A Berrylands Companion

Hello Readers,

We are finally ready for the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort. Flags and buntings will be out, the bells will peal and everyone will be planning their street parties. It would be lovely to see some of the photos that will be taken, so send them in for possible inclusion in the next edition.

If you are planning to go to a street party, perhaps the recipe on page 26 might be a worthy treat to take along!

Recently, I advertised for local people to apply to help deliver the magazine, possibly in a few months’ time. There have been some applicants, but looking at where they live, there might not be an even cover of deliverers yet. If anyone else is interested in helping to deliver A Berrylands Companion, whilst exercising and get paid, then let me know!

I have been publishing A Berrylands Companion magazine since 2005 and at times it does feel quite lonely, as I work alone. The last two editions included a readers’ survey, and I have to thank those readers that did complete the form and submit it. The results are quite interesting. I hope

Useful Numbers

to be able to provide some feedback soon and possibly include some of the suggestions.

What has been lovely to see, people have responded by saying how much A Berrylands Companion is proving to be a very useful magazine.

Thank you!!!

I hope that how ever you celebrate the coronation, you have a lovely time.

Best wishes,

Spare – Prince Harry

It will go down in history as the bombshell book that rocked the British royal family – as well as becoming the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, selling more than 400,000 copies across hardback, ebook and audio formats on its first day of publication. It’s a no-holds barred memoir in which the Duke of Sussex makes a number of revelations about his own life, as well as his relationship with his father, his brother and other senior members of ‘the firm’. Royalist or not, read it and decide for yourself.

King Charles – The Man, the Monarch and the Future of Britain

An exhaustive biography of our new monarch by Robert Jobson, dubbed “the godfather of royal reporting”, who has been at the forefront of royal reporting for well over 25 years. He received unprecedented cooperation from Clarence House, what was the Prince’s office, in writing this illuminating biography. Revelations include the truth about his deeply loving but occasionally volatile relationship with Camilla, now Queen Consort. The result is an intriguing new portrait of a man who has at last become king.

Behind the Crown – Arthur Edwards

A collection of photographs capturing the modern British monarchy as never seen before, taken by the royal photographer for The Sun, who has covered them for nearly half a century and is the man behind the most iconic photographs of the most famous family in the world. With commensurate skill and unprecedented access, he has captured the candid moments when protocol is put aside, revealing the true personalities behind the Crown.

The Duchess of Cambridge – Bethan Holt

Thrust into the global spotlight on her engagement to Prince William, Kate Middleton chose to wear a sapphire-blue wrap dress by London-based label Issa, which promptly sold out. It was the first step in Kate becoming the modern royal style icon she is today. This is a highly illustrated journey through a decade of her style evolution.

Queen Elizabeth – Gyles Brandreth

A personal account of the life and character of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch by someone who met her, talked with her and kept a record of those conversations. Gyles Brandreth knew the Queen and her husband well, and knows the new King and Queen Consort. Told with authority, a refreshing dose of humour and moving honesty from a totally unique viewpoint, he writes movingly about the Queen’s deteriorating health. “The truth is that Her Majesty always knew that her remaining time was limited. She accepted this with all the good grace you’d expect.”

The Crown Jewels, The Official Illustrated History – Anna Keay

The Tower of London has over two million visitors a year, with the Crown Jewels as its centrepiece. This sumptuous and highly readable publication tells the story of the most famous jewellery collection in the world, along with spectacular photographs with stunning details. A gem of a read for anyone interested in British history and monarchy.

To mark the King’s coronation, we round up some revealing royal reads.

A Berrylands Based Building Company

We're an in house team of local builders based in Berrylands specialising in all aspects of building including extensions and refurbishments. We have a portfolio of projects stretching across our 10 years of trading. From Landscaping to Luxury Bathroom installations, our team of local trades is here to assist with any project you have planned for 2023

Thousands of teenagers missing out on Child Trust Fund cash

HMRC is urging young people to check if they have a surprise savings pot in the shape of a Child Trust Fund (CTF), the government savings scheme for children

The average value of a CTF account was £1,500 in 2020 and although this is not the minimum or maximum amount in each account, this is a sizeable contribution to any teenager’s savings.

It is now one year since the first account holders started turning 18 and around 55,000 CTFs mature every month. This means their owners can withdraw funds or transfer savings into an adult ISA. Hundreds of thousands of accounts have been claimed so far, but many have not.

CTFs were set up for all children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 with a live child benefit claim. Parents or guardians set up these accounts with child trust fund providers –usually banks, building societies or investment managers – using vouchers provided by the government. If an account was not opened by the child’s parent, HMRC set one up on the child’s behalf.

Between 2002 and early 2011, about six million CTFs were opened by parents or guardians, with a further million set up by HMRC.

Economic secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said: ‘It’s fantastic that so many young people have been able to access the money saved for them in Child Trust Funds but we want to make sure that nobody misses out on the chance to invest in their future.

‘If you’re unsure if you have an account or where it may be, it’s easy to get help from HMRC to track down your provider online.’

Some young people may not know they have a

CTF – or some parents or guardians may have forgotten who they set the account up with. To help them find their accounts, HMRC has created a simple online tool.

Any young people unsure about whether or not they have a CTF should first ask a parent or guardian if they remember setting one up. Once they know who their provider is, they should contact them directly – and either request to withdraw the money or transfer the funds into an adult ISA or other savings account.

For those who cannot access the tool, HMRC will provide alternative, non-digital routes to finding a CTF provider upon request. HMRC will send details of the provider by post within three weeks of receiving their request.

Where there is no person with parental responsibility available to manage the CTF, the account is managed on the child’s behalf by a charity, the Share Foundation.

The accounts were set up to encourage positive financial habits and a saving culture among the young account holders. HMRC is working with the Money and Pension Service (MaPS) and the CTF providers to continue to provide financial education to the beneficiaries.

At 16 years, a child can choose to operate their CTF account or have their parent or guardian continue to look after it, but they cannot withdraw the funds. At 18 years of age, the CTF account matures and the child is able to withdraw money from the fund or move it to a different savings account.

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

advice and guidance to local businesses and sole traders for more than 25 years.

Taxation

• Accounts and Taxation

• Accounts and Taxation

Please

• Self Assessment Tax Returns

• CIS and Payroll

• Self Assessment Tax Returns

• VAT Returns

• CIS and Payroll

• VAT Returns

• Tax Planning and Advice

• Book Keeping Services

• Tax Planning and Advice

• Book Keeping Services

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

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

You have several choices regarding taking money out of your workplace or personal pension. This includes taking cash as a lump sum or drawing a regular income. This latter option, known as income drawdown or pension drawdown, brings more flexibility but also more risk.

PENSION DRAWDOWN

Most people will be in a ‘defined contribution’ scheme (we are not covering ‘defined benefit’ schemes – also known as ‘final salary’ – in our tips here). This takes the money you and your employers put into the scheme and invests it, producing a pot of money called a pension fund. You choose how to use this fund.

ANNUITY

The traditional approach is to use your pension fund to buy an annuity. An annuity will pay you a fixed sum until you die, with that amount dependent on your health and age. The cost of annuities and payments from them haven’t offered best value in recent years, sparking an interest in other options.

DRAWDOWN

That’s where pension drawdown comes in. Put simply, you take some of the money out of the pension fund and leave the remainder of the fund invested to (all being well) continue growing. You can take up to 25% of your pension fund as a lump-sum payment, which will be tax-free. Alternatively, you can take a regular income from the fund, with 25% of each payment tax-free and the rest counting towards your taxable income. The main advantages of pension drawdown are increased flexibility and a potentially bigger income than you’d get from an annuity. The main disadvantage is that your pension fund could run dry before you die, leaving you reliant on just the state pension.

Remember also that any money left in the pension fund remains subject to investment performance. Ideally it will grow, perhaps even by enough to cover the money you take out, but it’s possible the fund will decline.

DRAWDOWN CONDITIONS

You can use pension drawdown from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), even if you are still working and still contributing to the pension. You’ll need to watch out for rules against ‘pension recycling’, which is intentionally taking money out of a pension fund and then putting it back in to try to get tax benefits.

Once you take any money out of a pension fund, your future tax-free contributions (including those from your employer) are capped at £4,000 a year. If you pay in any more than this, the money will count as part of your taxable income. Not all pension providers offer a pension drawdown option, but you can switch your pension fund to one that does. Most providers who offer pension drawdown can offer advice and managed options to help you achieve specific goals. Remember that while you still have a pension fund open, you’ll need to pay management charges.

TAKE ADVICE

You should always take expert advice before making any pension decisions. One good option is a free Pension Wise review from MoneyHelper, an independent government-backed organisation.

Surbiton school offers Art History course for the local community

Surbiton High School is offering a short seven-week Art History course as part of their Community Outreach Programme for a £65 donation.

Community Classrooms is an exciting and dynamic way to extend learning opportunities for young people, parents and local residents. They can take the form of adult evening courses, longer courses with qualification outcomes or weekend workshops for students of all ages. Community Classrooms is a notfor-profit initiative and any proceeds go towards local community projects.

The next Art History course, led by Lissie Matts, MA University of Edinburgh starts on Wednesday 26 April. The seven-week course is every Wednesday from 6.45 pm - 8.15 pm at Surbiton High School in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London. The Art History course is a whistle- stop whizz through one recurring theme of art history, Nature.

Designed for both novices and the slightly more experienced, the course explores the dramatic landscapes of Turner, the politically fraught 'Sunflower Seeds' by Ai Weiwei and the twisting form of the infamous 'Whistlejacket', hanging in London's National Gallery.

Choosing the 'juiciest' of artworks and buildings, this course provides a little insight into other worlds and cultures, including elements of the Art History

A-level (thankfully, without the essays). Surbiton High School invite anyone interested in the local community and the course is open to everyone aged 15 and over.

Lissie Matts achieved her MA at the University of Edinburgh and has now been teaching History of Art A-level for nine years, at three different schools.

She fell in love with the subject on a trip to Florence, aged 16, where having seen Michelangelo's David, she promptly decided she wanted to spend her life immersed in the art historical world and all things it involved. She has a rather niche fascination with the Northern Renaissance and loves nothing more than convincing someone to change their opinion on how they feel about a work of art.

This course is a not-for-profit initiative and all proceeds go towards local community projects. Our next course is focused on Art History - Nature in Art and Architecture and is running over a seven-week period. The course is open to anyone aged 15 and over.

For more information and to register for the course please visit:

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/ landing?eid=32720&

TENNIS CLUB

Saturday 3 June 3 - 5pm

Tea and cake served at 4pm

EVERYONE IS WELCOME, whether you play already, you’ve played before but are a bit rusty, or whether you’d just like to have a go! Rackets and balls will be provided and all we ask is that you wear appropriate footwear for the tennis courts.

We are situated in Berrylands, and the entrance is between nos. 11 and 13 Manor Drive. Membership is open to all, and our subs are very reasonable. More information at www.surbitonmethodisttennis.org

Codeword

Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number shown in the grid, with the first few entered for you.

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

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In the 1600s, tulip bulbs were considered a luxury item and, in Holland, were more valuable than gold.

Count up the petals on each of the flowers below, and then add them all together. How many petals are there in total?

What do you get if you cross a bike and a flower? Bicycle petals

What did the lady that dislikes flowers and children say? I don’t like orchids or kids

I accidentally planted the wrong flowers in my garden Oopsie daisies

LILY ROSE DAISY PANSY POPPY VIOLA FUSCHIA HEATHER PETUNIA BLUEBELL SWEETPEA CARNATION

CORNFLOWER SNAPDRAGON

It’s a challenging time trying to keep the family bills under control, but your pet’s food is also seeing the effects of inflation. Drop the brand

We often believe our pets are fussy about the brands they will and won’t eat. But when times are tight, you are likely to have to persist with ownbrand versions and anything you can pick up from cheaper supermarkets. Any food labelled as ‘complete’ gives a nutritionally balanced diet for the species it is made for. ‘Complementary’ food will only provide part of the nutrients your pet needs to be healthy. One option could be to mix a cheaper food with the usual product you buy, to ease the transition.

Nelly is

Kibble vs fresh

Bags of dry food are typically more expensive at the point of purchase, because you are buying in bulk, but the overall cost will be lower so it’s worth investigating.

Subscription services

There are a number of companies offering subscription services. These are great for no waste and it’s worth noting they’ll often have sign-up offers. That way you can see if your pet likes what’s delivered to you and save on the cost for a few weeks too.

more information, please contact:

adoption@epsom.cats.org.uk

Food banks

banks

7-month-old female

& white cat. She is very confident, enjoys playing with toys, and is happy to sit near or on

Ninety miles or so south of Bangkok, Thailand’s oldest resort is an elegant getaway loved by the Thais and discerning visitors. Once a humble fishing village, it became a royal residence in the 1920s when Rama VII built his summer palace on a quiet corner of the Sunrise Coast. He called it ‘far from worries’ and as you relax on the soft tingling sands, that’s exactly how it feels. It’s only a two-hour drive from the capital but if ‘slow travel’ is your choice, hop aboard the train snaking its way through rolling countryside, peeping at scenes of daily life and finally alighting by the Royal Waiting Room, which stands pagoda-like, plum-red and cream, in Hua Hin station.

New hotels, fine cuisine, golf, spa and all the pleasures of the beach, it is boom time in Hua Hin, but if you venture out of town you could sail to the Marine National Park or head for Kaeng Krachan, also a National Park home to tropical birds and other wildlife. Equally enticing is Monsoon Valley where you can ride elephants through the vineyards, taste awardwinning wines and enjoy a delicious lunch in a cool winery, looking across the vines to the lush green hills rising all around. Yet a leisurely pace still lingers in the coastal resort, punctuated by tinkling bells and rattling tuk-tuks. Spirit houses shelter under the trees, draped in orchid garlands, auspicious offerings are laid on the doorsteps and now and then fragrant incense

drifts through the air. There are myriad temples glistening with colour and exquisite carvings under lofty pagoda roofs. You may have to share the hilltop Khao Takiab with chattering monkeys, but at the end of the beach the giant Buddha looking out to sea radiates peace. Then look out for the wooden cottages in the lanes and the little dens offering lacquerware and painted china, visit the tailors, marvel at endless rolls of shimmering silk or hand-printed cotton and wander through tropical gardens filled with bird song and the sweet scents of jasmine and frangipani.

Sunsets are magical in Hua Hin, a fiery orb dipping behind the swaying palms, sending ripples of golden light across the sea – then it’s time for the evening stroll followed by dinner al fresco. Seafood is top of the list, tiger prawns, crab, crayfish, succulent catch of the day and cosmopolitan or traditional Thai – you will be spoilt for choice. Meanwhile, on Dechanuchit Road, the night market offers fast food local-style as white-hatted chefs chop and stir and clouds of smoke rise from the woks. Lights twinkle under the trees and crowds browse around the stalls brimming with sarongs and scarves, T-shirts, ethnic jewellery, seashell mobiles and flower garlands, exotic fruit and luminous sweets. Meanwhile, folded parasols stand silhouetted in the moonlight and, on the deserted beach lapped by the waves, the royal resort drifts into a peaceful night ‘far from worries’. By Solange Hando

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NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY

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NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS

NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE | Speak to James Winfield james.winfield@lewis-dick.com

NEED A DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS

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NEED A DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP WITH CONTACT

Speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten carol.stevens-stratten@lewis-dick.com

For more information or a no obligation quote

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, & PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE

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The changing face of gardens

The average garden has changed significantly over the last 50 years. In a physical sense, it has become smaller but, in more general terms, expectations have grown. In a small garden every square metre matters. Today’s contemporary garden might have an outside kitchen and possibly a retractable roof to serve as sunshade or umbrella and a moving water feature provides a soundscape to accompany the outdoor dining experience.

Alongside the shrinking space, our need for privacy has expanded. The addition of pleached trees – often called a ‘hedge on stilts’ – has become commonplace. They allow taller boundaries that blur the fence line, thus bringing seclusion without harsh enclosure.

Look at the plants

Gardens follow fashion and plant selection tells you a huge amount about the history and evolution of a garden. Before the 1980s, a garden border would be filled with perennial planting that might include asters, campanula, delphiniums, hardy geraniums, helianthus, geums, lupins, peonies, pulmonaria, salvias and veronica. These provided spring and summer colour but would die down for winter. Newer or updated borders might incorporate a number of

By Caroline Knight

shrubs to give year-round shape. There could be some structural forms in terms of sculpture or topiary. There might be evergreen giant cones and maybe some roses, rather than an entire bed dedicated to perennials. The palette of plants available to us has extended dramatically over the decades. Ornamental grasses and ‘new perennial’ planting, including naturalistic swathes of perennials in subdued colours, are now likely to replace some of the more traditional herbaceous plants. This style of planting has ecology at its heart and the layers of plants tend to be interwoven to form patterns that might be found in the natural world.

A contemporary border will place even more emphasis on forms, shapes and colour that last for longer. Some borders now feature a restricted palette of plant varieties, perhaps chosen for the foliage colour or shape. For example, an entire bed filled with ‘strappy’ shaped leaves in plain green, a shady bed filled with just one variety of fern, or foliage that contrasts such as burgundy and yellow. The gardener will be ruthless when interlopers try to seed themselves amongst such a carefully designed setting.

Making a comeback

Island beds filled with small conifers and perhaps a few rocks were a feature of the 1970s. Over the years we have tended to shun the idea of including these within a planting scheme, perhaps because some of the dwarf conifers grow larger than anticipated. They are beginning to make a comeback, however as we learn to embrace their charm. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show tends to set the trend and over the last few years these old favourite plants have been featured and applauded, along with hydrangeas, rhododendrons, dahlias and chrysanthemums.

Modern materials include Corten weathering steel at Chelsea Flower Show

As the warmth of summer arrives, a few dry days can drop the soil moisture levels affecting our shallow rooted and newly planted trees that have yet to develop a stable deep root system. If you have access to organic matter such as garden compost and well rotted manure then a good mulch around the base of your trees reduces water loss by evaporation by as much as 70%!. Do not mulch around the trunk base directly and extend out at least 2m if possible. If you decide to water the trees and shrubs do this in the evening when a greater proportion of the water can be absorbed by the roots.

Summer can be problematic for certain diseases such as rust, mildew and blackspot on trees and shrubs. The best advice is to rake up and burn the infected leaves. Do not put them on your compost heap as this allows the spores to spread later in the year when you do a compost mulch. Trees are more prone to pests and diseases if

All surgeons must be qualified and fully insured as well as working to agreed BS standards.

We often advise tree surgery to be done in phases as a cycle, by this I mean that if tree works are spread over a number of years your garden trees are always evolving in a succession. Remember that if one tree undergoes surgery it will create opportunities for other trees to develop and flourish.

they lack enough water and nutrients, so generally it is best to keep all your trees and shrubs well composted and watered to minimise impacts.

In terms of tree surgery in the summer different trees can be pruned and shaped at different times of the year. Apple trees for example can be pruned back in the summer to encourage robust growth and controls canopy development in the future whereas winter pruning generates new potential growth points. It is always best to prune within

the tolerance levels of the species involved. Surgery should be done carefully to avoid creating problems of dieback or disease exploiting the pruning cuts. Arborists should give you the appropriate professional advice.

A variety of surgery options are available for your trees; it is never appropriate to just “lop” a tree. Proper treeworks range from maintaining the spread of the tree but thinning the canopy (crown thin); removing the lower limbs to improve garden light conditions (crown lift) to reducing the overall crown size done as percentages from 5 to 30% (crown reduction) or a hard prune called pollarding.

Summer treecare

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

3 letters: 9 4 letters: 8 5 letters: 4 6 letters: 1

I can pick up your bike from your home or

place of work then return to you at your convenience.

From a safety check, new build to a full

service, all work and repairs will be quoted prior to commencing.

Will contact you immediately if any other • defects are spotted so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

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

King Charles III

As Prince of Wales, Charles has been preparing for this moment for most of his life, under the tutelage and guidance of his late mother, Elizabeth II. He will be recorded in history as the longest ever heir apparent, and the oldest to ever accede to the British throne at the age of 73.

Charles Philip Arthur George was born on 14th November 1948, during the reign of his grandfather King George VI. After the death of the King in 1952, his mother Elizabeth became Queen and Charles became heir to the throne at just three years old.

Charles was educated at Cheam and Gordonstoun schools, in the footsteps of his father Philip. He was the first heir apparent to attend school rather than receive private tuition. His time at Gordonstoun was hard, he referred to it as “Colditz in kilts” but later reflected, “…it taught me to accept challenges and take the initiative.” He left in 1967 with six O levels and two A levels in French and History.

Charles went on to read Archaeology and Anthropology at Trinity College, Cambridge. He switched to study History and finally gained a 2:2 Bachelor of Arts in 1970. Numerous extracurricular activities included playing cello in the orchestra, attending an archaeological dig in Jersey and playing polo against Oxford. After gaining the title ‘Prince of Wales’ his formal investiture took place in 1969 at the age of twenty-one. Charles spent a term at the University College of Wales, in Aberystwyth, in order to study the Welsh language and history. In 1975, Cambridge University awarded him a Master of Arts, this was an academic rank more than a postgraduate qualification.

After university, Charles joined the Royal Air Force and trained as a jet pilot. In the Royal Navy he qualified as a helicopter pilot and served on the naval destroyer HMS Norfolk. At the end of his naval career, he took command of the ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington. Charles also endured parachute training in 1978, after he was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment.

The Prince’s Trust was founded in 1976 with the £7,500 severance pay from the Navy. Since then, Charles has established sixteen more charities which raise over £100 million annually. As Prince of Wales, he has been an active patron, president or member of over four hundred charitable trusts and foundations.

In the 1970s, Prince Charles was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the world, but in 1981 he married Lady Diana Spencer. They had two sons, William born in 1982 and Harry in 1984. The couple divorced in 1996, and Diana was tragically killed in a car accident a year later.

In 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles. The official title of Princess of Wales was never publicly used, due to its close association with Charles’ first wife. Instead, Camilla used the title Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchy of Cornwall Estate was established by Edward III in 1337 for the heir to the throne. As Duke of Cornwall, the 53,000 hectare estate provides a private income to fund public, charitable and private activities, effectively making the heir financially independent. The estate generates around £24 million a year, and since 1993, the Prince of Wales has voluntarily paid tax on his income from the Duchy. As Duke of Cornwall, Charles has used this enterprise to demonstrate his personal passions and implemented organic farming, receiving numerous awards for his efforts. The estate passed to Prince William when he inherited the title last year.

Poundbury is a significant part of the Duchy’s Estate. This experimental community is on the edge of Dorchester in Dorset, created as an urban extension of the town and designed to incorporate traditional architecture and affordable housing. This was a major project for Charles, demonstrating his passion for architecture and his understanding of the complex needs of a community. Construction began in 1993 and will be completed by 2026. Poundbury is currently home to approximately 3,800 people and provides jobs for 2,300 in a range of over 200 businesses. Many of the founding principles have been incorporated into the Government’s Planning Policy.

On 8th September 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away peacefully and King Charles III became the new monarch. Tradition demands a coronation, and plans have been laid out for many years, under the codename ‘Operation Golden Orb’. The King will host a smaller and less expensive event than previous coronations. It’s thought that the service will include different faiths and communities and reflect the change in British society since the last coronation in 1953. The Church of England ceremony will be broadcast internationally, and requires an oath and anointment, delivery of the orb and enthronement. The coronation of King Charles III and Camilla takes place in Westminster Abbey on 6th May 2023. Long live the King!

sdfharkin / Shutterstock.com

If you often find yourself feeling sluggish and lethargic, even after a full night’s sleep, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy actions you can take to boost your energy levels that don’t just involve getting more sleep – although that’s a good place to start. If you’re tired of feeling tired, try out these five tips for boosting your energy levels.

Reduce stress

Stress uses up a lot of mental energy and has also been linked to other mental and physical health problems.

While in many cases it’s not possible to remove certain stressors from our lives altogether, there are things that can help. Take some time for yourself, lose yourself in a book or go for a walk outside. You could also try mindfulness or meditation techniques, which are often used to reduce feelings of anxiety.

Move more

It might sound counterintuitive, but research has proven that regular exercise can fight feelings of fatigue, increase energy levels and help you sleep better at night. To top it off, physical activity also triggers the release of ‘happy hormones’ dopamine and serotonin, boosting your mood long after you’ve finished your workout.

If you’re not keen on exercise, start small by going for a walk on your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking to work or school instead of driving.

Stay hydrated

Water can have a huge effect on your body’s brain function, mood, energy levels – and more – so it’s important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Particularly as you age, the sensation of thirst decreases.

Eat healthily

We are what we eat, so an unhealthy diet will always be a huge contributing factor to feelings of fatigue.

When you feel tired, it’s tempting to fill up on sugary foods for a much-needed energy boost. However, although sweet snacks can combat feelings of tiredness in the short term, the effects wear off quickly and can actually leave you feeling more tired than before.

This is because high-sugar foods cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash as the body releases a large amount of insulin to transport sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar crash, try snacking on fresh berries and ‘no sugar’ drinks.

Caffeine is another culprit. While it increases alertness in the short term, it can also cause sleep problems when consumed in large amounts. Cut out caffeine completely for a month to see if you feel more energised without it.

Supplement your diet

No matter how nutritious your diet may be, there’s a chance that your body could still be lacking certain nutrients. For example, being deficient in vitamin B12, a vitamin only found in animal products, has been known to cause feelings of fatigue.

If you’re unsure which supplements you need, talk to your doctor to find out if you’re deficient in any key nutrients.

This light walnut sponge filled with strawberries and cream is often served on the Continent as a pudding, but it also makes the perfect afternoon teatime treat.

Serves 8

Preparation time 30 minutes

Cooking time 40-45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs

• 100g caster sugar

• 75g self-raising flour

• 50g walnuts, finely chopped

For the filling and topping

• 300ml pouring double cream, whipped

• 450g strawberries, roughly chopped, plus extra kept whole for decoration

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / gas mark 4. Grease a deep 20cm round cake tin, then line the base with non-stick baking paper.

2. Measure the eggs and sugar into a large bowl and beat until the mixture is thick and mousse-like, and leaves a trail when the whisk is lifted out of the mixture. Sift the flour onto the mixture and lightly fold in along with the chopped walnuts.

3. Turn into the prepared cake tin and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until well-risen and the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed with a finger. Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes then turn out, peel off the baking paper and finish cooling on a wire rack.

4. When cold, cut the cake into three horizontally using a serrated or bread knife, then sandwich the slices together with a good amount of whipped cream and strawberries. Spread the remaining cream over the top and the sides of the cake, and decorate with the reserved strawberries heaped on top.

Extracted from Mary Berry’s Baking Bible by Mary Berry (BBC Books, £28), a definitive baking collection, featuring 250 retested and updated foolproof classics plus 20 brand new recipes, along with Dame Mary’s tips. Photography by Ant Duncan.

TIP For a lighter filling, you can use full-fat crème fraiche.

Weddings have changed drastically over the last few decades, with each year bringing with it a brand new set of trends. In the past, almost every aspect of a wedding would be rooted in age-old traditions; nowadays, however, more and more couples are tying the knot in a way that reflects their individual taste and personality. With the wedding season now upon us, let’s take a look at how wedding traditions have changed over the last few decades.

The wedding dress

In the 70s and 80s, the trendiest wedding dresses featured high necklines, puffy sleeves and a long train to match. In the twenty-first century, it’s a completely different story. Strapless, backless, lace, mermaid-style, mid-length and everything in between – the options are endless. Who says you have to wear one dress, anyway? Many brides now don a more traditional gown for the ceremony before changing into a ‘party’ dress for the reception.

The ceremony

The proposal

Traditionally, the etiquette for a marriage proposal was to ask for the bride’s father’s permission before tying the knot. Today, many couples forgo this prenuptial step due to its outdated notion that the bride is a possession to be ‘handed over’ from one guardian to the next.

The cost

Weddings have always been lavish affairs, but since the industry’s exponential boom over the last decade, prices have only been rising. Today, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £18,400, but it’s not uncommon for couples to spend over £30,000 on their special day. It used to be customary for the bride’s parents to pay, but nowadays it’s not unusual for the couple themselves to cover the costs

The honeymoon

Traditionally, it was standard practice for the father to accompany the bride down the aisle before ‘giving her away’. Today, however, more and more brides choose to make the journey on their own. Wedding vows have changed too; most couples ditch the promise to ‘obey’ their new spouse, and even write their own personalised vows.

The wedding cake

Tiered wedding cakes have always been a staple at wedding breakfasts. Nowadays, anything from cupcakes and doughnuts to ice cream are used as alternatives to the main event.

The grand exit

Showering newlyweds in rice after their big day was a tradition for centuries, signalling fertility and good fortune. Instead of the grain, couples now encourage guests to use everything from confetti and rose petals to glitter and sparklers to mark their transition into married life.

Honeymoons date back to the early nineteenth century, but they’ve changed quite a bit over the last few decades. As international travel became easier, many couples began splashing out on exotic locations in the late 60s and early 70s, but the all-inclusive honeymoon package didn’t take off until the 90s.

Now, thanks to the boom of social media, honeymoons are bigger and bolder than ever. Lots of couples plan a ‘mini-moon’ straight after the wedding, and a longer trip later in the year, giving them time to save for their ‘honeymoon of a lifetime’.

THE CRESCENT, SURBITON, SURREY KT6 4BN

Email: info@glenmorehouse.co.uk

Built in 1840, Glenmore House is a fine example of late Georgian architecture situated in the exclusive Surbiton conservation area adjacent to Claremont Gardens; a landscaped park providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.

Glenmore example situated in Surbiton

Claremont landscaped the perfect wedding

Built in 1840, Glenmore House is a fine example of late Georgian architecture situated in the exclusive Surbiton conservation area a landscaped park providing the perfect backdrop for

Impressive double gates open on to Glenmore’s free, private car park which can safely accommodate up to 110 cars. Every wedding we host is unique and our experienced, dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever. Glenmore House is licenced for civil ceremonies and can accommodate wedding parties from 25 to 140 guests.

Impressive double gates open on to Glenmore’s free, private car park which can safely accommodate up to 110 cars.

an ideal setting for your wedding ceremony with elegant 16th century reclaimed cathedral glass windows adding to the sense of occasion.

Built in 1840, Glenmore House is a fine example of late Georgian architecture situated in the exclusive Surbiton conservation area adjacent to Claremont Gardens; a landscaped park providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.

value for money, setting us apart from the majority of extortionately priced wedding venues.

Impressive double gates open on to Glenmore’s free, private car park which can safely accommodate up to 110 cars

Every wedding we host is unique and our experienced, dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever. Glenmore House is licenced for civil ceremonies and can accommodate wedding parties from 25 to 140 guests.

Every wedding we host is unique and our experienced, dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever. Glenmore House is licenced for civil ceremonies and can accommodate wedding parties from 25 to 140 guests.

Recently refurbished, all our rooms complement each other perfectly. Our light and airy Tudor Rooms offer an ideal setting for your wedding ceremony with elegant 16th century reclaimed cathedral glass windows adding to the sense of occasion.

Recently refurbished, all our rooms complement each other perfectly. Our light and airy Tudor Rooms offer

Recently refurbished, all our rooms complement each other perfectly. Our light and airy Tudor Rooms offer an ideal setting for your wedding ceremony with elegant 16th century reclaimed cathedral glass windows, adding to the sense of occasion.

Impressive double gates open on to Glenmore’s free, private car park which can safely accommodate up to 110 cars. Every wedding we host is unique and our experienced, dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators ensure that your special day is one that you will remember forever. Glenmore House is licenced for civil ceremonies and can accommodate wedding parties from 25 to 140 guests. Recently refurbished, all our rooms complement each other perfectly. Our light and airy Tudor Rooms offer

Our fabulous Elizabethan Suite comprises of a magnificent double height ballroom featuring sparkling chandeliers, minstrel galleries and a sprung dance floor, adjoined by an exclusive, contemporary bar area.

Our fabulous Elizabethan Suite comprises of a magnificent double height ballroom, featuring sparkling chandeliers, minstrel galleries and a sprung dance floor, adjoined by an exclusive, contemporary bar area.

an ideal setting for your wedding ceremony with elegant 16th century reclaimed cathedral glass windows adding to the sense of occasion.

With a very competitive room hire charge of just £300 for the private use of our Elizabethan Suite and a £200 hire fee for the use of our beautiful civil ceremony room, Glenmore House represents outstanding value for money, setting us apart from the majority of extortionately priced wedding venues.

With a very competitive room hire charge of just £450 for the private use of our Elizabethan Suite, and a £350 hire fee for the use of our beautiful civil ceremony room, Glenmore House represents outstanding value for money, setting us apart from the majority of extortionately priced wedding venues.

Our fabulous Elizabethan Suite comprises of a magnificent double height ballroom featuring sparkling chandeliers, minstrel galleries and a sprung dance floor, adjoined by an exclusive, contemporary bar area. With a very competitive room hire charge of just £300 for the private use of our Elizabethan Suite and a £200 hire fee for the use of our beautiful civil ceremony room, Glenmore House represents outstanding

Our fabulous Elizabethan Suite comprises of a magnificent double height ballroom featuring sparkling chandeliers, minstrel galleries and a sprung dance floor, adjoined by an exclusive, contemporary bar area. With a very competitive room hire charge of just £300 for the private use of our Elizabethan Suite and a £200 hire fee for the use of our beautiful civil ceremony room, Glenmore House represents outstanding

WWW.GLENMOREHOUSE.CO.UK 0208 399 1415 6 The Crescent, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4BN

Your choice of wedding breakfast is prepared in-house by our brigade of award-winning chefs, who can boast culinary experience in some of the UK’s finest establishments including the Fat Duck in Bray. Our delicious food is created for you using the highest quality, fresh ingredients.

value for money, setting us apart from the majority of extortionately priced wedding venues.

Your choice of wedding breakfast is prepared in-house by our brigade of award-winning chefs, who can boast culinary experience in some of the UK’s finest establishments, including the Fat Duck in Bray. Our delicious food is created for you using the highest quality, fresh ingredients.

We have acquired an enviable reputation for gourmet cuisine second to none, offering superb value for money with no compromise on quality.

Your choice of wedding breakfast is prepared in-house by our brigade of award-winning chefs, who can boast culinary experience in some of the UK’s finest establishments including the Fat Duck in Bray. Our delicious food is created for you using the highest quality, fresh ingredients. We have acquired an enviable reputation for gourmet cuisine second to none, offering superb value for money with no compromise on quality.

Your choice of wedding breakfast is prepared in-house by our brigade of award-winning chefs, who can boast culinary experience in some of the UK’s finest establishments including the Fat Duck in Bray. Our delicious food is created for you using the highest quality, fresh ingredients. We have acquired an enviable reputation for gourmet cuisine second to none, offering superb value for money with no compromise on quality.

We have acquired an enviable reputation for gourmet cuisine second to none, offering superb value for money with no compromise on quality.

0208 399 1415 6 The Crescent, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4BN

info@glenmorehouse.co.uk

www.glenmorehouse.co.uk

info@glenmorehouse.co.uk www.glenmorehouse.co.uk

Banqueting & Celebrations • Weddings • Private Dining • Carvery

12noon

Mondays term time. All most welcome.

Pop in or contact Liz for free taster session: email: gillyvor@hotmail.com or mob. 07736511947

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Excellent: 33 or more words

Good: 27 words Fair: 24 words

E T

O

F R

N U

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.

Looking for a refresh in your bedroom?

Try our ideas to create a room that perfectly reflects your individual style. If your bedroom is uncoordinated, dated or lacklustre, now’s the time to make some changes that make all the difference, helping create your own relaxing and cosy retreat. Look at the biggest surfaces

The largest areas in any room are the walls, the floor and the ceiling. In a small bedroom there may not be much visible floor area but there will be space for a small bedside rug or two, or you might consider changing the carpet or removing it entirely, then stripping or painting the floorboards. If you do, add a large, thick rug for a feeling of warmth and cosiness. Walls may be a neutral backdrop but think about adding pattern or texture. Bold paint colours combined with eyecatching wallpaper are very on-trend right now. On the ceiling, you could continue the wall colour (even the wallpaper), choose a contrasting shade or even opt for a mosaic or gold leaf. Ensure the lighting is right

A good lighting scheme should include functional, decorative and ambient lighting, with a variety of types of light sources, from ceiling pendants or inset spotlights to floor and wall fittings, at differing heights and spread out around the room. Consider replacing any outdated shades and if possible, fit a dimmer switch for ambience, and use warm white bulbs. Add bedside lamps that coordinate with other elements of the room while adding some personality and pizazz.

Plan suitable storage

By Katherine Sorrell

A wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, built-in wardrobe can accommodate clothes and footwear, spare linens, jewellery, make-up and so on, but if that’s not an option choose the largest freestanding wardrobe you can. Make it interesting by painting it a gorgeous colour and swapping the knobs or handles, and consider decorating the inside with a dramatic colour or bold wallpaper.

Make your bed beautiful

Transform your bedroom with sumptuous bed linens that are pleasing to the touch and gorgeous to look at. Choose the best you can afford – they will feel nicer on your skin and will wash and wear well for years. For cotton bedding, look for a thread count of at least 200. Pintucks, piping or a scalloped edge add subtle interest to all-white bedding, though for more colour opt for patterns, whether ditzy florals, strong stripes or modern geometrics. Add a throw, blanket, eiderdown or quilt – or several – for warmth, comfort and an appealing, ‘layered’ look.

Complete the look

If you love personal, quirky elements then it’s time to consider the final touches. Hang artwork on the walls, perhaps in coordinating frames for unity, and add some houseplants in attractive pots. A shelf or two, carefully arranged with books, vases and other ornaments, makes a strong statement and use a scented candle or a diffuser for a delightful fragrance.

B&M’s Eden Life range of home accessories embraces a gentle, relaxing mood. bmstores.co.uk

John Lewis’s ‘Modern’ collection for spring/summer 2023 features statement designs, inspired patterns and products that will seamlessly fit into existing schemes. johnlewis.com

The gadgets that’ll help you chill when the weather warms up

The simplest, and usually the most affordable, kind of cooling is the humble fan – although if you opt for Dyson’s version, the Dyson Cool, the price goes up dramatically. But while Dyson’s bladeless technology is a bit more sophisticated than the traditional three-bladed fan, the effect is the same: the fan moves air around to help you feel a little cooler.

What a fan can’t do is actually reduce the temperature of the air it’s moving around. For that you need something with a cooler. The simplest version of that is an ‘air cooler’ - a fan that passes air over ice or a frozen ice block to make it colder. It makes a bit of a difference if you’re sitting really close to it but it won’t significantly reduce the temperature of your room. For that you’ll need something more powerful: an air conditioner.

Air conditioners work like fridges: there’s a cooling element filled with refrigerant gas, and hot air is pulled into the device via built-in vents. It then circulates around the cooling element, which dramatically lowers its temperature, and the cooled air is then blown out via different vents.

If you don’t want to commit to a permanently installed air conditioner, there are plenty of portable options. They need to be ventilated, so they typically come with window adapters that enable you to push warm air out without letting any back in.

MeacoCool

MeacoCool 10000CH Air Conditioner & Heater

Tower looks more

This rose-gold option from Tower looks more expensive than it actually is. £57, currys.co.uk

In the summer this is a powerful air conditioner and in the colder months it’s a heater too. It’s designed for rooms from 18 to 28 square metres. £389, johnlewis.com

Dyson Pure Cool

Dyson’s Pure Cool fans don’t have blades, so they produce a smoother airflow instead. £349, dyson.co.uk

Challenge 5K Air Conditioner

Designed for smaller rooms of up to 10 square metres, this portable air conditioner delivers 5,000 BTU of cooling power with A-class energy efficiency. £350, argos.co.uk

Tower Cavaletto pedestal fan

10000CH Air

Our independent car and van garage offers brand trained technicians using the latest diagnostic tools and equipment.

We are a family run business established in 2009, providing excellent customer service, quality workmanship and repairs at a competitive price Ranked No 1 car garage in Sutton by Honest John

MOVIE MANSIONS:

This iconic corner Victorian was the exterior setting for the 1993 classic film, Mrs Doubtfire. Robin Williams’ character – Daniel Hillard – pretended to be a housekeeper and nanny so he could spend time with his children, after separating from their mother, played by Sally Williams.

The property was sold for $4.15 million in 2016, meaning that pictures of the interior were on the agent’s website. However the interior shots in the movie weren’t taken at the property but rather at a converted warehouse in the Bay Area. The exact address of 2640 Steiner Street became a tourist attraction for some time after the film’s release. Following Williams’ death on 11 August 2014, the house became an impromptu memorial.

Ironically, the vendor of the house in 2016 was a Dr Douglas K. Ousterhout, considered among the USA’s top craniofacial surgeons,

who specialised in transforming the faces of transgender men and women to better match their gender identity.

As is often the case, the critics were rather ambivalent about the Mrs Doubtfire film, describing it as excessively broad and sentimental. The viewers, on the other hand, loved it, and the film grossed $441.3 million on a $25 million budget, making it the secondhighest-grossing film of 1993.

It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Picture by Nicole Hanusek CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

By POV - movieposterdb.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18560616

Women’s Night Safety Charter launched at South West London Safer Streets Neighbourhood

Anight safety charter to support women across South West London to feel safer when out in the evening has been launched at the South West London Safer Streets conference, hosted by Kingston Council.

Kingston is one of the safest boroughs in London and the council is committed to working with partners to improve safety, and perceptions of safety, for all residents. Businesses across Kingston and around South West London are being encouraged to sign up to the charter, which sets out a number of simple pledges. These include an organisation demonstrating it takes women’s safety at night seriously, trains staff appropriately, encourages reporting by victims or bystanders, and works on designing safer public and work spaces.

The Safer Streets conference, which took place on 22 March in Kingston, saw local authorities across South West London come together with the Met Police and voluntary sector organisations working on women’s safety. It builds on the joint working between Kingston, Richmond, Merton and Wandsworth councils and the Met Police South West London. Led by Kingston, the partnership was awarded £200,000 of government funding last year to continue its innovative work to make the streets safer for women and girls.

Stephan Currie, General Manager at PRYZM nightclub in Kingston said:

“The South West London Night Charter is an excellent thing for both our customers and our business. Kingston is a very safe place, and we want to do all we can to reassure our female customers of that. We also want to demonstrate that we take the safety of women at night very seriously and that’s exactly what this charter enables us to do. All businesses should be signing up for this. It’s really important that a business trades on its reputation and looking after guests, developing that good reputation can only be rewarding.”

To support local businesses to deliver on their commitments under the pledge, Kingston Council has developed a Business Toolkit - a range of digital resources and access to training for night time economy venues. It has also produced a promotional video showcasing the importance of the charter and

encouraging businesses to sign up.

The Safer Streets conference also saw the launch of a new campaign to engage men and boys and encourage them to take an active stand against the violence against women and girls in our borough. The #StepUpSWLondon campaign aims to educate men and boys about what the violent behaviours actually are and how they can stand up to them in a safe and confident manner. The campaign will also encourage men to become active, continuous allies by signing up for the White Ribbon Promise.

Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr Sabeh Hamed said:

“Kingston is one of the safest boroughs in London, with a strong track record of community safety. We are committed to making our borough even safer and our approach is rooted in partnership work, prevention and early intervention. The safety of all women and girls has always been a high priority for us. We are committed to supporting businesses to improve women’s experience of going out in the evening - by making sure they feel safe, and are safe. We are also committed to encouraging men to step up against unacceptable behaviours targeting women and girls, by fulfilling the White Ribbon Promise.”

In other community safety work, last month Kingston also joined forces with national charity Crimestoppers to support young people across the borough to understand and feel empowered to report crime. The Fearless campaign focuses on informing young people about the safe and anonymous way to report crime or suspicious activity. Fearless staff have been working across the borough to share information resources with schools and youth groups, as well as running dedicated information sessions for professionals who work with young people. You can read more at Fearless.org

Kingston’s case for more police

by Sir Edward Davey, M.P

Kingston remains one of London’s safest Boroughs, with crime also well below the average for England. Yet it’s not a contradiction to argue, as I do, that we need more police. The truth is crime everywhere remains too high, including in Kingston.

Moreover, the case for more police officers should not simply be led by statistics on crimes committed. People want crimes investigated and solved - and not just the most serious crimes. They want criminals caught. They want to feel safe and reassured in their communities.

Perhaps more controversially, I believe the case for recruiting more police across London has been strengthened by the recent review by Baroness Casey. That review happened after a series of appalling cases of Met Police officers committing horrific crimes – from the murder of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, to the unmasking of another serving officer, David Carrick, as a serial rapist.

Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police Commissioner, is clear there will be other offending officers who he needs to sack. He rightly wants more power to do so – as he implements the Casey Review’s recommendations.

Crucial recommendations involve reform of how the Met vets recruits and deals with complaints against officers. So as the Casey Review is implemented, we must see a more focussed effort to attract new, diverse and talented people into the Met, including people with experience in other walks of life, with the right skills to fill the worst shortages London’s police face, not least in its detective and other specialist ranks.

Campaigning for more police in Kingston

And as London’s police ranks swell, I’m determined Kingston gets our fair share. Well-focused and evidenced campaigns for more police can win through – as we showed recently for Kingston’s town centre.

After several years of arguing more police were needed there - due to a combination of daytime street robberies and shoplifting, alongside violent crime and anti-social behaviour linked to the night-

time economy and drugs - a new town centre patrol team of 25 officers has been in operation since December 2021. It’s had major successes in tackling crime and working on crime prevention, with a vital focus on making the town a safer place, especially for women and girls.

Since that success, my police campaigns have focused more on arguing for extra community-based police across the Borough as well as supporting the police in their work against Kingston’s high frequency crimes like vehicle crimes, especially the theft of catalytic converters. Kingston police’s recent work on “marking” catalytic converters, to deter their theft, is an excellent example of how local police have responded to people’s concerns.

Burglary – a guaranteed response?

A new national anti-burglary campaign I’ve launched regrettably has an echo here in Kingston –and that’s a policy for a legal duty on police to attend every burglary.

Burglary is a serious crime. Yet despite lots of warm words, too often it’s not been taken seriously enough. Last year alone, across just 19 of England’s 39 police forces, police did not attend on over 45,000 reported burglaries.

Given a large part of the reason for that is how overstretched the Government has left our police, the idea is for a legal duty on both the Home Secretary to provide the resources, and Police Chiefs to deliver a guaranteed police response.

In Kingston, burglary like other crimes has tended to be lower than other boroughs. The number of burglaries in 2022 fell by 7% compared to 2021. Yet that still meant 680 burglaries last year. Moreover, there’s been a sharp rise in burglaries this year with over 140 reported in the first 2 months of 2023. So Kingston’s police are already focusing harder on burglary after this rise.

To help the police and to ensure everyone can feel safe in their homes, with a guaranteed police response if they are burgled, I’m convinced people want to see extra investment in Kingston’s police.

What’s on in May:-

National Heart Month; National Share a Story Month

Events in April:

25th: World Penguin Day

29th: International Dance Day

30th: International Jazz Day

Events in May:

1st Early May Bank Holiday

1-7th: Screen Free Week

3rd: International Gilbert & Sullivan Day; World Laughter Day; World Asthma Day

4th: Star Wars Day: May the Fourth Be With You

6th: Coronation of King Charles III

6-13th: National Sun Awareness Week

7th: Kingston upon Thames Coronation Parade: Ancient Market Place 2.454pm, Free, Town Crier Announcement, see advert page 43.

7th: The Coronation Thanksgiving Service, 4.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Market Place, Kingston upon Thames. Free tickets and info: eventbrite. co.uk

7-20th: Surbiton Food Festival

8th: Coronation Bank Holiday

Deadline for submissions for June edition of A Berrylands Companion

9th: Europe Day

12th: International Nurses’ Day (Florence Nightingale’s birthday)

13th: World Fair Trade Day

14th: National Children’s Day; Mothers’ Day in USA

15-19th: Walk to School Week

17th: National Numeracy Day

18th: International Museum Day

20th: World Bee Day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators.

22nd: International Day for Biological Diversity

23rd: World Turtle Day

23-27th: Chelsea Flower Show

29th: Late Spring Bank Holiday

Events in June:

2-4th: London Gallery Open Weekend

5th: World Environment Day

5-11th: Bike Week; Child Safety Week

8th: World Ocean Day; Deadline for submissions for July/August events

10-11th: Open Garden Square Weekend

12-16th: Healthy Eating Week.

17th: King Charles III Official Birthday, Trooping of the Colour

17-18th: West End Live Free, Trafalgar Square.

18th: Fathers’ Day

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

Surbiton Historical Society

Meet at CornerHouse, Douglas Road

Tuesdays, 7.30pm, bar opens at 7pm.

Tues 2nd May: Surbiton Hill by Janet Heski

Tues 6th June: One Thames or Two by Jon Cotton

Crossword

Tues 4th July: Artists, Antiquaries & Collections by Julian Pooley

Tues 1st August: The Archeology of the Orpington Area by Michael Meekums

Enquiries to Membership Secretary, Mrs Ann Glover

For information onother dates and talks please contact:

Tel 020 8330 0339

Email ann.glover418@outlook.com

Disclaimer

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

Surbiton & Tolworth Library, Shan’s Pharmacy, MBE Surbiton, Park Hill Express, Berrylands Post Office, Balaclava Church Hall, Ex-Cellar Wine Bar, Tolworth Recreation Centre, Surbiton Racket Club

Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Berrylands Autocare Garage, Confidental Dental Surgery, Emma’s Hair Salon, Kingston Care, Vets4Life, Business Centre Maple Road, Lib Dem Office

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

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

Any errors, omissions or offers are the resposibilty of the advertiser. All artwork is accepted on the condition that the advertiser has obtained permission from any copyright holder for its use by A Berrylands Companion. Whilst every care is taken when printing artwork, we cannot guarantee an exact colour match due to variations in print processes. Bookings are accepted only on this basis. It is the advertiser’s responsibility to submit any amendments to adverts by the deadline date of the 8th. To advertise any event, or community activity in the magazine, please call: Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email:

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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 £2.50 a year and new allotment holders have free membership for the first year Our trading facility is situated next to the entrance to the allotment plots, beyond the rugby club pavillion, rear of King Edward’s Recreation Ground, Hook Road, Chessington

Open: Sundays 10am - 12 noon Feb - Nov 10am - 11am Nov - Jan

Surbiton Bird Club

Fully accessible monthly talks at St Matthew’s School, Langley Road, Surbiton, KT6 6LW 7.30pm-9.30pm

Non members always welcome, £2 for tea & cake donation appreciated! Membership includes access to Hogsmill Nature Reserve and hides

Tues16th May: Social Evening for members. Tickets are available at the door, £7.00.

Tues 20th June: Simon Ginnaw, British Coastal Birds & their Secret Life.

Field Outings: Friendly walks for beginners to experts. To confirm participation, arrange time and meeting place, and pre-arrange lifts if needed and available:

Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

Sun 30th April: all day: Otmoor RSPB & Farmoor Reserve, near Oxford. Leader: Paul Spencer

Weds 3rd May: All day, midweek walk Pulborough Brooks RSPB, Leader: Mike White

Thurs 11th May: All day, Dungeness RSPB, Leader Peter

Knox

Sun 14th May: Morning Staines Moor. Leader Thelma Caine

Sun 21st May: Morning, Horton Country Park. Leader Paul Spencer

Sun 28th May: Short day, Tice’s Meadow & Crooksbury

Common

Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

Deadlines for

submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion

8th May for June issue

June 8th for July/Aug issue

Aug 8th for September issue

Sept 8th for October issue

8th Oct for November issue

8th Nov for Dec/January issue

8th Jan for February issue

8th Feb for March issue

8th March for April issue

8th April for May issue

For more information call

Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121

Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, 020 8547 5865. E-mail: ccst@ rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Chit Chat Sketch: Meets at Court Farm garden centre, Mondays at 2pm, Thursdays at 10am. Time subject to change, availability space limited. Book your place: 07889 897 017 or email: kkpart@outlook.com. Please bring sketch book & pencils Session £8 plus drink.

Christ Church Surbiton Hill: Midweek Communion, simple service of Holy Communion at 12.30-1pm. Open from 11am for quiet prayer, alternate Wednesdays, www. ccsurbiton.org

Cornerston Church, Tel: 0208 549 0733. info@cornerstonechurchkingston.org

Emmanuel Church: Calling all years 6-9 to the Oasis and Cross Train groups, Fridays 7-8.30pm at Emmanuel Church. Information at emmanueltolworth.org.uk

Encore Singing Group: Mondays, 10 to 12 term time at St Matthew’s Church KT6 66JQ Pop in for a free taster or email Liz: gillyvor@ hotmail.com

Fircroft Listening Café: Phone or text: 07598 910797. Email: listeningcafe@thefircrofttrust. org Buses 71, 465, K1, K4.

Free Healing Meditation Workshop for Stress & Anxiety: For more information on what to bring & to sign up, go to: www.georgiemacs. com

Hook Church: If you would like to pray with someone, Hook Church Brook Road, KT6 5DB is open Saturday mornings, 11-12.30pm. You would be most welcome. Info: 0208 391 0335

Hope in Depression: Free course that educates & equips adults & their supporters, with tools & proven tips about how to cope better with depression & anxiety. Hosted by Christ Church, Surbiton Hill over 6 Tuesday evening sessions. Expert speakers explore different aspects of mental health each week. For more info visit ccsurbiton.org/hidc

Kingston Camera Club: For more information visit: www.kingstoncameraclub.com

Kingston Jazz Society: Every other Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm at The Druids Head, Kingston. Listen with us, to the best of recorded jazz. New members warmly welcomed. Contact: kingstonjazzsoc@gmail.com

Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Contact Diane Double, Tel: 07762 663 483/020 8397 5084, email: kingstonpensionersforum@hotmail. co.uk

Kingston Philatelic Society: Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: brian.sole@btinternet.com

Kingston Speakeasy: Contact Alick Munro on alick@munro.com or call 0208 892 9243 for date of next meeting.

Ladies Exercise Club: Keep Moving friendly & fun exercise classes for over 60s Fridays 10.15am. 1st class free, then £6/session. Call Mary, 01483 284 716 or maryedwards77s@ gmail.com

Mind in Kingston:www.mindkingston.org.uk or 020 8255 3939

Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom: At St Mark’s Church Hall, Church Hill Rd. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail.com

Oasis: daytime group for over 60s at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Meetings on Wednesdays at 2.30pm, 3rd & 17th May, 7th & 21st June. There will be time for icebreakers, chat, puzzles, a 5 minute bible based talk, relevant to our lives plus refreshments. For details: 020 8390 2372 and leave a message.

Open Door: A friendship group aimed mainly at seniors, meeting in the lounge at Christ Church from 2.15-4.00pm on 11th & 25th May and 8th & 22nd June. Refreshments available, full programme to be finalised. For any further information and updates please check on: www.ccsurbiton.org or call the office: 0208490 7215

Surbiton Probus Club:Meets on the third Wednesday of every month, at noon, at Glenmore House, 6 The Crescent, Surbiton for socialising, a lunch and a speaker. Club membership is open to anyone who has retired or partly retired and who has worked in a professional or business environment. If you

What’s On/Local Events

are interested in visiting or joining, further details are available on the Club website –www.surbitonprobus.org.uk/membership or from the General Secretary email < surbitonprobus@outlook.com >

St John’s Church: Community Cafe open at St John’s Chursh, Grove Lane KT1 2SU fro 10am-1pm. Come for elevenses, or early lunch with friends. Toasted sandwiches, real coffee and home made cakes to eat or take away Vegetarian & gluten free also. For more info: see website or email: parishhall@ stjohnskingston.co.uk

St Mark’s Bridge Club: Meets in Surbiton on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 - 15.30. Phone our secretary Peter on 020 8398 6811 to come and give it a go. If you do not already have a playing partner we will endeavour to find you one.

St Marks Church: Weds mornings 10.00-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers at St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill.

St. Matthew’s Church: Come along to the Balance Community Cafe every Wednesday 10am -2pm, for tea, coffee, cakes and light lunches, with a Bereavement Cafe meeting each month at 10.30am. Everyone welcome.

Surbiton Chess Club: Now meets every Tuesday evening at Tolworth Reform Church, 90 Elgar Avenue, KT5 9JR from 7.30pm -10pm. New members welcome. Further details & our Covid policy from: www.surbitonchessclub. co.uk/ email: enquiries@surbitonchessclub. co.uk or at twitter@SurbitonChess.co.uk/

Scottish Country Dancing: Check website: www.surbitoncaledonian.co.uk or call: 01932 784 866

Surbiton Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired: We meet every other Tuesday 2-4pm in the Methodist Church next to the fire station. Chat, entertainment and afternoon teas are served. We welcome newcomers readily. Lifts available. Further details

07443643716

Surbiton Floral Club: Tel: 020 8399 8193

Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening through April and May 2023. presentations on Railway Subjects by Resident Speaker Dick Crane & Guests. Class

fee £50 covering 22 meetings.Details on www. talkingoftrains.co.uk More details on website: www.talkingoftrains.co.uk

The Reading Retreat: Everyone welcome! A free & friendly weekly shared reading group led by a trained Reader Leader volunteer. Nothing to read beforehand, just come along to a session to read & listen to a short written piece such as a story or poem , then join in a discussion. Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am, Alfriston Day Centre, 3 Berrylands Road, KT5 8RB.

Wednesdays 2.30 - 3.30pm at Tolworth Library, 37-39 The Broadway, KT6 7DJ, Thursdays 10.30-11.30am at Surbiton Library KT6 6AG Email: libraryvolunteers@kingston.gov.uk for further info.

Tiny Tunes: www.tinytuneslive.com

Tolworth United Reformed Church, please call Roger on 07525 410 083 / 0202 8393 4270 or email jones.ra@btinternet.com for information.

Tolworth World of Dance: Dance for Fun, Fitnes & Friends Wednesday (term time) Mornings: 10.30-12.00. St George’s, Hamilton Avenue, Tolworth KT6 7PT. First time FREE, then £5/week, pay as you go. Contact Phil or Brenda: EM: philip.steventon@btinternet.com Facebook/Tolworth World of Dance. Tel: 020 8397 9649

Twickenham Jazz Club: Wednesday nights at The Cabbage Patch in Twickenham, from 7.30-10.30pm. World renowned Jazz musicians live! Please visit our website to check upcoming events: www. twickenhamjazzclub.com

Women do Craft: Christ Church, Surbiton Hill. Every 2nd Weds of the month in the lounge, 7.30-9.15pm. Catch up, chat and do craft together. Check website: www. ccsurbiton.org

These pages are for local clubs, societies and groups to have their information available to readers of A Berrylands Companion.

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

Please send in the updated information for your club by the 8th of the month before issue month.

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

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International tennis returns to Surbiton between th-11th June 2023

Limited tickets and ground passes remaining, don’t miss the event of the summer!