October 2014 issue 92

Month: October 2014 Issue No: 92 Independent monthly community news and business directory for KT5 & KT6

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

Inside this issue: * New advertisers * Quizzes and Puzzles * Community pages and Events * Remember to turn your clock back * And much more..........

“Problems With your roof?..�

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Hello Readers

I

am finding it difficult to accept that the year is three quarters of the way through! It means as I work on the magazine, I am always at least a month ahead in my mind. Preparation and planning are the key words at this time of the year.

Before we know it, Christmas and New Year will be arriving! So I am already looking for the articles, and events for the festive season. If you are planning a Christmas Fair/Féte please send in the details as soon as possible please. And if you are having any events or holding promotions for Christmas or New Year let me know by the deadline for the December/ January magazine, 8th November.

Some new and returning advertisers are featured this month. Local advertising works. Placing your advert in one of the larger publications or even the Yellow Pages and Thomson Directory, may go to thousands and thousands of addresses, but is that really relevant to your business? It may also cost more for one advert, than a year’s package in A Berrylands Companion. If you want local work, then we only deliver locally to Berrylands, Surbiton and Tolworth.

would cost £95. That price would then incur VAT as well. Well, for just £91, you could have a quarter page advert in two issues of A Berrylands Companion magazine. But there is no additional VAT, and taking a package for several months, the monthly cost is even less. Contact me to discuss your advertising planning.

See how I did that? We’re back to planning again! So you can see how important it is, together with your preparation, for your promotion of your business.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Karen

In another publication, I understand that one advert

Useful Numbers Kingston Council www.kingston.gov.uk 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 Services Transport: National Rail Enquiries Public Transport Traveline Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 85474630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 020 8541 1212 101 999 111

Emergencies/Utilities: Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency Water Emergency BT Fault Line Virgin Media Crimestoppers Kingston Hospital NHS Direct (24/7) 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 0845 4647 0800 1111 0845 790 9090 0800 00 99 66 020 8549 3318 020 8547 3202

020 8721 2518 08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 A Berrylands Companion 0844 335 1801 18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ

020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk www.berrylands-companion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

3

An Update on Speeding Traffic

Y

ou may remember that I recently wrote about the sad loss of one of our cats, due to a speeding vehicle on our road.

Since then I have been campaigning for speed limits to be strictly adhered to.

So it may come as a surprise to you to know that even if a road is designated a 20mph, the local council and police are quite happy for drivers to go over the limit. Not by just one or two miles, but by up to 9mph! So 29mph is acceptable, on a residential road, even if there is a school along the road.

Have you ever tried to drive at 20mph? It takes a conscious effort to keep at that speed. Most drivers are unaware, or at worse, don’t care what the local speed limits are.

Children, along with pets, are unpredictable and if there is a residential road, the chances are there will be both children and pets at risk.

I wrote to all the households in my road and the next road, where traffic often speeds, and with the replies I received I correlated them and sent in an email to one of our local councillors. In turn, that was forwarded to the traffic management department and this was part of the reply: “Here are the average speed figures for the last three years for Kingsdowne Road. The 20mph and new islands were installed in March/April 2013.

Average Speed (mph) Direction 2012 2013 2014 Tolworth (to Ewell Rd) 28.9 28.2 27.2 Surbiton (to Upper Brighton Road) 30.4 29.2 28.3 There does seem to be a general trend downwards, which is positive. The 20mph was introduced to compliment the improved pedestrian facilities, and I am reasonably satisfied with these figures.

years there are three recorded accidents - broadly speaking this equates to accidents involving injury - there are two at the roundabout caused by give way issues at the roundabout itself, one at Ewell Road and only one on Kingsdowne itself, which involved a driver opening his car door into another passing car. “ For information, the incident on Kingsdowne Road, the car door was actually opened by a child, onto the road. Is this a case of poor parking or poor parenting?

I don’t know about anyone reading this, but if you have young children or pets, then it may really concern you that the council officers and in turn the elected councillors, do not seem to have the powers to enforce the speed limits they had installed. The police obviously cannot be everywhere, but there has to be some responsibilty.

Drivers should be the first to shoulder the responsibility. A car, van or motorbike is a lethal weapon and if you drive one of them, then you should be aware of the speeds you drive.

The speeds in the table are the average speeds, so it can be accepted that some traffic is travelling at far greater speed.

There have been other areas in Surbiton that have also been trying to get the limits down to 20mph, without success. Whether this is due to political correctness rearing its ugly head since the last local elections, or not, surely we can expect our local authority to uphold the laws they install?

If you have any comments about the speeds in your local roads, then I would suggest you also write to your local councillor. The more people that let the council know how we feel, then maybe something will be done to safeguard our streets.

If you want to contact me, email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

I do appreciate that there are concerns, but these speed figures are lower than I would expect on a straight A road and I take further re-assurance from the accident record on the road - in the last 3

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Finance Three Easy Ways to Save Money This Winter

Fuel bills are a major worry for all of us in winter. Prices go up but the need to stay warm remains, and it’s not just heating the house that’s the problem.

Skyrocketing costs of petrol and food drain your finances on a weekly basis, but there is a little cheer on the horizon.

Below are three ways to help you make ends meet this winter.

All are easy to implement, they just take a little thought and planning, so make a start now before the bad winter weather strikes.

Reduce energy consumption

According to the Energy Saving Trust, savings of around £300 a year can be made using cavity wall and loft insulation in an average semi-detached house.

At the time of writing, British Gas offers free or subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation to eligible homeowners on mainland Britain.

Even small measures make a big difference though, the result being a warmer home and reduced bills: Draught excluders - It’s surprising how much heat is lost through small gaps under doors and around windows – not something you’d always notice day to day.

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Energy monitors - These monitors let you know how much energy each appliance consumes.

Most people quickly change their habits once they see the spikes in energy usage recorded by the monitor.

Lighting - This is one of the easiest areas in which to reduce consumption. Energy-saving light bulbs, external light sensors, and switching off lights when not in use all help to keep down costs.

Appliances - Freezers work more efficiently when full, as do ovens. Not only that, but you’ll save money buying and cooking food in bulk.

Halve grocery bills

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to shopping. Preprepared menus and shopping lists are easy ways to reduce waste as well as save money.

The ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ website has some useful tips in this respect, and offers advice for saving money on food. The main message is buy and cook in bulk. Cooking becomes less of a chore when you can just grab a home-cooked meal out of the freezer several nights a week.

Late Sunday afternoon shopping trips are a revelation, when incredible deals can be found in the ‘reduced’ aisle if you time it right. This alone saves a huge amount of money over the course of a year.

Cooking from scratch, making your own bread, home brew and wine all save money, and if results are good you can always give away your goodies as Christmas presents.

By Ann Haldon

Switch suppliers

If you’ve never switched gas and electricity suppliers before, you could be in for a pleasant surprise. The biggest savings of around 5%-10% can be made when you manage your own account online and pay by direct debit.

Suppliers like their customers to pay by direct debit as there’s less likelihood of default. It keeps their credit control costs down, and they earn interest on any overpayments you make during the summer months.

To make sure you get the best deal: • Always read your own meter – don’t rely on an estimate from your provider • Don’t assume that dual fuel is always the cheapest way to buy • Use a price comparison website to find the best deals • Avoid pre-payment meters – the choice of tariffs available is very limited Saving money is often about changing your habits. Things like unplugging appliances and turning off lights are simple to do, and can save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. http://www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/Insulation/Roof-and-loftinsulation http://www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/Insulation/Cavity-wallinsulation http://www.britishgas.co.uk/ products-and-services/energysaving/home-insulation/freeinsulation.html http://www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/Electricity/Products-andappliances#computer http://england. lovefoodhatewaste.com/

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“ IF I COULD

CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT

SURBITON I WOULD........ ” Tell us how YOU would improve your local area.

Take part in the All in One Survey – launching October 2014

www.kingston.gov.uk/consultations @RBKingston #OneThingSurbiton To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

9

Is It Time To Part With Your Old Mattress?

by Kate McLelland An old mattress is like an old relationship: worn-in and comfortable, with the odd uneven bit that you have learned to avoid. It may have been beautiful when it was new, but now you’ve ceased to notice the frayed corners, the sagging middle and the missing studs.

Although it is comforting and familiar, your old mattress may not be giving you the good night’s sleep you deserve.

Here are three common mattress myths that may deny you a peaceful rest: “My old mattress is comfortable because it has adapted to the way I lie in bed.” Unfortunately you can still feel comfy long after your mattress has lost its ability to provide your body with the proper support it needs.

“The stiffness I feel each morning is due to too much exercise, or old age – or both!” It may simply be due to a mattress that doesn’t give you enough support. If you generally feel better in the morning when you’ve slept elsewhere, it’s time for a change.

“My mattress is still under guarantee!” The warranty exists to protect the consumer from product defects and is not an

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indicator of how long a mattress should be used.

A mattress that has been in constant use for five to seven years may need to be replaced.

If it is time for you and your mattress to part company, how do you go about choosing a newer model?

Pocket sprung mattresses have springs sewn into individual fabric pockets so your partner’s movement won’t affect your side of the bed. These mattresses can be costly but proved most popular in a survey conducted by the consumer association Which?

Continuous coil mattresses are made from a single looped wire, while open-coil mattresses are made of single springs fixed together by one wire. The springs move as one unit, so you are more likely to be disturbed by your partner’s movements at night. These mattresses are cheaper, but tend to wear out faster than those with pocket springs.

Memory foam mattresses are good at relieving pressure on painful joints, but usually cost more than a sprung mattress. Memory foam is affected by room temperature: as the mattress

reacts to body heat, it moulds to your shape. This reduces air circulation around your body, which makes the memory mattress feel warmer, but it may make it harder for you to move around at night.

Latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and so can prevent fungi, bacteria house dust mites from accumulating.

Latex is made from rubber so has natural elasticity, retaining its shape as soon as the pressure is removed.

Mattress toppers: As the name suggests, a topper sits on top of your ordinary mattress to give you extra comfort and support, but it won’t help if your mattress has already begun to sag.

Toppers can also provide a useful protective layer between the sleeper and full mattress in the event of night-time accidents or spills, however prices vary and some can be as costly as buying a new mattress.

Remember, comfort, support and durability are key when it comes to buying a new mattress. It’s worth taking time to search for the right one, as your reward will be many years of blissful sleep.

Main Image: Top Dog Mattress £645, Loaf.com

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Better Bones Be Stronger, Live Longer

Are you over 50?

Do you want to improve your bone health?

If you are at risk of osteoporosis or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you could benefit from our FREE 12-week exercise and education programme.

St Mark’s Church

St Mark's Hill, Surbiton, KT6 4LS starting Thursday 16th October, 6:00pm

Kingston Quaker Centre

Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT starting Tuesday 21st October, 11:30am

New Malden Library

Kingston Road, New Malden, KT3 3LY starting Friday 24th October, 11:30am

Places are limited. Please register by calling the Better Bones team on 0300 123 8086 or email KINCCG.betterbones@nhs.net To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Tea and Coffee: The Good and the Bad

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk We meet up for coffee; invite friends for a cuppa. But are these drinks friends or foes?

Caffeine

The good: Caffeine increases our alertness, and may temporarily sharpen our cognitive abilities. Substantial research suggests that coffee and tea drinkers are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, most likely due to caffeine, which may also help with symptoms.

The bad: Caffeine can raise blood pressure and adrenaline levels. It can also relax pelvic muscles, making you urinate more frequently. High levels may be linked to low birth weight or miscarriage.

The truth: Maximum protection against Parkinson’s disease seems to come from just three cups of tea or coffee daily. While lab results seem promising, there’s no definitive evidence linking tea and coffee drinking with reduced Alzheimer’s risk.

Our bodies can become accustomed to caffeine. Without it we can become tired, irritable, headachy and even shaky and nauseous. So how much is too much? Recommended limits average at 400-600mg per day and just 200mg if you’re pregnant.

• cup of green tea: 40mg • cup of normal tea: 70mg • mug of instant coffee: 100mg • filter coffee: 150mg • average latte: 150mg • large Americano: 200mg

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Don’t forget other caffeine sources too: energy drinks, chocolate and some painkillers and fizzy drinks.

Antioxidants

The good: Antioxidants mop up free radicals which can damage our cells. We all know green tea contains antioxidants, but so do black tea and coffee - just at lower levels.

The bad: It’s unclear how much we benefit from these antioxidants once our body has processed our cuppa. But active compounds in green tea are being used in research with nanotherapeutics – the development of microscopic compounds that escape processing to find and target diseases, including cancer.

The truth: Many foods contain antioxidants, often at higher levels than tea and coffee, so there are better sources.

Diabetes prevention and management

The good: Some evidence suggests that moderate amounts of coffee or tea, drunk black or with a little milk, may slightly reduce your risk of Diabetes Type 2.

The bad: There’s also research showing that high coffee intake may impair insulin resistance, making it harder to stabilise blood sugar levels.

The truth: You’re likely to see both theories in the media, but more research that eliminates other influential factors is needed.

Reducing stroke, coronary heart disease risk and cholesterol levels

The good: Some studies suggest that drinking tea and coffee reduces stroke, coronary heart disease risk and cholesterol levels.

The bad: Contradictory evidence. One study found high tea consumption, and low and high coffee consumption reduced stroke risk most,– moderate consumption made no difference. Reported reductions in cholesterol levels were small.

The truth: Once again, more research is needed to exclude other factors and study longterm effects.

Liver health

The good: Research suggests moderate consumers of coffee and green tea are less likely to suffer from NALD (non-alcoholic liver disease).

The bad: High intake of green tea supplements has been linked to liver damage, although it’s not clear whether green tea extract or another ingredient is guilty.

The truth: Tea or coffee can’t prevent or reverse liver damage if you drink or smoke heavily.

So moderation seems best.

Three or four cups of tea or coffee daily appear to give maximum health benefits and minimum risk, and without milk or sugar they’ll be calorie free - but practically nutrition-free too, so drink fruit juices and dairybased drinks as well.

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TH TH

Introducing

Kingston’s on’s annual week of events, activities and opportunities for older people in the borough.

From cream teas and tai chi to housing advice and health care planning - there’s something for all interests, tastes and abilities.

‘Live Life Fair’

Including the Monday 6th October at the Guildhall, High Street, Kingston.

For more information look out for the Festival Guide in libraries and council buildings across the borough from mid September, or contact us on 020 8547 5000 or information@kingston.gov.uk to request a copy.

www.kingston.gov.uk/enjoying_later_life To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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I will pick up and drop off your bike from your home or place of work, even on your ride if you have had a major breakdown or a problem that can not be easily fixed.

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.

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Mrs Paula Maple (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 October 2014

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

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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What happened in... ...October 1964? high speed rail link between Tokyo and Osaka was opened.

It had an operational speed of 170mph; ‘coasting’, as Craig Breedlove would probably call it.

At Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, on 15th October, Craig Breedlove, set a new land8th: Baby, I can drive my own speed record of over 520 mph. car! Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr, passed Just seconds later he set his driving test. another (still unbroken) record for the world’s longest 10th: Yoshinori Sakai carried skid – nearly six miles! His the Olympic torch into the parachute brakes failed and stadium in Tokyo to open the the car travelled another six Summer Olympics. Yoshinori miles before crashing into a was born in the outskirts of lake at 200 mph. He managed Hiroshima on 6th August, to exit the car without even 1945, the day the atomic getting wet. bomb was dropped. This Craig is currently working on a project to take a car powered by two jet engines to 1,000 mph (mach1.4), although the 77-year-old won’t be driving it himself. No, don’t all rush, he already has a driver.

1st: The first section of the

choice of runner was a symbol of Japan’s reconstruction and commitment to world peace.

(I know the feeling, I’m always forgetting stuff). The threeman crew landed the next day after sixteen orbits of Earth.

14th: At the age of 35 Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

15th: The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, won the general election, ending thirteen years of Conservative Government.

American composer/ songwriter Cole Porter died aged 73.

16th: China successfully exploded its first atomic bomb.

12th: The USSR launched Voskhod 1, the world’s first spacecraft to carry more than one person and the first not to take spacesuits and helmets

Petrol was about 4/6d a gallon The average price of a house was about £3,360

Three of the bestselling singles this year were: (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me - Sandie Shaw I’m Into Something Good - Herman’s Hermits Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

29th: The Star of India, an almost flawless ‘double-sided’ star sapphire the size of a golf ball was part of a haul stolen from the American Museum of Natural History. The gang responsible were jailed and the gems were recovered – all except one. The Eagle Diamond is still missing.

Short Shorts by Patrick D Cousins is a collection of short stories available as an e-book for £1.99. Rainbows, Dreams and Angels is a double novella from Amazon.

You can hear the song on You Tube.

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17

What’s The Alternative: Acupuncture

symptoms and general health, followed by a brief physical examination.

Origins and Principles

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy. Practitioners believe that Qi or Ki (pronounced ‘chee’), a life force, flows through our bodies along paths called ‘meridians’; when this flow is blocked we become ill. Practitioners aim to restore the flow by stimulating some of the body’s 500+ acupuncture points, usually by skin-deep insertion of fine needles.

Acupuncturists most commonly treat pain conditions including headache and lower back pain, but sometimes treat conditions including infertility, stress and asthma. Within the NHS, the availability of acupuncture is limited and only currently recommended as a potential treatment for persistent lower back pain.

Having Acupuncture Treatment

A typical session lasts 20-40 minutes, and the first session begins with a discussion of

Patients either lie down or sit while the practitioner inserts fine single-use pre-sterilised needles into specific acupuncture points, targeting the meridians – so the points stimulated – typically between 1 and 12 - aren’t always near the problem area. Some practitioners may gently twist or tap the needles.

Practitioners may also use other techniques such as moxibustion (applying indirect heat via the burning of therapeutic herbs, or heat lamps), tuina (Chinese massage), electroacupuncture (applying low frequency electrical current to needles), cupping (creating a vacuum seal on the skin) and guasha (vigorous rubbing of the skin).

Efficacy and Evidence

As yet there is no scientific evidence for the existence of Ki or meridians, but there is evidence that acupuncture may lessen back pain, migraine and post-operative nausea. Some researchers believe its efficacy may be due to the stimulation of nerves and muscle tissue.

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

19

Home & Interiors On The Wall

What’s on your walls?

Create character and add atmosphere with a finish that’s as simple or eyecatching as you wish, says interiors expert Katherine Sorrell Choosing a wall finish is a question of combining personal choice and practicalities.

Naturally, while some finishes are hands-off-don’t-touch delicate, others are ideal for protecting walls from knocks and bumps, muddy paws and sticky fingers; some are meant only for perfectly smooth walls, while others are great at disguising blemishes. Find the right type of finish, then decide how colourful, patterned and textured you want

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By Katherine Sorrell it to be. A plain white wall, for example, may be just the ticket for showing off your collection of snow globes or tin toys, or as a counterpoint to bright cushions, throws and other accessories. On the other hand, you may want an exciting wallpaper that draws the eye to a feature wall, or adds pzazz to an otherwise boring room. Suffice to say that a change of wallcovering can transform cold into cosy, boring into beautiful and out of date into instantly cool.

Preparing your walls 1. Your wall should be as smooth as possible, so cut away and replace any bulging, loose or crumbling plaster, strip off old wallpaper and fill any small cracks or holes.

2. Allow new plaster to dry.

Before painting, prime it with watered-down emulsion.

3. If you plan to wallpaper over new plaster, coat it with sizing solution or watereddown wallpaper paste as well.

4. Hang lining paper horizontally (this is called cross-lining) to disguise any remaining blemishes before painting or wallpapering.

Ideas for feature walls • Peel-off stickers. Instant transformation. Available in all sorts of designs, small or large, from simple outlines to complex illustrations.

• Wallpaper with a huge, graphic pattern and bold colours can be overwhelming for a whole room, but is a great focal point on just one wall.

• Paint effects are right ontrend. Try modern styles such as broad horizontal stripes or a dip dye effect.

• Maps (old or new) are goodlooking and educational.

Simply paste straight on to the wall. Try sheet music, wrapping paper and pictures enlarged on a photocopier, too.

• Digital images can be enlarged as much as you like.

Why not use one to cover an entire wall?

• Wallpaper samples, vintage or modern, can be pasted up as a colourful collage. On the same theme, why not employ different colourways of the same pattern for an impressive and unusual effect?

A world of wallpaper

Wallpaper is oh-so-hot right now, and it’s a brilliant way to add interest to any room, be it ever so subtle or dramatically different.

Conventional, machine-printed designs are easiest to get hold of, usually inexpensive and simple to put up. But there is a whole world of wallpaper choice out there, from natural woven fibres

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and light-reflecting metallic papers to interactive papers that you can colour in or add stickers to, hand-blocked papers, three-dimensional designs incorporating crystals, sequins or tiny LED lights, digitally printed papers made to your own design and even magnetic wallpapers that work as a noticeboard.

a raised, textured pattern and are meant to be painted. Blown vinyls are similar.

Types of wallpaper

Natural wallcoverings include grass, silk, wood veneer, hessian and cork. However, they can be delicate and difficult to clean.

Standard decorative wallpapers are ideal for areas that don’t suffer from moisture or severe wear and tear.

Vinyls are durable and easy to put up, often coming pre-pasted.

They can be used anywhere, but are especially suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Some are textured.

Flock wallpapers feature a velvety texture in stencil-like designs.

Foils are metallic wallcoverings.

They vary from a gentle sheen to almost mirror-like.

Main Image: Create a wall-to-wall indoor garden with this geranium wallpaper mural, from £99, from Digetex HOME (0161 873 8891; www.

DigetexHome.co.uk).

Washable wallpapers have a transparent coating to make them wipeable.

Papering knowhow It’s best to decorate the ceiling and woodwork before you start papering.

Make sure you buy enough paper to complete your project – there are plenty of online calculators that will help you, allowing for pattern repeats and wastage. Check that the batch numbers are the same on all the rolls, or you may come a cropper with slight colour variations. Use the paste recommended by the manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the paper, the easier it will be to hang and the longer it should last.

Embossed wallpapers feature

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together (7) 13. Sponsors sides not normally seen (5) 14. Intended insect to follow me (5)

15. Relative on the Riviera, we hear (5) 16. Trivial navy officer?

(5) 19. Card expert (3)

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Across 3. Bone that’s comical, we hear (7) 7. Instrument that can be grand (5) 8. Alternatively stained in a new way (7) 9. Pieces of potato used when gambling (5) 10. Tract of land in outer rainbow (7) 13. The finest chap at a wedding (4,3) 17. I tear about and become angry (5) 18. Care had changed to absurd pretence (7) 20. Teach another way to deceive (5) 21. Daft respect for a ghost (7)

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

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25

Beer of the Month One of the difficulties of being a composite nation like the UK is celebrating one’s nationhood without upsetting any of one’s constituent parts. I therefore declare October to be UK month because it includes the anniversary of our first great military triumph as a united country.

The Battle of Trafalgar was fought on 21st October 1805 when a fleet manned by English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh sailors trounced the navies of France and Spain.

Trafalgar was an all-British affair with no allies involved.

But what beer to drink in October? Why, Bateman’s Victory, of course, from the plucky little Lincolnshire family brewery, celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, which in the 1980s faced a seemingly impossible fight to retain its independence and won. Victory Ale was first brewed soon after. The colour of turning leaves, it’s warming enough at 6% alcohol and although it’s a fresh, clean-tasting beer with a touch almost of pine in the nose, its underlying malty richness, suggestion of chocolate, and spirity finish are perfect for the season.

October’s second beer has been chosen to celebrate another great British oddity...

Prince Charles. Duchy Originals Organic Old Ruby is brewed by Wychwood for Waitrose from a very old strain of malting barley, Plumage Archer, which HRH decided to revive on his Highgrove Estate. More copper-coloured than ruby, it’s got some heft at 5% abv but what marks it out as apt to October is its warming toffee-ish, caramelly nose, flavour, and finish. Like a beery Werther’s Original, really – very comforting.

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27

International Tennis comes back to Surbiton!

G

reat news for all local enthusiasts!

After a gap of six years, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club has been chosen to host the 2015 Aegon Surbiton tournament, which will run from Saturday the 6th June 2015 to Sunday the 14th.

hard courts are covered by our splendid Dome, guaranteeing tennis for six months whatever the weather. And for dry evenings outside we have floodlighting for our three synthetic clay courts, now such favourites with Members.

The history of this event takes us back as far as 1904. In those days most of the top players in the world came to our tournament each year, because it was one of the first events of the grass court season in the weeks leading up to Wimbledon itself.

These facilities are ideal for our extensive programme of all-ages tennis coaching, which continues right through the winter.

In those days many young hopefuls competed with the stars of the day at Surbiton and went on to become stars themselves and win other trophies around the world. The young Roger Federer played here in 1999 before going on to dominate tennis for a long spell. The names of the many other stars read like a roll-call of tennis honours. For instance: Sue Barker, Greg Rusedski, Billie-Jean King, Lleyton Hewitt and a host of great names from across the years.

Recent winners have been no less distinguished. For instance, our 2008 winner was Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who has since gone on to a top-ten world ranking.

The choice of Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club for next year’s Aegon Surbiton tournament underlines the high status that our Club enjoys in the world of tennis.

In the summer season we can offer eleven carefully nurtured grass courts, which only the top elite clubs can match, plus nine hard courts as backup for bad weather use.

From 1st October each year two of our

28

Now that the nights are beginning to draw in, squash comes into its own. Our four courts are all heated and air-conditioned. Saturday nights are special, when our Squash Club Nights offer the opportunity to meet new opponents. From 5.30pm onwards, every Saturday, so don’t miss the fun! There’s also a Beginners’ Squash Evening on Sundays from 5pm to 6pm.

Autumn and Winter usually tempt more and more Members into our Fitness Suite, where we have some of the latest equipment, from cardio-vascular aids to resistance machines and free weights. We also have a Studio for our regular classes in Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and Indoor Cycling.

We’re a friendly Club, as you would soon find. Our Clubhouse Bar is an excellent meeting-place, where you can relax with coffee or any one of a range of drinks. Why not pop in and look us over? You’ll be very welcome!

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

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29

Gardening Conifers

by Pippa Greenwood pyramidal conifers can bring welcome shape, texture and evergreen colour to your garden and look lovely grown as a single, specimen tree in the lawn, and are often useful if carefully positioned to hide an eyesore.

Recommended: Picea albertiana ‘Conica’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Yvonne’ or Thymus occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’

As the planting season is very much upon us, it is time to take a fresh look at conifers, they’re a lot more versatile and considerably more attractive than you may have realised, and a great way to add colour, texture and living sculpture to your garden 365 days of the year. Yes, these evergreen plants have great garden potential so take a look at some of the great ways that conifers can be used in gardens, with several hundred different cultivars of conifer to choose from in the UK, there really is one to suit every situation!

Dwarf Conifers There are lots of conifers which really are dwarf, and reach a maximum height of 1m (3ft). These are obviously particularly useful for small gardens and backyards and will often add a great extra dimension to a rock garden or a small-scale border. They may need an occasional trimming,

30

but generally hold their shape well.

Recommended: Picea abies ‘Little Gem’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Gnome’ , Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Aurea’, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmoriniana’, Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Tall and Narrow Blessed with serious style many of the columnar or tall, slim conifers look especially stunning when used to create a screen, or to add height to a mixed border or a shrub border. Being rather like a living sculpture they are also good grown as a single specimen tree in a lawn. Use these as a splendid evergreen focal point at the end of a path.

Spherical Conifers With their prominently rounded shape these conifers naturally produce a sculptured look and are perfect for growing either side of a gateway or house entrance.

They also look stunning in a mixed border, adding colour, texture and interest when many of the other border ingredients are below ground.

Recommended: Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Sunset’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Glauca’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Danice’

Recommended: Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Aurea’, Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’, Thuja plicata ‘Fastigiata’.

Ground-Cover Conifers Ground cover is great for hiding low-lying eyesores, such as manhole covers an evergreen groundcover hides them all year long. Low growing conifers also work well for covering steep slopes and edging paths and beds.

They will help to keep weeds at bay and are extremely low maintenance.

Pyramid-shaped Conifers With their relatively wide bases and narrow tops,

Recommended: Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Coat’, Juniperus conferata, Juniperus

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Feed in April using a proprietary fertiliser to keep the growth good and ensure it is a good colour.

communis ‘Compressa’.

Conifers for Containers Conifers can look great either on their own (especially when planted with a few small bulbs around their roots, to add splashes of seasonal colour) or in a mixed planting where they help to bring structure, texture and off-season colour, or a backdrop for the flowers of other plants in the container.

Recommended: Juniperus compressa ‘Compressa’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwood’s Gold’, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-Sugi’ , Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Springtime’, Pinus leucodermis ‘Schmidtii’ Conifer Planting and Growing Tips Make the planting hole a minimum of 1m wide by 30cm deep and incorporate plenty of

bulky organic matter such as garden compost, proprietary planting mix or well-rotted manure.

Tease or spread out the roots well and backfill the hole with garden soil mixed with planting compost.

Make sure that only the roots are below the soil surface, water in well.

Trim conifers regularly but remember if you cut back into old or brown growth you’ll run in to trouble as they don’t produce dormant buds and you’ll end up exposing all the old growth.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related items including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Cards, Handmade pottery herb planters, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of seriously useful garden items.

Keep the soil moist at all times, especially during late spring and summer when drought is likely.

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31

Spotlight On...... Halo Homecare -

Helping Older People to Live Safely and Happily at Home

N

owadays most of us are living much longer. This is great news, but advancing age can make everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and shopping that bit harder, and the loss of mobility can lead to feelings of isolation.

Halo Homecare enables older people to m a i n t a i n independence at home. The c o m p a n y p r o v i d e s companionship, home help and professional personal care that is carefully tailored to the needs of each Client.

Halo Homecare is run by Surbiton couple David and Nancy Candlin. Nancy puts it like this: “We listen to our clients, learn about them and treat each one as an individual”.

“The service is flexible and can range from regular companionship and simple housework to help with washing, dressing, and meal preparation. We also help Clients to stay mobile and get out and about – for example to visit friends, go to Church or attend an appointment at the dentist or GP.” 32

“Our carers enjoy what they do and bring bags of energy and fun to our Clients’ lives! The Halo Homecare team has a wealth of experience – we value every employee and support them to develop their skills and deepen their knowledge in areas such as diabetes care and dementia”.

“Our passion is enabling our Clients to live safely and happily at home. And we give relatives peace of mind by keeping in regular touch. But you don’t need to take our word for it – contact us and we will put you in touch with one of our clients or a relative – so you can get an unbiased view about our services!”

Halo Homecare is the new name for 121 Homecare, which has been providing homecare in Surbiton, Berrylands and surrounding areas for more than 20 years. David and Nancy Candlin come across as a happy couple, shaping the business to provide exemplary care with honesty and openness. They clearly feel fulfilled in a job which they find immensely rewarding. They enjoy and take pride in the difference their team makes to other people’s lives.

Halo Healthcare can reached on 020 8399 3388, or via info@halohomecare.co.uk.

Website: www.halohomecare.co.uk

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is now

The best care and support at home

• • • •

Supporting you – or your loved one – to live safely and happily at home Enabling every client to do the things they want to do Providing specially structured support at home for those with dementia Keeping in close touch with relatives to give complete peace of mind

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To celebrate our name change we are offering new clients a 10% discount on the first full month of support*. Just quote “121toHalo”.

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

33

Back to the Future

‘Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past’ wrote George Orwell in his classic dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty Four.

Gone are the images of hover boards and self-adjusting clothing, and in come repeated ideas that the future could be anything but rosy for the human race. The future may not be fantastic, but the fiction certainly is.

Divergent-Veronica Roth Life is generally considered to be confusing enough for teenagers, but in Veronica Roth’s vision of the future, society has become fragmented into five factions of virtue, and all sixteen year olds must choose that which they want to devote their lives to preserving.

Tris needs to make a decision about who to trust and whether or not to leave her family and follow her own path. Then there’s a new love interest, but she’s not sure whether he will in fact protect her or ultimately destroy her. Once the brutality of the initiation is over, is it all worth it and is Tris following the right path? It’s ideal reading for anyone who’s stressing over which university to go to. After reading Divergent, it’ll be a doddle.

Nineteen Eighty-Four-George Orwell Long before Davina McCall blasted onto our screens, George Orwell was writing his dystopian classic about Big Brother and Room 101. Written in the past (1949) about the future (1984), that’s now being read in the present (2014, in case you’re not sure!) has actually resulted in the creation of a timeless novel.

The fear factor associated with the Ministry of Truth still reigns supreme and the fact that it was supposed to be a commentary on communism doesn’t seem to have dated it one bit. Winston Smith is beavering away in the Record Department, rewriting everything to suit the ruling party whilst secretly plotting his rebellion.

34

Freedom is life, and Smith is determined that the Ministry won’t determine his future.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K Dick If the plot starts to feel vaguely familiar, it’s because Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner was based on Dick’s novel. Bounty hunter Rick Deckard is preying on, and ‘retiring’ androids that have short but murderous lifespans, in order to pay his own bills and keep his depressed wife buoyant. In a parallel life, John Isidore is trying to conserve and protect the androids. In this post-apocalyptic world, most animals have been destroyed by the effects of radiation and the scarcity and cost of owning one is where the title comes from. The novel asks all kinds of questions about human emotions and, most importantly perhaps, about empathy. It’s an amazing and intriguing thriller.

Brave New World- Aldous Huxley In Huxley’s vision of the future, everyone’s free to take recreational drugs and be as promiscuous as they like. Who wouldn’t want to exist in such a utopia? The World Controllers have created the ideal living situation but, true to form, there’s always one who isn’t happy. It’s just all a bit too good.

Bernard Marx is searching for imperfections, unconvinced that this contrived society is really making people as happy as they appear. He visits one of the socalled Savage Reservations to try and cure his restlessness. A future

story that makes us question the present is always a goodie and shows us why this novel has stood the test of time.

2001: A Space Odyssey- Arthur C Clarke Next time your computer won’t do what you want it to, spare a thought for the crew of the Discovery, who’ve been tasked with finding out why a mysterious monolith found on the Moon, is sending a signal out to Saturn. Their electronic friend is HAL 9000, who seems to have developed feelings and self-awareness, but also slightly murderous tendencies. If you thought space was scary enough, imagine being under the control of a digital psychopath. It’s science fiction at its most intense, with the very existence of human civilisation at risk from homicidal HAL. Uglies- Scott Westerfeld Ever thought how much easier your life would be, if you had been born beautiful? Perhaps you are one who is fair of face and dispute the fact that it’s a walk in the park if you’re gorgeous. In Tally’s world, everyone gets the chance to experience outer beauty- they just need to turn sixteen. The ‘Pretties’ live in a paradise of halcyon days and all the ‘Uglies’ can do is stay in the shadows and wait.

But Tally’s friend Shay isn’t so convinced that pretty is the way to go, and she’s found a way out. So the authorities issue Tally with an ultimatum: find Shay and turn her in, or Tally will never turn ‘pretty’ herself.

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Need to • Free quotes • Free quotes are dedicated MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY • LAW FullyFIRM, NPTC qualified • Fully NPTC qualified WE ARE YOUR LOCAL OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE AND PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY • Tree reductions / cr • Tree reductions / crown thins speak to James Winfield SERVICE ultural queries.

• Tree felling • Tree felling For more information or a no obligation quote • Stump removal • Stump removal • Hedgeworks • Hedgeworks R.J. Tree Services qualified professional staff are dedicated Email: ewell@lewis-dick.com or visit our Website:&www.lewis-dick.com • Tree surveys & repo • Tree surveys Ewell, & reports Lewis & Dick, 443 Kingston Surrey, KT19 0DG instance. to the highestRoad, levels of service in every ns We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural querie

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• Free quotes • Fully NPTC qualified R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional • Tree reductions / crown thins staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance.

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

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

3 07980 36903 881 pects of our work

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

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21 49 46

36

20

23 48

26

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12

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with FREE first appointment

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Interior Design Services

When there is no space, there is space. www.personaedesign.com sarah@personaedesign.com 07854707999

ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

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

Your local MOT TESTER AND SERVICE REPAIRER

ALL CARS COLLECTED AND DELIVERED (LOCAL AREAS)

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

Diagnostics - Brakes - Clutches - Bodywork - Welding etc.

Labour Rate £37.50 per hour Telephone:

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

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

37

Some Like It Hot

Technology taking the expense out of heating your home

With summer a rapidly fading memory it’s likely that you’ve had the central heating on for weeks or even months.

With energy prices constantly increasing, a few simple bits of kit can make a huge difference to your outgoings.

One of the simplest changes you can make is to replace your boiler’s old timer with a modern digital programmer, such as Siemens’ RWB29. This £45 device enables you to set different times for weekdays and weekends, and you can set three different heating times per day. Installing it and any similar programmer isn’t a particularly difficult job and the extra control it offers can help reduce your heating bills.

Another option is to invest in thermostatic radiator valves, or TRVs for short. With prices starting at around £7, TRVs are simple to fit and enable you to set different temperatures in different rooms, so for example you might set the bedrooms to be several degrees cooler than the living room. You can even get digital ones such as the Terrier i-temp i30, which enables you to set up to 6 different temperature settings per day - handy if the room’s temperature is subject to

38

outside factors such as late afternoon sunshine.

For many of us our heating systems are fairly low tech, but that’s changing with the arrival of systems such as British Gas’s Hive. Hive connects your boiler to your broadband, and that means you can control it with a smartphone app. You might override the heating settings because you’re coming home later than expected, keep an eye on your daily energy use, or just show off by turning the heating on and off when you’re at work. British Gas reckons that the £199 Hive will pay for itself very quickly, offering savings of up to £150 a year on your energy bills, and it’s compatible with 99% of the UK’s gas boilers.

One of the most advanced home energy gadgets is the Nest learning thermostat, which is now owned by Google.

The £249 device isn’t just a good looking thermostat; it’s a computer that learns your everyday activities and sets the heating to suit - and it knows when you’re out, lowering the heating accordingly. Once again the big selling point here is reduced energy bills, and Nest has proved so successful at doing that in America that

some US energy companies are giving them away free to their customers to help keep their bills down (and the customers loyal).

A thermostat is hardly the most exciting sounding gadget, but Nest has big ideas: Google has teamed up with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and fitness gadget maker Jawbone, remote control firm Logitech and garage door firm Chamberlain to make Nest compatible with their products. A Mercedes car knows what time you’ll be home and can alert the thermostat accordingly; a Jawbone fitness tracker can tell when you’re waking up and can turn the heating up automatically; allin-one remotes can get all your entertainment gadgets ready for a movie while dropping the temperature to make the thriller even more chilling. It won’t be long before Google adds voice control to the mix, and it’s clear that it sees Nest as the centre of a much wider home automation system. It’s hot stuff already!

By Gary Marshall

Images left to right:British Gas Hive smart thermostat; Honeywell Homexpert replacement heating programmer; Nest learning thermostat; Thermostatic radiator valve

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Something Unpleasant Could Be Giving Your Pet The Itch!

W

e are coming to that time of year where parasites seem to be in abundance – although strictly speaking parasites are around all year round! We do however see an increase in the number of people coming to our Veterinary Surgery looking for a solution to a parasite problem at this time of year.

The most common parasite we hear about is the flea! Only adult fleas live on your pet.

95% of the population of fleas including the eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment such as in carpets, between skirting boards and even in the hoover bag!

One adult flea can hatch up to 50 eggs per day and lay dormant in the environment for up to a year. When conditions are just right i.e., in October (when the weather gets cooler and the central heating is switched on) we see a lot of flea infestations.

The best way to deal with parasites is to prevent your pet and home from getting them in the first place.

It is fair to say that there seems to be just as many products out there as there are parasites and things can get confusing.

Veterinary clinics offer the most effective and comprehensive parasite preventions on the market. The choices currently include: household insecticidal flea To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

sprays, flea and tick collars, flea injections for cats, topical spot-ons and now a chewable treat for the prevention of fleas and ticks in dogs.

If you would like free professional advice as to which treatment is best for your pet, please contact us at the Aspen Veterinary Surgery or visit our website www.aspenvets.co.uk

Aspen Veterinary Surgery Your pet matters to us

Puppy parties Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm.

Please phone the surgery to book your place.

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 39

Short Story The Dare by Jackie Brewster “I dare you to eat one”. Cole said, holding out a shiny conker.

argue with the authority of You Tube.

The twins had been collecting conkers as they scrambled through the darkening woods on their way home from swimming. Morgan liked conkers, but he also liked the spiky green casings that he prized them out of; his pockets were full of them.

“His eyes turned green and everything”.

Morgan watched Cole closely.

There were two things that his brother was scared of – zombies and mushrooms.

It was such a good dare that Morgan wished he’d thought of it. He was certain conkers were poisonous. And it wasn’t even Cole’s turn to set a dare.

Just yesterday Cole had dared him to stroke Mrs Burgey’s mangy dog. Afterwards Cole had broken the first rule of Dare Club – that no one talks about Dare Club - and told their mother. She’d made Morgan take a shower, and it wasn’t even Sunday. Morgan had been biding his time, waiting to get his revenge. Cole couldn’t be allowed to get away with it, after all Morgan was the eldest by ten whole minutes.

“Do you understand exactly what you’re asking?”. He said mysteriously, taking the conker from Cole.

“Yeah”. Cole answered, unimpressed.

“You know that conkers contain powerful magic don’t you?”.

Morgan smiled thinly.

Cole pulled a face. “Say’s who?”.

“I saw it on You Tube”. Morgan lied, “This guy ate a conker on a full moon, and he turned into a zombie”.

Cole snorted, but could not

40

“Tonight’s a full moon”. He glanced at the sky, “Just so you know what you’re asking”.

“Rubbish”. Cole kicked the leaves, “That’s just werewolves”.

“It’s werewolves too”. Morgan raised the conker to his lips.

“Still dare me to eat it?”.

Both boys stared hard at each other. Morgan shrugged, “It’s been nice knowing you”.

He popped the conker into his mouth. Cole frowned.

“You’ve got to swallow it”.

Morgan indicted a need to sit down. The business of digesting conkers was arduous and shouldn’t be tackled while standing. Cole went to perch on a log, “Not there!”. Morgan spluttered, “It’s covered in toadstools”.

Cole’s rapid inspection of the log gave Morgan just enough to time spit the conker into the leaves, and find what he needed from his pocket.

“Now we’re sitting comfortably”.

Morgan mumbled with gravity, “I will swallow”.

The violent gagging sounds he made as he pretended to swallow impressed even him.

“What now?”. Asked Cole, wide-eyed.

“Now we wait”. Morgan folded his arms and leaned back against the tree. The shadows grew longer and a flock of crows came home to roost.

“This is boring”. Cole said, glancing at his watch.

The chill evening air had just descended to the forest floor when Morgan chose his moment.

He began to cough and shake.

He clutched his stomach and moaned. He spat foamy dribble down his coat for dramatic effect.

“The magic is beginning to take hold”. He cried, “Run Cole, run, while you still have the chance”.

Cole laughed nervously, “Stop mucking around”.

“The pain, the pain!”. Morgan cried, burying his face in his hands. Writhing in agony, he uttered an unearthly moan.

Then he took his hands away to reveal himself transformed.

His huge zombie eyes were green and covered in gruesome spikes.

Cole turned the colour of concrete, shrieked (like a girl thought Morgan) and ran off, leaving his swimming kit behind.

Morgan laughed and took the conker casings out of his eyes.

He knew he would get into trouble for this, but just for the moment it was worth it.

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Do you want an outstanding education for your child?

SCCN offers free 15 hours funded nursery places term time only for children from the age of 3

We also offer extended hours between 8.00am to 6.00pm all year round See our outstanding Ofsted Report

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/102560

For further information or to arrange a visit please contact our school office: 020 8390 2555Telephone: 020 8390 2555 Email: office@sccn.rbksch.org Website: www.surbitonchildrenscentre.org Address: Alpha Road, Surbiton, KT5 8RS

The Life List New Therapies

New-trition - Food fads and so-called super foods (ask a hungry person and they’ll tell you that any food is super, even soup!).

Councilling - Ringing to let the council know they’ve forgotten to empty your wheelie bin again.

Sigh-cotherapy - Perfect for couples who need

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Jack-u-puncture - Changing a tyre. One of the few car repairs you can do for yourself and which doesn’t require a computer diagnostic.

Hip-no-therapy - Accepting that your joints aren’t as flexible these days as they once were.

Experts generally agree that lifelong learning, as well as being the beginning of a tongue twister, helps keep the brain active and the mind healthy. The only problem is that not everyone wants to take up watercolours or learn about archaeology. Alternative therapies are proving popular, so maybe it’s time for some new common-sense therapies?

Home-eopathy - Small amounts of decorating.

to express disappointment one another.

Fill-osophy - The opposite of New-trition, where you eat what you want when you want..

Tie-Chi - Learning to tie a tie in under 15 minutes. The advanced classes cover bow ties and cummerbunds.

Rakey Therapy - Tidying the leaves from the lawn and pottering around the garden.

Coaching - Ferrying around family members and friends. Also known as the designated driver.

Yo-yoga - The opposite of Hip-no-therapy. Being able to stretch, bend down and get back up again without the use of pulleys.

All these and more are available from the University of Life. Class starts first thing tomorrow morning - don’t be late! © Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.com

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

41

42

New Kingston Adult Education centre open now at Newent House, Surbiton!

Kingston Adult Education (KAE) has moved to Newent House! KAE is offering the same balanced range of courses but fees remain unchanged. This price freeze reflects KAE’s commitment to make learning accessible to all in the community. Newent House is a short walk away from KAE’s HQ at the King Charles Centre.

The new prospectus for 2014-15 is available from local libraries and adult education centres or you can contact us and we will post you a copy.

Email us at: adult.education@kingston.gov.uk or browse, book & pay online here:

www.kingston.gov.uk/adulteducation Courses start throughout the year!

King Charles Centre Hollyfield Road, Surbiton KT5 9AL Newent House 8-10 Browns Road, Surbiton KT5 8SP Telephone: 020 8547 6875 / 6700 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

43

Beauty Professional Make-Up Secrets: How to Get a Perfect Pout natural pale hue is an essential tool when makingup thin lips. Warm the pencil in your hands before lining your lips just slightly outside their natural line and bring the liner as far down to the corners of your mouth as you can - whilst still keeping it looking perfectly natural.

Particularly emphasise your cupid’s bow and the middle of your bottom lip.

With the help of a few simple make-up tools and techniques it’s easy to transform your lips into the pout you’ve always wanted.

Thin Lips Thin lips are a big beauty concern for many women especially as they age.

That’s because over the years, our lips lose their plumpness and become visibly thinner. Fortunately

44

there’s plenty that can be done to add some volume, without having to resort to fillers.

Choose lipsticks in light shades and always opt for a glossy finish. Lighter colours work to make lips look bigger by bringing that area of your face forward, whereas darker shades have the opposite effect by pushing it back.

Light-reflecting pigments in glosses and lipsticks add instant fullness to thin lips - unlike matte formulations that make the lips look flat.

A creamy lip liner, in a

Using a lip brush, neatly fill in your lips with your chosen lipstick. Add a dab of gloss to the centre of your bottom lip and highlight your cupid’s bow by adding a touch of shimmer highlighter - powder, cream or pencil varieties will all do the job.

Uneven Lips If your bottom lip is fuller than your top, then your lips can look uneven - but it’s easy to balance things out with well-applied lipstick.

Choose a lip liner in a shade that matches the lipstick you are going to use and apply it to your cupid’s bow - at the centre of your top lip. Don’t be tempted to extend the line all the way down because you only want definition in the centre.

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Cover your bottom lip with a dot of concealer or foundation - this makes it easier to correct the shape then line the centre of your bottom lip slightly above the natural line and softly extend the line outwards, but not all the way to the corner of your mouth.

the centre of your top lip.

Bring the lip liner on to your bottom lip and lightly fill it in - the aim is to create a matte finish so that your bottom lip appears less prominent. Then, using a lip brush, fill in your top lip with the lipstick that matches your liner.

Find a lip liner that matches the natural colour of your lips as closely as possible, then line the outer corners of your mouth by using light, feathery strokes. Bring the line up and round, over your cupid’s bow but make sure the line

Draw attention to your top lip and create a perfect finish by adding a touch of gloss to

Narrow Mouth If your mouth is small and narrow it can look out of proportion compared to your other facial features.

A little lip liner and lipstick can easily ‘extend’ the mouth though.

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL...

isn’t as strong as the one on the corners of your lips, because emphasising the corners of the mouth will have an elongating effect.

Choose a neutral coloured lipstick in a creamy or satiny finish - it’s important to stick to lighter shades, as darker hues will make your lips appear smaller.

By Helen Taylor

“The Ultimate Class for Mums and Babies” The Times

Local business women, is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, without compromising current working or family commitments.

If you have a background in any of the following roles: Supervisory M anagerial Sales M arketing R ecruitment Self-employment ... or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, I would love to hear from you.

C AL L M E NOW Beverley Carpenter 020 83908234 / 07914 848124

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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

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

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

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

45

Hobbies Have You Got The Baking Bug? By Kate McLelland Cupcakes are especially popular: decorated with butter cream icing, sprinkled with edible glitter and often topped with exotic decorations, they can easily be turned into individual, quirky masterpieces. These little cakes can even be displayed on a multi-layered framework (a “cupcake tower”) in place of a traditional wedding cake.

In recent years baking has become a bit of a national obsession. With new cakecraft shops opening in our high streets and countless community bake-offs taking place all over the country, it would appear that the UK has been well and truly bitten by the baking bug.

Much of the renewed interest in what can be achieved with butter, sugar, eggs and flour can be ascribed to the BBC’s now legendary TV show, The Great British Bake Off, which features a team of amateur bakers taking part in progressively harder challenges over a period of ten weeks. The first episode of GBBO traditionally kicks off with “Cakes” and it’s fitting that this aspect of baking should open the competition, as cake making and decorating has become one of the most popular hobbies in Britain today.

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The name “cupcake” first appeared in an American cookery book published in 1796. They were so named because they were baked in pottery cups, ramekins or moulds, the size of a small teacup. Their popularity was revived in the 2000s thanks to the US TV series “Sex and the City”, when lead characters Carrie and Miranda scoffed cupcakes from New York’s famous Magnolia Bakery as they discussed their love lives.

These days you can buy special tin moulds for cupcakes and it’s possible to experiment with a huge range of recipes. Try them out on family and friends, or if you’re feeling ambitious you can even enter the National Cupcake Championships. You can view the entry guidelines at www. nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk but hurry, as the deadline for entries is 15th August.

Although many people enjoy pottering alone in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and finding original ways to decorate their cakes, The Great British Bake Off seems to have inspired a real enthusiasm for communal

baking, whether that’s about learning together or indulging in friendly competition.

You can look up cake decorating courses in your local area by going to www. cakedecoratingcourses.co.uk or alternatively visit your local library to find out if they hold a list. If you fancy getting away from it all in order to really focus on your art, then there are a number of cake decorating short breaks and holidays available, with one day courses costing from around £100 (not including accommodation).

If you want a real holiday experience you could sign up for a cake-making course in France, with accommodation and meals included for £649 per person. See www. frenchcakebreaks.com for more details.

For those who simply don’t have the money to spend on courses there are a number of tutorials on YouTube (www. youtube.com) that will teach you everything you need to know, from creating a basic cake mixture to advanced piping techniques.

If you don’t enjoy learning alone, you can always invite a friend around to experiment with you, or get together with neighbours to create your own version of the Great British Bake Off. One thing’s for certain: there’ll be no lack of volunteers to help when it comes to tasting the results!

By Kate McLelland

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Cake and Bake Apple & Blackberry Crumble Cake Making the most of seasonal fruit, this moist cake is delicious as a warming pudding served with custard or you can leave it to cool and enjoy it with a mid morning cup of coffee.

Ingredients: • 350g self-raising flour • 2tsp ground mixed spice • 175g unsalted butter, chilled and diced, plus extra for greasing • 150g golden caster sugar • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 2 large dessert apples, peeled cored and diced • 200g blackberries • 50g Demerara sugar • 50g roasted hazelnuts, chopped

TIP

You can vary the fruit filling, try pears with blueberries or thickly sliced plums and replace the hazelnuts with chopped blanched almonds.

Makes 8 Slices Ready in 1 hour 20 mins, plus cooling To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

1. Preheat the oven to 190C, Fan 170C, Gas Mark 5. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Grease a 20cm x 24cm cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.

2. Sift the flour and mixed spice into a large bowl.

Add the butter and rub into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs. Remove 175g of the crumble mixture to a second bowl and set aside.

3. Stir the caster sugar and beaten egg into the larger amount of crumble to make a soft and slightly sticky dough. Press into an even layer in the base of the cake tin using floured hands.

Scatter over the diced apple and berries.

4. Stir the Demerara sugar and chopped hazelnuts into the rest of the crumble mixture and spoon over the fruit, pressing down gently.

5. Place the cake tin on the hot baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-50 mins until the cake is risen and golden brown (cover the top of the cake loosely with foil after 30 mins if it starts to overbrown). Leave the cake to cool in the tin for about 20 mins then remove by gently lifting the parchment. Serve warm or cold.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

47

The Better Life Life Cycle

by Derek Thompson Bradley Wiggins I’m not.

When it was time to look into greener modes of transport Anne was already two wheels ahead of me.”These would be good,” she glanced over from the local paper, which would soon find its way into the woodburner. I immediately felt a sense of foreboding, as if a new batch of chickens were already winging their way to us. But no, it was something else.

“Pedelecs,” she said. “That’s the way to go.” I couldn’t see why we needed to cross a boating lake, but I was keen to find out why. Pedelecs, she swiftly educated me, are electrically assisted bicycles - perfect for those short to medium journeys that do not merit the car, and which might otherwise tire me out. Even better, these were used bikes - i.e. recycled - so they came with doubly green credentials.

Although why someone would want to recycle an eco bike was beyond me.

As is our way, once we’d been inspired action swiftly followed.

All it took was a fair chunk of money and a man with a trailer to deliver the goods, and we were soon the proud

48

owners of a pair of barely used Lafree Giant Twists. Aside from the fact that both bikes look identical (although mine doesn’t have a wicker basket on the front), the Twists soon became a talking point in the village.

The downhill journey out is a little like a funfair ride, only with chaffinches and woodpigeons instead of skeletons and ghosts. It’s a different story coming back in, though, and it almost feels like the birds gather in the hedgerows to watch me puffing up the 1 in 4 incline.

The neighbours gather too, sometimes, with a now familiar litany of questions.

1. No, the motor doesn’t do all the work for you - only half of it. Less, if you use it on eco mode.

2. Yes, our hill is very steep.

That would be why I’m sweating.

3. Yes, the bike is keeping me fit. That’s why my face is red and my legs ache.

4. No, I’d rather not fetch any shopping for you in my dapper and roomy panniers, but thanks for

noticing them.

For the technically minded, the bike’s NiMH battery has a range of about 20 miles, as long as there aren’t too many hills like ours. I commute by bike now and I’m still surprised by how quickly I can pull away at the lights, to the consternation of other cyclists. Motorists, pedestrians and horses are surprised too, but that’s usually when I meet them at the bend in the lane on the way home. It’s a wonder I haven’t worn my bell out.

I only work in town three days a week, so the battery gets a recharge at the same time as my legs, unless we head out for a jaunt along the coast. Cycling is an instant time machine. Suddenly I’m 11 again, a bottle filled with squash clipped to the frame, racing along for the joy of it.

A child at a crossing recently broke this nostalgic reverie.

She stared for a moment and asked, “Mummy, why is that man riding a girl’s bike?”

Despite all the bike’s green credentials, my 11 year-old self cringed. Well, until the lights changed anyway.

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Mushroom & Chicken Pot Pies Makes 4

Ready in 1 hour These perfectly portioned individual pies make a filling lunch or supper simply served with steamed vegetables.

You can use any mix of mushrooms but it’s worth looking out for packs of mixed exotic mushrooms for extra flavour.

Place the porcini in a heatproof bowl and cover with 150ml boiling water. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220C, Fan 200C, Gas Mark 7.

Ingredients:

Heat the butter and half the olive oil in a large frying pan and fry the shallots for 5 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and fry for a further 3-4 minutes then stir in all the mushrooms and fry over a high heat until softened. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

• 25g dried porcini mushrooms • 25g butter • 2 tbsp olive oil

Add the rest of the oil to the frying pan and fry the diced chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown all over.

• 2 shallots, peeled and chopped

Drain the porcini mushrooms and add the soaking liquid to the chicken. Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes until reduced. Meanwhile, finely chop the porcini mushrooms and stir into the fried mushrooms and shallots.

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 400g mixed mushrooms, chopped if large

Return all the mushrooms and shallots to the pan and stir in the crème fraiche and thyme leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Divide the mixture between four individual ovenproof pie dishes. Brush the rims of the dishes with water.

• 250g chicken breast fillet, diced • 200g tub crème fraiche • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

6

• 300g puff pastry • Beaten egg, to glaze

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Roll out the pastry to about 4mm thickness. Cut out four circles of pastry big enough to fit on top of the dishes with a little pastry overlapping the edges. Drape the pastry circles over the filling. Decorate the tops with leaves cut from the pastry trimmings and brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 49

The Game Season is here: what a choice!

by Alan Jennings

I

f you’re into the finer tastes of food, now is an exciting time of year. The Game Season is now with us and the list of delicacies gets longer all the time. For instance, the beginning of October is when we usually expect our first pheasants.

Pheasants are generally regarded as the classic game birds, and if you haven’t tried them, soon you will have the opportunity! If you’re shy about exactly how to cook them, try it this way. The traditional method with pheasants is to roast them, ideally having brushed them with oil and several crushed cloves of garlic.

The birds need only 20-30 minutes in the oven, but the thighs need testing with a skewer. If the juice runs clear, they’re done and just need 15 minutes to rest before serving. Delicious!

By now in the year we already have a bountiful choice of game – grouse, partridges, guinea fowl and mallards. Plus wood pigeons – humble, but not to be despised.

our pork and our lamb. All these receive the same professional care. For instance, our beef is always hung for a minimum of 21 days, so that the natural enzymes can work to soften the fibres and help bring out the subtle flavours.

With such a range of different choices, why not try something new this Autumn? Come and chat to us, and we can give our professional advice if you need it. See you soon!

Best wishes Alan C.D.Jennings and Sons Traditional Quality Butchers since 1962 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 6HE 020 8399 4870

Another game favourite is the ever-useful, ever-flavourful rabbit. The main joints can be braised for an hour or more in some really good stock, or preferably in a bottle of red wine - yes, a whole bottle. The gravy is incredible!

But we mustn’t forget venison, which is also in its proper season right now. At Jennings we’ve been supplying our customers with the finest cuts for some time. If you haven’t tried venison, don’t hold back; it’s a treat for any table. What used to be reserved for royalty and nobility is now open to all.

Our venison comes from Balmoral, where our longterm supplier has the exclusive rights to the venison from the Estate.

For the diet-conscious, venison checks out very well; it’s naturally lean, low in cholesterol and an excellent source fof iron and vitamins. We recommend loin of venison for a roasting joint, and shoulder for long casserole cooking. Or you could try our venison sausages, made on our own premises and renowned for their texture and taste.

All these game offerings reflect our commitment to quality, as shown also by our genuine Scotch Beef,

50

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C.D Jennings & Sons Surbiton’s High Class Family Butchers Meat of the Highest Quality from the Finest Sources Serving the Surbiton Community Since 1962 At C.D Jennings & Sons Butchers we have built a reputation over 50 years for friendly, personal service supplying only the highest quality cuts of meat from the finest sources. We have retained the tradititional approach to trading by giving a level of service and knowledge not usually available in today’s supermarkets.

We hang / dry age our Scotch Beef for 3 weeks to ensure maximum taste and tenderness. We cut all of our meat to your requirements and are happy to give advice on the best way to get the most out of our products.

C.D Jennings & Sons Butchers Autumn 2014 Specials Game Balmoral Venison, Grouse, Pheasants, Partridge, Wood Pigeons, Rabbits Proud Suppliers of:

Scotch Premier Beef Scotch Highland Lamb & Romney Salt Marsh Lamb Free Range Pork & ‘Rare Breed’ Gloucester Old Spot Pork Balmoral & Royal Deeside Venison Free Range Corn Fed Chicken We hand make all of our sausages & burgers at our shop in Surbiton.

View our website for the complete range: www.cdjenningsandsons.com Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite The Victoria pub) or call us to place an order on 020 8399 4870

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

For more information on the goods we supply view our website www.cdjenningsandsons.com email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

51

Greenway makeover set for green light

P

eople’s views on Tolworth Greenway are being taken on board in improvements to the scheme.

The scheme, designed to open up Tolworth Broadway, has been closely monitored since it opened. Comments and ideas from local people, along with the results of council reviews, will shape the next phase of the scheme’s development.

New measures being considered include: • An extra “proper” pedestrian crossing; • Signs to reinforce banned turns and u-turns by mororists; • Enhanced traffic smoothing measures; • New colours and Markings to make informal crossings more obvious; • Reduce the slope at inset parking bays; • New ‘shared use’ signs for cyclists and pedestrians; • Improvements to some paving.

Councillor Richard Hudson, Lead Member for Capital Projects and Contracts, said: “Having been listening to residents views earlier this year we are now ready and now in a position to take action to improve the Greenway” “The scheme has been monitored from the outset and the views of local users and residents listened to. We are now planning a series of changes to ensure that the Greenway achieves what it set out to do for the residents and traders in Tolworth.”

“The Greenway was an innovative approach to the Broadway but now desperately needs all the “snags” fixing. My approach as lead member is to ensure that ALL road users benefit from such schemes and any improvements are not focussed on small minorities. ” Councillors were due to discuss the Greenway as A Berrylands Companion went to press, at the Infrastructure, Projects and Contracts Committee on 11 September.

Network South East Returns to Surbiton

M

any Surbiton rail users will fondly remember the days of ‘Network South East’ when all the trains were coloured blue white and red and all the station lamp posts had been painted red. The story of this organisation will be told by Chris Green, its former director, as part of the new session of ‘Talking of Trains’ Another evening will reveal ‘Behind the Scenes at the Mid Hampshire Railway’ by its Managing Director Colin Chambers Further sessions will cover railways throughout Britain from the Isle of Wight to Scotland’s famous Waverley Line Talking of Trains is a must for anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of railways.

52

It is a WEA class which meets every Tuesday evening at Surbiton Library Hall for 20 weeks during the winter starting on 24th September.

The first meeting is free; the fee for the complete year is just £50.

The resident lecturer is Dick Crane and he is supported by an incredible line up of guest speakers and organised excursions.

Subjects vary from pure nostalgia to present-day railway developments such as the modernisation of the former Great Western routes.

For more information please visit website www.talkingoftrains.co.uk

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HOME WANTED!

MINOU

“My name is Minou & I’m Minou tabby & white & 11yrs. young

I’ve just been through the “My name is Minou & I’ m tabby My most traumatic time. & white & 11 yrs. young. I’ ve just lovely mistress been through thedied most traumatic suddenly and wasdiedtaken time. My lovely mistress suddenly taken away and away by and the was ambulance by the-ambulance police – police and theyand had to break and they had to break into our into our house to get toit her. house to get to her. Because Because wasand very noisy and was veryitnoisy frightening I hid and so they didn’ t knowsoI they frightening I hid and was there when they left –and I didn’t know I was there when found myself shut up in my they left and I found home with- no food or watermyself for 4 days. shut up in my home with no food or water for 4 days.

I survived by drinking from the toilet before I was eventually rescued and I’ m

now in the care of CP. I’ m from desperate find abefore home with an older person who I survived by drinking the to toilet I was eventually rescued will I’m give now me loads of TLC, I love.

Can you helpan and in the carecuddles of CP. and I’mtummy-rubs desperatewhich to find a home with me –I don’ t like being in a pen after years of living in a home with lots of love.” older person who will give me loads of TLC, cuddles and tummy-rubs which I love. Can you help me - I don’t like being in a pen after years of Ifliving inthat a home withgive lots of love” you feel you could Minou a much deserved forever loving home please call Sue on

If you that you could give Minou a much 0208feel 390 3165 deserved forever loving home please call Sue on 0208 390 3165 Epsom, Ewell & District Branch www.cats.org.uk/epsom

£10.95 As we have around 7,000 cats and kittens in our care at any one time, we will find you the perfect feline friend.

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

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020 8399 0030/3904

285 Ewell Road, Surbiton

NOW NEWLY REFURBISHED Book now for Valentine’s Day

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Around Britain Football 1. Arbroath - In 1885, Arbroath beat Aberdeen Bon Accord 36-0 (an average of one goal every 2� minutes) in a first round Scottish Cup match. Thirteen of Arbroath’s goals were scored by one player, John ‘Jocky’ Petrie.

2. Dundee - In 1997, Aberdeen’s Dean Windass received three red cards in one game – originally sent off for a foul, he was given two further red cards for verbally abusing the referee and then throwing a corner flag into the crowd. Aberdeen went on to lose to Dundee 5-0, while Windass was given a six-match ban.

3. Inverness - In 1979, a second-round tie between Inverness Thistle FC and Falkirk was postponed a record twenty-nine times due to bad weather. Originally scheduled for January 9, the match finally took place forty-four days later on February 22.

4. Hull - When half an hour of extra time failed to resolve a match between Hull and Manchester United on August 5 1970, Britain’s first ever penalty shoot-out took place at Boothferry Park, Hull City’s former home ground. The first player to score in a penalty shoot-out was United’s George Best; the first to miss was Denis Law. 5. Loughborough - The 1899-1900 Football League Season saw Leicestershire’s Loughborough Town FC win just 8 points, conceding 100 goals (including 12 to Arsenal in a single match) and losing 27 of their 34 games (including all of their away games). Loughborough understandably failed to be re-elected to the League the following season and the side was disbanded in June 1900. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones

Available to buy on www.amazon.co.uk

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

53

And Another Thing

by Tom Hughes I have a blended family. I don’t mean one night I went mad, chopped them all to bits with an axe then heaved their dismembered corpses into a giant Moulinex. What I actually mean is Sarah and I have four kids between us. And no, it’s not Piccadilly Circus in our house, it’s Grand Central Station.

“Dad, I’m just going out.”

“But Rob, you’ve just come in.”

“Yes I know, I’ve come in to say I’m going out. Bye.” (slam).

“Dad, will you take me to the cinema?”

“Emma, what are we going to see?”

“I’m going to watch The Hunger Games.”

“Half way through the movie, will I feel like a Lyons hot dog?”

“A what? Dad you’re not coming, you’re just giving us a lift.”

I get ready to take Emma to the cinema in my trusty Mondeo Ghia (half leather trim, heated seats). Now, do I have everything? Keys, coat, shoes, glasses….ready. Beep! Beep!

Hang on, who is that outside sounding their horn?

“It’s OK, Rebecca’s Mum’s here, she’s taking us now, mix up, bye!” (slam).

54

I sit back down in my coat. Ollie (the dog) sees that I am now wearing my anorak and trots off to retrieve his lead. He drops it at my feet and gives me his, “Well, come on!” look. We make it to the front porch just as the heavens open. “I’m taking Ollie out, bye!” (slam).

Don’t think door banging is confined to the entrance to our castle; all the internal doors take a hammering. I am an expert in counting down the slams.

“Dad! That’s so unfair! Right!

Fine.”

“Three, two, one …(slam!) Ooh, right on the money.”

Sarah was impressed. “You’ve got that down to a tee.”

“Here, do you want a go?”

“OK” Right on cue, Evan popped his head round.

“Dad, can I have a lift on Friday?”

“No problem, where to, your girlfriend’s? The cinema?”

“Glasgow.”

“Glasgow?”

“I’ve got tickets to see The Sausage Knotters.”

“Glasgow?”

Eyebrows up, chin down, “So… that’s a no?”

“I’m not entirely sure the Mondeo is up to it.”

“Fine!”

Sarah delayed her countdown just a touch too long - “Three….. two (slam), oh damn!”

Amateur. And so another week begins - football, gymnastics, swimming, cinema, proms, cheerleading, sleepovers, horseriding.

Have you ever tried to organise a parent’s lift rota on Facebook?

It’d be easier to start a protest flash mob outside a G8 summit.

No one tells me who is picking up who. Emma was in the back seat ready to go to Duke of Edinburgh (It was a meeting about his Award, he hadn’t called round to see if she was playing out) and I was just about to set off when a Chelsea tractor with blacked out windows skidded to a halt on the pavement in front of us. A strange creature with Gucci bug eyes and a mouth like a salmon was at the wheel. I shrugged.

The creature shrugged back.

Emma looked at me and shrugged. We all shrugged.

Then the creature sped off, beeping her horn and pouting rude words at me.

“Who was that?”

“Rebecca’s Mum, I think she was

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supposed to take.”

“Well nobody told me.”

Then, a miracle, a gift from the gods. Rob passed his test. We were so proud, his Mother was overjoyed. A whole new world opened up. Lifts to the pub, lifts to the game, lifts to the pub; my life was coming back to say hello!

Delirious, I rang my insurance company.

“Good morning, I’d like to add an additional driver to my policy.”

“Additional driver’s age?”

“Seventeen.”

“How long licence held?”

“Two hours.”

“One moment please”. A pause while the computer flicked over into improbability mode.

“That will be an additional premium of one hundred and thirty pounds.”

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

“Really? That’s very reasonable.”

Long summer nights at our local watching other couples throw car keys at each other filtered into my mind.

“Yes, that additional premium takes you to your renewal date which is next Saturday.”

“Ok, and how much is it for the year?

“One moment please…five thousand eight hundred and fifty nine pounds, and thirty one pence.”

“You what?! Five thousand – “ “..Eight hundred and fifty nine pounds thirty one pence. With a nine hundred pounds excess.”

“But….the car is only worth eight hundred quid. So, what am I actually paying for?” “…Peace of mind?”

was in the front room grinning. I sat down, Rob pushed Ollie off my lap and handed me my present. A pair of driver’s gloves and some furry dice. Everyone fell about.

A car horn blared outside.

“That’s not that Rebecca’s scary Mum again is it?”

“No. Come on Dad, we’re taking you to dinner.”

Outside, a minibus.

We all piled in. What’s this - free food and a lift home?

Priceless. You see, it doesn’t take much….

Follow Tom’s family life at groomsdaybook.com

It was my birthday last week.

I came home and everyone

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Quiz Solutions Codeword Solution

Hidato Solution

Mini Cryptic Crossword Solution

Word Ladder list Here’s one solution, others may exist

WARM wars bars bats bets sets SEAS

Wordsearch Riddle: Halloween is scary, but fun.

Anon Childrens Page answers Ben Nevis. True, True, True.

56

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The quiet skills and business revolution: the apprenticeship boom.

A

pprenticeships are booming in the Royal Borough – and across Britain.

For good reason. The training and the real world experience apprenticeships give are making them a popular choice for many young people. And local businesses I’ve visited seem incredibly enthusiastic about the benefits for them too. Young people earn a salary whilst gaining real qualifications, and businesses can get a grant of up to £1,500 for taking on a young unemployed person.

When my Liberal Democrat colleague and neighbouring MP, Vince Cable, embarked on a massive expansion of apprenticeships as Business Secretary when the Coalition was formed, eyebrows were raised. Weren’t apprenticeships a thing of the past? Weren’t they now simply free labour?

However, the experience of the last four years justifies Vince’s decision. First, the Government’s apprenticeship scheme offers much more choice – with Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships, depending on existing skill levels and qualifications. Second, as more and more firms have got involved, there are apprenticeship opportunities in everything from engineering to publishing, from ICT to retail, from law to construction. Third, there is now a national minimum wage for apprenticeships (something I actually brought in when I was the Employment Affairs Minister).

Two million apprentices – “biggest expansion since the 1950s” While many young people are choosing the apprentice route, increasingly people of all ages are taking the option – some to change career path, others to help them back into work.

That broad offer has meant that since 2010, the numbers of apprentices has rocketed. Nationally, we’ve seen 314,000 people become apprentices last year – bringing the current total to over 1.8 million.

Vince Cable has set a target for 2 million by the end of this financial year. That is the biggest expansion of apprentices since the 1950s.

That picture has been mirrored across Kingston and Surbiton. Last year over 300 apprentices started work and training, and the latest figures show that over 1,220 young people are working in the Royal Borough as apprentices. It’s one of the reasons local

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Edward Davey M.P

unemployment has fallen so sharply – with a drop of 23% last year, and a drop of almost 33% amongst young people.

Quality vocational training – with a real future I’ve always believed Britain was failing to provide the sort of vocational training many people and firms actually wanted. Sure, there were good schemes, but the take-up was too low. This meant many people were just missing out – and not getting the opportunity to get on in life.

And with my background as an economist, this suggested to me a missed opportunity for the country. I’ve always believed you can have a stronger economy and a fairer society – but that required giving everyone a chance.

Apprenticeships look like a big part of the answer. It may not be reported in the media. Newspapers may think apprenticeships sound boring. But I think they are part of a quiet revolution in skills and business, that are playing an important part in our economic recovery. Vince deserves a lot of credit.

It’s vital apprenticeships embody quality. So they have to be at least 12 months’ long. They have to lead to a national qualification, respected by employers.

Our scheme places a huge emphasis on “functional skills” – so from October 2012, for example, all providers of apprenticeships have to support their apprentices in achieving level 2 English and Maths.

Being an apprentice is not a soft option.

Interested in finding out more?

There is now a wealth of information out there – whether you are interested in becoming an apprentice, or offering an apprenticeship.

The best place to start is www.apprenticeships. org.uk. Potential apprentices can ring the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 for advice, whilst employers can call 0800 150 600.

Local apprentices and employers I’ve met to discuss their experience of the scheme in-depth have spoken very highly of the help and support they get when they apply or want to take someone on, so do check it out.

Equally, I’m keen to hear even more from local people and businesses about their views on the scheme. So do get in touch with me at www.edwarddavey.co.uk or my constituency office on 020 8288 0161.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

57

What’s on in October:-

Lupus Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Black History Month

Until 4th Oct: Iris Murdoch and Harry Weinberger: Writer Meets Painter Exhibition at Kingston

Museum, Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PS. Tel: 020 8547 6463 www..kingston.gov.uk/museum.

Open Tues, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm Thurs 10am - 5pm. Admission Free.

October is Stoptober month, get help to quit smoking! Check these sites for advice: www.kick-it.org.uk; www.bvsc.org; http://stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk for a Free Help Kit; http://smokefree.nhs.uk/resources/local-marketing-support/stoptober or Tel: 0121 255 9309 All month: London Restaurant Festival. www.londonrestaurantfestival.com 1st: World Cerebral Palsy Day 5th: Surbiton Farmers’ Market sponsored walk in aid of Kingston Carers’ Network.

6th: Every Monday evening, ‘40’s & ‘50’s Swing, jive & jitterbug Dance Classes at Kingston

Workmen’s Club, 25 London Road, Kingston. From 7.30-10.30pm. Tel: Nick: 07774 810 404.

www.everythingsjumping.co.uk 6th & 13th: Try out for Kingston Morris Dancers at St John’s Church, Grove Lane, Kingston. 8pm.

7 -11th: Back Care Awareness Week 8th: Deadline Day for submissions for the November edition of A Berrylands Companion.

8-19th: London Film Festival www.bfi.org.uk/lff 10th: Mental Health Day 12th: Garmin Kingston Run Challenge. Entry deadline 9pm, 6th October. www.humanrace.co.uk 13-19th: Chocolate Week.

15-21st: National Cupcake Week.

16-19th: Frieze Art Fair at Regents Park and Primrose Hill. www.friezelondon.com 18th: Surbiton Farmers’ Market, Maple Road, Surbiton 9.00 - 13.00.

19th: Surbiton Ski Sunday & Seething Luge 11 - 1pm, St Mark’s Hill.

The King’s Soup, 1.30 - 4pm St Andrew’s Square

Sea Cadets’ Parade, Trafalgar Square.

21st: Trafalgar Day 25-1st Nov: Surbiton Arts Group are holding their Autumn Exhibition at Surbiton Library annexe.

Open Sat 25th 2-5pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs Fri & Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Wednesdays. Entry free 26th: British Summer Time ends. Clocks go back one hour.

29th: Born Too Soon Babies’ Memorial Service at Shiraz Miraz Centre Kingston 30th: Halloween Thumbs Up It’s Thursday, Free Halloween activities for 2-11yrs, in town centre.

Halloween Night Market, The StockMKT returns with street food, crafts fashion design and

live music all spook inspired. 5.30 - 10pm Deadlines for submitting 31st: Halloween. Bug Busting Day

November 1st:

Thames Concerts at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road. Featuring Joseph Shiner (clarinet) and Frederick Brown (piano) Pre performance talk at 6.30pm, starts at 7.30pm. www.thamesconcerts.com.

Tickets on the door £15.

5th: Bonfire Night 8th: Deadline Day for submissions for the Dec/January edition of A Berrylands Companion.

Lord Mayor’s Show 9th: Rememberance Sunday 11th: Armistice Day 13-31st Dec: Christmas Market in Kingston, gifts foods and crafts, mulled wine etc.

13th: Christmas Lights switched on by Father Christmas in Kingston Town Centre

58

new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion

8th Oct for November issue 8th Nov for December/ January issue 8th Jan for February issue 8th February 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

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What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, 10-12pm at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121 Art Classes: Every Monday from September, 10 - 12 noon & 2 - 4pm, with Berrylands Artists at the Berrylands Christian Centre, 41 King Charles Road, Surbiton, KT5 8PF. For information call: 020 8644 0941 Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, a gentle 3-hour cycle ride for women. Meet by the Falling Phone Boxes, by Wilkinsons, 10.00am. http://www.cyclekingston.net/pages.php?p=Women_on_Wheels St Marks & St Andrews Church: Weds mornings 10.15-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers and Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am. A regular craft group meeting - meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7.30pm. At St Andrews Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them.

Tiny Tunes: Mon 10am & 10.50am at Surbiton Library Hall. Tues 10am & 10.50am at St Nicholas Parish Church, Summer Rd, Thames Ditton. All sessions 40 mins long, features music, dance, parachutes, bubbles & pom poms. Age 3 mths - 5yrs. Pay as you go £5, siblings £2.50. www.tinytuneslive.com Kingston Camera Club: Camera enthusiasts welcome. Mon eves, at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Athelstan Rd off Villiers Ave. 7.30pm - 10pm, with coffee break. New members welcome, contact: Tim Moreland 020 8541 0126, email: 36 tim.moreland@yahoo.com See www.kingstoncameraclub.com Kingston Philatelic Society: Meet 8-10pm, Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Rd. Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email brian.sole@btinternet.com Surbiton Floral Club: 1st Weds of the month at Raeburn Hall, United Reform Church, Elgar Ave. 7.30 for Across: Colourless formerly used astalks, an 7.45pm 6. start.

Floralliquid demonstrations, workshops & outings. 020 8399 8193 anaesthetic (5) Surbiton Club for the Blind: Alternate Tues, 2-4pm at Surbiton Methodist Church, Ewell Road, transport 7. Near or close to (8) 10. Very poisonous element (7) can be arranged.

Social metallic club with entertainment & tea. Info: 020 8399 8596 or 020 8399 3022 11. Continually repeated over a period of time (7) Oasis daytime group for over 60s: at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Weds 15th October at 12. Silvery-white radioactive metallic element (7) To go into again (2-5) 2.30pm.13.

Plenty of opportunity to chat, play games & do puzzles. Meetings include a 5 minute bible-based 14. Slow witted or stupid, particularly following talk relevant to life. Tel: 020 390 6631 alcohol (11) 19. Student who studies intensively in a4th short period Open Door: Alternate Thursdays from September, 2.45 - 4.30pm. A friendship group aimed at seniors. of time (7) Afternoon tea, chat and short talks from local organisations. Christ Church Lounge, King Charles Road, 21. Convert ordinary language into code (7) Surbiton.

8390beyond 7215 the usual limit (7) 25.020 Advance Of little substance or significance (7) Chinese25.

Brush Painting: held once a month at Sunray Community Centre, Knollmead, Tolworth. 10.00 26. At the right time of year (2,6) 13.00. Contact: on: Tel: (5) 020 83 98 7313 for full details. Beginners & Intermediates welcome.

27. Plant -Gwen sucking insects

October Crossword

Down:

1. Terminate gradually (5,3) Get your school, church or charity 2.

A Sultanate in northwestern Borneo (6) 3. Horologist (10)mentioned in event 4.

Slightly open (4) A Berrylands Companion magazine 5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6) Call Karen 020 8274 6. Represents oron: performs as if in 0096 a play (6) 8. Come to with (7) orterms email details to: 9. Shortened term for provocation (5) karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 13. Returning to political office (10) Next submission by 8th October for 15. Unusually deadline great in sizeis(7) 16. Afterthe sunrise and before sunset (8) November edition.

17. Strong and sharp (5) Please Note: The following deadline will be 18. Having little emotion or sensibility (6) 8th November for (6) Dec/Jan issue.

20.

Add to the very end 22. The highest point; culminate (6) 24. Compass point (4)

Remember, you can pick up a copy of A Berrylands Companion magazine at the following:

Why not send in your Autumn events and Fairs?

October Sudoku

C.D.Jennings, Hypoxi Centre, Surbiton & Tolworth Libraries, Shan’s Pharmacy, YMCA, Tolworth Recreation Centre, Royal Oak Pub

Send in your Christmas or New year events.

Call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email:

Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Surbiton Hill Garage, Berrylands Autocare Garage

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

If you would like copies at your business please call me on: 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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.

We currently have full and half plots available to rent. Contact: John on 07807 300 749 Membership is £2 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

For all gardeners and allotment holders!

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

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

9 Traditional and organic fertilizers and soil improvers/conditioners.

9 Lawn and rose treatments, weedkillers, pest controls.

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

Annual membership just £2, senior citizens £1.

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

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

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

Annual Membership just £2.50, senior citizens £1.50

This is a social club for the registered blind and partially sighted members of the public who live in Surbiton or Chessington. The Club meets on alternate TUESDAY afternoons at Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, Ewell Road, at 2.00 to 4.00pm. We provide afternoon tea and variety of entertainment.

The Club has a few vacancies for new members and there is no membership fee but we do ask for a small donation towards the cost of teas. Transport is provided by volunteer drivers. We organise outings in the summer months and Christmas lunch at a small cost.

For more information please phone the number below

0744 364 3716

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COMMUNITY PAGE Surbiton & District Historical Society Tues 7th Oct: In honour of one of our founder members, Tony Cawley, the lecture will be ‘Kill or Cure - Being Ill in the 19th Century’. The speaker is Lady Teviot, one of the contributors to BBC TV’s ‘Heir Hunters’ Tues 4th Nov: Dr Christopher French will give a talk on ‘Housing the Middle Classes in Edwardian Surbiton’ Tues 18th Nov: An Afternoon meeting, 2pm, Mr Ian Porter will talk on ‘The Suffragettes’ All meetings at Surbiton & District Historical Society, Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Rd, Surbiton. Evening meetings at 7.45pm Cost: Visitors welcome, Contribution of £2 appreciated For more details about meetings and the Society, call The Secretary: 020 8399 4473 Email: lenandmarilyn@virginmedia.com

BRITISH SUMMER TIME ENDS

Sunday 26th October 2014

Don’t forget to turn the clock BACK one hour at 2.00am To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Index Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers

Home & Garden All Your Garden Needs Berrylands Building Company Berrylands Property Maintenance Carpets4U Chris Mould Plumber DAS Home Automation Dream Doors (Kingston Kitchens) Estates Direct George Curren Electrician James Anthony KB Design Kennedy’s Roofing & Gutters Kevin Robinson Decorators Leverett Electricals M.Duffell Decorator Oven Cleaners Personae Interiors Pro-Fit Windows Systems R.J.Tree Services Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Warmlite Will Lord William Stallion Electricals Zoe Rourke Interiors

31 18 24 5 29 26 25 23 24 27 27 22 21 21 29 29 37 17 36 27 19 31 26 8

Care & Health Blush Beauty Mobile Therapist 7 Corner House Dental Practice 2 Kingston Council Better Bones Course 11 Kingston Council Enjoying Later Life 13 Paula Maple Chiropodist 15 HaloHomeare 33 Spotlight On Halo Homecare 32 Rest & Relaxation Anna Coe Beverley Carpenter CineSanctuary King George Field Bowls Club Kingston Council All in One Survey Mobile Disco Rebel-Waltz Cycles Solo Driving School

Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club Yoga Zumba

45 45 8 14 9 53 14 7 64 15 15

Children & Education Kingston Adult Education Unit Rugby Tots Surbiton Children’s Nursery Centre

43 41 41

62

Veterinary Aspen Veterinary Surgery

39

Office Suppliers MBE Etc

63

Accountant M&B Accountancy Services Ltd

7

Car Maintenance Alan Sursham Berrylands Autocare K&P Tyres Surbiton Hill Garage

37 29 35 35

Food & Drink C.D.Jennings Prithi

51 53

Solicitors Lewis-Dick

36

Articles & Editorials Community Pages Edward Davey MP Kids Page What’s On & Local Events Pages Crossword Book Review Useful Telephone Numbers Gardening by Pippa Greenwood Recipe Baking Technology

60/61 57 42 58/59 24 34 3 30 49 47 38

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Mail Boxes Etc. Surbiton

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 63

GET ACTIVE IN AUTUMN

Join the friendly Racket & Fitness Club

TENNIS

SQUASH

GYM

• Grass, artificial clay and Hard Courts • Indoor Courts (Oct – Mar) • Floodlit Courts • Junior / Adult Coaching • Social Tennis • Leagues and Teams

• Heated Courts • Junior / Adult Coaching • Social Sessions • Leagues and Teams

• Life Fitness Gym • Free Weights • Weight Resistance Machines • Studio and Classes • Free Induction and programme advice

NO CONTRACT | NO COMPARISON Berrylands, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 8JT

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T: 020 8399 1594 | E: info@surbiton.org | www.surbiton.org