

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


an impact with a display is by showing off a single, fabulous, huge object. Bear in mind that a large item needs space around it in which to ‘breathe’, so ensure it doesn’t overwhelm its surroundings by giving it plenty of wall, floor, cabinet or shelf space, and don’t place furniture too close. 8 Small objects can be lost among the general furnishings of most rooms, so be particularly careful about how you display them. Try to ‘frame’ them within their surroundings – maybe in a specially designed cabinet or niche, on a side table rather than a coffee table, or on a plinth rather than a long, wide shelf, and they will demand an appreciative glance and a closer look. 9 Don’t be daunted by the

thought of displaying large groups of paintings, prints or flat objects on a wall. Start by laying your potential group on the floor and assessing how well the elements cohere. Choose the piece that you wish to be most prominent, then surround it with pieces that work well alongside it, perhaps making a larger rectangle of the group, or else setting a consistent line along one side, the top or the bottom. 10 Finally, stand right back and get an overview of your final display. Does it need tweaking? Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things around. Whatever your choice of objects and however you have arranged them, try not to make the finished result overly formal or perfect. This is, after all,

your home and not a gallery, and the only important thing is that you absolutely love what’s around you.

Left Image: Ebony glazed display cabinet, £668.25, Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411; www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Right Image: Pastel lustre vases (set of three), £39.95, MiaFleur: 0116 298 6393; www.miafleur.com

Est 35 YEARS

ROBINSON& SON

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS Wallpapering

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL High Quality WORK AT LOCAL RATES Experienced professional Tradesman

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

020 8399 9803

RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS EMail: robinsonandson@talktalk.net

Ovenclean will transform your oven and put the sparkle back into your kitchen! ✓ Friendly, professional and reliable ✓ Completely safe, eco-friendly cleaning system ✓ No fumes, no mess, no bother ✓ Removes grease, fat and burnt on carbon deposits from: ● Ovens

● Filters

● Hobs

● Grills

● BBQ’s

● Ranges

● Extractors

● Microwaves

● AGA’s

Call Sheree today to book your Ovenclean appointment on

01932 706223 www.ovenclean.com

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

23


O

Don’t miss 3rd to 11th June at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club!

nce again, the prestigious Aegon Surbiton Trophy brings international tennis to Surbiton, with Men’s and Ladies’ tournaments on our superb new grass courts. These were relaid to the highest matchplay standards in September of last year. This is a major Event in the British tennis calendar, reflecting the Club’s importance in the world of international tennis. For the third year running, the Trophy is sponsored by Aegon, with substantial increases in prize money for 2017. PLUS Our Great Community Open Days 3rd – 4th and 10th June, when The Club welcomes all the family! You can try all the Club’s facilities for free, so come along and join us! There’s fun tennis for children, junior matchplay, cardio tennis (heart pumping tennis) and Tennis Express, an easy way for adults to get into the game. And there will be a Schools’ Programme from the 5th to the 9th June. This June, come to Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club for the Aegon Surbiton Trophy and enjoy watching

24

international quality tennis and much more! Hope to see you soon! Best wishes Roy Roy Staniland is Director of Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, Berrylands KT5 8JT 0208 399 1594 www.surbiton.org How to make sure of your tickets and reserved seats for this fabulous Tournament. Don’t delay! Entry is free from Saturday 3rd June to Monday 5th inclusive. From Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th ground passes for ground entry and unreserved seating cost from £9.50*. Ground Entry and Reserved Seats are available from Friday 9th (£12.75*), Saturday 10th (£14.25*) and Sunday 11th (£20.50*) Buy your ticket(s) now at 0844 581 1530, or go to www.surbiton.org/ aegonsurbitontrophy2017. *includes Booking Fee. Some special offers for adults with children.

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


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

Word Ladder

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.

N E W T

Leverett Electrical Ltd

Qualified electrician

Part P registered. All work certified. No job too small. All work considered Quality at the heart of our work

• • • • • ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

P O N D

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Installation & maintenance Rewires Security lighting Fire alarms Central heating wiring

Stuart Leverett Office: 020 8390 0617 Mobile: 07710 123 628 Email:contact@leverettelectrical.co.uk

• • • • •

S O M E

www.leverettelectrical.co.uk

QP advert 1 email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Q

w

25


•Extensions BERRYLANDS BERRYLANDS •Conversions Property Maintenance Ltd •All types of Paving

Property Maintenance Ltd

iPainting and Decorating and Tiling * Extensions *iPlastering Conversions * All types of Paving iHousehold Maintenance and Repairs iBathrooms Fitted and Refurbished Local builders withandover 30 years experience. iCarpentry Plumbing iFlat Packs and Small Jobs

iPainting and Decorating and Tiling Local builders with over 30 years experience. *iPlastering Conversions * All types of Paving Many local customers with excellent references, iHousehold Maintenance and Repairs Marcus &by Sarah Baines viewings appointment Many local customers with excellent020 references, 8390 7549 iBathrooms Fitted and Refurbished viewings by appointment 603a885 Check out 07702 our Check Trade ratings. ders with over 30 years experience. iCarpentry and Plumbing Check out our Check a Trade ratings. iFlat Packs and Small Jobs 71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LR berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

customers with excellent references,

WWW.CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

Tel: 020 8399 6276 No KT5 obligation8LR quotations. References available. 71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, All work guaranteed and fully insured. Em: bbuildco.@yahoo.co.uk

Mob: 07941 374 32

Tel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324 Marcus &by Sarah Baines viewings appointment Check out our new website: www.berrylandsbuilders.co.uk 020 8390 7549 603a885 k out 07702 our Check Trade ratings. berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

Tape Up Your Webcam!

WW.CHECKATRADE .COM,Surbiton, /BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE hiltern Drive Surrey, KT5 8LR Does quotations. your PC or laptop have a webcam built into Mob: 07941 374 324 No obligation References available. it? You should cover the lens with tape whenever All work guaranteed and fully insured. Em: youbbuildco.@yahoo.co.uk don’t need to use it. That’s not our advice; it’s

the advice from FBI director James Comey, who describes it as a simple but important security measure.

It turns out that PC webcams are extremely easy to hack with malicious software, often without anybody realising, and the same software can disable the little LED light that’s there to let you know when the camera is on. There have been multiple cases of people using such software to spy on unsuspecting proof 3 Dec 10-HP.indd 9 PC users, especially women, and while few of us have m: 07905 533 738 Office: 020 3302 1537 to worry about giving away state secrets the thought e: info@sosheatingandplumbing.com that someone might be watching us get dressed isn’t www.sosheatingandplumbing.com something we’re very enthusiastic about. If only we could fix every possible PC security issue with a little bit of black electrical tape.

26

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

11/24/2010


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 17

YEARSss e

in busin

For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226 Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk

View our credentials at

27


Garden of Delights Gadgets to make the outdoors great again

It’s that time of year again: it’s stopped raining for a bit, the sun’s started to poke out from behind a cloud and most of England has had a hosepipe ban for the last five months. It’s summer, and that means spending all of your time outside for no particular reason. There is no shortage of gadgets to brighten up your outdoor life, from solar lights to barbecue boosters, but it’s worth having a think before you spend any money: for example, a set of solar string lights that costs about four pounds isn’t going to be very bright or last for very long. Look out for two things in particular: the size of the solar panel and the number of LEDs. The bigger the panel the more power it’ll grab from the sun, and the more LEDs the brighter it’ll be. Watch out for colours, too: normal white LEDs have a bluish cast, so if you prefer yellow you’ll need to look for “Warm White” LEDs. One of the best things technology can do in your garden is remove some of the drudgery. The Garden Groom Pro looks like a giant caterpillar, but it’s a hedge trimmer with a difference: it hoovers up the cuttings so you don’t have to spend all week sweeping the street. At £79.99

28

it’s not too pricey compared to normal trimmers, and at 3.5kg it shouldn’t break your arms either. While we’re on the subject of trimmers, for just £29.99 the VonHaus Cordless 2 in 1 Grass and Hedge Trimmer can make life easier too: it has interchangeable blades suitable for hedge, grass or shrub trimming, and it moves from handheld to upright with the addition of a single handle and wheel. Technology needn’t be complicated to be effective: Hozelock’s garden watering system is fairly low-tech but works a treat. It’s a modular system that enables you to run watering all around your garden by connecting multiple Hozelock components together, and controllers range from simple timers to one that connects to the internet and can be controlled from an iPhone or Android app. That component isn’t cheap - it’s currently £109.99 - but you can buy it bundled with complete watering kits for around £180, which isn’t bad for an entire garden irrigation system. Every year we ask ourselves the same question: can we afford a robot lawnmower yet? Sadly this year we have

the same answer: not quite. Prices are coming down - the Flymo 1200R Robotic Mower is down to just under £600 this year, compared to an original RRP of £999, but it’s still a little too expensive for us. You may disagree, however: £600 isn’t a lot in the world of premium lawnmowers, so if you’d normally consider a self-propelled petrol mower the Flymo isn’t significantly more expensive - and it’s a lot quieter too. One increasingly important area for gardeners is security: thieves will happily run off with expensive plants, garden furniture or anything else of value. If you fancy adding a camera to keep an eye on things when you’re not around, Samsung’s very clever £125 Smart Home Camera is easy to install and works with computers and mobile devices alike. You can even get it to notify you on your phone when it detects movement, so you can see if it’s a fox or something more sinister. It has audio detection too, which is useful in low light.

Images L to R: Garden Groom Pro trimmer; Hozelock cloud controller; Flymo 1200R robot lawnmower; Samsung Smart Home outdoor camera

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


ALL OF YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. GAS APPLIANCE SERVICING AND REPAIRS, LANDLORD AND SAFETY CERTIFICATES NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL CHRIS MOULD

Phone 07922 246673

E Mail chris@cjmplumbingandheating.co.uk

William Stallion

150 Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 9HF

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

Tel: 07828 796 702

willstallion@googlemail.com

CJM Plumbing and Heating

DOMESTIC INSTALLER

APPROVED CONTRACTOR

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

29


Short Story Isolated Showers As Arlene pushed open the front door a cascade of mail spilled across the mat. She scooped it up hurriedly and placed it on June’s sideboard. Though glad to see that the house was still standing for when June returned from her holiday, Arlene was anxious to check on the back garden. Aunty June had asked her to pop round and water the broad beans while she was away. Arlene had dutifully given them a good soaking throughout the first week, but then the weather had turned gloriously warm. Thanks to a mixture of barbeques and white wine spritzers, she had completely forgotten about the beans. She prayed, for her sake, that they still had signs of life. June was perversely fond of her beans. Each morning, before training, she would whizz them into smoothies. She said they gave her bulk. Forcing open the back door, Arlene strode down the path towards the bean row. Even from a distance she could see that she was saved. The beans were bushy, bursting with life, and the richest shade of green. Arlene silently thanked Reg from next door. To get a closer look she stepped over June’s outdoor bench press and shrieked. An unpleasant wetness rushed over her flip-flops and up her ankles. The entire garden was sitting under two inches of water. “I wondered when you’d be back.” Reg popped his head

over the fence. “It’s had a real soaking, hasn’t it?” Arlene lifted each foot out of the sodden grass and grimaced. “What’s happened?” she asked. “Is it a burst main?” “Don’t you remember?” Reg said cheerfully. “Last week you left the hosepipe on, and it’s still going.” Arlene was suddenly aware of the garden tap fizzing away furiously, while still attached to the hosepipe that snaked its way down the garden. “Why didn’t you come round and turn it off?” she asked furiously. “I thought she wanted it that way,” Reg said indignantly. “You thought June wanted to turn her back garden into the Everglades?” Arlene asked exasperated. “Why would she want that?” “I don’t know, do I?” Reg said. “I don’t like to interfere in women’s business.” A brown duck splashed across the lawn and pecked at the sodden grass. “That’s just the icing on the cake,” Arlene said. “You know how she hates ducks.” “Can’t stand them,” Reg nodded sagely. “After that one cost her the championship.” “Shoo birdy, shoo,” Arlene said. The duck ignored her. “Is she on a water meter?” Reg asked. “Probably,” Arlene said crossly. “This is on you Reg

30 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

- you should have turned the tap off.” “No chance.” Reg put his hands up. “I don’t get involved.” “What am I going to do?” Arlene whined. “This isn’t going to drain away in time, it’s not like I can pull out a plug.” “The sun will burn it off eventually,” Reg reasoned. “She’ll have the greenest garden on the street and then she’ll be happy.” “But what happens when she gets her water bill?” “Then I’d rather not be in your flip-flops,” Reg said pompously. “If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me.” Arlene gave him a withering look. “I’ll tell her you saw the hosepipe running and did nothing.” Reg went pale. “Can’t we just say we’ve had lots of rain?” he suggested. “Won’t she notice that everywhere else is dry?” “We’ll both say it was isolated showers.” “Agreed.” Just then they heard June’s taxi pulling up in the street outside. Arlene looked at Reg in alarm. “But what about the duck?” By Jackie Brewster

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


K B Design

• Architectural Services • Residential + Commercial 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

070 9200 3581

ELECTRICIAN

HP Aug 15.indd 1

10/09/2015 16:32:49

RELIABLE & PROMPT SERVICE FREE VERBAL ESTIMATE 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE CERTIFIED NO JOB TOO SMALL 24 HOUR ANSWER PLEASE RING: 020 8974 2711 MOB: 07929 786 895

Painting and Decorating Roofing and Guttering Plastering and Tiling Household Maintenance Loft conversions and extensions Marcus & Sarah Baines 020 8390 7549 07702 603 885 berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

WWW .CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

No obligation quotations. References available. All work guaranteed and fully insured.

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

31


Inspirational Stories Tales of wartime, refugees and hardships overcome.

Behold the Dreamers - Imbolo Mbue Jende and Neni are firm believers in the American dream and know they can achieve a better life for themselves and their son. Jende works long hours as a chauffeur for the wealthy Clark Edwards and his family, while Neni does care work and studies to be a pharmacist. Then Jende is told his application for a green card has been rejected. As cracks also start appearing in the Edwards family’s lives, it seems the American dream may not be all Jende and Neni hoped for. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea Michael Morpurgo Six year old Arthur is shipped off to Australia in 1947. He’s put to work on a farm and treated as little more than an unpaid servant. All he has left of his life in England is his lucky key, and memories of the big sister who stayed behind. Years later, Arthur builds a boat for his daughter Allie, to take her back to England and find his sister. A powerful story of what it means to be a family, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea is 10 years old this year. Why not lose yourself in Arthur’s story this summer?

32

The Girl Who Beat ISIS Farida Khalaf and Andrea C. Hoffmann ISIS kidnapped Farida Khalaf from her Northern Iraqi village in 2014. Beaten, raped and sold as a slave, the teenage Farida refused to bow down to her captors or to convert to their religion. After numerous attempts, and nearly being beaten to death, Farida eventually escaped with five other girls. Having been granted asylum in Germany, this is her harrowing tale as told to Andrea C. Hoffmann. Goodnight Mister Tom Michelle Magorian This classic tale tells the story of a cantankerous old man who takes in an evacuee in World War II Britain. Tom Oakley is gruff, reclusive and still grieving for the wife and son he lost so many years ago. His ward William has his own demons to battle, including an abusive mother. Together they learn to put the past behind them and trust in each other. When Will is summoned back to London and fails to keep in touch, Tom knows something’s wrong and sets off for the City to bring Will home.

The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah Two sisters in France at the start of World War II. One wants to keep her head down, wait for her husband to come home and keep her daughter safe. The other plans to do everything in her power to fight the enemy. Each will end up making her own contribution, resisting the Nazis and saving lives. As much a tale of sisters as it is of war, this is a truly powerful read that will haunt you for days afterwards. The Girl with Seven Names Hyeonseo Lee Hyeonseo Lee gives us a glimpse into life in secretive and oppressive North Korea. She was raised in a country where the slightest sign of resistance against the government is punishable by torture or death. At 17, Hyeonseo fled to China, leaving behind her family, and wasn’t able to see them again for 12 years. She is now an advocate for refugees and speaks out about the plight of the people who still live in fear in North Korea. Her TED talk has been viewed 4 million times, by people across the world.

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Hobbies Hunters and Seekers, Sign Up Here By Kate McLelland An unusual arts project launched in Scunthorpe this year has reflected the public’s growing passion for interactive games, particularly if they involve solving puzzles to reach a goal. Five gold artworks, with a value of at least £1,000 each, were hidden around the area and the clues to their location were encoded in paintings hanging at the town’s 20-21 Arts Centre. Everyone loves the idea of finding hidden treasure, but opportunities are not just limited to rare events like the Scunthorpe gold hunt. Today it’s possible to take part in well-organised hobbies that encourage you to use your skills to track down hidden items or find concealed information. Treasure Hunts If you’d like to try out a treasure hunt you can buy maps online that will give you the chance to explore an area in your own time, working alone or in a group. Many hunts offer you the chance to get to know an area better, learning facts and exploring places you would not normally visit. At London’s City Hunt (cityhunt.co.uk) you can download a free map to explore less well-known London areas

with intriguing histories, such as Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle and Bermondsey. Unfortunately there are no prizes involved the reward is simply enjoyment and knowledge - but City Hunt plans to run an annual, massparticipation event for which prizes will be awarded.

sign and date the log book, decide whether you want to swap any swag items, replace the cache exactly where you found it then record your visit online. The cache hider’s ‘reward’ is to read the online comments left by the players who find the box.

Large treasure hunts often reach the news. The 2012 Olympics was the backdrop to the biggest ever treasure hunt game, when 466 participants, all ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, worked in 93 teams of five to follow clues hidden on either side of the river Thames.

The Geocache Association of Great Britain (gagb.co.uk) is a good source of information on all aspects of geocaching. It also holds a database of landowners who have given permission for geocache activities, so you can avoid the risk of trespassing.

Geocaching To get involved in geocaching you’ll need a sense of adventure, a GPS receiver (anything from a smartphone app to a standalone device costing several hundred pounds), access to the internet and some form of transport. A geocache is a small, waterproof box containing a logbook, a pencil and a few (usually) low value items known as ‘swag’. You should never remove a ‘swag’ item unless you replace it with something of equal or higher value. When you find a geocache, you must

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

If you enjoy following a trail and exploring new locations, not to mention the thrill of using your detective skills to find something that would otherwise remain hidden, then you’ll be well rewarded by these exciting outdoor hobbies. However you don’t always need the code-breaking skills of Alan Turing or the high-tech powers of GPS to find what you are looking for. On the Scunthorpe gold hunt Rachel Welch of Grimbsy beat the crowd to discover the first object. How did she do it? By ignoring the codes provided and relying solely on her powers of observation!

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

33


34


KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

M o b i l e b i c yc l e S e r v i c e & r e pa i r

Yo u r H o m e | Yo u r W o r k | Yo u r r i d e

rebelwaltz-cyclesolutions.co.uk • I can pick up your bike from your home or place of work then return to you at your convenience. • From a safety check, new build to a full service, all work and repairs will be quoted prior to commencing. • Will contact you immediately if any other defects are spotted so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

Learn to Bowl, Free Coaching, All Ages & Abilities Welcome Bar . Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS

• Free pick up and drop off within a five mile radius of Surbiton.

Jubilee Way,.Chessington, KT9 1TR Tel: 020 8397 7025

Contact: Jon Martin jon@rebelwaltz-cyclesolutions.co.uk | 07514 435855

www.kgfindoorbowlsclub.co.uk

CHESSINGTON HYPNOTHERAPY CLINIC Hypnotherapist, Psychologist

Stress, Weight, Smoking, Phobias, Insomnia, Depression, Lack of Confidence, Panic Attacks, Exam nerves, Migraine and many other problems. Also regression and self hypnosis. Catherine Bayliss D.H.D.P., M.B.C.H.

Principal of the British College of Hypnotherapy Established 1981

020 8397 3146

Are you still ‘thinking about advertising?’ Why? What’s stopping you? Call me: 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk and you could see your advert feature in the next edition of A Berrylands Companion magazine To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

35


Parenting Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep by Kate Duggan

Image: Children’s pyjamas by Panda & Ping, www.pandaping.com

Late nights, early mornings and night-time wanderings can really have an effect on your child’s wellbeing (and your stress levels). If your child is struggling to sleep, these tips might help. Get into a routine According to Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council, a bedtime routine is vital. She told the NHS, “A bedtime ritual teaches the brain to become familiar with sleep times and wake times. It programmes the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine.” Ban screen time before bed The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets and other digital devices has been found to disrupt sleep. A Norwegian study of 10,000 teenagers found that the more time the teenagers spent on electronic devices during the day, the less sleep they got. So keep phones, tablets and TVs out of your child’s room and ban them from being used for at least an hour before bedtime. Get plenty of exercise and fresh air Both exercise and time spent outdoors have been found to promote a better night’s sleep. So take the kids to the park,

36

or play out in the garden in the afternoon. Try calming music Quiet, soothing music can help your child to relax. If you play the same song every night, it can even become a sleep trigger. Good choices include Kesang Marstrand’s ‘In the Land of Dreams’, and ‘Hello Night’, which you can find on YouTube, or play direct on www.kesangmarstrand.com. You could also try recordings of white noise, which some children find relaxing. Cut down on sugar Fruit juice, squash, sugary drinks and caffeine can all stop your child from getting to sleep. Try to make sure they stick to water or milk for a few hours before bedtime. And cut out any sugary snacks, or anything that might cause bloating or trapped wind. Even naturally sweet foods, such as honey, can have an effect on your child’s sleep pattern. Plan ahead What excuses does your child use for getting out of bed in the night? What can you do to make it easier for them to stay in bed? Little things, like a bottle of water on the bedside table, or an extra blanket for when it gets cold, can help to

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

cut down on the excuses. Make peace We all find it hard to get to sleep if we’re worried or stressed. Your child is no different. If they’re upset because you’re cross, or if they’re worried about an argument from earlier in the day, they might struggle to drop off. So try to make peace and keep calm. And take time to discuss anything that might be bothering them, from exam nerves to fall-outs with friends. Find out what works, and stick to it All children are different, and the perfect solution for one might not work for another. Some parents swear by bathing their child before bed; others find a bath wakes their child up. A few drops of lavender essential oil on their pillow helps some children to drop off, while others just dislike the smell. Some children sleep better in complete darkness; others need a nightlight to feel secure enough to rest. As with all parenting, there is an element of trial and error involved, but when you find what works for your child, build it into your daily routine.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


JAMES ANTHONY DECORATORS

HIDATO

Specialising in quality interior & exterior decorations

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.

• 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 ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

RICHEY BRICKWORK

SOFT DRINKS AVAILABLE

£11.95 *Please note King Prawn & Fish Dishes are £2 extra

020 8399 0030/3904

285 Ewell Road, Surbiton

Early Night Special Sun, Mon & Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Create your own 4 course meal from our menu only £10.95 Cash payment only * King Prawn & Fish £2 extra

Book now for Mothers’ Day and Easter

Avoid disappointment, please call to BOOK Early

www.prithicuisine.co.uk

B O T CAL 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: 13 4 letters: 13 5 letters: 2 6 letters: 1

Brickwork Blockwork Garden Walls Structural Alterations Damaged Walls Repaired No job too small 35 years experience Please call Paul

0208 390 0771 07836 200 489

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

37


Beauty Five Minute Fixes by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Great results with minimum effort Nails Inc’s Gel One Coat polish delivers, as the saying goes, what it says on the tin. You get a glossy, gel-like finish, in just one coat. It lasts for ages, particularly if you have time to apply a base coat and top coat. Even on its own, it should stay chip free for a few days. Perfect for a quick pedicure to match your new summer sandals, Gel One Coat also contains biotin to help strengthen your nails. If you’re looking for a suits-all summery pink, try Portobello Mews. Exclusive to Marks and Spencer, Gel One Coat polishes cost £13 each. See www. marksandspencer.com. The phrase ‘flawless’ gets rather overused in the beauty industry, but in this case it really

is well-deserved. The Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System sprays a light mist of foundation to give you an even, smooth base coverage in seconds. The foundation is mixed with air, so you only end up using a few drops, meaning skin doesn’t feel too suffocated. It is quite easy to overdo it, so you’ll want to aim to build up colour gradually. The full Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System comes with a choice of seven shades of foundation and a liquid blush. At £114.99, it’s certainly not cheap, but at least you don’t need to use a separate primer or concealer. It’s exclusive to www.idealworld.tv.

One for the boys Lightly massage Green People’s Organic Homme 7 Active Fix Repair Serum around your face and neck, and under your eyes, for a wealth of benefits. Ingredients have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and firm skin. Rich in antioxidants, the serum helps to fight free radicals, so protects against aging. It also helps to hydrate the skin and absorbs easily, so doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to irritation, acne, eczema and other skin complaints. It’s £17 from www.greenpeople.co.uk.

38 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


Natural skincare brand Optiat has recently brought out a new collection of clay masks. 100% natural, the masks are formulated with ingredients such as exfoliating organic hemp husks, kaolin clay, activated charcoal and essential oils. They only need to be left on for five minutes to give you a deep, gentle clean. Skin feels softer, smoother and fresher. See www.optiat.com. While it isn’t an instant fix, you’ll reap the

Mrs Paula Maple

     

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

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

  

     

            

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

  

  



rewards from Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum pretty quickly nonetheless. 93% of testers saw a reduction in lines and wrinkles in just two weeks. It only takes a minute to massage the serum into your skin before bed each night. The retinol helps to boost cell renewal and freshen skin. I was really impressed with the results; my skin felt softer, plumper and less tired looking within just a few days. I have quite sensitive skin so can’t always use retinol creams, but this was gentle enough not to cause any irritation. (I did get a couple of spots in the first week, but they soon disappeared.) Cost £65 from www.murad.co.uk.

(M.Ch.S. D.Pod.M) HPC Registered Chiropodist & Podiatrist

Tel: 020 8390 7777 by appointment

Ace Complementary Health Centre 304 Ewell Road, Surbiton Surrey, KT6 7AQ www.ace-osteopaths.com

10% Discount with this advert until end of August 2017



Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

39


Health

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

Carers Week: Who Cares for The Carers?

Carers Week is an annual awareness event highlighting the challenges carers face. This year’s campaign runs from 12th to 18th June and focuses on Building Carer Friendly Communities: ‘places that understand a carer’s daily reality and do what they can to make life a little bit easier for them.’ Caring in the UK The facts: • Three out of five of us will become a carer at some point. • Around 6.5 million people in the UK provide unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older relative or friend. • At least 380,000 older carers in England provide 50+ hours of care a week without any help from their local authority; over 100,000 are in their eighties and beyond. • Many carers are unaware of the support and financial help they’re entitled to. “We know that caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support at the right time, caring can also have a huge impact on a carer’s emotional and physical health, work and finances,” says Heléna Herklots CBE, Chief Executive of charity Carers UK. Research shows that caring can isolate carers and potentially damage their physical and mental health and their relationships. It can also make it difficult to hold down a job, even

40

driving them into poverty. Are You a Hidden Carer? “Please don’t call me a carer - I don’t want that title. I am her son, not a carer!” “I pop in to my neighbour every day and do all her shopping and cleaning for her, but I am not her carer. They go in to get her up and washed.” These responses, gathered by a recent campaign to identify ‘hidden’ carers, highlight a common problem. Many carers don’t see themselves as carers if they don’t help someone dress, take medication, move about or go to the loo - or if they’re ‘just’ a husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, friend etc. Yet helping with shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, form-filling or money management is all part of caring, and caring is caring - whoever it’s for. Building Carer Friendly Communities Carers say that support and awareness in their community make a positive difference. The Carers Week campaign wants us to raise awareness in schools and organisations; recommend carer-friendly organisations, services and businesses; and pledge to make our own organisations carer-friendly. If you’re an employer, this could include giving carer employees: • An extended lunch hour, giving them time to eat and check on the person they care for. • Flexibility to work more when they can, while allowing time off for appointments and adapting start/finish times etc. If you’re a GP, hairdresser, physiotherapist or any other professional person offering appointments, could you offer mobile services or make

appointments to fit around carers’ needs? Sources of Support for Carers Help is available, but can be hard to find. The NHS Choice Care Page www.nhs.uk/conditions/socialcare-and-support-guide/Pages/ what-is-social-care.aspx These eight charities support Carers Week. Services they offer include counselling, practical and financial help, respite care and advice. Age UK www.ageuk.org.uk/ home-and-care/advice-forcarers/are-you-a-carer; Tel: 0800 678 1174 Carers Trust www.carers.org/ support@carers.org; Tel: 0300 772 9600 Carers UK www.carersuk. org/help-and-advice advice@ carersuk.org; Tel: 0808 808 7777 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Independent Age www. independentage.org; email: advice@independentage.org; Tel: 0800 319 6789 Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk/ information-and-support/ audience/looking-after-someonewith-cancer.html; Tel: 0808 808 00 00 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm The MND Association www. mndassociation.org/forcarers; email: mndconnect@ mndassociation.org; Tel: 0808 802 6262 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & 7-10.30pm The MS Society www. mssociety.org.uk/ms-support/ for-carers; email: helpline@ mssociety.org.uk; Tel: 0808 800 8000 Mon-Fri 9am–7pm Which? Elderly Care www. which.co.uk/elderly-care/forcarers

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

F Pages 41-48.indd 41

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

41

19/05/2017 00:09:34


China Pandas in Chengdu By Solange Hando Only 1,000 giant pandas are believed to survive in the wilds of China, 80% of them in the south-west province of Sichuan where, in 1987, a Research and Breeding Centre for Giant Pandas was set up in a northern suburb of Chengdu. From the original six pandas rescued at the start of the programme, nearly 100 have been successfully bred, thus increasing the population without affecting those in the wild. Today this awardwinning centre is one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas in a semi-wild environment.

In this natural environment the pandas are not as pristine and white as their cuddly toy counterparts, but despite their somewhat muddy bottoms you can’t help falling in love with those big dark eyes that seem to look straight into your soul. Wander along the trails and you gaze in wonder as you see pandas eat, sleep or play in large enclosures and, if you’re lucky, you may get within feet of a bear. But most of the time they’re far too busy to take any notice, for there’s bamboo to munch, trees to climb and mates and cubs to socialise with.

Not surprisingly, the centre is a popular attraction for foreign and domestic tourists, including Chinese schoolchildren on their annual outing, but those in the know visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups and watch the pandas waking up, all set for their bamboo breakfast. It’s also a pleasant time to wander through the grounds, before the heat sets in, and enjoy over 100 hectares of greenery landscaped to resemble the bears’ natural habitat, with hills and lake, 400 species of trees and some 10,000 clumps of bamboo and bushes.

Besides the giant pandas, you’re almost sure to spot a few members of the red variety, much smaller and often going in pairs, sleeping in the trees, eating, lapping up water or just nosing around. Other rare breeds who found a home in Chengdu include black-necked cranes, white storks and golden monkeys who live alongside song birds, egrets, peacocks and swans.

42

Meanwhile the new-born pandas are cared for in the nursery, so tiny you can’t imagine they’ll ever grow into soft furry giants - but visitors

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

who don’t mind the extra cost can have a peep or even a cuddle. But it is all in a good cause for this is a non-profit organisation and all funds are reinvested into the project. Besides the adoption scheme, the centre raises extra funds through various activities and the sale of panda memorabilia in order to sustain its twofold ambition: conservation and education. Conservation involves studying the behaviour and specific needs of pandas and encouraging breeding, naturally or, if that fails, by artificial insemination. Increasing numbers, they say, is the key to survival and the time may come when some bears born in captivity could be released into the wild. On the other hand, education means raising awareness about the giant pandas’ plight, not only in the Chengdu Centre but also worldwide by working with a range of partners far beyond the borders. Having settled in Edinburgh in December 2011, Tian Tian and Yang Guang haven’t managed to breed just yet but they are doing well and remain the only giant pandas in the UK.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


Plan Your Car Hire This Summer Wherever you holiday, having your own transport can add an extra dimension to your exploring, rather than having to rely on excursions offered by your hotel or travel company. Even if your break is in the UK, hiring can ease the journey there too. A couple of years ago we caught the train to Cornwall; speeding by all the traffic jams was very satisfying and when we reached Penzance we hired a car and continued our journey. But if you haven’t hired a car in a while be aware that, since the abolition of the green paper part of the driving licence, in order to hire a vehicle you will now need to obtain a ‘check code’ from the DLVA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence). You give the hire company this

code to allow them to access your driving licence information. These codes can only be used once, are valid for 21 days and are only for use with licences issued within the UK. If hiring abroad, check that these codes are valid in that country or if your photo ID licence alone is sufficient. If not, you may need an international driving permit too. Finally, if you are overseas, in the words of Michael Caine in The Italian Job: “Remember they drive on the wrong side of the road” (well, the right side actually). Joking aside, I found that once on the highway things were easy; it was at junctions and roundabouts that things got tricky. Oh, and I lost count of times I tried to change gear with the door handle! Enjoy your holiday motoring and have a safe trip there. By Iain Betson

MEGA DEALS!

(Ewell)

TYRE SPECIALISTS

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

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

43


And Another Thing... Tom and the Monkey Wrench by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

I drained my cocoa, turned off the bedside lamp and lay prostrate to await the Sandman’s dusty grip. Judging from the rhythmic breathing emanating from Sarah (My Dearly Beloved), I guessed she might already be far away in the Land of Nod. I was just about to begin my ritual slow motion leg flailing to avoid the cold spot when I heard it. Drip, drip…drip. That blasted pipe under the bathroom sink again. I prayed to the plumbing gods for it to stop. But no matter, Sarah was definitely asleep - or maybe not: “Tom can you hear that? Tom? Tom?” (Shove) “Mmmm…” “Don’t pretend you’re asleep. I told you to get that tap fixed. Did you ring Billy the Pipe?” Wrinkling my nose I buried my face into the pillow, pretending that I’d temporarily awoken, only to plunge back into the inky

44

depths of slumber. “I’ll ring Billy tomorrow, I’m sure he’ll err…mmm…” Then, disaster - the duvet was flung over me like a massive folded omelette and out she went. Now doubly insulated, I squirmed under further, trying to make myself invisible. Through the endless folds of Egyptian cotton I could hear rummaging and shoving. But this was not Lady rummaging (clothes, dishcloths, bag of lipsticks) - this was Man rummaging (metal, wood and screws!). It was against the natural order of things, it was wrong. And then, horror of horrors - I heard banging! Banging? A woman doing man’s work. Humiliation heaped upon shame, I padded out to the bathroom where I stood rubbing my eyes and hovering as Sarah, with only her hind quarters visible, cussed and tutted under the sink. Desperately, I tried to formulate a sentence

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

that would avoid annoying this virgin plumber. “Err, shall I fetch a torch darling?” “You can fetch me a plumber.” Testosterone taking over, I decided to wrest control. “Here, let me see.” Sarah withdrew angrily and, with less than sincere gesticulations, invited me to investigate. “Go on then, let’s get an expert opinion shall we?” Using my iPhone torch, I peered up at the tangle of copper pipes and fittings that looked more like a modern art installation than a method of carrying water to a tap. Gingerly, I massaged the offending joint as a teardrop of water enveloped my finger. “Pass me the monkey wrench.” I commanded. Sarah burst out laughing. “Monkey wrench? Where do you think you are? Screwfix?” Extracting myself from the

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


cabinet I strode downstairs, through the kitchen and into the garage to locate my tool bag. If a job’s worth doing, etc. etc. Opening my bag of man implements I found: some used sand paper, an old biscuit tin full of nails, a toffee hammer, a fountain pen, a packet of tiny screwdrivers and - yes! Unbelievably, the one thing I needed. Triumphant, I bounded back upstairs to attend to my emergency DIY. I clamped my implement onto the offending nut. I pressed and I turned this way and that. Nothing. Eventually Sarah tapped me on the shoulder. “Tom, what on earth is that?” “My monkey wrench.”

“That’s your Auntie Rita’s nut cracker. She’s been asking about it since the Christmas before last. You looked me in the eye and swore blind you didn’t know where it was. You fibber!” “Well she won’t miss it, Uncle Willy’s loaded.” “That’s not the point! Anyway, what possible use is that?” “Well, that thing under there is a nut isn’t it?” “Listen mate, there’s only one nut in this bathroom.” And with that, the dripping stopped. There, sorted. Unfortunately the dripping was replaced by a hiss and then a jet of pressured water that began soaking my

slippers. “Tom! Right that’s it, ring that emergency number - now!” “At three o’clock in the morning? How much will that cost?” “A lot less than a divorce.” Two hours later a proper man in overalls stepped over the pots and pans and in a jiffy resolved the issue. Tired, wet and £135 poorer I retired to bed, joined by Sarah holding Auntie Rita’s prized possession. “Why have you still got hold of those? There’s no nuts need cracking in here.” Clicking the grips together Sarah replied, “Don’t be so sure Thomas, don’t be so sure.”

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

167 Surbiton Hill Park, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8EJ

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

45


I don’t believe it!!

I

have got to an age now, when I feel like I need to vent! A bit like Victor Meldrew.

There are times when we have to stop and say ‘it wasn’t like that in my day’. For example, when I learnt to drive, the highway code was the bible and you had to know it cover to cover. Then it was an actual book, not just on line. As I drive around Surbiton, and Berrylands and Tolworth, I get so frustrated with the poor manners of some drivers, especially when driving along the road with parking on both sides. There’s barely room for one car to pass let alone two going in opposite directions! I understood that one car stopped in a gap between parked cars on their side and graciously, let the other car pass. I do it, if the gap is on my side. Do I get an acknowledgement of thanks? No. Does the other driver stop in the gap on their side? No. I cringe as they carry on driving through, or worse, force me to reverse back to a gap a long way behind me. And don’t get me going on driving up hill, and we do have a few inclines in our area. Surely it is good road etiquette to stop and wait for the oncoming uphill car to pass? Then we get to the parents parking near schools. The zig-zag lines outside the school gates are there as a safety zone, not a place to park just because you are late! By the same token, please, please, be aware when parking by homes with off street parking. Many is the time that we have had to sit in the car and wait for parents to return and move their car, as we can’t actually get through the gap left between the bumpers of the cars parked either side of our drive. Where

46

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

are the drivers? In a school meeting? Having a natter in the playground or further along the road? How do we know how long we have to wait before we barge through! Also, by parking like this, there is a danger that we cannot see if there is any traffic coming when we do reverse out.

© Cteconsulting/dreamstime.com

And talking of parents at schools, can you honestly say that you are in control of your child or children, either on the footpath or getting out of the car? We have witnessed accidents and near misses, when kids in the back seat open their door onto the road, without regard to the traffic passing. Please use the child locks. If you are walking home, try to keep your child with you, don’t send them off running or on their scooter, ahead of you. Children, by their nature do not have any road sense and they often fail to check when they pass driveways, to see if there is a reversing car. They are small and often not easily visible in the reversing mirror. I can’t be the only driver in the area to be exasperated by the lack of road etiquette and or road sense these days. email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

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

36

Your local MOT TESTER AND SERVICE REPAIRER

ALL CARS COLLECTED AND DELIVERED October Crossword (LOCAL AREAS)

Across:

6. Colourless liquid formerly used as an anaesthetic (5) 7. Near or close to (8) 10. Very poisonous metallic element (7) Quotes for 11. Continually repeated over a period of time (7) 12. Silvery-white radioactive metallic element (7) 13. To go into again (2-5) 14. Slow witted or stupid, particularly following alcohol (11) 19. Student who studies intensively in a short period of time (7) 21. Convert ordinary language into code (7) 25. Advance beyond the usual limit (7) 25. Of little substance or significance (7) 26. At the right time of year (2,6) 27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

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

Diagnostics - Brakes - Clutches - Bodywork - Welding etc. Labour Rate £37.50 per hour Telephone:

Office - 020 8397 8654 Garage - 07784 716 567 (For instant attention)

Down:

1. Terminate gradually (5,3) 2. A Sultanate in northwestern Borneo (6) 3. Horologist (10) 4. Slightly open (4) 5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6) Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten 6. Represents or performs as if in a play (6) minutes 8. to find astomany as possible, none of which Come termswords with (7) may be 9. plurals, foreignterm words proper nouns. Shortened for or provocation (5) Each word Returning offimust ce (10) must be 13. of three letterstoorpolitical more, all contain the central Unusually great in sizeonce (7) in every word. There letter and15. letters can only be used After sunrise and before sunset (8) is at least16. one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel. 17. Strong and sharp (5) 18. Having little emotion or sensibility (6) 20. Add to the very end (6) Excellent:22.78The or more words Good: 65 words highest point; culminate (6) Fair: 58 words 24. Compass point (4)

WORDWHEEL

TARGET

T S

O D

October Sudoku

T E A

P

D

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, Surbiton Superstore, Ewell Road, Collinson Optician, Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club. 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

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

47


Motoring

By James Baggott

Kia Picanto

Kia wants to ditch their blue rinse image and target a younger age group with their spiced up city car. The refreshed model teams sporty looks with a more focused driving style to woo young professionals to part with their cash. But are the tweaks enough? Looks and image Kia has worked hard to liven things up, with an extended ‘tiger nose’ grille, smart LED driving lights and a large front air intake. Double wheel arches add flair, there’s a ‘shark’ antenna and the GT-Line specification includes sporty red trim and a twin-tipped exhaust. Space and practicality The Picanto is Kia’s second best-selling model in the UK after the Sportage and is predominantly bought as a second car by more mature buyers. Kia thinks the new technology – like wireless charging for your mobile, parking camera and Apple CarPlay – will tempt younger, first time car buyers. Kia has created a little more cabin space over its predecessor by increasing the

48

wheelbase and reducing the front overhang, but rear legroom is still limited. Up front you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder with your passenger, but there’s ample leg room and the driving position is comfortable. Autonomous emergency braking – which warns, then stops you, if it senses a crash – as well as a smart torque vectoring system that improves handling by braking individual wheels are also available. What’s under the bonnet? Three engine options are offered: a 1.0-litre, 67bhp, 89g/ km, three-cylinder; a 1.2-litre, 84bhp, 104g/km four-cylinder; and a 1.0-litre turbo charged, 100bhp version of the three cylinder. We couldn’t try the latter but both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre are punchy and more than adequately powered. Our pick is the 1.2-litre, which hits 60mph in 12 seconds, tops out at 107mph and returns 61.4mpg. Manual and automatic options are available across the range. Behind the wheel The Picanto will divide opinion. Older buyers looking for a comfortable ride will notice the improved suspension. However, the sprightly engines, quicker turn in and faster steering may make them feel too hurried behind the wheel - exactly what Kia is hoping

younger buyers will appreciate. Overall there’s a noticeable improvement in both ride and handling, largely thanks to reduced weight and a stiffer body, but whether that’s suitable for you will depend on your driving style. Value for money As the time of the test there were few details as to what options will feature on UK models. Kia UK will follow the conventional Kia strategy of one, two, and three levels of specification and the GT-Line, driven here, will slot between two and three. In the GT-Line model we tried at the Spanish launch, a seveninch media screen, wireless charging for mobiles, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay all featured, along with a heated steering wheel and seats, climate control and electric windows and mirrors. Verdict Kia has sharpened up the looks and driving dynamics of the third generation Picanto. In titanium silver or shiny red it looks striking, and will likely attract younger buyers who demand cool technology. However, these tweaks may put off the stalwart Picanto buyer. Kia is confident though, and is promising ‘modest price rises’ over the current range. The entry level model will be no more than £9,000 and the top of the range no more than £14,000. That said, they’ve meddled with a well-known formula and that brings risk – only time will tell if the gamble will pay off.

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


› 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.

› DIAGNOSTICS › ACCIDENT REPAIRS › AIR CONDITIONING › VEHICLE SALES & PURCHASING

Call 020 3816 0441 email info@walshvm.com or visit walshvm.com

WVM_A6ADVERT_2.indd 1

Cathedral

24/07/2015 14:02

Brecon Ripon Bristol Truro Canterbury Wells Chichester Coventry Derby Dundee Durham Ely Guildford Hereford Lichfield Lincoln Newport Norwich Oban Oxford Perth Portsmouth Find the names of cathedrals 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

49


We are interested in your views! Fill in the survey to let us know. Tell us your views about the magazine and how we can improve the content, to make A Berrylands Companion the choice for local services and information How do you use your Companion magazine? Read it all cover to cover? Dip in and out? As a trade directory only? How useful is your Companion? Extremely Very Sometimes Never How long do you keep each edition? Until the next edition arrives A couple of weeks A few days Gets recycled straight away Pass the issue on to someone else

Do you think the amount of local community information and events content is: Excellent Good About right How often have you contacted any advertisers in the Companion during the last year? Once 2 or 3 times 4+ times Never

Which part of the Companion do you enjoy? ........................................................................... ........................................................................... How often do you refer to the Companion? ............................................................................ All the time ............................................................................ Occasionally Do you have any suggestions to Never improve our service? What regular features do you read? ........................................................................... Book reviews ........................................................................... ........................................................................... Community Pages Finance advice Have you contacted the Companion Driving advice by one of the following? Pet care advice Recipes By post What’s On diary By phone Editor’s welcome By the magazine’s Facebook Gardening article By email Home & Interior article

Name: .......................................................................... Gender M

F

Tel No ...................................................................... Address ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ........................................................................ Postcode.................................................. Email ...................................................................... ....................................................................... Which age bracket are you? Under 25 25-39 40-55 Over 55 What people make up your household? Adults Teenagers Children Pets Your details will not be passed to any third party, or used for marketing purposes.

Please post your completed form to A Berrylands Companion, 18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ. Or email your answers to karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk Thank you! June 2017

50

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

Spring header logo.indd 9

1/24/2012 10:51:10 AM


T

Through Their Eyes: Depicting Korea and UK Then and Now

his exhibition celebrates the significant presence of the Korean Community in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and UK-Korean cross cultural appreciation through historical and contemporary artworks. The exhibition showcases over 30 colourful woodblock and etching prints by Paul Jacoulet, Elizabeth Keith, Lilian May Miller and Willy Seiler. These reminiscent prints depict the life, landscapes and events of Korea from the 1920s to 1950s. Alongside these historical prints, 4 British artists (Matthew John Atkinson, Emma Corrall, Jason Verney and Richard Layzell) present their interpretation of contemporary Korea and New Malden in the Borough (where the biggest Korean Community in Europe dwell). 10 Korean artists who live in or have visited the UK, some of whom are local residents in the Borough, are exhibiting new artworks expressing t h e i r experiences and views of life in the UK through different subjects and media. Participating Korean artists are Sarah E. Choi, Eunjung Feleppa, Min Seo, Sunim, Jee Oh, Yujin Kim, Manchul Oh, Sungyoung Park, Boreum Oh, and Jeongmin Moon. The exhibition is generously sponsored by the Han Collection and British Korean Society. Korean art and craft activities for families and children will be hosted at the Museum throughout the duration of the exhibition. Exhibition Dates: 7 July - 30 September 2017 Associated Events Thumbs up It’s Thursday! 1-4 pm

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Thursday 27 July Making collage frames Thursday 3 August Making flowers with Korean traditional paper and tissue paper Thursday 10 August Making Korean traditional paper drums Thursday 17 August Making kites Thursday 24 August Styrofoam printing Thursday 31 August Making flower patterns with straws Saturday 9 & 23 September 2-4 pm Family Special: Korean Art Explore woodblock printing and stencils. Work with a Korean artist to make your own artwork. Suitable for 5+ years old. £3 per child Thursday 21 September 6 pm Korean Contemporary Art Talk by Jeyun Moon, Curator at the Korean Cultural Centre about Korean contemporary art in Korea and the UK. Thursday 31 August – 3 October Community Case display ‘Dol’, Baby’s First Birthday Celebration in Korea Korean traditional dress, Hanbok designer, Ji Hyen Park, showcases two sets of the special Korean dress, of both traditional and contemporary styles, which babies wear for their first birthday celebration.

Address: Kingston Museum, Wheatfield Way, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2PS Contact: www.kingston.gov.uk/museum / 020 8547 5006 Opening hours: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 7pm. Cost: Free For more information, contact Tove Bellingham, Exhibition Officer, on 020 8547 6463 or email tove. bellingham@kingston.gov.uk.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

51


Opening the doors to ideas and innovation

K

ingston University is ‘throwing the doors open’ to the community, to showcase KU Research and the experts behind it; sharing powerful, game-changing ideas and actions to attract, engage and inspire others. Date: Tuesday 13 June 2017 Time: 5.30 – 8.30pm Venue: Kingston University, Penrhyn Road campus Booking is essential. Book your FREE place by Monday 5 June at www.kingston.ac.uk/civicreception #KUThinking Thought leadership no longer resides just within academic circles and exclusive events. It’s about openly sharing big ideas that change how people perceive the world. This event will offer a unique opportunity to access deep, insightful content provided by leaders and visionaries in their field, in a comfortable, engaging, and in some cases hands on way.

52

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Come on a journey with us... Delve into the history, present and future of Kingston University • discover the role of ‘experts’ in shaping the ‘news’, the role we play in antibiotic resistance, how sensory rooms help those with dementia, and how expressive writing helps victims of trauma • get hands on with a range of cutting-edge technology and science activities • be wowed and inspired by avant-garde visual poetry, games to improve children’s number abilities, and the University’s archive All this and much more will be open for you to experience and explore. Meet more of our amazing researchers, explore the campus and enjoy drinks and networking opportunities.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


" We have advertised with A Berrylands Companion since we opened our restaurant 4 years ago. Firstly it ticks all the boxes for a local magazine- great content, interesting community news and quality advertising. As I also live in the Berrylands area we are fortunate to have such a high quality magazine that always is read in our household and glad we can take advantage of raising our profile in the community" Miranda Hoogewerf Langley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, 158 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 6HE 020 8390 7564

You lookin’ at this advert? It could be your advert, and over 8,500 readers could be looking at it each month! For less than a cappuccino a day, you could advertise your business with A Berrylands Companion. It’s easy to arrange your advertising Just call Karen on: 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Simples!

The Life List

Look after the pennies...because they’re the only interest available on your savings.

Progressive Proverbs

Two wrongs...is about right.

Worldly wisdom may seem timeless, but sometimes our conclusions are out of date. For example, chickens can be counted before they’re hatched now - by using a UV light. And that’s not all that has changed... Nothing good ever came out of a windowed envelope. A broken clock is right twice a day, unless it’s digital. You automatically forget your number plate as soon as you reach the car park ticket machine. Toast falls butter side down on trousers. If you want to find something try looking for something else. A watched pot is a poor use of a webcam. A text in time saves minutes on a pointless call.

The squeaky wheel...will be on your supermarket trolley. When in Rome, expect the ice cream to be both delicious and expensive. The pen is mightier than the broken pencil, but not as satisfying to chew. Keep your friends close...and your pretend friends on social media. God helps those who help themselves, apart from shoplifters and kleptomaniacs. You can’t judge a book by its cover, or trust the objectivity of its online reviews. Honesty is the best policy if you’ve got a bad memory. The grass is always greener on a TV gardening show. That’s because they’ve picked the perfect day to make you green with envy. A little knowledge is a web search waiting to happen.

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

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

53


History The History of Hygiene By Catherine Rose ning with vermin and excrement.

We take for granted the availability of hot water on tap and the vast range of personal hygiene products available. But in the Middle Ages, things were a little different. Describing the flooring of medieval houses, the social critic Erasmus (1466-1536) said they “… are covered with rushes, occasionally renewed, but so imperfectly that the bottom layer is left undisturbed, sometimes for twenty years, harbouring expectoration, vomiting, the leakage of dogs and men, ale droppings, scraps of fish, and other abominations not fit to be mentioned.” Outside, conditions were worse. Our modern sewage system didn’t exist until Victorian times. In towns, waste from chamber pots kept under the bed was simply jettisoned out of the window to fall in the gutter below, unless you were lucky enough to be within spitting distance of an open cess pit. Pavements were generally built high and gutters would have been filthy places, run-

54

Seasonal baths were recommended by the monasteries but understandably, large quantities of hot water were difficult to come by without the plumbing we enjoy today. Public baths had a poor reputation and personal bathing was uncommon. When it took place, it was often in a wooden barrel with herbs added to the water.

the smell of stale clothing. When clothes were washed, to remove stains, they were scrubbed with a mixture of urine, ashes and lye. Soapwort – a flower that lathers in water – was also used. Sanitary towels were washable rags filled with sphagnum moss, also known as blood moss and often used in battle for its absorbent properties.

Personal hygiene amongst the nobility was better. Before dining, they would wash their hands in a stone basin called a laver (French for ‘to wash’). Castles also had garderobes or privy chambers – primitive toilets consisting of a stone or wooden bench with a hole cut in. Waste would fall into the moat below.

Teeth were cleaned with a cloth and a herbal abrasive, usually ashes of rosemary and mint or powdered sage, followed by a vinegar mouthwash. When toothache became unbearable, people visited the local barber who was also a minor surgeon, hence the barber’s traditional striped red and white pole which stands for blood and bandages.

The King had a servant specifically to wipe his bottom with the grand title of ‘The Groom of the King’s Close Stool’. The groom looked after the King’s personal commode and although it sounds like a grim job, it was a highly respected and trusted position.

Following the widespread outbreak of the Black Death, Edward III passed a law to clean up ditches and waterways. Although it would be around 300 years before bacteria were discovered, the link between poor hygiene and the spread of the disease had been noticed.

People didn’t change their clothing as often as we do today so body odour was disguised with perfume. Lice were commonplace – even wigs could become infested. Wealthy women carried nosegays to combat bad smells when outdoors.

Since then, thankfully, we have become cleaner. Some argue we have gone too far the other way, and that a little dirt helps strengthen immunity – although I am sure that no one would want a return to the Middle Ages.

Pomanders would be hung in the wardrobe to sweeten

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


Face-Agram Or Instabook? The Mature User’s Guide To Social Media by Kate McLelland Nowadays grandparents are proving a match for their grandchildren when it comes to posting comments and uploading photos to social networking sites such as Facebook. Social media’s fastest growing demographic is older users. When the seniors’ website silversurfers.com recently surveyed over three thousand of its members, it found that 81% of the sample checked their Facebook accounts more than once a day. But what if you haven’t yet ventured into social networking? How do you know where to start? If you’ve always wanted to dip your toe into the social networking pool - but fear you’ll drown in a sea of unfamiliar terms and bizarre practices - here’s a quick guide to three of the most popular platforms: Facebook According to silversurfers. com, Facebook is the platform of choice for the over-50s. Many older users believe that they will get even more value from the site as they grow older. What is Facebook? It’s a free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload videos and images and send messages.

Facebook is the most popular of all social media platforms, so it’s very likely you’ll find someone you know there. On the downside, the site has been criticised for invasive advertising and for being vulnerable to hacking attacks and scams. Twitter According to statistics portal Statista, 27% of Twitter users in the UK are aged 45 and over. High profile ‘mature’ users include Donald Trump and Stephen Fry, both of whom have enjoyed a rather volatile relationship with the service. What is Twitter? Twitter is a free-to-use online news and social networking channel where users post and interact with short messages known as ‘tweets’. If you want to find out what the public is thinking on any particular subject, ask Twitter. It’s also a great way to broadcast an opinion and connect with friends’ views, but messages are restricted to 140 characters, so Twitter won’t work for you if you’re the sort of person who likes to send long-winded ‘catch-up’ letters in Christmas cards. Instagram Instagram is the fastest growing social media network. It is currently more popular

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

with the younger generation, but there are signs that older users are starting to catch on. What is Instagram? Instagram is a social networking app created so users can share photos and videos from a smartphone or tablet. It’s a simplified version of Facebook, but with an emphasis on mobile use and visual sharing. Instagram is a quick and easy way to show the world where you are and what you’re doing. On the negative side, you and your friends will only be able to use this app on iPhone and Android phones; because Instagram has been created for mobile phone and tablet users, it doesn’t work as well on a standard computer or laptop. If you’re still feeling confused about which platform to choose, don’t worry. Simply ask around to find out which sites your friends and relatives use. That way if you have any problems finding your way around, you’ll always have someone to help. At first social media may feel like an alien world with its own particular language but once you’ve started, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Before long you’ll be posting like a pro … or maybe even tweeting like a Trump?

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

55


QUIZ SOLUTIONS HIDATO SOLUTION

MINI CRYPTIC SOLUTION

Wordsearch Riddle:

Most volcanists die in bed. Mauric Kraft

Childrens’ Page Answers

Henry: 8+8+21 =37 Littel John: 6+8+21 =35 Maid Marion: 6+6+21 =33 Friar Tuck: 8+8+15 =31 Will Scarlett: 6+8+15 =29 The Sherriff: 6+6+15 =27

The two Henry silhouettes that are the same are C & E

3 Letters ACT ALB BAT BOA CAB CAT COB COT

LAB LOB LOT OAT TAB 4 Letters ALTO BLOC BLOT

BOAT BOLA BOLT CLOT COAL COAT COLA COLT TACO

CODEWORD SOLUTION

Wordwheel POSTDATED Word Ladder Solution Here is one possible solution (others may exist)

56

TALC 5 Letters BLOAT OCTAL 6 Letters COBALT

NEWT neat beat bent bend bond POND

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers


What’s on in June:Events in May:

National Smile Month; SANDS Awareness Month

27-3rd 29th: 29-4th 30th:

Surbiton Arts Group Spring Exhibition at Surbiton Library Hall. Open 2-5pm Late Spring Bank Holiday National BBQ Week Surbiton Arts Group Exhibition open 11-5pm , and on 1st and 2nd June; 11-4pm on Saturday 3rd June

Events in June:

2nd: Kingston Museum Under 5s Special Senses 10.15 - 11am, Free, drop in. March For Men, Prostate Cancer UK. www.marchformen.org 3rd: Book Fair & Cafe open 10-2.30pm, St John’s Church, Grove Lane, KT1 2SB Free entry, variety of books, homemade cakes, tea & coffee all day. 3-11th: Aegon Surbiton Trophy at Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club, Berrylands 5th: Whit Monday Aromatherapy Week; Child Safety Week; National Glaucoma Week; Heart Rhythm Week; World Environment Day. 5-11th: London Wine Week. Tickets from £10. https://drinkup.london/wineweek/ 7-14th: BP Big Screens in London. Live outdoor screenings of Royal Opera House Ballet & Opera. Free. Trafalgar Square, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Lyric Square and The Scoop. 7-24th: Hampton Court Palace Festival 8th: Deadline for submissions for July/August issue of A Berrylands Companion General Election 10th: 9.45 for 10am: Cyber Scams, Local Scams & Rogue Traders, Kingston & Sutton Trading Standards will give an insight into the local scams on their radar at the moment. At St Mark’s Church Hall, Kingston KT6 4LS. Email: kingston nhw@gmail.com to book your free place. 10 & 17th: Kingston Museum: Families Special Feeling Colourful. 2 -4pm £3/child Call to book. 11th: The Women’s Tour 2017. Top women cyclists ride through Central London, starting & finishing on Regent’s Street, via Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, The Strand and Whitehall. 14 laps of the 6.2km circuit. 12-16th: Cervical Screening Awareness Week; Men’s Health Week; Rheumatic Artitis Awareness Week; Diabetes Awareness Week; Carer’s Week. 14-15th: Beating the Retreat by The Horseguard’s Cavalry on Horse Guard’s Parade. Tickets from £11.50 14-18th: Taste of London top restaurants feature in Regents Park 15-25th: Hockey World League Semi Final, Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 16th: Ignition Dance Festival at the Rose, Kingston. National Picnic Week; Drowning Prevention Week. 17th: Queen’s Offical Birthday Trooping the Colour 17-18th: Open London Squares 18th: Fathers’ Day 21st: Solstice, Longest Day 23-8th July: Greenwich & Docklands International Festival. Free entry. 24-9th July: Pride in London Free. 24-25th: West End Live at Trafalgar Square. Free. 25th: London Dragon Boat Festival, London Docklands. 26-20th: National School Sports Week. 30-9th July: British Summertime live music & entertainment in Hyde Park. Events in July: Group B Strep Support Awareness Month 1st: Canada Day Grand Avenue School Fair, 11am - 1pm. Adults £1, accompanied children free , unaccompanied children 50p. Grand Avenue, Berrylands KT5 9HU. 3rd: Sarcoma Awareness Week 4th: Independence Day USA.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

57


What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, 10-12pm at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121 Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, meet outside Clas Ohlson Market Place 10.00. 020 8547 5865. E-mail: ccst@rbk. kingston.gov.uk Art Classes: Every Monday 10-12noon & 2-4pm, with Berrylands Artists at Berrylands Christian Centre, 41 King Charles Road, Surbiton, KT5 8PF. Info: 020 8644 0941 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 Broadway Sequence Dance Club: Meets every Monday from 8pm at The Raeburn Hall, Tolworth United Reform Church, Raeburn/Elgar Avenues. New sequences are taught, some knowledge of ballroom dancing required. Contact Brenda Deane for more info: 020 8390 0233. www.broadway sequencedance.co.uk Chinese Brush Painting: Held once a month at Sunray Community Centre, Knollmead, Tolworth. 10-13.00pm Contact Gwen: 020 8398 7313. Beginners & intermediates welcome. Encore Singing Group: Mondays, 10am - 12.15pm in Berrylands. For info: gillyvor@hotmail.com Kingston Camera Club: Camera enthusiasts welcome. Meet Mon eves, at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Athelstan Rd off Villiers Avenue. 7.30pm - 10pm with coffee break. New members welcome. For more information visit: www.kingstoncameraclub.com Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Meets 2nd Monday each month at Reform Church, Eden Street, at 2pm. New members welcome. Talks, outings and tea and coffee. For more info: Pam Wilson Secretary, 020 8241 9913, www. kingstonpensionersforum@hotmail.co.uk Kingston Philatelic Society: Meets 8-10pm on 1st Thurs & 3rd Fri, at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road. Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: brian.sole@btinternet.com Ladies Exercise Club: Friendly & fun exercise/movement class for ladies 65+ at Berrylands Christian Centre, King Charles Road. Friday 10.15 11.15am plus coffee. Come & try first, free first class. Call Mary, 01483 284 716 or maryedwards@uwclub.net Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom:Wednesdays. Learn Regency dancing at St Mark’s Church Hall, Surbiton, 8pm - 10.30pm. Cost £5 per eve. See advert. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail.com Oasis daytime group for over 60s: at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Plenty of opportunity to chat, play games, do puzzles. Meetings,

58 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk


What’s On/Local Events

Wednesday 17th May, includes a 5 minute Bible-based talk. Meetings on Wednesdays fortnightly, at 2.30pm. Tel: 020 8390 6631. Open Door: Alternate Thursdays, 2.30 - 4.15pm, from February. Meetings on 8th and 22nd June, 6th and 20th July. A friendship group aimed at seniors. Afternoon tea, chat and short talks from local organisations. Christ Church Lounge, King Charles Road, Surbiton. 020 8390 7215 St Marks Church:Weds mornings 10.00-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers at St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill. Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am, drop in for coffee at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them. Scottish Country Dancing: On Thursdays 7.30pm - 10.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall. Tuition for half an hour from 7.30. Membership £5 a year, Members £3/evening, non-members £4. Join our friendly, informal club for good fun and an easy way to excercise. Check website: www. surbitoncaledonian.co.uk or call: 01932 784 866 ‘Sing on Purpose’ at the CornerHouse, Douglas Road, KT6 7SB. All welcome, £5 per session. Adults: Mondays 9.30 - 10.30am; Youth: Fridays 4.45 - 5.45pm. Contact: Steve or Pam 07763 081320 Surbiton Arts Group: Meets monthly on Mondays 8-10pm for lectures and demonstrations in Surbiton Library Hall. Exhibitions twice a year. For info: Call Alan 020 8397 1050 Surbiton Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Meets alternate Tues 2-4pm at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, Ewell Road. Social club with entertainment and tea. Transport available if necessary. For information: 0744 364 3716 . Volunteer drivers very welcome. Surbiton Floral Club: 1st Weds of the month at Raeburn Hall United Reform Church, Elgar Avenue. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Floral demos, talks, workshops & outings. Tel: 020 8399 8193 Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening 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 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 If your club or society is not listed on the Local Events, send in the details!! Why not send in your events for Summer for the What’s On page ?Clubs, Schools, Churches, & Charity events should be submitted to karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

59


COMMUNITY PAGE

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.

A Fantastic Line Up of Bands & Live Acts Games • Stalls • Food & Drink • Fireworks 4pm until Grand Finale Fireworks at Dusk At the Hollyfield School, Surbiton Hill Road KT6 A local community event - All welcome

advance tickets from hollyfieldpta.org/hollyfest

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

Kingston upon Thames Archaeological Society Thurs 8th June: Tim Everson, Numismatist & Local Historian will give a talk on ‘The Archaeology & History of Coins & Tokens of Kingston’ Thurs 13th July: Steve Nelson, KUTAS Hon. Vice President will give a talk on ‘Pottery & Excavations in Kingston & Surrey’ Thurs 14th Sept: David Calow, Hon Sec of Surrey Archaeological Society will give a talk on ‘Excavations on the Romano-British site at Flexford’ Meetings, unless otherwise stated, are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm for 8pm start, in the Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, KT6 6AG.

Saturday 1st July BBQ Admission £2, kids go free & Bar Raffle

Stalls & Sports

12-3pm Langley Road, Surbiton Bouncy

Visitors will be asked for £3 donation towards expenses. http://www.kingstonarchaeology.com/

60

Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

Castle


COMMUNITY PAGE

GRAND AVENUE SCHOOL

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

SUMMER FAIR Saturday 1st July 11am till 3pm Come and join in the fun: GRAND DRAW RAFFLE, TRADITIONAL FAIR GAMES, TOMBOLAS, BBQ & DELICIOUS CAKES, PIMMS, BOUNCY CASTLES, FUN COMPETITIONS, FACE PAINTING AND MUCH MORE....

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.

Entrance: Adults £1.00, children accompanied by adult FREE and children unaccompanied 50p

GRAND AVENUE, BERRYLANDS, SURBITON. KT5 9HU.

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

Annual Membership just £2.50, senior citizens £1.50

Surbiton & District Historical Society

Tues 6th June: Mr David Sheen is the John Lewis Archivist and will talk on the history of the store, from its very beginnings. Tues 4th July: Dr Jonathon Oates will give an illustrated talk on “The Jacobite Rebellions of 1689 - 1746” Tues 1st Aug: This is our members’ evening There will be talks by 4 members, quiz, reaffle & a finger buffet. Visitors are welcome as below. 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

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 61 sfmflyer2016.indd 1 05/11/2016 16:37


Index Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers 21 26 31 5 29 27 31 37 31 23 25 23 63 19 37 26 7 21 29 22 20

Home & Garden

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

2 35 39 38 40

Care & Health Confidental Clinic - Dental Practice Chessington Hypnotherapy Clinic Paula Maple Chiropodist Beauty Health

15 35 39 35 64

Rest & Relaxation Berrylands Artists Exhibition King George Field Bowls Club Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom Classes Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club

8 61 60 60 35 9 15

Children & Education Berrylands Scouts Festival GASPA Summer Fair Hollyfield School Hollyfest St Matthew’s School Summer Fair Stéphanie Son Translations Surbiton Karate Classes Splish’nSplash Swimming Classes

17 17 16 16

Veterinary Aspen Veterinary Surgery Cats Protection League Paradise Pets Pet care

47 45 41 43 49 43

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

13 10/11 37 9 12 14

Food & Drink C.D.Jennings Langley’s Restaurant Prithi Stears Greengrocers Recipe Baking

7

Accountant M&B Accountancy Services Ltd

25

Solicitors Lewis-Dick

60/61 57 58/59 17 32 34 3 50 52 51

Articles & Editorials Community Pages Diary What’s On & Local Events Pages Crossword Book Review Kids’ page Useful Telephone Numbers Reader Survey Kingston University Open Day Kingston Museum Exhibition

Want To Advertise Your Business? Just because there is already an advert for a similar one, please do not think we will not take your advert! There are so many businesses, trades and services that are not represented in

A Berrylands Companion From as little as £42.50 a month your advert can feature here for a year! An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured.

So What is Stopping You? Call Now!

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

62

Magazine printed by Warwick Printing, Warwickshire


PRO-FIT

DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS DOORS conservatories l

WINDOW SYSTEMS LTD

2017 – Lower your energy bills and add value to your home with our stylish double glazing products; windows, doors & conservatories

Totally transform your home with our extensive bi-fold range! Guaranteed quality products at competitive prices We are an established family run business with over 35 years’ experience in supplying double glazing to householders within the community. TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

TEL: 020 8288 8893 FAX: 020 8288 8894 l

164 Leatherhead Rd Chessington Surrey KT9 2HU web:www.pro-fitwindowsystems.co.uk Email:info@pro-fitwindows.org.uk l

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

63


s 11 grass court

Great Clubhouse

Top Class Coaching

time for tennis! Whatever the weather there’s always something going on at surbiton racket & fitness Club. facilities include: • 6 all weather, 3 artificial clay and 11 grass tennis courts • 4 heated / air conditioned squash courts f • “Life Fitness” gym and studio classirst Book y tennis! • A comprehensive coaching programme for o the Aeg ur tickets to on S tennis and squash for all ages: Junior - Senior Trophy urbiton now! • Personal training in the gym • Bar and a great social event calendar • A club for all the family Please see our website

Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club, Berrylands, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8JT T: 020 8399 1594 | E: info@surbiton.org | www.surbiton.org


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.