Kingswood Village Voice Sept 2019

ISSUE 150 • SEPTEMBER 2019

FEATURING

PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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The Volkswagen SUV family.

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Available at

Drift Bridge Volkswagen Reigate Road, Epsom, KT17 3LA. Telephone: 01737 303274. www.driftbridge.volkswagen.co.uk

Image shown is for illustration purposes only, and may vary from UK specification. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures.These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures (known as WLTP). The CO 2 figures shown however, are based on a calculation designed to be equivalent to the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. For more information, please see www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/wltp or consult your retailer. Data correct at 03/19.

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KVCA

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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Registered Charity No. 275187 THE VILLAGE HALL, WATERHOUSE LANE, KINGSWOOD KT20 6EB

Chairman

Bob Gunn Kingsdene, Furze Hill, Kingswood KT20 6EP Tel: 07504 060758 Email: bob@gunn.org Secretary Michael Hannah 1 Lilley Drive, Kingswood KT20 6JA Tel: 01737 830893 Email: mehannah@tiscali.co.uk Treasurer Antony Hawker The Holt, Alcocks Lane, Kingswood KT20 6BB Tel: 01737 358097 Email: KVCA@Palmerston.co.uk Committee Members: Lindsay Cole Tel: 01737 201199 Sally Fish Tel: 01737 832176 James Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Peter Wormald Tel: 01737 832866 KADDS Judy Parnall Tel: 01737 830888 Hall Bookings Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Email: pen.chatfield@btinternet.com (Strictly between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday only) Hall Manager Simon Peacock Mobile: 07376 164050 Life President KADDS Lady Janet Hill The Village Voice Editor Richard Milbourn 64 Sandlands Road, Walton on the Hill, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7XA Tel: 01737 222307 Email: richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk The print run for The Village Voice is 1,500 copies and it is delivered free to all households and businesses in Kingswood. The Village Voice is published four times a year: March/June/September/December with copy dates of 31st January, 30th April, 31st July and 31st October.

Statements and opinions in The Village Voice, unless expressly written, are not necessarily those of the Kingswood Village Community Association. Material in The Village Voice may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Editor.

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2019 3

KVCA Contacts

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Kingswood Photography

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Your Chairman’s Notes

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Kingswood Village WI

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People Who Make a Difference

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Thirteen Society

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News From KADDS

46

Atlantis - Live in Concert!

14

KADDS Review - Rumours

40

Local Business - Symphony

17

Neighbourhood Watch

18

Councillors’ Column

50

Sarah’s Garden Jottings

20

Kingswood Residents

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Sarah Lott Story -

World Travel

Association

Chess Rules

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Profile – Malcolm Hearn

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Kingswood Lawn Tennis Club

28

A Chemist in Kingswood?

56

Featured Charity –

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The Church in Kingswood

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Flower Arrangement Group

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Charity Action List

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NSPCC

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Advertisers Index

38

Anne Dobson’s Recipes

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The Woodland Trust

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

LT ELECTRICAL All Electrical Services

Based in Kingswood and serving surrounding areas * Domestic Rewires * Garden Lighting Design Specialists * LED Lighting Upgrades * Repairs * Fault Finding & Rectification * Security Lights & CCTV All work is completed to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (17th Edition ) We will always endeavour to attend Kingswood residents and local homes and businesses on the same day in an emergency!

CONTACT 0793 908 7097 OR 01737 370310

K I N G S W O O D V I L L A G E C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N

YOUR CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

W

elcome to our special 150th edition of Village Voice! You will already have seen the first consequence of reaching this landmark – our new cover design. We had a good response to my request in June for your views on 6 short-listed alternatives.

The result was very clear. Two-thirds of the votes were for the design with the Kingswood Shield surrounded by 4 pictures of Kingswood. But your work is not yet finished, particularly if you can take a photograph. We want to build a library of photos we can use, in rotation, in the 4 boxes on the cover. And we would be delighted if they could come from you, our readers. Eventually the pictures will be seasonally appropriate for that particular edition, so Kingswood in early autumn for the September edition etc. However, it will take us the best part of a year to get the cover photo library to that state, so in the meantime we will be using photos which don’t quite match the season. Please get out there and take some photos that embody Kingswood for you. We’ve included some examples in our Photography article on page 40, but these are just intended to prime your imaginations.

There is something else different about this 150th Village th Voice. You’ll see these little 150th 150 UE logos scattered throughout the ISS edition, some in articles, some in advertisements. They are not just for decoration. We have a competition for you.

Kuda, the friendly proprietor of the newlyindependent Kingswood Wines, is offering a

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bottle of Taittinger Champagne to the person who counts the correct number of 150th logos in a single copy of the September 2019 Village Voice. If there is more than one correct answer, as I rather suspect, then we will draw the winner’s name from all those who answered correctly. You can give your answer in person at Kingswood Wines when you pay them a visit – they will have a sheet to record your name, email address and answer. Or you can email to Kuda at kamtradingltd@hotmail.com.

Competition closes 30 September. Only one entry per person please.

Other Kingswood businesses are also featured in this edition. There is a special article by Symphony Travel, who have been in Kingswood almost as long as the Village Voice. Sim Nutt traces its history and its support for the village and for charity, and reminds us why using a real, expert travel agent is important in this internet age. She and Anthony and their staff would be happy to see you for a coffee and a chat any time they are open. Please also remember that Kingswood Village Store now offers extensive Post Office and banking services, in addition to all of your daily convenience store needs, right here in Kingswood. The KVCA and KADDS are also very appreciative of the Box Office facilities which Kartik and Sonal provide at the Village Store for our plays and concerts. Thank you!

I hope to bring you stories and information about some of the other Kingswood shops in future editions. It is important that we use our village shops and don’t overlook them; we want a vibrant and lively little parade, not shuttered shop-

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fronts. By the way, have you seen that we now have a mini coffee bar at Kingswood Station? Kingswood Coffees is on Platform 1, so drop in and see Wayne, or Bob, on your way to London.

One of my other hobby-horses is live music. I want to make live music a much more frequent ‘happening’ in our village.

But, like everything else, it needs your support. We got a tremendous amount of that for the sell-out concert by Atlantis on 27 July; you can read the review and some of the rave comments on page 46. And if you missed it, you can hear them again on Saturday 19 October when they are playing a charity concert for The Friends of the Children’s Trust. Let me know what music you like and we will try to arrange it.

The KVCA is working with the KRA to try to ensure that the proposals for the Legal & General site on Furze Hill/St Monica’s, if they

are approved, are to the benefit of the whole of Kingswood. You can read more about that in the KRA column. I am also very pleased that we are re-introducing a column from our local Councillors, which they have promised will be a regular feature. Did you notice that Surrey County Council recently passed, almost unanimously, a motion declaring a Climate Emergency? I have made contact with Councillor Mike Goodman (Con) who is the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, to find out how we in Kingswood might play a part in any ensuing actions. I think one thing we could do would be to have a regular column in Village Voice on these sort of issues, including practical advice on what we could all do to lessen our negative impact on the planet. Is there anyone who will volunteer to take that on?

Bob Gunn, Chairman KVCA

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For our feature article in this 150th edition of Village Voice Sarah Lott takes us back to the origins of Village Voice, the Village Hall and the Kingswood Village Community Association. And Sarah should know – she was there at the time! Let her explain.

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ack in 2016, I sat down with my parents (Janet and Brian Hill), Pauline Pearce, Joy Clatworthy and Kath Howard to find out a bit more about the history of the KVCA, the Village Hall and The Village Voice. I have such fond memories of parties, country and ballroom dancing lessons, discos, plays and pantomimes. I grew up in that hall and if the walls could talk, I’d be a bit embarrassed about some of the stories they’d tell! The hall has been a centre of the village for so many years and it’s easy to forget how it all started.

The KVCA, KADDS and ‘The Village

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Voice’ sprang from a small group of enthusiastic and devoted local residents whose contribution to village life still resonates with the 150th edition of this magazine.

The hall was (and still is) owned by the council and was originally known as the Masonic Hall. However, back in the 1970’s, it was extremely shabby. There was no stage to speak of and the loos were rather unpleasant! Behind where the stage is now, there was a long and very scruffy room, which served as a kitchen and the anteroom at the front was just one big space. The group of

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

people who ran the hall at the time decided they were going to upgrade and paint just the main part of it. It was a popular meeting place for many local groups, including the Kingswood Women’s Institute.

The re-decorations were completed and the hall was as busy as ever.

However, disaster struck only a short while later, when an arsonist broke one of the big windows, threw in a lighted rag and set light to the building. The local committee who looked after the hall naturally decided to claim on the insurance and re-do the work that had just been completed.

A small group of people, including Stan Pearce, Norman Clatworthy, Ron Grimster, Kath Howard and Janet Hill had other ideas. As the hall needed work, why not take this opportunity to improve things and modernise it properly and build a stage? The existing committee were not happy with this idea and the resulting disagreement led

to a mass resignation! A new committee had to be formed. This committee was to become the KVCA. The new proposal was to raise enough money to build a stage, dressing rooms and kitchen and to improve the toilets.

Architectural plans were drawn up and ambitious fundraising ventures were considered. It was a daunting task but the hall was the centre of the village and everyone pulled together to make it happen. A request for funds from Kingswood residents provided seed money to get the ball rolling.

First of all there were fund raising events that didn’t need a stage, such as cricket forums and a ‘Gardener’s Question Time.’ In 1979, the WI took the lead with drama and performed an Old Time Music Hall evening, accompanied by a meal of sausages and mash followed by apple pie. I believe there was almost as much drama in the kitchen as there was on stage as

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C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 0

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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sausages refused to cook and cream refused to be whipped! I was fifteen and remember playing the part of the young Maria Martin in ‘The Old Red Barn’ where I was melodramatically taken advantage of by Stan Pearce! The evening was a great success and more theatrical performances were to follow.

The first ever ‘Kingswood Kapers’ was staged, under the talented musical direction of a Kingswood resident, Alan Bristow, who just happened to be the musical director of the ‘Black and White Minstrel Show’. (Another musically talented resident, Pip Burley, took over a while later.)

Tables or blocks were used as staging and lights were borrowed. There were no health and safety requirements in those days! Members of the community pulled together to perform, work backstage, make dinners, organise tickets, set up the hall, serve meals and

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then do the washing up! The first play, ‘Hands across the Sea’ was put on in 1980. ‘Kingswood Kapers’ and ‘Christmas Crackers’ became regular events. The main people involved included Stan Pearce, Joy and Norman Clatworthy, Janet Hill, Don Grimster, Lee and Annie Willis, Bernie Burgess, Mervyn Francis, Peter Rayner and Erica and Ken Astell. KADDS was born!

In 1982, Mervyn Francis was responsible for co-ordinating the largest fundraising event, a huge ‘Summer Spectacular’ held in the grounds of the Legal & General, in Furze Hill. Amongst other things there was a celebrity cricket match and helicopter rides… It was a huge success and a major boost towards the target.

There was now enough money to build a stage!

The first really ambitious production took place in 1983, when Joy Clatworthy and Janet Hill produced the

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

pantomime, ‘Cinderella.’ I have very happy memories of that show. The set was painted by artist Annie Willis and was truly extraordinary. Different generations laughed and worked together to create something truly special for the village. On a personal note, one of my happiest memories is seeing Mum (Janet Hill) and Joy Clatworthy spending hours making the head of Daisy, the pantomime cow who went on to grace the stage for years to come. That cow had a life all of its own!

‘The Village Voice’ was started that same year, by Geoff Goodyear and Mervyn Francis. Geoff was a publisher and Mervyn worked in advertising so it was a good combination. Lee Willis did a fantastic job with the layout and Annie Willis was the art editor. The KVCA looked after the

letting and maintenance of the hall, KADDS put on the performances and the advertising income from the Village Voice helped with the upkeep of the hall. It was the perfect trio!

I was a teenager while all this hard work was going on and I have such strong and happy memories of that time. The fate of the village hall and the Kingswood community was transformed by the commitment, enthusiasm, ingenuity and friendship of a small group of inspirational people who were determined to make a difference. Their enthusiasm was infectious and has left a lasting legacy where generations of residents continue to be brought together in the community. Kingswood is a very special place!

Sarah Lott

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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NEWS FROM KADDS

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KADDS DO IT AGAIN

R

umours by Neil Simon was staged by KADDS at the beginning of June.

The Kingswood Amateur Drama, Dance and Song's production of this farce was another triumph of laughter and clever language.

At the start of the play, Ken and Chris have found their host Charley, a prominent Government official, in his bedroom, too dazed to speak, with a bullet wound in his ear lobe! Len and Claire arrive, themselves injured in a car crash, and are soon joined by Ernest and Cookie, Glenn and Cassie, each with their own problems. A second, accidental, gunshot leaves Ken temporarily deaf, the police arrive and Len has to pretend he is Charley, concocting a touching and fantastic explanation.

It was another really successful performance. It was fast, clever and very funny. The confusion between the characters, the desire to prevent rumours getting out whilst discovering others was very funny. The cast and crew took us into the world of chaos with great effect and the audience really enjoyed the evening. You can read the Surrey Mirror review of Rumours on page 14.

KADDS is a wonderful local drama group putting on shows to an excellent standard, and having fun in doing so.

But we find ourselves relying on a smaller group of people to participate in the production of plays and shows,

12 SEPTEMBER 2019

particularly behind the scenes, and unless we can recruit more people we won’t be able to stage as many shows!

Over the past ten years several local Amateur Dramatic Societies have had to finish due to lack of support and it would be a catastrophe if this were to happen to our very own KADDS. Each year we put on three plays - end February, end May and end October plus Crackers, our pre-Christmas show.

Our next show will be Murder in Play, a comedy by Simon Brett at the end of October, and in February we will be staging the family play of The Snow Queen. Each production is a separate entity and you can be involved in one, or as many as you wish. For each we hold auditions approximately three months prior to the performance, led by the Director, when the actors are chosen, and we decide on the Back Stage roles.

Each production requires a Producer, Set building and Stage setting, Stage Manager, Prompt, Lighting, Costumes and Props. You do not need to have had previous experience.

We are a very friendly group, and during the rehearsals and production it is a great deal of fun, culminating in the satisfaction and thrill of the Play itself.

And always followed by a party!

If you have ever felt you would like to join in, be part of it and the camaraderie, then contact me. We can chat over a coffee, tell you more and hopefully entice you to come to one of the next Auditions.

Judy Parnall 01737 830888

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KADDS REVIEW

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RUMOURS The production of "Rumours", the comedy by Neil Simon, performed by KADDS at the end of May was watched by Surrey Mirror correspondent Mike Fox.

K

ADDS’ most recent production in Kingswood Village Hall was “Rumours�, a fast moving comedy

by Neil Simon. Their previous production had been a black farce with increasingly desperate attempts to conceal an ever growing pile of dead bodies. “Rumours� had a similar theme with guests arriving at a smart dinner party successively getting sucked into attempts, by means of fanciful stories, to conceal the fact that their host had apparently just attempted unsuccessfully to shoot himself.

Meanwhile the hostess was nowhere to be found.

The “Rumours� in question were stories that some of the guests had heard about the hostess possibly having an affair, which might explain the suicide attempt. Some of the characters involved either occupied or were seeking public office and were concerned about the impact of any scandal on their prospects - this rather echoed the situation in Westminster at around the same time!

The cast adroitly handled a confusing array of similar names - Len, Glenn, Ken etc. either for those who were present or who were the subjects of the rumours. The action culminated in a remarkable, long, solo speech by Steve Bonnett, playing Len, which attempted to link all the improbable stories and for which he earned a deserved round of applause. Steve was ably supported

by Dick Palmer (as Ken), Colin Edgerton

14 SEPTEMBER 2019

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(Glenn), Alex Coles (Christine), Laura Worley (Claire), Julie Palmer (Cookie) and Rosemary Akerman (Cassie), plus the intrepid investigation officers Georgie Lucas and Josie Searle.

There were a good number of comic moments and the director William McKee and the whole cast maintained a sharp pace throughout the evening.

As KADDS’ audiences have come to expect, the acting performances were enhanced by a top quality set, excellent costumes, make-up and props and by professional standard lighting and sound effects. A strong team performance all round. Mike Fox

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

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This amateur pr p oduction of ‘Murdeer in Play a ’ is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LT L D a Concord Theat a ricals Company To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2019

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In February 2020 King gswood Amateu ur Drama Dance and Song will w be present nting:

By y Ron Nicol Dire recte ted by Eileen Hannah Prroduced by

by Jill Gunn

Auditi tions ns for adults ts and childre r en Satu turd rday 26th Octtoober 20 019 sttart rting ng at 2.30p 0pm Iff you can’t ’t make this date but keen to be inv nvolved, oor just want nt to fi find out more, please cont ntacctt:

Eileen Ha Hannah on 01 1737 8308 89 93 email mehannah@t @tiscali.co.uk or Jill Gunn on 07 7421 7457 5720 email jill@gunn.org Snow Qu Queen will be perf rformed th nd Thurs rs 20 to Sat 22 February 2020

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N E I G H B O U R H O O D W AT C H

CRIMESTOPPERS

F

or those of you not familiar with Crimestoppers, it is a service run independently from the police that

enables individuals to provide information relating to crime with an absolute guarantee that their anonymity will be preserved.

Reports can be made via telephone, internet or post. Care is taken so that reports made by telephone or internet cannot be traced as they are re-routed before they are taken by Crimestoppers’ volunteer operators. In those

boundaries with criminal gangs in big cities

instances where a reward is involved, e.g. for

spreading their tentacles into towns and rural

reports that lead to an arrest, arrangements

areas. Children are typically exploited in the

are made whereby the reward can be

role of couriers to move illegal substances

collected from a bank by an individual

into and around an area as the criminals are

presenting password style information rather

aware that police powers are more

than the normal bank demand for proof of

constrained when minors are involved.

identity. Reports that are eventually passed to

Children may often have been tricked or

the police are checked so that any

coerced to undertake illegal activity and then

inadvertently included clues to the reporter’s

feel themselves trapped. The Fearless project

identity are removed. For example in a report

makes them aware of the opportunity to

saying “my neighbour at xyz address is

alert the authorities to the activities of their

dealing drugs”, the words “my neighbour”

oppressors whilst their own role in doing this

would be removed. In the 12 months leading

is not revealed. The Fearless project team in

up to April of this year in Surrey, reports

Surrey has been visiting schools and setting

made to Crimestoppers have resulted in over

up their display stand at events and places

80 individuals being arrested and charged and

such as the Tadworth Leisure Centre

over £60,000 of stolen property being

frequented by children and families. Advice

recovered.

can be given to parents and grandparents of

Recently Crimestoppers has launched a new

signs to look for in case they are concerned

project, called Fearless, to help children aged

about sudden changes from a child’s normal

between 11 and 16 years. You may be

activities or if they have unexplained

wondering whether children of this age are

additional cash. If you would like to become

often in a position to provide information

a volunteer helper or invite the Fearless

that might be of value to the police. Sadly

project team to an event or a school, you can

children can themselves be victims of crimes

contact them via the

such as sexual exploitation, but, more

Crimestoppers web pages but

recently, drug dealers are making children

if you want to use the

into accomplices for their crimes. This type of

anonymous reporting service

activity is known as “County Lines” crime, as

dial 0800 555 111.

it frequently takes place across county

Mike Fox

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COUNCILLORS’ COLUMN

HAVE WE GOT IT RIGHT? I am delighted that, from this landmark 150th edition onwards we are able to re-introduce a regular column from our local Councillors. This will give them the opportunity to let you know what is going on at Borough and County levels that may affect you. I also hope it will encourage you to contact them with your issues and concerns. More interaction can only be a good thing for our democracy. Bob Gunn

W

e are very pleased to be able to contribute to this, the 150th edition of the Village Voice. It’s a fantastic milestone and our congratulations go Jeff Harris. to all in the KVCA who have made it possible.

As you are all aware, the Borough Council elections in May were rather unusual in that the Electoral Commission had conducted a boundary review, our ward has been reconfigured - it’s now Chipstead, Kingswood and Woodmansterne - and, as a result, all three seats being contested. We are very grateful to those who supported us, and affirm our commitment to you all.

The Borough Council’s Development Management Plans have been through two stages of public consultation and, with relatively minor changes, have received the support of the Planning Inspectorate. These robust and locally more appropriate plans should be formally approved by the Council in the next couple of months - another important milestone for our community.

Please don’t hesitate to get involved in planning applications that affect or

18 SEPTEMBER 2019

LtoR: Tim Archer, Simon Parnall and Caroline Neame.

concern you, whether it be a house in your road or plans for the Legal and General site. Residents often raise issues that are fundamental. The Council’s website makes it easy to comment online, or you can simply write. Please feel free to contact us directly for any help or advice.

Jeff Harris, our County Council colleague, asks if you could help him by reporting any roads issues to Surrey County Council using their website, or by email or phone (whichever way you will get a reference number); and Jeff wants you to know that he’s challenging the way that tree-cutting, road closures, roadworks signage etc have been carried out with little or no information to road users or residents. Once again, we’re keen to hear from you so that we can get things sorted out.

When local development does occur, a modest amount of money becomes

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available through a new charge made to the developer. It’s called the Community Infrastructure Levy. Jeff Harris also has County Council money available for small projects. We can make a case to spend money from both these pots and we would really like to hear your suggestions as to the things that you think that we could and should do to improve our village.

Finally, we’d like to ask for your help.

The Borough Council is consulting on its 5 year plan. Reigate & Banstead 2025 explains the Council’s proposed priorities, and explains how we will deliver services to those living, working and spending time in our borough. This includes things like how we will deliver leisure and housing services, neighbourhood services (like parks and refuse collections), plans to tackle

climate change and support for towns, villages and local businesses. We’d like you to share your views. Have we got it right? Are we focussing on the right things? Is there anything crucial missing?

Please go to the Borough website to take a look, and please send in your comments by the 16th September.

Simon Parnall, Caroline Neame, Tim Archer and Jeff Harris Contacts: cllr.parnall@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 01737 830888 cllr.neame@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 07767 782473 cllr.archer@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 07854 175053 jeffrey.harris@surreycc.gov.uk 07865 143983 th 150 www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk UE ISS www.surreycc.gov.uk

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K I N G S W O O D R E S I D E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N

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KRA ACHIEVEMENTS

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y first quarter as Chair of KRA has been very eventful, with our primary focus on the proposal to redevelop the L&G Site as a Retirement Village. During April we set up a working group of experts/residents representing KRA, KVCA and residents local to the Site. We have held regular meetings to discuss key issues including Green Belt, traffic generation during construction and in operation, parking, competition with local amenities like the Village Hall, and Change of Use from office-based employment to residential. We prepared a comprehensive report, including observations from residents, who have emailed us at kingswoodviewsonlng@gmail.com. On 12 June 2019 we presented the key concerns to the developer ‘Inspired Villages Group’ (IVG), who are receptive to addressing these issues.

A major concession secured by KRA is agreement that the L&G open fields will be protected from future development, with assured access to locals for recreation.

Many residents visited the public exhibition at L&G during 17,18 May to view the proposals first hand. To ensure that all Kingswood residents have the opportunity to express their opinion, KRA circulated a Survey to over 1200 homes in Kingswood and the results will be publicised.

IVG submitted the Town Planning Application on 26/7/19. I encourage residents to visit the Planning website to view the proposals and to submit to R&BCC your views individually - whether these are in favour of the Retirement Village or against it.

As this is the 150th edition of the Village

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Voice, I want to highlight some of the KRA achievements over recent years.

• Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, in 2012, the KRA (with TCT and NSPCC) organised memorable celebration events, including a popular music concert in St Andrews Church, a flower festival, bell ringing demonstration, nine open gardens and a Street Party, enjoyed by over 2000.

• Strategic Planning Document - KRA’s consultations with residents and extensive research of the area lead to us producing the SPD, which has positively influenced R&BCC’s current Development Management Plan and consequently the nature of future development in Kingswood.

• BBC Warren - KRA successfully opposed an intensive over development of this site in favour of the Octagon conversion of the mansion into eight grand apartments and development of fourteen new large houses, all in a private parkland setting that is very much in keeping with Kingswood.

• Station Site, KRA’s consultation with residents assisted our negotiations with the developer for an appropriate development of 18 townhouses with the additional benefit of upgrading the Station, access and parking.

Much of the KRA’s activity is intended to protect the character of our Village and I would like to thank John Lang and more recently Keith Denyer for their outstanding dedication to the consistent monitoring of all planning applications in Kingswood and their efforts to oppose inappropriate schemes, both at R&BBC level and at Secretary of State level on appeal.

Valerie Evans (Chair KRA)

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

ESTABLISHED 1997

OUTSTANDING HIGH STREET PRESENCE We get your property noticed.

If you’re ready to sell or let your home, speak to us today for a free valuation.

KINGSWOOD

01737 360000 kingswood@richardsaunders.co.uk

LETTINGS

01737 370700 lettings@richardsaunders.co.uk

RICHARDSAUNDERS.CO.UK

PROFILE

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MALCOLM HEARN In the Memory Lane article in the June edition of Village Voice, Diana Hearn told us of her career in Ballroom Dancing and how it led to her eventually living in Kingswood. Her son, Malcolm is now also a Kingswood resident.

Here is his story, as told to Sally Fish.

M

y parents were

Ballroom & Latin American dancers

and ran dance schools in Cardiff when they were newly married, then in Llanelli. But

after a family tragedy the family moved to Hounslow and thereafter to Banstead where I finished my education at Nork Park (now The Beacon). I’m sure there’s gypsy blood in the family as we moved again to Beckenham from Banstead, as this was an easier commute for Dad from the Dance Centre in Penge, especially after a 15 hour work day!

After leaving Nork Park with no idea whatsoever what to do with my life, in the late

Geoff and Diana Hearn.

seventies I joined the Littlewoods organisation at their Kingston upon Thames branch and

Monthly Letter Service. Alex Moore was the

thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The

founding father of the technique that Ballroom

background training I received there was to put

Dancers still use to this day. Alex used to put

me in good stead for the future. “Customer

together and write down new variations and

Satisfaction Guaranteed” was their motto and I

news from London, which was the epicentre of

try to instil this in my staff today. Through the

the Ballroom Dancing world for many years. This

management training programme I got to work

publication was sent out by post all over the

in the warehouses, offices, restaurants, food

world. Alex Moore started this in 1933 and it was

stores plus the actual shop floor in many of the

the only medium by which teachers from across

London-based stores. My last posting was to the

the globe could get new hints and tips on what

Hammersmith branch where I was the

to teach their pupils. This was a daunting task

departmental manager for the shop floor.

for Dad; although a ‘top man’ within the

Having achieved this position I realised that I was

business he was taking over from a legendary

not going to make any further progress within

figure, somewhat akin to taking over the reigns

the company, so I started to look for a new

at Manchester United from Alex Ferguson!

position in life.

Dad needed help to service the subscriptions

The year is now 1983 and my Dad had just taken over a small business within the dance industry – this was called the Alex Moore

22 SEPTEMBER 2019

and to look after the small mail order business that was part of the purchase. This just consisted C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 4

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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PROFILE

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 2

within the business, but

of a few LP records and books at the time, so I

I had to pull out of the

decided to leave Littlewoods and join “Hearn &

deal because I was in

Spencer” – the Spencer being Peggy Spencer

possession of facts the

MBE, the doyen of Ballroom Dancing. In fact she

owner was trying to

asked me outright in my interview “Do you want

keep from me. This

to be part of this crazy business???” More of

company unfortunately

that later…

went into liquidation

So my task was to look after the customers’

Malcolm Hearn as a young man.

shortly after and quite

needs in terms of sending them the theory books

by chance I was in the right place at the right

they needed, keeping up to date with the latest

time to snatch the complete business for an

dance albums available and giving advice on

absolute song. Suddenly I had 5000 pairs of

these. Unfortunately my joining the staff at the

dance shoes to house, and not enough room to

Dance Centre caused a stir and the manager ran

store them!!! Quite by chance the unit next

off with the ‘head‘ teacher as he thought I was

door to ours was available and we were able to

brought in to take his job – that couldn’t have

expand further. And luckily whenever we have

been further from the truth. However, as this

needed extra space the unit next door has

role now needed overseeing, I took on this

always become available.

responsibility as well. The only downside to this

In late 2000 my business partner suddenly

was the extremely long hours – anything from

propositioned one morning “I think we should

8am through to midnight if the bar or box office

start making dresses”. So we found ourselves a

staff hadn’t turned up.

designer, an ex dancer who knew the business

We made a few tweaks to the Letter service

and employed 4 machinists, three of whom I am

and made it a 24-page booklet rather than a

pleased to say are still with me today. We

stapled pamphlet, and made it available every

wanted to revolutionise the industry – we had

two months rather than monthly. I increased the

low overheads and we thought we could offer a

inventory of products that we sold and the

more economic price structure from that in place

biggest leap was to produce our own

at the time. Plus we were the new kids on the

instructional videos. These sold incredibly well at

block, muscling our way into the dress sector. So

the time and we even had them translated into

we made the dresses affordable (or so we

Japanese. This was a whole new way of learning

thought) BUT no one would buy them! “Why

for people and they could now actually visualise

are they so cheap?” they asked. “There must be

the steps on their TV screen rather than reading

something wrong with them.” There was only

it from the pages of a book. With the added

one answer – to put UP the prices, which we did,

revenue coming into the business I was able to

and suddenly because they were on a price

start employing staff to help.

parity with dresses from other dance companies,

As the business grew, we out-grew our offices at the Dance Centre and had to find space

they sold …….. I still struggle to get my head around this economic foible. But Dance Sport

elsewhere, which meant splitting the companies.

International Ltd, known now

I took on a business partner to help further grow

as DSI, was on its way! What

the business and we moved to our new ‘home’

happened next? You’ll have to

in Croydon, a small industrial unit giving us so

wait until the December

much space, or so we thought …….. I had tried

edition of Village Voice to find

unsuccessfully to purchase another company

that out! As told to Sally Fish

24 SEPTEMBER 2019

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2019

25

Get Involved at Your Hall!

Some of our regular activities PRIVATE PARTIES & EVENTS An ideal location for parties, celebrations, meetings and other gatherings. Well equipped and with 1st class audio-visual system. Parking.

Penny Chatfield pen.chatfield@btinternet.com 01737 353248 (5-8pm Mon-Fri)

150

YOGA improve your body and mind with Yoga instructor Debi Henderson Tuesday mornings debsmhenderson@yahoo.com

07958 931 114 All levels welcome.

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TA I C H I A N D R E L AT E D A RT S Exercises in coordinated movements and control with experienced instructor Sean McCrossen.

Term-time Tuesdays 7 to 8pm seanmccrossen@btinternet.com

CADA Stars the fun and funky dance academy for girls and boys from 2 years up.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays https://www.cadastars.com 07903 801 802

Hall Bookings Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Email: pen.chatfield@btinternet.com (Phone strictly between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday only)

26 SEPTEMBER 2019

Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts

Kingswood, Tadworth & Walton Flower Arrangement Group for all those interested in flowers and how to arrange them to best effect Second Tuesday of most months at 7.45pm Contact: Chris Harris chris@ashwell4.co.uk Jane Hollington janehollington@btinternet.com

Kingswood Village WI interesting speakers, demonstrations and activities.

1st Thursday of each month Secretary Marion Dollimore marion.dollimore@ hotmail.co.uk

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Saturdays Musical Theatre Classes for Children Book a free trial 07793 117059 vicky@dancesation.co.uk

Laird Academy of Dance & Drama high quality ballet classes leading to RAD qualifications Thursdays www.laird-academy.co.uk laird.ballet@gmail.com 07816 008 969

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THE 13 SOCIETY Fascinating illustrated lectures once a month from October through to March.

Monday evenings Membership Secretary Adele Hawkins adele@silvantec.co.uk 01737 355653

Hall Bookings Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Email: pen.chatfield@btinternet.com (Phone strictly between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday only) Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts

SEPTEMBER 2019

27

LOCAL BUSINESS

A CHEMIST IN KINGSWOOD? In this article Kingswood resident and qualified pharmacist Ravi Patel seeks your support to establish a pharmacy in Kingswood. Bob Gunn

W

e have an exciting opportunity to welcome a valuable addition to our village – an independent community pharmacy. Unlike corporately owned pharmacies, this allows us to be flexible and provide a bespoke service for each customer, bringing back good oldfashioned personal service.

Due to patient demand and changes to the healthcare landscape, rather than simply dispensing medicines, a local pharmacy can now provide a wide range of clinical services to its community and saves unnecessary GP visits.

Unlike most traditional pharmacies, Kingswood Pharmacy would also look to provide additional private services to enhance the NHS offering, such as: private doctor service, pharmacist prescribing, children’s vaccinations (e.g. chickenpox), discreet sexual health including erectile dysfunction, pneumococcal and flu vaccines, hair loss clinic, travel vaccinations and antimalarials, urinary tract infection detection plus antibiotics (if appropriate), prescription-strength hay fever treatment, psoriasis and eczema treatment, and much more.

We would routinely be dealing with Heathcote Medical Centre, Tadworth Medical Centre and Tattenham Health Centre as well as medical practices in Banstead and Epsom. We would also be able to offer a secure digital service for any prescriptions to be sent directly to us from private GPs/consultants, such as clinics in London.

I am a pharmacist living in Kingswood

28

NOVEMBER 2018

and having met fellow residents and neighbours desiring this type of local service, I decided to submit an application to help bring this to fruition. Despite an overwhelmingly positive response, the final thing I need is written letters of support from residents demonstrating how a local pharmacy would benefit you and/or times you had suffered from a lack of one locally.

Please help keep our village alive and bring in an exciting new service for all Kingswood residents to benefit from.

Thanks in advance for your support. Please address letters to “To Whom it may Concern” and include your contact details.

Letters can be dropped into Kingswood Wines, who have kindly agreed to collect any physical letters or else feel free to email them to myself, Ravi Patel, at kingswoodchemist@ gmail.com Ravi Patel MRPharmS, Copt Hill Lane

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

THE CHURCH IN KINGSWOOD

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SENSE OF COMMUNITY

F

or this 150th edition of Village Voice I was

know that we belong and subsequently

asked to reflect on that theme for my

provides a haven from our busy lives

contribution this time.

elsewhere.

Having been Priest in Charge in the Parish for

The Church is part of this community and,

(not quite) five years I felt there was little for

although facing towards the A217 might provide

me to reflect on at first. However, looking back

it’s own particular challenges, it is known and

through past issues, I feel the sense of

loved by so many who live in, and pass through,

community in Kingswood written on every

Kingswood. The Church has provided solace and

page. Village Voice provides a flavour of the

celebration, comfort and joy to those in the

locality with all aspects of village life on display

locality for such a long time and through these

and all the groups and activities contributing to

pages communicates to all something of the love

such an important communication. It is a

of God which is there for you.

privilege to be counted among them.

One can’t fail to acknowledge the

I look forward to contributing to Village Voice

importance of any community in developing

for many years to come and

and maintaining our sense of self. Where we fit

congratulate the team on

into that community and a healthy relationship

reaching its 150th edition!

with our neighbours helps us to feel secure, to

Chris Colton, Priest in charge

STONEMAN FUNERAL SERVICES An independent family business providing a comprehensive personal service

Prepayment funeral plans available 11 SHELVERS HILL, TADWORTH Tel: 01737 814406 Head Office and Funeral Home DORAN COURT, REIGATE ROAD, REDHILL Tel: 01737 763456 Memorial Office: 49 Bell Street, Reigate Tel: 01737 243164

30 SEPTEMBER 2019

Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts

EST. 2004

Recently SOLD & LET in Kingswood SO

SO

LD

LD

LtDc O S s

SO

LD

SO

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T

If you are thinking of selling, Kennedys’ are your perfect property partner

T: 01737 817718 E: info@kennedys-ipa.co.uk www.kennedys-ipa.co.uk WALTON OFFICE: 48 Walton Street Walton-on-the-Hill Surrey KT20 7RT KINGSWOOD OFFICE: Paxton House Waterhouse Lane Kingswood Surrey KT20 6EJ

KINGSWOOD PHARMACY

Would a local chemist in Kingswood Village make your life easier?

SERVICES TO INCLUDE: • NHS & Private Prescriptions • Private Doctor Service • Travel Vaccines • Flu Vaccines • Cholesterol & Diabetes Checks • Free Delivery and more

We need your help!

-HIRXMJ]MRK E RIIH MW SRP] XLI ½ VWX WXIT 8S IREFPI XLMW ETTPMGEXMSR [I RIIH PSGEP VIWMHIRXW XS TVSZMHI letters of support MRGPYHMRK I\EQTPI W SJ ER] WMXYEXMSRW [LIVI ]SY [SYPH LEZI FIRI½ XIH JVSQ LEZMRK EGGIWW XS E PSGEP TLEVQEG] MR /MRKW[SSH

@

Please email kingswoodchemist@gmail.com Alternatively, call us and we’ll happily collect the letter from you in person Or drop off your letter to our collection point: at Kingswood Wines, 10 Waterhouse Lane

Every response counts, please help keep our village alive!

Should you have any queries, I am a pharmacist living on Copt Hill Lane and would be happy to meet with you or speak on the phone.

Call Ravi on 07940 922 193

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Villages located in Warwick, Exeter, Horsham, Alcester, Liphook, Chester and coming soon to Leeds Village in Kent.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT GROUP

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY 150

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KINGSWOOD, TADWORTH AND WALTON

competitors from Surrey entered the different

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT GROUP

Class competitions.

Held in the Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane,

In the six decades since NAFAS became a

Kingswood every 2nd Tuesday in the month.

national association in 1959, there have been

O

n Tuesday 11th June we celebrated

many changes in the overall designs of flower

our Diamond Anniversary with a glass

arrangements. The two photos above show

of Prosecco and a strawberry tea in

the difference in style, for example, between

the beautiful garden of Lizzie and Tony

the 1960’s classic design, and the Noughties’

Geddes. It was the perfect afternoon, and we

individualism. From the late 1990’s, a trend

sat surrounded by the stunning colours of

began in the rise in “upcycling” or finding

superb roses.

ways to convert waste materials into products

Our July meeting entitled ’Summer Delight’

that have a higher aesthetic value than their

did indeed delight with a wonderful

original worth. For example, the use of plastic

demonstration of both traditional and more

orchid tubes sprayed in gold as seen in the

contemporary pieces making use of some

Noughties’ individualism arrangement.

beautiful lillies, orchids, and some British grown flowers and foliage.

In August NAFAS

Jane Hollington

We look forward to our next meeting on Tuesday 10th September at 7.45pm: “Mad About Flowers”. Do join us,

celebrated their Diamond

we would love to see you.

Anniversary with a National

For more information

Show “Floral Art and Design

contact either Chris Harris

Show” at Business Design

(833726) or Jane Hollington

Centre, Islington. Thirteen

(354208).

To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE

Chris Harris

SEPTEMBER 2019

35

NSPCC - EVERY CHILD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL BLOSSOM BALL 150

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Kingswood NSPCC Committee (left to right): Jackie Ross, Janine Yiannakis, Susan Morris, Lori Kerr (Chairman), Carolyn Barke and Gill Talpade.

T

he Blossom Ball in May which was held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall was a huge success and everyone had a wonderful evening. The evening started with a champagne reception which was followed by a delicious three course meal and then guests danced the night away to the excellent live band Sugar Kube. There was also a game of Heads and Tails and silent and live auctions.

Lori Kerr, the Committee Chairman said “A huge thank you to the Kingswood NSPCC supporters for travelling to the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall and helping us raise almost £12,000 for the NSPCC in Surrey.

The NSPCC couldn’t do the vital work that they do protecting children without your continued support.”

FUTURE EVENTS Quiz Night Saturday 12th October 2019 Kingswood Village Hall 7.30 Tables of 8. Tickets £20 to include a fish and chip supper. For more details or to book a table please contact Gill – gill.talpade@gmail.com Kingswood NSPCC Sparkling Autumn Dinner with “Fizz tasting” Saturday 23rd November 2019 No 12, Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood Come along and see if you know your Prosecco from your Champagne! To be followed by a 3 course meal. For more details or to book please contact Lori – lori.kerr60@live.co.uk

Congratulations to the Village Voice on the 150th edition The Kingswood NSPCC committee would like to congratulate the Village Voice on keeping the village community together and informed of all events within the village. We would also like to thank the Village Voice for their support in raising awareness of the work of the NSPCC and helping to protect vulnerable children in Surrey.

NSPCC Helpline 0800 800 500 help@NSPCC.org.uk Childline 0800 1111

36 SEPTEMBER 2019

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

Bans B an a ns n s sttte ead ea ad Mano Ma M an a n no or Car or Ca C a arre re H Home om o me m e Ba Bans anste ead ad d Ma Manor an nor iss o our ur stun unning nn ni g n ne ew ca are ho home me in B Ba Bans anstea ead. e ad. Bu Buillt on over 20 years off exp 20 xperienc pe errie ien ncce, e, Ba B Bans an nstea ead ad Ma M Man ano or o off ffer e s a statee-of-the-art e of o th he e-ar art ccinema, ine nem ma, ther herapy room om, m, hair airr ssal alo on n an and nd d caffé. é.

Allon A ongside ng gsi sid de ou our urr hig h high gh hq quality uallitty car ua are e, res essiid dent e ts en ts ca an na als also so oe enj enjo njo oy ou oy our ur ran ange ng ge eo off inclusiv in clusive se sserrvices an a and nd va aried ri d d dining din in ng go options pttions as a pa p part art r of ou o ourr wel ellbeing e lb being gp prro ogr gram amme. amme mme Gett in G n tou ouc uch ch tod od da ay to m mak ake an an a appoin appointment po nttm men ntt o orr for o m more iinffor orm rmation. ma ation Please P Plea se e sspeak peak to sspeak pea ak kB Bans anstea ead ad d Ma M Manor’ an nor s C Cussto omer me m r Rela ela lationship ttiio ons nship pM Ma Manager an na ag ge err on on 0 01737 017 737 37 74 7 747062 47 706 70 62 2o or e email maill ma bans b an ns stea eadmanor ad dman nor@ha hallmark llm m rk ma kcareh ehomes.c hom me es s.co. o.uk u uk Bans B anstea ead Manor Ma an no Car Care Home, Ho om me 8 Bright B Br ghton on road, oa ad d, Bans B nstead, Ba ad d, Surr Surrrey, SM7 SM7 SM 7 1B 1BS www.hallmark hallm markca arrehomes.c home m .co o.uk .u

ANN DOBSON’S RECIPES

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A TASTE OF AUTUMN

M

isty mornings and the first chill in the air are signs that summer is fading and autumn is marching in.

Elder and hawthorn bushes are heavy with ripening berries and sycamore leaves are tinged with gold. In the garden, Virginia creeper is turning ruby and crimson and the weather changes from warm sunshine one day to blustery showers the next.

In the shops, freshly harvested field mushrooms can be found and sun-ripened plums are bursting with juice.

Cheese-topped mushrooms make a tasty starter or light lunch or an accompaniment (or even a veggie alternative) to roast gammon or chicken.

To celebrate our 150th issue I’ve made a plum tray-cake, trying to use 150g of as many ingredients as I can. A bit sticky, it tastes good with a cup of tea, or warm with a dollop of clotted cream.

Pre-heat the oven to 190C/gas 5. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and put them in an oiled roasting tin. Bake for about 5 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, fry the leek and shallot gently in a little olive oil until soft. Stir in the soya sauce and then use to stuff the mushrooms.

Scatter over the walnuts and grated cheese and put back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

PLUM TRAY-CAKE

CHEESE-TOPPED MUSHROOMS FOR 4 4 large Portobello mushrooms, or similar 1 leek, finely sliced 1 small shallot, finely chopped A splash of soya sauce A few walnuts, roughly broken 175g grated Cheddar cheese

38 SEPTEMBER 2019

150g softened butter 150g light soft brown sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 150g SR flour 1.50 teaspoons baking powder Rind of one orange 1.50 tablespoons orange juice 150g plums, diced Heat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment. Cream the butter and sugar, gradually stir in the eggs. Fold in the flour and baking powder followed by the orange rind and juice.

Now add the diced plums and mix well.

Turn into the tin and bake for about 50 minutes to an hour until firm to touch.

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

CANNON GARDENS B E A U T I F U L D R I V E WA Y S 078855787879

KINGSWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS

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CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

W

ould you like one of your photos of Kingswood on the new cover of Village Voice?

We want to build up a library of suitable photos showing the different parts of our village in the different seasons of the year. But we really want them to reflect the

way that you, our readers, see your home here. So please send in your suggestions, in as high a quality as possible, together with what it is and the date and time taken. Send to richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk Here are some we took earlier this year, to put some ideas in your minds (thank you reader Roger Strong!). But do feel free to think of different ideas to portray the Kingswood you know.

40 SEPTEMBER 2019

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

KINGSWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS

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SEPTEMBER 2019

41

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE WI

RESOLUTIONS FOR NATIONAL AGM

E

ntering the Village Hall on the first Friday in May, (courtesy of the elections. which took up our slot on the first Thursday), we were greeted by a lush and abundant array of plants. Those among us who are blessed with the greenest of fingers - and the kindest of hearts – had prepared the plant stall. They had done the dividing, nurturing and potting up of a lovely variety of plants and then schlepped them down to the Hall for us to buy and help swell WI coffers. I did my own schlepping going home with my green swag! The business of our meeting was to record our stance on the resolutions going before the National AGM, held this year on 5 June in Bournemouth. The two resolutions chosen for campaigning from an original list of six were, a call against the decline in local bus services and “Don’t fear the smear,” aimed at encouraging women to attend routine cervical screening, the numbers having declined alarmingly in recent years. I must record that, after discussion at the Bournemouth AGM, these resolutions were passed by 96% and 97% respectively. Later on in May several of us went to an area group meeting, North Heathlands, where a lady chocolatier, Magdalena, gave a lecture and demonstration (with samples for us to taste). It was very enjoyable, and a sweet experience!

In June our speaker was Malcolm Wells.

The title of his talk, “So far so good,” didn’t give much indication of what we were in for and was in fact an account of his busy, varied and useful life, to date! He spoke about his years working for Canine Partners. A worthwhile and rewarding cause for which to work and for which he

42 SEPTEMBER 2019

was honoured with an MBE. We heard further about Mr Wells’ army years as a cello player (graduating to head cellist) in the Royal Artillery Orchestra which he told us was the oldest symphony orchestra in the country, dating back to the 1700’s.

While in the army he also saw service on hospital duty in 1990 in Kuwait and later, served on Malta. Mr Wells has also played in a string quartet and, very differently, with various bands, fondly remembering a gig playing at a football match, England vs Brazil. Now, on the brink of retirement, Mr Wells, who is based in Chichester, still plays in a recent start-up army band in Portsmouth. A life with very few dull moments we thought as we settled down to a lovely cup of tea and delicious cakes.

On the fourth of July we celebrated in our own way with “An afternoon at the Opera”. We welcomed our very own president, Primrose, her singing partner, baritone Andrew Knight and their accompanist, Juliet Chaplin. It was a truly delightful afternoon of beautiful, sometimes moving, music, varying from high opera to operetta, songs from Porgy and Bess being special favourites of mine.

So enjoyable and I have received only positive feedback from our members. I went home humming a snatch of a Mozart aria to myself, “Pray love do not refuse me, let me still hold your hand.”

Should you wish to join us for fun, friendship, an interesting talk and a good cuppa, please come to the Village Hall on the first Thursday of each month at 14.00. You are most welcome.

Nettie Cooper

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

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THIRTEEN SOCIETY

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

C

ongratulations to all of you at the Village Voice for the 150 editions you have so ably produced and distributed around the Village. It takes true community spirit and dedication to get something like this up and running and it’s always a pleasure to pick up and find out about all the local news and activities. We are particularly grateful in the Thirteen Society as we’ve been able to highlight our meetings in the magazine for some time now. Thank you all very, very much.

We too have something to shout about this season, it’s our 75th anniversary. It coincides of course with VE Day, since our origins lie in the Thirteenth Platoon of the Home Guard. We are hoping to celebrate the event in some way next year and also

hope that the Village Voice kindly continues to allow us to keep you posted with our regular articles.

One hundred and fifty editions of the Village Voice and seventy five years of the Thirteen Society is something to celebrate and perhaps proof that maybe we just might have got something right.

As this is a special edition of Village Voice, below is a copy of our full programme for 2019/20. If you are not yet a member please put all, or some, of the dates in your diary and we would be delighted to welcome you to another Kingswood Village experience.

Frances Rosbotham, Programme Secretary francesrogers@mail.com

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Thirteen Society meetings 2019/20 season. Mondays 8pm in the Village Hall.

October 14th Phil Holt, The Crowded Sky Life as an Air Traffic Controller

Looking at, and re-living, the harsh conditions endured by the Norwegian saboteurs of Telemark and other resistance workers in the Second World War.

November 11th Dr Nikki Gammans, Bumblebee Conservation UK bee population decline and how we can help December 9th Barry Venning, Giles the Cartoonist The Life and times of a National Treasure January 13th Martin Pailthorpe, Sanctuary and Saboteurs

44 SEPTEMBER 2019

February 10th Lorraine Spindler, Surrey Spies Uncovering Surrey’s past and present links to the activities of spies.

March 9th Roger Askew, Handel, from Opera to Oratorio How a German musician arrived here in 1710 and transformed our musical life.

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

KINGSWOOD WINES

• Introduced The National Lottery since the 1st of July including the new Set for Life every Monday and Thursday for £1.50 per line - match 5 numbers from 1-47 and a life ball from 1-10 and get £10 000 per month for 30 years !!! (look out for our free lucky dip offers on BIG Jackpot rollovers !)

• We have helped those of you who have made the most of the good weather and hosted parties and BBQs and we have now added new lines and promotions.

• You have spoken and we have listened, we now stock some groceries you may need in emergency and we are widening our snacks and confectionery section.

CURRENT OFFERS

Mud House S/Blanc, S/Blanc Rose @ £8

Casillero Del Diablo All types @ £6.75

Dark Horse All types @ £8

Jacob’s Creek All types @ £6.75

Multi-buy deals on beers inc Estrella, Mahou, Kingfisher, Cobra, Guinness Foreign Extra, Amstel, Coors Light and a lot more in store……

Enjoy the rest of the warm weather and remember, should you need to cool down we have bags of ice to help you do that !!!

Thank you for the continued support and its always a pleasure to see and hear from you…

01737 360264 10 Waterhouse Lane , Kingswood , KT20 6EB

To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2019

45

AT L A N T I S - L I V E I N C O N C E R T

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WE BOUNCED HOME!

Atlantis: (Left to Right) Laval, Chris, Greg, Lisa and Tony. Below: Chris. Photos by Ken Jackson and Roger Strong.

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he summer blast of heat may have ended just a few days before, but the heat was well and truly turned up again at the end

of July in our Village Hall, this time by our local rock and roll band, Atlantis; what other village in Surrey can boast that they have their own home-grown band?

Atlantis, led by well-known Kingswood

If you weren't there you missed a treat! But

resident Lisa Davies, in a show expertly lit by

Atlantis are back again at the Village Hall on

David Ames, got over 100 of us from

Saturday 19th October for a concert in aid of

Kingswood rocking, with some even dancing,

the Friends of the Children's Trust at Tadworth

not in the streets, but certainly in the aisles. On

Court. So you can hear much more of them and

Top of the World, to The Streets of London

support a great local charity at the same time.

with Sweet Caroline (Did you See Her Standing

But do book early to avoid disappointment!

There, Mustang Sally or The Brown Eyed Girl?)

James Chatfield

arriving with a Pretty Woman at Amarillo; from

Here a few audience reactions:

Downtown, Daydream Believing, with a Kind of

“What a great night. We bounced home!”.

Hush All Over The World, by way of Sweet

Derek Bird

Home Alabama with the Sultans of Swing to

“Fantastic evening we loved it!” Liz & Andrew

Stand by Me: the backtracking music to our

Grey

lives from the 50’s to the 80’s. And the finale:

“I loved every minute of it. You played all my

Johnny B Goode. Time to raise the roof.

favourites.” Mandy McCann

We all know the Songs Sung Blue, we know

“Took me back to the exciting 60s and 70s

the Unchained Melodies and how well did the

music with renditions from Atlantis which

talents of Lisa, Tony, Greg, Laval and Chris, who

rivalled the original performances.”.

are Atlantis, give them new life and make them

Ron Mills

ours all over again.

“Loved every song and guitar riff, that’s very

And thanks too to our own local impresario, Bob Gunn, who masterminded the event.

46 SEPTEMBER 2019

rare in a performance. Went home with a beaming smile on my face.” Philip Demee

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

The Friends of the Children’s Trust present

ATL LANTIS LIVE E IN CONCERT

The So Soun undt dtrack of Your ur Liv iv e s

This very ry popular local ba and will perform classic hits from th he last six decades, including the music of: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly y, The Beatles, Clifff Richard, Roy Orrbison, Neil Diamond, Abba,, Eagles, Carpenters and lots more.

The songs you grew w up with, danced to, sang along to..

The songs thatt have accompanied your life!

THE KINGSW WOOD VILLAGE HALL L Waterhouse Lane, L Kingswood KT20 6EB

Saturday 19th October O 2019 at 7.30pm Ticke ets £12 available from Kingswood Village Store, S Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood Or onliine from Ticket Source

For further details please contact 07504 060758 bob@gunn.org Bob Gunn on 0 Lisa Davies on 07770 328232 www.atlantis-online.co.uk

To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE

SEPTEMBER 2019

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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THE VILLAGE TRAVEL EXPERTS Symphony World Travel has been a fixture in Kingswood for almost as long as Village Voice has been produced. Proprietors Sim Nutt and Anthony Raffaini tell the story and explain why using a ‘real’ travel agent is still sensible in the internet era.

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e opened our family business in Kingswood in May 1984, having taken over the premises from Pamela Noble and Sue Forrester who had been running a ladies fashion shop, haberdashery and dry cleaners. Our reason for choosing Kingswood, apart from favouring a village location, was that we anticipated that our many years of travel experience would be appreciated by Kingswood’s discerning residents.

It was quite fun in the beginning with local residents bringing in their dry cleaning, asking for yards of elastic, or even expecting their weekly sit down and cup of coffee. The latter was no problem to provide, along with a lift home!

We were made very welcome into village life and our three most supportive village stalwarts were Brian Hill, Stan Pearce and Mervyn Francis – the three musketeers as they were fondly known. Kingswood Village was a very active outgoing place and any reason for a gathering was quickly organized . We had so many lovely events, such as Victorian Christmases, with all the business dressing up and lovely school choirs performing in the street. For our own 5 year Birthday Party we organized a steel band, a whole marlin from Mauritius was flown into Heathrow which our restaurateur father filleted into the most delicious sushi style servings, all accompanied by huge bowls of rum punch which sent villagers dancing down Waterhouse Lane and over the bridge!

Other memorable events were the

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Anthony and Sim in 1991.

Centenary Celebrations of the Railway, and the amazing street party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. We were awarded a beautiful trophy cup for the best window display.

We are very proud of our long standing service to our loyal and supportive clients, some of whom have been with us from our beginning and are still with us now, despite some having moved out of the borough and even as far away as the Cayman Islands. We are very lucky to have such loyal support.

Travel has changed greatly over the years

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Top: Symphony support the The Children’s Trust. Below: (Left) Symphony celebrate their 25th Anniversary, (Right) Symphony at the Queen’s jubilee.

and we had to weather the whole internet way of booking. However over time, people have become internet fatigued or have been victims of the awful scams losing huge amounts of money or ending up with no holiday. It is quite alarming to see that travel internet fraud has risen to over £7 million.

As a fully licenced member of ABTA, we give clients full financial security and peace of mind.

There can be no better time than now to use our services, safe in the knowledge that we are fully licenced. We have knowledgeable staff most of whom have been with us for over 20 years. We are very well respected by hoteliers from all over the world, who regularly personally visit us and will always give our clients priority and some amazing upgrades.

We invest time and money in keeping up

to date with new places and destinations, all for the benefit of our clients, and our regular travel blogs are a testament to this.

Over the years we have always supported our local charities, such as Tadworth Court and the NSPCC. Anthony has ridden over the last 15 years in the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Cycle ride.

In conclusion, our decision to open our specialist business in the village of Kingswood has been very rewarding and enjoyable. We are now working for the 3rd generation of some of our clients, and we may well see our business into its 50th Year!

We have lots of exciting destinations to offer you along with excellent travel offers, so do come and see us soon. A cup of coffee awaits!

Anthony Raffaini & Sim Nutt

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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SARAH’S GARDEN JOTTINGS

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YOUR GARDEN IN LATE SUMMER

Hydrangea arborescens 'Invincibelle'.

Hydrangea aspera.

his summer has had some very hot and dry spells and many gardens began to fade out in July due to lack of rain or the particularly early flowering of many flowers and shrubs. July to September are always a challenge to gardeners – just when you want to enjoy some carefree colour in your garden. You can keep replacing your bedding plants and annuals but that is expensive, wasteful and you need to do a lot of watering to keep them alive. Instead you could plant some hardy perennials which will look after themselves and over the years spread out and make a lovely display.

My favourites for the front of the border are: Erigeron karvinskianus (the Mexican daisy), Geranium x oxonianum mounds of small pink flowers and Alchemilla mollis – beautiful folded leaves with frothy green flowers. The daisy is also evergreen and needs no cutting back as the little white and pink daisies last at

least from May to September. It also self seeds prolifically, especially in gravel. Don’t confuse the perennial Geranium with the scented Pelargonium which are used widely as container plants and come in a range of colours from bright red, candy pink to white. This will not survive over winter in your garden. Geranium and Alchemilla also flower very early – April or May – then if you cut them back hard in June or July you will get new leaves and flowers in August and September. No skill is required to cut them back – using a pair of shears is a quick way of doing it.

Taller perennials which will provide a long and late season of colour include Echinacea – large pink daisies, Rudbeckia – large yellow daisies, Crocosmia – tall arching orange or red flowers and the almost indestructible Japanese anemones.

Japanese anemones can be real thugs but there are now lots of new hybrids which are well behaved and come in a range of

T

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SARAH’S GARDEN JOTTINGS

Hydrangea paniculata 'Big Ben’.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen'.

colours and petal arrangement. Look for Anemone x hybrida ‘Whirlwind’ or ‘Honorine Jobert’ and Anemone huphensis ‘Prinz Heinrich’.

When choosing plants for your garden it is worth considering where they occur naturally. Mediterranean plants do well in dry sunny places, North American plants flower late and are good for an autumn display, Japanese plants do well in most of our gardens as they like the temperate climate.

Finally, a few ideas about long lasting and late flowering shrubs – not only do they provide scent and colour but also food for bees and other insects. Absolutely reliable in dry sunny spots are English Lavender such as Lavandula angustifolia, Abelia grandiflora and Spirea japonica “Goldflame’.

In shady spots which are not too dry you can choose from a huge range of Hydrangea – the usual Hydrangea macrophylla are back in fashion – either ‘mop head’ or ‘lace cap’. H. macrophylla ‘Mariesii perfecta’ is a good choice.

Hydrangea paniculata with long conical flower heads are still popular as is Hydrangea arborescens with large round

flower heads. There are two other Hydrangea which are worth a place in your garden – Hydrangea quercifolia – the ‘oakleaved’ hydrangea and Hydrangea aspera with soft green leaves and large lilac flowers.

A few jobs for September: • Order and plant your spring bulbs • Give your evergreen shrubs a final trim into shape • Leave any plants with seed heads and ornamental grasses so that they provide food for birds over winter • Get ready to feed the birds over the winter • Look around the garden for plants which are in the wrong place or have outgrown their space – October is the perfect time to move plants.

As autumn gets closer plan a visit to one of our local arboreta to watch the trees turn into their autumn colour. Some of the best trees are at RHS Wisley, Winkworth Arboretum (National Trust), the Savill Garden in Windsor and Wakehurst place in Sussex.

Happy Gardening!

Sarah

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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SARAH LOTT STORY

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CHESS RULES

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am would never admit to living vicariously through his children but he couldn't deny the satisfaction he felt from recounting Ben's sporting achievements after a particularly good football match.

The testosterone-fuelled fathers would stand on the edge of the pitch, punching the air and yelling at the young and often embarrassed sportsmen. They were deeply critical of referees from other schools and convinced of their own superior tactical expertise. If the result was in their favour, fathers would puff out their chests with smug self satisfaction and then 'sportingly' patronise the parents of the losing teams. Of course, the level of smug satisfaction was relative to the performance of their offspring‌ The parent of any child who had performed badly kept very quiet and returned home as quickly as possible.

Sam was desperate to share sporting glory with his younger son, Daniel, but the opportunity rarely presented itself.

Daniel wasn't a natural athlete and was never in a school team. However a surprising opportunity for parental smugness arose when Daniel came home one day with the school chess trophy.

Sam took great delight in praising his son and basking in reflected glory. After all, he’d been the one to introduce his son to the game and a trophy was a trophy...

Daniel's school victory led to an invitation to compete in a regional chess tournament. Father and son

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immediately started a serious training programme to prepare for this important event. Ruth enjoyed seeing their heads together in deep concentration but soon tired of the endless discussion of tactics at meal times. The chessboard was even brought to the table, until Daniel slopped a huge dollop of tomato ketchup over the white queen.

Daniel and Sam set off for the chess tournament, confident of success. The competition took place in a local secondary school and, as they walked through the doors of the vast dining hall, they were presented with seemingly endless rows of tables with chessboards and timers. The stale cooking smells and disconcerting atmosphere of whispered solemnity brought back buried memories of school exams, which made Sam feel very uncomfortable.

The surrounding rooms were designated 'practice areas' and were crammed with intense young competitors, being schooled by even more intense parents. Sam and Daniel registered and were given name badges and a results sheet to fill in as they progressed though the competition.

Daniel did well. He won his first three games but forgot to press the timer between moves. He was also unnerved by the enforced silence and kept trying to strike up a conversation with his opponent.

At one point, he got the giggles because the girl to the side of him scraped her chair and he thought it sounded rude. A stern looking adjudicator came over to see what the problem was. Being a logical and

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SARAH LOTT STORY

honest child, Daniel saw no harm in explaining why he was laughing.

Unfortunately his honesty resulted in a red face for his neighbour and an official warning for Daniel.

Sam, meanwhile, was keeping himself going with cups of insipid milky coffee and rich tea biscuits. He was sitting on an uncomfortable school chair in a separate room. Parents weren't allowed to watch the games in case they influenced their children so Sam was getting extremely bored. There was to be no punching the air or cheers of support here. He’d initially struck up a conversation with some of the other parents but all the chess 'banter' was completely alien to him.

Competitiveness on the sports field paled into insignificance when compared with these chess parents.

Complex pre-game strategy was followed by detailed post-game analysis and Sam was unable to follow the terminology and references to Russian chess masters.

Glorious sunshine taunted him from behind smeared school windows and Sam fidgeted on his plastic seat. The more chess games Daniel won, the longer he’d have to stay… Daniel emerged from his fifth match with a victorious grin and Sam's heart sank.

"If I win this match Dad, I get through to the next regional tournament! And what's even more brilliant is that the next tournament is on your birthday...

And it's in Sheffield!

Sarah Lott Website: www.thememorybook.co.uk Email: sarah@thememorybook.co.uk Tel: 07957 598348

Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts

SEPTEMBER 2019

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KINGSWOOD LAWN TENNIS CLUB

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CONGRATULATIONS occupied by tennis players! And I am not sure what hope there will be for new members in any retirement village which may be built on the L&G site. But I would say that the standard of tennis, and the depth of good tennis, Team Doubles Group.

nowadays at the Club is far superior to anything in the past. And that’s not only due to our wonderful club coach, Valentin, playing for our first team! It is also in large measure due to a number of new members that we have been able to attract in recent years.

Social Doubles Group.

Let’s start with junior tennis, which is a

M

ay I start by congratulating the

priority. Thank you to local estate agents,

Village Voice on reaching the

Kennedys, for their continuing support of the

milestone of 150 editions over 37

club with a focus on junior tennis. Turn up at

years. A great achievement which really adds to

the club at a quiet time and you may well see

the cohesion and life of our lovely village. I

teenagers playing, or parents playing with their

don’t understand why anybody would want to

children. Having spent most of the summers as

live anywhere else – except for a change I

a child and teenager playing tennis at my local

suppose! Many thanks are due in particular to

club and elsewhere, I take great pleasure from

its inspirational editor Richard Milbourn. It is

seeing courts being used by juniors as part of

well known that Richard is a very good hockey

their recreation and interaction - and away

player but slightly less well known that he is

from their mobile phones and computers. We

also a good tennis player.

obviously owe a lot to Valentin for getting this

I don’t want to brag but Kingswood LTC is

going. He, with the able assistance of Nigel

even older than the Village Voice. The site was

Catlow, work very hard with their coaching and

given by Costains in the 1930’s as a place for

holiday tennis camp programmes. And this is

the recreation of the new owners of the smart

bearing fruit in matches and tournaments.

suburban villas then being built on what used

Grace Fyfer won the recent Under-8

to be the hunting ground of the King (and the

tournament at Reedham. The U16 girls have

Queen as well, I suppose). However, so far as I

won three of their four matches. The U16 boys

remember, and I have been a member since

have won one, lost two, and have one to play.

1987, it has drawn its members from far and

But, as I try to remind everybody who plays in

wide. When I joined it had a number of very

matches, it is not the winning that matters the

strong members who were based in London

most but the tea afterwards. And I happened to

and were members of London clubs like

see one home boys match, and the mums were

Queens, but who liked to play tennis at the

there with tea and cakes (which they even

week-end in Kingswood.

shared with me), so I felt that all was right in

We have moved on since those days. Some of

the world. Now for the real bragging.

the enormous new homes being built in recent

• Men’s: We have four men’s teams in the

years in the Costain estate do not seem to be

Surrey leagues. The 1st team is in a very high

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KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

KINGSWOOD LAWN TENNIS CLUB

league and has lost both matches so far - which just goes to show that it all depends how good the opposition are, not just how good you are!

I have never seen such strong tennis at Kingswood, and I would recommend watching it to anyone. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams are doing well and are hoping for promotion. We have 3 men’s teams in the Dorking & Leatherhead Leagues, all of them winning and

Minis Group.

hoping for promotion. We have a men’s vets team, who have won all their matches.

Auckland, who provided a terrific day of

• Women’s: We have two ladies’ teams in the

coaching and exhibition tennis. It is just

Surreys, the 1st team having won all their

amazing how inspirational these two were.

matches to date.

Their services were provided at no cost to the

• Mixed: We have five mixed teams in various

club by the charity Bright Ideas for Tennis. To

leagues – all matches to date have been won.

add to the fun, there was a BBQ and an ice-

The high standard of tennis was

cream cart. Apart from a short shower, the

demonstrated at our Club Finals Day on Sunday

weather was kind. Even the shower was put to

7th July. Our teenagers shone. Young James

good effect, since we held the auction during

Beaven, a top Surrey player in his age group,

it, and enjoyed watching Trevor and Tim

overcame Club Captain Hefin Bowen in the

bidding against each other for the Henman

“men’s” singles. Former champion Cheryl Agius

racquet. We raised well over £1,000, part of

was a very gracious loser to young Holly Gale in

which will go to support junior tennis and the

the “ladies’” singles. At least the parents got a

balance of which will go to defray the cost of

look-in in the doubles events. Cheryl and Ruth

the new garden area by the clubhouse, which

beat Teresa and Jane in the ladies doubles.

proved its worth on the day. Our thanks go to

James and his dad Neil were just too strong for

Brian Jeffreys, who worked tirelessly in

Joel and Nigel in a close fought men’s doubles

arranging and organising the event. Please see

final. He finally got his revenge against the

the photos. All in all, probably the best day in

Beaven family in the mixed doubles final,

the club’s history to date.

partnering Holly to beat Neil and Jane. In the

Last but not least, we are always looking to

vets, Nigel beat the Chairman, who would say

attract new members, particularly in the village.

that the score did not do him justice. The vet

If you are considering joining, please do come

men’s doubles was won by the hastily put

and see what the Club has to offer in terms of

together pair of Nigel and Steve Hyde: very

facilities and friendly faces, or contact

galling for Steve’s younger brother Chris,

kltcmembership@gmail.com, and go online to

playing with the Treasurer, who felt afterwards

join. Valentin, the club coach, can be contacted

that they were not at their best on the day. The

on 07919 453206 or coaching@kingswoodltc.com.

other finals in the vets were postponed, due to old age, as one wag put it.

And now for the icing on the cake this

To join or for more information, please go to our website at

summer. On Saturday 8th June, the Club was

www.kingswoodltc.com

extremely grateful to welcome two former GB

Robin Hollington

Davis Cup players, Luke Milligan and James

Chairman

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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F E AT U R E D C H A R I T Y

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CENTENARY WOOD THE WOODLAND TRUST In this edition Roger Dring tells us about The Woodland Trust and especially a very special new woodland very near to us.

W

hat is this? Where is it? These are questions Penelope and I are often asked, and it is surprising how many local people do not know. I appreciate that Centenary Wood is not right on the doorstep of Kingswood residents, but dare to cross the A217 to Walton and it is easy to find!

The answers to the questions posed above are as follows. The Centenary Wood is one of 4 woodlands planted by the Woodland Trust to commemorate the 1st World War, others are being created in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is the largest of the four, covering parts of boroughs of Reigate and Banstead (Walton on the Hill), Mole Valley (Headley) and Epsom and Ewell (Langley Vale). In 2014 The Woodland Trust acquired the 640 acre Langley Vale Farm and have now planted some 150.000 trees over about 400 acres. The remaining area, approximately a third, will be left as open space but managed for wildlife, both flora and fauna.

The trees being planted are all native varieties and include beech, rowan, hawthorn, oak, hazel as well as cherry and other flowering trees. The earliest plantings are now beginning to mature well and it is

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good to see the changes that the seasons bring in the colours. One area has been enclosed against deer and has been planted as an orchard and another is as a remembrance of the Battle of Jutland. There are also trees planted in memory of fallen relatives and benches similarly given. Former woodland is being renovated and there is a bluebell wood which looked beautiful this spring.

How we get there at present is somewhat more problematical unless one can walk well, as there is presently no car parking on

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F E AT U R E D C H A R I T Y

A ‘Small Copper’ butterfly in Centenary Wood.

Centenary Wood in the Spring.

site or very close. The good news is that I understand that Mole Valley have given planning permission for a car park which is likely to be built next year. For the present the best ways to get to the most mature site is via the bridleway at the island where Hurst Road and Ebbisham Lane meet. One can also walk down Ebbisham Lane, where the last plantings were made this winter, to Downs View Farm and go along their track to the same bridleway and cross over into the field. That field used to be the army camp in Tadworth

during the 1st World War. Once one gets to the Centenary Wood itself walking is not difficult, but one needs to allow not less than an hour and a half, although 2 hours gives a better idea of the extent of the whole area.

All in all it is a great project and one that we locals should be proud of.

The Woodland Trust is a registered UK charity which says “Our vision is a UK rich in native woods and trees, for people and wildlife.” They believe that every tree is worth fighting for and they would like your support. You can find out more about The Woodland Trust from their website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk . The trust does organise very informative walks around the Centenary Woodland at Langley Vale from time to time. I would like to acknowledge the information provided by the Trust and their website. Roger Dring

UPPER ROOM ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, KINGSWOOD AVAILABLE FOR HIRE IDEAL FOR MEETINGS and SMALL GATHERINGS of up to 25 people TEA/COFFEE MAKING FACILITIES £10 an hour or £25 for a MORNING/AFTERNOON/EVENING No Disabled Access Contact: 01737 813496 or anne.bennett@btinternet.com Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts

SEPTEMBER 2019

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CHARITY ACTION LIST Feeling charitable? Or just want to get involved

TWOAT Teas & Talks in

in some interesting local activities? Or both!

Kingswood

Here’s what’s coming up in the next 3 months.

TWOAT invite you to Teas & Talks, featuring short illustrated talks about some

Sunday 8 September 3pm to

more of the 20 small-scale, self-help projects

4.45pm

which TWOAT helps to support in some of the

Christchurch Hall, Walton

poorest parts of the world. Admission £5 to

Street, Walton on the Hill

include tea, cakes and sandwiches.

TWOAT Teas & Talks in Walton

Further information from Mike Fox 01737 350452

TWOAT invite you to Teas & Talks, featuring

or Mike.fox2@NTLWorld.com

short illustrated talks about some of the 20 small-scale, self-help projects which TWOAT helps

Saturday 16 November 7pm for a

to support in some of the poorest parts of the

7.30pm start at Tadworth Court

world. Admission £5 to include tea, cakes and

Mansion, Tadworth Street KT20 5RU

sandwiches. Further information from Mike Fox 01737 350452 or Mike.fox2@NTLWorld.com

The Friends Quiz Get your team together and come along to challenge for the prizes or just to enjoy

Saturday 16 September 10am to 1pm

yourselves. All proceeds will benefit the children

rs and non-

The Firs, The Hoppety,

recovering from brain injury at Tadworth Court.

Tadworth KT20 5RQ

Fish & Chip Supper. Donations bar. Tickets £15

Sue Edward’s Open Garden with Tea, Coffee and

from Bob Gunn bob@gunn.org or

Homemade Cakes

www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-the-childrens-

Sue’s garden will be full of autumn colour and

trust

should be seen by gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Entry by donation to Dyscover, the local

November date and time tbc

charity supporting people with aphasia. Plant

Tadworth Primary School,

sales. Raffle. For more details please speak to

Heathcote, Tadworth KT20 5RR

Alice Owen on 01737 819419.

Craft Fair in aid of the Friends of the Children’s Trust

Tuesday 15 October 7.30pm at

The Friends of the Children's Trust are hosting a

Tadworth Court

Craft Fair. Come along and support a fantastic

Friends of the Children’s Trust

charity and also local businesses in time to buy

Annual General Meeting

all your Christmas gifts. Free entry (although

Support the work done by the Children’s Trust

donations warmly welcome).

and the fund-raising efforts of The Friends. Help them to plan events for the coming year. Free of

Is there a local charity event December to

charge.

February, not otherwise covered in Village Voice,

Thursday 17 October 3pm to 4.45pm

which you want to tell our readers about?

Kingswood Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane,

Please send brief information to Bob Gunn by 20

Kingswood

October.

58 SEPTEMBER 2019

KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307

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59

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VILLAGE VOICE GOLF DAY at Betchworth Park Golf Club, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1NZ

Thursday 24 October 2019

Editorial & Advertisement Next Deadline: 31st October

Teams of four, Stableford competition £85 per player or £320 per team of four Registration/Coffee and bacon rolls from 9am First tee off 10:30am Followed by three course meal, charity auction and prize-giving

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Dave Ford Tree Care

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David Legg

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Stoneman Funeral S’s Page 30

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LT Electrical

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Fine & Country

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THE KINGSWOOD

VILLAGE VOICE

Please contact Richard Milbourn, Editor, on 01737 222307 or email richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk

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