Malden's Village Voice December 2020

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Malden’s

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KT3’s ONLY FREE Independent Community Magazine and Business Guide December 2020 Issue 177

MALDENMEDIA.COM

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Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Burlington Road, KT3 4ND Covid19 safe, 1:1, face to face school tours available.

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Welcome to YOUR Village Voice from jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk

December

With the nights continuing to draw in earlier, winter really is settling in and the nights are getting longer. How much do we appreciate the fantastic weather we had earlier this year during lockdown number one. It was such a pleasure to exercise in the glorious sunshine and actually listen to nature rather than the hum of the a3. I think I’ve paid the price, however, of 6 months doing long dog walks in my beloved fit flops. yes, I know, not very sensible and think a contributary factor to my current shooting lower back and sciatic pain. I am getting great medical care and advice and hopefully will be ‘fixed’ soon.

My heart goes out to any of our readers who are living in constant pain. I do hope that you are able to get the help and support you need, not just from medical staff but also friends, family and those living closest to you. If you have a neighbour who you think may be struggling,

& Since ‘05

Since ‘08

Published by Malden Media Ltd Editor Jenny Stuart jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk 36 Rosebery Avenue KT3 4JS

irrespective of age, then why not reach out with a friendly face and voice and continue the 2020 community kindness that was so evident in the summer. Most of us know the difference that can make, and also how good it feels to give, as well as receive.

As restrictions (hopefully) are lifted in the coming weeks and months we should be able to start including club and community information again and, fingers crossed, even some What’s On listings. If you have something to contribute, or would like to advertise in our January edition please do get in touch. And thanks so much to all our advertisers this month, I do hope that you’ll support them and our other local businesses during continuingly difficult times for many.

If you don’t receive the Village Voice next month, remember you can read it online or collect a copy from Waitrose, The Malden Centre or New Malden library. But remember, copies are limited.

Until next time, best wishes, and Happy Christmas!

Jenny

Deadline for our January editions is 15th December

and 20th January for February

Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the editor. All advertisements are commercial and not indicative of any endorsement by the editor who accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine.

All in-house artwork and editorial presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Malden Media Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored on any retieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical. recording, photocopying, or otherwise without prior permission from the Publisher.

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the staff at Keys Residential

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New Malden History Victorian Christmas by Robin Gill Long standing readers of the Village Voice will hopefully remember that some time ago, I wrote an article on an Edwardian Christmas in the local area, so I thought we would go back to the Victorian period for this year’s celebrations.

Christmas sorted New Malden was in its infancy, but there was a real sense of community brewing as the community grew and Christmas was a time for those in the neighbourhood to come together.

In the early days, lamb and mutton were the staple meat diet for Christmas with the South Downs breed being the preferred choice, and always in stock at the only butcher William Elliot in Traps Lane. He was joined later in the trade of butchery by the aptly named Mr John Giblett Of course, for some items you would have to travel to Kingston. For instance, for tea, as domestic water supplies were gradually becoming purer, so was the appetite for tea, and Marshalls next door to the Wheatsheaf in the market place in Kingston had a supply of special Christmas Tea which had “great strength and a delightful flavour” available at 3 shillings and 8 pence (19 pence) per pound.

Whilst there you could get all the dried fruit for your Christmas baking and plums, figs, grapes, and almonds.

WHAT THE DICKENS WAS GOING ON Christmas entertainment initially took the form of “Penny Readings” which as the name suggests were a fun evening usually held at the schoolhouse in Poplar Grove, where for a penny you could listen to readings (usually from Dickens: still alive at the time!) and songs performed by locals. Mr Charles Davis who was to become “New Malden’s Grand Old Man” gained himself an enviable reputation as the reader of the works of the great author. These events could attract

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an audience of over 50 on a winter’s night.

The proceedings would end with the whole company singing “God save the Queen”. It was hoped that these shows would bring out any hidden talent in Malden.

Bazaar events Also popular was the Christmas Bazaar selling “curiosities and articles of general usefulness” organised by the ladies of the parish initially to raise funds for the building of the new schools in Elm Road and Lime Grove, but later for any worthy cause.

Another attraction at this event was the Christmas Tree decorated for the occasion with children’s toys. The tradition of the tree in the house did not come into fashion until after the wedding of Victoria to Albert in 1841, and fell out of fashion with her death in 1901. Trees were still only to be found in the houses of the wealthy until after the First World War. Among the items on show (not for sale) one year was a rare print of Hester Hammerton sexton of Kingston who died in 1746. (sic). There was also livestock consisting of pigeons, doves, and rabbits.

An unusual addition to the celebration of 1872 was a Christmas Ship called The Faery Queen with ladies from “the tops of the masts to the depths of the hold” handing out presents for the children.

The idea of a bazaar was soon taken onboard by the other churches in the locale together with the Christmas Tree. In fact, the Congregational Church (URC) transformed their hall into Tientsin the Chinese city of Felicity for one Christmas, with a large canopy erected over the platform including both Chinese and Japanese curtains. Large Chinese lamps were suspended from the canopy with large Christmas trees on both sides. The stalls sold pottery, toys, dolls and children’s clothing, together with other “useful articles”.

A Chinese pagoda was raised over a flower stall, while a Chinese sunshade stood over the refreshment stall. The bazaar was opened by Mr Hung of the Chinese legation in full costume; causing quite a stir of excitement among the assembled crowd. Other excitement was caused by the magician Buatier de Kolta famous for his disappearing lady and expanding dice illusions.

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through the district, paying particular calls at the large houses in Coombe travelling by horse and van. At the last house on their circuit the home of William St Aubryn on Kingston Road, they were welcomed in with tea and cakes even though it was nearly midnight. The parish church itself was decorated with holly and other evergreens.

The New Malden Brass Band when deemed proficient enough, would be out every evening around Christmas playing carols and other seasonal tunes on the pavements of Malden, and the grounds of the large houses in Coombe.

The railway station was also decorated for the season with greenery and holly covering the entrance hall, staircases, and platforms along with flags and mottoes.

Traditional Christmas Of course, Christmas is a religious celebration and the churches were packed, in fact Christ Church in those early years enjoyed its largest congregation since it was erected. The choristers were dressed in their new jackets, gloves, and scarlet woollen comforters gifts from two local parishioners, while the church itself was bedecked with evergreens. The choir under their master Charles Davis had been out carol singing all

Bring us some figgy pudding Then there was the Christmas pudding, which was normally made 5 weeks before the celebration on “stir it up Sunday”. It was said that while you were mixing the ingredients, all that you wished for would come true. Stirring was done east to west to represent the journey of the three wise men, and the pudding should 13 ingredients signifying Jesus and his disciples though some cooks deliberately missed out one (Judas). continued over....

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Shop around With the growth of Malden came the growth of specialist shops as well as the butchers like Mr John Giblett there was also Mr Joseph Ransom for your meat supplies and Edward Lock could provide you with your festive turkey. You would call at William Hide’s or Kerswells for your Christmas Cards which were now becoming popular to send and receive. Charlotte Peapell could provide gifts for the children, and for your cakes and sweets you could call at Moore’s.

For your ordinary groceries with something extra at Christmas there was Thomas Montagues, and he didn’t have it there was Aylens, Saunders, or Mr Arthur. The shops were closed for four days after Christmas.

It is also about this time we see the first arrival of national and district stores on our street, instead of local tradesmen, with the arrival of the London and Suburban Stores ran by Mr Charles Sass who specialised in the sale of cheeses and bacon.

Christmas cards were available at the Post Office run by Mr Fred Hawkins who also stocked useful presents.

Put it on the slate It was pay-out time at the village Slate Club where members who had saved religiously throughout the year could spend it now on the festivities. The total number of members (both men and women) of this institution was 141 in 1892 a vast increase on the experiment which had only started four years earlier.

It’s behind you It was during the late 1890s that the practice of “getting away for a few days” starting taking hold.

Thanks to various organisations the Christmas break stretched to three or even four days and if the weather was fine, families ventured to Richmond Park, or if they could afford the local pantomime at either Richmond or Kingston. The traditional pantomime really took hold about 1870 after Augustus Harris manager of Drury Theatre wrote a number of very popular productions. Augustus who lived for a while in Acacia Grove could be described as the originator of modern pantomime, with lavish costumes and sets. It is noticeable that while this is a Christmas production, Christmas is not normally part of the show and sometimes does not even get a mention.

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Illustrations 1) Stirring The Pudding 2) The Christmas Tree 3) Buatier de Kolta

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Wishing you for the parents. all a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2021!

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New Malden Rotary Christmas is coming …… or is it?

CHRISTMAS IS COMING ...... OR MAYBE NOT? In November’s issue of Village Voice we wrote of the difficulties New Malden Rotary is having in the planning of our usual Christmas activities, particularly the High Street Lights and our Fundraising Appeal.

Unfortunately we still cannot confirm anything positive, certainly not before 2nd December. And it seems increasingly unlikely that the ongoing restrictions will allow us to be active to any degree before Christmas.

As far as the lights are concerned we are reliant on the good offices of Kingston Council and their Contractors.

At the time of writing we are awaiting their proposals and costs for checking that all are still in working order and can be switched on. If their proposals are acceptable we hope to have the results in time to switch on in early December but … we have to wait and see.

Santa and Rudolph are already resigned to a quiet time this year in New Malden. They are spending most of December in self- isolation to conform to Covid 19 Regulations and to make sure they are fit and well for their Christmas Eve world tour. If it becomes possible for them to make special appearances or visits in the meantime we shall let you know on our website and with regular updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Knocking on doors and collecting cash will not be possible but, sadly, the demands on our service and on the money we usually raise are still with us. We hope that everyone will be as generous in their giving as they have been in past years, but this year by using the wonders of the internet. To donate to our Appeal you can go to our website (newmaldenrotary.org.uk) and follow the Fundraising link to the Donations page. Or you can use the QR code which will take you directly to our Donations page. All donations will, as usual, go directly to local charities and other Rotary causes.

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Fundraising at this time … is it right?

We believe so. Our lives may be different but the need is still the same. Many people still need the support of Christmas fundraising, some perhaps more than ever. Whether an elderly person living alone, a family trying to make ends meet, newly arrived refugees fleeing hardship and violence; all people in New Malden, regardless of race, religion or culture, deserve to enjoy the spirit of Christmas which most of us take

for granted. Rotary, like other organisations, will do what it can to help – and for that we in turn rely on the generosity and spirit of kindness of those living and working in our community. So please contribute what you can and together we can make Christmas a little more cheerful for those less fortunate.

AND DON’T FORGET if and when our shops do reopen and you can indulge in proper Christmas shopping that your local shops and traders need your support more than ever this year and particularly those who are independent and locally owned.

Our High Street and the smaller shopping parades around New Malden are invaluable assets for our town; let’s not lose them. Think Local and Shop Local.

To find out how to contribute to New Malden Rotary’s Christmas Appeal or to keep in touch with our activities go to: Website – newmaldenrotary.org.uk Facebook – New Malden Rotary

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Wining & Dining From Charlotte @ Wined Up Here Nothing makes a meal more special than ccompanying each course with adifferent wine.

It’s great to start with a fizz to get your palate tingling in anticipation for the delights to come. You can drink it on its own as an aperitif or I love it with Smoked Salmon canapes. Cattin Cremant d’Alsace £13.99 Cremant is sparkling wine from anywhere in France that isn’t from Champagne. Made to the same high standards as Champagne from Alsace’s favourite grape, Pinot Blanc, this is a toasty fizz with apple, pear and blossom fruit.

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this vintage. If you remember in 2018 we had a long dry summer perfect for ripening grapes. It is such a large wine making area in the South of France that there is economy of scale resulting in very affordable good quality wines and very often they are organic too because the climate lends itself to be so. If you want to push the boat out you can upgrade to the most famous Rhone village, and treat yourself to Chateauneuf du Pape. Nothing beats steak & chips, a good bit of Sirloin forspecial occasion but a burger from the butchers does the job too!

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Beverley Rocks!

Living in Kingston we are spoilt for places to walk our dog. Heading the list I suppose is the indomitable Richmond Park. The lungs of London; a favourite of my wife’s but not mine. Too much venison for my liking, not to mention cyclists. One year, a stag gored our beloved dog and emergency surgery was required. She recovered soon enough the vet bill still hurts and lives on with me. In line with its Royal associations, Richmond Park also has an unmistakable posh air to it. A park for the red trousered and their array of spaniels. And black labs of course. But less welcoming of our little dog which happens to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

My preferred destination is Beverley Park in New Malden. Nothing dangerous or too troubling at Beverley apart from the speed humps that guard it so fiercely. Surely, the biggest and most aggressive humps anywhere in the UK. I can only imagine that too much concrete was ordered and they now serve as the best friends of the garages and repair shops of New Malden.

But I risk my cars suspension because I like Beverley park. A park with a strong sense of community.

Regular dog walkers seem to know each other, perhaps drawn together by the approved dog breed of Beverley which appears to be the ubiquitous cock-a-poo. Beverley is more accepting of our beloved Staffie. I have experienced a few children being unnecessarily whipped up in to the air by neurotic parents but in the main, we are welcome and allowed to do our laps. This is the form of Beverley – walking laps (or oblongs) which is not for everyone.

The wonderful friends of Beverley Park make their presence felt with the beautiful flower beds they tend, not forgetting all the sterling individuals who see any strewn litter as a challenge and their calling. Like most parks these days, Beverley park becomes a youth club at night. Almost a night club during lockdown. As soon as the light fades, the youff appear with their music and things to eat, drink and imbibe. And by the morning they’ve vanished but some sadly leave their mark behind them for which the litter busters are more than a match for.

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And I like also that businesses too seem to flourish in the park.

Personal trainers loom large and compete for space. An odd job; watching over people in self-inflicted agony. Not for me. I have the Beverley chin up bar to occupy me which is free and thankfully can’t tut.

The newly refurbished tennis courts are a huge hit.

Always busy, outside lockdown at least and from an ungodly hour early hour it seems. However early I arrive, I am always beaten to it by the tennis enthusiasts and I wonder about the possible hand over; the youths on their way home to bed handing over to the tennis early birds.

It’s always good to see tennis courts being used even if the standard is distinctly English. I like to spot the odd decent player amongst the duffers.

Players for whom the tennis court will never be big enough.

Beyond the courts I enjoyed seeing a cricket clinic spring up this summer. A regal looking older gent, resplendent in his cricket get-up complete with foppish hat – giving his guile and experience to a succession of young children and with their eager parents standing nearby. Our twins are now 21 and many moons ago I joined them to Malden Wanderers, hoping that one, or both, may follow in Alex Stewart’s footsteps to the Oval. But the standard was so high, they sadly never stood a chance of getting a game.

I can be seen at Beverley most days. Walking mostly or hanging vertically, looking up at my hands.

Do say hello. Our dog is not dangerous and she happens to be the best looking dog that you will ever encounter in Beverley - or any park for that matter.

DH is a comedian, lover of most dogs, and author. His second book of lockdown, ‘Dominic Holland Takes on Life’ is available at amazon.co.uk, or from him in person - if you see him in the park.

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How many kinds of sweet flowers grow…

by Pippa Greenwood

The quintessentially English country garden is something many of us dream about owning. It has classic, timeless appeal and looks gorgeous in a really relaxed way. And, although it may be easier to achieve the cottage garden style in the countryside, even in a town you can still recreate at least some of that classic country look.

Shrubs make a great backdrop to a country-look garden – choose a range of different shapes, textures and shades of leaf colour to start to recreate the cottage-garden feel. Choose mainly or all deciduous shrubs, rather than conifers and other evergreens, for the best effect. Include some evergreens for more of a year-round look.

Make something of a garden gate: a wooden or metal gate painted white gives the right feel, and when smart, traditional-look fixings and fixtures are painted contrasting black, the look is complete. White works well but bright colours can look out of place. Make sure you prepare the surface well before painting.

Plants in pots can be used to great effect for added seasonal splashes of colour, so get planting with temporary plants such as brightly coloured pelargoniums and geraniums or longer-term plants such as bulbs and small shrubs. Choose a pot with an informal, rounded shape, rather than anything too geometric or modern in shape or colour; a terracotta pot works a treat.

Carefully coordinated and muted shades need not be the name of the game in a country-style garden. The combination of a wide range of types of flower in an even wider range of colours is perfect. Forget the rigid confines of a colour wheel, allow some contrasting colours and, as long as there is plenty of greenery inbetween, they’ll look great.

Unless it is in a vegetable plot, regimented, straight row or blocks of planting are definitely out! Plant loosely and almost randomly to achieve the truly relaxed feel that this sort of garden is all about. No straight lines, anywhere – instead use drifts of planting to give beds and borders a country style, whatever their size.

The Urban Gardeners are an experienced local gardening company who are passionate about plants and creating beautiful gardens.

Bare earth does not often feature in a cottage garden.

Instead, make sure that plants are everywhere and allowed to grow closer than usual. When you plant up a bed from scratch, the plants will need to be quite far apart or else they will soon become too crowded.

But whilst they find their feet and start to fill their space, use hardy annuals sown from scattered seed or plantings of seasonal bedding to fill in gaps and create a wall-to-wall carpet of colour.

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A good range of heights in the flower borders helps create a feeling of rich opulence. Make sure that basically the smaller plants are at the front and the largest at the back, but add in some tall, slim plants throughout the planting – these will add colour, interest and variation in height without blocking your view of their smaller neighbours. There are lots of plants you can use for this; the classic is the purpleflowered Verbena bonariensis.

A wall made from traditional materials like brick or stone makes a perfect boundary. A really laid-back option is a drystone wall – with variations in the grey and brownish colours of the stone it looks great in all weathers, and you’ll often be able to get plants such as house leeks growing in some of the crevices too.

If your garden is on a slope, you may well need steps. Rather than going for wood, angular slabs or brick, choose stone. It is much longer-lasting, won’t be damaged by hard frosts and does not need preservative treatments. The appeal is also in its natural good looks and, when combined with a wall of the same material, steps like this can almost trick you into thinking they’re there naturally! Increase the effect by laying the steps in a slightly uneven manner.

Ivy can be a bit of a nuisance if allowed to grow out of control, but in a situation like this it makes for a perfect way to cover up a less-than attractive feature such as an ugly wall. Small plants grow rapidly once established and because they produce tiny suckers you’ll not even need to put up any form of a support system. As an added bonus, once established, a dense growth of ivy is also a useful wildlife habitat.

Maximise every planting opportunity using containers made from natural materials such as terracotta.

Positioned along the top of a wall they’ll mark the boundary well and bring seasonal colour. Swap the plants around at the end of the summer and use winter-flowering pansies for colour throughout the year.

Plant small, compact plants along the edges of paths and steps to add colour and interest and increase the sense of informality. Cushion-forming plants such as small saxifrages look great but won’t swamp the steps either!

Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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Care Happiness at home with Home Instead live in care services Since lockdown, many of those living at home and in need of care and support are looking at alternative options to care homes and our live in care offering is proving to be a popular choice.

Clare Jefferies, owner of the New Malden based company said “We have had a number of clients move from hourly care with us to live in care throughout the pandemic as well as loved ones looking for a way of Mum having company during these lonely and isolating times. Our live in care services allow people to stay in the comfort of their own home around their familiar surroundings, all while receiving round-theclock care from our trained caregivers.

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If you would like discuss live in care services with us, please do get in touch. We would love to tell you more.

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home, day and night, helping clients to carry out tasks, and more importantly, be a familiar face and a source of company. And preventing a stream of people visiting the home. When not working their agreed hours, live in caregivers are able to rest, sleep and follow normal activities that they would usually do.

Unlike many national live in care provider who

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

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Folk Law from Pearson Hards You better watch out, Santa Claus!

It has come to our attention that an investigation is being mounted into the nocturnal activities of Mr Kris Kringle, CEO of S Claus Enterprises Ltd, a.k.a.

Father Christmas. Concern is shared across a number of national and multinational agencies regarding the operation of the business from its base in the North.

It is understood that the delivery section of the undertaking is in contravention of the Working Time Directive, 2003/88/EC, It appears that world-wide deliveries are carried out in a single night by one operative. This is in clear breach of the regulations regarding rest breaks, and restriction of excessive nighttime hours.

Further, enquiries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have confirmed that the company has failed to file a flight plan since the ICAO received its charter in 1947.

Bystander Clement Clarke Moore in his witness statement “A visit from St Nicholas” attested to the fact that the aircraft employed failed to show any internationally accepted markings or navigation lights in contravention of Civil Aviation codes worldwide. In fact Mr Moore stated that the only illumination apparent was a small red light at the nose of the drive assembly of the aircraft. Later commentators have opined that this would only be of use in low cloud or restricted visibility.

International animal welfare groups are expressing concern as to the persistent rumours that the delivery aircraft only has a 9 reindeer power drive assembly which is generally accepted to provide insufficient power to achieve take-off during most times of the year. WADA has pledged to carry out a test for banned substances as soon as a sample can be obtained. In the meantime, an unconfirmed report indicates that naval forces are monitoring the passage of the Reindeer Warrior, a ship charted by a sinister organisation of animal rights activists as it makes its way North in a presumed attempt to release livestock held by S Claus Enterprises at its base.

Further troubles threaten the enterprise with the possibility of Brexit taking effect. It is believed that some plans are afoot to introduce a points

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based immigration system for those who are not UK nationals. Whether or not this will affect deliveries is as yet unclear as to how members of the UK Border Force will be able to interview a deliveryman whose preferred means of access is via the chimney. What is clear however, is that the passage of goods across the borders of UK may well be delayed by increased scrutiny by officials on both sides of the border to ensure that all necessary regulations have been observed.

Against the mounting tide of concern, the opinion of lawyers at Pearson Hards is “You better watch out, Santa Claus!

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Supporting you...

Family law A5 Perforated Leaflet, Portrait

(Size: 148mm xDispute 210mm) Resolution

Employment Residential Property Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney

...and your business Pearson Hards LLP If you are looking for a solicitor, you are probably at one of those important stages in your life.

Here at Pearson Hards, our clients know that as they reach those big stepping stones in their lives, they can rely on our expertise.

They know that we’ll take care of the finer detail, and use our knowledge to guide them in the right direction, whilst all the time looking out for their best interests.

Commercial Property Company Commercial Dispute Resolution Employment

020 8949 9500 info@pearsonhards.co.uk

Pearson Hards Solicitors LLP Fountain House 2 Kingston Road New Malden Surrey KT3 3LR 21 To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

New Malden Born and Bred Abbie Morris Hello, my name is Abbie Morris and I am 18 years old. I am asking for your help to enable me to achieve my dream of being a student-athlete in the US, playing football (soccer) whilst studying for a degree.

My story began when I was 6 years old. I was down at my local little league watching my mum’s friend’s children play when I decided that I wanted to play football. Without any hesitation, my mum signed me up for the next season and it all started from there. I was the only girl in my age group, but I did not care – I had discovered my passion! I used to play around in my back garden every day after school with my younger brother, firing balls at him into our small football goal.

As I got older, I decided to progress from Little League and start playing for an official team. I trialled for AFC Wimbledon Ladies and Girls and got into the team one year above my age group! They played in the Premier Division (the top league) of the Surrey Women and Girls League. I also tried out for the Surrey Player Development Centre, which is the county team, and got accepted; we often played other counties from around the country. Alongside all of this, I kept on playing at Little league in the boys team on Saturdays until aged 15 as it was a good opportunity for me to get extra game time as well as play with my friends and enjoy myself. With Little League, I was the first girl to be selected to go on their yearly football tour in Holland!

More recently, I progressed from the AFC Wimbledon youth teams to the senior reserve team (which was the back up to the first team). I ended up making my debut for the first team when I was 17, which was a really proud moment for myself as I had been at the club since age 10. After two years in the reserves gaining valuable experience, I moved on from Wimbledon and joined Old Actonians Ladies first team for the upcoming season. I am looking forward to the challenge of playing at this high level.

As a girl who plays football, I have had to work hard and prove myself to many different people, especially when playing in a boys’ team. When I was in primary

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school aged 9, I was told I could not play for the school football team simply because I was a girl. This may not seem like a big deal looking back on it but being told that I couldn’t do something because of who I am, even though I knew I was good enough, was upsetting. All I wanted to do was play with my friends who were on the team.

From then on, I have been even more determined to go as far as I can in the sport which has taught me so many lessons and given me so much happiness.

At the time of writing this, I have just finished college and passed my A level exams. I studied hard to be able to get a better scholarship and passed with an A* in Sociology and two As in Criminology and Psychology. I am now taking a gap year and working to save money to pay for my further education. I have been offered and accepted a scholarship for East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma which will be for 4 years, which means I will get to obtain an undergraduate degree as well as playing at a high level of football. The team play in NCAA Division 2 and play different universities nearby, as well as training every day. It is an amazing opportunity for my football, as the facilities and funding for women’s soccer in the US are amazing. It is also perfect for me as I would like to obtain a degree and progress in my career. This has been my dream since I first found out about it aged 12.

Unfortunately, I cannot claim any student finance or funding from the UK, so the remainder of the school fees I have to fund myself. I have started a GoFundMe to try to raise money towards the fees as well as working myself to save the money. I am also looking for a sponsor who could help me over the four years of university (or for however long they would like during my time at university). The link to the GoFundMe is: www.gofundme.com/f/abbiesamericandream Please help me to fulfil my dream to play football in the US and gain a degree and prove to the people who did not give me a chance, that girls can play football and be successful!

Thank you so much for reading my story.

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Malden’s

&

We deliver to 24,000 homes in KT3 and KT4

Call 020 8336 2915 to advertise from just ÂŁ21 plus VAT a month maldenmedia.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

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Puzzle Time not so easy

fairly easy

Snow and Ice 1. What type of animal is Snowball in the George Orwell novel Animal Farm?

7. What was the title of the 2012 sequel to the 1982 animated TV special The

2. What three flavours make up Neapolitan ice cream?

Snowman?...

3. What dance gave a band called The Snowmen a UK top 20 hit single in 1981?

b) The Snowman And The Snowdog

a) The Snowman And The Snowboy

c) The Snowman And The Snowmouse 4. Which former Wimbledon tennis champion 8. What symbol appears on the UK road was nicknamed the “Ice Maiden”? sign that warns of a risk of ice?

5. According to the Met Office, precipitation falls as snow when the air temperature is below how many degrees celcius?... a) two; b) zero; or c) minus two?

6. The Titanic left Southampton on its maiden voyage in 1912 on April 10th.

On what date did it hit the iceberg?

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9. Based on a story called The Snow Queen, what was the world’s highestgrossing film of 2013?

10. Which two planets in the Solar System are often referred to as the “ice giants”?

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Codeword CODEWORD Codeword EachEach letter of in the letter this puzzle is

by is a number has been Eachalphabet letterrepresented in this puzzle between 1 and 26. The represented by by a different number replaced a number codes for three letters are between 1 and 26. The codes for shown.

Asgrid, you find thethe shown in the with three letters are shown. Once you letters enter them in the box entered for you. havefirst filledfew these throughout the grid below. you can start guessing words and 2 3 you find 4 reveal1 other letters.

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Lamb shanks are cut from the end of a leg of lamb and are ideal for slow cooking. Serve with creamy mash potato for a really warming winter supper.

Serves 2 (see tip)

Ready in 3 hours

INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp olive oil • 15g butter • 2 large lamb shanks • 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and sliced • 600ml vegetable stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks • 3 fresh rosemary sprigs • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 300g chestnut mushrooms, halved • Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish • Steamed green beans, to serve TIP As a general guide each lamb shank will serve one adult, however if you use large lamb shanks this recipe will stretch to serve a family of two adults and two children.

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1. Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan. Add the lamb shanks and fry for 3-4 minutes until browned all over, turning frequently. Transfer the lamb to an ovenproof dish.

2. Add the leeks to the frying pan and fry for 5 minutes then pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce and stir in the tomato puree. Bring to the boil then add the carrots, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Spoon the stock and vegetables around the lamb and add the rosemary sprigs.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and cover tightly with a lid or foil and cook for 2 hours.

4. Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the mushrooms. Return to the oven and cook for a further 30-40 minutes, uncovered, until the lamb is very tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.

Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley and with steamed green beans.

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Churches Together in Malden Within this very strange and, for some, difficult times we wanted you to know that your local churches are still there for you and functioning, even if differently.

The majority are providing services on-line or by Zoom for those who are needing to self-isolate; while some are beginning to open for corporate worship, although needing to follow government guidelines.

At this time of year, we would normally be including within the ‘Village Voice’ a copy of the services each church is planning for the Christmas season. However, because times are so different, and arrangements uncertain, we would ask you to make contact via the websites, where details can be found.

CHURCH WEBSITES

St James(CofE) stjamesmalden.org St. John’s (CofE) sjnm.org Christ Church (CofE) ccnm.org Baptist nmbc.org.uk Methodist newmaldenmethodistchurch.com URC newmaldenurc.org.uk St Joseph’s (RC) catholicnewmalden.org St Pius X (RC) stpiusxchurch.org.uk

STREET CHAMPIONS As many of you will be aware a number of individuals have acted as collection points for our local Food Banks etc. It has been suggested that people, in addition, might like to donate gifts for distribution to local families in need at this time. These could be placed in the same boxes (if wrapped then please label with age / boy / girl; or leave in a polythene bag). For details of collecting points just google:

Kingston Foodbank across Kingston. or Contact your local church for information via their website (above) To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

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Inner Wheel Club of Kingston upon Thames invites you to

The Graham Child

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Wednesday 2nd December 2020 7.00 pm via ZOOM Suggested donations £5 per head Contact: Bobby Child : 07946 532 846 or Lynda Rowland : lynrow9761@btopenworld.com In Support of

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Pets

Dear Santa Paws, I’ve been a good boy this year, apart from the cowpat incident.

I’ve been vigilant about chasing squirrels (it’s good exercise for them you know) and it’s months since I last dug a hole in my dad’s prize lawn.

Last year’s bag of dog biscuits was nice, although the ‘breath control’ labelling didn’t go unnoticed. This year I think it would help you if I give you some ideas.

Firstly, can I have some human stuff that I’m actually not supposed to play with? You know: socks, shoes, a top-ofthe-range tennis ball, or a human pillow – because doggie pillows are just not the same.

Then I’d love an automatic belly rubber.

My humans are good, but I want so much more – belly rubs are the absolute best.

Finally, a special request: if anyone has put dog fancy dress clothes on their list, please tell them the workshop had sold out. Especially if they included dog antlers.

Yours, Max the Mutt PS: If you bring chocolates for my humans, please put them out of my reach because they are poisonous for me.

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29

Parkin’ some thoughts We’ve never had it so bad...

by Nick Hazell

At times like this it’s hard not to embrace one’s inner Eeyore. That clinically depressed creation would no doubt be in his element during the current Groundhog Day, weeks or is it now months of Covid-19 and reaching for his stash of serotonin inhibitors.

However, even he was able to see the potential upside to a general downhill tumble, remarking on one occasion to the other occupants of 100 Acre Wood that whilst it was snowing and freezing, the absence of an earthquake meant that it wasn’t all bad news.

Yes, the present is more unpleasant than the school served minced meat 1970s style about which I still have nightmares, but it could be worse.

The shops are shut. You can’t go to the pub. Socialising is verboten. Strictly Come Dancing can no longer be filmed in front of a live studio audience and Ant n Dec have been banished to Wales. Life is indeed bad.

What’s more, Christmas is around the corner and we may not be able to spend it with our families.

Sometimes, there is a bright side to see. This year you may just have to look a bit harder to find it.

Happy Christmas!

For some of us, this is indeed upsetting. For others it will be less so. The annual spinning of the Russian Roulette barrel to determine which side of the family we’re forced to spend the festive period with will be unnecessary as will the inventing of ever more creative methods of disposing of Great Aunty Maud in a manner consistent with an Hercule Poirot Christmas Special before she delivers up her annual gift of sugared York Fruits.

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

FA L L

If this year has taught me anything it is that, as that grey haired and miserable donkey also remarked, “it never hurts to keep looking for the sunshine. The nicest thing about the rain is that it stops... eventually.”

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©Puzzlepress.co.uk

But really, for many of us, it’s all just a bit irritating and inconvenient. An interruption in our otherwise taken for granted existence. If you’re lucky enough to have kept your job or not had your life affected by this crisis in any way other than a requirement to reschedule hairdressing appointments or the need to complain about the speed of your Broadband connection at 30 minutes past school chucking out time, then it’s probably worth spending a moment this festive period to think of those that have or who have had unconnected challenges to deal with or bad news to digest.

DOWN

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The best apps for... Santa!

Message From Santa Message From Santa enables the kids to leave a voicemail for Santa or to send him a text message, and to receive a video message from St Nicholas himself. Don’t worry, it’s not a real video call: the whole thing is simulated so you don’t need to worry about sharing your phone number.

The best for silly festive fun: Elf Yourself Some things have become tradition: Mariah on the stereo, Elf on the Shelf and the Elf Yourself app on your phone. It enables you to put your friends’ or family’s faces on a troupe of dancing elves and use augmented reality so they appear to be dancing in your home.

Wordwheel

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Target: Excellent: 39 or more words Good: 33 words Fair: 25 words

E G

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C

Pictograms Pictograms 3 words SLOLIVINGTH

6 words

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NORAD Santa Tracker Track Santa’s Christmas Eve trip around the world thanks to the US military, whose satellites enable you to see exactly where Santa is as he gets ever closer to your home.

They’ve been tracking Santa since 1955, and www.noradsanta.org starts offering Christmas content from the first of the month.

4 words FO TUO

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Perfect for a festive sweet treat or a lovely edible Christmas gift these spiced star cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Makes 20 Ready in 1 hour, plus chilling and cooling INGREDIENTS • 2 medium egg whites • 175g icing sugar • 250g finely ground roasted hazelnuts • 50g mixed peel, finely chopped • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon TIP Dust the cookie cutter with icing sugar frequently to prevent the mixture sticking.

1. Using an electric handheld mixer, whisk the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl until holding stiff peaks. Stir in the icing sugar until thoroughly combined then continue to whisk until thick and glossy.

2. Remove 40g of this mixture and set aside. Fold the hazelnuts, mixed peel and cinnamon into the remaining mixture to make a very stiff dough. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 140C, 120C fan, gas mark 1. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper. Roll the dough out on a surface heavily dusted with icing sugar to a 1cm thickness.

4. Using a 5cm star-shaped cookie cutter stamp out about 20 stars, re-rolling the dough as needed until it is all used up. Place the stars on the baking sheet, well-spaced apart.

Spread a little of the reserved egg white and icing sugar mixture on top of each star.

5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies are still white and crisp on top but slightly soft underneath. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and leave the cookies to dry out for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

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

33

A Photographer Dreams...

by Hugh Griffiths www.creativelight.org.uk

I really enjoy going to art galleries – and the two London Tates are my favourites. The Tate Britain has a huge collection of British art from over the years, while the Tate Modern, just across the Thames from the City of London, has an equally huge collection of modern art. My go to favourite is the Tate Modern. And not because I like all the pieces I see, or even have the foggiest notion of what they are saying, but it is always a place that challenges my assumptions of what is good art, what is it about the object that makes it worth looking at. And, of course, I don’t always come away with meaningful answers. And even, sometimes, I come home with a touch of that awful attitude to modern art that says it is too pretentious, too childish (often), and too complicated to make a useful impact.

Well, I am pretty ashamed of those thoughts. It’s not so much that I ought to expect to like everything I see, or to understand it, but the hidden thought that says, “this is rubbish”. Of course, it isn’t, and I should always remember that my own ideas of what makes good art do not define the complete definition of art! And I do enjoy being challenged by what I see. That is one of the essentials for me, that makes my life continue to be interesting (to me at least).

There was an exhibition last year, by an installation artist, of a number of his pieces. I’m not sure that I got a huge amount of value from them – but I did enjoy their playfulness. This photo shows part of one of them. He had arranged a completely dark room that you could go into and wander around. At the back of the room, there were a set of spotlights, each with a transparent coloured acetate over the light; as people walked around, the lights and shadows showed up on the front wall … it was totally fascinating! The photo shows a part of that wall, with the shadows. I do like it – and I think that it could be a motivator for me to take more abstract pictures.

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Richmond Park. What a lovely place, and right on my doorstep. And the Isabella Plantation is one of the loveliest parts of it. This is a small, fenced in, area of woods, plants, ponds and streams which is quiet and peaceful at all seasons of the year.

And on the walk from the Broomfield car park down to the Isabella, and on your right, is this huge, beautifully shaped tree. I have often tried to photograph it but have had a 100% failure rate in producing an image that properly illustrates the gorgeousness of the tree.

But on this day, late December, there were obviously no leaves, and there was also a lovely bright sunny day.

I have tried to give some idea of the grandeur of the tree, the wide spread of its branches, the colour and the overall shape of the tree. I think it works – not a great competition photo – but certainly one that works for me. I like the way that the branches spread out so much with the blue sky and some clouds behind to highlight these branches. I feel that there is a sense of explosion from the centre of the trunk, which I had not expected.

A lesson for photographers everywhere is that we should never give up hope that we will be able to make a good photograph even when we have failed so often … maybe one day I will get a brilliant photo of a tree that I can show off to photographer judges.

The Malden Camera Club has cancelled its physical meetings while the coronavirus is around, but we still have virtual meetings through video conferencing and other online tools. We expect to be meeting online each Thursday evening through to the end of March but will be keeping this under review.

If you want to know more about us, then contact us via the details on our website. www.maldencameraclub.org.uk And you can, of course, contact me via my website: www.creativelight.org.uk

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Solutions Quiz

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D

1. Living In Sin - Tree surgery - One off Tidy 2. The Cards Are Stacked Against You - Stump Grinding - Garden Maintenance 3. Speak Out Of Turn - Strimming and Weeding - Decking and Lawns - Garden clearance - Hedge Trimming Wordwheel: RECHARGE - Path and Patio Washing - Landscaping

‘PUT YOUR GARDEN MAINTENANCE INTel: THE020 8330 7 info@cypressgardenservices.co.uk HANDS OF SOMEONE WHO REALLY CARES’ www.cypressgardenservices.co.uk Mobile: 07958 - One off Tidy - Garden Maintenance - Decking and Lawns - Hedge Trimming - Landscaping - Tree surgery - Stump Grinding - Strimming & Weeding - Garden clearance - Path & Patio Washing IN THE INTENANCE GARDEN MA CARES' 'PUT YOUR HO REALLY W E N O E M O S HANDS OF - Tree surgery g - One off Tidy - Stump Grindin nance Weeding - Garden Mainte - Strimming and ns ce ran - Decking and Law clea - Garden g min Washing - Hedge Trim - Path and Patio - Landscaping

Contact us on: Tel: 020 8330 7787 or 07958 727 272 info@cypressgardenservices.co.uk www.cypressgardenservices.co.uk

36

Please remember to mention the Village Voice when you speak to our advertisers ervices.co.uk

cypressgardens

Tel: 020 8330 7787 272 Mobile: 07958 727

Royal British Legion Malden & Coombe Branch All of us at malden and coombe royal british legion would like to thank new malden residents for their support during the poppy appeal 2020. Your generosity is amazing and i’m sure the donations made locally will far exceed our expectations! I will let you know the final total next month. Due to the virus, the local wonderful volunteer counters have not been allowed to handle the collections. This will be taken over by surrey rbl. Local shops, schools and organisations have also raised money and i will let them know how much they individually raised in the near future. Thank you all.

I would like to thank suttles, paines and tesco beverley way for allowing us to have tables by their premises, as the usual street collections were not allowed. Thank you also to our friends at the

Tree Surgery • Tree Felling Stump Grinding Tree Surveys and Reports Planting• Hedge Maintenance Fruit tree management

grafton club for their help in carrying tables and putting up the gazebo !

Of course, the remembrance sunday parade and service was unfortunately also cancelled. However, wreaths were laid by the branch and local organisations at various times during the period.

I am sure that residents remembered those service personnel lost to past conflicts regardless of the restrictions.

Our branch meetings at the grafton club are not allowed at the moment but committee members have been meeting on zoom.

We miss our face to face discussions and just hope they can resume soon.

A great friend of malden and coombe and great supporter of veterans of the armed services, john sessions, passed away this month. We are all saddened by his loss and thank him for his support.

If you know of any veteran in need please contact rbl on 0808 802 8080.

Please, all stay safe.

TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING

Fully qualified Arborists £5 Million Liability Insurance Local Authority Approved Free Quotations and Advice

info@turnertreecare.co.uk

020 8393 3222

Andy Reeve

Plumbing & Heating Engineer ALL PLUMBING SERVICES from tap washers, toilets & garden taps through to installation of Central Heating Systems, Kitchens & Bathrooms.

No call out charges • Over 30 years in the trade

Mob : 07973 733649 / Tel : 020 8393 0180 andyreeve.plumber@virginmedia.com www.andyreeve.webs.com To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

37

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 www.adornjewellers.com

In-house Repairs & Commissions · Engraving · New & Antique Jewellery · Valuations · Watch/Clock Repairs · Trophies

38

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

LO D G E B ROT H E R S F U N E R A L D I R E C TO R S

“Seven generations of our family have been serving the local community for 240 years” Robert Lodge – Chairman and Funeral Conductor

Trust the Lodge Family Difference 26 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4QF 020 8075 6112 newmalden@lodgebrothers.co.uk

F U N E R A L D I R E C TO R S • M E M O R I A L S TO N E M A S O N S • F LO R A L T R I B U T E S P E R S O N A L I S E D F U N E R A L P L A N S • W I L L S & P RO B AT E S E RV I C E S LdgMaldenVlgVoiceFeb20-125x185-FINAL.indd 1 To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk

or call 020 8336 2915

17/02/2020 12:05

39

CARPETS U NUMBER

MOBILE CARPET SHOWROOM

It’s Christmas...

Listen to our advert

...time for a new carpet Epsom based, friendly, family run business (Holly and her Dad) have for over 20 years’ specialised in bringing carpet samples to view in the safety and comfort of your home.

CALL

Holly

01372 632 118 www.carpets

DISCOUNT ON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT

u.co.uk

Over 1,000 Customer Reviews

SPECIAL RATES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS T&Cs APPLY FREE FITTING & FURNITURE MOVING - ESTIMATES AND ADVICE WELCOME

40

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

Carpets_4_U_(A5_Ad)_XMAS20_FAW2.indd 1

14/10/2020 16:56