The village voice january 14

V Malden’s

illage oice

www.nmvv.co.uk

KT3’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide Jan 14 issue 99

s d o o F e n i F s Head

A genuine family run butchers shop and r Authorised Stockist fo Real Meat Company meat and poultry. # Great selection of e free sausages ditiv 10%adoff with this ad s er rg bu d an After a festive period of usage s, sa stie rich come and buy es, pa # Pifood, h more one of delicious d muchome lls an roour made to warm in the shop madeyou hand allpies up in the cold weather! ion # Comprehensive select modern an onal list adouritiemailing Email of us totr join tod 31 March 2013 receive offers and discounts. choices therealbutchers@btconnect.com

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Our uniqu bility delivers peace taadvertisers Please remember to mention the Village Voice when to our coun acspeak andyou mind and superb

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Greetings!

So here I am. Sitting amid pre Christmas chaos and struggling to transport myself into 2014! It is absolutely pouring with rain and my to-do-list of jobs I need to get sorted before the girls finish school is so scary that it hasn’t yet made it onto paper! A lovely friend recently bought me a task list pad which I’ve just excavated from a pile of papers on desk (first task – find the to-do-list pad). Will writing it all down make me feel better or worse? That, is the question. I know how good it feels to put a tick in the box when a job is done but, quite frankly, where do I start?

Christmas is supposed to be a period of calm and reflection but for most of us it’s about the most stressful time of the year! Which is where the list can come in handy – surely some of the tasks can wait? Or delegated. I mean, do I really need to paint our living room before the new curtains go up when I still haven’t written the Christmas cards – or should that get scored out as just a bridge too far? Prioritisation has never really been my strong point but everything tends to get done by its deadline. I am, and always have been a deadline person. Good or bad, that is just the way it is. But relying on storing a long list in head is recipe for disaster – and also sleepless nights! So my resolution as we move into a new year is to get better at writing (and ticking off) lists, being more time efficient, and feeling more on top of a busy life.

What’s yours going to be?

Wishing you all a very Happy Hogmanay and 2014

Next copy deadline: 17th January jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk Published by Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS 020 8336 2915 www.nmvv.co.uk We also publish Worcester Park Life

Jenny

Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher

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P.S. Please remember to mention the Village Voice when replying to adverts and get in touch by 17th January if you’d like your business, Club or event to feature in the February edition(s).

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Events

What makes for an amazing evening?

The answer: Tim Vine, John Archer and Amelia Lily along with lots of local youth talent all performing and entertaining an audience of 540 in aid of JDRF. On Friday 6th December this all became reality when comedian Tim Vine hosted A Christmas Ding Dong for Diabetes at Christ Church New Malden, Surrey.

Tim Vine had the audience eating out of his hand with his stand up routine which included songs and silliness. At the school gate on Monday children and parents alike were heard to chant ‘pen behind the ear!

The entertainment didn’t stop there, as the amazing John Archer wowed the crowd with his ingenious tricks involving Tom Cruise and the number 36.

Both these acts were complimented perfectly by youth acts representing all these local New Malden schools: Christ Church primary, Burlington Juniors, Corpus Christi Primary, Coombe Hill Infants, Coombe Boys School, and Coombe Girls School.

The climax of the evening was an acoustic performance of Rockin around the Christmas tree by former X factor contestant Amelia Lily, herself a type 1 diabetic.

And to top it all off we raised £10,000 for JDRF. We are so grateful to everyone, including fantastic friends and the brilliant Barclays ladies, who contributed to make this an unforgettable evening.

Local photographer Dean Whiting took loads of fantastic photos on the night. You can see more on dingdongfordiabetes.weebly.com Thank you very very much!

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Events It’s panto time!

Local drama group, St James’s Players, will be performing “Aladdin” at St James’ Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden on Friday 17 January and Wednesday 22- Saturday 25 January at 7.45pm with a matinee on Saturday 25 January at 2.30pm. This is a real traditional pantomime and the fourteenth that Tony Kirkham has directed for the Players. Tony says “Aladdin is often described as one of the most magical of classic pantomimes. Our production this year will be no exception. Full of colour, love and laughter, and complete with a cheeky Principal boy, a lovely princess, the evil magician, Abanazar, for you all to boo- not to mention Widow Twankey, it promises to be the ideal show for a family outing this January.”

Tickets priced £4 for children, £8 for adults are available from their box office 020 8408 0638 or via their website www.stjamesplayers.co.uk. Special rates are available for the performance on Friday 17 January – the premiere, prior to the group’s performance at the Rose Theatre.

Kingston’s mayor, Councillor Penny Shelton has asked them to put on one performance of “Aladdin” at the Rose Theatre on Saturday 18 January. All the profits from the Rose Theatre performance will go towards the Mayor’s Charitable Trust, this year raising funds for the Princess Alice Hospice and the Alzheimers’ Society.

Details of this performance are on the Rose Theatre website.

The challenge for the Players is adapting a show that is rehearsed and performed on a small stage in a church hall to fill the big stage at the Rose, where they only get to rehearse on the day of the performance!

But St James’s Players are an experienced group. Two years ago they performed the first ever pantomime at the Rose Theatre (where a play is put on each Christmas). On that occasion it was “Dick Whittington”, commissioned by a previous mayor, Councillor Codd.

That performance sold over 600 seats and raised almost £5,500 for charity. Councillor Shelton and the group all hope this performance will be even more successful, filing over 800 seats!

But St James’s Players don’t want to lose their traditional New Malden audience. This is the third time they have performed “Aladdin” in the 48 years since they were founded. The 24 strong cast feature a couple of new-comers, but this is not their first panto outing for most of the cast! In addition, there are eight young dancers in the pantomime, as St James Players have a partnership with Kirstie’s Star Dancing School. So please book tickets, bring your families and support Aladdin, as he finds a magic lamp (and a genie) and then looses it - and his princess when she mistakenly falls for the wicked Abanazar’s cries of “new lamps for old!”

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New Malden History Bright sparks (part 2)

by Robin Gill Smoke signals To make themselves better known in the local area, the brigade decided to hold an afternoon of competition and sports in September 1897. This was to be held in a field behind Malden College (opposite Thetford Road). The Malden and Coombe Military Band opened proceedings, and the sports started at 2pm with the 100 yards flat race for girls under 15. Victory went to Alice Brickett who won a cake for her efforts. The boy’s event over 120 yards was a straight race between the Montague brothers, which Reg won beating younger brothers Edwin and Harry. Other races were for men, with prizes normally relating to tobacco in some form. The brigade had their own races including a Ladder and Pail race, and manual engine drills for one, two, or four men. The final event, a tug of war was won by the local police force.

The men then demonstrated what they had learnt in the task of fire fighting and rescue. A life size model of a house and shops were built. The building was set on fire, and after police whistles had been sounded, a figure of an old lady appeared in an upstairs window crying for

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help. The fire engine was soon on the scene, a ladder raised to the window, and the “lady” was brought down safely. The hose was brought into play, and the fire was soon under control.

Praise where praise is due But it was as a result of a speech afterwards that trouble arose. Mr Jenkins (Chairman) thanked various people for their work including the captain of the brigade (Vincent Davison), but omitted to thank the deputy captain (John Andrews). Many of the regular members of the brigade took great exception to this, and wrote to the Surrey Comet expressing their wish that he be recognised for his work. Most of these men (11 in all) quit at the beginning of November, after Mr. Andrews (who was suspected of leading the revolt), was told to resign, and other men had to be recruited as replacements.

Extra ladders were purchased in November together with a continuous fog horn which would act as an alarm.

The curricle had been received from Kingston (costing 10 guineas) and stored in Mr Thorn’s yard in Cambridge Road. It was inspected, cleaned, and the name of the brigade was painted on it.

23rd March 1898 saw the first fire in the area (since the formation of the brigade), at Joseph Ransom’s stables in Coombe Road. Mr Ransom was a butcher, and used many horses and carts for his extensive deliveries.

Fortunately, the fire was extinguished without the need of the engine.

Individual bravery A more serious incident occurred on 2nd June when a blaze broke out at Glen Villa in Chestnut Grove the home of William Cale. His twelve year old daughter left a candle burning in her bedroom when she fell asleep. She awoke just after midnight to find the bed on fire, and the room full of smoke. Her cries awoke her parents, and also the lodger Mr Taverner, who also happened to be a member of the Malden Fire Brigade. He quickly put on his uniform and dashed into the girl’s room. He then picked up the mass of burning bedclothes crossed the landing and threw them out of the window. The burning sheets etc were soon extinguished by buckets of water. The girl was not hurt but Fireman Taverner’s hair and hands were burnt. Damage was done to the floorboards and furniture of the room, but Mr Taverner was thanked for preventing what could have been a much more serious incident.

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First callout Albert Coles who operated a livery stable in Acacia Grove and the station yard, agreed to take over the supply of horses for the engine. The agreed price for a pair was 7/6 for drill purposes, 2 guineas for a call out, (reduced to 1 guinea if it turned out to be a false alarm). These were in use when a large fire broke out in Fairfield Road Kingston. Brigades attended from Kingston, Surbiton, Malden, Richmond, Hampton Wick and Teddington. The blaze was at George Merredew’s timber yard, and when the brigade arrived the property was a mass of flames. The adjoining premises of a baker and coach builder also caught fire, and the flames soon spread to the rear premises of a china and glass merchant’s warehouse, and the stables of brewers Thorne and Thorne. Many of the horses were rescued, and the belongings of Mr Lacey and Mr Baker who lived nearby were passed out of the windows onto the street below. The timber yard was completely destroyed, other properties extensively damaged, and it took over an hour for the fire to be brought under control. Sadly, Mr Merredew was not insured and with damages around £500, this appeared to be too much for him. Already seriously ill, he died three months after the fire.

Being involved in such a blaze, the brigade felt they should increase their equipment, and subsequently purchased an escape ladder from William Rose & Co, which could be extended to 42 foot and carried on the curricle.

Although volunteers, the brigade did receive money based on insurance payouts. So when the Sun Fire Office sent £9 15s 6d in respect of a recent fire, the men were able to share £2 13s 6d between themselves. But if the property was not insured, they received nothing.

New quarters The arrangement with Mr Coles regarding accommodation and stabling were proving unsatisfactory, and the council purchased two horses to harness the engine, and also to undertake some light council work. They also agreed to house the engine, curricle, and fire escape at Mr Ransom’s buildings in Cambridge Road. The premises would also provide stabling for the horses, and a duty room for the firemen.

False alarm and new communication On May 21st 1899 at 2am, an alarm was raised. The whole village was awakened by the maroon going off, and in 14 minutes the brigade were on their way to Worcester Park Station where a blaze was reported, the destination was reached in 7 minutes when it was found to be a false alarm, and later the culprit was found to be one of their own men, by the name of Davison who was ordered to resign. It was decided that in any further cases of false alarms, immediate legal proceedings would

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be taken against the offender.

Communication was improved by the connection of electric call bells in the homes of each fireman from the fire station (20 bells in all, at a cost of £67 10 shillings). This proved effective when a fire broke out at Worcester Park Farm at Cuddington owned by John Radmore. The farm which stood near to Worcester Park Station caught fire in the evening. The brigade turned out “in quick time”, and toiled manfully to bring the flames under control. The manual was in full use operated by 6 officers and 11 men, together with the curricle and escape ladders. After a number of hours, straw stacks, a straw shaker, and all the shed workshops had been burnt out, before the blaze was under control.

The damage amounted to £250 with the cause of the fire unknown, the brigade sent a bill of costs totalling £29 5s 8d to the insurance company.

Still, the brigade did not meet with universal acclaim from the residents. At a meeting of the ratepayers association, the chairman George Hepburn stated

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he thought they were a very expensive toy.” They were purely ornamental, and caused a little hilarity in the town”.

Summer of 99 The summer of 1899 was very hot and dry, causing a number of fires in the hayfields of the district. In the space of a couple of days in Kingston Vale there were two callouts, either late in the evening or early morning.

9 men and 6 officers attended both blazes, which each took 4 hours to bring under control. Another fire was reported less than a week later at Coombe Ballard in George Road Coombe. The brigade arrived within 7 minutes, and attended for 1½ hours using 7 officers and men. The manual engine had difficulty obtaining sufficient water, and damage to the shrubbery and grounds was extensive. Twenty five years later the house itself was completely destroyed by fire.

Marymount School now stands on the site.

It was certainly the season for fires. Another started in a field between Mount Pleasant and Northcote Road. The field belong to James Page of Coombe Farm, and stood in the grounds of what is now Corpus Christi School. It was suspected that the cause was a spark from a railway engine, but as there was only stubble remaining after

the wheat crop had been cut, there was little damage other than to a hedge. The blaze took 2½ hours for 11 officers and men to extinguish.

The final blaze of the hot summer of 1899 took place in Acacia Grove at the rear of the properties known as Ivy House and White House on 4th September. Again, it was thought that the culprit was a spark from a passing engine. The brigade with 8 officers and men arrived in 8 minutes and stayed for 2 hours to deal with the fire. A large wooden shed used as a dog kennel was destroyed together with a 150 foot long fence and holly hedge.

As can be seen, the fire service proved their worth, especially during the summer of 1899, and remember, they were all volunteers, prepared to risk life and limb when called upon. Malden can be justifiably proud of these early pioneers of a great service.

Illustrations 1) Marymount School which stands on the site of Coombe Ballard 2) Ivy House which used to stand in Acacia Grove.

3) Malden and Coombe Fire Brigade (taken at a later date)

February’s Village Voice is our 100TH edition!

Advertise from just £21 plus VAT a month 020 8336 2915 www.nmvv.co.uk

100TH

EDITION!

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CODEWORD Codeword

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View from the City

by Justin Urquhart Stewart

Investment Thoughts -A another FTSE Fad Goes – Annuity warnings & Pay FTSE fads The FTSE100 is a remarkably unreliable friend. It has inconsistently changed its complexion faster than many ladies of dubious professional standing. Over the decades it has become the focus of the fashionable companies to invest in of the period, and we see them rise with enthusiasm and fall into financial disgrace on a regular and almost cyclical basis.

Thus we have gone from the old imperial trading companies like British & Commonwealth and ICI, through the conglomerates of BTR, Hanson and

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Williams. Then many will recall the early privatisations, then the demutualisations and the especially frenetic TMT (Technology, Media & Telecom) boom that bust so spectacularly at the end of the century. Even after that the fashion fads continued with, as I am sure we can all remember, the finance sector with banks that were surely “too big to fail” and then, running parallel with them, the rise of the miners during the commodities super cycle.

Well now we are seeing the waning of this latest investment fervour. Last week saw the end of quarterly FTSE shuffle when CEOs either find themselves suitably flattered or humiliated as they win or lose their membership to FTSE 100 status. This is not just a technical exercise but affects many, as of course the powerful tracker funds and ETFs will become forced buyers and sellers depending which way your company is going and thus will see some quite dramatic price variations.

This quarterly shuffle is just a consequence of capital valuations and thus it means that the index is going to be at the behest of sometimes short term capital swings and not provide the stability of, say, an equally

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weighted index where each constituent has an equal share. So in this case, with the FTSE 100 each constituent being 1% of the index whereas currently around 10 companies account for 45%.

This time around the newly privatised Royal Mail Group has come in after its “priced to go” flotation a few weeks ago. However one of the leavers is to be Vedanta, the Indian mining company. Vedanta will in fact be the fifth stock from the basic resources sector to leave the index so far just this year. The others were Kazakhmys the Kazakh miner, the controversial ENRC miner, the steelmaker Evraz, and Polymetal.

In many ways then 2013 has seen a rebalancing in the FTSE100 as the mining and metals sector slipped from a strong 17% of the index value to something less than half of that. Perversely it has been the banking sector that has been reviving in value, with Barclays rising by 15% in the past year, and the much criticised and fined Lloyds up by over 50%.

The lesson from this is as ever – beware the fashion fads – fashion looks foolish soon after.

Another scandal – and a serious one. Annuities Recently the Financial Services Consumer Panel, a statutory body charged with defending consumer interests described some of the brokers involved in selling annuities as “burglars”. Few understand their pensions and have little idea where to turn to for honest independent advice. The result is that many fall into an unknowing trap of buying an annuity from their pension provider with no shopping around or evaluation. They wouldn’t know where to start.

If, though, they do come across an annuity broker they then find that their commissions can be as high as 6%! It seems that some of these operatives may also not be institutions of deep pockets (in case things go wrong) but small offices of offshore units which have little strength or credibility – but how would the consumer know that?

Annuities have always been suspect in my book.

You get to retire and are then expected to place a bet on your own life. Die young they win, die later they still win – die very much later you might just win. I understand that from the age of 65 you would have to live to 85 to get you money back with the current meagre annuity rates. So why take one out at all? You might as well have it invested yourself for a better return rather than give the profits to the insurance industry. Now there is a question which we in the investment industry should look to answer.

So clear direction for all of us and for any of us who know people in this situation – please seek advice now.

It will affect 400,000 people each year who are being sold these things.

Justin Justin Urquhart Stewart is one of the most recognisable and trusted market commentators on television, radio and in the press. Originally trained as a lawyer he has observed the retail market industry for 20 years whilst at Barclays Stockbrokers and developed a unique understanding of the market’s roles and benefits for the private investor

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Change4Life Kingston • Zumba Gold in Kingston (Monday) and Surbiton (Thursday) • Bhangra Fusion in Kingston (Friday) • Running fitness course in Kingston (Monday) • Walk4Life walks borough-wide, including Saturdays in Chessington and Tuesdays in Richmond Park • Lets Dance afterschool dance programme

www.facebook.com/change4lifekingston www.twitter.com/c4lkingston

For further information call:

020 8296 9747 or email c4l@ymcalsw.org

20

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

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21

Community Who cares for the carers?

Could you give a helping hand to a very deserving group of young people in our community?

It may come to a surprise to many of our readers that not all of the teenagers and young adults living in and around New Malden are enjoying a carefree and fun-filled childhood, without a worry in the world….

Because for a small – but vitally important group of young people – life carries responsibilities, which can create a very different type of ‘childhood’.

It may also come as a surprise to learn that there are around 13,000 adult and young carers in the Borough of Kingston and there are estimated to be around quarter of a million young carers across the UK. The Young Carers’ Project, based in New Malden (and which is part of the charity, Kingston Carers’ Network) provides advice and support, access to a network of other young people who might be in the same position and above all someone who will listen to their worries and concerns when needed.

And, whilst the core services (e.g. staff – most of whom are part time – and an office on Blagdon Road) do receive Government funding, any additional outings, recreational activities, holiday courses and entertainment are due only to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who are able to donate their time or resources to help make such activities “happen” Liz Grimwood, a support worker for the Project said; “It is so wonderful when we are able to see so many of the boys and girls we work with on a regular basis come together to enjoy the kind of entertainment that so many other young people are able to take for granted, especially so during the school holidays.

“As well as lots of other support, it is so valuable for our young carers to have the opportunity to spend time with others who understand their responsibilities, to have a break from their caring roles and the chance to “act like kids”.

Young carers are essentially children and young people (aged 5-18) who help look after a family member. It may be a parent, brother, sister or grandparent living with a range of issues such as a physical illness or disability; a mental health problem; a sensory impairment; learning difficulties or a drug or alcohol addiction They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult, such as: • practical tasks such as cooking, shopping and cleaning • helping with medication and personal care • looking after younger siblings such as taking them to school

22

• interpreting for parents • worrying about them, often unable to concentrate at school Jon Holmes, General Manager of the Malden Centre, who recently offered the group free use of the leisure centre’s famous giant ‘wobstacle’ for a half term splash-about said; ‘When we were first approached

by Liz about the possibility of becoming involved with their group, we really were delighted to help out. The group is literally based on our doorstep and the more I learn about the support Liz and her colleagues provide, the more I can appreciate the huge responsibility undertaken by these amazing young people.

“You can’t put a price on fun and a smiling face and it was a real pleasure to see the kids splashing around and forgetting their responsibilities for a while.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming involved (either as a volunteer or in terms of donating free resources, activities, venue hire or refreshments) please contact Liz Grimwood on: youngcarers3@kingstoncarers.org.uk / 020 3031 2757

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23

Malden Fortnight House Clearance Specialists

On Friday 29th November at 5.30 p.m. New Malden High Street Lights were switched on. The Mayor accompanied by the Deputy Mayor and Santa Claus rode down the High Street in the brightly decorated Rotary sleigh followed by a group of dancing children in Santa Claus outfits. It is estimated that several hundred parents and children lined the High Street to witness this annual event which ended in St. Georges Square with Santa handing out Christmas presents supplied by Tudor Williams to the children. Barclays Bank stayed open and provided mulled wine cakes and mince pies to members of the public The following evening in the Methodist Church in new Malden two hundred people enjoyed the annual Dave Marrion Big Band Concert which raised money for Rotary charities and a very substantial collection was made for the Phillipine Disaster Fund.

Malden Fortnight Committe and The Rotary Club are grateful for the tremendous support from our members, residents and visitors and look forward to seeing everybody in July 2014 for the Malden Fortnight activities.

The parade - Canival themed - will take place on Saturday July 5th July and Craft Fair on July 12th. Other events will be listed on our website when confirmed.

To register for more information just fill out the form on our website. www.maldenfortnight.co.uk If you’d like to help with the organisation then the committee would love to see you! info@maldenfortnight.co.uk

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25

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27

Community New Malden Reads Together “Book” yourself in for a community-wide reading festival!

Monday 10th February – Friday 14th February 2014.

An exciting new project – which was first developed in Dunbar, Scotland – looks set to hit the headlines in New Malden as staff from three of our local primary schools come together to launch a new book week for the community.

“New Malden Reads Together Week” (Monday 10th – Friday 14th February 2014) – has been developed to simply encourage everyone to start talking about books!

Whatever your age, hobbies, occupation or taste in books, this new community campaign has been designed with everyone in mind and the teachers behind the project are really urging as many people as possible to become involved.

Mrs Izzy Rickards, Deputy Headteacher at Christ Church Primary School, New Malden, says; “The aims of this exciting new initiative are really quite simple – to create a ‘buzz’ in the community about reading and to promote the enjoyment and fun factor of getting stuck into a good book.

“Along with teachers from Burlington Junior School, Corpus Christi and our friends at New Malden library, we are really trying to spread the word to recruit as many volunteers and role models as possible. We know that so often children will look up to and listen to someone who inspires them – and that someone could be their football or rugby coach, their ‘Brown Owl’ or Scout Leader or maybe even the staff in their favourite toy shop! Essentially, we believe that more people we can persuade to help promote our ‘New Malden Reads Together Week”, then more chance we have of persuading our children that reading is a fantastic hobby that stays with you forever!”

There are many ways in which local residents, organisations, book club and businesses could become involved with the new project including promoting the

28

week, encouraging all staff to read a book that week, helping to share and make books available for others agreeing to sponsor

to read or even elements of the event?

Mrs Rickards adds; “We’ve had a few planning meetings already and we’re starting to come up with some great ideas to help us kick off this ‘reading revolution’. Everything from a “book swap shop” at the station and ‘extreme reading’ challenges to a communitywide a SOAR day – which essentially means Switching Off our phones, gadgets, TVs and computers And Read!!

The opportunities are endless, so if you’d like to get involved, then we’d love to hear from you!”

To find out more, please contact Izzy Rickards on: yricka1@ccnm. rbksch.org.

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The one place for all your maintenance and building needs.

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29

Adolph Hitler and me Part 2

By Michael Wood

(adapted with permission from his work on The Hereford Chronicle) herefordchronicle.co.uk

Apart from the threat of bombs at night our life became routine. We did not see all that much of Dad, as he was on duty as a Fireman for long hours. For most if not all of his service, he was a Leading Fireman. The existing civilian Fire Service retained their pre-war appliances and fire stations and the Auxiliary Fire Service, the A.F.S. was largely separated from them.

However as far as I know, Dad was based at New Malden from early 1940 until 1944. Because he was in the A.F.S., he was not based at the main Fire Station in the High Street in New Malden, but at a sort of annex which was created at the Club House, at the Malden Golf Course. The A.F.S. did not have the splendid red fire engines of the civilian fleet. The standard appliance for them, was a large van painted a grayish green, about a 3 tonner. This van would be loaded with hoses, stirrup pumps and other gear and equipped to seat a crew of around five. On the

30

roof there were racks, holding a few ladders, including hook ladders.

The van towed a large petrol driven pump, weighing around half a ton. This was known as a trailer pump. As a Leading Fireman, Dad was in charge of one, or possibly more of these appliances. I think that there were probably three vans at the Golf Course, with perhaps four full-timers and up to twenty part-timers. It has been said, and with some truth, that it was these crews with stirrup and trailer pumps which prevented London from burning down. The problem with the trailer pumps was that they were not fitted with self starters and were difficult to start, even under good conditions. Three things were necessary, an understanding of how to set the choke and the throttle in differing conditions, physical strength to swing the pump and finally “knack�, knowing when to give the

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extra jerk as the engine came up to compression. All of the crew members were supposed to be able to start the pumps but few could. Dad was a strong man and as an owner driver of taxis had had experience of starting engines for many years and was able to start them most of the time. However, even for him, it was easy to use too much choke and to flood the engine and make starting a very long process. In those days there was no such thing as multi-grade oil, so when the weather was cold, it became very thick and the engine was very hard to turn. I know that he despaired of the parttimers, which was probably unfair, as they would all have been used to non-manual occupations and were either beyond the age for mili¬tary service, or excluded because of poor health. He spent many hours trying to train them, but at many fires, Dad would start his pump, then go to assist the other crews. If the engine had been flooded, a remedy was to remove the spark plugs, dry them, and if possible, warm them before re¬placing them. When he did this for his taxi, he would often use the cooker at home, and I can imagine him at a major fire in London, using the fire itself to warm and dry the spark plugs!

I mentioned earlier that Dad was in the A.F.S. and that the A.F.S. and the Local Authority (Civilian) Fire Brigade were largely separate. On the 18th August, 1941, the two forces were combined to form the National

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Fire Service, but this seems to have made almost no difference to Dad. When he spoke of his experiences in the Fire Service, it always seemed that after the spring of 1941, it was very much a matter of long periods of boredom and routine with an occasional incident to add a little excitement. This excitement mostly arising when he had to deal with ordinary accidental fires and small fires started by incendiary bombs. However, there was a considerable amount of action in the Autumn and Winter, 1940 to 1941 and in this period he was sent to a number of big fires outside his area. I know that he was at the London Docks for three or four days, and all of that time was spent fighting really large fires. The most dangerous duty on this occasion was containing a fire in a very large vegetable oil storage tank. He also went to fight fires outside London on at least one occasion. I am fairly sure that he went to Plymouth, but it could have been Southampton. He also spoke of a major fire in central London, I believe that it was at the Café Royal. Apart from these major fires, I think that most of his fire fighting arose from German raids which were targeted on nearby Kingston. The Hawker works and many associated factories were located there. If they had been destroyed, it would have been a major triumph for the Germans, partly because of the affect on civilian morale but mainly because Hawker’s produced the Hurricane, one of the most important fighter aircraft of the War. I believe that quite a large number of bombs both incendiary and high explosive fell there, but relatively little damage was done and production was hardly affected. Because his pay from the Fire Brigade was much less than he was used to making as a taxi driver, it was necessary for Dad to spend much of his off duty time working with his taxi.

He also had an allotment to grow vegetables and we kept rabbits and chickens. I think that we probably only really saw him when we were helping him on the allotment, or to gather dandelions and other vegetation from bomb sites and waste ground to feed to the rabbits and the chickens. These animals were almost pets and one bantam, “Goldie” survived for a number of years, by producing an egg almost every day. On Saturdays it was my job to go and get the feed for the chickens, 7 pounds of bran, 7 pounds of corn or other grain as available, and on some weeks a box of Karswood’s Poultry Spice. I can remember that the walk back, all the way up Dukes Avenue, carrying a leatherette shopping bag was long and hard, especially on the weeks when there was a 7 pound box of Poultry Spice. This Poultry Spice was a red powder. It was added to the potato peelings and other scraps of food which were mixed with the bran and fed to the chickens. The spice acted as a dye and coloured the yolk of the eggs, so that instead of being a pale insipid yellow, they were a vivid orange red.

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

31

Just a few of the properties we sold in 2013

Alverstone Road KT3 A superb three bedroom semi-detached family home moments from Beverley Park which has off street parking for two cars and a garage to the side.

Woodlands Avenue KT3 Detached family home set in this wonderful location within the catchment for Coombe Hill. The property has excellent accommodation with superb potential and a stunning 110` rear garden.

Mount Pleasant Road KT3 A stunning semi-detached house located in the GROVES area of New Malden with a fantastic 31` kitchen/dining/family room and a 40` rear garden.

If you are thinking of selling in 2014 call Groves Residential on 020 8949 0094

Beaconsfield Road KT3

A three bedroom house within the GROVES area of New Malden; in need of some updating but with superb potential and south facing garden.

Coombe Gardens KT3

A magnificent NEW BUILD semi-detached house in this very popular and central location offering stunning accommodation over three floors.

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Revel Road KT1

A substantial semi-detached family home with three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms, large rear garden and off-street parking.

Malden Hill KT3

A rare opportunity to buy a wonderful family home, in need of complete renovation but with plenty of scope and a stunning garden; excellent central location.

Northcote Road KT3

An attractive two bed period house in this sought after road on the edge of The GROVES. Downstairs there are two reception rooms and a conservatory.

Acacia Grove KT3

A charming period home located in the ever popular GROVES area with three bedrooms, double reception, kitchen/breakfast room and off street parking.

Independent Family Run Company - NAEA and ARLA Regulated Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

Malden Hill Gardens KT3 A delightful four bedroom period property with great living space and good size garden in the heart of New Malden ideal for a family.

Alric Avenue KT3 A stunning and very large two double bedroom conversion flat with a private rear garden and located close to New Malden high street.

Arundel Road KT1 A refurbished, three bedroom semi-detached family home close to Norbiton station. Large garden, off-street parking and garage.

Just a few of the properties we let in 2013

Egerton Road KT3 A stunning four bedroom family home with two bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, two further reception rooms, parking and garden.

Kingscote Road KT3 A beautifully presented two double bedroom house in a popular, quiet location just a short walk from the station and High Street

Poplar Grove KT3 A delightful three bedroom period house in a quiet cul-de-sac within the ever popular GROVES area, with good size mature garden

We are a Member of the NAEA for Sales and a Licensed ARLA Agent for Lettings We may not be the largest agent in New Malden but if you trust us with the sale or rental of your property we will not give you cause to regret it.

Put simply, we are experienced, independent agents who pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and getting the best price and the best buyer/tenant for your property.

“The team at Groves' straightforward approach, honesty and expert knowledge set them apart from other estate agents. They offer a 5 star service and I wouldn't trust my property with anyone else!”

Call us now and find out what makes us different…

020 8949 0094

11 High Street, New Malden KT3 4DQ www.grovesresidential.com

TEL: 020 8949 0094

11 HIGH STREET, NEW MALDEN KT3 4DQ

mail@grovesresidential.com

www.grovesresidential.com

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

33

1. In March 2013, who famously said “may God forgive you for what you have done”?

2. In 2013, who left his career in politics to become President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee in New York?

3. In April 2013, what became the first song with a running time of less than a minute to reach the top ten of the UK singles charts?

4. In August 2013, it was announced that actor Peter Capaldi will take over the leading role in which long running TV series?

5. UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom caused controversy in July 2013 when referring to countries that receive overseas aid from the UK by what name?

6. In which competition did Gaynor Hopkins finish in 15th position when representing the UK in 2013?

7. Mad About The Boy was the sub-title of a 2013 novel centred around which character?

8. With a main building that was affectionately known by staff as “the doughnut”, what officially closed on March 31st 2013?

9. What was the final score in the 2013 Ashes series?

10. Which two singers won two awards each at the 2013 BRIT Awards?

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Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

1. Pope Francis (speaking to his fellow cardinals on his election as Pope) 2. David Miliband 3. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 4. Doctor Who 5. Bongo Bongo Land 6. The Eurovision Song Contest (Gaynor Hopkins is the real name of Bonnie Tyler) 7. Bridget Jones 8. BBC Television Centre 9. 3-0 to England 10. Emeli Sande and Ben Howard

Review Of The Year

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1. Pope Francis (speaking to his fellow cardinals on his election as Pope) 2. David Miliband 3. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 4. Doctor Who 5. Bongo Bongo Land 6. The

8s r e d n u r o f ggle & jump in the Partuyr toFcliumn b slide, wri s will have POD2 all friend One ho our child and soft play (y s). to themselve 30 minutes of party food in the se st to organi Followed by a Pod Party Ho party room with d to clear up afterwards. everything an

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n

FOLLOWING A TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL 2013 WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SAME IN 2014 IF YOU ARE THINKING OF MOVING PLEASE RING US NOW FOR A FREE VALUATION

www.hawesandco.co.uk 36

NEW MALDEN OFFICE 0208 949 5856 Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

What’s on New Malden Farmer’s Market Saturday 1st February Car Park by Fountain Pub 9am to 2pm

The United Service during the week of Prayer for Christian Unity is to take place on Monday 20th January at 8pm at Christ Church, Coombe Road, New Malden. Everybody is most welcome to attend. Further details are available from Reverend John Simon Lawson, Chair of Churches Together in Malden, email address revjohnsimonnm@gmail.com or Elspeth Coke on 020 8942 7388

Music in New Malden

Music in New Malden starts 2014 with an exciting Baroque programme of works by J.S. Bach, his sons and his pupils Oboe - Leo Duarte Harpsichord - John Irving.

Come and join us for post-seasonal musical treats, An hour of music followed by tea and cake.

New Malden Methodist Church, 12 January, 3pm.

Proceeds to charity. www.mrdf.org.uk Methodist Relief & Development Fund

Rose Theatre Kingston

Tue 7 Jan 1.15pm JAZZ FIRST TUESDAY; The Jo Fooks Trio Free lunchtime music, first Tuesday of every month until May 2014.

Mon 13 Jan, 7.30pm KRAPPS’ LAST TAPE One act play by Samuel Beckett Directed by Fiona Baddeley Starring Tom Owens It is 69 year old Krapp’s birthday. He sits in his den for his yearly ritual of recording his reflections on a tape recorder.

Post Show Talk There will be an interval following Krapp’s Last Tape after which Tom will answer any questions you might have about the play, Last of The Summer Wine and his Dad, Bill Owen. Tickets: £12, pit cushions £9 Wed 15 Jan 1.15pm VARITEY CAFÉ; Two for Tea Free lunchtime music Tue 14 Jan, 7.30pm MAGICAL MOZART By Candlelight An evening of classical music and song.

Tickets: £16 - £21 Pit cushions £8 Wed 15 Jan, 7.30pm THE SEA, THE SEA: A Rehearsed Reading

by Iris Murdoch adapted from her Booker Prize-winning novel This funny and thought-provoking adaptation of Iris Murdoch’s most famous book is a disturbing illustration of the dangerous power of fantasy and illusion. Tickets: £22.50 - £25 Pit cushions £14 Sat 18 Jan, 7pm ALADDIN A traditional, family show, the pantomime Aladdin by John Morley, brings all the usual opportunities for audience participation. This special performance, by local group St James’s Players, has been commissioned by the Mayor of Kingston to raise funds for the Mayor’s Charitable Trust (which is supporting: the Alzheimer’s Society and Princess Alice Hospice). Tickets: £8 - £12 Pit cushions £5 Sun 19 Jan, 7.30pm ROSE MAGIC NIGHT Now a popular annual fundraising event, this is a terrific night of entertainment for the whole family. Join us for an evening of illusions, mind-

reading and plenty of laughs. It’s a magical night out!

Tickets: £10 Pit cushions £8 Fri 24 Jan, Doors Open: 7pm Music: 8.30pm JAZZ LIVE DANCE Some of Britain’s finest jazz musicians play live at Rose Theatre Bar; Cleveland Watkiss with The Heads and Feet House Band Tickets: £8 Sat 25 Jan, 7.30pm AIDA An Opera By Opera de Baugé In their first ever visit to the UK, French company Opéra de Baugé present Verdi’s Aida at the Rose for one night only. Aida has everything - unrequited love, betrayal, revenge, self-sacrifice and spectacle. All set to stirring music, including trumpet marches, love duets and ethereal harps.

Tickets: £20 - £40 Pit cushions £15 Sun 26 Jan, 7.30pm Sun 23 Feb, 7.30pm THE COMEDY STORE Advance Tickets: £12 On the Door £14 Mon 27 Jan – Sat 1 Feb Bill Kenwright presents FALLEN ANGELS

By Noël Coward Starring Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe With their passionless husbands away playing golf, a mutual long-ago-lover announces his intention to pay Julia and Jane an impromptu visit. All in a fluster, there’s clearly only one thing to do: hit the bottle! Or rather, pop open the Champagne! As each successive glass of liquid courage is imbibed, tongues start to loosen, hidden jealousies surface, the claws come out, and all attempts at demure behaviour go out the window.

But it’s not until the unexpected early return of their golfing husbands that the women’s evening really hits its frenzied peak.

Tickets £15 - £28 Pit cushions £5

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To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

37

Events

The Tubakunde Project, PowerPoint presentation and fun quiz Saturday 8 February 7.30pm

Christchurch Lounge, 91 Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4RE Craft and cards sales, Traditional refreshments, Admission by donation Tubakunde is a Kinyarwandan word meaning “let us love them” and the name of a project caring for abandoned or vulnerable children in Rwanda.

Founder Pam Hajnasrollah was born in Northumberland, on leaving school she trained to be a nursery nurse. After working as a nanny she became a matron at a nursery in Croydon. Unfortunately, at the age of forty, after nursing her husband through cancer, Pam was both childless and widowed.

Still a relatively young woman she thought long and hard and prayed about what to do next. She felt called to work with deprived children in Africa, specifically in Rwanda.

Through church contacts she got a job as a matron at Sonrise boarding school in Musanze Province, Rwanda, and, in 2001, moved to Africa. Incredibly, Pam chose to do this despite gradually losing her hearing to inherited disease.

In 2004 Pam met her business partner Nathan, a Rwandese man with experience in building and project management. They believed that God wanted them to provide love, food, clothing, medical treatment and a safe environment for vulnerable children. In August 2006, a house was secured and renovated to provide the homely atmosphere and spacious garden that was desperately needed for a children’s refuge – the first of its kind in Rwanda.

Tubakunde House opened, with five babies, in April 2008.

The project initially provided day-care for pre-school children. During the first year, it was quickly realised that it would be necessary to create a nursery school as children reached school age. Construction of three classrooms, six toilets, and an outdoor kitchen took place.

In February 2009 Excel School opened, comprising three nursery classes (lower, middle, upper) and primary class

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one. In February 2010, primary two opened. By January 2011 another block of four classrooms was built. The pattern continued in January 2012 and 2013 with further classrooms to accommodate P3, P4 and P5 and a large hall being built. One more class, P6, will complete the primary school in January 2014. In 2013 there were 305 registered pupils at Excel School. There is now a mix of fee-paying and sponsored children but no difference discernible in the care they receive. Another house for use as a hostel has been rented since 2012.

In 2011 Pam, Nathan, and their supporters decided the time had come to consolidate the various fundraising groups across the UK into one cohesive unit. Thus the Tubakunde Trust was formed to raise funds and registered charity status (number: 1145495) was granted in 2012.

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FOR INFORMATION SCHOOL: Pupils’ moral, social and culturalREGARDING development is THE outstanding.

The school is Please telephone the school office successful in creating a happy family atmosphere in which each pupil can flourish.

020 8942 Ofsted Report5885 2008

A LOVE OF LEARNING IS FOR LIFE

80 WESTBURY ROAD NEW MALDEN SURREY KT3 5AS

Tel: 5885 020 8942 Tel: 020 8942 / Fax:5885 020 8942 5885 E-mail: info@westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk Website: www.westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

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41

Clubs

Cooking Your Spanish

Your 2014 resolution Have you already listed your resolutions for the new year? Do they include learning a new language or how to be a better cook? Then, you got it! Make Cooking Your Spanish your resolution for 2014: learn Spañish while preparing tapas!

Travel with us to Spain and Latin America through the Hispanic world of food!

Your invitation to our first anniversary party Cooking Your Spanish will be one year old on Thursday 23 January 2014. Come to meet us and our students, and learn more about our different courses meanwhile we enjoy some tapas together. Join us at The Brook in Worcester Park (formerly known as Midas Touch) from 7pm. Email us to reserve your free place as space is limited – we have 50 drink vouchers to give away!

Our 2014 courses With just 7 students max, each of our courses is 8 weeks long – Mondays for beginners, Tuesdays for intermediates and Wednesdays for our advance course. We have lunch time courses from 12pm to 1.30pm and dinner time from 7pm to 8.30 pm.

After a successful Autumn term, our evening classes for the Winter are almost fully booked as well!

However, there are still places available for lunch time starting on 13, 14 or 15 January depending on your level.

If you can only join us in the evening, we have already opened the pre-registration for our Spring term starting on 12, 13 or 14 May and finishing on the first week of July – ready for the summer holidays!

Furthermore, CYS for the family (parents and kids from 8 to 11 years old) will be at lunch time on Sundays. At every session, two new tapas will drive you and your best classmate through the language of Cervantes and Rafa Nadal. Learning together – what an experience!

Have a look at our website or send us an email for information on any of our courses.

What our students say Both the beginner and intermediate courses in Autumn were fully booked and our students loved the experience: - “It was a very enjoyable course, fab idea to do tapas and Spanish at the same time. Loved it!” (Minka) - “I had a fantastic time again on the second course

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and I look forward to the new one in January. Muchas gracias!” (Jackie) Open day Join us at anytime from 12pm to 8.30 pm on 7 January – your glass of sangría is waiting!

And DON’T FORGET our party on 23 January – book your free place soon to avoid disappointment! y

o

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SPAÑISH & TAPAS

Learn Spanish while preparing tapas New term starting in January 2014

Courses are 8 weeks long | Half-term break on w/c 17 Feb

Beginner: Intermediate: Advance:

Mondays, 13 Jan – 10 Mar Tuesdays, 14 Jan – 11 Mar Wednesdays, 15 Jan – 12 Mar

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Lunch (new!): 12 to 1.30pm or Dinner: 7 to 8.30pm

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£199 (food and kitchen utensils included!)

Payable by instalments Suite 12, Fitzroy House (opposite Barclays) Lynwood Drive, Worcester Park KT4 7AT

Join us for our open days on Tue 17 Dec or Tue 7 Jan Pop up at anytime from 12pm to 8.30pm

learn, eat, enjoy E: cookingyourspanish@gmail.com W: cookingyourspanish.com T: 07503 727320

Max. 7 people per class

Food source:

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Do you have jewellery you no longer wear?

Is your jewellery “tired” and in need of a re-vamp?

Adorn will repair or totally re-model your existing jewellery to create a beautiful new piece.

Why not create your own custom designed jewellery? From bangles to pendants, rings to earrings, we will help you through the design process to create a totally unique piece.

Handmade Gifts Adorn will create the perfect personalised gift for your loved ones that reflect their favourite pastime.

• Made in silver, gold or platinum • Engraved with your personal message • Can be set with precious stones

Need help with gift ideas?

Here are some gifts we made recently: • Golf ball markers • Guitar plectrums • Bookmarks • Fishing hooks • Keyrings • Poker chips

David Sutcliffe, your local Goldsmith and owner of Adorn Jewellers, will give you free expert advice on all your jewellery needs.

Visit Adorn Jewellers for friendly, expert advice 155 High Street, New Malden or phone 020 8942 8767 www.adornjewellers.co.uk In-house Repairs & Commissions · Engraving · New & Antique Jewellery · Valuations · Watch/Clock Repairs · Trophies

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

43

Sowing Time

by Pippa Greenwood

Now that January is here it’s a perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots. But how do you make sure that yours germinate and produce seedlings and then plants which thrive and grow well?

A shopping list for first time sowers should be: - Good quality seed and cuttings compost.

- Some seed half-trays, which are about 5” x 8”.

- A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator.

- A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home.

- Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings.

If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you’re using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it.

Depending on the types of seeds you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths. Some seeds are tiny and are best scattered over the surface. Other seeds are best sown in drills. Once they are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to

the required depth. However others germinate best if allowed access to daylight and should be sown on the surface. With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly.

I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the compost is just moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator.

When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts may harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over.

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Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the compost is adequately moist. Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear. When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant.

When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always transplant seedlings so that they are at the same depth as they were in the seed tray.

If you find that your seedlings have become rather leggy and drawn, this is usually because they’re not receiving enough natural light; move the trays onto a south or west facing windowsill.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening items including ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Choose the veg you’d like to grow and they’re sent to you ready to plant, accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa.

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To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

45

Kids

New Baby in New Malden

It’s New Year’s Resolution time again...and for mums who are thinking of trying to improve their fitness, the Malden Centre has made it easy by scheduling their creche times to combine with some of their aerobics classes and pool availability. (You do have to book in advance however.) Children from 6 months to 4 are able to attend and it’s a fun, stimulating environment for them. If you’d rather exercise with your baby, there’s a Mother and Baby Yoga class on Wednesday lunchtimes which is a 10-week course, suitable for mums with babies from 8 weeks to crawling. I wish I had done this, as I absolutely loved my pregnancy yoga classes but now it’s too late and I’m searching for a class I can attend with my now all too mobile baby!

Another thing I wish I’d done was get my daughter onto the waiting list for baby/toddler swimming lessons at the Malden Centre, which are apparently amazing and will teach your child to swim before they’re even old enough for school. I heard that there is now a two-year waiting list for these classes, so if you are thinking of signing up but you feel your child isn’t quite ready yet, my advice is to get on that list straight away. Maybe before your child is actually born. Or conceived. Having failed to get either of my children into these classes I have just been taking them along to the pool anyway in the hope that genetic memory will kick in and they’ll just sort of start to swim. They seem to enjoy it, especially when I remember to bring the woggle.

For the uninitiated, a woggle is a very long float for which there is neither an obvious place in your house or means of carrying it down the street without looking ridiculous. They sell them in the shop at the Malden Centre, so I suppose you could just buy a new woggle every time if money was no object. Anyway, once you’ve got woggle and child into the water, they can sit on it, ride on it, duck under it, use it to support their arms in the water. They’re brilliant, and if you turn up at the pool without one your child usually ends up trying to appropriate someone else’s and you have to have one of those embarrassing public conversations about property rights. So, we love the Malden Centre swimming pool with the woggle, and even without the woggle we love the Kingfisher in Kingston, where there’s shallow enough water for babies to crawl in at the “beach” end of the pool, and a strangely fascinating fountain. There’s an under 5s only session from 9 to 11.30 each morning which we thoroughly recommend.

Happy New Year and good luck with those resolutions.

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Install a new Boiler from as little as £1700* Call us on 0208 722 3439 or ths@smithandbyford.com www.smithandbyford.com Subject to Terms and Conditions.

Published prices relate to local homeowners only. All contracts are subject to a Survey and Terms and Conditions will apply.

Quote TL09

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

47

Clubs

To feature in this section email info@nmvv.co.uk

Mondays

New Malden Rotary Club Where: Malden Golf Club,Traps Lane,When: Monday evenings at 6:15 for 6:45pm Contact: Barry Collins on 07740 257 255 Monday Netball Club When: Mondays 8.30pm Contact: Ching Lee 07813 556184 English Conversation / Lessons For Koreans Where: Christ Church Centre, Coombe Road When: Mondays & Tues, 10.00 am - 12.00 noonAll welcome: contact Chris Coke 020 8942 7388.

St James Players Where: St James Bodley Road When: Mondays 8pm.

Tuesdays

Arthritis Care New Malden Branch Where: Age Concern Kingston Raleigh House 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA When: 4th Tuesday of month 7.30 -9.30pm We aim to provide backup support for arthritis sufferers and an opportunity for members to enjoy a social evening through our regular monthly meetings. Jocelyn King 020 8942 6745.

The New Malden Ladies Badminton Club When: Tuesday at the Malden Centre from 20.30 till 22.00 We are a mixed ability club looking for new members. Please ring Lynda on 8949 2673 or just pop in.

NHS Retirement Fellowship- Local Branch Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -12 at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat.Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month. For further details please contact Lorna on 020 8337 4121.

Half Shares We are a group of widows who meet together on the 1st Tuesday of every month. We have a speaker and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Come and join us at 1.45-3.15pm at Christ Church Centre, Coombe Rd For more details contact Lily on 020 8949 1431.

The New Malden Investment Club Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Grafton Club, Grafton Road, New Malden. We do have a few vacancies and new member are always welcome.Contact the secretary on 020 8942 1926 for further information.

Malden Bridge Club

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When: Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 10.30pm Where: Graham Spicer Institute, by entrance to Waitrose car park.

Contact: John 020 8942 7560 for details.

New - ACT FOR JUSTICE. Where: New Malden Baptist church; Westbury Road. KT3 5BE. When: The first Tuesday of every month, 8 - 9.30pm.

This new group aims to combat human trafficking. We’ll discuss issues of forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, raise awareness and fundraise.

Contact ellykeevil@hotmail.com

Wednesdays

Malden & Coombe Social Club For The Blind When: Alternate Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm Contact; Mike Ball 02089420819 Volunteer drivers/helpers VERY welcome Royal British Legion Malden & Coombe The Legion meets every second Wednesday afternoon from 2.30pm at the Grafton Club. Any interested parties in joining please contact Mary Gillett on 020 8949 2342 who will be very pleased to give any information to help or assist.

Thursdays

Malden Camera Club Where: New Malden Library, Kingston Road When: Thursday evenings throughout the year at 7.45pm Contact: www.maldencameraclub.org.uk Malden Centre Orchestra Where: Malden Centre, Blagdon Road When: 10.00-12.00noon, every Thursday (term time only)Contact: Conductor David Benke on 02087868517.

Tolworth Badminton Club Where: Play at Tolworth Recreation Centre When: Club night Thursday evenings 7.30-9.30 Standard: Intermediate/advanced level Contact: www.tolworthbadmintonclub.co.uk or ring Pat on 0208 395 9175 or just turn up on a Thursday

or family are welcome. For further details telephone Kerry at K.A.B. 020 8605 0060.

Come and join our friendly local bridge club at the Shiraz Mirza hall (behind Norbiton station). We play 24 hands of duplicate bridge - with electronic scoring - every Thursday from 7.30 p.m. prompt.

Host system so partners always available. £5 table money. Parking available outside the hall. Also buses and trains from very close by. Contact Rosemary Vase 0208 5468719 or Pauline Finn 0208 549 3270 or just turn up Malden And Coombe Flower Decoration Society At St.James Church Hall Bodley Road WHEN the third Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm. 21st November - demonstration by Annette Parshotam giving us ideas for flower arrangements for the Christmas table and other decorations. This will be followed by Alison, one of our members, showing us ideas for decorating Christmas cakes. At the end of the evening flowers and cakes will be raffled.

On Thursday, 5th December, we are holding a Workshop making our own Christmas arrangement, door wreaths, etc. Why not come along to these evenings and dazzle your family and friends with your expertise! Visitors £5 If you would like more details please ring Brenda Faulkner on 0208 337 4492.

Fridays

Friday Morning Running A mixed group, consisting mainly, but not restricted to, mothers with children in school, meet each Friday morning at 9:50 am in the Pembroke Lodge car park TW10 5HX, for a run of between 3 and 4 miles in Richmond Park. This is a social group of runners with no pressure on ability. New runners are more than welcome (everybody has to start somewhere) and time will be taken to accommodate them. Don’t feel inhibited, come and try us! If you need any further Malden Emergency First Aid Society information please call Bob on 07936 (Mefas). Members meet each Thursday 240937. evening at 7.30pm for First Aid training.

RSPB Epsom and Ewell Local group.

New members required. Everyone We meet the 2nd Friday of every month welcome. Hall available for hire. Contact at 7.30, apart from July and August, at Christine on 07966661015.

All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Kingston Association for The Blind Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate Lunch Club at The Mefas Hall, rear of their enthusiasm on a variety of natural Malden Centre, Cocks Crescent, New history subjects. We also have several Malden - for people with a severe sight birding outings throughout the year loss - for a sandwich lunch on the last which is arranged to suit all ages. There Thursday of every month 12.30 to 2.30 pm. The cost is £3 per person and friends is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. rspb.org.uk/groups/epsom.

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

Saturdays

Saturday Dementia Club Age Concern Kingston 2nd Saturday of the month 11am and 2pm in New Malden for people living with dementia, their family and carers, Call 020 8942 8256 and ask for Jyoti or email saturdayclub@ageconcernkingston.org

General

Emanuel Rugby Where: Shannon Corner, KT3 4PU When: Adults Tuesdays and Thursdays,7.30pm, Saturday 2-3pm. Children: Registration at the club is 1030am with training starting at 11am on Sundays Contact: emanuelrugby.co.uk info@emanuelrugby.co.uk Fergus McCarthy 0845 8338974 days & evenings.

Graham Spicer Snooker Room Availible for hire during the day and evenings.

Contact Secretary for availibility on 020 8942 2157.

Malden Bowling Club Where: Lime Grove, New Malden Tel: John on 020 8949 4315.

Supreme Bowls Club Where: junction of Thetford Road and Windsor Avenue in the playing field opposite Woodies pub in New Malden. Contact Mick or Diana 020 8942 0294.

West Wimbledon Society Table Tennis Club Friendly social table tennis club in Raynes Park welcomes new members (sorry not complete beginners). For more details call 020 8947 3564.

Surbition Bowls Club Alexandra Rec, Tolworth.

Open days Sat/Sun 20/21 April from 2.30pm . Roll ups Expert Tuesday evenings from 5:50pm.

Small local friendlycare mixed club (35

players.) New members very welcome.

If interested please ring David 020 8224 2385.

From The Ground Up local affordable organic box scheme - Kingston’s own - fresh organic veg, fruit, bread, cheese and preserves at exceptional price. Collection every Saturday from Kingston or Surbiton. fgu@ttkingston.org for details Surbiton Croquet Club Where: Alexandra Drive, Berrylands. Croquet is a game for all ages and abilities. All welcome at very friendly club, including (especially!) complete beginners. Free introductory croquet coaching sessions. Contact Chris Osmond on 020 8330 6698 From the Ground Up, Kingston’s only not for profit organic food scheme. No box required. Local, affordable organic. For more details google: organic food Kingston

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BUSINESS CARD OFFER 250 x 1 - £35.00 D/Side - £50.00 500 x 1 - £45.00 D/Side - £65.00 250 x 2 - £50.00 D/Side - £70.00 Artwork from £10.00

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

49

What’s On in January Chef’s French Evenings On 8th January Our Head Chef Lionel Jouanet will launch his weekly celebration of French cuisine Every Wednesday he will create a menu of specialities from his favourite regions Monday 13th January

GlassHouse Wine Appreciation Society

Sunday 26th January

Celebrate Australia Day

Every Tuesday

Piano Lounge

Every Saturday

The Rhone Pre-booking essential

Our Sunday Quiz will have an Australian theme And we will be serving our special Aussie Platter and two glasses of specially selected Australian wine £20.00

Fernando de Paula playing piano Every Tuesday from 8pm to 11pm

Steak Night Saturday night is steak night at The GlassHouse See our Saturday Specials board for details

Live Jazz The GlassHouse presents some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians Every Saturday from 8pm

Every Sunday

The Glasshouse Quiz £40.00 voucher for food and drink to the winning team Every Sunday from 7.30pm

   

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

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

An independent preparatory An independent independentpreparatory preparatory An school for boys and girls schoolfor for boys and andgirls girls school aged 3boys to 11 years. aged3 3toto11 11 years. years. aged

“The pupils’ overall success is a result of highly teaching,isan “The pupils’effective overall success a outstanding result ult and wide extra-curricular experience, as well as the of curriculum highly effective teaching, an outstanding tan pupils’ own excellent attitudes to learning.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate report curriculum and wide extra-curricular experience, as well as the r e pupils’ own excellent attitudes to learning.” Independent Schools Inspectorate report arn

“The pupils’ overall success is a result of highly Tel: 020 8942 0754an outstanding effective teaching, Email: info@thestudyschool.co.uk Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk Tel: 020 8942 0754 Email: www.thestudyschool.co.uk estu curriculum 5 7info@thestudyschool.co.uk T h e t f o r d R o a d , and N eWebsite: w M a wide l d e n K T 3 extra-curricular 5DP 5 7experience, T h e t f oT r d R o a d , N e as w M awell l d e n K Tas 3 5 D the P pupils’3 independent preparatory chool for boysexcellent and girls attitudes to learning.” own Schools Inspectorate report aged 3Independent to 11 years.

Tel: 020 8942 0754

pupils’ overall success is a result hly effective teaching, an outstanding ulum and wide extra-curricular experience, as well as the Email: info@thestudyschool.co.uk ’ own excellent attitudes to learning.” Independent Schools Inspectorate report

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57 Thetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP

etford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

51

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers in New Malden Monday 10am to 11.30am Tots In Tow St John’s Church, Kingston Road Contact Debbie McCarthy 07887 724139 1.15 pm 3.15pm. St James Tiddlers Group We welcome all parents and toddlers, plus big sisters and brothers when they’re on holidays. St James Church Hall, Bodley Rd Contact Angie: 020 8942 2093 9.15 - 11.15 Stay and Play (0-18 months) - New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road 020 8336 1561.

Tuesday 10am to 11.45am St Joseph’s Toddler Group St Joseph’s R C Church, Montem Road 9.30am to 11.30am Sparkles United Reformed Church, Cavendish Hall, Cavendish Road Contact Peggy Cox 020 8949 3402 to visit. 9-11.30 Stay and Play New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road 020 8336 1561 Wednesday 10am to 11.30am Tots in Tow (see Monday) 10am and 11.45 ST Joseph’s Toddler Group (see Tuesday).

12.30pm - 3.pm Stay and Play (0 - 5 years) - New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road 020 8336 1561 Thursday 9.45 to 11.30am Methodist Church Parent and Toddler Group Methodist Church, High Street, Contact Greta Curry. 9.30am to 12.30pm 9.30 - 12 noon Childminders’ drop in including school holidays, Norbiton Children’s Centre, The Mount School, Dickerage Road, 0208 942 2559 10.30-11am Story Time for age 2.5+ at New Malden Library Friday 9.30am to 11.30am Christ Church Parent and Toddler Group Christ Church, Coombe Road Contact Susie Gregerson 020 8241 9423.

9.45am to 11.15am Tadpoles Parent and Toddler Group New Malden Baptist Church, Kingston Road 020 8942 6912 – not a drop in session so call first. 10.30-11.00am Rhyme Time for age 0-3 at New Malden Library 9-12.Toy Library New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road 020 8336 1561. Also at NMCC Breastfeeding Support Group - 10.00 - 12.00 - first week of the month Twins Support Group - 10.00 - 12.00 - Second and fourth weeks of the month, Tuesday-Friday Parent and Toddler Play Sessions Dickerage Lane Adventure Playground Dickerage Lane, Daniel Slocombe 020 8942 1707, Saturday 10-12noon Who let the dads out is at Norbiton Children’s Centre, The Mount School, Dickerage Lane, New Malden Runs the third Saturday of every month. 10am-12pm Stay and Play - Dads group - - first Saturday of every month New Malden Children’s Centre, Burlington Road 020 8336 1561.VVoice

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KT3 0-5 yrs Softplay £2.95 per hour, £1.50 2nd hour

SIBLING DISCOUNT AVAILABLE Open Monday - Friday 9.30am-5pm, all year round BOUNCY CASTLE, BALL POOL, RIDE ON TOYS AND LOTS MORE CAFE WITH CHILDREN’S HEALTHY LUNCH BOXES The Pavilion, Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Park Marina Avenue, Motspur Park, KT3 6NE Plenty of free parking

Tel: 07721021290 www.rascalsoftplay.co.uk

AVAILABLE FOR PARTY HIRE

Montessori

Nursery “Where Learning is Child’s Play” At our Ofsted Registered Pre-school: • Staffed by Experienced Montessori teachers • Free Places are available for eligible children.

Open weekdays from 9am till 12 noon

For children age 2 to 5 years

07933 728234 We are located within easy access of the A3 at: St James Church, Lower Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden, KT3 5QE

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

53

Spotlight On Chris Brewer, Sales and Lettings Manager, Grace Miller When did Grace Miller & Co. start and when did you get involved?

Grace Miller & Co. have been in business since August 2000 managing blocks of flats and prestigious estates right across South West London and Surrey. Offering a sales and lettings service was a natural progression and I joined in 2012 to develop the Sales, Lettings and Management department. I’m delighted with how well it’s going and the results we’ve achieved so far have been fantastic.

How long have you been involved in property?

I started out in Estate Agency 13 years ago working in the Kingston, Wimbledon and Putney markets over the years. I’ve also bought, renovated, let and sold properties of my own during that time so I’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge.

What do you love about your job?

It’s a very varied role which makes every day different, but mainly it’s the challenge of achieving good results for our clients and seeing the department develop and grow.

How are Grace Miller & Co. involved with the community in New Malden?

We are proud to be official sponsors of AFC Wimbledon, an association that has enabled us to get to know many locals who are fans of the club. We also make a donation of £100 to the football club when we sell or let a property for a supporter, which is proving really popular and is a great way for the club to benefit too.

How well do you know New Malden?

I’m a local, my family moved to New Malden when I was about 5 years old, I grew up in the area and went to Green Lane Primary School in Worcester Park and then Richard Challoner Boys School in Malden Manor. My family still live here and you could say I know the area like the back of my hand, which is a great help when dealing with property and people in the area.

What’s great about New Malden?

I think New Malden offers a bit of everything, it has some lovely residential areas, nice property, some great schools, a good High Street and a friendly village feel. It’s also got some great places right on its door step such as Richmond Park, Kingston, Wimbledon, and it’s easy to get into central London and the Surrey countryside.

What is the property market going to be like in for New Malden in 2014?

I think we will continue to see more of what we’ve seen in 2013 – rising prices due to high demand and fierce competition for good property. With finance being more readily available again and a renewed confidence

54

in the economy, the property market is going from strength to strength.

If you didn’t work here, where would you like to work and why?

I would want to work in central London to deal with the fabulous period property there.

Best thing that’s happened to you recently?

I got engaged to my girlfriend Lisa, we’re hoping to tie the knot late next year!

10. What are your plans for Christmas?

Normally I would be spending it with my family in New Malden, but this year I’ll be in Tipperary, Ireland with my fiancé’s large family so I’m sure it will be a very merry one!

What will 2014 bring?

I’m really looking forward to a very busy 2014, dealing with existing and new clients and selling and letting lots more property in New Malden.

The Clean Chimney Sweep A clean chimney is a safe chimney

All chimneys swept for open fires, gas fires and stoves. Birds nests removed.

Gas fires removed, serviced and refitted.

Multifuel stoves serviced.

Cowls and pots supplied and fitted.

Fireplaces installed.

Carbon monoxide detectors supplied.

Certificates Issued. Fully Insured.

10% saving on sweeping with this advert

Tel: 020 8241 8632 Mb: 07795573342 E: thefireplaceinstallers@live.co.uk Gas Safe Reg No: 224136 Gas Management Services

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

s s e

Looking to Let or Sell your property?

Grace Miller & Co. is an independent estate agency specialising in residential sales, lettings and property COLOUR BREAKDOWN management. We treat each client as an individual and DISPLAY SPOT PROCESS offer a bespoke service tailored to your own WEBSAFE specific requirements.

Our staff take the time to understand PANTONE 288C 100c 70m 0y 25k 0r 70g 135b 004687 your needs and offer you clear, expert advice on how 206r 199g 159b PANTONE 452C 25c 20m 40y 0k CEC79F to achieve the best possible result.

Block Management

Grace Miller & Co. also manage a variety of prestigious estates and blocks of flats across London and the Home Counties and have been in business since 2000. The majority of our business comes via personal recommendation from existing clients and from professional referrals.

We know the property market and understand how For a no obligation chat regarding the management of With our extensive online marketing, superior it works, enabling us to offer you accurate valuations, your building, please contact our Estate Management property presentation and attentive customer competitive fees and honest advice on how to best team on 020 8605 1200. present your property in order to maximise its value. service there is no other local agent better equipped Grace Miller has the flexibility, energy and focus to to deal with the marketing of your property.

Lettings & Sales 020 8605 1300 deliver a pro-active service that we think can’t be beaten anywhere else. Our advice and valuation of your We will work harder for you to020 find8605 a buyer Block Management 1200or property is free of charge and without obligation.

Should you be considering letting or selling your tenant at the best property, or if it is already on the market and you that suits you. would like to know how we can assist you, please call us today to arrange an appointment.

possible price and to a timescale

www.gracemiller.co.uk

Our lettings management service includes Landlords’

If you instruct us to let and manage your property, Rent Guarantee Insurance giving you peace of mind our service will include FREE Landlords’ Rent Guarantee insurance, which provides comprehensive and providing comprehensive cover against rent cover for rent arrears and legal expenses.

accurate valuations competitive fees arrears and legal expenses. honest advice Call us today for a free, no obligation market appraisal of your property.

Wimbledon Hill Road £2400pcm Furnished A beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment set within a gated development between Wimbledon Village and town centre.

Southey Road £2578pcm Unfurnished A unique three bedroom split level penthouse apartment in a converted school building only a short walk from Wimbledon town centre and station.

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

55

h

,

Seasonal recipe Red onion soup with melting gruyere croutons After all the indulgence and expense of Christmas and the New Year, this hearty soup is the perfect antidote. Ideal for a warming winter lunch or supper it’s simple to make, tastes delicious and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Serves 4, Ready in 1½ hours 2 tbsp olive oil 15g butter 650g small red onions, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tsp brown sugar 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1.2litres beef or vegetable stock Few sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra to garnish Salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 thin slices day old French bread 75g Gruyere cheese, grated 1 Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep heavy-based saucepan until the butter is sizzling. Add all the sliced onions and cook very gently over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

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e

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2 Sprinkle over the sugar and cover and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden.

3 Stir in the flour and half the mustard and cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock. Add the thyme sprigs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper (see Tip) and bring to the boil.

4 Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5 Lightly toast the slices of French bread on one side. Spread the untoasted sides with the rest of the mustard and top with the grated Gruyere cheese. Pop under a hot grill for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6 Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and top each with two hot Gruyere croutons. Serve immediately garnished with thyme sprigs.

TIP If you use stock made up from stock cubes taste the soup before adding any seasoning as some can be quite highly seasoned.

Professional Toe Nail Cutting Service For those who find it difficult to cut their own nails

Professionally trained, enhanced CRB certificate.

Cut and file of all types of nails from straight forward to more complex.

Treatment of hard skin and a foot cream/massage provided.

I can visit you at home or in a residential centre.

Price £22 per person, per household, per visit, discounts available if more than one person in the same household, eg husband and wife.

Please contact Julie on:

07932 510855

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers



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Computer Solutions

For a complete Local, Professional, Reliable and Independent service.

Home or Commercial, I come to you.

18 years commercial IT experience.

No Fix, No Fee. Clive Lawrence M: 0772 5525840 T : 0845 8055231

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

              

Hardware repairs /upgrades Virus Removal Windows 7 install Memory Upgrades Email / Spam ADSL / Cable System clean-up Wireless Networking Software upgrades Setup / Data Transfers Digital Camera / iPods Peripheral support Video transfers Windows Server support Lotus Notes /Domino

SECOND NATURE LANDSCAPES LTD.

Learn to Bowl Free Coaching All Ages & Abilities Welcome Bar • Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jubilee Way, Chessington KT9 1TR

Tel: 020 8397 7025

www.kgfindoorbowlsclub.co.uk

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR GARDEN ?

Second Nature is a small, professional company specializing in gardens tailored to your requirements.

We offer a complete design and build service using the latest CAD technology backed with over 25 years local and international experience.

Call Andy BSc Hons (Botany), Royal Horticultural Society, Dip (Terrain Evaluation)

0787 526 6372

for a friendly, no obligation consultation.

Check out our website: www.secondnaturelandscapes.co.uk

To advertise email jenny@nmvv.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

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Fitness

Getting Ready for Parkrun If you haven’t heard of ‘Parkrun’ before now, you’ll certainly hear it mentioned in conversions or via the media in the foreseeable future; you only have to look on the back pages of all the local papers to find it mentioned.

Parkrun is a phenomenon that is currently sweeping the running world getting people out of their beds for a run every Saturday morning at 9:00am. If you don’t believe me, just take a stroll down to Nonsuch Park and see the 300 plus athletes and fun-runners taking part in this area’s local event. You’ll be surprised at the shapes and sizes of the people taking part, but they are all doing it because they enjoy it. In fact you can witness the same if you go to Hamlands in Kingston, Bushy Park, Wimbledon Common, Banstead Woods and Richmond Park all of whom host Parkruns in the immediate vicinity.

Parkrun was an idea conceived in 2004 as a time trial over 5 kilometres in Bushy Park. However, it became so popular and overcrowded that another was opened on Wimbledon Common and also had the same effect,

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All consultations are conducted in strictest confidence Call or email to request a free informaion sheet

There is no fee involved for the initial consultation Telephone: 07740 943137 Email: kimnotist@gmail.com Website: www.kimnotist.co.uk

Parkrun mushroomed. To date, Parkrun is run at over 300 locations in the UK and has spread to other parts of the globe with the format being repeated in such places as Australia, South Africa, Poland, Denmark, United States, New Zealand, Eire and Afghanistan! They are all run early on a Saturday morning, all run over 5K (3.1 miles) with the results arriving in your e-mail by early afternoon. And it’s free! It’s open to anyone and is a great family occasion where people can run with other members and children of the family. Even dogs on leads and child buggies are tolerated. You don’t have to be anyone special to do it.

So how do you get fit enough to do it justice? There are many web sites telling you exactly how to start running and get yourself fit, but very few tell you how to get motivated. Last January, your esteemed editor, Jenny, decided that enough was enough and that she was going to respond to an article that she had commissioned for Village Voice and do an eight week running course taking her from being a relative statue to an active runner capable of running 3 miles without stopping. As her course instructor on behalf of Sheen Shufflers, I can vouch for her success!

The next ‘Adult Beginner’s Running Course’ commences on Wednesday 8th January 2014 at 10am from the car park of Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park TW10 5HX and runs each Wednesday at the same time over a period of eight weeks. If requested, there will be a half-term break. There is a charge of £40 for the eight week course to cover expenditure.

However, if you just need motivating because your get up and go, got up and went, but you still feel that you have your basic running ability, come and join our Friday Morning Running Group – just turn up at Pembroke Lodge car park in Richmond Park at 09:50 any Friday morning. It’s non-competitive, friendly and open to all who can manage to chat and run at the same time! Runs vary between 3.5 and 4 miles and are in the park or alongside the River Thames.

For more information on either the Running Course or the Friday running group, I can be reached on 07936 240937 or at bob.reed@tiscali.co.uk

HANDYMAN TRUSTWORTHY AND

PROFESSIONAL

No job too small Free estimates Interior & exterior Painting & Decorating undertaken Phone STEWART 0791 314 4514 or

0208 942 0834

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Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers

Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline

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Our Conservatories, Orangeries and Bi-Folding Doors will completely change the way you enjoy your home.

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The Better Life Car boot capers

by Derek Thompson

If Chinese philosophers ever need new pearls of wisdom, I’d like to suggest one of mine: When your garage is so full of tat that you can’t fit the car in, it’s time to do a car boot.

I do have a tat filing system, of sorts, so it’s not difficult to find anything (if you can clamber over everything else). On one side, opposite the firewood pallet that we found dumped in a lay-by, is a salvaged cupboard unit, held together with an assortment of odd screws. In there live the boxes of books relegated from our shelves, an old beer tray from a charity shop and two binbags full of Anne’s castoffs - mainly shoes.

We’ve always loved car boots. They’re really another form of recycling - turning unwanted goods into cash (and then buying other people’s flotsam). Car boots can also be a great place to pick up old and perfectly

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serviceable tools. For example, my much-loved £1 wrench was the only thing that could undo the old water pump so that we could replace the gasket and shaft head.

When we parked up on site, people swarmed around our car as if we were in a zombie film (and I scare easily). Anne stepped out to force them back, but she was already doing deals before I’d lifted the last box of books from the boot.

As car boot trader novices, we were surprised at how quickly some of our best stuff went, and even more surprised at how quickly it reappeared on other stalls at twice the price. Also, I lost count of how many times a cheery conversation ended up being steered towards the phrase: ‘Any chance of a discount?’ And this was often for books going for £1 apiece.

I’m not a massive fan of haggling, although I did manage some furtive bartering for veg. After a couple of bursts of brisk trade, business really tailed off. And when the same faces went past for a third time we decided to call it a day. Ironically, packing up brought all the hardcore bargain hunters out from the shadows.

A new phrase became the norm: “How much for this save you taking it home?” Frankly, I felt embarrassed for the books.

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Once we’d finally closed the boot, we did a circuit together. Now, by some strange alchemy, random objects acquired unexpected allure. How had I ever got by without a ceramic foot warmer or a DVD of Yes Minister?

Anne left me to it and made a beeline for one of the plant stalls. By the time I caught up with her, she was hunting for specimens on some invisible list I’d not been privy to. Once she’d checked what

was available and asked about growing conditions, I watched, in astonishment, as she ceased swapping pleasantries to ask, “Is there any discount for buying in bulk?”

She always was a fast learner.

Anything we didn’t sell on the day went to a charity shop. It turned out that the ceramic foot warmer leaked (don’t ask...), so it now sits in ignominy in the garden. The DVD was excellent. I’ve moved it to the garage, in the empty cupboard, just in case.

Derek Thompson is a writer and humourist based in the West Country.His writing blog can be found at www. alongthewritelines.blogspot.com and he is also a regular at www.strictlywriting.blogspot.com

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Index

to advertise call 020 8336 2915 Accounting

Computing

Beauty

Department Stores

DGAS 19 Fake It 31 Fine Feaure 25

Beds and mattresses

Best Price Beds 26 Hamseys 21

Building, decorating & repairs Angel Roofing 34 Crest Curtain Tracks 13 John Dowds Property Services 60 PBT Electrical 29 Stewart Handyman 58 TSD Building 3 Robinson & Son painters & decorators 46 Roofers 11

Care

True Blue Nurses

Car

The Dent Professor Westbury (Garage)

Children

49 22 16

The Little School 52 ThePod@YMCA 35 Rascals 52

Cleaning & ironing & Help services

A1 Dry Cleaners 12 Aroma ironing 8 Bits & Bobs 24 GES Clean 23 Chimney Sweep 54 Ovenclean 49 Time for You 40

62

Kitchens, bathroom & plumbing Andy Reeve Plumbing Dream Doors Mark Howell Smith & Byford VAGas Repairs

38 6 30 47 38

Eye Contact

35

26 10

Belinda Dog Walking Cats at Home

43 45

St James Players

9

Fresh Printing

49

Carpets 4 U Simply Floors

64 61

The Glasshouse The Real Butchers

50 2

Grace Miller Groves Residential Hawes & Co Keys Residential Parry & Drewett

55 32 36 5 17

CLP Computer Solutions

57

Tudor Williams

63

Cooking Your Spanish The Study School Westbury House

42 51 39

Martin Flanagan (Electrician) Unilet (Hi fi)

Education & courses

Electrical Events

Flooring

Food, Drink Gardening

Opticians Pets

Printing & Design

Property & Housing

Removals

Cypress (Garden Services) 28 Greenfingers 9 RJ Trees 25 Second Nature Landscaping 57 Turner Tree Care 46

Humpit 26

Brookdale Clinic/Sally Harris Kim Robinson Hypnotherapist Patrick Bringuier Rosemary Conley Slimming World Toe Nail Cutting

Pengilly 56

Health & Wellbeing

Jewellery

16 58 37 27 14 56

Adorn 43

Repairs

As Good As New 11 Glazing Repairs 44 Suddies 18

Shoe Repairs

Sport and Leisure

King George Indoor Bowls 57 New Malden Tennis Squash and Badminton Club 53 Thai Chi 45 YMCA Change 4 Life 20

Windows

Cheam Windows 41 Warmlite 59

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Winter

ng

up to 50% off

hundreds of half price items across the store N O W

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