Worcester Park Life Feb 2020

Worcester Park Life

KT4’s ONLY FREE Independent Community Magazine and Business Guide February 2020 Issue 141

MALDENMEDIA.COM

CARPETS U NUMBER

MOBILE CARPET SHOWROOM

Epsom based, friendly, family run business (Holly and her Dad) with over 40 years’ experience.

We bring 100’s of carpet samples to your home in a variety of colours all at competitive prices.

CALL

Holly

01372 632 118

www.carpets u.co.uk DISCOUNT SPECIAL RATES ON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT

Over 1,000 Customer Reviews

FOR SENIOR CITIZENS T&Cs APPLY

WELCOME

FREE FITTING & FURNITURE MOVING - ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 2

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Carpets_4_U_(A5_Ad)_GENERAL19_FAW.indd 1

03/09/2019 10:20

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

3

Welcome to YOUR Worcester Park Life from jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk Oh to be a ‘Domestic Goddess’! Cooking, Cleaning, Tidying up post-dinner – who doesn’t get a little fed up meal after meal, day after day with the monotony of family life?

iron and fold a cuffed and collared shirt with the magic ingredient of a plastic chopping board, that I’m seriously consider if I should get out more! Any advice please..?

Well no longer me, not since I have found distractions to make chores a breeze.

I hope you enjoy a good read please make sure you see what our local businesses and advertisers have to offer- i’m delighted to say we have quite a few new ones this month. If you’ve any feedback on how they’re doing, or have any ideas for future editions, news or views to share then please get in touch. Remember, we deliver to most homes every second month but if it’s not delivered to you, you can read it on your phone, tablet or PC. There are a limited number of copies available from Waitrose, Worcester Park Library, St Mary’s and Christ Church with St Philip.

Playing belters from my favourite playlists on loudspeaker, or watching gripping episodes of a box set help me turn those mundane tasks into mere background noise. Trying a different gadget like my new cordless vacuum or a toptip via youtube (latest fail - rub your stainless steel work fronts with a teabag for a gleaming surface!) all help to re-invent the daily grind.

And confession time – I got so super-excited finding an online video demonstrating how to

Until next time, best wishes,

& Since ‘08

Jenny Since ‘05

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

4

The copy dates for the next couple of editions are below. If you’d like to advertise or have a local story to tell, please call or email.

Deadline for our March editions is 19th February

and 19th March for April

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.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

112x200mm_Layout 1 08/09/2017 11:06 Page 1

Battersea - Tel: 0207 622 4935 Brixton - Tel: 0207 095 8956 Brixton Hill/ Streatham - Tel: 0208 674 5764 Earlsfield - Tel: 0208 874 1490 Sutton - Tel: 0208 337 2626 Wandsworth - Tel: 0208 874 1781 Simple funerals from ÂŁ880.00 plus disbursements.

International Repatriation.

Funeral Plans by Golden Charter Family owned Funeral Directors in South West London

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

5

Worcester Park History In the Tudor style by David Rymill Last month I featured a brochure produced to promote one of the larger 1930s developments in Worcester Park, Lavender and Farrell’s ‘Worcester Park Estate’ in The Manor Drive and the surrounding area.

This time, by way of contrast, I am concentrating on a brochure for a much smaller development, Ennor Court on the corner of the London Road and Kingsmead Avenue.

The front cover of the brochure, reproduced here, is in the form of a cutaway of a Tudor gateway, framing a perspective painting of the flats printed on the flyleaf.

The brochure explains that “Ennor Court comprises a group of fourteen flats and garages erected under the direct supervision of the owner… in the typical Tudor period style.” The original part is arranged around three sides of a courtyard garden, and the brochure describes the gardens as “tastefully laid out and maintained by a competent gardener.”

As in many development brochures of the 1930s – and indeed of other times – the owner was keen to stress the combination of rural charm and modern convenience: “By close collaboration between the Owner and Architect this building will provide every modern convenience and amenity which goes to make a home which is picturesque and gives that ‘old world charm’ of a country house. No expense has been spared and it will be noticed that all necessary labour saving devices are fitted as standard.”

Features to which attention was drawn included “the Oak Panelling to be found in the Lounge of each flat”, “Old English Fireplaces”, and tiled bathrooms “fitted with the latest type of square bath”. There were also Ascot gas heaters providing “constant hot water”, whilst “provision is also made for an electric clock in the kitchen, and power points are provided in living rooms and bedrooms” and “refrigerators are fitted as standard in the kitchen of each flat.”

Unusual features included an undertaking that “All flats will be fitted throughout with curtains which will be maintained” and the provision of “Special staircases… at the rear of the premises for the sole use of tradesmen delivering goods.”

There were six different layouts of flat, almost all with a bay window in the lounge, fitted with a window

6

seat. All offered at least two bedrooms, and some included a dining room which, it was pointed out, could also be used as a third bedroom. The rentals varied from £115 to £145 a year, with garages available “at moderate charges”.

The brochure is not dated, but as occupants’ names were listed for only three flats in Pile’s District Directory for 1938, it seems likely that it was produced a short time before that. By 1939, when an official Household Register was compiled, 12 flats were occupied. The occupations of the residents are listed, and they included a manufacturer’s agent, described elsewhere as a shipping agent (Ralph Byfield, flat 1), a manager’s assistant in an aircraft factory (Philip Zabell, no. 7), a departmental manager in the accumulator industry (Edward Savage, no. 9), a chartered electrical engineer (Bryan Ferguson, no. 10), and a furniture dealer (Frederick Brooke, no. 12).

Several residents were retired, including Elizabeth Chaplin, a former headteacher, at no. 11. At no.3, Harry Goodman, who had been a commercial traveller, was also stated to be retired, but his household also included, in addition to his wife Mary, Gladys Goodman, perhaps their daughter, who was an occupational therapist; according to the British Journal of Occupational Therapy of 1st June 1938 she worked at Croydon County Borough Hospital. In the case of married couples, the occupation of the majority of the wives was recorded as “unpaid domestic duties”, but Maude

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Brooke at no. 12 was listed as a wholesale gown manufacturer, and Millicent Zabell at no. 7 was noted as providing first aid at an aircraft factory.

The brochure notes that “At the rear of the flats Hard Tennis Courts will be available together with a pavilion for onlookers.” Sure enough, the 1955 Ordnance Survey revision shows a tennis court occupying most of the space behind the central block, and outbuildings, presumably garages, to the left. The area behind the flats has subsequently been altered to provide a garden and car parking, and other changes include the addition of a further wing, in matching style, alongside Kingsmead Avenue.

I wonder if any WPL readers remember playing tennis here, or know when the court(s) disappeared – and whether there was in fact a pavilion. If you have any memories of these or any other aspects of living in Ennor Court that you would like to share, please get in touch.

David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563

Worcester Park, Old Malden and North Cheam: History at our Feet Published in 2012 and available at £10 (plus £2 towards postage if required) from the Rymill family. Ring 020 8330 6563 for more details. This 300-page book tells the story of Worcester Park from the Iron Age to the present day, and includes memories of local life from 1908 onwards, and over 150 maps, photographs and drawings - mostly never published before.

PART-TIME ASSISTANT EXCLUSIVE APARTMENTS – COOMBE ESTATE A part-time assistant is required to work at exclusive apartments on the Coombe Estate. The hours of work will be between 8am and noon Tuesday to Friday, and 7am to 11am on Mondays. The holder of this position will be required to keep the common areas clean and tidy, do small maintenance work, assist recycling and help residents when required. He/she will report to the Service Manager.

This is a great opportunity to work within a beautiful environment where your contribution will be appreciated by the residents.

If you are interested and would like further information, please contact Sandy Aitken-Smith at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward by email at: sasmith@kfh.co.uk or telephone on: 020 3542 0151 To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

7

Ruth Jemmett Writes Love is in the air - Hearts and flowers The tinsel has been put away, the Spring bulbs are pushing through the earth, and we can now settle into working on those New Year resolutions. No, folks – the garage still hasn’t been tidied! Try as I may, I never seem to keep up with the Joneses. I drag them down to my level!!!

Several people were kind enough to give me a selection of interesting books at Christmas, and one of my aims is to make time to read them. I am particularly keen to make a start on Gyles Brandreth’s latest offering, ‘Dancing By The Light Of The Moon’. He has compiled a wonderful collection of poems old and new. Many people say “I don’t like poetry”, and yet it is amazing how many familiar lines are in our heads, once we are prompted into recalling them. Our teachers can sometimes put us off going anywhere near poetry, as they will often force us into learning rhymes that mean nothing to us. As we get older our memories can play tricks on us, and it is good to make the old grey matter do a bit of exercise! Gyles’ enthusiasm can inspire us to take a second look at the subject. One of my friends also gave me another book by Ruby Wax, the comedienne and writer, entitled ‘How To Be Human’.

Ruby’s disfunctional childhood gave her an immense insight into the workings of the mind. In her middle years she studied at university, since when she has helped countless people come to terms with various mental conditions. She has a particular interest in Mindfulness, a technique that helps one ‘live in the moment’ – something most of us could benefit from.

We often spend too much time dwelling on the past, which we can’t change, or fretting about future events that may not even happen.

On 5th February 1953 the rationing of sweets and chocolate was abolished in this country after more than ten years. During the second half of World War II the weekly ration was a mere 2ozs per person, which was increased to 6 ozs in post war years. I am sure our teeth were much better for it! I can well

8

remember shopping in the early 1950s, and watching ration coupons being cut out of small books. Most of today’s generation probably have no comprehension of what it is like to have empty food cupboards. We didn’t see many overweight people around in those days! True, we have had the appearance of food banks in recent years, but deprived children of my generation often just went hungry.

Weather in February can be very unpredictable, ranging from mild spells to snow.

This can be a time of activity for greenhouse owners, as they start to look at their seed packets. My greenhouse was one of the best investments I have made, with its automatic heating system keeping things going during the dark days of winter. Every now and then a mouse or toad will manage to sneak in there, which can test your reflexes when they suddenly leap in front of you unexpectedly!

The Accession of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II was on 6th February 1952, and it is hard to believe that she is still fit enough to carry out so many royal duties. She really is an amazing woman, who has always taken her duties very seriously. No matter how many servants and flunkies one is surrounded by, there must be days when a woman in her nineties needs to have time out! The late Queen Mother was a great believer in holistic medicine. Perhaps that is the secret! My late family friend Sir Norman Wisdom knew the Queen Mother very well, and would sometimes take tea with her. I would love to have been a fly on the wall, listening in to their conversations!

Shrove Tuesday falls on 25th February, the day before the start of Lent, which is six weeks before Easter. This is a time when Christians start to fast, as a Lent penance. Cooks try to use up certain foodstuffs, such as flour, and pancakes are traditionally made. Other penances can include going on a diet, or stopping swearing!

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Of course the romantics amongst us look forward to Valentine’s Day on the 14th of the month. St Valentine was a third century martyr. Not much is known about him, and information about his connection to romance is sketchy History books describe him as either a Roman priest or as Bishop of Terni in Italy. Valentine’s Day, with its association of love and lovers, can be mainly traced back to 14th Century. 14th February is the eve of Lupercalia an old Roman fertility festival. It is a date on which birds are traditionally thought to choose their mates.

The day gradually evolved into one with romantic human connections, and official Valentine cards began to appear in 19th Century, ranging from loving ones to quite cheeky ones! If Valentine’s Day arrives, but a longed-for romantic card doesn’t, give yourself a consolation prize. As someone once said – ‘All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!’ Still, population statistics prove that men and women aren’t exactly shy with each other. At the last count 75 Million babies are born annually in the world! Also, don’t forget that 2020 is a Leap Year, which means that girls can propose marriage to boys!



 

ELEGANT CURTAINS SOFT FURNISHING SPECIALIST Made-to-measure curtains • Roman blinds • Black out blinds • Roller blinds

FREE DESIGN SERVICE

• Pelmets & Upholstery

Choose from our wide selection of fabrics, including our range of children’s fabrics or we can make up from your own fabric.

Tracks & poles supplied and fitted.

For a free estimate and appointment, please call Linda Jordan on

020 8337 7145 • 07957 177164 WWW.ELEGANTCURTAINS.INFO

WWW.ELEGANTCURTAINS.COM

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

9

What’s On Bourne Hall Museum Egyptian Art and make a mummy session Enjoy some creative time learning about the art of ancient Egypt and have fun discovering how mummies were created and then try caring some hieroglyphics Wednesday 19 February 10.30 -12pm and 1- 2.30pm both sessions are the same. £8 per child with £1 sibling discount spaces are limited to 15 per session so please book ASAP. To book please contact David Brooks, (details below).

Bourne Hall Museum Kids’ Club has always prided itself in trying to get the best speakers – re-enactors who are both fun and entertaining. If you were watching television over the holiday on Channel 5 you may have seen Digging up Britain’s Past as it explored the Roman Army including the Butser IX Legion who appeared in full Roman armour just as they have done for the club twice! The next programme was Tony Robinson’s History of Britain in which John White, an expert on the Tudors and Tudor crime, explained the role of the executioner in the period. John has talked to us about the Tudors a number of times in guises from a hangman to Henry VIII. On the big screen, the film 17 won a Golden Globe award and here Richard Townsley appeared as a WW1 surgeon in the film. Richard has spoken many times to the club on both WW1 and WW2.

We will be keeping up these high standards in the coming year, making the club informative, entertaining and fun.

Bourne Hall Museum Club is the club for children 7 to 12+ who love history and like to have fun while learning about it. We travel back through time to discover the past and its people, encompassing all periods of history from the deepest Stone Age to the Home Front in Epsom during World War 2. Our future travels in 2020 are planned to include the Saxons, Blitz Britain, Cave Painting, Archaeology, Florence Nightingale, the Iron Age and Gladiator School. Also two large free surprise events!

Through a combination of hands-on experience, visiting experts and a coming together of enthusiastic minds we aim to have fun and learn together. The club usually meets on the second Saturday of each month at Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey , KT17 1UF between 1.00pm and 2.30pm.

10

Entry £5 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult) for each session. There is no annual membership fee and members are free to come to as many events as they choose.

For more information please email David Brooks, dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or 020 8394 1734

Epsom Charity Book Fair

At Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ Thursday 20th and Friday 21st February – 10am-8pm, Saturday 22nd February 10am-4pm Entrance 50p (children and students free) Epsom’s hugely popular Annual Charity Book Fair is now 19 years old! The event has grown from relatively small beginnings in 2002 to become a massive annual event attracting visitors from throughout the southeast and beyond.

This year’s Fair will take place from Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd February, from 10am to 8pm (ending at 4pm on Saturday). Entrance is just 50p (students and children free).

Many thousands of quality books at bargain prices will be on offer. The vast range includes children’s books, antiquarian, out-of-print, fiction and non-fiction, plus CDs, DVDs and records. Delicious refreshments and light lunches are available throughout.

Proceeds from this year’s Fair will benefit a number of charities, including Action for Children, Hope4Malawi, Rainbow Trust, Epsom Guides Division for their Little Acres Lodge Fund, 7th Epsom Scouts and the work of Epsom Methodist Church. Last year’s Book Fair raised over £41,000 and this year promises to be even bigger and better!

For general inquiries and enquiries about disability access please ring 01372 728535 or email office@ epsommethodistchurch.org.uk.

A.C. GARDENING GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE SERVICE • Garden design • Lawn mowing • Treatment and Turfing • Clearance

• Hedge Trimming • Borders • Landscaping • Reliable, Friendly, Fully Insured

For a free quotation, please ring 07885 778429 info@acgardening.co.uk www.acgardening.co.uk

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

FIX YOUR DENT SUTTON SURREY

Call 0208 644 8474 for more details and to make a booking

WE ARE NOW REPAIRING, CUSTOMISING, COLOURCHANGING, THE WHEELS ON YOUR VEHICLE Fix your dent specialise in refurbishing alloy wheels in all types of conditions from minor scuff/curbing damage to paint peel corrosion we will ensure to renew your alloy wheels back to their original state with a tough durable finish. è Diamond cut wheel repairs. è Using the latest technology we are able to repair the damage and re-manufacture diamond cut wheel finishes to OEM standards. è Our purpose built machine is specifically designed for the refurbishment of alloy wheels. è This means we can produce and store both manufacturers' or bespoke wheel profiles in minutes.

5% Discount If You Mention This Add To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 Collection And Delivery Available

11

PRO-FIT

DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS DOORS conservatories l

WINDOW SYSTEMS LTD

Pro-fit Window Systems Ltd supply & install Double Glazed Windows, Doors and Conservatories We are an established family run business who focus on serving householders within the community. l l

No High pressure sales persons No Gimmicks GENUINE QUALITY PRODUCTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

TEL: 020 8288 8893 FAX: 020 8288 8894 l

164 Leatherhead Rd Chessington Surrey KT9 2HU web:www.pro-fitwindowsystems.co.uk Email:info@pro-fitwindows.org.uk l

12

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

m ic s er a C

Porcelain | Natural Stone | Mosaics | Ceramics

Worcester Park Tiles

With 45 years of experience and extensive knowledge in the tiling industry, Worcester Park Tiles not only supplies a beautiful range of tiles sourced from all over the globe,

Po rc el

ai n

we also offer a unique tile fixing service with

an enviable reputation To find out more visit our showroom in Surrey, With 45 years of experience and extensive knowledge in tiling industry, Worcester Park Tiles not only supplies 382 the Malden Road, Worcester Park, KT4 7LN Porcelain | Natural Stone | Mosaics | Ceramics

a beautiful range of tiles sourced from all over the globe, we also offer a unique tile fixing service with an enviable reputation To find out more visit our showroom in Surrey, 382 Malden Road, Worcester Park, KT4 7LN

www.worcesterparktiles.com Tel: 020 8337 0551. Email: worcesterparktiles@hotmail.co.uk

cs ai

os

M

at

on

St

ur al

www.worcesterparktiles.com Tel: 020 8337 0551. Email: worcesterparktiles@hotmail.co.uk N

e

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

13

Clubs Epsom Court Bowls How interested are you in outdoor activities, keeping healthy and on the go, as well as participating in an enjoyable sport. Not to mention getting involved socially with fun events and making new friends.

If any of that appeals to you why not take up the pastime of playing bowls.

We are small club in Epsom, situated just off Temple Road, in Pound Lane, and our bowling takes place in the Summer, beginning April 14th, through to September. It is competitive if you wish, but doesn’t have to be. Just come along and join in the matches and have some fun. We are a very friendly club and welcome new members. Our clubhouse where we meet, not only for playing bowls but we have events throughout the year. Lunch parties, fish and chip evenings, a social calendar during the Winter months, when we get together every fortnight for fun afternoons. This includes various themes, casino afternoons, table games, on screen horse racing ..... nothing too serious but its always good fun.

More seriously. if you are interested in playing games more competitively there are club matches, when we visit other clubs in various locations and they in turn come to us on a return basis.

Our club is Epsom Court. We welcome new members and would ensure that you get involved in all aspects of the club, as we are not a stuffy crowd but very young at heart.

There are other clubs throughout the area, but come and give us a try. We are having an Open Day on April 18th, 2020 and it would give you the opportunity to judge for yourself, if you could be interested in the sport, and more importantly if you like us.

Look us up on the Website - Epsom Court Bowling Club, or contact our Club Secretary, Dave Ansell tel.

02087280

LEWIS DICK LIMITED NEED TO MOVE HOUSE Speak to Tracey Cottam | tracey.cottam@lewis-dick.com NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE | Speak to James Winfield james.winfield@lewis-dick.com NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS Speak to Jonathan Owens jonathan.owens@lewis-dick.com NEED A DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP WITH CONTACT Speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten carol.stevens-stratten@lewis-dick.com

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM & PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE

020 8393 0055

For more information or a no obligation quote ewell@lewis-dick.com or visit our website www.lewis-dick.com

Tel 020 8393 0055 | Fax 020 8393 3317 | 443 Kingston Rd, Ewell. Surrey, KT19 ODG

14

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

A Community Opportunity At Malden Parochial C of E Primary School We are an ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted 2007) Primary School in Old Malden Worcester Park and we are looking to recruit a Treasurer to join our friendly and busy Governing Body.

• Do you believe in a caring, effective and challenging education for all?

• Do you have approximately 2 hours a month to manage the Governors finances?

• Do you have skills in finance?

• Do you want to make a difference to the Governing Body and the children’s educational journey?

If your answers are ‘yes’, becoming the Treasurer is the job for you and you will be truly welcomed Interested?

Please ring school on 0208 337 4804 give us your telephone number and we will contact you as soon as possible for a chat/meeting where we can answer your questions.

Brenda Mitchell & Trish Brown co-Chairs of Governing Body.

Find your stride

PLUS

pay no jo in in g fe e !

with three month’s half price Call our friendly team to book a tour today on 020 8337 7788 www.theriverclub.co.uk Old Malden Lane, Worcester Park, KT4 7PX

Terms & conditions apply

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

19_11 New year campaign 2020 (same as lst yr).indd 4

22/11/2019 10:01:06

15

Pets

Choosing a small family pet If you’re thinking of buying a small pet, how do you know which one would be best for your family? Some love human interaction and will happily play for hours, but others prefer to stay in their own environment where they feel safe.

Hamsters Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, and although very playful when awake they may not be the best pet if you and your family are expecting lots of daytime interaction and entertainment.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters are all very popular as small family pets – here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Guinea pigs Guinea pigs are very gentle creatures by nature and they thrive if they’re with others of their own kind. Buying more than one guinea pig may be a good idea, therefore, but you need to make sure that you either buy two females or a pair where the males are neutered.

Rabbits Rabbits can make great family pets but they’re easily startled by loud noises and sudden movement. They’re very entertaining to watch and can have charming personalities, but owning a rabbit is a long-term commitment as they can live for up to 12 years¹.

Buying a pet is a huge responsibility regardless of size. One of the most important considerations is to go to a trustworthy breeder who takes time to explain the care that’s required and makes sure you understand the commitment you’re making.

Local friendly and professional dog walking service offering group or individual walks.

07449 005 500

www.surreywalkies.co.uk • surreywalkies@gmail.com 16

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

A GP has called for fellow doctors to prescribe singing as an alternative to medicine

Our latest singing group ‘Love to Sing’, on a Thursday morning, 10.45am– 12.30pm at the Lantern Arts Centre in Raynes Park, is targeted at those older people, who just love to sing and want to enjoy all the benefits highlighted in this article.

Please call Clare at Home Instead Senior Care on 020 8942 4137 or email clare.jefferies@ homeinstead.co.uk

In a recent London newspaper article, Dr Simon Opher said he sees patients less often if they join a singing group because singing has a wide range of health and social benefits.

Music therapy has already been used successfully for those living with dementia and singing can also help people with Parkinson’s disease. The Gloucestershire-based GP said, “People see me less if they start singing. I really support the fact they are engaging in something and really enjoying it and not coming to see me as much. There is some quite strong data that supports that. They tend to use less health resources generally. In terms of funding this is something the NHS is really backing now.”

Dr Daisy Fancourt, a senior research fellow at UCL, said, “A link between arts and health can be traced back over millennia and singing has been shown to help improve heart rate, blood pressure, mood and depression. But over the last couple of decades we’ve started to have real scientific evidence about how and why singing can have these health benefits,” she said. “I like to think of singing as a multi-model health activity because it has lots of different components that we already know are good for health. Singing involves emotional expression and regulation, which we know is good for mental health. Singing can also help us get out of the house, so reducing those sedentary behaviours that can be bad for physical health. It can also provide social interaction to reduce feelings of isolation. We are really starting to understand a lot more about the psychological and biological and behavioural mechanisms that link these aspects of singing with health. What is good here is that, while a lot of health interventions may not be particularly fun to engage in, singing is not a medical activity, it’s a fun hobby and leisure activity. Therefore there is an intrinsic motivation to do singing and therefore acquire those health benefits.”

If you think any of your patients might benefit from singing, please let them know about our two singing groups.

‘Singing for the Brain’ runs every Friday at Tolworth Hospital 10.30am–12 noon and is suitable for those with dementia.

“Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated.” ®

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

17

Care Long Service Awards We all know that working in a care home is not easy. It requires plenty of dedication and patience.

Three members of staff at Speirs House care home in New Malden have shown that they don’t shy from hard work and they find their rewards in seeing how their work affects the residents of the home.

Three members of staff, who are also local residents in New Malden, celebrated their Long Service Awards at Speirs House. Lorraine (Volunteer) and Jung (Domestic Assistant) celebrated 20 years at Speirs House while Adrian (Domestic Assistant) celebrated his 5 years’ service.

Jung came to England in September 1997 from South Korea. She remembers this date as it links in her mind with the death of Princess Diana and the outpour of love and condolences she saw among British people who were united in sadness.

Jung moved to New Malden which has a vibrant Korean community and took on a job as Domestic Assistant at Speirs House. She found the job highly rewarding and she described the residents as “lovely”.

As Speirs House is a nursing home, she thought of her

“Very happy with the wonderful service at this difficult time. Great service, most helpful staff.

Really appreciate all staff and the service.”

Son of Resident

mother when she saw the residents and promised herself to work hard to help each and every resident.

She has done just that for the past 20 years and looks at the passing time with fondness and a sense of accomplishment.

Kathleen, Home Manager at Speirs House, said: “We are very lucky to have so many long service employees who have made tremendous contribution to Speirs House over the years. I want to thank everyone for their dedicated hard work. Our staff turnover rate is considerable lower than the average rate in care sector which means our resident and relatives will always see the familiar faces”.

Speirs House has strong roots in the local community with many staff and volunteers who live locally to the home. It is part of the care home’s vision is to serve the local community.

Speirs House Care Home

Speirs House Care Home with Nursing provides excellent nursing care to residents in New Malden and surrounding areas.

For more information and to arrange a visit, contact Kathleen Liang, Home Manager on 020 8949 5569 greensleeves.org.uk

18

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

0208 394 2555

Estate Agents and Valuers

Sales@JacksonNoon.com Lettings@JacksonNoon.com

BORIS BOUNCE

of the week is on a Wednesday evening, which makes sense as our inboxes are usually full on a Thursday morning with requests for weekend viewings. On the flipside the number of new properties coming onto the market usually peaks in March, though that statistic masks the fact that the numbers of properties listed each month is remarkably steady until the end of the year with declining numbers in November and December.

As we write this we have a week of the new decade under our belt, and it’s a month since the General Election finally provided some form of certainty. We’ve already lost count of the number of people asking if there will be a ‘Boris Bounce’ in the market.

Certainly, the pundits are becoming a little more optimistic with their predictions for 2020 with an average 2% price rise being forecast. Will growth reach or exceed that figure? Who knows!

PEOPLE FIRST Immediately after the election result, with only a week left of active market before the festive season, we received a flurry of good offers from people who were keen but had waited to find out what the political future held. It’s hard to say whether that sudden cluster would normally have been spread over the previous few weeks and therefore been less noticeable, whether they would normally have made their decision over Christmas and then contributed to the New Year rise in activity, or whether there was an immediate increase in confidence.

The property portals are certainly a good place to start but we have always been aware they have their issues. If you have ever arrived at a holiday destination to find that the reality and the advert are two very different things you will understand.

As much as we work with vendors and landlords we also work hard with their potential buyers and tenants. A lovely lady recently commented that, having trawled round many properties, it was a relief to find somebody who was not just trying to sell her a house but helping to find her next home.

She really appreciated our guidance, trusting that we understood her needs, could match that with our knowledge of the properties available, and has now offered on a property that wasn’t yet on the market.

Since the New Year enquiry levels have increased and the viewing diary is filling up quickly. Offers are coming in and people who delayed putting their property on the market are now taking the plunge. It’s very early days and the signs are pointing in the In a world that has become ever more right direction but its hard to pull the trends automated old methods still have their apart to work out what is truly going on. place. We have a comfy sofa in our office for the very reason that people still like to NEW YEAR ACTIVITY take a little time, discuss what it is that they Rightmove recently reported the top-ten are looking for and be helped. Finding busiest days on their site. Eight of those property isn’t just a financial transaction, the days were in January and February, mainly biggest most people will ever make, it’s weekends and Monday’s. The busiest hour about finding a place that you will be proud of and happy to call home.

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

19

Bananas in Blankets Try something different on Pancake Day with these delicious pancake-wrapped bananas. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Ready in 45 minutes | Makes 8

Ingredients

100g plain flour Pinch of salt 1 large egg 300ml milk 25g butter

8 small bananas, peeled

4 tbsp ready-made chocolate sauce, warmed Icing sugar and cocoa powder, to dust

TIP

Mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

20

Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and make a well in the centre. Add the egg and beat with a balloon whisk, gradually drawing in the flour.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the time, until you have a smooth batter which is about the consistency of single cream. Cover the jug and leave the batter to stand for about 30 minutes to allow the starch grains in the flour to soften and expand – this will give a lighter pancake. Whisk in a splash of milk or water if the batter has thickened slightly.

Heat a knob of the butter in a medium sized non-stick frying pan until almost smoking then quickly ladle in enough of the batter to thinly cover the base of the pan, swirling the pan to give an even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until small air bubbles appear in the pancake then flip it over and cook for a further minute until golden. Repeat with the rest of the mixture to make 8 pancakes in total, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Wrap a warm pancake around each banana. Halve each wrapped banana and serve drizzled with warm chocolate sauce and dusted with icing sugar and cocoa powder. Decorate with a sprig of mint, if liked.

You can make the pancakes a day in advance. Stack on a plate, interleaved with baking paper. Cover and chill in the fridge. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

New office open to serve the community building needs, loft conversions, extensions, refurbishments 196 Central Road, KT48HG (near station)

ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND HONEST APPROACH AT EVERY STAGE For extensions, loft conversions, and refurbishments please get intouch.

07954 425509 / 07930 949009 flahertybuilders@hotmail.com www.flahertybuildersltd.co.uk

Malden’s

&

We deliver to 24,000 homes in KT3 and KT4

Call 020 8336 2915 to advertise from just £21 plus VAT a month maldenmedia.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

21

Parkin’ some thoughts Trumpet Involuntary

by Nick Hazell

I don’t like to blow my own trumpet. For a man whose musical talents extend to a poorly played kazoo at a one night only performance of the “Elastic Band” at an Ecchinswell village pub in 1990 that’s probably best. I’m a much too reserved and introverted soul to promote myself in that way. It’s not really me.

That said, I am sometimes surprised by my own brilliance. I’ll be quick, alert, perceptive and ready for any challenge that doesn’t involve walking in a straight line or with any hint of co-ordination. I’ll be capable of delivering some off the cuff witty remark that cuts to the point and has them rolling in the aisles. These are the good days where I’ve no need to blow any form of wind instrument to show I’m on it, whatever “it” is. I try to harness that particular badger to help write these articles. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Then there are the days that aren’t so good. These are the occasions where I can feel the sticks in my KerPlunk like brain being clumsily withdrawn by the shaking hand of fate, dislodging a steady flow of my remaining marbles into the Parkinson’s Shute of Crapulousness.

These are the days when I find myself trying to get out of the car with my seat belt on, pressing for up in the lift when I really wanted to go down or when a walk to the end of the driveway feels worthy of a medal ceremony.

On those occasions, I can barely button up a cuff let alone despatch a witty repost from its surface area.

That’s what having Parkinson’s is like. You have your good, bad and sometimes your downright ugly moments. You also don’t have a choice over when, where or which it will be. You might begin the day thinking you’ve got it all under control, casually (and metaphorically) smoking cigars and louchely blowing smoke in the face of your medical nemesis in the style of Clint Eastwood. Then all of a sudden Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach appear and a neurological gun fight breaks out over your cornflakes, all before 9am.

People often say to me that they think I’m coping well and most of the time I do, but recently I’ve had my limits tested. There have been a few too many moments where hoped for improvements to bring some longed for consistency have proven as elusive as a pair of trousers on Love Island. In fact, had there been a nearby trumpet I would most likely have used it to loudly pronounce, “oh bugger it; what’s the point?” before despatching said instrument over next door’s fence.

22

Fortunately what I lack in self-promoted talent I make up for in a level of quiet Columbo-like persistence which sees me through and at least enables me to function, albeit like a badly maintained mini metro. It’s true that of late, the metro has been showing its age. The doors don’t shut properly, the seats are a bit worn and the less said about the big end the better. It just needs a creative mechanic with an innovative solution to fix the problems before I go stark raving looney.

As I wait for the medical equivalent of Montgomery Scott to do their stuff, I have to remain persistent and maintain a positive outlook. I have to quietly get on with life regardless of the out of date soup I find myself swimming through. I must even take some form of comfort from looking at the funny side of my predicament. I suppose those are achievements which in the circumstances might allow a selfcongratulatory toot on the brass. The thing is though, despite outward appearances just keeping it together is sometimes a bit like actually playing the trumpet. It’s a lot harder than it looks.

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

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY FENCING MATERIALS YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS WITH A GOOD OLD FASHIONED FRIENDLY SERVICE We supply quality fencing materials, decking & sleepers WE MANUFACTURE

BY HAND OUR OWN CLOSEBOARD AND CONTINENTAL PANELS, TRELLIS & GATES.

TRADE & DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS WELCOME Open Mon-Fri 6.00am-16.30pm, Sat 7.30am - 12.00pm Family Business Est 1960

0208 330 0865

Unit 16, 193 Garth Road Industrial Estate, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4NE

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

23

Health How to manage knee injuries For some of us, the first snow flurries of winter are a clarion call to donning our ski gear and hitting the piste. Sadly injuries, especially orthopaedic ones, are common, and approximately one third of these involve the knee, as Consultant Knee Surgeon and ski injury and ACL specialist at New Victoria Hospital, Mr Paul Trikha explains: Skiing and snowboarding are among the most dangerous sports, and injuries to the knee are the most frequent.

Some quick facts: • Snowboarders suffer half the rate of injuries of skiers.

• Skiing off-piste raises the risk of injury eightfold.

• Knee injuries from skiing are very common and account for about 1/3 of all skiing injuries.

What are the most common knee injuries from skiing and snowboarding?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ski injuries ACL injuries occur when a skier fails to land well and the knee twists unexpectedly, often accompanied by a popping sound and a rush of pain, followed by an inability to bear weight on the knee. An MRI scan is often required to help establish the diagnosis.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) ski injuries MCL injuries are commonly associated with novice skiers, as they are more likely to occur when in the snow-plough position. MCL injuries can also be the result of a fall, skis crossing, or a missed landing on a snowboard.

An MCL can heal quickly when managed appropriately with physiotherapy. In severe cases the knee will require bracing for up to three months. Surgical reconstruction is rarely needed.

Meniscus or cartilage ski injuries: Large meniscal cartilage can cause the knee to lock due to a piece of the meniscus having been flipped into the joint. Most large meniscal tears can be repaired with keyhole arthroscopic surgery.

How to manage ski injuries during your ski holiday Applying the P.O.L.I.C.E principle (Protection and Optimal Loading (knee support or brace with crutches), Ice, Compression & Elevation) without delay, will help to reduce pain and recovery time. However for major injuries it is important to seek professional help on how to manage your knee until your return home.

Do I need surgery for my ACL tear?

The treatment of a torn anterior cruciate ligament

24

can be conservative with a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The outcomes for surgical ACL reconstruction are very reliable, allowing over 90% to return to sport in a reasonable timeframe.

Should I have my ACL repaired or reconstructed?

The current gold standard of care for an ACL rupture is reconstruction using a graft taken from the patient. It is usually effective at restoring joint stabilisation and should be performed soon after the injury, to prevent subsequent meniscal or cartilage injury.

ACL repair is a resurging technique and maybe the best option if there is sufficient remaining good quality ACL tissue. There are several new innovative implant techniques which allow preservation and even healing of this ACL tissue.

When can I return to skiing after ACL surgery?

When you’re near your end of your rehabilitation, your physio will complete ‘return to sport’ testing. Typically, this occurs from 6-9 months post injury. However, the risk of re-injury is still high at even two years postinjury, especially in demanding sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Having said this, if you take sensible precautions and look after yourself, there is no reason why you cannot emulate Franz Klammer or Eddie the Eagle for years to come.

If you would like to book a consultation with one New Victoria Hospital’s consultant orthopaedic knee surgeons or physiotherapists call 020 8949 9020.

New Victoria Hospital’s Physiotherapy Dept. is also running Ski Fit classes from 21st January for 4 weeks. To book your place call 0208 949 9040.

DAVID MOSELEY

Electrical Contractor Domestic and Commercial Work Additions and Repairs Safety Testing and Inspection Security & Garden Lighting

020 8715 6606 • 020 8942 3800 davidmoseley@blueyonder.co.uk

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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

25

A more sustainable me

The one about other ways to cut your food’s carbon impact other than giving up meat by Ali Warner This year Gregg’s gave its staff a one off bonus. In their January pay packet each of the bakery’s 25,000 employees got up to £300. The food they had to thank for the windfall was the chain’s super successful Vegan sausage roll.

Diets are changing and need to change. A special report on climate change and land by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) includes a policy recommendation to reduce meat consumption as a major opportunity for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

But if you aren’t prepared to give up your bacon butty there are still ways that you can reduce your food’s carbon impact - and one of the easiest is to cut the amount of it you waste.

A third of all the food produced in the world is wasted.

That’s 1.3 billion metric tons of potential nour-ishment that doesn’t get consumed each year, including the equivalent of a billion sacks of potatoes, 3.7 trillion apples, 574 billion eggs, and 763 boxes of pasta.

In fact, according the the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, if food waste were a country it would be third biggest emitter of Green House Gases after the US and China.

So how do you do it? It’s not always easy when there’s a three for two deal in your eye line at the supermarket. But here are a few ides that might help you cut back on the perishables you bin.

1: Know what’s in your fridge and your cupboards - yep even those half used jars at the back and the bottom of the veg drawer. No one needs 3 jars of sumac and 6 tins of coconut milk, but in a recent declutter they surfaced from the back of my cupboards. To add insult to injury a lot of them were out of date because I didn’t know I had them. Knowing what you have fresh or otherwise before you do a shop will prevent buying things you don’t need and wasting the things you have.

2: Beware the 3 for 2s. It can mean use one chuck the others in the bin. Low-priced food might seem like a good deal, but it’s not if you don’t end up eating it before it goes bad.

26

3: Meal plan: Yep I’m new to this one - but it doesn’t just cut the amount you throw away, it can cut the costs of your food shop too. Try https://realfood.tesco. com/meal-planner/create-meal-plan.html if you’re stuck, it will tell you what fruit and veg are in season, give you a blank template for your own recipes or up to a week’s worth of recipe suggestions for you.

4: Love your leftovers. Excess veg from the Sunday roast can make a damn fine bubble and squeak. It’s even better with a fried egg on top. The end of a loaf can be turned into croutons or breadcrumbs. And there’s nothing like raiding your veg drawer to create what Ella Risbridger calls her ‘Good Intentions soup’ which is all the veg you were meant to eat, a tin of chopped tomatoes, stock and a handful of small pasta shapes - it’s delicious.

5: Trial an oddbox of veg. There are plenty to choose from full of knobbly, crazy shaped beauties you are saving from landfill. Oddbox is London’s Highest Rated Veg Box (9.8/10) and delivers to more than 10 000 homes. A box for a family of 4 is £18.49. It arrives on a Friday night in New Malden. I get one every fortnight and when we open it in the morning - it feels a bit like Christmas. I know I don’t get out much.

6: Last but not least. Make some extra portions and freeze them. Not everyone wants Lasagna 3 days in a row - believe me I’ve tried it. But defrost it the week after when they’re starving and the thought of cooking is bringing you out in hives - well it will be welcomed with open arms and large dollops of ketchup - probably.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

01372

74827

5

*volks-flyer-Ad.qxp_Layout 1 15/07/2019 15:59 Page 1

CO LL CO ECT UR ION TE & SY D CA ELIV RS ER AV Y S E AI LA RVI CE BL E

Your Vehicle is in Safe Hands A REAL alterative to using a Main Dealer.

call us on:

020 8643 4313 email us at:

info@volksautos.co.uk see our website:

volksautos.co.uk

Volks Autos, 3 Kimpton Road Kimpton Industrial Estate Sutton, Surrey SM3 9QL

SAVE

£69 per hour vs VW

SAVE

SAVE

£84 per hour vs Audi

SAVE

£118 £117 per hour vs BMW/Mini

per hour vs Mercedes

Volks Autos is a family run business, guaranteeing service & value for money.

Main Dealer-trained technicians, diagnostics equipment and tooling - which will not affect your warranty.

German Car & Van Specialist

Follow us:

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

27

Voice for Wildlife

by Carol Williams Soon the frogs will be returning to Shadbolt Park pond for spawning. The water levels right now are high, due to the amount of rain we had at the end of last year and the first days of this year. The pond was restored in 2010 and had its first frogs visiting in the Spring of 2011 on Valentine’s Day -February 14th. Since that time they have not arrived that early again -it felt like they had somehow all been waiting for some water for so long that when it finally arrived, it was courtship in one great hurry!

This Spring the pond sees it’s 10 year anniversary.

During this decade we few volunteers who maintain it and the surrounding area set aside for wildlife, have witnessed first hand how the transformation of the space because of the presence of the water. We owe thanks to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, who own the land, for their permission for us to be there, working for wildlife. I would love for the Council to review their mowing policies throughout the borough so that we can leave more areas to grow wild, providing nectar for insects and seeds for birds.

The presence of a body of water in any landscape is a wonderful resource for wildlife. It’s not just good news for frogs, toads and newts - every creature that uses the area benefits. Many insects begin their lives as larvae in water, and many birds need insects to feed their young in Spring. Every animal needs to drink and every bird needs water for bathing. When you create or restore a wetland, you add enormously to biodiversity. Along with this you should leave areas of your garden to grow wild - allowing long grasses and wildflowers. Dead wood is also a valuable habitat - please do not remove it all, leave a pile somewhere.

My Spring 2020 edition of the RSPB magazine ‘Nature’s Home’ has this message form Martin Harper, their Conservation Director:

from extinction. To avoid this catastrophe for people and wildlife, major transformation to the world’s economy must start now.

We are calling for a deal for nature and people in 2020, which should embed the ambition to halt the loss of biodiversity and put nature on a path to recovery by 2030. We shall argue that nature -based solutions - such as restoring peatlands and tropical forests - can provide over 30% of the action needed by 2030 to avert dangerous climate change , and that a healthy, natural environment is also essential for providing food, water, health and livelihoods to people everywhere.

To help keep common species common and recover species threatened with extinction we want new targets that: -effectively protect and conserve at least 30% of both land and sea by 2030, with a focus on key biodiversity areas.

- help address the root causes of biodiversity loss, including halting the loss of natural habitats and significantly reducing the negative ecological footprint of our production and consumption.

-redirect sufficient public and private financing towards the conservation and recovery of biodiversity and a withdrawal of funding for activities that negatively impact nature.

- secure commitment at the highest political level and by all of society - to deliver and be accountable for the transformative change that is required by 2030. “ Well, all this sounds highly ambitious and right thinking, does it not? Can the RSPB deliver this?

Will our governments listen? Will society - all of us listen? Will we all act? Take this seriously? Commit to all actions possible?

In many articles in this magazine I have suggested “It feels like the state of our politics, our nature, the and recommended actions that we, the people, may climate and even our society are all in flux. How take to do our part. One of those is, of course, diet we all react to this uncertainty and volatility has change. The RSPB says ‘ a withdrawal of funding a bearing on the environment that our children for activities that negatively impact nature’ - well, inherit. As we embark on this new decade, the that really does include animal farming, currently urgency for action to address the climate and subsidised. It remains to be seen how widely this will ecological emergency is clear - scientists say there’s be recognised - it will be a litmus test of the depth only a dozen years left to limit global warming to of everyone’s concern and commitment. Many 1.5 degrees Celsius and keep a million species safe recent studies have pointed out the contribution Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 28

this sector makes to greenhouse gas emissions methane and carbon dioxide. It is cited as one of the 3 major contributors and some studies have placed it higher even than the transport sector. Much food for thought, and much thought is needed about our food - along with how we travel and which company we use to heat our homes and power our lights and appliances.

And we urgently need more wetlands ( to contain floods) and more forest ( to prevent desertification and drought). Street and garden trees will help air quality and also store some of the carbon our towns emit.

Let us all do our best this year to do our bit for the ‘transformational decade’ the RSPB calls for.

Perhaps become a member? 01767 693680 or email membership@rspb.org.uk.

Thank you for reading and thank you for all you intend to do to help.

h TecT ip

Too Good To Be True

If you use social media, particularly Facebook, you’re probably seeing lots of adverts for things that seem incredibly cheap: dresses at a fraction of the high street cost, mountain bikes for much less than local retailers charge, guitars going for a song. Are the deals too good to be true?

Some are very obvious scams: you won’t get a £500 product for £50 from any reputable retailer, let alone an unknown with an amateurish website. But even reputable advertisers should be approached with caution if they’re outside the EU. If they are, your purchase isn’t covered by consumer protection legislation such as the Distance Selling regulations. Always check the small print, be sure who you’re buying from, pay with your credit card and trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t spend your money.

Develop and improve techniques quickly with friendly, professional cricket coaching.

1to1’s and group sessions in New Malden and Tadworth for juniors / adults with ECB qualified cricket coaches.

For more info & bookings

Tel: 07855 123 579 info@michaeljacobscoaching.co.uk

SPORTS CLUBS SCHOOLS DISABILITY 1 TO 1 COACH MENTORING

LEARN

P L AY

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

ACH I E V E

29

Spring lawn care

JUST GARDENS & LAWNS

As the warmth of spring arrives let’s look at our lawns and extend some loving care to keep them in tip top condition. Autumn 2019 and spring 2020 have been exceptionally mild and damp causing the ideal conditions for lawn problems like moss to thrive. Here are some tips to guide you in improving the condition of your lawn.

Your local complete garden and specialist lawn care service

1. Keep the lawn clear of leaves and cut back overhanging and tall boundary shrubs.

CALL US NOW!

2. Use a scarifier or lawn rake to remove as much dead thatch and moss as possible.

10% DISCOUNT FOR OVER 60’s

3. Use an aerator or garden fork to punch through the grass roots to improve drainage.

4. Dig out the broadleaf weeds by hand, herbicides can be useful for immature weeds but care should be taken to not over use them. Regular mowing actually controls many weeds from spreading.

5. Ensure your lawn is cut with sharp blades at a cut height of at least 3.5cm.

Please call us for a free quote: TEL: 0800 043 2454 or Email: justlawnslondon@gmail.com www.justlawnslondon.co.uk

6. Bare patches should be top dressed and re seeded.

Where the lawn has deteriorated by rotary clothes line, under swings, in goal areas or on access points onto the lawn try to move the activity items to new locations or place stepping stone slabs along the worn routes.

7. On bare patches aerate the soil under the lawn and re seed with a top dressing mix. Water the patch in early morning or late evening to aid the re establishment of the grass.

8. Fertilise your lawn regularly. A wide range of fertilisers are available to assist in lawn maintenance, do ensure you do not over feed the lawn which is both expensive and can “burn” the grass. A good guide is to water the lawn area thoroughly if no rain comes within a day or so of application. One free source of lawn feed is to “brew” grass clippings in a bucket of water to release the soluble phosphates for a week or so, then just water your lawn.

Got something dirty? – No time to clean it?

- Take your cleaning to:

A New Dimension

Ovens ‘n’ Stuff

Fo r t he c lea ning o f do mest ic ov ens , ho bs, ext ract ors , m icro w av es and f ree sta nding co ok ers.

W e s peci al ise i n AGA /R a ybu rn and Rang e cl eaning

Tel: 078 078 16 347

W hy not t ry o u r o ther s erv ices? W e al so cl ean frid ges, freez ers, dis hw ashers , sho w ers, and bat hs S o w hy d ela y? We l ov e do ing t he j obs yo u hat e! Ca ll u s t od ay fo r y ou r f riendl y l oc al serv ice Fi nd us on Facebo ok Or Emai l us at: new dimensio n. oven snstuff @gmai l.com Based in Godalming, Surrey Est. 2009

30

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

MOT SERVICING & REPAIRS CLUTCHES • EXHAUSTS • AIR CON REPLACEMENT TYRES FULL DIAGNOSTICS & ELECTRICAL WORK For a competitive quote, give us a call or drop in for a chat with our friendly helpful experts who will be delighted to offer their professional advice.

your local friendly garage where the customer always comes f irst, every time!

17 CHEAM COMMON ROAD, WORCESTER PARK KT4 8TL

020 8337 7741

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

31

Clubs To feature in this section email info@wplife.co.uk Mondays

Vibrant Ukulele Club meets 7.30 – 9.30pm 1st and 3rd Mondays at The Station pub, Stoneleigh and 2nd and 4th Mondays at Christ Church with St Philip, WP. Beginners and players all welcome. The club is aimed at adults learning to play the ukulele and singing a number of well-known songs in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Music is provided and also tuition for beginners. Sessions are FREE with a small donation towards music and refreshments.

Contact Steve 07795 085600

New Malden Rotary Club Malden Golf Club,Traps Lane Monday evenings 6.15 for 6.45pm Worcester Park Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Group first Monday of the month at 2pm and finishing by 4pm. If the first Monday falls on a Bank Holiday the meeting takes place on the second Monday.

Old Malden Scout Hall, 411 Malden Road, KT4 7NY. All retired civil servants and friends are welcome to attend and if you are interested in listening to one of our speakers please contact John Wright on 020 8337 8965 or johnandglenisw@gmail.com

mailto:johnandglenisw@gmail.com Do you enjoy listening to show tunes, big band music, jazz, light classics etc? Come along to an evening of live music played by top artistes. We meet on the second Monday of each month at our Banstead venue Banstead Organ & Keyboard Club Church Institute Hall, High Street, Banstead SM7 2NN Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts.

Mem Sec: linda@dunnz,net

Worcester Parkers Women’s Institute meet on the 3rd Monday of every month 7.45pm to 9.45pm at Christchurch with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. Carolyn Felton 07721070097

Music Lovers Wanted! - for “In the Mix” Singing Group. at Wesley Hall, Christchurch with St. Philip Church, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. Every Tuesday 1.30pm - 3.30pm. A weekly sing- along and social with pro singer/vocal coach Sheila Daniels and pianist. New songs every week, from the 1920s through to the 1970s, covering all genres. £6.50 on the door plus tea/ coffee and home-made cakes. No booking required.

020 8330 5795, or visit www.bansteadorganclub.co.uk

wi.worcesterparkers@gmail.com

*There is currently a waiting list.

Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at Christ Church With St Philip Ruskin Road, Worcester Park 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. Welcome new members just to draw and paint in any medium without tuition. If interested come down for an evening and meet us to see whether this is for you Brenda Banks 020 8330 0928 The Broadway Sequence Dancing Raeburn Hall, Tolworth from 8 to 1015pm. Those who have learnt ballroom dancing should have little difficulty in mastering sequence. No charge for the first ‘taster’ and then it’s just £5 per night. www.broadwaysequencedance.co.uk

32

Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club 1st Monday each month from 1pm to 3pm at Christ Church with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive.

Worcester Park. All over 60’s welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, plus some outstanding entertainment in the way of singers and musicians.

One Monday a month we have Bingo and every Monday we run a raffle. Days outings to the coast are organised throughout the summer months, and mid week holidays are organised when possible. Come a little earlier and meet up with some friends and have a chat before the entertainment starts. We would love to see you. Contact Joyce on 020 8337 2199.

The ladies After Eight Club 2nd Monday of every month from 8pm onwards at Christchurch with St Philips church hall. We have interesting speakers, outings and dinners and all are welcome for a small subscription to cover our costs. Just come along and join in. Carol on 020 8337 2452 St James Players If you enjoy acting do come or help backstage. Monday and Wednesdays 8pm New members welcome.

St James Church Hall, Bodley Road New Malden.

Tuesdays

Elmcroft Tuesday Badminton Club Fancy a friendly game of badminton? Please come along to the Tuesday evening badminton club at The Colin Peel Hall, Elmcroft Community Centre, 570 London Road, North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9AB. Try for free, no need to pay for first visit. If you are interested please contact Kwok on 07773085139 or email elmcroftbdmntn@gmail.com.

Sheila 07868 039 514 or visit www.thesugarband.co.uk/In_the_Mix

Vegan Group - monthly bring and share buffet,. every second Tuesday. 7.30pm until 9.30 in Room 1,Christchurch with St Philip, corner of Ruskin Drive, WP. For vegans and anyone interested in learning more about veganism.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Conquest Art Group inspires people living with disability or long term health issue to discover their creative energy and build self-confidence through art. Our art group meets every Tuesday at St Mary’s Cuddington, The Avenue, Worcester Park, KT4 7HL from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Anyone over 18 is welcome, all art materials and refreshments are provided. If you would like to come along and give us a try, please contact Carole on 020 8786 8534.

The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local amateur drama group of long standing. We stage two major productions a year at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell, in April and November. We meet every Tuesday and most Fridays at 8.15 pm in the Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam, on the Sainsbury’s site. Apart from play readings, rehearsals and set construction, we have quiz nights and various social events. We also arrange group outings to amateur and professional theatre productions. We welcome new members to help us stage future productions, anyone willing to act or work backstage. membership secretary, Trevor Payne on 07540 084430.

“Lunch Break” -A friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting on a Tuesday 12-2pm (term time only) at Worcester Park Baptist Church, The Avenue. 2-course lunch for suggested donation of £3 (to cover our costs).

Occasional speakers. Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena

on 07837 941298

NHS Retirement Fellowship 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 Royal British Legion, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 AL. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat.Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month.

Lorna on 020 8337 4121

Wednesdays

Talking of trains is steaming again!

The regular weekly meetings of Trains resume on Wednesday 18th September at 7pm in the Library Hall of Surbiton Library. The programme has a wide variety of topics as diverse as the Railways of Derbyshire area and rail preservation in France! We also welcome a senior Rail Freight manager for an overview of freight on Britain’s railways from the 19th to the 21st century.

The first meeting is free and then it is just £50 covering all of the 20 meetings. www.talkingoftrains.co.uk Keep Fit Stay Fit every Wednesday 10.15-11.15am at Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Road. Come along and give it a try ! Jo Hamilton on 020 8786 3444.

The Probus Club of Ewell Coming up to retirement? Just retired? Looking to make new friends? Why not join the Probus Club of Ewell? Since it was founded over 40 years ago, the Probus Club of Ewell has been attracting businessmen

MEGA DEALS!

(Ewell)

TYRE SPECIALISTS

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS l l l l

High Performance Cars Light Commercials Family Saloons 4WD Vehicles

l l l l

All leading makes of tyres Available from stock Wheel alignment and balancing While U Wait service

169 CHESSINGTON ROAD, WEST EWELL, EPSOM, SURREY

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

33

from Worcester Park and its surrounding areas with a broad range of professional and business backgrounds.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Banstead Golf Club for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. Anyone wishing to know more about us or wanting to make contact can do so through our website www. ewellprobus.co.uk or by email to secretary@ewellprobus.co.uk.

Talking Of Trains In Surbiton Programme of talks which take place locally at the Surbiton Library Hall each Wednesday evening throughout the winter months. The first meeting is free; the fee for the complete year is just £50. www.talking of trains.co.uk

Free Badminton taster session Come and enjoy playing BADMINTON with us!

Wednesdays 7:45pm to 9:15pm at Stoneleigh Methodist Church, Stoneleigh Crescent, KT19 0RT Interested? Please contact Will Ward: willjward@gmail, 020 8393 9779 or 07874 896211 or just turn up on the night. N.B. Spare racquets available - if requested beforehand.

Thursdays

The Malden and Coombe Townswomen’s Guild welcome new members. We meet at 10am on the third Thursday of the month at the United Reformed Church hall in New Malden. We are a friendly group of women of all ages and back-grounds. We have interesting speakers from various organisations; outings, clubs, bring and buy sales and competitions.

We are currently offering a first visit free of charge.

020 8337 7423

Tunes’n’Tea Come and enjoy an afternoon of live music, tea, coffee, cakes and conversation. Every month, a selection of Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country, Folk and Standards – great tunes, old and new for you to enjoy and join in with if you wish. There’s a live band and singers making a fun afternoon.

Feel free to dance if the music moves you! The sessions take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

February 13th, March 12th, April 9th, May 14th, June 11th 1.30pm-3.30pm St John’s Church Hall, Station Approach, Stoneleigh, KT19 0QZ (next to Stoneleigh Station, West Side) Entrance: £4.00 All Welcome!

Group Singing Lessons -“Discover the high level of well being, strength and confidence which can be achieved when you learn to sing without effort.” .Weekly small group classes. Each session focuses on gentle physical and vocal exercises, breathing technique and song practice with individual advice and feedback. Call 07868 039 514 or visit www. skylarkvocal.co.uk for more info. Sessions Mondays at 11.30am and Thursdays at 7.30pm at Christchurch with

34

St. Philips, Worcester Park. Suitable for beginners and confident singers.

Ewell Badminton Club Meet every Thursday 9.30 11.30 am in hall in Welbeck Close, Ewell, KT17 2 BJ ( near Honda Garage, Ewell Bypass ).

We have use of 3 courts, and are a very friendly group of players. New players would be most welcome.

Elizabeth on 0208 393 3355 or e-mail libbymuscutt@ yahoo.co.uk

St. John’s Hall is open between 2.00 and 4.00pm for Tea And Chat. If you are on your own please feel free to drop in for a free cup of tea and some company. 411 Malden Road (between Worcester Park station and The Plough). 213 Bus stops nearby.

Sutton Mariners Sailing Club A local offshore sailing club founded in 1988 that meets at 8pm every Thursday evening at the Borough Sports Ground, home of Sutton United FC, Gander Green Lane, SM1 2EY. We are a small and friendly club of about 60 members and have about a dozen boat owners amongst us providing crewing opportunities during the summer months as well as enjoying meetings listening to interesting speakers and social nights. If you would like to get afloat come along and meet us – we’re sure you will enjoy the experience. www.suttonmariners.org.uk

East Surrey Family History Society For those who are interested in finding out how to investigate their family history the Sutton Branch of the East Surrey Family History Society holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month at St Nicholas Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane. Most months we have a professional speaker. March 2 Miss Anne Carter How life changed forever in 1914 April 6 Ian Waller: Village Crafts Finding out about the records of those who worked in rural industry. www.esfhs.org.uk Kingston Phoenix Road Club is a cycling club with members in Worcester Park, New Malden, Epsom and Ewell. The club was founded in 1936 and currently has a membership of 85. New members are welcome to join us at the car park in Horton Country Park on Saturdays at 10am for either a road ride or an off-road ride. Our rides are usually between 20 and 35 miles and always include a cake stop before returning by 1pm. kingstonphoenixrc@gmail.com or see our website at kprc.org.uk.

Malden Emergency First Aid Society (Mefas) Members meet each Thursday evening at 7.30pm for First Aid training. New members required. Everyone welcome. Hall available for hire. Christine 07966661015 Thursday Fellowship Every Thursday at 2.30pm for men and women, finishing with a cup of tea and biscuits or cakes. A lively, friendly meeting at Worcester Park Baptist church in The Avenue.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Well-known, familiar hymns and prayers, musical afternoons, and a variety of speakers on topical subjects, including help and advice. New members welcome. Church office 0208 330 1755 The Worcester Park Hello Club launched last November and is welcoming new members! We meet every Thursday morning from 10am – 12 noon.

The club is aimed at anyone who would like to come and join in with board games, quizzes, cards, occasional craft sessions - or just to have a chat and a coffee. Adults of any age are welcome to come and get to know each other. The drop in club was set up by Sutton Vision, Christ Church with St Philip and SCILL , working together in partnership. We are fortunate to be provided with a welcoming and comfortable venue at the Christ Church with St Philip Community Hall.

There are accessible toilets on site. There is a small charge for coffee and tea at the church café.

SCILL 020 8770 4065 Sutton Vision 020 8409 7166 Christ Church with St Philip 020 8330 7630

New Malden Women’s Institute Christ Church New Malden, 2nd Thurs of each month at 7.30pm Monica 020 8949 0694 or monicaddrake@yahoo.co.uk

Fridays

Quest a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no age cut off. The aim of the

FEELY

DRIVEWAYS

club is to provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere for the members and allow the carers to have a regular break. Annual subscription. and £2.50 for lunch. We have various social activities and every second month we have a speaker. Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220

RSPB Epsom & Ewell Local group 2nd Friday of every month at 7.30, apart from July and August, at All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate their enthusiasm on a variety of natural history subjects.

We also have several birding outings throughout the year which is arranged to suit all ages. There is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. rspb.org.uk/ groups/epsom.

The Association of Surrey Bookbinders - we meet on Friday mornings in the Scout Hut in Dell Lane, StoneleighRoger@gmathews.co.uk 020 8330 2306 Bridge Club A friendly club for people who have just learned to play or are looking to improve their bidding and play in an informal atmosphere which promotes learning and development. We meet every Friday in the upstairs meeting room at the Worcester Park Library, Stone Place. from 2 - 4 pm. carlaplatten@gmail.com

Resin Driveways

BLOCK PAVING AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS Block Paving • Patios Driveways • Concrete Driveways • Driveway Cleaning Swimming Pool Surrounds

07551 442228

feelydriveways@gmail.com • www.feelydriveways.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

35

Sunday

North Cheam badminton club meet every Sunday at the Elmcroft Community Hall North Cheam.

We are a small mixed club looking for new members of reasonable club standard especially ladies.

Contact Pat Odonnell on 02083938895.

General

Auriol Bowling Club Auriol Park, Salisbury Road,

Worcester Park. It is a mixed club of around 45 men and 25 women, who play outdoors from April to Sept with a busy fixture list of league and friendly matches against other clubs, as well as internal club competitions. Janet Kentish 020 8873 7006 www.auriolbowlingclub.com.

Cuddington Bowling Club Sandringham Road, Worcester Park and we play on an excellent 6 rink green that has been acclaimed by many of the club’s visitors this year. We are a mixed club with about 60 members and play a range of friendly and league fixtures catering for all abilities. Secretary Mike Ridley 020 8715 8326 Treasurer Mark Broughton 020 8337 9699 Social Dancing with Glitters at Bourne Hall, Spring

Street, Ewell Village. 8.30 - 11 pm. Over 18s. Entrance fee £8. All standards of dancing.

7th 21st February David 07903 314276.

National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters Group Formed in 1971, we run a varied

programme of social eventswhich includes Evening Lectures at Bourne Hall in Ewell, once a month from Oct. to June, Coach Outings which visit historichouses and gardens(not necessarily N.T.),Guided London Walks, and other trips to London e.g.The Magic Circle, The Royal Opera House (backstage tour).Other special events include Coffee Mornings, Holidays and Christmas Lunch.

Newsletters are produced four times a year.If you would like more information please visit our website: www.epsom-ewell-district-nt.co.uk or telephone Paul on 020 87158486 Malden Manor Bowls Club, Manor Park, Malden Road.

New members will be made very welcome. Roll ups, league matches, internal and external competitions; we offer bowling for all levels of interest and ability. Men’s Secretary Gerald 020 8949 4623 or Ladies Secretary 020 8337 5472

Kingston & District Branch Of The Embroiderers’ Guild Kingston Museum, Sat. 8th Feb. ‘Quilted Heart’,

Stitch Saturday (adults), 10am-12pm. Young Embroiderers, (ages 5-17), 12.30pm-2.30pm, (small fees payable / non-members welcome). Fri. 28th Feb. St Marks C of E Church Hall, Surbiton– a talk by Melanie Bowles community embroidery project, ‘The Supper Cloth’ 7.30pm kingstonanddistrictbranch.co.uk

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

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

Free Quotes

Diploma qualified NPTC licensed Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Felling Stump Removal Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports £10 million insurance liability cover

Office: 020 8399 0103 Mobile: 07980 903881 info@rjtrees.co.uk LOOK FOR THE RED TREE!

R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk

36

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

MOT £39 MAJOR SERVICE

AND FREE RE-TEST

£149 +VAT (including service parts)

 State of the art Bosch diagnostic testing  Engine and gearbox overhauls  Brakes  Air-Con Servicing and Re-Gas

 Clutches  Brakes, Batteries and Exhausts  Free Courtesy Car  Laser Wheel Tracking

Free Collection & Delivery

020 8644 4518 • 020 8644 1806 • 07956 068 891 workshop@fergussonsauto.co.uk Unit 10, iO Centre, Minden Road, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9BL www.fergussonsauto.co.uk

Supporting life’s journeys with local heartfelt homecare

From one hour a week to full-time live-in care, our local • Bespoke and heartfelt award- winning care services are completely bespoke to help care in your own home you or your loved one live independently at home.

• Peace of mind for you

and your loved ones • Trusted for over 20 years • Local to Worcester Park and New Malden

Call 0208 108 4564 or visit www.trinityhomecare.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 WPL and NMVV 2019.indd 1

13/12/2019 13:55:36

37

Cheesy Vegetable Gratin A warming one-pan family supper packed with winter vegetables and topped with a rich cheese sauce. Serve with toast or crusty bread.

Ready in: 55 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 350g small cauliflower florets

1 large courgette, roughly chopped 100g mushrooms, sliced

2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped

Large handful baby spinach leaves, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano

350g tub fresh four-cheese pasta sauce 150ml passata

100g Red Leicester cheese, grated

TIP

Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish

38

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan (see TIP) over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Add the cauliflower, courgette and mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 5-6 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes, spinach and oregano. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour over the pasta sauce and turn gently to coat the vegetables. Drop spoonfuls of the passata on top and scatter over the grated cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve straight from the pan with toast or crusty bread, if liked.

If your frying pan is not suitable for use in the oven, transfer the vegetables to a large shallow baking dish before pouring over the cheese sauce.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Dale Fencing Ltd. Dale Fencing Ltd is a local family business established over 50 years.

We specialise in all aspects of Fencing from small repairs or complete new fences including commercial security and schools.

We also have a fully stocked yard for trade and DIY.

Stonecot Nurseries, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9HR dalefencing@gmail.com | www.dalefencing.co.uk Do not hesitate to get in touch!!

Phone the office on 0208 6412367 Or call Jim on 07961 115531

Winter promotion of 10% discount on all new quotation and customers To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

39

Gardening Perfect Potatoes by Pippa Greenwood Mid to late February is ideal for planting seed potatoes, an incredibly good-value crop. The so-called humble spud is a versatile vegetable with a flavour and texture that will make you want to grow them year after year.

On a patio, balcony or in a backyard, a special potatoplanting ‘bag’ or a 45cm (18in) diameter pot can produce a useful crop of spuds from a single tuber. Make sure the container is well-drained, fill it about half to two-thirds full of compost, pop a tuber in the centre and add a further 5cm (2in) of compost. As the foliage appears, add more compost to cover and repeat until no more can be added. Keep the container well-watered and wait!

Most potatoes produce a slightly earlier and somewhat heavier crop if the seed potatoes are allowed to ‘chit’ or produce small but sturdy sprouts before planting. Stand the tubers, widest end uppermost, in a seed tray or old egg cartons placed in a cool, frost-free spot with plenty of natural light. They are ready for planting in a few weeks, when the sprouts are about 1cm (½in) tall.

To help you decide what varieties to buy, think about how you most enjoy eating potatoes and follow my recommendations below: • Steamed potatoes: Vanessa, Dunluce, Edzell Blue or Lady Christl.

• New potatoes: Lady Christl, Charlotte, Juliette, Nadine or Nicola.

• Mash: Dunluce, Valour, Maris Bard, Lady Balfour or King Edward.

• Jacket potatoes: Cara, Lady Balfour, Picasso, Kestrel, King Edward, Desiree or Valor.

• Roast potatoes: Kestrel, Maris Piper, Desiree, Lady Balfour, Vivaldi or Edzell Blue.

• Chips: Kestrel, King Edward, Maris Peer, Accord, Rooster or Edzell Blue.

Choose early varieties for a newly created vegetable plot, especially if the soil has not been cultivated for several years. Earlies will be in the ground for less time than main crops and are less likely to suffer from wireworm attack.

To avoid the fungus-like organism responsible for potato blight (the cause of the Irish Famine in the 1840s) early varieties are better, but varieties with resistance to the infection are available. These include Valor, Lady Balfour or Colleen but Sarpo Mira and Sarpo Axona have the best resistance in my experience.

40

Consider varieties such as Cara, Desiree or Sante if your garden is infested with slugs – again, earlies are likely to suffer less damage as they are not in the soil for so long.

The biological control nematode Nemaslug can be used as a drench and, as it works under the soil surface, it has a brilliant effect and poses no threat to wildlife.

Earlies are also ideal if space is at a premium and, as they are in the ground for less time, give you the opportunity to grow another fast-maturing crop such as lettuce or salad leaves in the soil after the potatoes have been lifted.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 41 or more words Good: 36 words Fair: 32 words

E

A

L TEMPLATE

T

T P

E

M

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

A Comprehensive Range of Care Services

• Live-in Care - Throughout Surrey - 24 hour care and/or companionship • Personal Care - toileting, bathing, dressing • “Pop - In” Service • Night Sleeper and Waking Night Staff - providing reassurance/night care • Household Duties - shopping, housework • Meal Preparation • End of Life Care

For a free professional assessment of your personal needs, please call us on

020 8393 7117

51 The Broadway - Stoneleigh - Epsom - Surrey - KT17 2JE Office 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 020 8393 7117 Fax: 020 8393 5535 Email: classichomecare@btconnect .com Website: www.classichomecareservices.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

41

Puzzle Time fairly easy

not so easy

Quick Quiz ABC 1. The 2010 film Easy A, starring Emma Stone, was loosely based on which 1850 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne?

2. How many points is the letter “B” worth in Scrabble?

3. In the equation E = mc2 that was devised

by Albert Einstein, “E” represents “energy” and “m” represents “mass”. What does the letter “c” represent?

4. What is the only American state to have a name beginning with the letter “a”, but ending with a letter other than “a”?

5. Commissioned to mark the 2002 Commonwealth Games, in which British city would you find a sculpture called B of the Bang?

42

6. Known by the stage name Mr. C, Richard West was the lead singer of which chart-topping group?

7. What letter begins the names of more elements in the periodic table than any other letter?... A, B or C? 8. Which is larger?... an AA battery or a triple-A battery?

9. In the lyrics of the Chuck Berry hit single, Johnny B. Goode lives “deep down” in which US state?

10. The “Four Cs” is a term used to refer to what four characteristics that diamonds are commonly judged by?

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Codeword Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

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

Unit 2 Chancerygate Business Centre Red Lion Road, Surbiton KT6 7RA To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

43

Kids Play

Thursday

Carer and Toddler group for all families with twins and multiples.

Come and meet other local families who understand all about having more than one of everything!

We meet every Thursday at Worcester Park Baptist Church from 9.30- 11.30 am with toys, craft, songs, refreshments and stories during term time. Come along and join in - other pre-school siblings also welcome.

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers

Monday

Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- a lively toddler group, where carers of any kind are welcome to attend and supervise their youngsters. Our age range is from young babies to 3-4 years. Sarah on 020 8393 7299 or email via the church’s website Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler www.wpbc.org.uk Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group is a very welcoming and relaxed place to meet new friends for yourself and your toddlers. We are Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd open to all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers. We Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane meet in the Church Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays' Pand Dads U T YPrimary O U RSchool.

G A RFor DE N and M Atheir I Npre-school T E N A Nchildren CE IN TH Fridays from 9.30 until 11.15am during term time getEtoOplay Dads H A N D(0-4).

S OThe F Skids OM N Ewith Wthe H toys, O Rthe EA L Lget Y aC A R E S bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door.

Toddling2Church, Christ Church with St Philip - Tree surgery - One off Tidy For more information & contact details, 2-3pm. Parents, carers and pre-school children are www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org Stump Grinding - Garden Maintenance all welcome to join us for songs with percussion Old Malden Library (Church-Road, Worcester Park) Strimming and Weeding and Lawns instruments, a Bible story simply and sensitively told, - Decking Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Garden clearance a story-related craft activity and, of course, drinks and - Hedge Trimming Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+ biscuits.

- Path and Patio Washing - Landscaping

Friday

Saturday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- see Monday. we have vacancies on a Wednesday

‘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 RES' REALLY CA 'PUT YOUR EONE WHO M O S F O S HAND - Tree surgery g - One off Tidy - Stump Grindin nance Weeding - Garden Mainte - Strimming and ns - Decking and Law den clearance Gar g min shing Trim ge Wa o - Hed - Path and Pati - Landscaping

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

44

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers rdenservices.co.uk

info@cypressga

Tel: 020 8330 7787 272 Mobile: 07958 727

Children and Young People’s Services

Our team of expert paediatric consultants offer a surgery service for children from three years old. We also provide a consultation only service for children in out-patients from birth.

We provide a range of services including: — Allergy testing

— Imaging and scans

— Cardiology

— Physiotherapy

— Dermatology

— Respiratory

— Ear, nose and throat (ENT)

— Sports injury/ medicine

— Gastroenterology

— Thoracics (chest wall deformity)

— Gynaecology

— Urology

Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire St Anthony’s Hospital’ Call 020 8712 2525 To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

45

Solutions

CodeWord

Quiz

1. The Scarlet Letter 2. 3 3. The speed of light 4. Arkansas 5. Manchester 6. The Shamen 7. C 8. An AA battery 9. Louisiana 10. Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour

Sudokus

Pictograms

1. Ants In Your Pants 2. Element Of Surpise 3. Double Date

46

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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

47

Able 2 Build & Sons Ltd

LOFT CONVERSION & EXTENSION SPECIALISTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

Loft Conversions Extensions Full Refurbishments Part Refurbishments Driveways & Patios Gas & Electrical Works Plumbing Carpentry Tiling Plastering Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance

• Highly skilled, professional and extremely trustworthy workforce • All work will be completed efficiently with minimal disturbance to your lifestyle • We come highly recommended with many references • Fully Insured • Free Quotations

0800 566 8198 07889 255 097 www.able2build.co.uk

info@able2build.co.uk

Constructing Your Future 48

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers