A Berrylands Companion - Issue 179 - June 2-23

How well do the British do pomp and ceremony? The Coronation of King

Charles III went without a hitch, bar him arriving too early! But perhaps we could understand the anticipation of the day. The parade of the service personnel and horses as usual, was a sight to behold.

Then there was the concert the following evening, a fitting end to all the celebratory street parties held around the country. Our local party photos are in the magazine, with thanks to Simon Hancock for them.

Now we just have to get back to normal and wait for the next Bank Holiday in August.

Perhaps this might be a time to reflect on your business and how you promote it. Do you rely on social media, instagram FaceBook?

If you do, you are probably missing a great number of potential clients. Not everyone is that technical! The reader’s survey results tell me that quite a few people use A Berrylands

Useful Numbers

Companion magazine as a reference point, they keep a copy for a while, some pass it on. Some people actually refer advertisers to others.

Do you really want to miss this group of clients? Can you afford to do that, rather than advertise? Contact me to find out how you can join the advertising in the magazine.

Best wishes, Karen

Happy Fathers’ Day to all those fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, step fathers out there.

Cover: Shann, pexels.com

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk www.berrylands-companion.co.uk

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If you often feel fatigued or experience cravings, your blood glucose levels could be to blame. French biochemist, Jessie Inchauspé, discusses this in her book, Glucose Revolution. She says that although we typically associate glucose regulation with diabetes, monitoring our blood-sugar levels is something we could all benefit from.

‘Glucose’ and ‘blood sugar’ are used interchangeably, but both refer to your body’s main molecule of energy. Your body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose. Healthy foods that are rich in fibre slow the release of glucose into the blood, but when you eat sugary foods, your body becomes overwhelmed with glucose and reacts to this increase in blood sugar by releasing insulin. This is known as a glucose spike, which if repeated over a prolonged period of time can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Even in the short term, glucose spikes can cause energy crashes, brain fog and cravings. Simple carbohydrate sources containing pure sugar, honey and sweeteners are the main culprits and get broken down into glucose much faster than more complex carbohydrates like wholegrain bread or rice. However, while it can be helpful to reduce your intake of simple carbohydrates, ‘Glucose Goddess’ Jessie argues that you don’t need to cut out these foods completely. Instead, she recommends trying her glucose ‘hacks’, which aim to balance your blood sugar without drastically changing your diet: Enjoy a savoury

breakfast

The food you eat first thing has an impact on your glucose levels for the rest of the day. For this reason, Jessie advises starting with a savoury or low-sugar meal. Some options to try include eggs, Greek yoghurt, a protein shake, peanut butter on wholemeal toast, or a plate of meat and eggs.

Eat your vegetables first

When it comes to glucose regulation, the order in which you eat your food is important. Vegetables are great sources of fibre that break down slowly in the digestive system, and by doing so also slow down the speed at which you digest starches. This means that glucose trickles into the bloodstream much slower than if you had eaten the same foods in reverse order. For a quick and easy option, snack on some baby carrots and hummus while you cook.

Move after eating

Taking a short walk or hitting the gym after a big meal is another way of halting the accumulation of glucose in the body. Spending just ten minutes doing any exercise you enjoy can make a difference – whether that’s strength training, yoga or running.

Incorporate vinegar into your diet

Vinegar slows down the breakdown of starches into glucose and encourages your muscles to soak up glucose as it arrives in your bloodstream. Any vinegar will work, Jessie claims, but apple cider vinegar might be the most palatable. You could try mixing a tablespoon of vinegar in hot or cold water and drinking it twenty minutes before eating, or alternatively adding vinaigrette to your salad.

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

There’s an old saying about nothing being certain in life but death and taxes. Death may indeed be inevitable, but there’s still a few ways you can get money without taxes. These are partially or fully excluded from your income when calculating your National Insurance and Income Tax liabilities.

£1,000 trading allowance

You can make up to £1,000 a year from selling goods on eBay or similar activities. That’s because of the ‘trading allowance’, which covers income that isn’t your main job or self-employed business activity. As a general principle, you can make up to £1,000 in income without having to register as self-employed with HMRC or declare the income from it on a tax return. If you took in more than £1,000, you need to report it, but you can deduct a flat £1,000 in expenses rather than your actual costs.

Rent a room

If you have a spare room, you can make up to £7,500 income in rent before you have to start paying tax thanks to the ‘Rent a Room’ scheme. Despite the name, you can actually rent out more than one room. The £7,500 limit covers all income from rent in the property. The allowance is split if more than one person shares the income (e.g. you and your partner). You can only claim the allowance when renting furnished rooms in your home, meaning a building that you own and live in. (If you rent out a property you don’t live in, you can instead claim Property Allowance, which reduces your taxable income from the rent by £1,000 a year.) Remember, your legal relationship with the renter differs depending on whether you also live in the property.

Dividend allowance

If you own shares, you may receive an annual dividend. For the tax year 2023/24 the first £1,000 is tax free, although it is scheduled to fall to £500 from April 2024. Anything over this limit is taxed at 8.75 per cent if you are a basic rate taxpayer.

Pension pot

The State Pension is taxable, as are the regular payments you get from a personal or occupational pension scheme. However, your scheme may let you take lump sum withdrawals before your regular pension payments begin. As a general principle, you can take out 25% of the total value of your pension fund as tax-free income. Always take expert advice so that you understand the implications for both your taxes and your retirement income.

Double check

Always check the tax status of any income you receive, whatever the source. It could affect your PAYE tax code and whether or not you need to complete a self-assessment tax return. Whenever you use any of the options mentioned in this article, remember that you may still need to mention the income when claiming for Universal Credit and other benefits.

Taxation

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

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

Running a business without advertising, is like winking at someone across a dark room. You know what you are doing, but no-one else does! email: karen@berrylandscompanion.co.uk

Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry: A History of The Ashes in 12 Matches by Simon Hughes

With the 2023 Ashes Test Series set to start at Edgbaston on 16 June, all eyes will be on England to see if they can get back to winning ways on home soil – they haven’t won the famous Urn since 2015. For cricket-crazy fans, this book is a fast-paced distinctive history of the iconic, 137-year-old cricketing rivalry between England and Australia by commentator, analyst and award-winning cricket historian Simon Hughes, along with complete statistics and records of all the Ashes fixtures and results and much more!

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

A decade-old cold case leads Osman’s beloved aging investigators, the Thursday Murder Club, to a local news legend on the hunt for a sensational headline and a murder with no body and no answers. Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill... or be killed. Can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again? Full of Osman’s trademark charm, insight and intelligence, this is the third novel in his record-breaking, million-copy bestselling Thursday Murder Club series.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Regularly voted one of the best English-language novels of the past 100 years, this witty, wise and bittersweet 1951 novel is a tale of postwar alienation told by angst-ridden 17-year-old Holden Caulfield as he grapples with growing up, loss, sex, depression, his identity, and understanding the events that shaped him. Controversial at the time of publication for its frank language, this ultimate American coming-of-age novel was an instant best-seller.

The Gold by Neil Forsyth & Thomas Turner

The astonishing true story of the robbery of the century, Brink’s-Mat, Britain’s biggest heist. On 26 November 1983, an armed gang stole gold bullion worth almost £26 million from the Brink’s-Mat security depot near London’s Heathrow Airport. For 40 years, myths and legends have grown around the Brink’s-Mat heist and the events that followed. This is the conclusion of extensive research and includes exclusive testimony from one of the original robbers, who gives his version of events for the first time.

A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

Part travel memoir, part gastronomic journal, lifelong cook and bestselling author of Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain’s passion for food and adventure shines through in this culinary classic as he travels around the world in search of the perfect meal. And as he makes his way from California all the way to Cambodia, he experiences some of the world’s greatest – and most delicious – culinary adventures. But being Anthony Bourdain, this was never going to be a conventional culinary tour…

Wordle Challenge

The chance to play the online sensation Wordle offline, with a collection of 500 brainteasing word-based puzzles to do anytime, anywhere. Based on the same format that has proved a runaway success, these stimulating Wordle puzzles are graded from Easy to Expert level. Puzzlers must guess what the correct word is, deducing from previous words in the grid what letters go where. A clue means there is only one correct solution to each puzzle, and answers can be found at the back of the book.

From history to sport and from cookery to crime, we round up the pick of the books perfect for Father’s Day (18 June)

HOME WANTED! Pedro

Pedro is a very handsome 8-yearold male. He has an unusual thick brown coat which makes him look like a little bear. Pedro is very affectionate, loves attention and loves playing – he needs a lot of stimulation through play!

He came into care because his owners are moving abroad and can’t take him with them. If you think you can give Pedro a loving home with no children or other pets and direct access to a secure garden, please contact us.

For more information, please contact us on 0345 260 1387 enquiries@epsom.cats.org.uk

Epsom Ewell & District Branch http://www.epsom.cats.org.uk

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

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

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

Cat in a box

Cats are instinctively attracted to small, enclosed spaces because they provide a sense of safety and security. They can feel protected and observe their surroundings without feeling threatened. The box is also warm, smooth and slightly padded. As far as a cat is concerned, what’s not to like?

Cat on top

Why does your feline friend like to sit in a box or bring you (unwelcome) gifts? There are some explanations!

Cat presents

Few owners are grateful for the gift of a dead mouse or bird posted through the cat flap. But it’s natural instinct for cats to hunt, and presenting their catch to you means you are part of their family and they want to boast of their success. There’s no point getting angry as they won’t understand it.

As a natural hunter, climbing to high places allows a cat to survey their environment and assess potential threats. It is also a natural form of exercise for cats. It helps them maintain their balance, coordination and agility, which are important for hunting and self-defence.

No water thanks

Cats are descendants of desert-dwelling wild cats, and their ancestors did not need to swim or interact with water regularly. As a result, cats did not develop an affinity for water like some other animals, such as dogs. Furthermore, water can make their fur mat, hence making it difficult to groom, which, as a fastidious animal, can be uncomfortable.

A new take on spring cleaning

Spring is finally here, and with the warmer weather comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning. While the process of cleaning can seem like a chore, it doesn't have to be with the help of a little-known secret ingredient: Epsom Salt!

Yes, that's right - the same ingredient that is commonly used to soothe sore muscles can also be a powerful tool in your spring-cleaning arsenal. So, here are some alternative uses for the magic salt when it comes to sprucing up your pad…

1. Deodorise your carpets After a long winter, your carpets may have accumulated some unpleasant odours. Instead of using harsh chemicals to freshen them up, sprinkle some Epsom Salt on your carpet before vacuuming. The salt will absorb any moisture and odours, leaving your carpets smelling clean and fresh.

2. Clean your bathroom Epsom Salt is a natural abrasive, making it a great choice for scrubbing away grime and mildew in your bathroom. Mix equal parts Epsom Salt and washing up liquid to make a paste, and use it to scrub your bath, shower and sinks. Rinse with warm water, and you'll be amazed at how clean and shiny your fixtures look.

3. Shine your tiles Tired of dingy tiles in your kitchen or bathroom? Mix Epsom Salt with equal parts of baking soda and washing up liquid to make a paste. Then, use a scrubbing brush or sponge to apply the paste to your tiles and rinse with warm water. Your tiles will be sparkling clean and looking like new in no time.

4. Remove grease stains Grease stains can be a pain to remove, but Epsom Salt can make the process a little easier. Mix the salt with washing up liquid to make a paste then apply to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or stiff brush. Rinse with warm water, and hey presto - the grease stain should be gone!

5. Clean your washing machine Over time, washing machines can develop a musty smell. To freshen yours up, add a mug of Epsom Salt to your machine and run it on the hottest cycle. The salt will help remove any build-up or residue, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh and clean.

6. Polish your silverware We bet you didn’t know that Epsom Salt can be used to polish your silverware? To create a paste, mix equal parts of the salt with baking soda and add a little water. Then, use

a soft cloth to apply the paste to your silverware and rinse with warm water. It will come out shiny, looking like new and ready for your next dinner party!

7. Clean your windows Forget expensive window cleaning solutions; Epsom Salt is all you need to get windows and mirrors sparkling. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom Salt with about four litres of warm water and use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution. Rinse with clean water and your windows will be crystal clear.

8. Revitalise your houseplants After a long winter, your houseplants may be looking a bit lacklustre. To give them a boost, mix one tablespoon of Epsom Salt with four litres of water, and use the solution to hydrate your plants. The magnesium and sulphate in Epsom salt will help your plants absorb nutrients and

promote growth, making them healthier and more vibrant.

9. Remove rust stains Rust stains can be tough to remove, but good old Epsom Salt can help! Mix equal parts of salt and lemon juice to make a paste, then apply it to the rust stain. Let the paste sit for a few hours and then scrub with a brush. Rinse with warm water, and the stain should be gone.

10. Freshen up your drains Indoor drains can develop unpleasant smells over time. To freshen them up, mix half a mug of salt with enough warm water to make a paste, and then pour it down the drain. Leave for 30 minutes then boil the kettle to pour down and rinse away any residue. Your drains will be smelling fresh and clean in no time!

So, whether you're looking to deodorise your carpets, clean your bathroom or polish your silverware, Epsom Salt is a natural solution that can get the job done. And the win-win when it comes to spring cleaning is that both your wallet and your home will reap the rewards.

How to get a great phone without breaking the bank

Today’s best phones are technological triumphs with price tags to match. But the truth is that for many of us, we simply don’t need all that power. You don’t need £800 of hardware to run WhatsApp, do a bit of online shopping and shoot the odd selfie. The good news is that budget phones don’t necessarily mean bad phones. You can spend half the price of a flagship, and sometimes even less, and get something perfectly decent. If you buy SIM-free you’ll have to pay the whole cost upfront but in the long term it works out much cheaper, because you can get a separate contract that isn’t subsidising the initial cost of your phone. For example, networks such as Lyca or Lebara can give you unlimited texts and calls and 3GB of monthly data for less than £2 per month – and you’re not tied into a long-term contract. If you’re a big data user, Virgin Media currently offers 15GB for £3.50 per month.

Budget phones come into four main price brackets. The best buys under £100 are feature phones, which tend to be pretty basic but offer great battery life and key apps such as Facebook or WhatsApp. Go over £100 and you’re moving into smartphone territory, and while you won’t get the fastest phones or the best cameras here, you’ll still be able to get a good all-rounder and use apps such as Spotify.

If you go beyond £200 you might be surprised by just how good the phones in this price bracket are. And as you near £400 things get even better, with firms such as Samsung offering very powerful phones with excellent cameras. The only bigname firm that isn’t really represented here is Apple – at the time of writing their cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE 2022, is £449. But that’s still a lot cheaper than the iPhone 14, which starts at £849. Whatever you’re buying, keep an eye out for tradein deals. You won’t get much money trading in a basic phone or one that hasn’t been looked after, but even £20 or £30 off the price can make your new phone that little bit more of a bargain. The best trade-in deals tend to be offered by phone manufacturers themselves rather than retailers. And don’t forget outlets such as eBay, where phones are often sold even more cheaply. As ever with auctions, read the small print and check the seller’s feedback ratings before committing to buy.

Nokia 800 Tough Nokia’s feature phones were everywhere in the 90s, and while today it makes lots of budget smartphones it also makes some great, simple phones like the military-spec 800 Tough. £99, Nokia.com

This is still a lot of money, of course, but if you want an iPhone this is the cheapest one Apple currently makes. It looks quite old but inside it has a recent, fast processor and a pretty good camera too. £449, apple.com

You can get cheaper Android phones, but this Moto manages to keep the price down without also making the camera terrible or the performance sluggish. It’s great value. £122, amazon.co.uk

Samsung

Samsung makes some great phones for photography, and the A53 5G is arguably the best of its more affordable models if you want a Samsung to take lots of snaps with. £399, samsung.com

OnePlus isn’t the best-known name but it’s building a good reputation for its affordable but powerful Android smartphones. Shop around and you’ll find it even cheaper. £299, oneplus.com

iPhone SE 2022

OnePlus Nord CE 2

Motorola Moto G31

Galaxy A53 5G

What do we mean by exotic plants?

It’s not unusual for those who love gardens to yearn for something that looks tropical or exotic. These plants remind us of holidays and help with a contemporary feel.

Tropical gardens

Bold foliage and dazzling flower colours can create a lush, dramatic oasis. Tropical plants can be used to create a framework for your garden and the spaces between can be filled with plants that provide complementary shapes and colours. Grasses such as carex and miscanthus work well, as do large-leafed evergreens including Fatsia japonica and ferns. Hostas can pop up during spring and summer, together with shadedwelling brunneras, brightly-flowering crocosmia and day lilies in the sunnier areas. Japanese anemones are partial-shade lovers that fit in well for some late-summer flowers combined with interesting foliage.

It is possible to grow bananas (Musa) here in the UK, although they might need some winter protection. They can form huge statement plants up to three metres high and their tropical leaves can reach a length of two metres. It is rare for them to form fruit in the UK, but it is possible! Then there are the much- coveted tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica, which are said to be some of the oldest plants in the world.

The iconic tropical forest trees are palms, such as Trachycarpus fortunei and wagnerianus, also known as windmill or chusan palms, Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island date palm and Chamaerops humilis, the dwarf fan palm. These varieties have proved to be fairly hardy here in the UK, although they often sustain damage that needs to be tidied up in the spring.

Go for a lush, full appearance and consider using bamboo to screen out the constraints of your boundaries. Clumping varieties including fargesias are easier to maintain, but use a root barrier to be sure your bamboo won’t invade further afield.

Desert gardens

It’s not easy to create a desert garden within a country with high rainfall. However, if you have a south-facing, sheltered site and you prepare the ground adequately, it is not impossible. Desertdwellers need very free-draining soil of almost pure grit or sand. Plants will be those that store water, such as cacti, agaves and aloes. You can use desert as your inspiration and be inspired by the Sahara, Gobi and Kalahari, creating a garden that has the atmosphere of this unique type of ecosystem. Ornamental grasses are a must for the desert vibe, with their sandy-coloured seed heads and narrow leaves. Yuccas are well-adapted to desert life and you can include perennials such as salvias, cistus, sedum and creeping thyme. Drought-tolerant plants often have silvery foliage and fine hairs on the leaves that help them conserve moisture. You will definitely not see a lush lawn in a desert!

Canary Island Date Palm

Agave desert plant

By Caroline Knight

Banana palm with fruit

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.

By Katherine Sorrell

Combine practicality with good looks to create a welcoming entrance to your home.

If you’re unhappy with your hall, there are five key areas to consider.

1 Walls

Paint can transform a bland hallway, or opt for wallpaper, tiles or timber cladding. While pale colours reflect light and emphasise a sense of space, dark schemes can be cosy and interesting, but need adequate lighting. For practicality, protect the lower halves of the walls with tiles, timber or extra-tough paint. Periodstyle patterned tiles, beaded wall panelling or embossed wallpapers suit older properties with original features, while in a modern home consider geometrics, oversized florals or tongueand-groove cladding.

2 Flooring

Add a runner, either washable or in a dark colour that won’t show the dirt, to revive the floor. Alternatively, sand and varnish a timber floor, or replace tired carpet or vinyl. Hall floors must be durable, non-slip, resistant to dirt and stains, and easy to clean. Stone, ceramic, quarry or Victorian-style encaustic tiles are ideal. Timber boards or parquet need regular polishing or waxing, though some are water-resistant, extratough boards that are super-easy to care for. Cheaper laminates may not last long. Good quality vinyl flooring is practical and comfortable. A dark 80:20 wool-nylon mix twist-pile carpet should withstand heavy usage, or consider tough natural matting such as coir, sisal or rush.

3 Lighting

Halls should be welcoming and illuminate steps or thresholds. Consider specialist light-reflecting paint, or wallpaper with a metallic sheen. Add a large mirror. Wall lights can act as obstacles in a narrow hall but recessed ceiling downlights or a pendant (or a row of them) are ideal.

4 Storage

Built-in wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling storage, including any wonky areas, makes the most of available space. Tall, shallow cupboards painted the same colour as the walls, or mirrored, will be barely noticeable. Alternatively, choose freestanding cupboards, sideboards or console tables. Add umbrella stands, dog beds, boot racks, high-up bike hooks, a coat rack or a radiator shelf for post and keys, depending on available space.

5 Decoration

Paintings or photographs can make an impact in a hallway and up the stairs. With sufficient light, house plants in attractive pots are fabulous, as are books on a side table or shelf. A console table or a deep shelf gives space for a lamp, a basket for keys etc., and a vase of flowers.

This traditional hallway has lovely monochrome tiling, with a class combination of a console table and mirror above. Retromix Cold Star large patterned tiles, £49.75 per square metre, londontile.co.uk.

The dimples on a golf ball are designed to make it more aerodynamic, allowing it to travel further in the air. There are no official rules about how many dimples a golf ball can have and most feature between 300 and 500.

NAME THE SPORT THAT USES THIS BALL

Make a list of the smallest to the largest ball, if you were holding the real thing.

SMALLEST SMALL MEDIUM BIG BIGGEST

CROSSWORD

ARCHERY CRICKET

CYCLING

FOOTBALL

GOLF

HOCKEY

JUDO

KARATE

RUGBY RUNNING

SAILING

SQUASH

TENNIS

Mobile b icycle Service & r epair

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.

Wipe the floor with dirt and welcome visitors to your home with a good-looking entranceway. Yes, the humble door mat is finally having its day.

Start your day with a compliment! This indoor/ outdoor mat is made from natural coir coconut fibre with a non-slip back, and is hand-finished in the UK with durable and long-lasting paints. Artsy Doormats Hello Beautiful circle doormat, £39.95, cuckooland.com.

Designed and made to order in the UK, this bespoke, superabsorbent mat is machine washable and guaranteed for five years. Personalised names doormat, £59, mattify.co.uk.

Give your visitors something to smile about. This mat is great for indoor or sheltered outdoor use, made from 100% natural coir and coloured with azo-free dyes. The Naughty Step doormat, £24.50, sweetpeaandwillow.com.

mat adds a bright touch to any doorway. Butterfly Garden doormat, £16.95, rexlondon.com.

Show off your personality and create an inviting hallway with a fun and individual, naturalcoir doormat. Nicola Spring Rainbow coir doormat, from £9.94, wayfair.co.uk.

This mat is made from hard-wearing jute so is ideal for hightraffic areas, while its scalloped edging and brown trim add a touch of style. Scalloped jute doormat with a chestnutbrown trim, £45, roseandgrey.co.uk.

With bright colours on a nylon mat and a rubber backing, this groovy example offers a warm welcome and is machine washable. Hello Bear doormat, £44, jimbobart.com.

A versatile addition to the boot room or back door step, this mat features coir brushes set in a border of tough rubber for a stylish solution to muddy boots and shoes. Rubber border doormat in natural coir, £30, coxandcox.co.uk.

By Katherine Sorrell

Add modern country style with this Turtle Mat made from super-absorbent recycled cotton tufts, which has a heavyweight, anti-slip rubber backing and can even go in the washing machine. Leaping Hares doormat, £49.95, annabeljames.co.uk.

Made from natural coconut fibres, this unique and colourful

Encore Singing Group

We

With a career that has led him from restaurant kitchens to TV screens – and with another new cookbook to his credit – ever-popular chef James Martin has his finger in plenty of pies.

Chef and proud Yorkshireman James Martin has had a love of food since he was a child. His family were farmers on the Castle Howard estate in North Yorkshire and as James recalls: “My passion for food began when my father took the role of catering manager at the Castle Howard estate.”

Just an ordinary bloke!

Having starred in TV food series aplenty, penned 20-plus cookbooks – the latest celebrating the humble potato – appearances on a number of high-profile daytime shows, such as Loose Woman, along with Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Strictly Come Dancing, James is keen to play down his celebrity status. What, does he think then, is the secret of his popularity? “Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve always been honest and straight with the viewer and believe in great food…and have never been one for trends or fads.”

Life in the fast lane

James may have had a love of food for a long as he can remember, but it wasn’t his first choice. “I did want to be a racing driver, but the closest I got to a go-kart was a Massey Ferguson tractor. It was never going to happen for me.”

But he has never lost his love for speed and is a self-confessed petrol head, with an impressive

private collection – from Ferraris and Fords, classics to electric and everything in between –said to be worth millions. He is also a qualified helicopter pilot.

Beginnings and returns

James was just a lad when he started working in restaurants, as he explained on ITV’s This Morning, where he is a guest chef on the breakfast show. “I started cooking in a professional kitchen when I was ten, washing pots.”

Following catering college and training and working in France, James then landed a job at Antony Worrell Thompson’s One Ninety Queen’s Gate restaurant in Kensington, London. In 1993 he became a junior pastry chef at the acclaimed Chewton Glen in Hampshire, where today he heads up The Kitchen.

Two years later, aged just 21, his journey into culinary celebrity was about to begin when he joined Hotel Du Vin in Winchester as head chef.

On the road

James has several tours under his belt, which feature live shows and demos. What does he enjoy about them? “Going out and about and seeing people enjoying themselves. The buzz you get from thousands of people who have come out to spend the evening with you is pretty special.”

James is planning to tour again this October/ November and he will be appearing at the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival in July.

From James Martin’s Islands to Highlands, published by Quadrille, priced £25. Photography © Peter Cassidy.

Serves 8 Preparation time 35 minutes Freeze 6+ hours

This indulgent Italian-style ice cream dessert is simplicity to make and keeps well in the freezer for at least a month.

Ingredients

• Oil, for greasing

• 4 large free-range eggs, separated

• 100g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 300ml double cream

• 6 tbsp salted caramel sauce (or dulce de leche), plus extra for drizzling

For the almond praline

• 100g caster sugar

• 50g toasted whole blanched almonds

NOTE: Raw eggs are used to make the semifreddo, so pregnant women, older people and anyone with a severely weakened immune system should check before eating this.

1. Lightly oil a 1 litre loaf tin and line with cling film.

2. Beat the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla together with a hand-held whisk until thick and a trail is left when you lift the beaters.

3. Beat the egg whites in a clean dry bowl until they form stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat the cream until it holds its shape and forms soft peaks.

4. Gently fold the cream into the egg yolk mixture and then fold in the eggs whites with a metal spoon in a figure-of-eight motion. Gently swirl the salted caramel throughout the mixture and transfer to the lined tin. Level the top, cover with cling film and freeze for 6 hours or until solid.

5. Meanwhile, make the praline. Line a baking tray with foil and brush lightly with oil.

6. Put the sugar in a heavy-based pan set over a low heat. Swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar melts. As soon as it darkens to a deep amber and starts to caramelise, remove from the heat and stir in the almonds. Spoon onto the lined baking tray and leave to cool and set hard, then smash into shards.

7. When you’re ready to serve, remove the semifreddo from the freezer and unwrap. Turn out onto a serving platter and top with the praline shards. Cut into slices and serve drizzled with extra salted caramel sauce.

Extracted from The Salted Caramel Cookbook by Heather Thomas (HarperNonFiction, £12.99), with photography by Joff Lee).

Bursting with home-grown flavour, British asparagus is in season until the end of the month. So, pick up a bunch at your local farm shop or farmers’ market and make the most of this versatile vegetable!

Ingredients

• 2 x 150g rib-eye steaks

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for cooking the asparagus

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 bunch British asparagus, rinsed and woody ends trimmed

• A pinch of togarashi seasoning, optional (you could use cayenne pepper)

• White and black sesame seeds, to garnish

For the teriyaki sauce

• 75ml soy sauce

• 75ml mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

• 75ml sake

• 1 tbsp sugar

For more asparagus recipe inspiration, visit www.britishasparagus.com

1. First make the teriyaki sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan, place on a medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a couple of minutes then remove from the heat and leave to cool. Any leftover sauce can be stored in a clean bottle in the fridge.

2. If cooking on the barbecue, heat the coals until ready to cook. Alternatively, heat a griddle pan until hot and almost smoking. Rub the steaks with a little oil and season with salt and black pepper. Griddle for 2 minutes each side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare. Wrap loosely in foil and leave to rest while you cook the asparagus.

3. Rub the asparagus with a little oil then lay on the barbecue grill rack or the hot griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning every now and then until they start to soften but still have bite and are lightly charred.

4. Share the asparagus between two warm plates. Slice the steaks into 1cm strips and scatter over the asparagus, spooning over the meat juices left from resting. Drizzle over the teriyaki sauce, sprinkle with togarashi (if using) and the sesame seeds.

Serves 2 Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 15 minutes

Two-time winner of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce’s Award for the Best Leisure and Hospitality Business, Glenmore House is one of Surbiton’s best kept secrets.

Constructed in 1840, Glenmore House is a fine example of late Georgian architecture situated in the exclusive Surbiton conservation area adjacent to the landscaped park of Claremont Gardens, the Edwardian building was one of the first substantial houses to be built in Surbiton, which has adapted to many uses over time, and today functions as a members’ club and wedding and events venue.

£25

PER PERSON inc VAT

Next held: 4th June, 2nd July, 6th August and 3rd September

*Every first Sunday of the month

Next held: 5th January, 2nd February, 1st March

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

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

Come and enjoy the popular Sunday Carvery in the magnificent Elizabethan Suite, Tudor Rooms or Crescent Room.

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

The Tudor Rooms benefit from stained glass windows and chandeliers, and our light and airy Crescent Room enjoys fabulous views over Claremont Gardens.

Choose from a choice of five starters, five main courses and at least eight desserts, with coffee and complimentary amuse bouche for just £25 per person, all prepared by our brigade of award winning Chefs, using the freshest ingredients.

** The price is £25 incl VAT, (parties over 7 subject to a 10% service charge). Children under 12 half price. Private rooms are also available for a small additional charge.

A transcontinental crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a cultural melting pot of contrasting flavours, cultures and religions. It’s this sensorial richness, combined with its natural wonders and ancient history, that’s earned it a place at the top of travellers’ bucket lists. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s plenty to keep you enthralled – from the fairy-tale palaces of Cappadocia to the azure waters of Olüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon. With so much to explore, we’ve rounded up five of the most awe-inspiring spots in Turkey.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Where better to start than in Turkey’s captivating capital? With a cityscape framed by imperial Islamic mosques, glistening palaces and towering minarets, there’s beauty to admire behind every corner.

By far one of Turkey’s most iconic man-made structures is Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, built in the Ottoman era in the early 1600s. Adorned with thousands of handmade Iznik tiles, and painted in various shades of blue, the mosque is still used as a sacred place of worship today – while also remaining open to visitors.

Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Büyük Menderes Valley

Nestled within a steep valley in south-western Turkey, Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces are a geological phenomenon. The spectacle is created by mineral springs that have cascaded down the hillside for thousands of years. The natural pools are terraced into the hillside, overspilling with the mineral-rich spring water, which over time dries, leaving behind that perfect white, frozen appearance.

It can get busy during peak season, so for some peace and quiet, head to the ancient ruins and hot springs of the nearby spa town Hierapolis.

Cappadocia, Central Anatolia

Set high on the Anatolian plateau, the curious landscapes of Cappadocia will transport you to fantasy land. Honey-coloured rocks have eroded into otherworldly sculptures resembling minarets, mushrooms and ‘fairy chimneys’, while entire subterranean cities, churches and monasteries lie hidden beneath the surface, carved out by settlers since the Bronze Age. Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunset, or admire the landscape from the terrace of a rooftop hotel. This is truly one of the most romantic spots in the world!

Blue Lagoon, Olüdeniz

Turkey is known for its sun, sea and sand, with a staggering 8,333 kilometres of coastline. However, when it comes to crystal-clear waters and white sand, Olüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon and nearby beaches are hard to beat.

This bay of azure water with its strip of white sand is the perfect place to kick back and relax, but if that’s not your cup of tea there are lots of activities to keep you entertained. Why not take a paragliding trip or try your hand at paddle boarding in the lagoon?

Ephesus, Izmir

Once housing The Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the remains of Ephesus recount a fascinating narrative of the 9,000-year old settlement. After more than a century of excavation, we know that it was once a vibrant city of over 250,000 inhabitants, complete with colonnaded streets, temples, a huge amphitheatre and the Celsus library, which still stands today.

"Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey" by Pedro Szekely is licensed under CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mini Cryptic Crossword

Across

1. Made a hole through, feeling weary (5)

4. Audibly permitted we hear (5)

7. I arrive distraught in this coastal area (7)

8. Come by in storage tanks (3)

9. Pries into olfactory organs (5)

12. This will last for weeks (5)

14. Prompt snooker stick (3)

15. Tent for the brave (5)

17. Armed conflict leads to fantasy (5)

20. Friend in Kampala (3)

21. One isn’t about to cause stress (7)

23. Bend to heal about five (5)

24. Tree found on the shore, we hear (5)

Down

1. Desolate-sounding peer (5)

2. Meanders, turning over to a point (5)

3. Gaming cube to expire (3)

4. Mad earl somehow filled with apprehension (7)

5. Vital body part heard in church (5)

6. Watercourse to abandon (5)

10. Lyrical poem in Modern English (3)

11. Poor respect for emblamatic staff (7)

13. Drink a letter, we hear (3)

15. Theme in desktop icon (5)

16. Less colourful type of pearl (5)

18. Superior group the Spanish tie formed (5)

19. Norwegian painter to chew noisily (5)

22. Writer overturns rubbish receptacle (3)

Father’s Day is a celebration that honours the role of fathers and forefathers. It is a modern holiday, though the ancient Romans did have a tradition of honouring fathers in February, but only those who were deceased.

The first unofficial Father’s Day was held in Fairmont, West Virginia, on 5th July 1908, as a memorial service for more than 200 men recently killed in the Monongah Mining Disaster, leaving 1,000 fatherless children. The idea belonged to Sonora Smart Dodd whose father William, a Civil War veteran, had raised six children on his own after his wife died in childbirth. This was at a time when motherhood was becoming increasingly sentimentalised, and Mothering Sunday (the fourth Sunday in Lent) was being more and more widely celebrated. Dodd felt that men deserved equal recognition. She won the support of the local YMCA and churches and, on the appointed Sunday, YMCA members all went to church wearing roses in their lapels to honour their dads.

MOVIE MANSIONS:

In what seems to have been a case of simultaneous invention, the town of Spokane, Washington, held another Father’s Day service two years later.

Spokane’s church service attracted much wider attention than Fairmont’s and became an annual event. President Wilson was a speaker at the 1916 event, and eight years later President Coolidge backed one of several failed bids in Congress to recognise it as a national holiday – an ambition only finally realised by President Nixon in 1972

“My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane, Albuquerque, New Mexico.”

These are the very first words uttered by Walter White’s character in the first episode of Breaking Bad.

The real-life home where Breaking Bad was filmed had a very ordinary history until the series came out. Joanne Quintana – the owner of the iconic house – and her mother were living a quiet life at their Albuquerque home, until they agreed to rent it out to the AMC film crew in 2008. They moved out for the duration of the show. They would have thought twice about their decision if they had realised just how successful the show would be, with a diehard fanbase even though it’s nearly ten years since the last episode was originally aired. The owners of the house had to deal with many intrusive visitors over the years, including people throwing pizzas on their roof (a reference to a famous scene in the show)

and even attempts to steal souvenirs from the property. To prevent further disruptions, they erected a fence around the house and installed cameras to monitor activity.

In 2017, the house went up for sale and was purchased by a couple who planned to convert it into a holiday rental for Breaking Bad fans. However, after facing resistance from the neighbours and the city, they had to cancel their plans and put the house back on the market.

Image Clay Gilliland, Flikr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

Coastal fashion to see you through the rainiest of days

Whether you’re heading abroad or planning a staycation, bring some coastal chic to your wardrobe this summer.

V by Very Supersoft Belted Mom Jeans, £35, www.very.co.uk

John Lewis Shirt, £65, www.johnlewis.com

Peacocks Linen Shorts, £18, www.peacocks.co.uk

Branch Jewellery Blue Hoops, £31, www.branchjewellery.co.uk

Accessorize Beaded Sandals, £27, www.accessorize.com

Barbour Renfew Knitted Jumper, £74.95, www.barbour.com

Marks and Spencer Blue and White Bag, £22.50, www.marksandspecner.com

Very x Michelle Keegan Striped Midi Skirt, £28, www.very.co.uk

National Trust Blue Trimmed Hat, £20, www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Fatface x The National Trust Juniper Stripe Pinafore, £56, www.fatface.co.uk

Primark Diagonal Stripe Swimsuit, £12, in-store only

Readers’ survey results

Recent editions of A Berrylands Companion has had a readers’ survey. Thank you to all those people who have kindly submitted their answers by post or email. It has been interesting to see the answers!!

The majority of readers have their copy delivered and most keep it as a reference for a while, some even pass it on to others.

Whilst it was felt that there was a good ratio of adverts to articles, quite a few people would like to see more local news and events.

As the magazine is monthly, quite often the news is ‘old news’ by the time I could include it, and it would have been in other weekly publications or on social media.

Obviously, if there are local events or news, I would love the chance to include it!

Most of the articles were read and enjoyed, with a few exceptions.

It would seem the most popular are the Community and Local events pages plus the What’s on monthly listing. So perhaps that is an indication that if you are holding an event, then send in

the details for inclusion.

The puzzles have a good response, and the actual adverts are well liked, with several businesses used by quite a few people. Some gave really good reports of the work done and the service provided. Which is all good news and just what this magazine is meant to provide.

It would seem that the least enjoyed articles were Home Interiors and products, finance, beauty, travel and there doesn’t seem many pet lovers out there!!!

Some of the comments:

‘Always read it, thanks for your hard work’

‘Very useful magazine’

‘Excellent magazine’

‘All very useful to call upon’

‘Keep up the good work!’

‘I really enjoy the magazine and the puzzles’

‘Would like to see more local news and events’

‘Great little mag’

‘I find it a useful and relaxing read’

Once again thank you for all the replies and comments.

Coronation Celebration Street Party

Our local St Matthews’ Residents’ Association

(SMRA) held it’s Coronation Street Party on Sunday 7th May, the day after the Coronation of King Charles III.

Whilst there were some grey clouds above, the party got underway, with people bringing out the bunting, the tables and chairs, as well as all the party food and bubbly!

The magician wove his magic along the tables then kept the children enthralled with his tricks.

There was a competition for the Best Decorated Cake and the Best Dressed Dog competition. Some of the entrants are pictures opposite.

The sun came out and a good time was had by all.

Hope you all enjoyed your street party as well.

NEED TO MOVE HOUSE

Speak to Julie Wale | julie.wale@lewis-dick.com

Speak to Tracey Cottam | tracey.cottom@lewis-dick.com

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

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Speak to Jonathan Owens jonathan.owens@lewis-dick.com

NEED A DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP WITH CONTACT

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

The thought of dating again can feel overwhelming at any stage in life, but putting yourself out there later in life can feel particularly intimidating. So how do you know if you’re really ready to dip a toe back into the dating pool?

When you’re young, friends who think you’re not settled down start trying to pair you off. This can happen again when you’re older; friends who are couples used to being together may think you’ll only be happy if you are in a relationship like them. But the first rule of dating in later life is to do things in your own time, when you feel it’s right, not when someone else feels it’s right for you.

Ask yourself: “Am I ready?”

Whether you’re on your own after the loss of a spouse, divorce or splitting up with a long-term partner, when will you be ready to begin dating again?

Generally speaking, the best time to start dating is when you feel confident and happy in your own skin, and when you aren’t seeking the affirmation of someone else. Some people arrive at this point more slowly than others – everyone has their own timeline, and love isn’t something that should be rushed.

In fact, scientists suggest it’s our relationship with ourselves that lays the foundations for all other interactions, and that self-love could be the secret to a healthy, fulfilling relationship with a significant other.

What else to consider

With a bit more age comes a bit more baggage. And it’s highly likely that your new date/online matches will most likely have been married before.

You and your date might have children from other relationships and it can be difficult knowing how to introduce a new partner to children or loved ones. However, don’t let your former life interrupt your new one – and hopefully any children will be supportive and happy for you now that you feel the time is right to move on. Dating in your 50s and beyond inevitably means you’ve lived and loved before and your combined experiences will mean you’ll both have endless stories to share!

Online dating

Online dating is bigger than ever, with around four in ten couples now meeting this way. You can take plenty of time getting to know someone via phone, email, or video chat before actually meeting up with them in person. And if you speak to someone online and instantly realise that they aren’t the person for you, then it’s much easier to cut contact politely.

Like everything in life, online dating does come with some negatives, such as trying to weed out the good dating profiles from the bad, not being able to form a first impression of someone based on physical interaction and, of course, concerns about scams.

It’s important to remember that when talking to someone new online, you should never give out personal information that could put you or your finances in jeopardy. This includes, but is not limited to, your home address and your bank details.

Whatever happens, try to remember that there are plenty more fish in the sea and the right person will be out there somewhere! And sometimes you just can’t hurry love…

A Wonderful Day by

It started for me as the train pulled into Waterloo just before 7am – as we were greeted by the sight of soldiers on the platform. It wasn’t a guard of honour, as one passenger quipped, but hundreds of bearskin-wearing troops arriving too. Whether they were Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish or Welsh Guards, I couldn’t tell, but I no longer felt overdressed in my Moss Bros morning coat!

The invitation asked guests to be seated in the Abbey by 08:30 am for the 11 am start, so I’d decided to arrive in the Parliamentarians’ muster point, Westminster Hall, early enough for it to be safe to enjoy one coffee before going to the Abbey, if you catch my drift. (The invite explained toilet facilities in the Abbey were “limited”!)

My lucky seat was in The Quire. Not great for seeing the main event in front of the altar but in touching distance of the Processions before and after the service – and right next to the choir.

Before 9 am, we were able to mill about and soak up the atmosphere. I’ve loved visiting abbeys, cathedrals, minsters and monasteries from my days as a chorister and studying Medieval History at A-level, but this was different: history in the making.

From the most exquisite displays of flowers to the sparkling military uniforms and national dresses, I felt incredibly fortunate to be there. And when I saw some bits of fluff on the Royal Blue carpet leading to the altar, it just seemed natural to pick it up –everything had to be fit for a King!

We were ushered to our seats for 9am, when the music before the service began: totally sublime – with superb new compositions like Sarah Class’s Sacred Fire sung by Pretty Yende as well as traditional orchestral pieces like Fantasia on Greensleeves, Jupiter and Nimrod.

The music during the service were equally spellbinding with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s setting

Sir Edward Davey, M.P

of Psalm 98 “Make a joyful noise” managing to mix ancient and modern. From the choir’s rendition of Handel’s “Zadok the priest” for the King’s anointing to the Ascension Choir’s pitch perfect “Alleluia, Alleluia”, to my personal favourite, Sir Bryn Terfel singing Kyrie eleison in Welsh, rarely can even this ancient Abbey have witnessed such a musical feast.

The Processions were thrilling in themselves – with the beautiful Order of Service helping to explain (a bit) who all these people were. From seeing “The Spur” carried by Lord Hastings to the St Edward’s Crown borne by the Lord High Steward of England, the centuries old traditions were magnificent. I must admit that I never knew such positions of “Master of the Horse” and “The Groom of the Robes” even existed!

There can be no doubt – no-one does pageantry like we do. And yet our precious traditions felt carefully laced and spiced with more modern elements, undoubtedly at the behest of King Charles himself. In an overwhelmingly Christian service, all modern Britain’s faiths and beliefs were welcomed and involved.

Indeed, from the very start of the service the symbolism of a new approach to monarchy was evident, as a young boy, Samuel Strachan (“Child of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal”) addressed The King, “Your Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.” And The King replied, “In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.”

On the train home to Surbiton, surrounded by damp red, white and blue passengers who’d watched the Coronation on large screens in Hyde Park, the joy of the day just continued. As we shared our stories – from the actual Crowning that I hadn’t been able to see being described to me, to my recounting of the King walking past within touching distance, wearing the Crown and carrying the Orb and Sceptre – there was no doubt: this was a wonderful day.

What’s on in June:-

Events in May:

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.

14-18th: Regent’s park Food Festival

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

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

18th: Fathers’ Day

20-24th: Royal Ascot Horse Race

21st: Longest Day

23-30th: International Women in Engineering

24th: World Refill Day

Events in July:

3-16th: Wimbledon Tennis Championship

4-9th: Hamptin Court Palace Garden Festival

14th-24th Sept: Buckingham Palace Summer Opening

16th: Dragon Boat Challenge Race, Canbury Gardens

Until 29th October: See the Fashion Exhibition at Kensington Palace, as well as the Palace and Gardens

Until 30th October: Book tickets to visit The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace to see the Gold Stage Coach, used in the Coronation of King Charles III.

What’s On/Local Events

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

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

Elderberries: a social group for independent over 60s, meets fortnightly on Tuesdays 1011.30am at New Life Baptist Church, Langley Road, Surbiton. E-mail: office@kingschurch. com or call 0208 224 1932 for more details.

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

What’s On/Local Events

professional or business environment. If you 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

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION

Our friendly allotment association was founded over 50 years ago and is run by volunteers.

We provide a wide range of composts, fertilisers, seeds; gardening products at not-for-profit club prices to members.

Membership costs £5 a year and our trading facility is situated next to the entrance to the allotment plots, just beyond the rugby club pavilion, at the rear of King Edward’s Recreation Ground, Hook Road, Chessington.

Sun: 10am-12noon

Email: hooklga@outlook.com

Hook Leisure Gardeners Association

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.

Tues 18th July: Andy Tucker, the Birds of Ecuador and Columbia

August: No Meeting

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

Common

Sun 4th June: All day, Stodmarsh

Weds 7th June: Morning Midweek Walk: Fareham Heath

RSPB

Sat 17th June: Nightjars

Sun 25th June: All day Rye Harbour

Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

Disclaimer

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

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

Many thanks for all your hard work in producing A Berrylands Companion. We’ve had several people join us over the years, because they’ve seen our entry in the magazine. Oasis Club

Many thanks for the including the dates of the latest Hope in Depression course in the Sept and Oct editions. We have had a great response to the latest course. We appreciate your support very much. Hope in Depression Group

27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

Down:

1. Terminate gradually (5,3)

2. A Sultanate in northwestern Borneo (6)

3. Horologist (10)

4. Slightly open (4)

5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6)

6. Represents or performs as if in a play (6)

8. Come to terms with (7)

9. Shortened term for provocation (5)

13. Returning to political office (10)

15. Unusually great in size (7)

16. After sunrise and before sunset (8)

17. Strong and sharp (5)

18. Having little emotion or sensibility (6)

20. Add to the very end (6)

22. The highest point; culminate (6)

24. Compass point (4)

October Sudoku

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

Surbiton Historical Society

Meet at CornerHouse, Douglas Road

Tuesdays, 7.30pm, bar opens at 7pm.

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

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 on other dates and talks please contact:

Tel 020 8330 0339

Email ann.glover418@outlook.com

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

June 8th for July/Aug issue

Aug 8th for September issue

Sept 8th for October issue

8th Oct for November issue

8th Nov for Dec/January issue

8th Jan for February issue

8th Feb for March issue

8th March for April issue

8th April for May issue

8th May for June issue

For more information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Berrylands

Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers

Car Maintenance

Alan Sursham

Berrylands Autocare

K&P Tyres

Volk’s Autos

Food & Drink

Glenmore House Carvery

Prithi

Bake: Salted Caramel Semi-Freddo

Kevin

Leverett

R.J.Tree

Recipe: BBQ Steak

Accountancy

Mark Baker

Finance: Nothing Too Taxing

Articles & Editorials

Useful Telephone Numbers

Books: To Dad with Love

Spring Cleaning

Technology: Budget Mobiles

Celebrity: James Martin

Travel: Awe Inspiring Turkey

Crossword

Readers’ Survey Results

SMRA Coronation Street Party

Sir Edward Davey M.P

Community Pages

What’s On & Local Events Pages

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

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

From as little as £58 a month your advert can feature here for a year!

An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured. So