ISSUE 153 • JULY 2020
FEATURING
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
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KVCA
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 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 qÜÉ= éêáåí= êìå= Ñçê= qÜÉ= sáää~ÖÉ= sçáÅÉ= áë= NIRMM= ÅçéáÉë= ~åÇ= áí= áë= ÇÉäáîÉêÉÇ ÑêÉÉ= íç= ~ää= ÜçìëÉÜçäÇë= ~åÇ= ÄìëáåÉëëÉë= áå= háåÖëïççÇK= qÜÉ= sáää~ÖÉ= sçáÅÉ áë= éìÄäáëÜÉÇ= Ñçìê= íáãÉë= ~= óÉ~êW= j~êÅÜLgìåÉLpÉéíÉãÄÉêLaÉÅÉãÄÉê= ïáíÜ Åçéó= Ç~íÉë= çÑ= PNëí= g~åì~êóI= PMíÜ= ^éêáäI= PNëí= gìäó= ~åÇ= PNëí= lÅíçÄÉêK 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. To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
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CONTENTS g r iv = O M O M 3
KVCA Contacts
40
Sarah’s Garden Jottings
6
Your Chairman’s Notes
42
Kingswood & The Environment
8
Kingswood In Lockdown
44
Kingswood Village WI
26
News From KADDS
46
Inspired Villages
30
Flower Arrangement Group
48
NSPCC
32
Councillors’ Column
50
Kingswood Lawn Tennis Club
34
Writers’ Corner
52
The Church in Kingswood
36
Kingswood Residents
52
Thirteen Society
Association
54
Advertisement Index
38
4
Anne Dobson’s Recipes
JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
All Electrical Services Based in Kingswood and serving surrounding areas l l l l l l
Garden Lighting Design Specialists Domestic Rewires LED Ligting Upgrades Repairs Fault Finding & Rectification Security Lights & CCTV
All work completed to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) We will always endeavour to attend Kingswood residents and local homes and businesses on the same day in an emergency
Contact 0793 9087 7097 or 01737 370310 Email: liam@gardenlightcraft.co.uk www.gardenlightcraft.co.uk
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JULY 2020
5
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 o much of Kingswood life has
S
equipment and the replacement of the boiler which had
changed since I last wrote to
failed. Ronnie Baba of Elite Skills, a local property
you in the March edition! The
management company, has also kindly renovated the
Covid-19 virus has upturned our
Village Hall sign! So a freshly painted welcome awaits
usual world, brought illness to some
you when we are able to start using the Hall again. This
and restrictions to everyone. The
edition of Village Voice has also taken more work than
Kingswood community has responded magnificently,
usual, as so much of the regular content has had to
and you can read about many of the inspiring ways they
change, as some advertising content has, for
have done so in the special feature ‘Kingswood in
understandable reasons, been suspended, and as we
Lockdown’. Much of this has been organised under the
have tried to include much of the new, truly community
auspices of the Kingswood Safety Net which the KVCA
activity which has sprung up to cope with the
set up jointly with our colleagues in the KRA. But there
lockdown. I would particularly like to thank our editor
are many more than those featured who have also
Richard Milbourn for his hard work and flexibility and
played quiet, important roles by helping their
my KVCA colleague James Chatfield for his assistance.
neighbours, keeping in contact and checking that they
There is an apology I must make relating to the March
are OK. I’ve lost count of the number of people who
edition of Village Voice, which was the very unfortunate
have said to me that there is a much stronger sense of
misspelling of Rosemary Akerman’s surname in a
community in Kingswood now and that they would like
number of titles and captions accompanying the sad
that to be sustained in the future. As we see restrictions
news of her death. To her partner Colin Edgerton and
begin to lift, one of the main challenges facing the
to her family I am extremely sorry that this error was
Kingswood Village Community Association will be to
not picked up in the final proof-reading. And I am sad
find the best ways to do just that. If you have ideas, and
to report the death Ken Astell in March this year. Ken
especially if you want to help, do please contact me.
played a key part in the ‘saving’ of the Village Hall 40
The KVCA had to completely close the Village Hall in
years ago and the establishment of the KVCA and he
March and, as I write this at the end of May, the earliest
acted in a number of early KADDS plays. Our
we may be able to open for some activities – those that
condolences to Erica and the family. A fuller
can meet social distancing requirements – looks like
appreciation is planned for the next edition. Both the KVCA and KADDS were due to hold their
being the beginning of July. This has severely affected our Hall Users, many of whom are small businesses who
AGMs in April and these were obviously victims of the
have suddenly lost all of their income. The KVCA’s
lockdown. A Zoom meeting of the KVCA Committee
income from the Hall has also been cut off and although
will decide whether to hold a much delayed 2020 AGM
we have cut the costs we can, there are still major costs
or to wait until 2021 and hope that the Charities
that continue, such as rent, rates, insurance. We have
Commission is understanding.
however been able to claim some financial assistance
To all of my colleagues in both the KVCA and the
from the government support scheme, via our helpful
KRA, and to all in the community of Kingswood who
Borough Council, for which we are very grateful. This
have assisted in any way during this most unusual
has enabled us to carry on with a number of
period, I would like to say a very sincere “thank you” for
improvements to the Hall which we had planned for
your help and support. Let’s all, together, try to make
later in the year, but have now been able to do during
sure that we really can keep this strong Kingswood
the lockdown. My KVCA colleague Peter Wormald has
community spirit alive!
overseen the installation of new safety and security
Bob Gunn, Chairman KVCA
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
A COMMUNITY RESPONDS The countries which have performed best in the Covid-19 pandemic seem to be those which reacted early, planned, and put systems in place to control the spread of the virus and mitigate the effects on their society. Fortunately, in Kingswood we have not had to face severe conditions, but Covid-19 has still changed our lives in ways which were unthinkable at the start of 2020. And how Kingswood has responded!
M
ost of you know that Kingswood has two associations, which engage with all those who live in our village – the Kingswood Village Community Association (KVCA) and the Kingswood Residents Association (KRA). They look after different aspects of village life – the KVCA runs the Village Hall, puts on concerts and KADDS plays, produces Village Voice and promotes community activities; the KRA promotes the welfare of the community through good governance in relation to planning, environment, safety and conservation so as to preserve the character of Kingswood and ensure that it remains a unique and special place to live. The KVCA and the KRA work closely together and no more so than in responding collaboratively to the Covid threat. In early March, some 2 weeks before the government Covid lockdown, Bob Gunn and Valerie Evans agreed to set up the Kingswood Safety Net as a joint KVCA/KRA initiative, primarily intended to make sure that no-one living in our village would be without basic support for food shopping, medical supplies, a listening ear, or other simple daily needs when the restrictions came into effect. A Kingswood Safety Net phone number 07310 054159 and email address kingswoodsafetynet@gmail.com were set up and a leaflet with these contact details was delivered to every residence in Kingswood. So, well before lockdown was announced on 24 March, Kingswood
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JULY 2020
residents knew that there was somewhere in their village they could turn to if they had concerns or needed help. The leaflet also put out a call for volunteers, and what a positive response we have had! There are more than 90 residents on the KSN Volunteers list, with many others helping at a ‘local neighbour’ level, just because they are good neighbours. The number of central requests for help has, thankfully, been low; only 23 calls for help have been made, most of those in March and early April. The main reasons for this are two of the other initiatives promoted by the Kingswood Safety Net, the setting up of Local Area Groups to deal with help requests in an individual road or small group of roads within the village, and the establishment of a KSN Volunteer daily grocery delivery service from Kingswood Village Store for those self-isolating. You can read more about these volunteer-led initiatives in the following pages and also some of the other outbreaks of Kingswood community spirit, which have shown that there are some silver linings to the dark clouds of Covid-19. These include: • the tremendous efforts of our Kingswood Village shops and restaurants. • the Food Bank Donations scheme • imaginative online offers by local groups and businesses to help us at home • gardens – virtual and real garden tours, plus a Seedling Exchange scheme • our Kingswood Safety Net 2.6 Charity Challenge KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN • the 75th VE Day celebrations • walking in and around Kingswood Despite the illness, hardship, loneliness and death that the virus has caused, there have undoubtedly been examples of community spirit which we will want to sustain when things get back to a new normal. We may not need the Kingswood Safety Net in place, but instead, a stronger and more active network of Kingswood residents, shops, businesses, clubs and organisations will ensure that, if there are future Covid cycles, or emergencies of a different kind, we have a strong community infrastructure already in place in Kingswood to deal with it. Bob Gunn & Valerie Evans
To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
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KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Maxine Swan and Lani Robertson.
Kingswood’s first Food Bank donation.
he Kingswood Safety Net Food Bank Scheme was set up in late April following an urgent plea from Reigate and Banstead Council for food and household essentials during the COVID-19 crisis to go to those families really struggling for the basics. Our aim was to reach out to our village by setting up local community food bank drop off points, distributing flyers and displaying posters around Kingswood. The response was phenomenal, inspiring us to increase awareness of the campaign reaching out to our local shops to support. Kingswood Village Store, Kingswood Wine and The Waterhouse Café all embraced and promoted the scheme with true community spirit. The Kingswood Safety Net and Warren Residents Security Community provided valuable support reaching out to the residents of Kingswood. From a visit to the make-shift Food Bank Hub at The Harlequin Theatre at Redhill, and from overhearing the desperate phone calls made to it, it was apparent how the COVID-19 crisis has
affected local vulnerable families and individuals. Welfare goods collected are distributed to 5 food banks across the Borough and including Epsom & Ewell, together with numerous charities plus emergency food parcels direct from the Council sent to those in need. By late May 1,500 had been distributed. We decided to “raise our game” introducing a Kingswood Safety Net Facebook page and a financial donation scheme with Kingswood Village Store, after we were bombarded with requests to donate money. We updated our posters and increased our drop off points to 16 around the village. Food and Welfare goods have continued to be donated in abundance ! Five weeks into the scheme, at the end of May, we are still going strong!! The managers of The Food Bank Scheme from Reigate and Banstead Council visited our ”garage makeshift sorting office” last week to express their thanks. We have become the largest collection point out of the 24 in our area and they have asked us to keep up the good work, explaining that families and individuals continue to
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN be impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. We would like to thank everyone who has supported this project – our amazing volunteers who have set up Food Bank Drop Off Points, local businesses and organisations and all of the individual residents who have donated items and money. It would be so tremendous for your kindness and
generosity to continue. It is very much appreciated and the community has proved what we can do when we all pull together. THANK YOU! For further information about participating or supporting please contact Maxine.swan@mail.com Maxine Swan & Lani Robinson KSN Food Bank Scheme Coordinators
GETTING DELIVERIES THROUGH
E
specially in the first few weeks of the lockdown in March and early April, one of the key concerns of Kingswood residents, in particular those self-isolating, was how to get their necessary grocery supplies. Shortages and enormous queues at supermarkets allied with the non-availability of new supermarket delivery slots added to their anxiety. The demand on our few local food shops increased significantly, and they responded magnificently, none more so than Kingswood Village Store. However, those in isolation and those strongly recommended to stay at home knew that they still shouldn’t visit the store to chose and take home what they needed. Kartik and Sonal Shah had their hands more than full sourcing extra supplies, restocking shelves, serving customers not to mention the increased demand for newspaper deliveries. So the Kingswood Safety Net Volunteers stepped in and offered to run daily deliveries from Kingswood Village Store to Kingswood homes which were isolating. Our other shops and restaurants operating through the lockdown knew that they could ask for delivery assistance, but have been able to cope with their own resources.
KSN Volunteer Driver Hayley Child with Sonal Shah Kingswood Village Store.
Sally Fish has run a daily delivery rota from Kingswood Village Store which operated from 25 March until the end of May, by which time the demand for necessary supplies had decreased to a level that could be handled by the Shahs. In all, some 25 Volunteers have taken part in the delivery runs, typically making a late afternoon delivery to 3 or 4 Kingswood homes. Their willingness to give their time has played a key part in ensuring that noone in Kingswood has gone without during this difficult period. On behalf of all of those who benefitted, thank you! Sally Fish
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JULY 2020
11
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
MAKING THE SUPPORT LOCAL
O
nce the Kingswood Safety Net had been set up in March, one of the key planks in delivering the help that was needed was
to try to make sure that, where possible, the assistance was being given by a neighbour living close by. This has been done through Local Area Groups, either by using existing groups or setting up new ones. Kari Perry and Caroline Houlding tell us about the two groups they are involved in.
time, so we contacted a few of these in each road
The Birch Grove WhatsApp group was created a
and many have now set up their own groups,
few weeks before lockdown in early March. Initially
many but not all using WhatsApp as their main
it was set up as a quick and easy way of
means of communication. At the end of May there
communicating with each other just in case anyone
are 34 active groups covering
needed help with anything. At the beginning of
almost all of the roads in
March none of us were really sure what we were
Kingswood.
going to be facing, then when all the toilet rolls,
Kari Perry, KSN Local Area Group
pasta and hand sanitizer started flying off the
Advisor & Birch Grove Neighbours
shelves and the panic buying had begun, the
WhatsApp Group Coordinator
WhatsApp group informed each other when supermarket queues were not too long and if they had found any elusive toilet roll anywhere! Over the last couple of months the neighbours have shared lots on the group from recipes, local
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he Warren Drive WhatsApp group was set
information on grocery and restaurant deliveries,
up a few days after lockdown commenced
interesting walks and undiscovered footpaths, food
as part of the wider Kingswood Safety Net
bank collections, lots of chat, jokes and videos and even given a trampoline a new home to the
initiative. To start with I contacted about six
delight of one of the younger Birch Grove
neighbours in the road I already knew and then
residents. Everyone has been grateful for the group
Kari encouraged me to drop in a note to every
and it has definitely provided support in this
resident giving them the opportunity to get in
anxious time.
touch with me if they would like to be part of a
Soon after the Birch Grove WhatsApp group
WhatsApp group specifically to provide support to
was created, the KSN was looking into ways of
our neighbours during the lockdown. The response
creating similar groups across Kingswood to ensure
was fantastic as just a couple of hours after my
people who were vulnerable, lonely or just needed
mail drop I received numerous texts asking to be
some help could reach out to people living directly
included on the group and offers of help to those
around them. A few other roads already had well
who might need it. We now have 43 neighbours
established groups but many areas didn’t so we
on the list.
embarked on a plan to create more, so that many
Since the initiative started conversation topics
Kingswood residents could benefit. The KSN had
have included offers of help to those self isolating,
over 80 volunteers signed up to help during this
local takeaway recommendations, sharing
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
information about grocery delivery companies,
As life has become a little easier since March our
whereabouts of available flour and yeast and co-
neighbours are still sharing local news and I am
ordinating the collection of donations to the
hoping that this will continue as we get back to
local food bank at 2 drop off points in Warren
normal. I can certainly see the benefits of
Drive. On VE day everyone was encouraged to
keeping the group going as it
come onto their drive at 3 pm for a toast which
has created a real sense of
was a great success – almost a street party!!
community.
More recently one of our neighbours found a
Caroline Houlding
lone duckling on their drive and asked if anyone
Warren Drive WhatsApp Group
had seen Mother Duck and the other ducklings!
Coordinator
CHURCH DURING LOCKDOWN
I
t was with enormous sadness that our Mothering
to see an end in sight to their isolation, but they still
Sunday service was cancelled at the beginning of
remained upbeat. It has been lovely to talk and get
lockdown when the Church of England ordered all
to know people much more than with a quick chat in
cathedrals and churches to close their doors to all but
church or at a function.
one person a week who is able to enter and check
In addition to the weekly online services that Rev’d
on the building’s well-being. However, that Sunday
Chris has put up, she is running Wisdom Stories at Tea
Rev’d Chris put on her first online service and it
Time on Zoom at its normal Wednesday afternoon
certainly brought tears to my eyes. A busy service
time of 3.30, where the children are invited for a very
normally attended by the uniformed groups with
lively service of story, music and prayer plus a chat at
posies of flowers given out upon leaving, it was
the end.
strange to listen in online. Rev’d Chris’s very poignant
Two concerts have been cancelled – our summer
talk brought home that instead of lunching with our
concert is one of the church’s main sources of
Mothering Day families, this was the beginning of our
income. However, by the time the Village Voice is
separation from our families for some time. Little did
delivered, a parish Zoom variety concert will have
we know how long the church would lie silent and
been seen on 20 June, where donations were
our families distant.
requested in order to be invited to watch, so some
Rev’d Chris immediately divided all the church’s
fund raising will have been managed.
contacts into groups allocated to six pastoral contacts
Our very special VE Day Talk and Tea in May was
– Sunday and Wednesday worshippers, Monthly
also cancelled but Pia and Kevin Chamberlain’s
Coffee Morning attendees, choir and bell ringers and
enormous amount of research will not go to waste
others known to us. I had 23 on my list and began
as we will put it on as soon as we are able. The
ringing round. There was a certain anxiety about the
summer fete on Saturday, 5 September with a sports
immediate future with on line deliveries being
theme may be able to run – so watch this space. So
impossible to organise but even in that initial week
the church building may have remained quiet but the
people had already sorted themselves out and
parish has been linking arms and
everyone was OK. As the weeks went on, I either
enjoying God’s presence through
rang people or knew that they preferred email and
our online services and through
kept up the contact. The last week in May, strangely
observing and enjoying God’s
enough – week 10 – brought those who are
wonderful Spring.
vulnerable to their lowest ebb as they were unable
Lindsay Cole
To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
MARCH 2020
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KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
OUR LIFELINE FOR NECESSITIES hat can we say about
W
food including special offers and
our local Kingswood
themed promotions.
Village shops whose
Waterhouse Café has adapted
staff have been working so
its regular expansive menu to
unbelievably hard this last few
take-away only, with other
months to meet the
highlights including hot
unprecedented demands the
breakfasts, meat boxes and
coronavirus health crisis has
fresh goods such as fruit,
presented?
vegetables, even eggs and flour!
Since the lockdown began in
Kingswood Wines have also
March, many people in our community have been
worked extremely hard to keep up with their
(and at the time of writing still are) 'shielding' in
customers’ appetites not only for alcoholic
full isolation and/or are facing challenging times
beverages but also for their range of general
for other reasons. Our local shops have been
provisions, from tinned foods, biscuits, UHT milk,
providing a vital lifeline and a great convenience
flour and sugar to household and personal items.
to villagers generally, with shopkeepers and staff
As always, Kartik and Sonal Shah, who work
putting themselves at considerable hardship and
tirelessly at the Kingswood Village Store and Post
even some risk to do so.
Office, have continued to do us proud with the
All the shops in the parade that have stayed
provision of the many wonderful services they
open during the pandemic, including No. 12,
offer. They maintained newspaper deliveries
Waterhouse Café, Kingswood Wines, the
throughout and have expanded their large range
Kingswood Village Store, the New Khyber and
of items on sale, with the addition of a lovely
Pets Corner, had to quickly adapt their businesses,
selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pets Corner
involving embracing rapidly announced and
has also remained open and has adapted well, to
sometimes confusing COVID-19 health, safety and
the considerable relief of Kingswood’s pet
social distancing procedures. The cessation of
owners. All of these businesses have been happy
many stock deliveries to shops for weeks during
to help with deliveries/collections upon request.
lockdown necessitated our shopkeepers
This pandemic won’t last forever but when we
themselves making visits to wholesalers, adding
do eventually come out the other side, many of
many hours of queuing to their days in order to
us will hopefully remember what a convenience
be able to source as much of their regular stock
our local shops have been throughout these
as possible, plus new and varied items to meet
strange times and will continue to support them.
customers’ demands. When the supermarkets had
They have gone more than ‘the extra mile’ to
queues snaking around their car parks and with
support us when we needed them. Let’s make
panic buying resulting in certain items such as
sure that they can continue to thrive when things
toilet rolls, eggs and flour becoming very scarce,
get back to something like
we have largely been able to find them on our
normal, to say “thank you” and
doorsteps here in Kingswood!
because we want them still to
No. 12 and New Khyber have remained open for take-away collections and deliveries and continue to provide a really fantastic range of
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JULY 2020
be there should anything similar happen again! Lisa Davies KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
RAMBLING AROUND KINGSWOOD say it takes about 1hr 30 mins, at an easy pace. It’s also a perfect circuit for running, as it’s relatively flat, or for mountain biking. I prefer to start this walk from a cutting, just off the A217, opposite St Andrew’s Church. If you haven’t used this path before, it is marked with a footpath post, but is hard to find amongst all the summer foliage. As you enter the woods you cross the little ditch bridge and just need to walk in a relatively straight direction on this path. After about 1/2km the path bears left and leads to a large open field space, popular with dog walkers.” From the field there are many different Juliet’s route.
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options to this circular walk, which passes through to the Mogador area and then over
here may be not much to recommend
the A 217 at the pedestrian crossing, continues
lockdown anywhere, but in Kingswood
via Green Lane and ends up at Kingswood Golf
we have been treated to marvellous
Club.
weather throughout May and this has got many
As Juliet says: “I hope you enjoy this walk as
of us up and running, or cycling or walking at
much as we do…it really is stunning; whatever
the very least!
the weather or time of day.” (The map and a
We have been discovering footpaths and by-
full itinerary are available on request).
ways, woodlands and fields throughout the
Other residents of Kingswood have risen to
area, some which were hardly used, now much
the challenge of supplying some mystery photos
trodden. The advice to take exercise once a day
of scenes along their favourite walks. Can you
has well and truly got us going: Banstead
spot where these photos were taken by Maggie
Woods, Perrotts Farm, Canons Farm, Kingswood
Kippen, Naren & Yaso, and Jill Gunn? Answers
and Walton Heath Golf Clubs and the Mill Field
on page 54.
have all been thoroughly explored. Some junctions and intersections of footpaths, with everyone carefully socially distancing, have been busy as Piccadilly Circus before lockdown. Aren’t we lucky to have such great
Photo A.
Photo B.
Photo C.
countryside on our doorstep? And that’s what a number of Kingwood residents have found out. Juliet Quartermain writes about one of her favourite circular walks from Kingswood:
Somehow I don’t think we are going to need much encouragement to keep up
“It’s roughly 12,000 steps/8kms; enough to
this new-found enthusiasm for
make you feel as though you have done some
walking in our wonderful local
exercise without it being too strenuous. I would
surroundings. James Chatfield
To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
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KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
THE KSN 2.6 CHALLENGE
Bob and Jill on the KSN 2.6 Challenge.
Maggie Kippen on KSN 2.6 at Eyhurst Farm.
T
he London Marathon was not run this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This obviously left charities with a huge drop in their revenues. As a result 2.6 Challenges were organised all around the country on Sunday 26 April. Our own Kingswood 2.6 Challenge was coordinated by Bob Gunn who sent out the call for 10 volunteers or groups to undertake ten 2.6 mile walks around Kingswood village. Altogether the routes included every road in Kingswood Village. This was to remind everyone in Kingswood that help was available should they need it, via the Kingswood Safety Net. We had posters to post and hand-outs along the routes and could advertise the Kingswood Safety Net at a safe 2 metre distance. My husband Bijesh and I volunteered to be one of the 10 groups to participate in this challenge. We started our walk at 11am from outside our house in Copt Hill Lane. It was a lovely warm spring day, a trademark almost of this pandemic lockdown. We felt lucky and inspired to be sent off by our lovely supportive neighbours who clapped and cheered us on our way. I wore my enormous pink hat, some wore
16
JULY 2020
Mikki Hall and Buddy at the end of the KSN 2.6.
England Rugby shirts and some had lovely mascot dogs. We managed to cover almost three miles in an hour and our walk helped to raise much-needed money for The Children’s Trust at Tadworth Court. We certainly discovered more of Kingwood roads along the way. We posted our posters and handed out leaflets to residents to advertise the Kingswood Safety Net activities. The other KSN 2.6 Challenge walkers were: • Mikki Hall with Buddy the dog supporting The Children’s Trust • Judith Barnett supporting The Children’s Trust • Sarah Denyer with her daughter and 2 dogs supporting The Ruth Strauss Foundation • Lydia Armitage & Anna Thuilot supporting The Children’s Trust • Juliet Quartermain supporting Refuge • Maggie & Steve Kippen raising money for Gatton Community Theatre • Maxine Swan with her dog supporting The Children’s Trust • Djina Dann supporting The Anthony Nolan Trust • Bob & Jill Gunn raising money for Lupus UK Altogether between us we raised well over
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KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
Judith Barnett setting out, map in hand.
Vicky de Bryne’s route
Vicky de Bryne and Bijesh Patel on KSN 2.6 Challenge.
ÂŁ2,000 for the six charities chosen by the individual walkers. We would all like to say a big thank you to all who supported us and continue to support us through these unprecedented times. Vicky de Bruyne & Bijesh Patel
Maxine Swan with Rocky.
THANK YOU TO NURSES illage Voice usually contains a list of coming
V
contracted Covid-19 in early April and was
events put on by our local charity groups
admitted to Epsom Hospital. With courage and the
which provide a host of entertaining
hard work of the medical staff he has now made a
activities and raise money for very worthwhile
full recovery. The Colairo family are in the catering
causes. Sadly no such list can currently be
trade they have decided to say thank you to the
produced, for obvious lockdown reasons, but all
nurses of Surrey by giving them shopping bags of
charities still need our help. Most of them have
fresh meat and vegetables. Their contacts at
suffered the double-whammy of a great drop in
Smithfield & Covent Garden Markets provide goods
income and an increase in costs. So if you can
at a reduced price and the Colairos visit a different
afford to give something extra to the charities you
hospital each time. Although they are covering
usually support, then please do so.
much of the cost of this themselves, if you would
There are also new charitable causes triggered
like to donate to the cost of the supplies you can
by the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is one really local
do so at www.gofundme.com
one. George Colairo Snr, a Kingswood resident,
/f/nhs-surrey-shopping-basket
To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
17
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY
Beeches Wood.
Copt Hill Lane.
Yew Tree Cottage in The Glade.
The Glade.
ingswood residents weren’t going to let a little thing like ‘a pandemic lockdown’ spoil the chance to celebrate one of the most important days of the last century and anyway, tell Kingswood residents there might be a party and hey….. try and hold them back! Just before 11am Councillors Tim Archer, Simon Parnell and Caroline Neame walked to St Andrew’s Church and represented us all by saying a prayer for the fallen and a laying a wreath on the War Memorial. We thank them. Meanwhile, in The Glade, Basil Preuveneers on his balcony played the Last Post on his trumpet. We then kept 2 minutes silence until he played Reveille, which was very moving. In the afternoon residents all over the village, who earlier had decorated their houses with bunting, flags and other decorations, put out tables and chairs in their front gardens and drank a toast to
the fallen. Neighbours chatted and sang, but all keeping the required distance of 6ft of course. Children and adults waved flags and hands welcoming neighbours. We have pictures of the celebrations from residents in Copt Hill, Furze Hill, Beeches Wood, Warren Drive, Waterhouse Lane and The Glade. Kevin and Pia Chamberlain peeked through their hedge to join in celebrating with their neighbours. Kevin and Pia have said that, when we have all been let out for good behaviour, they will put on the VE Day Presentation which had been planned at the Village Hall. Back in the Glade, Basil and Lisa Preuveneers and their neighbours Dave and Heather Hempstead, combined forces putting up a marquee where Basil set up loud speakers and a microphone. Tables and chairs were spread out on the lawn at the required distances. Lisa had printed song sheets with all the old favourites
K
18
JULY 2020
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KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
Furze Hill.
Councillors Caroline Neame, Simon Parnall and Tim Archer at the War Memorial.
Celebrating through the hedge.
and….. the party began! With Basil on his keyboard there was singing and dancing in the street while bunting fluttered in the breeze of what turned out to be a beautiful warm and sunny afternoon. Chris and Glen Grainger came dressed for the part. Chris as a fighter pilot complete with leather hat, goggles and flying jacket and boots (Chris got very hot!!). And Glen as an Air Raid Warden complete with tin hat and overalls. Some of the ladies came in pretty dresses and a great time was had by all. Glen told me that he was refurbishing the air raid shelter in his garden taking it
Air Raid Warden and Fighter Pilot.
back to its original state with all the interior trimmings. He plans eventually when it is complete to open it up to neighbours and anyone who is interested to see it. So VE Day 2020 came and went. We have some lovely memories; not quite those that we would have hoped for if Covid-19 hadn’t reared it’s ugly head. But it just goes to show that if we all stick together and stick to the rules we can still have fun and beat this B***** thing!!!! See you all at the next party! Pam Armitage
To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
19
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES hilst no one fully foresaw the scale of
W
www.facebook.com/dinewithgeorge/ or on the
disruption the Covid-19 crisis would
NextDoor app. Alternatively, you can call 07984
bring to our lives, it’s been inspiring and
742187 or email: dinewithgeorge@hotmail.com
reassuring to see how local businesses have
The Life Story Club - Sarah Lott, a regular
adapted their services to support the needs of
contributor in the Village Voice, is a life story writer
Kingswood residents.
and has set up a Facebook group for anyone who
Whilst it's been amazing to see the extended
fancies getting family stories written down while
support being offered by our local food suppliers -
they’re stuck in isolation. It’s FREE - so If you would
who are surely the frontline heroes shaping our
like to give it a try, please contact Sarah for more
village history during these tough times - we
information by email:
shouldn’t forget other businesses which have
sarah@thememorybook.co.uk, mobile: 07957
found new and innovative ways to deliver their
598348 or visit her website:
services using social media and platforms such as
www.thememorybook.co.uk
Zoom to keep us engaged.
Alligator Pear - A new on-line ordering service is
Let’s put our hands together and back local
available from Alligator Pear with free delivery to
businesses, some of which are featured here with
Kingswood for all orders over £15. Great news for
the services they are offering in late May:
finding the perfect gift during lockdown. Visit
Yoga with Debi Henderson – Debi, who normally
www.alligatorpear.co.uk to explore on-line or call
runs a series of yoga classes at Kingswood Village
01737 818011.
Hall, is maintaining the fitness of the village by
Fresh Meat Supplies – Kingswood resident Vincent
offering Yoga classes (including Chair Yoga) via
Colairo normally supplies meat to top London
Zoom. There is a small charge of £5.00 per 1-hour
restaurants. Now he can deliver meat, and fish too,
session. Email Debi at info@pushtiyoga.co.uk to
to you. Minimum £40 order. Contact Vincent on
book.
07918 747378 or email colairo10@gmail.com for a
Dollies Beauty - Beauty advice is now available from
price list.
Dollies through social media
Knights Garden Centre - The Betchworth-based
https://www.facebook.com/dollies.beautywellbeing,
garden centre is open but with distancing rules.
phone 01737 357989 and email
They will deliver orders to Kingswood @ £5.00.
info@dolliesbeauty.com. They also have gift sets to
Please refer to knightsgardencentres.com for more
help maintain our residents beauty regimes during
information.
lockdown and special offers from their suppliers.
Keystrokes Associates – Struggling with computer
Adult Ballet & Tap with Eleanor Coley – Eleanor,
problems? Want to get new systems working on
who also usually runs her classes at Kingswood
your computer to keep in touch with the outside
Village Hall, has launched virtual ballet and tap
world? Contact Keystrokes Associates, who have
classes using Zoom @ £5.00 per session. Please get
been keeping Kingswood customers online for over
in touch with Eleanor at eleanorcoley@hotmail.com
20 years and can provide remote support. Call Judy
for more information
on 01883 346 516, email keystrokeassoc@aol.com
Dine with George – Kingswood resident and Fine
or visit: www.keystrokeassociates.co.uk
Dining Chef, George Colairo, is operating a daily
Elite SKiLL the property maintenance company run
dish delivery service to your door at a cost of £8.00
by Ronnie Baba has kindly stepped in to renovate
per meal. Each day a dish is announced on George’s
the Kingswood Village Hall sign free of charge for
20
JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
the KVCA during the lockdown. Ronnie can be
slowly emerge from lockdown, please do your
contacted for all your maintenance enquiries on
bit to support local business and make use of the
07979 531872 or info@eliteskill.co.uk
wide selection of resources we have in our
And finally, don’t be ‘left in the dark’ if you
neighbourhood. It’s clearly been a challenging
require emergency or essential electrical services.
time for everyone and especially for small
Help is on-hand from our local electricians, who are
independent businesses. The future is ours to
supporting Kingswood residents under the
determine and it’s vitally important that our local
lockdown rules:
businesses survive the
JP Electrical, John Ponsford, tel: 07870 26560 and
disastrous impact of Covid-19
email: johnponsford40@gmail.com
so that our community
LT Electrical, Liam Tomkins, tel: 07939 087097 and
continues to thrive.
email: liamtomkins@hotmail.com
Think and buy locally. Thank you. Juliet Quartermain
As Government rules ease and businesses
LOCKDOWN MISCELLANEA
H
ave you been looking for something to read? Or just looking for something? Like many others over the past few months, Chris Harris has been reading a lot. She writes: On the lockdown front, personally I have much enjoyed reading ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina it is a story of the survival of a young girl, abandoned by her family. Along with beautifully descriptive writing, the reader is immersed in the wonders of nature interwoven with the social and racial divisions of the time. Add in a murder investigation and a love story – what more could you want!
Meanwhile, does this true tale strike a chord? LOST…? Wife to Husband during the evening, “I have lost the gold bracelet you gave me.” Husband “Don’t worry we will find it in the morning.” Next day they searched the house, shed and garden. No luck! Wife “I think I may have lost it on our walk over the golf course when I took off my jacket!” We retraced the walk carefully looking on the ground. Passed a couple who asked, “Are you looking for golf balls?” “No, a gold bracelet” we replied. Reversed the walk and looked in vain; no sign of it. Returned home, husband goes into the study to look for the insurance policy. Suddenly a cry from the kitchen. He rushes in to find his wife looking in the vegetable section of the FRIDGE! “Look! I have found it!” “Let’s have a glass of wine to celebrate” he says. Or maybe that was the problem in the first place!! Anon
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JULY 2020
21
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
GARDENING IN LOCKDOWN
Shieling in May.
R
obin and I normally open our garden at
seen it do visit the video and make a donation.
Shieling on several occasions from Easter
The link is https://tinyurl.com/yddsnz9l
to the end of May and enjoy showing it
As lockdown proceeded it became obvious
off to the visitors, who can walk round, ask about
that lots of local people were planning to grow
the plants, chat to us and enjoy tea and cakes.
vegetables and fruit for the first time this year.
Each year we usually make quite a lot of money
Some seeds were very hard to get, and regular
for charity. This year the lockdown came just
growers recognised that some people would be
before our planned Easter opening so we had to
so successful that they would have lots of surplus
cancel it. Instead my son made a video tour of the
seedlings and others might not manage to
garden on Easter Sunday and we posted the link
germinate or grow on their plants and want some
on the village websites and sent the link out to
of the surplus!
friends and family and members of various local gardening groups. So far, the video has been watched by many
The Kingswood Seedling Sharers WhatsApp group was set up and shared news of their successes and failures. As the weeks passed, we
people and we have collected £690 for the
became aware that we needed to get the
Children’s Trust at Tadworth. If you haven’t yet
seedlings and other plants out to gardeners
Seedling and Plant sale.
22
JULY 2020
Tracking down some bargains.
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD IN LOCKDOWN
The Stumpery at Easter.
The Stumpery in May.
before it was too late, so we arranged a Plant and
anything! We sold most of the plants and with
Seedling sale on Bank Holiday Monday in my front
plant sales and garden “tickets“ we made over
garden. We advertised it on the Village Website
£400 which will be donated to the National Garden
and to friends and family. We had five tables of
Scheme to support the cancer nursing charities.
plants – Vegetables, Shrubs and Succulents,
Plans are already afoot for further plant sales.
Annuals and Biennials, Perennials and Dahlias.
People who had looked at the Easter Virtual
Members of our WhatsApp group were
Tour of Shieling couldn’t believe
generous in providing plants and on the day, we
how much the garden had
also offered visitors a “socially distanced” one-way
changed – just look at the
route around the garden. Many visitors came, all
difference in the stumpery from
were very well behaved and enjoyed the walk,
April to May.
some walking round twice in case they missed
Sarah
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JULY 2020
23
NEWS FROM KADDS
THE SNOW QUEEN IN PICTURES
L
ike everything else, the pause button has been pressed on KADDS activities, just as we started rehearsals for our next play. We hope in the next edition of the Village Voice we will be able to let you know about our forthcoming events which are being planned.
24
JULY 2020
But in the meantime, here are some photos, kindly provided by Mike Hill, from our last production of The Snow Queen which we staged in February and packed the Village Hall to enjoy the performances of both adults and children, directed by Eileen Hannah. I hope that you enjoy them. Judy Parnall
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NEWS FROM KADDS
Eileen Hannah, Director.
Dave Ford Tree Care Contact us for a free quotation T: 01306 611 661 E: info@davefordtreecare.co.uk W: www.davefordtreecare.co.uk
Tree surgery with a heart l Felling l Pruning l Planting l Stump Grinding l Hedgerow Management l Emergency Work To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
25
WARTIME HEROINES
WARTIME HEROINES Although our planned commemoration of VE Day has been put on hold for the time being, it seemed nevertheless appropriate to remember two local women, who, much like their modern counterparts, showed enormous courage in putting their duty of care before their own safety. By sheer coincidence their names appear next to each other on the War Memorial outside St Andrew’s Church.
Bombing of St Thomas’s Hospital nurses’ home.
S
tephanie Freda Dunn was born on 10th February 1916 into an eminent family of churchmen. Her father, Canon William Alexander Dunn, was the vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Clapham at the time of her birth. In 1931 he was appointed to the living of Kingswood and he, his wife Marion and their three children, Ursula, Stephanie and Andrew, moved into the newly built vicarage off Woodland Way. Stephanie was educated at
26
JULY 2020
Benenden and Reigate and later trained as a masseuse (one would call her a physiotherapist nowadays) at St. Thomas’s Hospital in London. By 1940 she had been working there for about four years. Late in the afternoon of 7th September 1940, the Germans launched their first devastating air raid on London, which cost the lives of about 400 people. That same weekend Stephanie came home to visit her parents in KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
WARTIME HEROINES
Rev. A. Dunn.
Kingswood. They pleaded with her not to go back to London on the Sunday evening in view of what had happened. She insisted that she was expected back at work. At 2.30 that night a large bomb fell on Block I of St. Thomas’s Hospital. This housed the hospital’s nurses’ home, where Stephanie was asleep with three other masseuses and two nurses. Three floors of the building collapsed and they were all trapped under the falling masonry. Despite the heroic efforts of the rescue team, who battled for hours to reach them, none of them were found alive. Stephanie was 25 years old.
Nightingale window.
Stephanie Dunn’s grave.
The funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s Church, where Stephanie had been worshipping less than a week earlier with her family. She was much liked by the parishioners, who had seen her grow up in their midst. She was particularly popular with the young people, whom she had taught at Sunday School. By request there were no flowers, but a family cross of roses and carnations rested on the coffin. She was buried in the family grave in the churchyard. A stained-glass window in the nave of St. Andrew’s, representing Florence Nightingale, the founder of the first professional nursing school at St. Thomas’s Hospital, is dedicated to the memory of Stephanie Dunn.
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
JULY 2020
27
WARTIME HEROINES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
Anyta Field.
HMHS Amsterdam.
orothy Anyta Field was born on 23rd May 1912 in Sutton and baptized in July of that same year in St. Dunstan’s Church, Cheam. She was the daughter of Charles Roland Field, an auctioneer and estate agent, and Ethel Alice Field. By the late 1920s, the family had moved to Kingswood Knoll, in Lower Kingswood. Anyta was educated at Downs School, in Seaford, and in France. In August 1932 she enrolled at King’s College Hospital to train as a nurse and qualified as an S.R.N. in November 1935. In 1936 she joined the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, with which she served throughout the war. On 7th August 1944 she was the Sister in charge on board the Hospital Carrier Amsterdam. The ship had already made several successful trips from Southampton to pick up the wounded from the Normandy battlefield. The ship was anchored off the French coast, opposite the town of Caen, and it had taken three to four days to transfer the wounded from the field hospital by landing craft and load them on board. The ship was full when it sailed at about 6.00 o’clock on that foggy summer morning. Soon afterwards there was a terrific explosion as a German mine hit the engine room, causing the ship to break in half. The Queen Alexandra nurses on board where fighting against the clock to get their
patients from below deck to the safety of the lifeboats. Although they could hardly stand upright, Anyta Field and another young nurse, Mollie Evershed, from Soham, in Cambridgeshire, went back time after time to bring out more wounded men. Together they saved seventy-five stretcher cases. The ship was sinking when they went back one last time. One eyewitness, a galley boy, who had jumped into the water, described the scene just before the ship went down: I could hear a lot of screaming and shouting. I looked around and could see some of the wounded soldiers jumping over the side, and there were two people stuck in portholes. I was told afterwards that they were nurses. This was the last sighting of Anyta and Mollie. Anyta’s mother later said that her daughter could easily have saved herself as she was a strong swimmer, but that she was utterly devoted to duty. The captain of the Amsterdam called her the bravest woman he had ever known. The ship had sunk in just eight minutes. Fifty wounded men were lost as were ten medical staff and thirty crew members. Also lost were eleven German prisoners of war. Anyta was 32 when she died, Mollie was 27. The two nurses were posthumously Mentioned in Dispatches. Anyta and Mollie are the only women named on the
D
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
WARTIME HEROINES
Bayeux memorial.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Memorial at Bayeux, in Normandy, among over 1800 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the Normandy campaign and have no known grave. Each of the seventy-five men saved afterwards wrote to the parents of both sisters thanking them for their lives and bravery. Bryan Field, Anyta’s elder brother, also appears on the War Memorial. He was a pioneering aeronautical engineer and was killed on 26th August 1943 when the aircraft he was test flying crashed near
Kingswood War Memorial detail.
Maidenhead. He was a popular local figure and his extraordinary life deserves to be told in a separate article. Pia Chamberlain Footnote: The Dunn family grave is in C.1.2 in the churchyard, two graves in from the path, at the foot of a large flowering cherry tree. (Check notice board at the entrance for layout of churchyard).
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JULY 2020
29
FLOWER ARRANGEMENT GROUP
PLANNING FOR CHRISTMAS
KINGSWOOD, TADWORTH AND WALTON FLOWER
makes floristry less labour intensive and expensive
ARRANGEMENT GROUP
and allows for more flower sales which has a
Usually in the Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane,
knock on effect on many economies. Caroline
Kingswood every 2nd Tuesday in the month.
Marshall-Foster, Editor of The Florist makes some
ittle did we know that our March meeting
L
compelling points and it is always prudent to
would be the last time we would all be
listen to both sides of a debate.
lovely evening of flowers and chat and there were
resume our monthly meetings and have had to
lots of raffle prizes for lucky members to take
cancel our Summer fundraising lunch, we are
home.
planning ahead for potential autumn/winter
together for several months! We enjoyed a
As we don’t know when we will be able to
National Friendship Bouquet Day was celebrated
activities.
at the beginning of May but sadly this year we
On the basis that it is never too early to think
were unable to distribute our little bouquets
about Christmas, here is a "save the date"! We will
throughout the three villages – fingers crossed that
be holding a wreath-making workshop in
we will be able to do this again in the future.
Kingswood Village Hall on Saturday 28th
You may be aware of the discussions about the
November 2020 between 1pm and 5pm at a cost
use of floral foam in flower arranging – mostly
of £30. All materials will be provided along with
against its use because of its composition and
some expert help from some of our members.
length of time it takes to biodegrade. Unlike the
Seasonal refreshments will also be served. Get the
rest of Europe, the UK is a major user of foam and
date in your diary – you know how busy the run
many flower arrangers are experimenting with
up to Christmas can be!!
different techniques to reduce its usage. It was
We are so lucky to live in our villages where
therefore interesting to read an article in the
good neighbours abound in these strange and
Summer edition of Flower Arranger in favour of
challenging times – keep safe and well and we
the continued use of the more eco friendly floral
hope to see you in person soon. In the meantime
g~åÉ=eçääáåÖíçå
30
JULY 2020
foam and highlighting that
to keep you occupied, we have
there are many worse
set you a Flower Group Quiz
environmental factors that the
on page 44. For more
flower industry relies on – pots,
information contact either
buckets, excessive heat, plastic
Chris Harris (833726) or Jane
wraps etc. The use of foam
Hollington (354208).
`Üêáë=e~êêáë
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
COUNCILLORS’ COLUMN
A COLLECTIVE SIGH OF BREATH t the time of writing (2nd June) we’re just
A
and look to compost what you can. Here’s
beginning to come out of the Coronavirus
guidance from the District Councils' Network:
residents for adapting to the necessary changes in
warning-over-rubbish-collections/
lockdown and collectively breathe again.
https://districtcouncils.info/press-
As Councillors we’d like to thank Kingswood
releases/coronavirus-councils-issue-wave-of-waste-
our lives and for the way that this community has
The County Council is encouraging residents to
supported initiatives to help residents who are in
get out more on two feet or two wheels, to enjoy
need - from the Harlequin Food Bank which has
and experience the fantastic scenery that we are so
been key to feeding so many of the Borough’s
lucky to have right on our doorstep. In Reigate and
poor and vulnerable to the Kingswood Safety Net,
Banstead we have an incredible 200 miles of
looking after folk in our own community. We
designated public footpaths and rights of way.
thank all the volunteers who have helped the
They are the responsibility of Surrey County Council
Borough and County Councils to look after
and many of these are in our own local area.
vulnerable individuals and struggling businesses and
Jeff Harris has been asked how people can help
thank everyone who has followed Government
with these and he advises that we can, in three
and Council advice and, in doing so, has helped
ways - firstly, to actually get out there and use
both the NHS and the community to stay safe. We
them. If a path has been blocked by landowners,
are so proud to be able to represent such an
developers etc, please report it via the County
amazing ward.
Council website and let Jeff know. If it’s been
Of particular effect on Kingswood, we know,
regularly used over the last 20 years, then SCC can
was the difficult decision by the Borough Council
possibly challenge the ‘stopping up’.
to suspend the garden waste service (the brown
Secondly, at this time of year many footpaths
bin collection) which was made purely to protect
are being overgrown by brambles and nettles and
the ability of the Council to carry on collecting
other weeds, making it difficult for walkers and
the 'normal' household rubbish, which has itself
cyclists to get through. Jeff suggests that if it is a
increased in by around 30%, requiring yet more
public footpath and not someone’s private hedge,
resources. As you can imagine, a number of our
just take a pair of secateurs (not a chainsaw!) and,
refuse team have been either unwell, self-
mindful of birds nesting, clip back the offending
isolating or shielding and we've been down on
brambles; and finally
numbers. Put simply, we had to prioritise the
Litter, the bane of our lives in rural areas….. if
collection of household refuse over the garden
you’re out and about, please take it home!
service - the implications of not being able to
Our best wishes to you all for the summer
collect rotting household waste don't even bear
ahead.
thinking about.
Simon Parnall, Caroline Neame, Tim Archer and Jeff Harris. Contacts:
Mark Brunt, leader of the Council, has just announced that the garden waste service will be
cllr.parnall@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 01737 830888
restored as of the 22nd June. Participating
cllr.neame@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 07767 782473
residents are being given credit for the amount of
cllr.archer@reigate-banstead.gov.uk 07854 175053
service that they have not received and will have
jeffrey.harris@surreycc.gov.uk 07865 143983
received a letter in the post about that. Meanwhile
www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.surreycc.gov.uk
we ask residents to continue to store garden waste
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
10-11 Shelve v rs Hill, Tadworth, KT20 5PU 01737 814406 tadworth@stonem anfunerals.co.uk
Head Off O fice and Funeral Home: Doran Court, Reigate Road, R edhill, RH1 6AZ 0 1737 763456 offfice@stonema nfunerals.co.uk www.stonem anfunerals.co.uk Please mention KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE when responding to adverts
JULY 2020
33
WRITERS’ CORNER
READING POETRY Reading poetry aloud, sharing a discussion about the meaning and the form, sometimes familiar poems by familiar poets, sometime poems by unfamiliar poets, - that’s what Headley Poetry Group does. We are not a writing group although we welcome original work. Our main purpose is to share our love of poetry.
E
ach month there is an agreed subject. Recently one of the subjects was ‘Love, Lust, and Longing’. Plenty of poems and poets to choose from that month, as you may imagine! We also focus on the work of one poet. Here’s a little quiz. Who is this poet? They lived in the late 19th and early 20th century, they were described by Thomas Hardy as 'Far and away the best living poet', and by Siegfried Sassoon as 'The only poet who could give me a lump in my throat', and by Virginia Wolf as 'The greatest living poetess'? Yes, this is Charlotte Mew and she was the most popular choice of the group when we decided our programme for the year last January. You may already know her most famous poem, ‘The Farmers Bride’. From her biography and the poems we read recently, we got a more rounded view of her work. A commentator wrote recently ‘Charlotte Mew broke the mould of contemporary styles in the early 20th century and created a unique poetic voice.’ Here is one of her poems:
From a Window Up here, with June, the sycamore throws Across the window a whispering screen; I shall miss the sycamore more, I suppose, Than anything else on this earth that is out in green. But I mean to go through the door without fear, Not caring much what happens here When I’m away:— How green the screen is across the panes Or who goes laughing along the lanes With my old lover all summer day.
If you love reading poetry, I invite you join one of the monthly meetings of the Headley Poetry Group. On-line meetings actually during social distancing.) From June onwards we will be choosing, reading and sharing on subjects such as Poems on Art/Paintings, Philip Larkin, Poets Laureate and Poets born after 1975. For more information or to join the mailing list contact James on james.chatfield@btinternet.com, or Charles on charlesholme@aol.com
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
NEW
Khyber Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Fully Licensed & Fully Air Conditioned
FREE HOME DELIVERY (T&C Apply)
01737 352 813 / 01737 361 408 Order online www.newkhyber.co.uk Open 7 days aweek: 5.30pm to 11.00pm 2 Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey, KT20 6EB
K I N G S WO O D R E S I D E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N
IVG RETIREMENT VILLAGE APPROVED
S
ince the January edition, who could ever have imagined a scenario in which the world would have gone into lockdown due to the Corvid-19 virus. Indeed, as I write this. we are still being encouraged to ‘stay at home’ and practice social distancing, whilst measures are easing a little now as we have achieved the 5point government stated conditions. The Kingswood Safety Net has been a key focus for both the KRA and KVCA over the past 3 months and efforts to maintain this continue. KSN is a collaborative initiative to provide local residents with support for food shopping, pharmacy runs or just a phone chat. You will have seen initially a leaflet and then a number of KSN bulletins by email and on the Kingswood Village website informing residents of what help is available. Please refer also to the dedicated KSN article to learn about the great community work amongst our volunteers. It was with disappointment that I made the difficult decision to postpone the KRA AGM, due to take place on 24 March. However, this decision was validated by the Government imposition of lockdown on 23 March. The KRA committee participated in a 5-Option survey to re-convene the AGM. The result confirmed that a face-to-face AGM in the Village Hall next March was the preference. In the meantime, please see the KRA Annual Report 2020 on the Kingswood Village website. Regarding the L&G Site, I am delighted to report that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council granted full Planning Approval on 15 April to both Planning Applications (19/01548, 19/01549) submitted by IVG back in July 2019.
36
JULY 2020
The proposals were significantly influenced by the KRA’s efforts to represent the concerns of residents through close collaboration with IVG. All issues were satisfactorily addressed by IVG in the revised application drawings and the Section 106 Agreement. Our negotiations with IVG were successful in protecting “in perpetuity” the L&G open space land through a Covenant, with around 100 properties in the vicinity being beneficiaries. This open space land offers access to all Kingswood residents for recreation, dog walking, nature conservation and ecology, with proposals for landscaping, tree planting, creating ponds to encourage wildlife and aquatic flora and fauna. The KRA is currently finalising the legal agreement with IVG/L&G. IVG propose to commence enabling works on site in August 2020. Whilst there is likely to be some disruption during construction, we have attempted to minimise this through our requirements in their Management Plan; for example, staged deliveries with queuing in Tadworth to prevent congestion on local roads and a one-way circulation to and from the site. The significant benefits and amenities the Retirement Village has to offer the residents of Kingswood will, we hope, be well worth the temporary disruption. The KRA has invited IVG to deliver a virtual presentation in July (by zoom software) and residents will be notified of the date, time and online joining instructions shortly. On behalf of Kingswood residents, the KRA will continue to liaise with IVG throughout the construction period so, if you wish to raise any relevant matter, please contact us. Valerie Evans, KRA Chair KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
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ANN DOBSON’S RECIPES
A TASTE OF SUMMER
N
ature doesn’t listen to the news and the seasons change as they always have, defying the gloom. As I write, birds seem to be singing louder than ever, flowers blooming brighter. Blue skies and long summer days are here and the air is full of the lazy sound of wood pigeons calling to their mates. Fingers of sunlight warm fields of ripening corn, trembling in the fresh breeze and bees hover over dog daisies and bright poppies. In the garden purple and magenta petunias tumble from tubs and butterflies flutter and dance in a never-ending ballet. Skylarks chatter overhead. A salad made with goats’ cheese, burnished under the grill, oozing over crisp leaves picked fresh from the garden and scattered with toasted hazelnuts will make a tasty light lunch. All it needs is a chunk of crusty bread on the side. Double chocolate chip cookies can be whizzed up in next to no time and are delicious enjoyed with a cup of tea in a shady spot under the tree.
GOATS’ CHEESE SALAD FOR 4
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FOR 12
2 goats’ cheeses, such as Capricorn
75g soft margarine or spread, 75g soft brown
Handful of hazelnuts, toasted
sugar, 1 egg, beaten, 140g self-raising flour
Mixed leaves
20g cocoa powder, 100g chocolate chunks
Vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon milk
Heat the grill to high. Line the grill pan with
Heat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Cream the
tinfoil and cut the cheeses in half
margarine with the sugar. Stir in the beaten egg.
horizontally, placing on the foil. Put under
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together and add
the grill, keeping an eye on them until the
to the mixture, followed by the chocolate chunks
cheese is molten and golden brown. Arrange
and milk. Mix well. Grease a baking sheet and add
the leaves on four plates. Lift each half
spoonfuls of the mixture, allowing space for them
cheese carefully onto the leaves, scatter over
to spread as they cook. You may need to cook in
the pine kernels and drizzle over a little
two batches. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. They
dressing to serve.
will harden as they cool, so be careful not to overcook. Enjoy with a cup of tea.
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
SARAH’S GARDEN JOTTINGS
MIDSUMMER JOY IN THE GARDEN
Alchemilla mollis.
dÉê~åáìã=ÉåÇêÉëëáá
ts been a long and hot summer so far, but that
I
always bring colour to the later summer garden
hasn’t been such a bad thing as it has meant
and don’t forget that as well as the usual
that we could enjoy our gardens during
Hydrangea macrophylla – Lace caps and mop heads – you can have the more unusual, but now
lockdown. Probably, more than ever before, you have been planning to do some new planting to
very fashionable Hydrangea paniculata and
enjoy next year.
Hydrangea arborescens. Other larger Hydrangea with a variety of leaf shapes and flowers include
July and August are not the best months for colour in your garden – the spring flowers are over
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak -leaf shaped)
and the late summer perennials and grasses are not
Hydrangea Aspera or Hydrangea serrata.
yet looking very impressive. There are however
It’s a fairly quiet time in the garden but you
some really reliable “front of border“ perennials
might need to water any recently planted shrubs
which do provide colour from early spring to late
or trees and keep on deadheading your roses. Some of the best and easiest perennials for the
summer. If I could choose my favourite “easy“ plants these would be:
garden at this time of year include:
• Alchemilla mollis – lovely green pleated leaves and
• Japanese anemones
lime green clusters of delicate, frothy flowers.
• Rudbeckia
• Geranium – this is the perennial plant not the
• Echinacea
‘Pot’ geranium or Pelargonium, and there are very
• Eupatorium
many colours from white, through pink to purple
• Anaphalis
and almost black. They will form a rounded clump
For colour at the end of the summer don’t
at the front of the border or hang over a wall and
forget Michaelmas Daisies - now not called asters
will flower twice if cut back in July.
but Symphyotrichum and the Ice plants, which
• The Mexican Daisy – Erigeron karvinskianus –
used to be called Sedum but are now called
white and pink, tiny daisies forming a clump and
Hylotelephium. Every year the botanists change
coming back early in the year if you shear the old
plant names based on their genes and a plant
leaves off in winter
family and name that has been known for decades
Having a few Hydrangea in the garden will
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JULY 2020
changes to something completely different. Some KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
SARAH’S GARDEN JOTTINGS
dÉê~åáìã=Üáã~ä~óÉåëÉK
qÜÉ=jÉñáÅ~å=Ç~áëóK
gardeners choose to ignore this and keep calling them by their old name! It’s now the time to order spring bulbs for your
Look out for gardens to visit, as some garden owners who could not open their garden in the spring during lockdown, may open to visitors later
garden – most can be planted in August and order
in the summer – probably by
early to get the largest bulbs. As well as Narcissi,
appointment and with no tea
Crocus and Hyacinths don’t forget the lovely and
and cakes. Look on the NGS
long flowering Anemone blanda and Erythronium
website.
‘Pagoda’. Both are easy to grow and multiply year
Enjoy your garden!
after year.
Sarah
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Est 1983
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Fully Insured - Free Estimates Contact Brad Sheehan on 07775 727121 To advertise call 01737 222307 KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE
JULY 2020
41
KINGSWOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GREEN PLANET
I
don't know about you but I was stirred when I read Bob Gunn’s ‘Green Planet’ article in the March Village Voice. I felt I should follow up, answering many of his questions with a resounding YES agreed and I DO re-cycle, re-use, shop at charity shops, not drive a gas guzzler etc. But then it was Bob who contacted me as I was hesitant and slow to ACTUALLY DO something. I suspect there are others out there who experienced this reaction. We might like the notion of living as part of a ‘Green Planet’ but feel uncertain what exactly can make a difference. I have tried to recall when I first became aware of environmental issues. I grew up in London and had a career in social work over many years. I thought of myself as a socially interested and community involved person. It felt virtuous to send funds to Friends of the Earth or cheer for Greenpeace. I became aware of industrialisation in food production and went through various stages of being vegetarian, vegan and ‘flexi’ during the 1980s. I wrote to cosmetic companies about animal testing, and worried about the chemicals in my hair dye. The term ‘organic’ was promoted, but what exactly does that mean? I then made a life changing shift to
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JULY 2020
engage in higher education as a mature student, aiming to increase my understanding on environmental matters. What I did learn was how little I knew, and my sense of incredulity has increased ever since. In nature there is so much going on at a sub microscopic level that we cannot see. The effects are linked to chain reactions going upscale to higher levels, remaining a matter of much debate. The current global crisis with Covid-19 being able to cause havoc demonstrates this. A virus is a tiny particle which cannot reproduce by itself. It is parasitic and must infect a susceptible cell. Conditions must be right for the virus, otherwise it dies. When anxious, I find it helpful to remember there are numerous activities going on deep in my immune system aiming to stop that parasite! We humans are interconnected with our surroundings and I believe we cannot live on this planet as though we have another one to travel to. Hopefully, there may be people reading this who can relate to these ideas. Some of you must be very well educated, perhaps with experience in
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
KINGSWOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT
biological chemistry or other related subjects. Others may, like me, start with an emotional reaction, or simply be unsure. I did not have a scientific background. I came to appreciate that science is always interrogative in the pursuit of knowledge, and that scientists are inevitably affected by their emotions or belief systems. I would like to see more action on sustainability in our local community. We can all ask questions about how things work on a small and larger scale. One suggestion is to probe with our local council about their environmental policies. How do they deal with the recycled products that we put out? We hopefully make the effort to separate our waste for the appropriate bins, but if not why not? Do we have doubts about what actually happens? I have heard it said that ‘they must mix everything together when they get it to the Depot’. We should seek more than the instructions given in the leaflets distributed, preferring a step by step explanation about how the council’s policy
is put into practice. Would it be possible to allow representative local residents to visit the facilities they use. It would be much easier to explain when others are cynical about the realities. My husband greatly enjoys going to the council tip (top left). He finds great satisfaction identifying items to be re-cycled and he is well known for chatting with the operators working there. He is always impressed by their conscientious approach. With the recent lock-down scenario I have had many conversations with people about how adversity can lead to us become more creative. They are taking longer walks, noticing nature, taking more time to read, think or work in gardens. Most have suggested the ‘slow down’ is positive. Perhaps you are feeling philosophical and willing to consider the different world described by Bob in March. I encourage more of you to answer his call to JOIN IN. The Green Planet section for the magazine should continue as a trigger. In due course it would be great to get together to share ideas. But meantime, why not write a few points or questions yourself? Shirley Clark
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JULY 2020
43
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE WI
CANNABIS AND LOCK DOWN
I
t now seems very long ago that we gathered in
CBD, with its calming effects, useful for anxiety and
February to hear our speaker, Louise Camby, tell us
pain (good) and THC, which has psychoactive effects,
something of Legal Cannabis – CBD, about which
causing people to get stoned (bad). Curiously, their
much has been made in the media in the last few
chemical formulae are almost identical. CBD has
years. For example, news items regarding parents,
become a real money-spinner and a variety of oils,
desperate for severely epileptic children to have their
vapes and tinctures are available to purchase, with
frequent seizures reduced through treatment with
many promised benefits - at rather steep prices.
cannabis oil. In addition, the widely advertised
March saw us listening to a positive thinking and
“wonder” properties of CBD had made us, quite
cheerful young man called Callum Russell. Blind from
naturally, keen to learn more about this product.
birth, Callum went to a mainstream school and has
Cannabis and hemp come from the same family of
also backpacked in South America – solo! He regaled
plants but hemp has been in use for centuries. An
us with tales of his trip to Brazil and Argentina and,
early, if not the earliest, commercial crop, hemp is
despite being very ill for a period, he also visited
best known for the making of rope, but also paper
Peru’s capital, Lima, and Cuzco, on the Inca trail,
and textiles. As is well known, during the 20th
teaching as he went. Teaching? You will never guess
century other less desirable uses for this plant family
what – drumming! Callum works with Sight for
were found and made it notorious. Over time,
Surrey, most often with blind and partially sighted
however, a clear distinction has been made between
children. They are given support and help in developing concepts not easily grasped by non-
FLOWER GROUP QUIZ
Name the flower/plant (answers on page 47) 1. Animal warmers 2. Female garment 3. Old form of public punishment 4. All the sheep together 5. An American greeting little Cynthia 6. Joining with precious metal 7. Best go quickly 8. Part of the eye 9. A thickening agent 10. Winter precipitation 11. Break a fiery creature 12. Smart king of the jungle 13. Vegetable for afters 14. Evaporated milk 15. Little Christine and her mother 16. Respect for the capital 17. Herb for domestic pet 18. Look sweet on a tandem
sighted folk. He called this orientation of young folk, habilitation. For adults, with sight loss later in life, the process is known as rehabilitation. In addition to this service, support is given to profoundly deaf adults as the centre can offer a lot of technological help to cope with many situations. This enthusiastic young man, who uses a braille computer, also spends time working at Job Centres in Surrey. Callum is a “climb-in and get things done” kind of person – inspirational. And then came the lockdown! No more meetings held, either for the committee or for the members. Each committee member has a little list of ladies who must be informed if a meeting has been cancelled -due to snow or any unforeseen disaster. With an emergency of a different kind facing us, we each call “our” ladies now and again, just for a chat and to make sure they are doing well. Concern shown for each other and extending the hand of friendship, WI is still working.
Nettie Cooper
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JULY 2020
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KINGSWOOD VILLAGE STORE
• • • • • • • •
! " # $% & ' • ( ! • ) • * & ( +, * - ' . % , / 0 ,
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Kartik and Sonal Shah . % , 3, 2 , , (45 3"* 56 7 734898
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JULY 2020
45
INSPIRED VILLAGES
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
I
nspired Villages would like to thank all who helped achieve a resolution to grant planning permission to deliver one of the UK’s prime retirement communities in Kingswood. Our thanks go to the Kingswood Residents Association (KRA), Copt Hill Lane Association, Kingswood Village Community Association (KVCA) and local residents. Throughout the 15 month consultation process, we were delighted to engage so positively with the local community on this scheme which will deliver many positive benefits for future residents and the wider Kingswood community. At Inspired Villages, we seek to deliver more than bricks and mortar. We provide an environment that promotes healthy ageing and community engagement, offering residents a mentally, physically and socially active lifestyle. The health and wellbeing of residents and all associated with the village is paramount. Research has shown that retirement communities such as ours have an important part to play in combatting loneliness and isolation, and keeping residents living better for longer. There is a strong local demand for this type of housing. Forecasts from the Office for National Statistics estimate there will be a 78.4% increase in over 65’s in Reigate and Banstead by 2033, compared to just a 18.7% increase in those aged under 65. When works commence later this year, the scheme in Kingswood will bring forward 270 specialist age-appropriate apartments, creating around 175 construction jobs each year over the build period, and up to 80 new permanent jobs once up and running. We will transform the site into a vibrant community, preserving the long-term future of a now dilapidated building. We will be
46
NOVEMBER 2018
working in collaboration with stakeholders and members of the Associations in the logistics planning, to minimise disruption whilst we undertake construction. As part of our plans, we will be investing over £170m into the local economy. This will include on-site facilities such as a wellness centre, a swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, dining and recreation facilities, a small business centre and children’s nursery – all of which will be open up to local people. Alongside, we will be enhancing the green belt, opening up 16 acres of parkland for everyone to enjoy; a local community asset helping enrich the wider area that via an agreement with the KRA will be kept as undeveloped greenspace. An Inspired community is not a gated one; it is an extension of an existing community. We are encouraging and facilitating wellness through suitable, safe, secure and stimulating environments, which support good, healthy and independent lives. In doing this, we take the strain off the local health and social care services. The plans for Kingswood will include up to 10 respite-rehabilitation units, which will allow Inspired Villages to work with the local GP practices and hospitals. This will provide more assistance in reducing the pressure on the NHS and local care services, ensuring the local community gets the appropriate quality and quantity of health and social care, also providing further support for remarkable key workers. Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages said: ‘I would like to extend a huge thank you from the Inspired Villages team to all of you who have supported our plans throughout the consultation process. I am delighted that we are now able to drive forward these
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
INSPIRED VILLAGES plans and look forward to continuing to work closely with the Kingswood community to deliver an Inspired Village. A special thanks to the KRA, the Copt Hill Lane Association, the KVCA and the Council’s technical officers – you have all been instrumental in helping reach this stage in a collaborative way. For those of you in the community that we haven’t yet met, I very much hope to have the opportunity to do so soon, so we can bring to life this excellent addition to the Kingswood Community.” If you would like further information on Inspired Villages, please call one of our friendly advisors on 01293 851935.
FLOWER GROUP QUIZ
Answers to Flower Group Quiz on page 44. 1. Fox gloves 2. Bloomers 3. Stocks 4. Phlox 5. Hyacinth 6. Marigold 7. Speedwell 8. Iris 9. Cornflower 10. Snowdrop 11. Snapdragon 12. Dandelion 13. Sweet Pea 14. Carnation 15. Chrysanthemum 16. London Pride 17. Catmint 18. Daisy
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NSPCC - EVERY CHILD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
CHALLENGE FOR CHILDLINE
C
hildren are the hidden victims of coronavirus and for young people stuck in unsafe homes during lockdown the abuse can be relentless with little opportunity of respite or escape. For many children who suffer abuse the protective eyes and ears of teachers are now not there.
Now, more than ever, child protection is all of our responsibility and a call to the NSPCC Helpline could act as a lifeline for a child in these unprecedented circumstances, struggling behind closed doors. Many of our fundraising events have had to be cancelled, yet we’re still here for the children. Please help us to raise essential money for Childline.
The Kingswood NSPCC committee kindly ask, you, your family and friends to engage in a challenge. Suggestions are -
Whatever you’d like to do, or you can simply donate – Kingswood NSPCC (please reference your name and the word ‘Challenge’): Natwest Bank; Sort code. 60 00 01; Account number 48811939 Or send a cheque payable to Kingswood NSPCC to: Inveralmond, The Glade, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6LL Thank you again for your continued support. Keep safe and well.
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JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
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x ,ĂŶĚ ŵĂĚĞ ĨƌŽŵ ĚŽŶĂƚĞĚ ĐŽƚƚŽŶ ͬ ƉŽůLJĐŽƚƚŽŶ x ůĂƐƚŝĐ ĞĂƌ ƐƚƌĂƉƐ x KƉĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ŝŶƐĞƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĂĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ĨŝůƚĞƌ ŝĨ ĚĞƐŝƌĞĚ x DĂĐŚŝŶĞ ǁĂƐŚĂďůĞ ƚŽ ϲϬ ĚĞŐƌĞĞƐ
ϯ ƐŝnjĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ ǀŝďƌĂŶƚ Žƌ ƐƵďƚůĞ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ ʹ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ ǁŝůů ǀĂƌLJ ^ŵĂůů ϯϮ Ͳ ϯϲ Đŵ DĞĚŝƵŵ ϯϱ ʹ ϯϵ Đŵ >ĂƌŐĞ ϯϴ Ͳ ϰϯ Đŵ Ͳ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ĞĂƌ ƚŽ ĞĂƌ ^ĂŵƉůĞƐ ŽĨ ƐƵďƚůĞ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ ^ĂŵƉůĞƐ ŽĨ ǀŝďƌĂŶƚ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ
^ƵŐŐĞƐƚĞĚ ĚŽŶĂƚŝŽŶ άϱ͘ϬϬ ƉĞƌ ŵĂƐŬ &ƌĞĞ ůŽĐĂů ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ ŝŶ <ŝŶŐƐǁŽŽĚ͕ dĂĚǁŽƌƚŚ ĂŶĚ tĂůƚŽŶ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĂĚĚ άϭ͘ϭϱ ƉĞƌ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ĐŽǀĞƌ ƉŽƐƚĂŐĞ ŽůůĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ tĂůƚŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ,ŝůů ĂůƐŽ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ
dŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĞŵĂŝů ^ĂůůLJ ŚŽŵĞΛĂƐŚůĞLJĨŽƌŵƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ Žƌ ƚĞdžƚ Ϭϳϳϵϴ ϴϳϯ ϬϬϵ tŝƚŚ LJŽƵƌ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌ ƚŽ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗
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WůĞĂƐĞ ŵĂŬĞ ĚŽŶĂƚŝŽŶ ďLJ ďĂŶŬ ƚƌĂŶƐĨĞƌ ƚŽ͗ E^W <ŝŶŐƐǁŽŽĚ ƌĂŶĐŚ ĂͬĐ ŶƵŵďĞƌ͗ ϰϴϴϭϭϵϯϵ ^Žƌƚ ĐŽĚĞ͗ ϲϬ ϬϬ Ϭϭ ZĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ͗ zŽƵƌ ^ƵƌŶĂŵĞ ĂŶĚ DĂƐŬƐ
dŚĂŶŬ LJŽƵ͊
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KINGSWOOD LAWN TENNIS CLUB
CHALLENGING TIMES
I
t is hard to believe that the last Issue of Village Voice appeared just as the Covid pandemic was gathering momentum. It seems now like an age
ago. So much has happened. We now live in another world almost. It was on 9th March that we had to issue our first Covid advice to members: carry on as usual but wash your hands. Shortly before we had held our first EGM out of doors so as to maintain social distancing
And, as of 1st June, we have been able to remove
– we needed members’ permission to apply for a
the main restrictions on play. Doubles amongst
liquor licence for our proposed new bar - held on
members of different households are now allowed,
quite a chilly evening on one of the clay courts. Little
as well as coaching of groups.
did we know what was to follow. Then our
We look forward to the future with some
Treasurer got stuck in Spain in lockdown: he
confidence. We now have a new bar (photo above),
bellowed down the phone line that he could not
thanks to the amazing effort of several members of
understand why the UK had not yet followed other
an amazing committee, and Nigel Catlow in
European countries in their reaction to the pandemic.
particular. The bar is in the conservatory end of the
(Fortunately he and his wife were able to fly home a
Clubhouse, next to the new patio area, and it looks
few weeks later!) It took time for the gravity of the
like we will be able to use it soon, in a limited way.
situation to sink in. Events moved on rapidly. On
We look forward to the Club competitions, later in
20th March, we suspended club social tennis sessions
the year than usual. And our membership is holding
and closed the clubhouse. Days later, on 26th March,
up robustly in the circumstances. I think everybody
following Government advice, the Club closed
appreciates more keenly now all the advantages that
completely. This could hardly have come at a worse
we enjoy in our lovely neighbourhood, and it is not
time, since the annual membership renewal date fell
surprising therefore to see a number of new
on 31st March.
members.
With the benefit of hindsight, we were fortunate.
But it would be foolish not to recognise that we
We had recently decided to go to an online system
face challenging times. Many have already been hard
completely for joining and membership renewals:
hit, and many more are likely to be as the true cost
absolutely essential as it turned out, as everything has
of the pandemic becomes clear. We will have to
gone online during the crisis. And we had also set up,
improve all that we offer at the Club, just to stay at
although we had not yet implemented, an online
the same level we were at before the lockdown.
court booking system. So, when we were allowed to
Who was it that said that the gods laugh at the plans
re-open on a restricted basis, which required advance
we mortals make! But at least we have had one
booking of the courts, we were ready. We were
piece of joyful news: Valentin and Victoria celebrated
amongst the first clubs in the country to re-open on
the birth of their baby boy, Ethan,
Wednesday 13th May – at 8 am! It did not matter
born on 24th April. To join, email
that the re-opening of the Club coincided with the
kltcmembership@gmail.com or
annual court maintenance: half the courts remained
visit
usable and members were impressed that the courts
www.kingswoodltc.comfacebook
were being maintained as usual.
Robin Hollington, Chairman
50
JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
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THE CHURCH IN KINGSWOOD
ADJUSTING THE MINISTRY n these strangest of times, the church has had
I
even achieved a PCC quite early on! Our choir have
to radically adjust its ministry throughout the
continued to rehearse on Zoom too and we’re
Parish. As many of you would know, we have in
even planning a fundraising concert on Zoom.
through our Pastoral Contacts scheme. These lovely
‘being a church’ will look like. It’s been really good
people have been regularly contacting their
to get to grass roots and serve people in their
allocated group and making sure no-one goes in
homes in the community; serving Christ in others is
need of a companionable chat, essential shopping,
what the church is about anyway. But the return
prescriptions etc. This has been co-ordinated
to our buildings could be a long time coming and,
through Lindsay Cole, our Parish Administrator, and
with special arrangements for social distancing,
by all accounts is much appreciated.
could feel a very different place too.
place a system for supporting those known to us
As things move forward, who knows what
Our Worship has shifted online, with recorded
I hope our new normal is introduced gently so
services posted on our website
that we all get time to adjust to the differences. I
(www.parishofkingswood.org.uk) each week. This
hope and pray that our community will be
meant that the Easter celebrations were very
stronger and better for the hard times we have
different but I’m encouraged by the number of
had to face and that you all stay
folk who came to the website to listen to the Holy
safe and well as we move
Week and Easter Services and continue to come
forward in the future.
today. We’ve continued family worship with
With every blessing,
Wisdom Stories going over to Zoom along with
Rev’d. Chris Colton, Priest-in-
home group and our administrative meetings. We
Charge, Parish of Kingswood
THIRTEEN SOCIETY
COMPLETED BEFORE LOCK DOWN
W
e luckily managed to finish our
to celebrate, in the Village Hall, at 3pm on
2019/2020 season on March 9th, just
Saturday September 26th. We will offer a lecture
before total lockdown!
and tea, both at no cost, just your presence is
The founder members met regularly during
requested. Last minute details will be on the
WW2 and neighbours became friends, while
Village website when we know it’s safe to go
helping others, in much the same way as is
ahead.
happening today. Together they formed the
We are currently planning another series of
Thirteen Society. I wonder what the legacy of
talks for the 20/21 season and, virus permitting,
the coronavirus will be?
we’ll meet on the first evening October 12th at
Before lockdown, plans were made to
8pm. Let’s cross fingers, and
celebrate our 75th anniversary. This is closely
toes, that we all keep well and
allied to VE Day of course as our founders were
that life will start to return to
all members of local support groups like Air Raid
normal ASAP!
Wardens, the Home Guard and Firemen. Those
Frances Rosbotham,
plans are still active and if all goes well we hope
Programme Secretary
52
JULY 2020
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE VOICE To advertise call 01737 222307
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Answers to Walks Photo Quiz on page 15 Photo A: Flowerbed at Kingswood Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane (Maggie Kippen, late March) Photo B: Green Lane near Grub Wood (Naren & Yaso, mid May) Photo C: Coal Tax Post on woodland path from Waterhouse Lane to Bonsor Drive, parallel to A217 (Jill Gunn, April) THE KINGSWOOD
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NOVEMBER 2018
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To the NHS and our key workers
WE THANK YOU #clapforourcarers | #stayalert
Fine & Country Kingswood The Estate Office, Woodland Way, Kingswood, Surrey, KT20 6HS +44 (0)1737 361014 | ben.shaw@fineandcountry.com