Worcester Park Life Feb 22

Worcester Park Life

KT4’s ONLY FREE Independent Community Magazine and Business Guide February 2022 Issue 155

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Welcome to YOUR Worcester Park Life After many years of very low inflation, it’s a bit of a shock to the pocket to find ourselves in 2022 with a headline-grabbing rate of over 5%, which is the highest it’s been for 10 years.

The theory is that wages increase too, but there seems to be quite a lag there. To be fair, employers will also be trying to accommodate increasing costs across all areas of their business. Of course if you are not earning – perhaps on benefits, at home with young children or retired – you won’t be seeing a pay rise as such anyway.

So what can you do? Stop getting your car serviced? Don’t do maintenance on your house? Do your own weed clearing and fence painting. Being very visible expenditures, they do seem like the obvious ones to cut out. But you know I’m going to tell you that not getting these things done is false

economy. Still, you need to cut down on ‘something’ so what’s it to be?

It’s subscriptions. Usually paid by direct debit and running in the background, they become almost invisible. TV streaming, phone contracts, broadband (you don’t want to be without it, but have you checked the cost lately?), magazines, clubs, the gym…you get the idea. Check who is on direct debit with your bank and if you have Paypal look at the section called ‘Manage your automatic payments’. And definitely don’t let your car insurance autorenew.

As the saying goes: look after the pennies…

Please do remember we are here if you’d like to promote your business, club or organisation to a wider audience. Just give me a call. Very good chance I’ll be around!

Best wishes,

& Since ‘08

Jenny

Deadline for our March editions is 25th February

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

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from jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk

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

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

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MAKING HISTORY

LOCAL PROTECTION

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On 6 February 2022 Queen Elizabeth II completes her 70th year as Sovereign and the Platinum Jubilee begins. Her Majesty is already the longest serving Queen of the UK, but it is also of note that she is the fourth longest serving monarch globally (ever!) and may yet top that exclusive leader board. Elizabeth has reigned for so long that more than 85% of her subjects were born after she came to the throne and have therefore never known another figure head on our currency and postage stamps.

Big anniversaries are a time to celebrate but also reflect. There have been so many changes and advances over the last 70 years, but some piqued our interest more than others.

LONDON SPRAWL The London of 1952 was a hive of construction as the government of the day strove to rebuild the blitz damaged capital. Approximately 116,000 buildings had been irreparably bomb damaged and, in the years following the end of the war, streets disappeared from the map as high-rise buildings and housing estates were commissioned and built.

Residents displaced from the city moved towards the suburbs fuelling the development of suburbia well beyond the end of the tube lines. This continued a trend that had started between the wars but now gathered pace as the need for new homes had grown rapidly.

The creation of the Metropolitan green belt in 1946 limited the extent to which development could spread and continues to protect Epsom on three sides. However there were already strong rail and road links between London and the area because of our racing, spa town and hospital site past, so the vegetable fields of the area gave way to significant 1950’s development.

The population of London gradually reduced over the next couple of decades with housing replaced by offices. City living was losing its shine, in much the same way as it has during the pandemic, and people embraced the chance to enjoy their own garden, more space and the opportunity to live on the cusp of countryside. Meanwhile in 1952 a new venture, NCP car parks, bought its first land, a cleared bomb site in Holborn, catering for those that wanted to drive to work from their suburban home.

The halo effect, a desire to find an ideal location for work and home lives, is currently fuelling the housing market locally but is not without historical precedent. However this time it is an international trend driven by choice rather than necessity. Attraction to Urban living always ebbs and flows, but recent changes in the workplace and improved communications may make the current trend longer lasting than that at the start of the Queen’s reign.

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Worcester Park History Worcester Park in 1921 by David Rymill On 6th January, the census returns completed in England and Wales in June 1921 were released to the public via the Findmypast website. The release of census information is exciting for anyone interested in local history, because it provides a snapshot into who was living in each house and the jobs they did.

The 1921 census has a particularly interesting new feature: those completing the form were asked not only for their own occupation and their employer’s line of business (as in 1911) but also for the employer’s name and the address of their workplace. I was keen to see how many people were working at home or locally, and how many were commuting to London, presumably using the London and South Western Railway’s steam trains from Worcester Park Station, as the line was not electrified until 1925.

As yet I have only looked at a small sample of entries, as they are currently being made available on a payper-view basis; it is expected that later this year they will be available more readily via subscriptions. In the

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meantime, here are some examples relating to houses new and old, small and large, from around the district.

There had been some limited development in the district since the previous census in 1911, for instance in Kingsmead Avenue. Residents here included Henry Broome Durley Grazebook, a barrister with chambers in Pump Court, Temple, living with his wife Ethel and one living-in servant, Mary Cartwright.

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In some cases the 1921 census allows us to see some additional details about longer-established local families who are also listed in sources that were already available, such as the Snook (sometimes Snooks) family. In 1921 Samuel Snook was the head of a household living at 120 Longfellow Road.

Aged 69, he was described as a stonemason, and as an employer, his place of business being the LSWR’s Station Yard at Ewell (now Ewell West). Also in residence were his wife Louisa and daughter Jessie, both engaged in home duties, and two sons aged 23 and 16: Percy Arthur was working as a railway clerk at the Railway Clearing House near Euston Square (set up to apportion revenue from passenger and freight journeys involving railways run by more than one company; it also provided facilities for meetings between railway companies), and Leslie Alston Snook was a clerk for shipbrokers W P Jobson and Co Ltd at Creechurch Lane, off Leadenhall Street in the City. Meanwhile William James Snook was living at ‘Cranbrook’, Donnington Road in 1921, with his wife and their young son, and is described as a monumental mason, working on his own account at the Ewell Station Yard.

Earlier census returns put the family into context: Samuel had been born in Wiltshire, and the 1871 census lists him in that county, living with his parents; he and his father were both stonemasons and journeymen (employees). By 1881 he had moved to Longfellow Road, and was lodging in the household of another stonemason, Alfred Long. Later that year he married Louisa Hillman, a housemaid at The Oaks (later 27 The Avenue, replaced by Badgers Court) whose family lived in Longfellow Road. In 1891 Samuel and Louisa, with five children, had their own household in Longfellow Road, and we find that William was their eldest son; in 1901 the growing family was at ‘Melrose’ in the same road, near the Methodist Chapel, and they were still in Longfellow Road, at Ruth Cottage and Bruce Cottage, in 1905 and 1911.

Leslie Snook was born in 1905; he married Marjorie Bailey in 1935 and they became the first owners of 59 Edenfield Gardens; they were listed there in the 1939 Household Register, when Leslie was chief invoice clerk for a meat importer – and I know they stayed

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there until 1967 because my parents bought the house from them and we lived there until I was 12.

Farming had for centuries been a major source of employment in Worcester Park, but the proportion of the population employed in agriculture had been declining. Nonetheless, in 1921 the start of the most rapid phase of housebuilding was still a few years away, and a number of families still lived and worked on farms. At the farmhouse of Sparrow Farm, which stood near the top of Cuddington Recreation Ground, were the Allam family. Richard Allam, the head of the household, was described as farm bailiff to the mineral water manufacturers R White (who held a lease of the farm), and his son Thomas, 17, was described as working at home as an agricultural labourer, as was Richard’s older brother Walter who was also living there. Tom Pocock’s memoir of Ewell in the early 20th century (available on the Epsom and Ewell History Explorer website, www. eehe.org.uk) explains that the farm was used by R White’s for winter pasture for the horses for their delivery carts, at the end of the soft drinks season, so even here farming had already been affected by changes in society. A younger son, 14-year-old Alfred, was working as a carpenter’s labourer for the appropriately-named W Beams, a house decorator in Ewell.

A question about birthplaces had long been a feature of the census. In 1921 at least 13 people resident in Cuddington parish are stated to have been born in India, but the great majority were probably born into families of British origin who were living in India. An exception was probably Miss Ondan Kunathadathil Meenakshi Devi, a law student, born in Malabar, and based at the Middle Temple, who was boarding with Sidney and Elizabeth Newman at ‘Shirley’, Moreton Road, along with a medical student from the City of London Eye Hospital, Miss Gladys Marchant, born in Bengal.

In The Avenue and adjacent roads, the householders of at least some of the large Victorian houses employed living-in servants. At Chessington Cottage, later numbered as 39 (and subsequently replaced by a new no. 39 and half of Roland Way), there was a cook, Audrey Taylor, and a parlourmaid, May Holland, employed by Algernon Whiting and his wife Mary. Mr Whiting was a director of tea and rubber companies, and Secretary of the Ceylon Association in London, working in Lawrence Pountney Hill, another workplace within the Square Mile.

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In 1911 Edgar Ernest Richards of 38 Idmiston Road (now, I presume, numbered as part of Idmiston Square) evidently considered himself a bit of a joker, or possibly he was exasperated after a sleepless night spent with a large family in a house of five rooms – either way, he included on his census form not only himself, his wife Lilian, and four daughters and three sons who were all under 14, but also a cat and five kittens (age given as ‘1 day’), adding ‘that’s all’. He was working as a metal embellisher for a firm of bookbinders, and instead of describing himself as ‘employer’, ‘worker’ or ‘own account’ offered the description ‘slave’. In 1921 he confined himself to facts; he was now a relief engraver in brass for the engravers Lethaby of Clerkenwell Road, EC1. Several of the children were now working: Edgar junior was a silversmith in London, Violet was an invoice clerk for fountain pen manufacturers Conway Stewart in Shoe Lane, EC4, and 15-year-old Irene had a shorter journey to work, as a machinist for the Worcester Park Glove Co in Lindsay Road.

Our illustrations show Chessington Cottage in the Avenue in the 1950s, courtesy of Elizabeth Spiller (née Bartholomew), and a general view of Moreton Road.

As mentioned in my July article last year, 1921 was also the year in which Worcester Park Athletic Club was formed. David Stemp, whose book about the sporting history of Worcester Park down to WPAC’s formation was published last year, is now working on a sequel, and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has sporting photographs from Worcester Park before the 1960s that he could borrow for copying; he is especially lacking photographs of WPAC’s bowls and tennis sections. You can contact him at david.stemp@virgin.net or on 07765 822990, or I am happy to forward messages.

David Rymill rymilldavid@outlook.com 01962 868976.

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.

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Crafters Joy

Did you know that us crafter’s just love to give away our crafts!

There is nothing more satisfying than to see a loved one light up at being given something that we have spent our time and love creating.

The craft itself gives us focus, it is a way if relaxing and a mindful way to distract ourselves from the worries of the world. It is amazing to loose yourself in concentration, challenge yourself and be thrilled with the results!

We get to play, experimenting with new materials and techniques, with no failures- the craft world is full of happy accidents!

It is also a really supportive community, whether online or in person you will always find a fellow crafter to appreciate the ups and downs of your crafting journey with a smile and often a bit of cake!

But the greatest joy of a crafter is to be given permission to craft- just a little ‘I’d love you to make me one of those’ is music to our ears! We do not want our crafts to become a burden on others and we definitely don’t want to keep them all ourselves!

So if you have a crafter in your life, let them know what you want, what colours and style you like, and see them scuttle of to the craft room with joy in their heart!

Pictograms Pictograms 3Each words Pictograms of these pictures represent a 3 words well-known phrase GS 3 words 3 Words IN S

STINGS A H ST NG I HA ST A 2 wordsH

2 words 2 Words 2 words WILLIAM x 2

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February in the UK is not noted for its abundance of fresh produce, but we make the best of it by having three days in the month that are all about food, and one that is about love – and therefore more food. On the 1st it’s the Chinese New Year, the 6th is Yorkshire Pudding Day, the 14th is Valentine’s Day. And then Pancake Day. Ah, although that is often in February, this year it’s on the 1st March, but what’s one day between friends? Let’s start planning it in February anyway.

Chinese New Year 2022 is the year of the tiger. Of course, Chinese restaurants and takeaways will be making the most of the date with various promotions and special dishes.

But, maybe this is the year you should bring out your inner tiger and have the courage to make your own from scratch.

Yorkshire Pudding Day A batter of eggs, flour and milk (or sometimes water) is poured into oiled and preheated baking pans. Although typically served with a roast dinner, for a special February treat you can’t beat toad in the hole, where sausages are added to the batter.

If we are having a roast, let’s make the most of what is in season by eating root vegetables – carrots, swede and turnips. Add a bit of winter cabbage, too, for those all-important greens.

Valentine’s Day Not strictly about food, but loving couples often celebrate the day by going out for a meal. And of course, chocolate, which is rumoured to be an aphrodisiac, is a popular gift. You do need to go for the dark stuff though but if your beloved doesn’t like it, maybe milk chocolate will have the desired effect, simply because of the thought behind it. Red wine – or indeed any alcohol within reason – has its part to play on this day too.

Pancake Day This is a batter of eggs, flour and milk. Yes, it’s a Yorkshire pudding in wolf’s clothing. The different cooking method means pancakes are never served with a roast dinner, any more than Yorkshires are sprinkled with sugar and lemon. For a bit of variety, whip up fluffy American-style pancakes using selfraising flour instead of plain, and include baking powder for extra rise.

Cook up some apples and add some spices to give your pancakes at least a bit of seasonal interest.

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Pets … Finding Motivation in Training – why your dog won’t do anything for love… (yet!)

By Jennifer Murray, J Murray Dog Training

It’s February, love is in the air (thanks Hallmark, I only just got over Christmas….) so let’s talk relationships… notably, the ones we have with our canine companions. Like all relationships, the one you have with your dog is built on communication and satisfying needs, and if you aren’t speaking the same language and needs aren’t met, problems can arise.

My In-laws have always had a ‘working’ pair of dogs.

However, 2 years ago they got a single puppy – a non-stop Springer called Zac. Interesting choice in one’s 80s perhaps, (sigh…) but Zac was apparently happy chasing a ball in the garden and being driven to a field for a run most days a week. At least he used to be… till my father-in-law got sick last year…

When we stayed recently, I was surprised when Zac growled at Keith and hid behind me when he ordered him to “come”. Keith, having trained dogs his whole life, was frustrated that this one didn’t obey him.

However, Keith’s methods of training to date have largely relied on his dogs learning from each other, (which Zac cannot), and believing a dog should do something “because I say so”…. So my retort – (unlike me and my chicken-scented trouser pocket), Keith now hasn’t got much Zac wants – just orders and discipline…. à la so much ‘traditional’ dog training.

Dogs – even seemingly “eager-to-please” breeds – need to learn why it’s in their interest to love you, and, as a tasty side-dish, listen to you. ‘Training’ is really a misnomer. It’s more ‘understanding’. When I got my Bassets as puppies I made it my business to understand what they want… and to be the provider of that. Now, obviously, I’m going to talk treats here.

Treats are not ‘spoiling’ or ‘bribary’ as people like my dear dad-in-law think they are, they’re positive rewards for the things our dogs do that we like and want to see repeated. And a treat isn’t just food ¬– it can be a toy, a game, praise or a life reward like walks!

The key is finding what makes your dog tick, what his ‘treats’ are. I recommend clients make a reward ‘hierarchy’, i.e. listing things their dog likes (cheese, toys, even sniffing in grass) and ordering them by how ‘valuable’ they are to the dog. Then you make it your business to strategically be about everything on this list. Understand that at a certain point in time, food won’t be what your dog wants because there’s something better on offer… and work out how YOU can emulate that something. (Got a terrier? Introduce

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a rabbit-skin toy unexpectedly during a walk for a quick chase game! I have scent hounds, so halfway around the park I’ll yell “FIND IT!” and scatter treats for them to snuffle out… Works better than recall, honestly!) Given time, tactical use of rewards and positive reinforcement will mean your dog realises that you are the provider of nothing but good stuff…

“OMG where have you been all my life, I love you so much, I’d do anything for you!!! Come? No problem, buddy!”

Relationships require effort. When we invest in a relationship we make compromises, we show off, we try to make each other happy. You have to spend time showing your dog how awesome you are, because you are your dog’s whole world… so make it awesome!

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The ultimate comfort food and the perfect dish for getting ahead and reheating in the oven when needed. A delicious family meal that is equally indulgent for a special occasion. Want to save time?

Use ready-prepared meatballs for a speedy option.

Serves 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Meatballs • 500g pork mince • ½ tsp fennel seeds • Pinch of smoked paprika • Salt and black pepper • Olive oil for drizzling • Tomato Sauce • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 tbsp tomato puree • 900ml passata • 1 tsp caster sugar • Salt and black pepper Pasta • 350g macaroni or other pasta shape • 250g mozzarella cheese, grated

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.

2. Place the pork mince in a bowl with the fennel seeds and paprika, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix to combine then divide and shape the mixture into walnutsized meatballs.

3. Place the meatballs on a greased baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Turn halfway through cooking.

4. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large shallow casserole dish and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato puree, passata, sugar and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water according to packet instructions, then drain, reserving some water. Tip the pasta into the tomato sauce with the meatballs. Add a little of the reserved water to thin the sauce if needed. Scatter over the cheese and place the casserole dish back in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Nutrition per serving: 555kcal, fat 21g (of which saturates 9.1g), carbohydrates 53g (of which sugars 8.7g), protein 35g, fibre 3.9g

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Finance The impact of rising inflation Nobody likes paying more for things, but inflation may be a particular problem in 2022. Here’s what it could mean for your finances.

Why is it increasing?

The Bank of England has forecast inflation could regularly hit 4% or higher in 2022. That’s partly because some of the suspected causes of recent price rises may be here for some time. This includes: higher oil and gas prices (driven by worldwide demand) that affect manufacturing; a shortage of staff in lorry driving and hospitality pushing up wages; and supply-chain problems such as global shipping slowdowns and silicon chip shortages.

The fact that it’s manufacturing costs rather than consumer demand for specific products may affect the way shoppers experience this inflation.

It’s likely they’ll find everything seems a little pricier, rather than particular items suddenly feeling shockingly expensive. That could mean the squeeze of incomes – especially with National Insurance rising in April - is a little tighter.

Not just spenders Savers and investors may also notice the difference. A 4% inflation rate exceeds all but the most attractive savings rates on offer, meaning savers lose buying power over time. (Though savers are still better off than those not making any interest.) That could incentivise some people with spare cash to move to riskier investments in the hope of a better return.

Effect on pensions Rising inflation has consequences for pensioners, beyond increasing prices. The ‘triple lock’ means the state pension rises each year by whichever is higher: rises in average earnings, inflation from the Consumer Price Index, or 2.5 percent. A prolonged spell of inflation above 2.5 percent could mean bigger pension rises.

Effect on mortgages Perhaps the biggest concern for many consumers is how inflation could affect their mortgages.

Until the financial crisis of 2008, central banks and governments traditionally used higher interest rates as a way to bring down excessive inflation.

The theory was simple: higher interest payments meant homeowners had less money to spend in the shops, meaning retailers couldn’t get away with too many price rises.

Since 2008, however, central banks have tended to concentrate on keeping rates as low as possible so that people have spare money to spend and help keep the economy moving. Another argument against rate rises is that the current inflation doesn’t appear to be the result of consumers having too much money, but rather goods being more expensive to produce. That means interestrate rises might not have that much effect and could even cause problems with consumers cutting back on purchases of non-essential goods.

On the other hand, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (which sets interest rates in the UK) may conclude rate rises are its last resort against excessive inflation. That means existing borrowers, those coming to the end of fixed term deals, and those planning to take out a mortgage for the first time, should all build some extra slack into their calculations and make sure they could cope with any increase in their monthly repayments.

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Parkin’ some thoughts Blocked by Nick Hazell Bill Murray is a talented chap. His off the wall eccentricity appeals to my sense of humour. He also said something that has long lodged itself in my mind. “Always give 100%”, he advised, “unless”, he continued “you’re giving blood.”

I’ve always tried to commit to tasks to the best of my abilities. Having Parkinsons though has forced me to accept there are things I can’t do as well as I was once able. I can’t expect perfection all the time. In fact, if slightly dishevelled, frayed at the edges and unshaven is more what you’re after, I’m your man. It has though given me a sense of perspective that I once lacked as well as handwriting that has become ever more indecipherable and wires in my brain. A true gift that just keeps giving.

At least its generosity extended to providing me with a muse. Something to write about. As I wrote about it, the more I came to terms with what it was and what it meant for me day to day.

Writing, at times, became a way of unscrambling my thoughts, although not my legs. It allowed me to refine and edit my words until I could work out what I was thinking. It also made me all too aware of my limits.

The thing is though, at the moment I feel like I’ve lost the muse and I’m not sure what I think about it. On the one hand I couldn’t be happier. I may be powered by a small battery in my chest but at least I can, on occasion, venture out of the house on my own without fear of being pointed at by small children. On the other, it’s still a frustrating and little understood disease that from time to time causes me to shout obscenities that make the dog blush. It needs its advocates. But, as many of the symptoms have for the moment become less obvious, so has my ability to say anything interesting!

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I’ve been hit with this strange form of writer’s block. The longer my temporary reprieve from the jaws of Parkinson’s Monster continues, the more I get this slightly odd feeling that I’ve now got nothing to say combined with an even

weirder belief that I should be saying something meaningful. That’s the problem with us sad, deluded perfectionists. We can’t win.

As the deadline for this article looms over, reaches and passes me by, I’m therefore struggling to find the words. No witty anecdote or motivational quip is launching forth from my finger tips. A sharp dressing down from the Editor and immediate ostracisation from society awaits. It is then I turn to my trusted “Book of Bill” which provides a sturdy branch to grasp before I sink irretrievably into the sheep dip of drafting despair. “Life,” he observed, “is so damn short. For f*ck’s sake, just do what makes you happy.” In other words, stop moaning and write any old rubbish. Job done. At least it’s easier than giving blood!

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23

Health Is sitting the new smoking?

According to a growing number of experts, sitting is the latest health hazard to look out for. But why is a sedentary lifestyle so bad for us, and what can we do about it?

Since the first lockdown struck back in 2020, many of us might have noticed that we’re sitting down more than ever before. Working from home, online shopping, cancelled plans and periods of self-isolation all mean we’re spending more time at our desks and sofas and less time moving our bodies.

Unfortunately, this change of lifestyle comes at a cost.

Evidence suggests that even if we exercise regularly, spending long periods of time sitting down can expose us to a range of health issues, from backache and varicose veins to diabetes.

The reason? Humans were built to stand. The heart, cardiovascular system and bowel function far more efficiently when we’re upright. What’s more, moving our muscles helps the body digest fats and sugars in our diet, keeping our weight down – and that’s just touching the surface. Sitting for too long has been linked to everything from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to cancer.

Now, of course this isn’t great news for the thousands of us that have desk-based jobs – but don’t lose hope just yet. There are lots of things you can do to help. To make life easier, we’ve done the research for you and weighed up the pros and cons of each.

Invest in a standing desk If you work in an office or from home, it’s likely that you’ll spend between six to eight hours a day sitting down at a desk. So naturally, one of the easiest ways to reduce your sitting time is to invest in a standing version. Adjustable desks have become hugely popular in recent years, with IKEA boasting a fantastic range of stylish sit-stand desks.

The downside? There’s evidence to suggest that standing still for long periods of time isn’t hugely beneficial to our bodies either, and has been linked to sore feet, lower back pain and various other health problems. However, standing is certainly better for us than sitting. It’s all about balance. Start by standing for 30 to 60 minutes a day and gradually increase until you’re alternating between standing and sitting every hour. Trust us, your body will thank you for it!

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Take regular breaks It can be hard to motivate yourself to leave your desk during the working day, especially when you’re busy.

However, taking regular breaks – even if it’s just to grab a cuppa or take the laundry out – can make a world of difference.

In the office and need to send an email? Get away from your desk and relay the message in person. Working from home and fancy a coffee? Treat yourself by taking a walk to your local cafe. And on days when you’re simply too busy to take a lunch break, set a timer to remind you to stand up, stretch or have a little walk around.

Sit the right way Not all types of sitting were created equal. If you’re spending much of your working life at a desk, it’s important to invest in a decent office chair that will help you perfect your posture.

When looking for a chair, choose one with lumbar support that ensures your lower back curves to the shape of the chair, and make sure it’s adjusted so your feet are resting on the floor and your screen is at eye level. You should also avoid crossing your legs and try to keep your back straight against your chair as much as you can. Doing so will make the hours you do spend sitting as comfortable as possible.

Get some exercise We all know that exercise is good for us. But it’s even more important for those of us who lead sedentary lifestyles.

Evidence suggests that we need between 60-75 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day to combat the dangers of excessive sitting – but the more frequent the better. You’ll be glad to hear that this doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day.

Moderate exercise could be a brisk walk on your lunch break, a light bike ride or even those slightly more exerting cleaning duties, such as vacuuming, window cleaning or mopping the floor.

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If you love Snickers this is the dessert for you! With a gorgeous caramel centre and topped with chocolate, this is a rich indulgent treat. For smaller portions, use a pastry cutter and line a 12-hole tart tin in the same way as if making jam tarts.

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5.

Makes 8 or 12 tartlets, or one 20cm tart Serves 8-12

4. Line either 8 individual tart tins or a 12-hole tart tin, or one 20cm / 8-inch fluted tart tin. Ideally use tins with removable bases to make it easier to remove the tarts when baked.

Pastry • 200g gluten-free plain flour • ¾ tsp xanthan gum • 100g butter, cut into small pieces • 1 egg Caramel filling • 150g pitted soft dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes then drained • 40g maple syrup • 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond nut butter • 3 tbsp coconut oil • 2-3 tbsp boiling water to blend • 1 tbsp vanilla extract Chocolate Ganache • 50ml double cream or coconut cream • 200g dark chocolate chips

2. Make the pastry. Place the flour and xanthan gum with the butter in a food processor and whiz to form breadcrumbs. Add the egg and a little water, if needed for the mixture to come together, to form a moist, slightly damp dough.

3. Roll out the pastry between two sheets of cling film – this will make it easier to roll out.

5. Prick the bases all over with a fork and line with baking paper, then fill with baking beans and bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are just browning. Remove the baking beans and paper and bake for a further 5-10 minutes or until golden brown all over. Cool completely before using. If using a 12-hole tart tin bake them for around 5-10 minutes until golden.

6. To make the caramel filling, simply place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to form a thick paste.

7. Spoon the caramel into the tart cases then chill for 1 hour to firm up.

8. Place the cream and chocolate in a small saucepan and warm gently. Beat well until the chocolate has melted and you have a thick ganache.

9. Pour the chocolate over the caramel filling and place back in the fridge for 1 hour to set.

Nutrition per serving (one tartlet of eight): 470kcal, fat 30g (of which saturates 19g), carbohydrates 42g (of which sugars 24g), protein 7.6g, fibre 2g Nutrition per serving (one tartlet of twelve): 314kcal, fat 20g (of which saturates 13g), carbohydrates 28g (of which sugars 16g), protein 5.1g, fibre 1.3g

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25

Gardening - Toxic plants

by Caroline Knight

Things to avoid in the garden We all know that gardens are good for us. The effects of gardening on mind and body have been welldocumented in terms of mental and physical health, as well as the increased possibilities of social interaction that can arise through tuning in to the outdoor world.

Indeed, the biophilia hypothesis explains the huge benefits to be gained from making connections with nature. But there are also a few dangers out there and it’s wise to consider any potential hazards too!

Some plants are harmful and it’s essential to know which are poisonous for people and pets. If you are intent on creating a sensory-type garden or your outside space is a playground for pets and kids, for example, it’s important to make it as safe as possible.

Animals and young children tend to explore the world around them using their senses of touch, smell, taste and sound; they are not quite so tuned in to sight.

Some plants will cause a slight upset stomach but others are capable of damaging organs if enough is eaten. A few plants are extremely poisonous and can even cause death, although this is very rare.

Toxic plants We are designed to eat produce including fruit, vegetables and herbs. Some need to be cooked before consumption, whilst others can be eaten raw.

Potatoes, for example, should never be eaten raw because they contain potentially toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids which are non-digestible. Brussels sprouts can cause too much gas in the intestines if eaten raw. It’s worth bearing this in mind if your child likes to grub about in the allotment or kitchen garden.

The leaves of rhubarb are highly toxic and even the leaves of tomatoes will cause gastro-intestinal distress.

We love to eat the stems of asparagus, but the little red berries are toxic.

Pets such as dogs and cats are unable to consume some foods that are fine for humans. They include grapes, which can cause renal failure, several members of the onion family including leeks, and some mushrooms.

Some of the most poisonous plants in the UK • One of the most toxic plants in the UK is monkshood, Aconitum napellus, also known as wolfsbane. Harry Potter fans will be familiar with this one, as even in the fictional wizarding world the potion is highly dangerous! It is a tall plant that produces beautiful

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purple-blue flowers in summer. They look rather like a monk’s habit, hence the common name. Despite the fact that touching the leaves and then eating even a small part, or allowing entry of the plant via an open wound, can lead to fatal poisoning, this plant is widely available for planting within gardens. It doesn’t always come with a warning.

• The death-cap mushroom, Amanita phalliodes. This is a fairly common fungus here in the UK, growing in mixed deciduous woods, particularly under oak and beech trees. It’s quite a large mushroom, growing up to 15cm across with a domed, white cap. It looks similar to several edible mushrooms but is deadly poisonous.

Some call it the silent assassin and only a small amount can result in death. It contains a toxin for which there is no known cure.

• Hemlock, Conium maculatum is a highly poisonous flowering plant that is a member of the carrot family. It has a rather attractive umbel flower and purple spots on the green stems. It’s common in the UK, growing by hedges, ditches and woodland edges. All parts of the plant are toxic because of a fast-acting poison

Tunes’n’Tea Once again, come and enjoy an afternoon of live music, tea, coffee, cakes and conversation. Hear 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 of seasoned musicians making a fun afternoon in a relaxed environment of friends.

Every second Thursday of the month.

Doors open at 1pm. Music from 1.30pm-3.30pm St John’s Church Hall, Station Approach, Stoneleigh, KT19 0QZ (next to Stoneleigh Station, West Side) Entrance: £4.00. Enquiries to 020 8224 1351, leave your name and details on the answerphone and we will call you back.

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• Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, has rightly earned a reputation for being one of Britain’s most dangerous plants. It probably won’t kill, but it burns severely due to its toxic sap, which reacts with human skin and sunlight. It’s a huge beast, growing up to 4.5 metres tall, with umbrella-shaped white flower clusters.

• Even foxgloves are poisonous, if consumed. They contain digitalis and other chemicals that affect the heart. The pretty, bell-shaped, tubular flowers are just the right size for little fingers, so you won’t want these transferred into the mouth. called cicutoxin. This causes stomach upsets and even paralysis of the lungs. The Greek philosopher, Socrates, was said to have died after being poisoned by tea made from this plant.

• Deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna, is obviously poisonous – the clue is in the common name! It’s actually the fruits that are the biggest problem on this tall, bushy plant that likes shady and wooded areas. It produces bell-shaped flowers in early summer followed by black berries that can grow to the size of cherries. They look tempting to eat but contain the toxins atropine and scopolamine, which cause paralysis to organs, including the heart. It’s a potential killer in severe cases.

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27

Friday Night Cocktail Club The Hanky Panky by Ali Warner I’m writing this on the 123rd day of January. What started out as a dry month ended up rather damp around the edges thanks to Christmas presents that included a new cocktail shaker, measurer and muddler from my brother-in-law and a delicious book with an A-Z of cocktails from a dear friend who is one of my royal testers that kindly tries out a jam jar cocktail before I publish the recipe in the Village Voice.

In amongst the gems in my new book is a recipe that seemed a perfect fit for the run up to Valentine’s Day. And better still, this beauty was created by a woman.

Ada Coleman known a Coley to her regulars began here career as a bartender at the Savoy Hotel. When Rupert D’Oyly Carte, a member of the family that first produced Gilbert and Sullivan became chairman of the Savoy he promoted Ada to head bartender at the hotel’s American Bar. Here she made cocktails for the likes of Mark Twain, the Prince of Wales, Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, and the veteran actor, Sir Charles Hawtrey.

This month’s recipe - The Hanky-Panky was made for Hawtrey. Here is Coleman’s explanation of how it came to be which appeared in The People newspaper in 1925.

Hanky-Panky (serves 1) Yes really. It’s strong. Be careful

“The late Charles Hawtrey ... was one of the best judges of cocktails that I knew,” Coleman said. “Some years ago, when he was overworking, he used to come into the bar and say, ‘Coley, I am tired. Give me something with a bit of punch in it.’”

Ingredients 45mls Gin 45mls Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth 2.5mls Fernet Blanca 1.5mls Fresh Orange Juice

“ It was for him that I spent hours experimenting until I had invented a new cocktail. The next time he came in, I told him I had a new drink for him. He sipped it, and, draining the glass, he said, ‘By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!’ And Hanky-Panky it has been called ever since.”

Method Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and give it a good shake.

Strain into a cocktail coup or glass of your choice.

Garnish with a strip of Orange Zest and enjoy.

The recipe is actually a version of a sweet martini and oh it’s a smoothy. But it also comes with a warning from me. This cocktail packs a punch. It is meant to be sipped slowly and gently to warm the cockles of your heart.

If you glug it or have more than one - you’ll be fast-o on the sofa in 15 minutes flat and the only chance of Hanky-Panky of any sort will be in your dreams. So with that warning issued… here’s what you need

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(Optional extra) Slip into your favourite cocktail dress, pretend you are at The Savoy, and after a few monthfuls you might just fancy you are.

Happy Valentines/Galetines everyone.

Next month a cheeky cocktail to herald Spring

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Puzzle Time fairly easy

not so easy

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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.

In the UK, we spent almost £8 million on pets and related products back in 2020. According to the Office for National Statistics, this represented an increase in spending of around 170 per cent within a fifteen-year period. It seems that most of us will lavish not only attention on our animals but also provide them with activities and enrichment as a matter of course. Naturally, it is man’s best friend, the dog, that remains the most popular pet, closely followed by cats and, since the Covid-19 lockdown, indoor fish.

As pet love has grown, so has the associated industry. Emerging trends show that we now show far more concern over nutrition for our pets than ever before. There are new food brands emerging with increasing frequency, rising to the challenge of providing good nutrition including supplements and superfoods.

Pet owners are more likely to take their animals to an array of activities. Dogs, being the most portable of pets, now benefit from doggy swimming pools, a range of classes such as scent work and agility, fun fields for safe play and animal-friendly cafes. Even the National Trust has introduced a new ‘three pawprint rating’ to show at a glance the most dog-friendly venues.

There is clearly a significant financial commitment that goes hand in hand with pet ownership. Pets are no longer consigned to the kitchen – they’re truly part of the family.

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

By Caroline Knight

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The best apps for planning holidays Holiday Extras You’ve booked your holiday. Brilliant! But what about the airport parking?

The travel insurance? The currency exchange? That’s where Holiday Extras comes in. It’s designed to make it easy to find the best holiday-related things, whether that’s an airport hotel or advance ordering your travel money.

9

Kayak Kayak is a do-everything app that you can use to browse flights, hotels and car hire and be shown the best deals, but it’s what happens after you book that sets it apart: it’s a holiday organiser that can organise all your booking emails and travel documents for you.

Skyscanner If you like to do things last minute, Skyscanner can help you find the cheapest flights: simply pick the dates, choose the ‘everywhere’ option and the app will find the cheapest plane tickets to all kinds of destinations. You can also use the app to find the most affordable days to fly to your chosen destination.

Red, White and Blue

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1.

What colour is the blade of the lightsaber used

by Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars film?... red, white or blue?

2.

What colour is the tablecloth in the Leonardo da Vinci painting The Last Supper?... red, white or blue?

3.

The Beatles compilation album called 1962 to 1966 is also known by what other name that references the colour of the border on its cover?... The Red Album, The White Album or The Blue Album?

4.

Which of the following is not one of the main tributaries of the River Nile?... the Red Nile, the Blue Nile or the White Nile?

5.

What colour are Viagra tablets?... red, white or blue?

6.

Which of the following terms was used to refer to those who followed the Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi during his campaigns?... redshirts, whiteshirts or blueshirts?

7.

Which of the following is not used as an alias of one of the characters in the film Reservoir Dogs?... Mr. Red, Mr. White or Mr. Blue?

8.

What colour is the outermost ring on an archery target?... red, white or blue?

9.

What was the name of the British postage stamp that was first issued in 1841 to succeed the Penny Black, and was the main postage stamp used in the UK until 1879?... the Penny Red, the Penny White or the Penny Blue?

10. Taking up around 37% of the overall flag, what is most prominent colour on the flag of the United Kingdom?... red, white or blue?

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Community Proposal for new Nursery at Meadow Primary School Meadow Primary School ( supported by the Bourne Education Trust) are currently undertaking a consultation regarding a proposal to open a Nursery as part of the school’s provision from September 2022. This proposal includes plans to refurbish and extend the facilities in the building on the school site previously occupied by Sparrows Pre-School, who will be closing at the end of July. We plan to provide a seamless transition to the new setting and increase provision to cater for those in the community who would want to take advantage of the 30 hour offer As part of the Meadow family, our newest and youngest members would have access to our well established and successful early years curriculum and extensive resources and the Nursery itself would be managed by a fully qualified teacher.

We would really value input to help us to create the best Nursery opportunities for our children in this exciting new venture: if you have a child/children aged 4 or

under, we would be grateful if you could take the time to complete the attached survey. It should take no longer than 10 minutes and will be invaluable in our planning. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QYNKFB3. We would request any other feedback is provided via email –please see our school website (About>Nursery consultation) for details of how you can help us and contribute to our consultation.

We will be holding a consultation meeting at the school on Thursday 24th February at 5.00pm: kindly contact the school if you would like to attend, to allow us to plan for numbers.

If you are looking for a current school place for your child in a Reception to Year 6 class and would like a tour, please do give us a call - we are very proud of our school and would love to show you around. We also have a virtual tour on our website.

Meadow Primary School, Sparrow Farm Rd, Stoneleigh KT17 2LW www.meadowprimary.co.uk info@meadow.surrey.sch.uk

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ACH I E V E

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Solutions Quiz

CodeWord

1. Blue 2. White 3. The Red Album 4. The Red Nile 5. Blue 6. Redshirts 7. Mr. Red 8. White 9. The Penny Red 10. Red

Sudokus Pictograms

1. An Uphill Battle 2. Double Bill 3. Game, Set and Match

Wordwheel CHESTNUT

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35

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Constructing Your Future 36

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