March 2022 - Issue 166

Month: March 2022 Issue No: 166 Independent monthly community news and business directory for KT5 & KT6

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

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Hello Readers,

w

ell, the February edition of A Berrylands Companion caused a bit of a stir! The Education article on ‘7 benefits of private schools’ was obviously not to everyone’s taste, and I had a couple of emails to complain. Some of the comments were quite disparaging about the magazine. I guess the same people will also object to the Education article this month, looking at Independent Schools.

The two articles were not the written by me, but are there to provide some informed choice on school selection.

I hope that more readers are happy with the magazine and it’s content.

With restrictions being lifted almost weekly now, dare we hope that life can start to look a bit more normal? Businesses will be getting back into the swing and looking for more clients and customers. Unfortunately, we do need more trades, plumbers, tilers, plasterers and many more!!!

St Patrick’s Day, as well as Start of British Summer Time. We can look to joining family and friends for celebrations and just generally getting back together! It is also the time to remember to put the clocks forward for the start of British Summer Time, on the 26th, so don’t forget!

We also have the opportunity to thank Mums, Mothers, Grandmothers on Mothers’ Day on the 27th. This year has been tough for many, but Mothers may have felt it more. Sympathies go to all that have lost loved ones during the past year.

So here’s hoping that it means the weather becomes more summery!

Stay safe and keep well, maintain all advice.

Best wishes,

Karen

March sees us celebrate St David’s Day and

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

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 8547 4630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 020 8541 1212 101 999 111

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

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

08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 0844 335 1801 A Berrylands Companion 18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk www.berrylands-companion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

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More than half the calories we eat in the UK now come from ultraprocessed foods, but how are these foods affecting our health and what can we do to cut back?

Generally, most of the food we eat has been processed in one way or another. Milk is pasteurised to make it safe to drink, beans are dried to extend their shelf life and seeds are pressed to produce oils. However, this doesn’t necessarily make these foods unhealthy. Ultraprocessed foods, on the other hand, contain ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in your kitchen cupboard.

Some of the foods that fall into this category are unsurprising. Crisps, fizzy drinks, biscuits and ice cream are all highly processed, but did you know that breakfast cereals and ready meals are too?

Created to be convenient, cheap and tasty, ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugars, refined grains, fats and salt. They have very little nutritional value, are highly addictive and have also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some cancers. So, how can we cut back?

Check your labels One of the easiest ways to check whether a food product is highly processed is to read the ingredients list. A label full of long words you can’t pronounce is one sign that a food is highly processed. You can also check the Nutrition Information Panel to identify foods with high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt).

Find substitutes There are plenty of substitutes to ultra-

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processed foods on the market. Instead of crisps try low-fat popcorn, which is wholegrain and a good source of fibre. Swap sugary cereals for unsweetened oatmeal, and replace white bread with a homemade or granary loaf.

Cook more meals from scratch When you prepare a meal from scratch, you have more control over the ingredients you’re consuming. Start compiling a list of quick and easy meal ideas to prepare when you’re feeling lazy. Salads, omelettes and stir-fries require little effort, and are super tasty too.

Be wary of false advertising Don’t be fooled by phrases like ‘fat-free’, ‘natural’, ‘no added sugar’ and ‘sugar-free’.

Foods that are advertised as healthy often contain artificial ingredients or other chemical additives, such as artificial sweetener, which make them significantly more processed – and unhealthy – than they might first appear.

Keep healthy snacks on hand If you’re in a rush, grabbing a packet of crisps and a cereal bar on your way out the door is tempting. However, keeping your kitchen stocked with portable, nutritious snacks can make it much easier to make healthy choices on the go. Fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and hard boiled eggs are simple, tasty snacks that’ll keep you energised throughout the day.

Take it slow If ultra-processed foods constitute a large portion of your diet, reduce your intake slowly to begin with. Going cold turkey increases your likelihood of craving the high-fat, high-sugar foods your body has become accustomed to, so start by trying to enjoy one unprocessed or minimally processed meal a day, and gradually increase as you see fit.

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Also based at Worcester Park Station and Cheam To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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New Starts

Forget January, there’s no better time for a new beginning than spring…

By Kate Duggan

The Meaningful Money Handbook – Pete Matthew If you need to get your finances in order (that’s most of us then), The Meaningful Money Handbook could prove invaluable. It’ll help you to cut through the confusion, figure out how to get out of debt, create a personal financial plan and grow your savings. If you’re already starting to wince at the thought of reading a book about finances, rest assured that there’s no jargon or judgement – just plenty of straightforward advice and useful tips.

Atomic Habits – James Clear All too often, major change feels so daunting that we don’t act, or we give up after a few days. Instead, James Clear recommends making tiny tweaks to your daily routines. Atomic Habits shows the reader how to break bad habits and start new ones. James Clear sets out, step-by-step, how to make small improvements that, over time, become life-altering. His advice is backed by psychologists, but as Clear says, this book is “not an academic research paper; it’s an operating manual.”

Survival Skills for Freelancers – Sarah Townsend At some point, everyone dreams of quitting their job and becoming their own boss. Whether you’ve already made the move or you’re just thinking of taking the plunge, this book can help you to ride the roller coaster that is self-employment. It’s full of helpful advice, from how to avoid burnout and look after your mental health to how to tackle imposter syndrome.

Consumed – Aja Barber Feel like you shop to fill a void? Uncomfortable with your role in fast fashion? Or do you just want to learn how to enjoy fashion sustainably and ethically? Whatever your motivation, this book is well worth a read.

Aja Barber shares her story of how she came to understand the systemic injustices in the fashion industry. You’ll learn about the history of the textile industry, the growing issue of fast fashion and, crucially, what you can do to bring about change.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life – Dana K. White Clutter can be overwhelming. The more possessions you have, the more time it usually takes to organise, tidy and clean your home. Unlike other decluttering books, this one isn’t just a ‘how to’ guide; it also addresses the emotional challenges that make it difficult to let go of unnecessary possessions. It’s also packed with practical advice and tips. Plus, it’s funny.

30 Day Kick Start Plan – Joe Wicks It’s hard to make healthier choices in the depths of winter, but lighter evenings and warmer days are just around the corner. 30 Day Kick Start Plan can help you eat better, move more and stay motivated. You’ll find 100 recipes to try, along with six workouts and weekly plans to help you stay on track.

There’s also advice on everything from sleep and meditation to goal setting. In short, it’s far more than just another healthy-eating cookbook.

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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

Any errors, omissions or offers are the resposibilty of the advertiser. All artwork is accepted on the condition that the advertiser has obtained permission from any copyright holder for its use by A Berrylands Companion. Whilst every care is taken when printing artwork, we cannot guarantee an exact colour match due to variations in print processes. Bookings are accepted only on this basis.

It is the advertiser’s responsibility to submit any amendments to adverts by the deadline date of the 8th.

To advertise any event, or community activity in the magazine, please call: Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Shopping around for motor insurance is a great way to save cash, but you could also cut costs with a range of alternative insurance models.

Several companies now offer a pay-as-you-go or pay-by-mile policy. This means that rather than paying a set premium for the year, customers pay a varying amount depending on how much they actually drive. It’s certainly an approach many would have appreciated in 2020, when car use slumped during lockdown.

Such policies aren’t quite as simple as they seem. The per-mile rate will still take into account risk factors such as car model and driving experience. There’s also a fixed fee that applies even if you don’t drive at all, designed to cover such risks as your car being stolen.

Whether such policies work out cheaper depends on individual circumstances. As a rough rule, they are most likely to suit people driving less than around 6,000-7,000 miles a year.

Customers of pay-per-mile policies must fit a device (sometimes dubbed a black box) to their car, which simply measures distance. However, some specialist policies offer cheaper deals that use more extensive data to assess risk.

These telematics policies usually offer discounts, either at annual renewal time or on monthly payments, based on the way the customer drives. Factors that can reduce premiums include shorter journeys, keeping to speed limits and avoiding sudden braking, and driving at safer times such as during daylight but outside of rush hour.

Telematics deals are most suitable for young drivers who’d normally be charged extremely high premiums based on industry assumptions

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about their risk level. Some insurers will only cover young drivers on such a policy.

If you take out a telematic or ‘black box’ insurance policy, you need to read the conditions carefully. Some will simply offer discounts when you drive in a less risky way. Others use the data to enforce conditions such as only driving a certain amount or not driving after a ‘curfew’ time. Breaching these conditions won’t usually invalidate the policy but will instead make you liable for higher premiums.

Another option to save on premiums is to take and pass an advanced driving course. These cover topics such as driving in extremely busy traffic or coping with adverse weather such as heavy rain or wind. They often put more emphasis on observation and anticipation of potential hazards.

In theory, passing such a course qualifies you for lower premiums, particularly where you’d otherwise face steep charges based on age or experience. The problem is that there are several different courses and qualifications available and not all insurers recognise all qualifications. The IAM Roadsmart and Pass Pluss qualifications are the most commonly accepted, but you will need to check with each insurer.

Another limitation is that the cost of taking an advanced driving course may outweigh or limit the savings on insurance premiums. For this reason, experts advise that you shouldn’t consider such courses solely as a money-saving exercise and instead take into account the inherent benefits of becoming a more skilled and confident driver.

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

B pages 9-16.indd 9

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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09/02/2022 23:20:04

The new Range Rover has arrived, bringing with it a predictably luxurious take on the SUV recipe.

Packed with technological advancements, the new Range Rover looks set to be the most futuristic to date, while a series of plug-in hybrid powertrains – alongside traditional petrol and diesel options – means that it’s more electrified than ever.

But the Range Rover’s job isn’t an easy one. There are more rivals for it than ever, so let’s dive in and check out what this latest Range Rover is up against.

Bentley Bentayga The Bentayga has proved to be a real hit for Bentley, encapsulating the luxury feel of the firm’s saloon and coupe models but in a high-riding SUV body style. Much like the new Range Rover, it’s available with a traditional petrol engine but also a plug-in hybrid option, giving zero-emissions running at lower speeds.

Bentley recently added a more sporty ‘S’ version too, kitted out with a powerful 4.0-litre twinturbocharged V8.v Aston Martin DBX Aston’s first SUV – the DBX – has really made waves, delivering a sporting driving experience alongside a level of quality that you’d expect from the firm. Both comfortable and involving, the DBX is a car capable of making a twisty road fun while also taking the backache out of longer journeys.

It’s also got a design in keeping with the rest of the Aston Martin range, while a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine means it’s got the performance to match, too.

BMW X7 The X7 sits at the top of BMW’s SUV range, effectively sitting as a high-riding version of the firm’s luxurious 7 Series saloon. It’s a hard car to miss, too, with its ultra-large front kidney grilles giving it a whole lot of presence out on the road.

It’s also got space for seven, so it does have a focus on practicality, too. With a huge amount of interior space, it’s a really comfortable choice for longer journeys.

Mercedes-Benz GLS The GLS is the largest SUV Mercedes offer and is, in fact, one of the largest SUVs on sale today. It’s fitted with some of the firm’s latest technology, too, including a superb MBUX infotainment operating system, accessed via a pair of 12.3-inch screens set underneath one single piece of glass to create a full widescreen effect.

It’s also supremely comfortable, while the option of a range-topping GLS63 adds a performance variant for those who want it.

Audi Q8 Though we could opt for the popular Q7 in this list, it’s the Q8 that stands out in Audi’s range of SUVs. Bringing a coupe-like design, the Q8 looks truly futuristic on the road, with its full-width rear light bar giving the car a really cool appearance at night.

It’s just as futuristic inside, too, with a good range of materials ensuring that the Q8 feels particularly upmarket.

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Berrylands Autocare * MOT Testing (while you wait) * Diagnostic Testing * Servicing & Mechanical Repairs * Open until 5.30pm weekdays

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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New Highway Code Rules for 2022 The Highway Code has received a refresh, with a new set of rules coming into force from 29th January 2022. As well as some 49 existing laws being updated, new rules will be introduced.

The changes are rather extensive and can be found on the website link located at the bottom of this article. However, the key areas are detailed below.

Hierarchy of road users Previously The Highway Code stated all road users should be considerate towards each other, applying this principle to pedestrians and drivers equally. It meant that equal responsibility was originally placed on all road users for assuring the safety of others.

The new hierarchy places responsibility on road users who could do greatest harm to others, and it is with them that the greatest obligation to protect the most vulnerable on the road now lies. Top of the hierarchy are lorry drivers, cars, vans, buses and motorcycles. But it should be noted that cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn carriage drivers have a greater responsibility to reduce the danger posed to pedestrians.

Pedestrian priorities at junctions Prior to the rule change, road users would have given way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road into which they are turning.

Under the new rules priority must be given to pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road, which means that if you are about to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you should give way.

New rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions The new rule states that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of any other road user, including cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles, if doing so would cause the other road-user to slow down, stop or swerve.

Safe passing distances An amendment to existing Rule 163 sets out safe passing distances for drivers when overtaking

cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and those in horse-drawn carriages.

Drivers must give at least a 1.5 metre space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph.

More space should be allowed when overtaking at speeds of more than 30mph. Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to ensure that they remain visible.

When passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road, drivers should allow at least two metres of space and maintain a low speed.

Rule 213 has also changed and now states that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen. Drivers should pass a horse at least 2 metres distance and at a slow speed.

In all cases, drivers will now have to wait behind a motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse-drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances. Extra care should be taken in poor weather, including high winds.

For a more in-depth look at the new rules, visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/1037306/table-of-change-to-the-highway-code.pdf

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You’ve got the power The best battery boosters to make your life easier One of the problems with technology is that the more we can do with it, the more we do with it.

As batteries got bigger so did our phone screens, so we’re still running low on power long before the day is over. The good news is that technology has found ways to solve that problem, not just on phones but on all kinds of devices.

One of the simplest ways to boost your phone’s battery life is to put your phone on a wireless charger when you’re not using it. Most modern Android phones, and iPhones since the iPhone 8, are able to charge wirelessly. It’s not as fast as a wired charger but it’s much more convenient: instead of hunting for the right cable you just plop your phone down on the pad for an effortless battery top-up. Wireless chargers also work with some charging cases for wireless earbuds from the likes of Aukey, Anker and Mpow.

Inevitably Apple has its own and quite expensive take on wireless charging, which it calls MagSafe. On compatible AirPods and iPhones – the iPhone 12 onwards – it charges much faster than standard wireless pads, but the chargers cost more. Apple also makes a MagSafe battery pack that attaches magnetically to your phone and gives it a power boost.

One of the most useful battery boosters is a portable power bank, which is essentially a really big battery with a USB socket. You then charge the power bank and use it to recharge any of your devices that can charge over a USB or lightning cable. Because the power bank does nothing other than charge things it keeps its charge for very long periods, making it ideal for travelling or outdoor adventures, and its size means it can charge the same device or multiple devices several times. For example the Anker PowerCore 10000 has a 10,000mAh battery, so it can fully charge an iPhone SE five times without running out of power.

IKEA LIVBOJ IKEA makes several wireless chargers including one built into a desk lamp and another with room to charge three devices. This is the cheapest option but you’ll need to provide your own plug and cable. £4.50, IKEA.com Apple MagSafe Battery Pack The MagSafe Battery Pack enables you to give your iPhone 12 or later a bigger battery by attaching magnetically to the back of your phone or compatible case. The price doesn’t include a charger, though. £99, Apple.com

Anker PowerWave II stand This 15W charger is faster than many and it’s better-looking than most. It’s compatible with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and any other wireless charging-enabled phone. £29.99, amazon.co.uk

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Apple’s current AirPods and AirPods Pro charge wirelessly in their case, and that case can be recharged wirelessly using one of Apple’s MagSafe chargers. £169, Apple.com

Anker PowerCore 10000 With over five times the capacity of the battery in an iPhone SE, this portable power bank can charge all kinds of gadgets and lasts for ages before needing recharging. £27.88, Amazon

If you don’t have access to any of these things and you need to get every last drop from your phone’s battery, don’t despair: both iOS and Android have low power modes that reduce performance to make the battery last longer.

You’ll find them in your phone’s settings.

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ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

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

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Codeword

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Top five cruise destinations Is there anything more idyllic than waking on a cruise ship and drawing your blinds to reveal an endless expanse of ocean? Add in cocktails by the pool, daily entertainment and shopping galore, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. That’s not even touching on the destinations you stop off at along the way!

From the Greek Islands to Scandinavia’s Norwegian fjords, cruises can take you all over the globe. To give you some inspiration, here are five of the world’s most popular cruise destinations for 2022.

The Caribbean The Caribbean’s wealth of white-sand beaches washed by turquoise seas make it an incredibly popular cruise destination for sun-seekers.

Thanks to the islands’ close proximity, you could be snorkelling with turtles in Tobago one day and dancing to reggae beats in Jamaica the next.

Although equally colourful, each island has its own distinct character, meaning there’s enough to please wildlife lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies and anyone who just wants to laze on the beach.

The River Nile As far as river cruises are concerned, there aren’t many that compare to a voyage along the Egyptian stretch of the River Nile.

Measuring about 4,160 miles in length, there’s no better way to put the Nile’s sheer scale into perspective than to sail along a portion on a scenic Egyptian river cruise. Whether you’re into your history or simply want to soak up the culture, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the 7,000-year-old history you’ll witness at every turn.

The Greek Islands With more than 6,000 Greek islands peppering the Aegean and Ionian seas, this is a corner of the world made for exploring by ship.

Start in Athens and spend your first couple of days exploring the capital before embarking on your journey. Top cruise destinations include Mykonos with its waterside cocktail bars and white-sand beaches, Rhodes with its Old Town and uninterrupted swathes of sand, and Santorini, where the sunsets are world-renowned.

The Norwegian fjords If you’re more interested in adventure than sun, sea and sand, Norway’s dramatic fjords are sure to deliver. These narrow inlets make up the majority of the country’s northern coast and boast some of Scandinavia’s most exceptional scenery.

Exploring from a cruise ship promises to bring you close to Norway’s tumbling waterfalls and skyscraper cliffs; keep an eye out for rare seabirds and sperm whales if you’re lucky!

Most cruises will also stop at remote fishing villages, where you can sample some of the freshest, most delicious seafood.

Alaska Coined ‘The Last Frontier’, Alaska is the USA’s most sparsely populated state – and its wildest.

Sail past gigantic glaciers, snap photographs of sea lions, take a shore excursion to see brown bears and witness breaching whales; the cruise itineraries around Alaska’s untamed landscape are hard to beat. You can also expect visits to Alaska’s state capital of Juneau, only reachable by air or by water, Glacier Bay National Park, and Skagway, a compact city saturated with history from the Gold Rush era.

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He is a very chatty and affectionate young man but he is also independent. He came into care as unfortunately he did not adapt well to a new baby in the household, so his owners felt it was best to find him an environment in which he would be happier. He is looking for a home with no children and no other pets. He needs a safe garden to explore and a home away from busy roads. In return he will be great company and give lots of cuddles when he is not out exploring .Priority will be given to enquiries in the local areas of: KT5,6,9, KT17-23, SM7 and RH3-5.

If you could give Gizmo his forever home please email adoption@epsom.cats.org.uk or call 0345 260 1387.

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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

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Pets come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and variations of appeal, so there is no reason why spiders shouldn’t feature amongst the choices.

Most pet shops with an exotic section sell spider tanks, together with heating equipment for those that originate from warmer climates. The tanks allow observation of web-building, hunting, burrowing and many other activities.

Spiders are arachnids, from a family that also includes scorpion and ticks, and there are more than 45,000 different species worldwide. Tarantulas are one of the best-known, and although they can deliver bites that result in pain and swelling, rather like a bee or wasp sting, these spiders are very popular. It is always important to handle them with great care, not only to avoid the risk of a bite, but also because they are delicate creatures that can easily be stressed and injured.

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Some of the most poisonous spiders include the Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider. The Australian redback spider and the funnel-web are highly toxic, as are the various widow spiders, including black, brown and red widow.

The advice for those wanting to keep a spider as a pet is to avoid highly venomous species!

You might need to obtain a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence and you should always check the Dangerous Wild Animals Act for updates before going ahead with your purchase.

By Caroline Knight

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

17

First impressions count, so give some thought as to how you can transform your entrance with colour, hardware, lighting… or even a whole new door.

By Katherine Sorrell

It’s a welcome to visitors, the first thing that greets you after a hard day at work, and vital security that keeps out noise, draughts, intruders and the outside world in general. But is your front door up to scratch? Taking a long, hard look may reveal ways in which it, too, can be improved. Both practically and aesthetically, the difference can be remarkable.

When choosing a replacement door (if, for example, your door has warped, rotted or shrunk beyond repair), you may wish to replicate exactly what was there before – or it may be possible to update it with something better. It’s important to get it right, as a great front door is an investment that could even enhance the value of your home; get it wrong, however, and the reverse could be the case. Start by researching styles to suit the period of your property, and consider what material will work best. Wooden doors are still the most popular, and are ideal for period houses, while uPVC is usually a cheaper option that can be complementary for modern homes. Aluminium, though expensive, combines strength and stability with a cool, industrial look.

Sometimes it may be appropriate to include some glaz-

Porto design hinged door set in a RAL-painted finish in black, Urban Front: 01494 778 787; urbanfront.com.

ing with your new door – ideal for introducing extra light into a dark hallway. Consider whether you would prefer clear, frosted or perhaps even stained glass, depending on the overall style, how much privacy you require and whether security is an issue. Doubleglazed, laminated glass is the best option to ensure intruders can’t gain access. Speaking of security, an upgrade to your locks may also be a good idea – check with your insurers, but a five-lever mortice is usually best for timber doors, while a uPVC door should have an anti-snap lock and multipoint locking system.

Any door, new or old, should fit well within its frame, but it may still be an idea to improve its energy efficiency by adding seals around the edges, and a brush strip along the bottom. An internal letterbox flap or brush is also a great idea.

Good lighting is vital for when you’re struggling to find your keys or simply need to see the front path on a dark evening. It should not be too difficult for an electrician to swap your existing light for a swanky new one – or perhaps a pair, one on either side of the door. Again, you will probably wish to coordinate your lighting with the architectural style of your property, whether it’s a carriage, lantern or bulkhead model, a decorative hanging pendant or a sleek and minimal wall washer. If possible, add a motion sensor (good for security as well as convenience), and always ensure the fitting is suitably rated for safe exterior use.

Etch-effect house name with Edwardian text, from £45 per square metre.

Purlfrost Window Film: 020 8992 4024; purlfrost.com.

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The fastest way to transform an existing timber door is to give it a fresh coat of paint. What colour? It’s a matter of personal preference, of course, unless limited

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by a planning restriction (which may be the case in a conservation area), but it’s always a good idea to try to coordinate the colour with the style of your property and to take account of local approaches. A garish pink in a historic terrace where everyone else’s door is neutral may result in some unhappy neighbours! Painting a door also helps protect it from the weather, so it’s important to do it properly. Start by washing it down with soapy water, and either remove or cover the hardware. Remove loose or flaking paint, fill any holes or cracks, and sand down. Use primer on unpainted wood, or undercoat on previously painted or uPVC doors – you may need several coats – then finish with a couple of coats of the final colour, in tough, exterior gloss.

A lovely finishing touch is a brand new set of hardware – letter plate, knocker, knob and numbers, which are available in an array of durable styles. Provided you measure up correctly, it is surprisingly easy to swap them over for an instant refresh and smart new look.

Front door painted in Lavender Quartz, Dulux: 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk/en/products.

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19

In your home, you’ll realise when maintenance jobs need doing and rooms need cleaning. But particularly during the winter months, any deterioration to the outside of your property is likely to go unnoticed until the brighter spring days.

The roof If any part of your roof is north facing, near trees or both, you are very likely to see a build-up of moss. This is not only unsightly, it’s not good for your roof and the moss is likely to block your gutters too.

If your roof is at a low level or can be accessed from an upper window, gently brush the surface to loosen the build-up. Generally though, unless you happen to own the specialist equipment to ensure you are safe on a roof, this really is a job for the professionals.

The gutters Some debris in your gutters will get washed away and will mulch down, but more often it’ll just build up. If your gutters are overflowing every time it rains, you are going to need a long ladder and a pair of thick rubber gloves to clear the slimy mess.

A professional will have a camera on a pole to see where the worst spots are and to help them clear out all the winter debris. Ask about having gutter guards fitted, too to help prevent future build-ups.

Facias and soffits There are two options if your facias and soffits look tatty and the paint is peeling: repainting is lower cost but it won’t last that long and is fiddly to do;

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replacement facias and soffits are made of uPVC and will last for years. It’s well worth considering replacing the guttering at the same time.

Pathways The inexpensive way to clean your path is a bucket of water and a stiff brush. Alternatively, a jet washer is very thorough and reasonably affordable, although you only need to use it once or twice a year.

This is a job you can do yourself, but it’s blooming hard work! You will get quite a workout controlling the pressure washer hose or sweeping a brush.

Windows This is another one of those jobs that is hard work and while it’s easy to access the inside of your windows, the upper floor of the outside is much more difficult.

Furthermore, a one-off clean is not enough – you are looking at your windows all the time so you’ll notice them getting dirty again within a month or two. It’s better to have a regular arrangement with a cleaning company who will usually have a pole system to reach the heights. They normally use purified water, meaning that the windows dry sparkling clean.

In summary There are many jobs around the home that you are probably capable of doing yourself to save the pennies. But these external tasks don’t need to be done very often and a specialist will have the equipment, the safety training and the insurance to do the job efficiently and quickly.

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OF

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

21

Colour your Home Happy Lift your spirits and freshen up your space by introducing bold, clear shades

By Katherine Sorrell ç Coloured glass is pretty and this on-trend vase is in Pantone’s colour of the year, Very Peri, a dynamic violet-blue.

Small cushion vase in amethyst, £27, dartington.co.uk.

Choosing and using bright colours • Choose shades that are fresh and clear, and neither too pale nor too dark. Midspectrum brights such as sunny yellow, fuchsia pink, emerald green and brilliant

é Use colour in unexpected places: this yellow makes a great contrast to a grey sofa adorned with fun cushions.

Harlow grey L-shaped sofa, £999.99, furniturechoice.co.uk.

Go for a tropical vibe with this lampshade, featuring abstract palm trees, a gold lining and looped fringing. Ravenala lampshade, £180, mindtheg.com. è

blue will make your home sing.

• For this look, keep things simple with a backdrop of white or a pale neutral, which will allow you to experiment with adding pops of bold colour here and there. Some recommend keeping the area that’s covered by bold colours to around a quarter of the room at most, so as to let the eyes

ç This cool lamp would liven up any desk, table or shelf.

Nellie table lamp, £112, with 35cm straight empire shade in Heraldic Ikat, £79, pooky.com.

rest and not be overwhelmed.

• Choose two or three bold colours and add them gradually – an accent sofa or chair, a cushion or throw, a vase or candlestick,

A sofa, chair or loveseat can make a good focal point, especially in a warming, bold colour such as this. The Rebel 1.5 Snuggler in marmalade velvet, £899, snugsofa.com. è

and so on. Alternatively, make bold colour part of the architecture by painting or papering a feature wall, or even sections of

ç Replacing some cushions is an easy way to add colour. Combine plains with bold patterns for variety and interest. Jonathan Adler Milano Concentric Loops cushion in emerald/navy, £134, sweetpeaandwillow. com.

woodwork. See how things look together, and move them around (or remove them) as necessary.

• Pattern lovers may feel confident enough to mix pattern-on-pattern with brights; most will prefer to play safer and stick to plain colours plus the occasional minimal pattern. Simple geometrics look great with this look, and have a mid-century style that works really well.

22

A blanket or throw introduces fresh new colour, texture and pattern. Manhattan reversible super-soft merino lambswool blanket, from £150, thefinecottoncompany.com. è

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The best apps for gardening Garden Answers Available for both iOS and Android, Garden Answers is the most downloaded gardening app in the UK. It’s effectively Shazam for plants, enabling you to identify and get information about specific plants by pointing your phone at them.

It’s also packed with advice and recommendations from gardening experts.

Garden Manager: Plant Alarm One of the biggest causes of plants dying is because they don’t get enough food or water. This Android-only app makes it easy to keep track of when your plants need to be watered, fertilised, sprayed with pesticide and so on. You can also use it as a photo diary of your favourite plants.

iScape If you’re planning a brand new garden or a significant change to the one you already have, iScape (iOS only) makes it easy to plan the perfect landscape. It’s a paid-for app so the free version is quite basic, but it does still include the core tools needed to bring your ideas to life.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

23

By Jackie Brewster

“It keeps making that awful whining noise.”

Valerie had interrupted Brian’s programme to announce she intended to buy a new freezer.

“I’m fed up with going out to the garage to kick it.”

“I’ve not heard anything.” Brian took out his ear plugs. He had noticed a strange noise in recent weeks but had put it down to workmen.

“It’s not like I can’t afford it.”

Ever since she’d won the bingo Valerie had been on a spending spree – posh loo roll, that scented candle and butter instead of margarine.

She would fritter the money away and he would get no benefit.

He’d got his eye on an electric foot massager for his bunions and had left the catalogue open on the coffee table. So far Valerie hadn’t taken the hint.

“Waste of time getting a new one.” He turned up the TV volume (that freezer really was making a racket). “We never use it anyway.”

Valerie had narrowed her eyes and returned to the kitchen, sulking.

Since then, mealtimes had taken a strange turn.

Valerie had always been an excellent cook, but the menu became experimental.

On Monday she’d served up what she insisted was chicken pie with mash and peas. It turned out to be apple pie, ruined by a lathering of gravy. Tuesday was a single fish finger and a spoonful of spaghetti bolognaise. Wednesday was even weirder – baked bean vol-au-vents.

“Have you seen this recipe in one of your magazines?” Brian asked warily. “Because I think you should cancel your subscription.”

“They’re frozen vol-au-vent cases, from the

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back of the freezer,” said Valerie. “You know, the freezer you claim we never use.”

“Well, if this is all you use it for, we’re better off without it,” Brian muttered glumly. “It’s giving me indigestion.”

On Thursday Valerie cheerfully served up chilli con carne and a frostbitten turkey leg she claimed was left over from Christmas. Brian wasn’t sure which Christmas because they’d gone to his mother’s for the last three years.

“I’ve changed my mind about buying a new one,” Valerie shouted over the sound of the freezer as she cleared up. “There’s plenty of life left in the old one.”

yourself.”

“Thank goodness for that.” It had been a long, testing week for Brian’s digestive system.

“You’ve saved some money there. You should treat

“Do you think so, Brian?” Valerie smiled, drying her hands on a tea towel.

“Why don’t you sit down, love?” Brian seized his opportunity and pulled the coffee table nearer, arranging the catalogue pages. “I bet your feet are killing you with all that running back and forth to the garage.”

“They really are,” said Valerie, “but I think I know what’ll fix that.”

“That’s nice,” Brian nodded, relieved she had finally taken the bait. “I’m sure you know what’s best.”

“So I’ve booked myself into a health spa for the weekend,” replied Valerie. “You don’t mind fending for yourself, do you? There’s plenty of food in the freezer.”

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

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25

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Many people love to despise conifers, perhaps because they dismiss their huge variety with just one word – leylandii. The Leyland cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii, seems to fire up hatred due to its size. The trees can grow up to 90cm per year and could reach 61 metres high. People have a habit of planting them inappropriately, then failing to keep them under control.

Whilst legal disputes involving neighbours and leylandii run into thousands, others celebrate the beauty and grandeur of a rather spectacular tree that can take pride of place in a suitable setting. It grows into an impressive specimen and also plays host to many birds and other wildlife. Indeed, the National Pinetum in Bedgebury, Kent, is proud of what is believed to be the tallest and oldest leylandii hedge in Britain, measuring over 40 metres.

Yew can be clipped into topiary shapes

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Sharp foliage of monkey puzzle tree

Conifers possess charms that should never be overlooked. These cone-bearing trees are hugely diverse and they hold impressive carbon-capturing statistics. The largest tree in the world, measured by volume, is a giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum, in California, measuring 83m tall with a diameter of 11m at the base. It is considered to be middle-aged, being around 2,000 years old. The magnificent cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, can easily grow to 35m high and almost as wide. This is the oldest cedar of all and there are some situated on the slopes of Mount Lebanon that are said to be 2,500 years old.

At the other end of the scale, many miniature conifers will not reach even 100cm tall at maturity. Pinus mugo is the dwarf mountain pine and it sits comfortably within a mixed border or can be grown in a large

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pot. There are hundreds of different shapes, colours, contrasting textures and forms of conifers that can provide colour and interest throughout the year.

The pencil-slim Italian cypress is widely used in Mediterranean-style gardens here in the UK, creating vertical impact and drama all year round. In contrast, prostrate spreading junipers such as Juniperus horizontalis provide excellent ground cover and colour-changing foliage from summer through to winter.

Juniperus is known for its dark berry-like cones, which can be used in food dishes such as casseroles and stuffing. They are also the main flavouring for gin.

However, the red, fleshy berries produced by Taxus baccata, the English yew, are highly toxic.

Some conifers, such as yew, respond extremely well to clipping, whilst others, including leylandii, go brown and won’t re-grow if you cut back into old wood.

Not all conifers are evergreen. The beautiful, native larch tree loses its soft, needle-shaped leaves in winter. Others change colour throughout the seasons,

Yew, Taxus baccata, is poisonous

including Cryptomeria japonica, which is blue-green in spring, turns green during summer and rusty-red in winter. This conifer has soft, tactile foliage, whereas the monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, has sharp foliage that can cut like a razor blade.

Never underestimate this amazing family of trees – there is something suitable to lend a touch of unique magic to any outdoor space.

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27

Bored of your usual perfume?

Signature scents are all very well, but sometimes it’s good to try something new…

Sampling a perfume

If you don’t know where to start, sniff a few bottles to see which ones you want to sample.

Ideally, spray the perfume on the inside of your wrist, rather than on a strip of cardboard. Over the next few hours, keep sniffing your wrist to see how the fragrance is developing. Perfume is made up of top, middle and base notes. They’re designed to complement each other, but the fragrance will gradually change as the lighter top notes evaporate, so you want to make sure you like the perfume throughout its journey.

As well as deciding whether you like the scent, consider how it makes you feel. Some fragrances are uplifting, while other are more calming.

Fragrance types Perfumes are broadly categorised into different families, the most popular of which are floral, oriental, woody and fresh (also called green). Floral scents tend to be slightly sweet and let flowers such as rose, jasmine and lily take the starring role.

Oriental fragrances are spicier, with warm, sensual notes. Woody fragrances are warm and musky, with

notes such as sandalwood, bark and leather, while fresh fragrances contain citrus or grassy notes to create a clean, light and invigorating perfume. You’ll also find combinations – such as floral oriental.

Perfume or eau de toilette?

The higher the concentration of fragrance, the longer it will last. Perfumes/parfums have the highest concentration, so one spritz should last pretty much all day. However, not all fragrances are made into an actual parfum as it’s just so expensive. Eau de parfum isn’t quite as concentrated, but it should still last a good few hours. Eau de toilette is lighter and will need reapplying every few hours. Eau de cologne will need reapplying frequently.

So, if you’re looking for a day perfume, go for the highest concentration that you can afford. (Do apply it sparingly if you work in a crowded environment or take public transport, however, as perfume can give some people headaches.) If you just want a fragrance to wear for an occasional evening out,

you can get away with a lower concentration.

A few to try…

While gardenia takes the leading role in Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, the jasmine, pear blossom and brown sugar add depth and intrigue (£105 for 100ml Eau de Parfum from Boots).

Nuxe’s Prodigieux® le Parfum is summer in a bottle. Orange blossom and magnolia adds sweetness, but they’re warmed and tempered by vanilla (£45 for 50ml, uk.nuxe.com).

Love Jo Malone but can’t justify the price tag? Check out the legendary perfumier’s collaboration with Zara. She’s working with the retailer for a Please mention the magazine whenbeen contacting

couple of years now and you can try eight of her perfumes at home with the £15.99 sample Discover Set.

28 28

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What do you call a little donkey with only one eye and three legs? A dinky winky wonky donkey What happened to the cat that swallowed a ball of wool?

She had mittens!

What do you call a cow that eats your grass? A lawn moo-er.

What do you call a dog magician? A

William Stallion

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A carrot.

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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.

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Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinate: 1 hour or overnight Cooking time: 50 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients • 500g lamb llet • 1 garlic clove, crushed • Grated zest of 1 lemon • 1 tsp cumin powder • 1 tbsp olive oil plus a little extra for frying • 150g green beans or sprouting broccoli, trimmed • 250g mixed green leaves, baby spinach or rocket leaves • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved • ½ red onion, nely diced Dressing • 1 bulb of garlic • Drizzle of olive oil • 200g Greek yoghurt • Handful of mint leaves • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Pinch of cumin • ½ tsp Dijon mustard

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy lamb. This is a light avoursome dish that is delicious served warm or cold. Ideally, marinate the lamb the night before to enhance the avour.

Method 1. For the lamb, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, cumin and olive oil and rub over the lamb. Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. For the dressing, place the garlic bulb in a piece of foil and drizzle over a little oil. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Cool slightly then squeeze out the garlic pulp into a blender.

Add the remaining ingredients for the dressing and blend together. Season to taste.

3. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7. Sear the lamb in a frying pan with a little olive oil so that it is brown all over.

Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly.

4. Blanch the beans or broccoli in boiling water until al dente, drain and refresh under cold water. Pile the green leaves on a platter and top with the beans, tomatoes and onion. Arrange the lamb on top and drizzle over the dressing to serve.

Nutrition per serving: 437kcal, fat 33g (of which saturates 15g), carbohydrates 6.7g (of which sugars 5.7g), protein 28g, bre 1.9g

32 D pages 25-32.indd 32

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£25 PER PERSON inc VAT Next held:

*Every first Sunday of 1st theMay month 6th March, 3rd April, Next held: 5th January, 2nd February, 1st March 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.

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.

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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.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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This no-bake ‘cake’-like dessert is naturally sweet with the addition of apple and dried fruit. Easy to make, you can also press the mixture into individual ramekins or rings for serving. Maca and lucuma powder are readily available from large supermarkets or health shops.

Preparation: 20 minutes plus 2-3 hours chilling time Storage: Will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days Makes: 12 portions Ingredients • 2 carrots, peeled and finely grated (about 200g) • 2 apples, peeled, cored and finely grated • 115g pecans, finely ground (use a food processor) • 85g desiccated coconut • 2 tbsp lucuma or maca powder • 2 tbsp cacao powder • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • Pinch of salt • 150g raisins • 60g dried apple, soaked for 15 minutes • 60g pitted dates, soaked for 15 minutes • 1 whole orange, peeled

Method 1. Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin. Alternatively, you can place the mixture into individual ramekins or rings.

2. Place the apple and carrots in a large bowl with the pecan nuts, coconut, lucuma or maca, cacao, cinnamon, salt and raisins.

3. Drain the dried apple and dates and place in a blender or food processor with the orange. Process to form a smooth paste – this will help bind the mixture together. Add the paste to the nut mixture and combine thoroughly.

4. Place the mixture (you may need to do this in batches) in a food processor and pulse to form a wet dough. Do not over-mix – you still want some texture.

5. Press the mixture into the cake tin or ramekins or rings and chill for 2-3 hours to firm up before serving.

6. Cut into slices and top with yoghurt if wished.

Nutrition per serving: 203kcal, fat 11g (of which saturates 4.3g), carbohydrates 21g (of which sugars 19g), protein 2.2g, fibre 3.6g

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R N P G S I 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: 10 4 letters: 17 5 letters: 6 6 letters: 1

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

£11.95 WWW .CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

No obligation quotations. References available.

All work guaranteed and fully insured.

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

020 8399 0030/3904

285 Ewell Road, Surbiton

Book now for Valentine’s Day www.prithicuisine.co.uk

ADVERTISING IS AS EASY AS CRACKING EGGS! Your advertising can be a package for as little as £58 a month when you advertise for a year in A Berrylands Companion

Tel Karen on: 020 8274 0096 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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

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Media Details Benefits to Advertisers •

New people are moving into the area EVERY WEEK. In most cases these new residents are new to the area and have no local knowledge. They are looking for guidance and the Companion offers the perfect opportunity for businesses to get themselves in front of these new potential customers.

•

It Works. The Companion will be read and used by the residents of the area. Most of our advertisers will appear month after month - because the Companion works and generates business for them.

•

Price. The Companion represents incredible value if your target market includes the residents of Berrylands, Surbiton and Tolworth.

•

You can get coverage for a whole year (12 issues) for less than the cost of one week in the free newspapers of a similar size advert.

• •

Your advert will feature on the ISSUU website, at no extra cost! Another classified website could cost you £30+VAT a month. The magazine website is being revamped, and your advert will also appear on that: www.berrylands-companion.co.uk

•

It is truly local. All advertisers operate in or close to the area. There is strong evidence that truly local services are preferred by the majority of the UK population.

•

Longevity. It isn’t thrown away each week like a local newspaper. People keep it as a reference for the whole month.

•

No VAT. The price you see is the price you pay - unlike publications where extra is added to the bill. This is because we are a small independently run business.

•

Quality. The Companion has a high standard of colour printing and production utilising high quality gloss paper. All artwork is professionally finished to ensure that you look your best and that your company is proud to be featured and associated with a high quality publication.

•

Editorial Opportunities. Advertisers can be featured in their own editorial spread. This gives them a depth of coverage that is normally only available at huge expense in other publications. Book a long package and you too can have a free editorial.

•

The Companion represents the most effective way for such businesses to market themselves to the residents of the area.

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Rates

Price List & Contact Details All prices are for

1 Issue

2 Issues*

4 Issues*

6 Issues*

12 Issues*

Full Page

£163.00

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Half Page

£102.00

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Quarter Page

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Front Cover Banner Full Colour

£32.00

Back Cover

£224.00

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Inside Front or Inside Back Cover

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Double Page

£260.00

Editorial Reviews

£168.00

Premium Pages:

£12/issue

Leaflets in magazine:

£320 per

colour adverts

Saving 5%

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(Centre 2 page spread)

8,000

Advertiser’s Guide Copy Deadline:

Final copy must be submitted by the 8th of the month before issue month. The magazine will be delivered from the third week of the month.

Payment:

Payment must be received by the copy deadline, by cheque, BACS, Standing Order or Direct Debit by arrangement.

Acceptable Formats:

Advert artwork can be submitted in the following formats: • MS Word • MS Powerpoint • MS Publisher • PDF, TIFF & JPEG The services of a Graphic Designer is available at extra cost for complicated artwork.

Distribution:

A Berrylands Companion is published and distributed 10 months a year, with combined issues for July/August and December/January. It is delivered to approximately 13,000 addresses over two months with Berrylands + Surbiton one month, then Berrylands and Tolworth the next month. It is also available to pick up at local outlets. It is uploaded to ISSUU each month.

For further information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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How to Choose an Independent School Choosing the best school for your child is never easy. If you’ve decided to go private, you may have more options to choose from. So where do you start?

The right school for your individual child First, remember that the best school really depends on your individual child’s needs and preferences, and your own values. Your child’s personality may be better suited to a certain type of learning environment, or they may have talents, interests or aspirations that need catering for. If they have a learning disability, mental health condition or other challenges, you’ll want to choose a school that has plenty of experience in supporting similar children. In short, choose the school that can achieve the best outcome for your individual child, not just the one that boasts the best league table position.

Decide your priorities Make a list of everything you feel is important in a school. Include practical requirements, such as distance, after-school provision, maximum fees and so on, as well as facilities, ethos and other factors. Grade your requirements in order of priority. Which ones are essential, and which ones are nice to have?

Do your homework Ask your peer group for recommendations.

(However, do remember that the right school for your friend’s child may not be the best choice for your own child.) Reach out on forums and read reviews on The Good Schools Guide and other sites. Find out how the school has performed in previous years. Check whether there have been any controversies in the past and, if so, how they have been handled.

Create a shortlist The above steps should enable you to create a shortlist of possible schools. Request the prospectus for each one and have a good read of their websites. Don’t just look at the information prepared for prospective parents; read the existing parent and pupil communications, such as newsletters, socialmedia posts and notices. Does the school portray the values you’re looking for? Does it have

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good safeguarding policies in place? Can it offer your child the activities and learning environment they need? What support services are in place?

What facilities does it have? Does the school have any links to useful outside organisations? Do you agree with the discipline policy?

Visit the school Finally, attend as many open days as you can, so that you can compare and contrast the schools on your shortlist. Consider the overall feel of each school and whether the pupils seem happy and engaged. Ask questions, ideally to both teachers and pupils. Speak to the head teacher to gain a better idea of how the school is managed and what they see as being the school’s key attributes. Do their priorities align with your own?

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Some good news!

Sir Edward Davey, M.P

A

new primary school to serve Berrylands, Surbiton and Tolworth is great news – and rather more positive than Boris Johnson’s “partygate” and the alarming rise in energy bills and the cost of living.

So I’m writing about “Surbiton Primary Academy” which, subject to planning being granted in February, will open in September 2023 to serve local families, on the site of the King Charles Centre, on the corner of King Charles Road and Hollyfield Road.

The need for this new primary school in this location is clear. Even before the significant extra development national Government and the Mayor of London are forcing on Kingston, we are short of primary school places here. Recent years have seen bulge classes and too many parents missing out on their top five school choices for their children.

While there is evidence Brexit and Covid have reduced some pressure, the number of new homes is expected to more than offset that. So it’s essential our “social infrastructure” likes schools gets the investment to cope, as early as possible.

There’s been a huge amount of consultation, now formally closed, but to see the plans for the new school please view them at www. surbitonprimaryacademy.co.uk We are fortunate to have great primary schools across the Borough but I’m excited to see this new school joining our local family. Given how close the school is to wonderful green spaces – from Fishponds Park to Alexandra Park and the Millenium Green – is does seem a great place for children to learn. And it will be a zero carbon To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

building, with high design standards.

While anyone living locally will be acutely aware of traffic, I’m impressed how both the architects and the school have engaged with local concerns. Omnia Learning Trust will run this school, and they’ve got a good track record of listening to local communities and responding.

New schools across Kingston Berrylands, Surbiton and Tolworth are not alone in winning more investment in new schools and new school places.

Chessington will see a new special school, supporting children and young people with autism. A fantastic organisation called “Ambitious about Autism” will run the school and you can read all about this exciting proposal at www.ambitiousaboutautism. org.uk This is particularly good news as too many families with autistic children were having to choose schools outside the Borough – which wasn’t good for the children with the extra travel, and wasn’t good for the Council’s finances, because of the higher costs.

And that’s not all! Plans for a new secondary school in Norbiton are moving fast and Burlington School in New Malden is set to expand.

Central Government restrictions on how a local authority can plan and provide new schools have made all this very difficult, so I’d like to pay a special tribute to everyone working hard to make this key investment in local schools happen – from people in Kingston Council to the schools trusts to local residents who have been so supportive.

Told you there was some good news!

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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QUIZ SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

TWO M NUTE TR AL 3 Letters pig gin nip gip pin rip sin rig sip

sir

pins pirn 4 Letters snip gins spin gips rips grin sign grip rigs nips ring pigs prig ping sing

HIDATO SOLUTION

CODEWORD SOLUTION

5 Letters grins grips pings pirns sprig rings 6 Letters spring

WORDSEARCH ANSWER

I can fish from a stick and a string.

Giancarlo Esposito

WORDWHEEL ANSWER MINARET/RAIMENT WORD LADDER ANSWER (This is one solution, there may be others) LEAF leak leek seek seem STEM

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CHILDREN’S PAGE Russian doll (C) is different.

You collect (8) 7 dumplings across Russia

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What’s on in March: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal Month; National Bed Month

Events in March: 1st:

St David’s Day; Shrove Tuesday 2nd: Ash Wednesday 3rd: World Book Day; World Wildlife Day 8th: International Women’s Day: Deadline for April issue of A Berrylands Companion 9th: No Smoking Day 10-12th: Crufts ‘22 14th: Commonwealth Day Pi Day, in mathmatics Pi is usually shown as 3.14 17th: St Patrick’s Day 18th: Red Nose Day; Global Recycling Day 19th: World Sleep Day 20th: World Oral Health Day; Vernal Equinox 21-27: Shakespeare Week; World Poetry Day 25th: Tolkein Day 27th: Mothering Sunday; BST Starts, clocks go forward.

Events in April: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month; Stress Awareness Month; National Pet Month 1st: April Fool’s Day 8th: Deadline for May issue of A Berrylands Companion 14th: Maundy Thursday 15th: Good Friday Bank Holiday 17th: Easter Sunday 18th: Easter Monday, Bank Holiday 23rd: St George’s Day William Shakespeare Day Events in May: National Heart Month;

2nd: Early May Bank Holiday 8th: Deadline for June issue of A Berrylands Companion 16th: National Smile Month to 16th June

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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COMMUNITY PAGE

Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society Monthly meetings at St Matthew’s School, Langley Road, Surbiton, KT6 6LW 7.30pm-9.30pm

15th March: Paul Stanbury will give a tlk on Birds & Wildlife of The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica.

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 March 6th: Acres Down, New Forest, SO43 7GE. A hilltop ridge makes this the best site to watch raptors, especially Goshawk, sky dancing.

British Summer Time starts, so remember to TURN clocks FORWARD one hour before you go to bed, on Saturday 26th March

Sun March13th: Farlington Marsh & Hayling Island PO6 1UN. Grazing marshes & saline lagoons, internationally important for migratory wildfowl & wading birds.

Weds March 16th: Morning walk Kempton Nature Reserve Feltham, TW13 6HX, bed walkways, woodland paths & hides. Number 111 bus from Kingston.

Sun March 27, (all day). Abberton Reservoir CO2 0EU A wetland site of international importance for wildfowl and waders, and woodland which attracts migrants and songbirds. Toilets, a café, good paths and hides.

27thMar

Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

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

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For all gardeners and allotment holders!

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

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

9 Traditional and organic fertilizers and soil improvers/conditioners.

9 Lawn and rose treatments, weedkillers, pest controls.

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

Annual membership just £2, senior citizens £1.

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

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

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

Annual Membership just £2.50, senior citizens £1.50

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26. At the right time of year (2,6) 27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

COMMUNITY PAGE

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)

Remember, you can pick up a copy of A Berrylands Companion magazine at the following: C.D.Jennings, Surbiton & Tolworth Libraries, Shan’s Pharmacy, MBE Surbiton, Slimming World Club @ Balaclava Road Church Hall.

October Sudoku

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

Due to the fact that many of the clubs and societies cater for the senior members of our readers and residents, they have had to adjust how they arrange their meetings.

E Page 33-40.indd 36

Some have decided not to meet during the current Covid crisis. They may hold Zoom meetings instead.

22/01/2010 00:22:03

Most have strict safety regulations regarding social distancing and mask wearing. This may limit the numbers allowed at any time.

For everyone’s safety, please contact the representative of the club etc, to get the latest information.

Thank you for your understanding To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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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 Art Classes: Info: 020 8644 0941 Ballet In Surbiton: For info: Tel: 020 8398 2460/6140, Em: balletinsurbiton@aol.com www.balletinsurbiton.co.uk Chit-Chat Sketch: We meet at Court Farm garden centre on Mondays at 2pm, and Thursdays at 10am. Times are subject to change & availability spaces are limited. To book your space please contact07889 897 017 kppart@outlook.com Please bring your sketch books & pencils. £8 session includes a drink.

Cornerston Church: Tel: 0208 549 0733. info@cornerstonechurchkingston.org Encore Singing Group: For info: gillyvor@ hotmail.com or call 020 8241 5513. All welcome, contact or pop in.

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 Hope in Depression: Free course that educates &equips adults & their supporters, with tools & proven tips about how to cope better with depression & anxiety. Every Tuesday hosted by Christ Church, Surbiton Hill via Zoom for 6 weeks starting 22nd February29th March from 7:15-9:30pm. Expert speakers explore different aspects of mental health each week. Info & Sign up ccsurbiton.org/hidc or call 07423 144803 Kingston Camera Club: For more information visit: www.kingstoncameraclub.com Kingston Circle Dance Group: Kingston Quaker Centre, 14 Fairfield East, KT1 2PT, 2:30-4:30, First Saturday every month, Social Dancing -- all welcome, Tel: 020 8399 8684 Restarted after the Covid disruption Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Contact Diane Double, Tel: 07762 663 483/020 8397 5084, email: kingstonpensionersforum@hotmail. co.uk

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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. Mid Sept to June. 1st class free, then £6/session. Be rrylands Centre, King Charles Road KT5 8PF. 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, from Sept 8th, fortnightly. Fee £5. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail.com Oasis daytime group for over 60s at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth.

Our meetings in March are on the 2nd and 16th at 2.30 pm. On the 2nd we’ll have time to enjoy some icebreakers, chat, do a jigsaw puzzle, listen to a 5 minute Bible-based talk relevant to our lives and enjoy refreshments.

On the 16th there will be Holy Communion, followed by refreshments and time to chat.

For further details, please call 020-8390 2372.

Open Door: A friendship group aimed mainly at seniors, meeting in the lounge at Christ Church from 2.15-4.00pm on Thursday 10th & 24th March. at Christ Church, Surbiton Hill, (off King Charles Road). In line with government guidelines all refreshments will be served at table, and, unless exempt, masks need to be worn when entering the building or moving around.

Programme and activities are still to be finalised so for further information and any updates please visit www.ccsurbiton.org or call the office: 0208490 7215

St Marks Church: Weds mornings 10.00-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers at St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill. Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am, drop in for coffee at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them.

St Matthew’s Church: Come along to the Balance Community Cafe every Wednesday 10am-12 for tea, coffee, cakes and light lunches, with a Bereavement Cafe meeting on the 4th Wednesday each month at 10.30am.

Everyone welcome.

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What’s On/Local Events 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

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

If your club is now able to restart after Covid, please send in the updated information.

Due to the restrictions of the Covid 19, most groups, clubs and society clubs have been unable to open for meetings for a while, but may be restarting.

Please contact the secretary of which ever group you are interested in to find out the up to date information.

Surbiton Floral Club: Tel: 020 8399 8193 Surbiton Women’s Institute: The meeting on Tues 8th March with Matthew Bowman is on Story Telling. Tues 8th April will have an Easter theme. 2.00-4pm British Legion, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL. All visitors are welcome, guests are asked for a £3 donation. Refreshments provided.

Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening from 15th Sept 2021, until March 7th 2022. 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 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 7.30pm-10.30pm. World renowned Jazz Musicians live! Please visit our website to check the upcoming events: www. twickenhamjazzclub.com

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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

If your club usually has an entry on the Community or What’s On pages, please keep me up dated as well, with news of your re-opening.

CALL: 0208 274 0096

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

Deadlines for submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion 8th March for April issue 8th April for May issue 8th May for June issue June 8th for July/Aug issue Aug 8th for September issue Sept 8th for October issue 8th Oct for November issue 8th Nov for Dec/January issue 8th Jan for February issue 8th Feb for March issue For more information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers Index Home & Garden Car Maintenance

27 35 2 21 25 19 19 29 47 25 23 27 29 26 18 22

All Your Garden Needs Berrylands Property Maintenance Carpets4U HoneyBee Roofing KB Design Kevin Robinson & Sons Leverett Electricals NKM Studios R.J.Tree Services Richey Brickwork Roofs of Epsom Will Lord William Stallion Electricals Gardening Home & Interiors Home Products

5 7 31 31 48 4 28

Rest & Relaxation Avenue Health Home Instead King George Field Bowls Club Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club Health Beauty

7 38 30

Children & Education Lucy Furlong tutor Education: Independent schools Kids Page

17 17 17

Veterinary Aspen Veterinary Surgery Cats Protection League Pet Care

15 11 9 13

10

Alan Sursham Berrylands Autocare Community Motors K&P Tyres Motoring

33 35 34 32

Food & Drink Glenmore House Carvery Prithi Bake Recipe

Articles & Editorials Finance 8 Crossword 11 Useful Telephone Numbers 3 Sir Edward Davey M.P 39 Technology 14 Travel 16 Books Review 6 New Highway Code Rules for 2022 12 Special: Exterior Cleaning 20 44/45 What’s On/ Local Events 42/43 Community Pages

Want To Advertise Your Business?

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

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

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

An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured.

So What is Stopping You? Call Now!

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

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Magazine printed by Warwick Printing, Warwickshire

R.J. Tree Services providing excellence locally for 15 years.

Our qualified & professional staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance.

Free Quotes Tree Felling Stump Removal Hedgeworks

Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Surveys & Reports £10 million insurance liability cover Diploma qualified NPTC licensed Office: 020 8399 0103 Mobile: 07980 903881 info@rjtrees.co.uk LOOK FOR THE RED TREE!

R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton

Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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