Worcester park life jan 15

Worcester Park Life

KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide January 15 issue 78

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Dear Readers

Our January issue needs to be sent off to the printer earlier than usual because of the Christmas holidays, so I’m writing this mid-December with 2015 a mere dot on the horizon (I haven’t even bought my new diary and obligatory family calendar!)

The Santa requests have been written, the big pile of cards that I keep looking at, haven’t and the next two weeks are busting with school concerts, parties and social events - yet by the time you reads this, it will all be over!!

So, I hope you all had a good one and are feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on whatever 2015 has to offer!

One story that has hit me today, as I sit here, typing this in my little office that looks out onto our bustling, friendly avenue with Xmas lights twinkling in our neighbours homes is the sad news that 28% of British adults say they feel lonely, with 10% of those aged over 65 saying they expect to spend the festive period on their own.

The survey, carried out by the BBC, also revealed a third of people say they feel left behind by new ways of communicating with 85% preferring to speak to friends and family face to face. Yet, encouragingly, 65% of those asked said they would like to do more to help family, friends and neighbours who are lonely.

As someone who feels blessed to be surrounded by friends and neighbours (although much of our family are scattered across the UK and abroad!) I really do believe that we can do something to address this sorry state, here in New Malden! We are so fortunate in our special suburb to be surrounded by community events, whether run by our many schools, churches, social groups or the New Malden centre. However, we mustn’t forget that not everyone has the opportunity – or courage – to tap into these opportunities. As the saying goes, sometimes a crowded room (or the school gates) can be the loneliest place in the world.

So, why do we all make it our new year’s resolution in 2015 to really try to reach out to members of our community who we think might be lonely, isolated or maybe just struggling with confidence. A friendly smile or a chat whilst standing the queue at Waitrose can really make someone’s day.

Let’s all stop burying out heads in technology and take five minutes to look up from Smartphones to make eye-contact and smile at a stranger. You’ll be surprised at how good it makes you feel too!

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and sociable New Year to you all! Keep reading your Village Voice for all your community news and as ever, I love hearing from you, so keep the emails, letters and comments coming!

Remember, we deliver to most homes every second month so if you’re not able to pick up a magazine on the months it’s not delivered to you, you can read it on your smart phone/tablet or PC. Until next month, best wishes, and have a very happy New Year

Jenny

We also publish The Village Voice covering the KT3 postcode

Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher

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

Contact jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS

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Next copy deadlines: 17th January for Februarys’ editions 17th February for March’s

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Worcester Park History

150 years of The Avenue

by David Rymill

As 2014 gives way to 2015, it is a good time to look back 150 years to 1864-5, when a group of entrepreneurs was seeking to establish Worcester Park as a genteel suburb. The opening of the railway to Waterloo in 1859 brought London within a 21 to 31-minute journey, and the potential attractions of a development of imposing villas set in tree-lined avenues were realised by the founders of the Landed Estates Company Ltd. The company had been incorporated in February 1864, by which time 140 of the available 10,000 £10 shares had been taken up. All but 40 shares were in the hands of Adam Clarke Hook, a surveyor who

lived in Sutton. By November, the acting Managing Director was Frederick Chifferiel, who was to play an important part in the Company’s history; he was a law stationer, with premises on the corner of Chancery Lane and Cursitor Street, near Holborn.

In December, the Directors were authorised to buy “the estate at Worcester Park which they are now under treaty to purchase”, enter into building contracts, and grant leases; Adam Clarke Hook and Henry Hook were appointed Surveyors to the Company.

At first, good progress seems to have been made.

By March 1865, there were 71 shareholders holding 5,651 shares, those with over 200 shares being Chifferiel, Alexander Hector (who later lived at Worcester Court), Francis Webb, a barrister, and William Wells of Twickenham. The Ordnance Survey map surveyed in 1865-6 shows the roads now known as The Avenue, Royal Avenue, St Mary’s Road, Grafton Road and Salisbury Road fully laid out, with Cleveland Road and Delta Road shown as tracks. There were twenty houses on the estate (mainly in The Avenue, but including three in Royal Avenue). The 1871 census lists just over twenty properties, a typical household comprising a professional man in his 30s to 40s, with a wife, children and from two to four servants.

The occupations of the householders ranged from solicitor to furniture dealer, and from Lt-Colonel in the Indian Army to retired physician.

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About half of the householders had been born in London or Middlesex, but nine other British counties were represented among them, and at least 13 counties among other family members. The servants were more diverse in their origins, with 22 counties listed. The cosmopolitan feel to Worcester Park was completed with school-boarders, from 18 British counties plus Brazil, the West Indies, and the USA; they also had teachers from France, Hanover and Malta.

The number of shares held in the Landed Estates Company rose to a high point of 7,539 in 1868, but financial difficulties began soon after.

The company probably suffered from unfavourable comparisons with suburbs on the main line such as Surbiton, and from a dispute over access rights across Malden Green at the foot of The Avenue. In the early 1870s many of the principal shareholders surrendered parts of their holding, and by April 1880 nearly half of the remaining shares were in the hands of Mr Chifferiel. In July that year it was decided to wind up the company voluntarily.

The Worcester Park Building Company, which seems to have been in some sense a subsidiary of the Landed Estates Co, was incorporated in February 1865. Seven subscribers, including Chifferiel, Hector and Webb, each took twenty ÂŁ100 shares, and Chifferiel was appointed managing director; by 1881 all but a handful of shares were in the hands of Chifferiel and Webb. In the 1860s-70s the company acquired many of the plots in The Avenue that had been developed, and leased out the houses. In the 1880s it became indebted to the Prudential Assurance Company, and in 1894 it was decided that this company too should be wound up.

Frederick Chifferiel, who died in 1883, lived in The Avenue, at The Bungalow. The black and white illustration (courtesy of Roy Hellings) shows the house a little later, when it was known as Ivy Lodge or Ivy Cottage; Forresters Court now stands on the site.

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The colour illustration shows Park House, at 21/23 The Avenue, which was typical of the 1870s yellow-brick villas built by these companies, with tall gables and ornamental brickwork around the windows. In 1928, as a plan held in Surrey History Centre shows (6004/1/Box28, plan 4870), the ground-floor accommodation consisted of a dining room, drawing room, study, kitchen, pantry, scullery and walk-in larder; a loggia ran across most of the back of the house. There were four bedrooms on the first floor, and five more on the top storey. To the left, the kitchen door led to two yards with sheds; and on the right was a detached building comprising stable, coach house and harness room.

At the front left, a door from the dining room led to a conservatory. The 1928 plan was drawn up in connection with the division of the house into three flats, involving the replacement of the conservatory with a staircase block giving access to the upstairs flats. The photograph (which shows the new block on the left) was taken in 1985, the year before the main house was demolished. Mowat Court was built on the site, but the coach house block still provides a reminder of the Victorian developments; it is one of six examples of 19th-century staff cottages, stables and so on that can still be seen in and around The Avenue even though the houses which they originally served have gone (can you spot them all?).

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

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For information about job opportunities: 020 8942 8256 or visit our website: staywellservices.org.uk Staywell is the working name for Age Concern Kingston upon Thames

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Care

Be prepared for winter

Even though we’ve had the warmest year on record, it’s still possible that winter will be longer and colder than last year. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. This can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions, especially if you are vulnerable to coldrelated illnesses because of your age, your income, a disability or health condition.

Keeping warm – top tips from local charity Staywell Make sure you’re getting the financial support you’re entitled to - call Staywell’s First Contact service for more information – 020 8408 8170.

Dress appropriately, in layers of thinner clothes rather than one thick layer.

Stay active, alternate rest and activity, but don’t take risks in wet or icy weather.

Eat well, sip hot drinks regularly throughout the day and stock up on provisions in case you can’t get out to the shops.

Set your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C/64–70°F) in the rooms you use during the day.

If you don’t want to heat your bedroom all the time, make sure it’s warm before you go to bed and use the timer to make sure it’s warm when you get up.

If you use an electric blanket, make sure it’s safe.

A guide on using, caring for and storing electric blankets is available from Electrical Safety First electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice.

Help your neighbours in winter Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.

If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring Staywell for advice.

Winter support services Staywell provides a range of services seven days a week to help you stay warm and be safe this winter.

Handyperson Practical help with little jobs around the home including clearing snowy paths, draught-proofing homes, fixing grab rails and providing free winter warmth packs.

Stay Well at Home Support if you are unwell or can’t get out of the

house including transport to medical appointments, shopping for essentials or regular phone calls.

Information and advice Referral to energy advice services; assistance in claiming all appropriate benefits to maximise income available for paying energy bills.

Want to get out of the house when it’s cold and wintry?

Companionship, activities and hot meals are available at Staywell centres in New Malden and Kingston, and we are extending opening times during the winter to include some weekends. Get in touch to find out more: 020 8942 8256.

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Ruth Jemmett Writes January - A Time Of Transition

It’s that time of year, when like Janus, the two-faced god of Roman mythology, we glance over our shoulders to reflect on the past twelve months, whilst also looking forward to what will lie ahead.

Some of us who are remembering recent Christmas festivities, are now gazing at our large waistlines, and are regretting having scoffed too many mince pies. More than a handful of us have made a New Year resolution (hidden amongst all the others) to start a diet again!

Janus was believed to be the doorkeeper and gatekeeper - a deity of transition. It is certainly a time of transition for us here in Salisbury Road and a poignant one. We recently lost an elderly neighbour - a Croatian gentleman called George, and we will all miss hearing his laugh and his stories about his beloved home country. Many years ago he gave me cuttings from a grapevine that was draped across his conservatory, and his legacy to me will be the delicious red wine that is occasionally made from said vines! In sharp contrast, I have learnt this very day that a dear neighbour’s son and his wife have had a baby boy - named Arthur. I suddenly feel rather ancient, as I remember bouncing Arthur’s father on my knee when HE was born! As the old year took George away from us, the new one is presenting us with a new child. As Janus opens the doorway to welcome a new life, let us hope that young Arthur is blessed with much health and happiness - all 10 lbs 11ozs of him! Ouch!

Many people will be glad to see the back of 2014, with its horrendous floods. As summer edged back into our lives, many of us soon forgot the seemingly endless torrential rain of 2013’s winter and spring, but there are, unfortunately, still many people who are still battling with insurance claims. Let us hope we don’t have a repetition of such weather THIS year!

January is renowned for being the month when Scots worldwide (plus those who wish they WERE Scots!) celebrate the birth date of their favourite son - namely the poet Robert Burns, by way of Burns Night on 25th January. Burns Night is a very jolly affair, involving the wearing of kilts, the drinking of

whisky, and the consumption of haggis.

The haggis is welcomed into the gathering to the accompaniment of skirling bagpipes, and the curious delicacy is then addressed thus: “Fair fa’ your honest sonsie face,Great Chieftain o’ the puddin’ race!” (Sic). There can then follow recitations from ’Robbie’ Burns works.

Y

O U R

Many of us have snippets of Robert Burns’ poetry embedded in our memories. I remember my first acquaintance with the bards’ work in my childhood, when I was introduced to ’To A Mouse’ - a ’tim’rous beastie’! As I grew up I read more of his works, and I always had a particular fondness for a quotation from ’To A Louse’, that went: “Oh wad some power the giftie gie us, To see oursel’s as others see us!”. (Sic). In other words, we would doIn ourselves a favour if we stepped back, In and saw how our thoughts, appearance and actions Worcester North Park people. The words made me realise Cheam affect other that so often in our lives we do things with the best of intentions, only to find that what we have said Learn whileinpreparing tapas or done hasSpañish been perceived another way!

Long before modern psychiatry entered our lives, Burns y o u r

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taught us how empathy works. Perhaps a few wars might have been avoided if people had been aware of the famous quotation, thus alerting them to the fact that no-one should be above criticism, and that there is always room for improvement in our behaviour!

Looking forward to things is what makes most of us want to get up in the morning. When we are young, hope is always in our hearts. Newborn Arthur’s life is a blank sheet, and for a long time every day will seem like a grand adventure to him. As we age we get a bit jaded, and things that once gave us pleasure can sometimes seem to be a bit old hat.

Some life events can pull us down, but despite the negative things that may happen to us, it is still a beautiful world. Even during the darkest days of winter we are all reminded of better things to come when we espy spring bulbs courageously thrusting their heads through icy earth. When skies are grey, and I run out of things to get excited about, I usually get cheered up by planning what I will do in my garden in the Spring, or plan home improvements for warmer days. Equally, I often alter a radio or TV station if the programme is depressing. Dancing to a Rod Stewart CD always cheers me up! Be pro-active.

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If you feel lonely, reach out to another lonely person.

It is medically proven that pandering to negative emotions can lower your body’s immunity. Deciding to be positive really can make a physical difference to you. If it’s a particularly grim winter’s day, I attempt to boost my immunity munching my way through a tin of biscuits whilst watching my favourite ’soaps’!

(That’s my excuse anyway!). Life really is what you make it!. Spoiling oneself is always good medicine!

I hope that 2015 will be everything you could hope for, and that whether or not you attend a Burns Night, you make time to raise a glass to Robert Burns, and celebrate some more choice words of his: “Opera is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings!”

Whatever life throws at you this year, try to keep singing, and if all else fails, look for the biscuit tin!

A Happy New Year to you all!

Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors Copyright 9.12.14

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Hobbies

Time to pick up a paintbrush

by Kate McLelland As children we are all happy to draw and paint but as we grow older we often lose confidence in our abilities. School is not the easiest environment in which to develop creative talent, so it’s not surprising that many of us abandon Art as a subject in our mid-teens.

It’s encouraging to learn, however, that art gallery visitor numbers have massively increased in recent years and this seems to have inspired more people to revisit their artistic skills as adults.

Once you have decided to have a go at painting, the first step is to choose the type of paint and brushes you will use. Do you want to create delicate watercolours or big, bold canvases? Do you admire artists who paint with photographic attention to detail or do you prefer abstract art, where the paint can be randomly poured, splashed or dripped onto canvas to create bold shapes and patterns?

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We’ve all used watercolour paints when young, so many people find it natural to return to that medium as adults. Watercolours may be versatile and easy to apply, but don’t expect instant results: you’ll need to spend time learning and practising the necessary techniques, otherwise your paintings may bear an unfortunate resemblance to the artwork you created back in Class 9C! Acrylic paints are similar to oil paints but easier to use: your work will dry faster and you won’t need to use solvents to clean your brushes. Acrylics can be mixed with water, so you can either paint with intense colour or dilute the pigment to produce transparent washes. This medium also dries to a robust finish: acrylic paintings can be safely rolled up without the risk of cracking.

Oil paints allow you to create wonderfully expressive images, but using oils can be a challenge for a beginner as you will need to dilute the paint with thinners (white spirit or turpentine) as well as adding a medium, such as linseed or poppy oil, to bind the pigments in the paint and help with the drying process.

An oil painting should be built up layer-by-layer, but you must allow time for the layers to dry: it can sometimes take up to five days for this process and during that period you will be unable to work on the canvas.

Fortunately you can now buy specially made fast-drying oils that will be touch dry in 24 hours or less.

Make sure you have a variety of brushes available: round brushes are excellent for control and accuracy while flat brushes are great for edging and filling in areas.

There are some useful online tutorials to help you develop your skills using water paints, acrylics and oils: www.wikihow.com has great step-by-step illustrated guides to get you started. Alternatively you could get face-to-face tuition at an adult education institute (your local library will carry a list of courses). Alternatively you can search for painting holidays at www.artcourses. co.uk.

When you first start to paint the important thing is not to set unrealistic goals for yourself. It may be years before you feel confident enough to hang your work in a room, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the process. If you make fun and relaxation your primary reason for picking up a paintbrush, you can’t go wrong.

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

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Days Out

Shoreditch Street Tours One of the main blessings of living and working in our neck of the woods is our close proximity to the cultural capital of the World, London. We all know about the galleries and museums, about Turner and Hirst but did you know that London is also the spiritual home of the latest phenomenon in the art world, street art?

Thanks to the work of home grown talent such as Banksy, Eine and D*Face as well as a myriad of visiting artists from abroad, outdoor walls across the capital but most notably in an area just the other side of the City Of London called Shoreditch are host to the latest work from some of the most exciting and popular artists of our times.

The real breakthrough for this art form came around 10 years ago when the humorous and satirical cartoons of Banksy started to appear in the mainstream press. A cluster of edgy galleries thriving in dilapidated chic sprung up to support the clamour for art by these cool artists. Now, a canvas by Eine hangs in the White House after David Cameron gave it as a gift to Obama and Banksy received an Oscar

nomination in 2011 for his street art documentary “Exit Through The Gift Shop”.

Think it’s all rubbishy scrawling perpetuated by criminals who just haven’t been caught yet? Maybe time to take a trip into Shoreditch to let an expert unwrap all the fascinating elements of this colourful and energetic art form. An exhilarating 3 – 4 hours walking with Dave from Shoreditch Street Art Tours will flash by as he reveals the artists, the locations, the huge variety of techniques, the history of the movement and the anecdotes. Most of all, from small stencils to epic commissioned murals, the whole time is filled with breath taking photogenic art.

When times are tough you have to shout about your business

EVEN LOUDER Be seen and heard by the your local market in the Village Voice and Worcester Park Life.

With competitive pricing, friendly efficient service and helpful advice it’s simple and effective - but then the best ideas always are.

Call jenny on 020 8336 2915 or go online www.maldenmedia.com

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Without doubt among the talent you will see on the walls of Shoreditch are the future stars of tomorrow’s art world as many of these artists succeed in making the transition into fine art galleries.

The tour starts close to Liverpool St on the very edge of the City and winds its way around narrow streets build by the French Huguenot in the 1700s, into off street car parks and legitimate painting spots where artists provide a constantly evolving vista of art, up through the colour and fragrances of Brick lane, past vintage clothing stalls and flash boutiques, the journey is breathtaking. The real beauty is the explanation and commentary provided by an expert writer and photographer who has been immersed in the scene for nearly 10 years and fills in all the information that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

The timing works well for a day trip, take the morning tour starting at 10am and finish perfectly in time for lunch in Shoreditch or perhaps head up to town, have an early lunch first then take an afternoon tour running from 1.30 until just before 5. A lovely short break in one of those unique trendy Shoreditch coffee shops allows for a rest and any bathroom needs. In the Summer, shorter 2 hour mid week evening street art tours provide a wonderful insight to the art in the area. www.shoreditchstreetarttours.co.uk All photos Dave Stuart (aka “NoLionsInEngland”), www.flickr.co.uk/nolionsinengland

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Children Easy weaning

Sara Patience lives in Worcester Park and is a registered health visitor and registered nutritionist. Her first book, Easy Weaning, was published in October and is available from Amazon and bookshops.

Parents worry when their baby doesn’t eat as much as they think he/she should, or stops eating foods previously enjoyed. Other types of fussy eating can include not wanting certain textures or eating very slowly. Mealtimes can become horribly stressful for parents and baby. However, there are certain things you can do to minimise or resolve fussy eating.

Babies under one are usually very open to trying new foods and this is a good time to introduce them to as much as possible, including meat, fish and vegetables. Don’t presume your baby doesn’t like a food just because they pull a face or spit something out – offer foods over and over, up to twenty times. Remember to move on with textures,

babies who stay on purée longer than needed are more likely to be fussy and eat a less varied diet. It is better to feed your baby your own home cooked foods so they can become as familiar with these foods as possible. Eating with your baby is really helpful, as they love to copy you, and brothers and sister if they have them.

So, you’ve introduced your baby to lots of foods and lots of textures then one day he refuses his meal and throws the bowl on the floor. What’s going on?

Toddlers often start to refuse new foods, or familiar foods presented in a new way. This fear of new foods is called neophobia and is a developmental phase believed to have developed to prevent toddlers eating something poisonous.

Although this response isn’t needed in modern times, it still exists. Again, offer rejected foods over and over again.

If your toddler refuses to eat it can be really worrying. Even if you feel upset don’t let your child see this and don’t try to force them to eat. When meal times are stressful children eat less. Just remove the dish and move on. Babies and toddlers are very good at knowing when they are full up.

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Toddlers are notorious for eating very little for a day or two, then eating lots the next day. If your toddler is eating some foods from all food groups they are likely to be getting the right range of vitamins and minerals. If they are active and growing, they are getting the right amount of energy. Drinks such as juice can reduce your baby’s appetite, milk and water are all your baby needs.

If you are worried about what your child eats, call your health visitor for help.

Sara Patience www.nurtureandnourish.co.uk

3 Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES

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View from the City About Nots & Yachts The Human Cost for Economic Failure

by Justin Urquhart Stewart

It is very easy to just blandly read the economic data with a detached and objective view without stopping to consider the human pain and suffering that often lies beneath them. Typical of these are the unemployment figures, where we fixate over the percentages of the employed and unemployed without necessarily appreciating the personal misery of some of the data and especially for those areas with dangerously high levels of youth unemployment.

Over the past decade we have seen a greater disparity between “the haves, the have nots and the have yachts” (thank you Dr Gerard Lyons for that perfect alliteration) - and with the latter category seemingly sailing ever further afar over the horizon.

A new study in France is showing that up to a third of those between 15 and 24 are considering leaving the country to try and find a career. Now in some nations this is seen as an almost natural and expected valve where in countries like the Irish Republic, the youth will up sticks and go elsewhere. However in countries like France this is seen far less in the culture.

The research went a little further to show that 40% of those surveyed “did not have enough money to lead a dignified life”. This sad tale is repeated elsewhere and in particular in both Ireland and Estonia where similar levels of poverty are reported.

Additionally in this youthful age group the unemployment rate is at 22.8%. Now this may be significantly less than the rates we have seen in both Spain and Greece -which have been over 50% for youth unemployment - but even this level could be seen as being socially destructive not just for today, but for the generation that grows up from this terrible time. Starting your employed career on a human scrap heap does little for pride and confidence to try for something better.

However it is not just the usual suspect countries that have been feeling such pain as even the supposedly wealthier nations are now showing considerable stress.

Even cosy and comfy Austria is now showing data that 28% of the population regard themselves as being in serious financial trouble.

So in the “blame game”, who is the culprit for all these

22

woes? The answer comes through very clearly from the research and it is the Euro and its effects on the economy - and especially unemployment. Of course having the disciplines of a single currency around a group of nations with differing monetary and fiscal rules in a currency union is going to be painful and for many it should not have happened. Heart led over head when it came to signing up for the financial corset, without their leaders stopping to understand the vital disciplines of running a single currency.

Most should not have joined until they could show that they were both able and willing to wear the straight jacket of currency union.

However, whether you like it or not, the Euro is not about to disappear anytime soon as we must remember that this camel of a currency is as much a political creation as it is a financial one, and until the politicians turn their whipped backs on it, then it will remain for the time being.

It was interesting to note therefore that back in 2012 the Dutch government had been drawing up contingency plans for exiting the Euro and returning to the Guilder. Now obviously it didn’t happen but it shows that some serious thought had taken place.

Maybe they could even consider going back - at least for a period - to a two tier currency to at least alleviate the worst effects of such currency pain until real recovery has been embedded. By having a lower domestic currency you could at least encourage some domestic growth and this could be a spur for greater local investment. It worked well in Belgium for many years and was a satisfactory way for South Africa to ease its problems some time back.

Well it seems better than the weak and lethargic attitudes we are seeing from leaders at the moment and frankly if I were sitting in Greece suffering under the control of a history of corrupt and useless polticians, I think I would be finding a brick to throw at someone or something. Either that or I would be leaving to go anywhere else - assuming that they would let me in! The Pope was right recently when he referred to Europe appearing like a little old granny.

It seems that the little old European granny has not only lost her style and verve, but she would also now appear to be deaf. She was a vibrant and sexy Bridgette Bardot but now appears more of a wrinkled crone devoid of life, love and any enthusiasm to do anything about anything. For heaven’s sake at least

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re

she should buy some wrinkle cream. Shape up girl, and get on with it.

Meanwhile while the poor get poorer, the savers get less, and the squeezed middle tighten their belts another notch. And as for those with their yachts?

Well they appear to be leaving for sunnier climes on their vessels, seemingly immune from the trials and tribulations of the “plebs” and leaving, it would appear, with even greater wealth from their empty investment properties in central London.

R.J. Tree Services qualified &

economy, however I fear that our political leaders may crassly throw away such enthusiasm as they scratch away at one another to try and win our impending general election.

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

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1. One Down, Five To Go was the sub-title of a 2014 stage show featuring which famous group?

2. The acronym “yolo” was added to the Oxford online dictionary in 2014. What four-word phrase does it stand for?

3. In March, which famous couple said they were going to “consciously uncouple”?

4. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games?

5. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics?

6. A selfie set up by the host of the Academy Awards ceremony in 2014 set a new record for the most retweeted image ever. Who was this host?

7. Rounded to the nearest whole number, what percentage of voters said “yes” in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence?

8. On January 1st, which country in the Baltic region of Europe adopted the Euro as its currency to become the 18th member of the Eurozone?

9. Written by Harry Hill, the short-lived 2014 musical with the main title of I Can’t Sing was based around which TV show?

10. On July 8th, what promotion did the Róisín Dubh pub in Galway run that meant a German beer called Erdinger, which they started selling at 4 euros a pint, ended up being sold for just 50 cents a pint?

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1. Monty Python 2. You only live once 3. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin 4. England 5. Russia 6. Ellen DeGeneres 7. 45% 8. Latvia 9. The X Factor 10. They reduced the price by 50 cents for every goal Germany scored in the World Cup match against Brazil

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I S E V R H You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 8

4 letters: 9

5 letters: 7

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6 letters: 1

Clubs

When ‘Strictly’ Has Finished On Tv - Keep Dancing!

Ruth Jemmett Invites You To Dance Your Cares Away Many of you will be familiar with Bourne Hall, a strangely shaped complex of meeting rooms, theatre and library, in Spring Street in Ewell Village. What you MAY not know is that for the last few years the large theatre hall has been the venue for Glitters Dance Club. David Cabot, who runs Glitters, is always keen to welcome new members to the twice-monthly dances, which cover ballroom dancing, Latin, and the odd bit of Disco, Jive, Sequence Dancing, and Cowboy Charleston. We really do cover everything! (See the list of Friday night dances at the back of this magazine, plus a contact telephone number).

I have had the pleasure of helping David to organise the running of the club since he took it over four years ago, with the assistance of another keen dancer - namely Shirley Keene! Glitters isn’t a dance school. It is a purely social gathering for over 18s, in a fantastic environment.

The recently refurbished main hall (which flooded during the dreadful floods of early 2014) now looks fantastic, and boasts a sprung dance floor, state of the art lighting, and air conditioning. A glitter ball creates the right ambience for the evening, and the venue boasts an excellent bar. A highly popular professional D.J., Mr Wonderful completes the picture. Parking is free, and the entrance fee is a reasonable £8. We push the boat out at Christmas with a Party/Dance that includes hot food, and have the occasional themed dance. Our 1940s one was a real hit - see attached pic! The dancing commences at 8.15, and finishes at 11 p.m. I would stress that Glitters is for dancers at ALL levels, from beginners to experts. No-one needs to feel awkward or embarrassed, no matter how basic their steps are! We are all shapes and sizes and dance standards. We will soon help you fulfil your ‘Strictly’ fantasies - guaranteed!

When I originally started going to Glitters I hadn’t danced for many years, I felt very self-conscious, and didn’t know my Cha-Cha from my elbow, but before long I was twirling around the floor, thanks to the enthusiastic encouragement of the seasoned dancers there! I remember attending my first dance as if it were yesterday, and ran out of puff after one waltz! As the

weeks went by I built up my stamina, and eventually I could stay on the floor for most of the evening. Dancing is a wonderfully enjoyable form of exercise, that keeps you young, and gives you an excuse to dress up. The Club isn’t called Glitters for nothing! I have made some wonderful friends whilst dancing, and I’m so glad that it has become an important part of my life. When the music starts, and you get on to the dance-floor, it seems that all your worries just melt away!

It has its perks too. A couple of years ago, Shirley Keene and I visited a dance clothes specialist, and who should walk in but Anton du Becke!. Never one to let life pass me by (!) I asked him if he would give me a quick waltz - which, to my delight, he DID! He also danced with Shirley. It took us hours to come down from that high!

And yes - he was CHARMING! So the next time you watch Strictly, don’t make excuses about not participating in one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise ever invented. Come and join us, and make 2015 become the year when you got fit and made loads of new friends. I promise you that once you that once you become a Glitters Gal or Guy, you will always want to Keeeeeeep Dancing!!!

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29



JANUARY 2015 UPDATE Welcome to 2015. We hope that all our readers enjoyed an excellent Christmas with family and friends and wish you all the very best for the New Year. As ever it’s a time for both reflection and prediction.

Reflections Last year sprang out of the blocks quickly and was very busy indeed for the first 6 months of the year.

During that time prices rose quickly, often to surprising levels, fuelled in some instances by optimistic valuations and on several occasions by bidding wars between buyers. The spring saw the introduction of more stringent consideration of borrower’s ability to repay their mortgages and this, coupled with a number of down valuations at survey, served to calm what had become a rather frantic market.

The summer period was quieter, by some margin, before activity began to gather momentum again towards the end of the year. November in particular was a busy month and at the time of writing December, for all that it is a ‘short’ month, looks set to continue that trend. This strong end to the year bodes well for the 2015 Market.

There were many types of buyers in the market last year but we were struck by a significant rise in the numbers of investment buyers. Similarly it was noticeable that much of the price rise was driven by house hunters from London, Kingston and Surbiton looking for better value for their money. This combination has pushed up the values of entry level property in particular of which there simply isn’t currently sufficient supply. One and two bedroom properties are in heavy demand and until more are built we cannot see that waning.

The end of the year brought welcome news in the form of a more sensible stamp duty structure. The previous ‘step change’ system, where a purchaser paid additional thousands in stamp duty on a property that was sold for just £1 more, has long been an irritation for those whose property values lay close to the points where stamp duty rates changed. The new rates certainly save buyers significant amounts but they will also serve to even out prices and reignite interest in homes valued at price points just in excess of one of the previous thresholds. It’s a welcome and sensible change.

Predictions Interest rates may or may not rise next year. Having remained at a historic low of ½% for very nearly 6 years an increase is likely, but there again over that period the press has continually speculated that such low interest rates could only last for a matter of months longer and we are still waiting for that change. The effect on the property market of an interest rate rise is hard to judge. The London market is largely fuelled by investors and, until their money earns more in the bank than it does in bricks and mortar, they will continue to buy property. Meanwhile the population, particularly in the south, continues to expand and there just isn’t enough accommodation being constructed to house us all. 2015 may be a year in which prices steady, but we suspect not. All the indications from the past few months are that it will be another very busy year.

If the New Year finds you keen to move home, and you would like to know more about the market conditions for your specific property type and location, please give Peter or Sandra a call. We are always happy to offer friendly help and advice to help you make the right decision for you. 

30



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

What’s On Give blood

Book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG 26 Feb, 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm Sutton, The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey., SM1 4DP 22 Jan 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm St James’s Church Hall, Bo dley Road, New Malden KT3 5QE Wed 14th Jan 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm A.F.C Wimbledon Football Club, Jack Goodchild Way, 422A Kingston Road KT1 3PB 15th Jan, 2014 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm

Local Markets

Cheam Village Friday Market Small indoor market with 28 stalls held in Cheam Parochial Rooms, The Broadway, Cheam Village, Surrey.

Helping the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Market Days: Friday North Cheam Farmers’ Market – 3rd Saturday of every month, 9.30am-1.30pm, North Cheam Crossroads outside the Post Office, KT4 8SG. Christmas Market: Saturday 21st December Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market, Sat 30th November, 10am-4pm, Town Square, Sutton High Street New Malden Farmer’s Market 1st Saturday of the month The car park beside the Foutain Pub 9am to 2pm Surbiton Farmers Market Maple Road 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-1pm

Nonsuch Park

SD

Nonsuch Park is a link to Tudor England. The Palace that once stood here was a hugely expensive symbol of Henry VIII’s power. The Friends of Nonsuch offer guidance to a 7 feet model which has been created from contemporary documentation, paintings and an excavation of the Palace site in 1959. The model is on display in the Stable Wing of the much later Nonsuch Mansion in the heart of Nonsuch Park. The model is open from 11 am until 3 pm every Sunday in November and December; admission £2.50; cars via Cheam Gate. For further information please visit the website at www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk

Epsom Playhouse,

close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand.

Saturday 3 January 7.30pm, interval at 8.30pm, resumes 9pm, finish 9.30pm Tickets: £16.50 Close-up magic is one of the most impressive forms of the art and this event features some of the best exponents. Performers are direct from sell out shows at The Magic Circle and audiences meet them and experience the magic in an intimate setting, often taking part themselves. “Absolutely amazing! Went beyond all my expectations” Doris Chow JACK & THE BEANSTALK YOUtheatre Partnership Wednesday 14 - Saturday 17 January 2015 7:30pm with a Saturday matinee @ 2:30pm. Tickets: From £8.00 - £16.00 (family and group discounts are available) FEE-FI-FO-FUM! YOUtheatre are back for another GIANT Pantomime!

YOUtheatre are proud to bring their annual festive Pantomime spectacular back to the Epsom Playhouse. Get ready for ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Full to the brim with fabulous musical numbers, enchanting costumes and super-sized jokes, it promises GIANT laughs for the whole family! Book now, and CLIMB into a seat to see ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’, our most sparkling Pantomime yet!

STARS OF BRITISH JAZZ Thursday 22 January 7.30pm Tickets: £15.00 The ‘Stars of British Jazz’ recreate traditional jazz as made popular in Britain in the 1950s and 60s, which became known as ‘British Trad’. From this period emanated bands that dominated the British jazz scene for many years, such as the bands of Kenny Ball, Chris Barber, Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot and Humphrey Lyttelton, all of whom became highly respected on the international jazz scene. With this spirit in mind, we present

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to you ‘Stars of British Jazz’ - a band comprising of a mixture of past and present members of these famous bands together with younger, top class ability musicians of today, all of whom have previously worked together in various bands over the years. It is the bands intention to keep this wonderful music alive by presenting a programme performed with all of the original creativity and energy to reflect this era.

STEPHEN K AMOS Welcome To My World Friday 23 January 8.00pm Tickets: £17.00 The maestro of feel-good comedy is back on tour with his new show. Fresh from sell-out tours of Australia and New Zealand, as heard on BBC Radio 4 Life: An Idiot’s Guide and What Does the K Stand For? ‘It was all fabulous. But it was when riffing with the audience that Amos truly excelled. With a packed venue ready on his side, Amos drew people into his routines; his finely honed sensibility turned innocent remarks into comedy gold’ (Herald Sun). ‘Warmest comic around, able to riff off a crowd and make them feel good about themselves’ (Sunday Times).

‘Uplifting stand-up from a charming performer’ (Time Out).

THE FORTUNES – PAST & PRESENT A Brand New Show Sunday 25 January 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 Hit Band of the 60s and 70s, with their worldwide hits including “You’ve Got Your Troubles” “Here It Comes Again” “Storm In A Teacup” “Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again” “Seasons in the Sun” “Freedom Come Freedom Go” present a brand new show! This intimate show will include not only all The Fortunes fabulous hits, but many others drawn from their time in other bands such as Marmalade, Billy J Kramer’s Dakotas, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee and Love Affair. Featuring untold anecdotes and stories drawn from their many experiences over the years. ‘The Badfinger Story’ illuminating Bob’s time with

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that ill-fated but brilliant band. A moving tribute to Rod Allen and Barry Pritchard. Featured solo performance and much more!!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Saturday 31 January 7.30pm Tickets: £13.00 Showcasing numbers from blockbuster movies in song and dance; this is a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment in order to raise money for Epsom and Ewell Citizens Advice Bureau. This will be the culmination of the 75th Anniversary celebrations! The compere for the evening is Garry Richardson, a very well known voice from Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live. He is also well versed in music and is a popular, and amusing, speaker at dinners and conferences. It is an evening not to be missed!!

CLOSE UP AT THE PLAYHOUSE in the Myers Studio 1 NIGHT, 3 MAGICIANS, 3 TABLES - An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand.

Saturday 31 January 7.30pm, interval at 8.30pm, resumes 9pm, finish 9.30pm Tickets: £16.50 Close-up magic is one of the most impressive forms of the art and this event features some of the best exponents. Performers are direct from sell out shows at The Magic Circle and audiences meet them and experience the magic in an intimate setting, often taking part themselves. “Absolutely amazing!

Went beyond all my expectations” Newbury Productions (UK) Ltd presents “REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY IN THE HISTORY OF COMEDY (abridged)” Sunday 1 February 7.30pm Tickets: £16.00 Pass Card: £14.00 Written and Directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor.

They’ve skewered history, the Bible and the world’s most

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celebrated playwright, now the Reduced Shakespeare Company tackles the subject it was born to reduce. Following a hugely successful, critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 the Reduced Shakespeare Company will set out to reduce the UK to tears of laughter in Spring 2015. Tickets to The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) are far more affordable than tickets to an amusement park, but you’ll come away with the same feeling of nausea and motion sickness.

From the high-brow to the low and everything in-between, the bad boys of abridgment leave no joke untold as they deconstruct the entire history of comedy in 90 rollicking minutes. “This show proves (the Reduced Shakespeare Company) have not lost their touch - or their remarkable energy.” The Stage - “Playful and clever. There is an unmistakable joy in watching the company at work.” The List - “Wonderfully hilarious!” Across The Arts - “These guys are hilarious. Everyone should see this show!” Freshair.org. uk - “The Reduced Shakespeare Company are back, doing what they do best.” What’s On Stage - “Good fun!” Jeremy Paxman “The trio deliver 90 minutes filled with laughter to a delighted audience.”

British Theater Guide - “Critic’s Pick! Wit, creativity and lots of laughter.” Fringe Biscuit - “A wild, wild ride! It’s funny. Really, really funny... And most of all, it’s really, really smart.” Cincinnati Enquirer.

THE PAPER MOON THEATRE COMPANY proudly presents “THE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL MATINEE” Tuesday 3 February 2.30pm Tickets: £16.00 Pass Card: £14.50 Step back in time to the glorious and glamourous days of traditional Victorian Music Hall. This glittering galaxy of stars from BBC TV’s The Good Old Days will delight and entertain you with songs, dance, magic and laughter portraying with great wit and warmth this truly golden era. Carefree, Cheerful and Uniquely British. “This is cutting edge Victoriana- beloved by the British and their visitors” Time Out. Unmissable!

MAGICAL MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT Thursday 5 February 7.30pm Tickets: £21.50 Pass Card: £20.00 From the Producers of A Viennese Strauss Gala, this sumptuous fully costumed show immerses us in the wonderful music and the classical baroque world of one of the world’s greatest romantic composers - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting, and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers transport you back to the sumptuous past. In the “Magical Mozart by Candlelight” a packed programme of classical music and song, which includes excerpts from Mozart’s Operas such as: The Magic Flute, the Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, and many more. Mozart’s most popular, and famous operas are all beautifully sung by world class soloists who alongside the Ensemble perform some of his most memorable pieces of Mozart’s Magical music including; Symphony no. 40, Lacrimosa (Requiem D minor), and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik. An Evening of Mozart Masterpieces!

“A Sublime evening…Magical, it certainly was!” (Jersey Evening Post) DANCING QUEEN ‘THE CONCERT Friday 6 February 7.30pm Tickets: £21.50 Dancing Queen ‘The Concert’ is an action packed party show featuring all the greatest smash hits from Abba, Grease and the 70’s! With a fantastic cast of singers and musicians, this is the ultimate party night that will have the whole family dancing in the isles! Featuring Abba classics such as Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and Thank You For The Music, along with the biggest 70’s hits like Summer Nights, Grease Lightning, You’re The One That I Want, Car Wash,

YMCA, Boogie Nights and Love is in the Air. Definitely not a night to be missed!!

BEVERLEY CRAVEN Saturday 7 February 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 BRIT-Award winner Beverley Craven will be performing a special concert at the Playhouse in support of her recent album, ‘Change of Heart’. Beverley will be accompanied by some of her favourite musicians and support will come from Singer/Songwriter Michael Armstrong. Bev is looking forward to performing her new songs live alongside timeless classics Promise Me, Holding On, Woman To Woman, Love Scenes and many more. With a witty narrative and unforgettable melodies, her poignant sentiments will leave you with a warm glow of nostalgia, or maybe even the odd tear.

AN EVENING OF POETRY & MUSIC (Classical & Brazilian) in the Myers Studio Saturday 7 February 7.30pm Tickets: £10.00 Concessions: £8.00 ‘The mysteries of Reality’ with some poems by women in WW1.

Flute: Lucas Jordan, Guitar: Fabricio Mattos, Poetry: Audrey Ardern-Jones. The two musicians are of International repute and are known for their collaboration as part of d#Gents.

Audrey is a published poet and has worked with the musicians as part of the Poetry & Music Ensemble.

JONGLEURS COMEDY ON THE ROAD “Radio Jackie Comedy Festival” Tuesday 10 February 8.00pm Tickets: £13.00 Back by popular demand, Jongleurs comedy is returning to Epsom! They tore the roof off last time, so now the country’s best stand-up comedians are gracing our stage once more.

Brought to you by Jongleurs, the UK’s number one comedy company, they’ll have you rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Don’t miss this chance to see another two hours of today’s funniest stand-up – book your tickets now! (Line up subject to change. 16+ Age restriction.

THE ELO EXPERIENCE Friday 13 February 7.30pm Tickets: £20.00 The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! ‘10538 Overture’, ‘Evil Woman’, ‘Living Thing’, ‘Diary of Horace Wimp’, Don’t Bring me Down’ and of course ‘Mr Blue Sky’ went on to become the soundtrack of our lives.

Blending rock rhythms with classical influences, ELO also released many classic albums such as ‘A New World Record’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Out of the Blue’, and many sell out tours further established them as one of the most important and influential bands ever. Formed over 7 years ago, The ELO Experience are the world’s foremost tribute to this great band. With a stunning light show and large screen projection to further enhance the experience, why not come along and enjoy this incredible show which accurately reproduces the songs and sounds and takes you on a musical journey through time. ‘This band shows great style and professionalism. A tribute that’s jam-packed with musical talent, the lead singer is a dead-ringer for Lynne and his musical entourage provides an ELO tour de force’ Derek Smith, The Stage To find out more, read reviews and comments etc. please visit www.elotribute.com “ROCK N ROLL PARADISE” Saturday 14 February 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50 Pass Card: £18.50 Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise is a brilliant rock ‘n’ roll show where the music plays the leading role! Now in its 6th year on the road, this incredibly talented cast brings you the show that never happened in the golden era of rock and roll, but delivered with all the flair of a 21st century live concert. You’ll be blown away

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by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Big Bopper and Eddie Cochran, as these icons of rock and roll join each other on stage for this musical extravaganza. Backed by the superb Paradise Band, this show has audiences dancing in the aisles, singing along with the music and yelling for more.

Whether you saw these guys the first time round or are just a fan of live music, Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise has something for everyone in this feel-good, two hour celebration of the magic of rock and roll, with over 40 songs packed into this roof raising critically acclaimed show. Go and see this show as soon as you can. Brought to you by Lord Tim of Accelerator Entertainments, Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise is, quite simply, the best tribute show touring today. www.rocknrollparadise.com PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Monday 16 February 7.30pm Tickets: £25.00 World-renowned psychic and the star of TV’s Psychic Sally on the Road, Sally Morgan returns with the sensational live show. An ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift, she believes that she has been able to communicate with people beyond the grave. Throughout her career, Sally has built up an extensive client list to include high profile celebrities. Once a ‘best kept secret’ she is now referred to a Britain’s best-loved psychic. Now in her seventh year on tour, Sally continues to wow audiences in fits of laughter, bringing a refreshing twist to the work of mediums. Each show is completely unique! Sally hopes that people will leave feeling enlightened and more open-minded about the thought of an afterlife. This show is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.

ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE - AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES ACTOR JOHN CHALLIS Thursday 19 February 7.30pm Tickets: £15.00

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Enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses. In this one-off show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Having worked with some of the biggest names in show business, he’ll be spilling the beans about Only Fools and Horses co-stars like Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst and friends and fellow performers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Oliver Reed and George Best. He’ll also recall tales from his time in Dr Who, Coronation Street and other TV classics. Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures, while signing copies of his autobiography, Being Boycie, and novel, Reggie: A Stag At Bay. ALL THE NICE GIRLS in the Myers Studio Thursday 19 February 7.45pm Tickets: £10.50 Pass Card: £8.50 ‘All The Nice Girls’ takes an entertaining glimpse at the lives of Gwen Farrar and Norah Blaney through the eyes of male impersonator Ella Shields. Starting out in Lena Ashwell’s concert parties for the troops in WW1 the young Farrar and Blaney quickly adapted their classical ‘cello/piano act into a ‘turn’ full of repartee and physical humour. Household names in the early 1920s Farrar and Blaney had an on and offstage partnership, singing popular love songs of the day to each other in West End Revues and living together openly. At the same time Ella Shields’ Music Hall act was in decline. ‘All The Nice Girls’ imagines her fictitious reaction to the younger pair as they live the starry life of Bright Young Things. Will their relationship survive the pressures of the age and the conflicting urges to marry and conform or to party wildly into oblivion?

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Gardening

The truly ‘green’ garden Pippa Greenwood

There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’. Many gardeners have decided that they really want to concentrate on natural methods of pest control and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with.

Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult. Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it.

True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops. Just divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, move each group into a new plot.

It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration.

In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will be more prone to disease and pest attack.

Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad.

Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether.

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I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs and sticky yellow cards to trap flying pests, all work well. Of course for many pests there are also biological controls available, plus a whole range of controls to stop greenhouse pests.

Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away.

The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here. www.pippagreenwood.com to make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls

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Clubs

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

Mondays

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 12th Janaury - Michael Wooldridge Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts.

Further details from 020 8330 5795, or visit www. bansteadorganclub.co.uk 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. For more information contact Dawn Penn 0208 337 4361 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 on Monday evenings 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 Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club meet every Monday 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 two or three times a year. 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 8330 5065.

The ladies After Eight Club meet on the 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.

Please contact Carol on 020 8337 2452 for further information

Tuesdays

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

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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. If interested, please contact our membership secretary, Joyce Cranfield, on 020 8337 3317.

“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 - free, but donations invited. Occasional speakers. Contact Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena 07837 941298 NHS Retirement Fellowship- Local Branch Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -12 at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat.

Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month. For further details please contact Lorna on 020 8337 4121.

Worcester Park Crafters We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the hall at Christchurch with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester park,KT4 8LG. We meet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

For further details please contact Lynne by E mail: lynnesinger@msn.com or phone on:020 8330 5903 Our aim is to provide a meeting/crafting place for all crafters whatever their craft or ability. Either bring your own work or purchase our kit of the month (small materials cost usually £2), come and play and chat. (small cost to over hall hire and insurance approx £4) Craft group - We meet at Christ Church with St Philip Ruskin Drive on the first TUESDAY of the month from 7.30-9.30pm A place where all crafters whatever their craft or ability can meet, craft, share ideas and learn from each other.

Feel free to bring your own projects or you can try our project of the month Cost: £5 per session Lynne Singer 020 8330 3590 or Toni Shepherd 07900 006367

Wednesdays

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 ! For more information please call 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

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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 Bourne Hall in Ewell Village, for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. In addition to two Ladies Lunches during the year, there is an active social programme for members and their partners with visits to places of interest and West End Shows. If you would like to know more, please telephone our secretary, Bruce Urquhart, on 01737 373 690 or visit our website: http://4newmembers.ewell4probus.org.uk

Thursdays

Worcester Park Vegans. For vegans, and all who are interested in learning more about veganism. We meet on the second Thursday of each month in The Den (upstairs) at Christchurch with St Philip, Cheam Common Rd (corner of Ruskin Drive). We aim to start at 7pm and finish by 9pm. If possible please bring vegan food to share ( no meat, fish, eggs, cheese or honey).

For more information please ring Wendy Edwards on 07740 082460 or email carol20754@gmail.com or look us up on Facebook. You don’t have to live in Worcester Park to come to our meetings - all who are genuinely interested are welcome. Vegans stand for respect for life - all life, not just human life. We believe in trying to live as gently on the earth as possible and in doing no intentional harm to any living creature.

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.

Further details of all our branch meetings, can be found at Our award winning website www.esfhs.org.uk 60+ Social Mixed Single Group We meet in a local pub every Thursday where we discuss outings for the weekends such as meal out, walking, theatre trips, cinemas and many other things. If you would like to join us please ring Maureen: 07761278661.

Kingston Phoenix Road Club is a cycling club that meets at 8-30pm every Thursday at Worcester Park Athlete Club, Green Lane, Worcester Park. The club was founded in 1936 and currently has a membership of 70. We cater for riders of all ages whether they are novices or experienced and our oldest rider is 84 years old who is still racing and holds several national age related records.

Malden Emergency First Aid Society (MEFAS) members meet every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 10pm. The public is invited to join members on short training courses. For further details please see MEFAS web site at http://e-voice.org.uk/mefas/ or telephone 020 8942 8653 or 07966661015 Breathe Easy (Merton & Sutton) Group.

Wheezy? Breathless? you are not alone, come and join us at your local friendly support & information group for anyone affected by a lung condition. We meet between 2-4 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Scill Centre 3 Robin Hood Lane Sutton For more information please contact George on 0208 647 7530 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.

Well-known, familiar hymns and prayers, musical afternoons, and a variety of speakers on topical subjects, including help and advice. New members welcome. For more information ring Jean Gathercole on 020 8642 9649 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 main aims of the club are: • To meet new people and build friendships • To become involved with the local community • To access activities, information and advice The club is very friendly and informal. Every month there will be a member of staff attending from the SCILL Information & Advice Service – they have information on most topics for all your needs and will be pleased to assist you.

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.

If you would like to join us, please just turn up, or if you would like to speak to someone, please contact one of the following: SCILL 020 8770 4065 Sutton Vision 020 8409 7166 Christ Church with St Philip 020 8330 7630

Fridays

Bartlett House Residents Luncheon Club is a welcoming social club for the retired from work but not from life! Bartlett House, 49-51 The Avenue, Worcester Park, KT4 7HU. Catch up with friends every Friday 11am-4pm. This fun and friendly club is not for profit, ensuring prices are kept to a minimum so it won’t cost the earth! New members welcome. Contact Dot on 0208 330 2074 Quest was set up in 1987 to provide a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no

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age cut off. The aim of the 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, outings can be arranged if enough people wish to go. The venue is St. Philip Hall, Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m Contact June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220 RSPB Epsom And Ewell Local Group We meet the 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. There is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. If you would like more information, please look at our website, www.rspb.org.uk/groups/epsom Worcester Park Womens’ Club. We are part of the National Association of Womens’ Clubs and we meet at Cheam Common Junior School, Kingsmead Avenue every Friday from 7.30 to 9.30 (term time only). We have very interesting speakers, outings, a garden party in the summer and a quiz night rasising money for our chosen charity for the year. Why not come along and give us a try. For more information call Carole on 020 8337 6088.

General

Auriol Bowling Club was established in 1967, and plays on the 6-rink bowling green attached to the pavilion in Auriol Park, Salisbury Road, Worcester Park. It is a mixed club of around 45 men and 25 women, who play outdoors from April to September, with a busy fixture list of league and friendly matches against other clubs, as well as internal club competitions. For further information please contact the club Secretary, David Regan, on 020 8337 8919 or visit the website at www.auriolbowlingclub.com.

Cuddington Bowling Club will always welcome new members. The club is situated in 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. For further information, please contact our Secretary Mike Ridley 02087158326 or our Treasurer Mark Broughton 02083379699.

Social Dancing With “ Glitters” At Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell Village 8.15 pm – 11.00 pm Entrance 8.15 p.m. - 11 p.m.. Over 18s. £8 Entrance Fee. All standards of dancing. Excellent free parking.

Bar. Professional DJ “We may not have Brucie, but we do have a glitter ball!”. Ring David 07903 314276.

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Friday Nights for 2015: Jan2nd and 16th, Feb 6th and 20th, March 6th and 20th, Apr 3rd and 17th, May 1st and 15th, June 5th and 19th, July 3rd and 17th, Aug 7th, Sept 4th and 18th, Oct 2nd and 16th, Nov 6th and 20th, Dec18th National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters GroupFormed 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. Our open day this year will be on 16 May. For further details contact Men’s Secretary Gerald 020 8949 4623 or Ladies’ Secretary Malden Manor Bowls Club Where: Manor Park, Malden Road.

Cheam High School Gym NO contract or joining fee, and just £15 a month. It has everything other gyms have, we also have a Personal Trainer on hand to help out and give advise FREE of charge, something other gyms don’t offer.

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41

The better life Winter Flue Jab

Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

“We should have done this last year,” Anne stared reproachfully at the anaerobic fireplace puffing in the little back room. That cat glanced in my direction and then walked off in disgust. She was right of course - Anne, I mean. In my defence, we hadn’t needed to light the fire during the summer and I hadn’t decided then that it was high time I had a special place to do my writing.

It seems that chimney sweeps are a curious blend of the ancient and the modern. Our regular ‘traditional’ sweep arrived in a top-of-the-range Land Rover Defender (i.e. a proper Land Rover) with a set of poles, a vacuum cleaner, a laptop and a tiny camera.

The sheets went down and it didn’t take him long to diagnose the problem. “You’ve got a bad case of Jackdaw-itis,” he said as we gathered around his laptop.

The camera was swiftly replaced with a brush and we retreated to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Our sweep made an array of interesting noises and did battle, calling us back in a little later - as witnesses once the jackdaw nest had yielded. It was a complete mess and my comment about there being some good kindling in there failed to win Anne over.

However, we weren’t out of the woods yet, so to speak; we were about to get an education. Yes, we knew that we needed a cowl fitted; and no, of course we didn’t burn much unseasoned wood. Pine is the worst culprit - it clogs up the chimney and is liable to spit. Burning driftwood indoors is another no-no, due to salt corrosion on cast iron, and wooden pallets may be treated with chemicals.

a forked hazel stick and a pendulum (for a second opinion). Some of his stories were genuinely quite odd, although the cat seemed to really take to him and she’s an excellent judge of character.

We added a date on our gardening calendar for the new cowl to be fitted, weather permitting, and sent him on his way. I look forward to his next visit; I want to hear about his 20-year-old tortoise.

Once Trevor left I was true to my work and went outside to sift the debris for kindling. I also started wondering whether a log burning stove would be better for the back room, on the grounds of efficiency and aesthetics. After all, there’s always a faint chance that one of my books will eventually need a backcover photograph of the author at work.

Lesson over, we brought out tea and Anne’s ginger shortbreads to accompany tales of terrible chimneys in the area - a list we’d now joined. We listened, enviously, as Trevor (not his real name) told us about his chickens - Molly, Polly and Dolly (named by his children). He regaled us with the story of the fox that came near the chicken run at 11pm every night until they left it an alarm clock, a plan that backfired when it went off because it freaked out the hens. Trevor also has a mini-orchard of five trees. I knew enough to drop into the conversation, “M9 root stock,” which seemed to impress him.

He revealed his skill at dowsing, having located a water source in a field for a local farmer, using just

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History

Golden Years – Memories of 50 years ago

By Ted Bruning Early in the New Year of 1965, Winston Churchill had suffered a stroke. He never regained consciousness and died on January 24th, aged 90; and though it seems sacrilegious, it’s true that he had rarely been as much loved during his lifetime as he was after his death. Hated by miners as the Liberal Home Secretary who sent troops to Tonypandy to put down a strike in 1910; blamed (wrongly) for the Gallipoli disaster in World War I and (rightly) for the even greater disaster of the return to the gold standard in 1925; a truculent Imperialist dinosaur in the 1930s; distrusted by the masses in 1945; old, sick, and in the way in 1955 – Churchill had known more brickbats than bouquets.

But not on the 30th January 1965, the day of his funeral. Then he was every downed airman, every drowned seaman, every tankman burnt alive, every Tommy blown to Hell, every exhausted ARP man, landgirl, munitions worker... and miner. He was their suffering and their victory.

In the three days his body lay in state in St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, 321,360 people filed past the catafalque. The gun-carriage that bore him, pulled by 108 naval ratings with the Earl Marshal at their head, took an hour to make the 2½ miles up Whitehall and along the Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill to St Paul’s, every inch of the way thronged by silent mourners who had waited hours in their tens of thousands in the freezing cold. At the cathedral steps his wartime comrades Attlee, Eden, MacMillan, Ismay, Slim, Alexander, Portal, and Mountbatten escorted the coffin inside where the leaders of 122 nations sang To Be A Pilgrim, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Fight The Good Fight and Oh God Our Help. And then the short voyage on the launch Havengore from Tower Hill to Festival Pier, the monstrous dockside cranes each bowing in turn as it passed. And finally the private train and the family burial at Bladon, Oxfordshire, where at last his widow Clemmie and his children Randolph, Mary and Sarah had their chance at tears.

This was how a nation grieved then: not in hysterical outbursts, but bound together by protocol, by formality, by seemliness; as rigidly drilled as a platoon on a parade-ground and thus united in deed as well as thought. For everyone who lined the route or watched on television, the grief and the memories were personal; and yet they were as one.

How fitting it was that Churchill should choose Bladon, the parish church of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace, as his burial-place. “In my beginning is my end. In my end is my beginning,” wrote TS Eliot in The Four Quartets; and Eliot had died aged 76 at home in Kensington only 20 days before Churchill. Both were members of the Order of Merit; both had won Nobel Prizes for literature. Eliot, though, was cremated privately at Golders Green, and his ashes were buried at East Coker in Somerset. But he has his slab at Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, and Churchill’s statue is in Parliament Square not 200 yards away, so you can pay your respects to both in one visit, if you’ve a mind.

Happy 50th birthdays to Vinnie Jones (5th), Joely Richardson (9th), Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (14th), James Nesbitt (15th), and Heather Small (20th). Cake

Have a very Happy and prosperous New Year From The Royal British Legion Worcester Park

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45

Recipe

Paneer and mixed vegetable coconut curry This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.

Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes 2 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 100g small cauliflower florets 100g small broccoli florets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 225g paneer cheese, cubed 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 150g frozen peas 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Squeeze of lime juice Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish

Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes.

Drain well and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.

TIP Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.

We have been advertising for 3years in The Worcester Park Life Magazine and have had some fantastic responses to our adverts.

Directly due to the many campaigns we have focused on our membership has increased as a direct result of the wide areas of circulation covered .Thank You Worcester Park Life keep up the good work. The Royal British Legion Worcester Park.

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47

Voice for Wildlife The Holly And The Ivy

by Carol Williams

In the bleak mid winter Swallows, swifts, cuckoos and many other birds have flown to warmer climes by the time Winter arrives, and others come into the UK from Russia and the frozen North because our Winters are so much milder.

Migration is one strategy that animals have evolved for coping with the chill and the food scarcities of WInter; another is hibernation, where the metabolism slows right down and the creature goes into a dormant state which conserves its energy.

Squirrels, harvest mice and field voles do not hibernate but remain active all year round. Squirrels can often be seen out in snow searching for their nut caches.

Harvest mice come down from the high grass and corn stalks during the cold season and nest beneath

In the bleak mid winter hedges and in clumps of grass. Under the snow,they keep quite snug but they have large appetites for their size because they are so active, which means that many die in hard Winters.

Field voles often nest under logs and other objects lying in dry grass and do well beneath the snow, which, like an igloo, is warm. They eat tree bark, roots and bulbs when grass is in short supply.

Woodmice sometimes go into a semitorpid state like hibernation which conserves their energy and helps them survive food shortages. It isn’t true hibernation because they wake up at intervals during milder spells to forage. They are the dark brown, large eared, big eyed mice we come across in our sheds and greenhouses and should not be confused with house mice.

Animals which go into proper hibernation for Winter include dormice, hedgehogs, bats, frogs, toads, newts, grass snakes and slow worms.

Dormice hibernate alone in a nest near the ground amongst tree roots or beneath a hedge. They are now an endangered species, mainly through the loss of coppiced hazel woodland.

Hedgehogs sleep through the cold days in a

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weatherproof and warm nest of dead leaves. So, we should all view leaf litter as hedgehog blanket material and allow a small pile to accumulate in a corner of the garden. If an underweight hedgehog goes into hibernation it will not have enough fat reserves to see it through the season and it will die. Anyone with hedgehogs visiting their gardens in late Summer/early Autumn, please feed them with mealworms, meaty dog food or a special mix that can be bought on line and from some petshops.

Bats will use caves or the hollows of old trees, depending on the species, but with such places becoming scarcer, numbers are in decline.

Adult frogs live on land in damp places for most of the year, hibernating in sheltered spots or the mud at the bottom of ponds. They migrate to their breeding ponds in early Spring and leave the water again in April.

Toads hibernate under logs or stones, either singly or in large groups, and usually in dry places not far from their breeding ponds.

Most newts hibernate on land in Winter. They will choose a damp place in garden corners or outbuildings but are never far from water. When active they hide

under logs or stones and in thick grass.

Grass snakes hibernate in wall crevices and beneath tree roots.

Slow worms spend much of their lives underground, where they burrow in soft soil, especially compost heaps. They like to bask in partial sunlight, not in the open, and in Winter they hibernate in their favoured habitat - beneath the ground.

So, as you stroll in the woods in Winter or walk in the park or work in your garden, you might like to think about all the small creatures sleeping peacefully through the cold days in a pile of leaves near you or beneath the earth you tread on.

We have been advertising in the WP Life for a number of years now. We can trust it to get delivered regularly to our targeted marketing areas for a reasonable price. You can submit your own artwork changes each month at no additional charge, allowing us to show off our latest offers. Megabytes

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

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49

Kids Play

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers

MUSIC CLASSES FOR UNDER 4’S

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 www.wpbc.org.uk 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 open to all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers. We meet in the Church Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 until 11.15am during term time

Tuesday

Toddling2Church, Christ Church with St Philip 2-3pm Parents, carers and pre-school children are all welcome to join us for songs with percussion instruments, a Bible story simply and sensitively told, a story-related craft activity and, of course, drinks and biscuits.

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

Friday

Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday

Saturday

Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane Primary School. For Dads and their pre-school children (0-4). The kids get to play with the toys, the Dads get a bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door. For more information & contact details, www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org Old Malden Library (Church Road, Worcester Park) Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+

50

Taught by a qualified Suzuki-method music teacher.

Thursday At Worcester Park Library, Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES

Friday At Surbiton Library Halls, Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AG

9.45-10.30am Toddler class 10.35-11.20am Toddler class

10-10.45am Chinese music class (suitable for Chinese/ non- Chinese speaking families)

To book your place please contact Ginger on 07525 497 124 or email infomusicfun@gmail.com www.gingersmusicfun.com

If you are reading this then so too are your potential customers.

Advertising costs from just £21 plus VAT a month.

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

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

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

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

Tel: 020 8942 0754

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

Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk

: 020 8942 0754

fo@thestudyschool.co.uk

Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk

57 Thetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP

hetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP

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51

Before the Christmas decorations are even up, i’m thinking about when they come come down, when the parties have ceased and the diet has begun (and failed!) and all of us are left with the January blues..thankfully JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the Lunchbowl Network (feeding orphans in Kibera, Kenya, lunchbowl.org) have come to our rescue, with a fabulous event for a great night out.

Celebrity “Post” Quizmas is a quiz night with a difference, an evening hosted by award winning Stand up comedian Dominic Holland (pictured) who will be abley assisted as quizmaster by an

Pictograms

1 word

S T A R E

S T A R E

3 words 22 94 7 THE SCREAM

3 words 1p

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array of A-list Celebrities who have recorded questions on dvd especially for the occasion in support of the charities.

Celebrities involved include Graham Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Buble, Daniel Radcliffe, Boris Johnson and Huw Edwards to name just a few, with more being revealed daily on our website www.celebrityquizmas.co.uk.

Families are welcome, though under 14s are reccomended to sit on childrens teams as their questions will differ. Adult teams are formed of 10.

This great night out on Friday, 30th January 7-10pm , is being held at Christ Church New Malden, whose Vicar Stephen Kuhrt leads the church in its huge support of both charities. Due to regulations, alcohol needs to be ordered before the evening and all tickets, food and drink can be booked via an application form downloaded at www. celebrityquizmas.co.uk As well as a star-studded night of quizing, there will be an auction and raffle presided over by BBC Journalist Justin Webb, whose daughter has type 1 diabetes and is a keen supporter of JDRF. The auction and raffle is being match funded by the amazing local branch of Barclays Bank.

In addition to all of the above there will be some surprise guest rounds and the chance for teams to play their jokers on their specialist subjects.

All in all, Celebrity “post” Quizmas promises to be a wonderful evening out, raising lots for these worthy charities whilst putting a smile on everyones faces!

We anticipate selling out before Christmas as there is limited availability so dont delay, get your team together now , download your application form from our website, reserve your table (even if you aren’t ready with your food and drink order!) for something fun to look forward to.

We look forward to seeing you “Post” Christmas to blow away the blues, test your knowledge and support these great causes. www.celebrityquizmas.co.uk

1. Downstairs 2. Painting by numbers 3. Talk is cheap

Events

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Epsom Coaches The Finest Coach Holidays

2015 Holiday Brochure Out Now!

Free home pick ups on every departure For a free copy of our 2015 holiday brochure, please telephone 01372 731705 or visit www.epsomcoaches.com To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

53

Safer Neighbourhoods Bank Courier Scam’

We are asking residents to help protect their elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives against a ‘Bank Courier Scam’ as there have been a few more cases reported recently.

The scam involves residents receiving a telephone call from someone pretending to be from their bank, the police or the Serious Fraud Office.

The caller will say there is problem with their bank card. They will ask the resident for their bank details and PIN - and will arrange to collect the card by courier, such as a local cab or taxi firm. The tricksters’ purpose is to steal cash and savings.

Such calls are a scam because banks would never phone you to ask for your card or account details.

Banks would have this information already and would never ask for old cards to be returned.

The perpetrators are cruel and heartless individuals who set out to trick and confuse people who are elderly and vulnerable. We would like residents to talk to their elderly neighbours and relatives and make them aware of this scam so they don't get tricked out of their money.

Crime prevention advice from police includes: - Don’t reveal your bank details including PIN to anyone - banks will already have these details and will never ask for your old card back - Don’t give your bank cards to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them - If a caller asks for your card and PIN, hang up - When you hang up, use a different line to report it to police on 101 or allow at least five minutes for the line to automatically clear - If a courier is already coming around to your home call police on 999 immediately.

Many thousands of residents have fallen victim to this scam across London and around the country in the past two years. In London, the average loss has been £4,000 each time.

Take care everyone, Happy New Year and please look after each other through 2015.

Thank you.

love

Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

TUESDAY Worcester Park Wesley Halls, Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Drive KT4 7LG 9.30am Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117 Worcester Park Doris Venner Youth & Community Centre, Manor Drive KT4 7LG 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718

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WEDNESDAY Surbiton Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, 1 Balaclava Road KT6 5PW 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117

FRIDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue KT3 4HL 9.30am Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718

THURSDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue KT3 4HL 9.30am, 5.15pm & 7.00pm Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718

slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000

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Winter

save 50% hundreds of half price items across the store • Up to 50% OFF DUVETS & PILLOWS • Up to 50% OFF TOWELS • Up to 50% OFF BEDDING • up to 50% OFF BEDS • up to 50% OFF FURNITURE • up to 20% OFF READY MADES & MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS • up to 75% OFF COOKWARE & CHINA & GLASS • up to 50% OFF HANDBAGS & LUGGAGE • up to 50% OFF SHOES • up to 50% OFF CRAFTS & WOOLS • up to 50% OFF CUSHIONS AND THROWS

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high Street New malden tel: 020 8942 2277 www.tudorwilliamsltd.co.uk

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55

Sunday Nights Quiz Night 8.30pm

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