Worcester park life jan 16 by jenny stuart

Worcester Park Life

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January Contents

History by David Rymill 6 pop-up Sutton 8 Ruth Jemmett Writes 13 Get ski fit 18 View from the City 20 Begin the New Year with a Budget 25 Sudokus 26 Recipe Lamb and spinach curry 27 Codeword 30 What’s On 32 Crossword 36 Quick Quiz Review Of The Year 38 Gardening Make Room for Roses 40 Clubs 44 Codeword 54 Voice for Wildlife 48 Kids Play 50 Solutions 52 Safer Neighbourhoods 53 Published by Malden Media Limited Editor Jenny Stuart jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk 36 Rosebery Avenue KT3 4JS Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the editor. All advertisements are commercial and not indicative of any endorsement by the editor who accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine. All in-house artwork and editorial presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Malden Media Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored on any retieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical. recording, photocopying, or otherwise without prior permission from the Publisher.

Welcome to Your Worcester Park Life I hope that you’ve been enjoying the holidays and that you’ve been able to catch up with family and friends. At the time of writing, my plan to be organised hasn’t worked very well but am hoping it will all come together - in the nick of time! For the first time in years we are away doing the visiting so here’s for good weather and quiet roads... We will, however be back home for Christmas and Hogmanay - i wonder how our guests will react to haggis lasagne... Remember that Worcester Park Life is YOUR magazine so if you are helping to organise an event in 2016 and would like some FREE publicity then please do email details. Likewise if you are part of an organisation that could benefit from attracting new local members next year then why not send in an article. You may or not know that in order to deliver the magazine to most of Worcester Park, we split the distribution over a two month period. So if you have had this edition delivered you probably won’t get the January one. There are a limited number of copies available from Waitrose, the libraries, Manor Drive surgery, St Marys and also Christ Church with St Philip but don’t forget that it is also published online - you can get the link from our website. So, until next month, best wishes,

Jenny

Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher P.S. Please remember to mention the Worcester Park Life when replying to adverts, and get in touch by 17th of January if you’d like your business, Club or event to feature in the February edition(s). Also publishing Malden’s Village Voice

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Worcester Park History

Snow!

by David Rymill This month we look back at Worcester Park in the snow through the years. An early reference to local snow is in the diary entry by the Pre-Raphaelite artist John Everett Millais for 4th November 1851, while staying at Worcester Park Farm (where Worcester Gardens now stands at the top of The Avenue); he was using the garden wall as the background for his picture A Huguenot on St Bartholomew’s Eve (as well as using the River Hogsmill for Ophelia in the Stream): “Frightfully cold morning; snowing. Determined to build up some kind of protection wherein to paint. After breakfast superintended in person the construction of my hut – made of four hurdles… covered with straw.” Meanwhile his fellow-artist William Holman Hunt was also outdoors, painting an obstinate sheep for The Hireling Shepherd. Snow features in many school-day memories. Michael Byrne recalls a music teacher at Cheam Common Junior School in the 1940s, Miss Brenda Cook: “She came across the playground one day when it had been snowing, and one daring lad made a snowball and threw it at her. I thought this was awful, but she actually caught it, threw it back and hit him with it, and she went right up in my esteem.”

Several former pupils of the Stoneleigh West schools remember ice slides in the playground of the Senior School, which occupied the premises facing Vale Road later transferred to Auriol Junior School. Barbara Adkins (née Williams), a pupil at the Stoneleigh West schools during the war, who grew up in Newbury Gardens opposite the school, recalls an occasion when “the boys had a slide out in the playground, and [Gerald Echlin, the Headmaster] was out there sliding along with the boys: he could do that but he never lost his dignity as a Head.” Ralph Hunt, a pupil at the Senior School in 1940-43, adds “Mr Echlin joined the queue to try [the slide] out and in so doing sustained a nasty fall which required stitches to a head wound. At assembly the following morning the dressing covering the wound was a badge of honour to us boys.” Joyce Ansell adds “Mr Echlin used to come along with a bucket of water after school so it was a better slide the next day. One morning Mrs Ford was doing playground duty in the girls’ playground – there was an imaginary line you mustn’t cross – goes strutting across to tell these boys

off, of course straight on the slide, and she just goes ….! She went to Mr Echlin, and he said ‘What were you doing in the boys’ playground?’” Probably the most memorable winter of the 20th century in this district was that of 1962-3. F E Harman, the then Headmaster of Malden Parochial School, wrote in his centenary history of the school, Village School to Suburban (1964), “Much snow fell during the Christmas holidays, and temperatures did not rise sufficiently to allow any kind of thaw until January 28th. Then more snow fell and the playground was not completely clear of snow until February 18th. This in spite of the splendid work of Mr Stone, our caretaker, who worked heroically to keep paths clear and the building warm... Falls of snow continued throughout February, and the field was not clear of snow until March 4th. Long before then even the most ardent snowballers had become tired of the snow.” Margaret Rymill recalls the snowy winter of 1962-3: “I had passed my driving test about a week before the snow fell on Boxing Day. Car drivers found it tricky parking in the unmade part of The Avenue alongside St Mary’s Church. When trying to drive away, drivers found their wheels spinning where they were stuck in

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the church. Cleveland Road, and the entrance gate to Mount Tavy, are on the right. ruts. Fortunately some kind men and boys came out of their houses with shovels and spades to dig us out or give us a good push.” Our illustrations show: St Mary’s Church, with the upper part of The Avenue and St Mary’s Road still unmade, courtesy of Andrew Stainer and taken in early 1955, probably by his mother Barbara. Through the gap in the hedge, perhaps made in preparation for the installation of the lych-gate later that year, we can see the old Small Hall to the left of

The view up The Avenue, from the junction with Woodlands Avenue, photographed by Bernard Bell in January 1963. Kingsley High School, at no. 25 (later replaced by Kingsley Court) is on the right. Worcester Park Station, also photographed by Mr Bell in January 1963. Note the long-vanished signal-box on the down platform, as well as the much more recentlyremoved footbridge. The junction of Royal Avenue, Barrow Hill and Highdown, photographed by Derek Babbage in December 1962. The section of Highdown nearest Royal Avenue was still a narrow concrete road, because Highdown was incomplete at the outbreak of war in 1939; it was only widened when Tamesis Gardens was constructed in the 1980s. I should love to find a photograph showing this narrow section without snow! Or would any readers like to contribute photographs or memories of snow in Worcester Park for use in a future year? David Rymill David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563 Worcester Park, Old Malden and North Cheam: History at our Feet Published in 2012 and available at £10 (plus £2 towards postage if required) from the Rymill family. Ring 020 8330 6563 for more details. This 300page book tells the story of Worcester Park from the Iron Age to the present day, and includes memories of local life from 1908 onwards, and over 150 maps, photographs and drawings - mostly never published before.

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Community Entrepreneurs pop-up Sutton programme to showcase new business ventures A new initiative to enable entrepreneurs to get a foot on the business ladder is being launched in Sutton. The Pop-Up Sutton programme will provide an opportunity for start-ups and budding entrepreneurs to showcase their fledgling business ventures in Sutton town centre. Over the course of the 18-month programme there will also be a series of workshops and one-to-one advice sessions designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of setting up and running a business. The scheme has been developed by Opportunity Sutton as part of its remit to stimulate and support new business in the borough.

workshops. All aspects of business development will be covered from financial planning, marketing and branding, customer service and health and safety through to visual merchandising and social media. Once a month a free pop-up stall will also be provided to give entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products or services to a readymade audience. At the end of the programme the aim is that the businesses have a sustainable model for future growth. A launch event will be held at TazZa Coffee on Thursday 4th February. Spaces are limited so please register your interest, or find out if you are eligible for the programme by emailing Teresa Whitfield at

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Ruth Jemmett Writes The Month of Janus It’s that time of year when the twofaced Roman god Janus, looks over his shoulder at the old year, and forward to the new one. The month of January was named after him. Some of you reading this might be full of regrets for what has gone before - particularly if you over-indulged on alcohol on New Year’s Eve! For others 2015 might have been momentous for a variety of reasons - births, deaths or marriages, new jobs, or perhaps redundancy. For each of us our own particular treadmill represents something different. However, you can be sure of one thing: Every Passes. The highest of highs or the lowest of lows will, one day be just a date on the calendar - so live for the moment! All over the world New Year’s Eve is swathed in various traditions, the most well-known ones probably being in Scotland, where ‘first-footing’ and Auld Lang Syne are built into the DNA of the population! On The Isle of Man, the first-footer is known as The Quaaltagh. In both cases a dark haired man is required apparently! For a long time 1st January wasn’t a Public Holiday, but eventually the powers that be decided that people were taking so many ‘sickies’ on that day, that it might as well be an OFFICIAL holiday! It is just over two years since I was diagnosed with cancer, and each New Year marks a special milestone for me. It is wonderful to look forward to anything, and when I hear people complaining about their lot, I want to shake them and say “Live out your dreams while you can, and don’t waste time on negative thoughts! I lead a full life, and thank my lucky stars that I wasn’t diagnosed twenty years ago, when this disease wasn’t so well understood. Thanks to the fantastic treatment I receive from The Royal Marsden’s Sir William Raus Unit at Kingston hospital, and the wonderful support and encouragement I receive from so many people, I hope to be around to bother you all for a lot longer! This month is a time for most of us to take stock of things - particularly our bank balances! As the use of cash is on the decline, it is far too easy to overspend during the festive season, as punching numbers into bits of plastic doesn’t seem that important at the time. Pay-day loans and like can be a great temptation for some, and many live to regret running up debts that will haunt them for months, if not years to come. If you have got yourself into financial difficulties, there are

many debt counsellors who can help you sort yourself out.

January is a time when we all endeavour to make a fresh start, and lists of resolutions are frequently scribbled down - usually never to be referred to again! (I really DID intend to redecorate the house last summer - honestly! It was on the list!). The beginning of the month is a time when many of us are still writing thankyou letters for Christmas gifts. The hand-written, perfectly crafted letter of yesteryear is now rarely seen. E-mails and texts seem to have taken over from such niceties, and if a child DOES show their appreciation of your generosity, it is usually displayed in text-speak - such as ‘thank u.’ I can hear my old English teacher spinning in her coffin at Mach Speed 2! The date of 6th January is celebrated as The Epiphany on the Christian calendar, and it is also known as Twelfth Night - a time when Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down to ‘avoid bad luck’. As someone who always forgets to buy Blu-Tac, I have to admit that there are little bits of paint missing on my woodwork, where I have peeled Sellotape away (I hope

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the manufacturers of those products note my mention of their names. Any chance of freebies?!), and the tops of my picture rails (yes, some of us golden oldies here in Salisbury Road’s traditional 1930s bungalows still have those rails!) are punctured with holes from attacks by drawing pins over thirty-six years. No doubt future potential purchasers will think that the place is riddled with woodworm! Salisbury Road is still in the throes of many changes, as new residents extend their properties in all directions. The sound of concrete mixers has taken over from The Dawn Chorus here! Hopefully a nicer looking - and quieter (!) road will emerge by the end of the year.

lungs and liver of a sheep or calf, chopped up with suet, onions and oatmeal. (Don’t read the next bit if you have a hangover, or feel queasy …). It is traditionally boiled in a sheep’s stomach bag and served with ‘tatties and neaps’ - potatoes and swedes to you! It is usually piped into the room with Robert Burns’ words:

One hundred years ago this month a proposal to give women the right to vote was rejected by the U.S. Senate. People who say “Women are treated as equally as men now”, should keep looking around the world. Women in Saudi Arabia were only given the right to vote LAST MONTH! At this very moment only one fifth of our own politicians are female, and one cannot help but notice the fact that most of the violence in the world takes place in areas where women are subjugated, and not fairly represented. Sermon over! 25th January is, Burns Night, when we make a toast to Robert Burns. A proper Burns Supper has to have a haggis in it of course! It is a dish made of the heart,

To A Haggis Fair bayou honest sonsie face Great Chieftsain o’ the Puddin-race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy of grace As lang’s my arm! The haggis is then slit open, and after the assembled gathering make a toast to it with whisky, a meal and much merrymaking follows, plus poems and songs. You all know how I love my quotes! The poet Christina Rossetti was accurate when she described January as ‘cold - desolate’. Well, all isn’t all gloom and doom, as Vita Sackville West also reminds us that the darkest days of winter are gone, and “We can realise that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour”. Now is the time to have a good read of those seed catalogues! Each January, when I see the snowdrops in my garden tentatively peer skywards, I

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give thanks, and smile to myself. Yes, there is a lot of sadness in the world, but also moments of great joy. The world of nature is still full of wonders, and despite depressing headlines in newspapers, the majority of people are good and kind. I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year. If you have your health and are lucky enough to be surrounded by people who care, rejoice in your good fortune. If you don’t have those wonderful things in your life, be like a snowdrop - despite gloomy skies, look upward with hope in your heart.

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The ski season is here again! If you are heading for the slopes do make sure that you are ski fit so that fatigue does not cause you to pick up any unnecessary injuries. From an orthopaedic point of view the most common things that we see are twisted knees and injuries to the hand and wrist including skierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thumb. Make sure that your bindings are not too tight to avoid knee injuries and if you are snowboarding, make sure that you do wear your wrist guards. If you are skiing then make sure that your wrist straps are not wrapped around the hand too tight so that if you do fall, you pick up an injury from the equipment that is meant to be helping you. However if you are unfortunate enough to sustain any skiing injuries there is an experienced team of orthopaedic surgeons at The New Victoria Hospital, specialising in the sorts of injuries that are commonly picked up on the slopes. Best of all, get ski fit before you go and avoid running in to trouble all together!

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11/08/2015 12:12

View from the City

by Justin Urquhart Stewart

A FOOLISH FTSE I find it faintly foolish that the main index that is quoted to us every night is one that has only the vaguest connection with the country it is purported to reflect or represent. The FTSE100 is merely a listing of the largest companies (by capital value) that are listed on the London Stock Exchange. One could quite sensibly surmise that the UK’s main index would thus have a significant proportion of UK related businesses, and reflect an equally significant proportion of the UK economy. The reality however shows that this couldn’t be much further from the truth. The FTSE figures from Thomson Reuters actually show that for this largest group of companies, roughly twenty something percent of their revenue is actually sourced from the UK. The reality is that this main index would be better described as a global index merely based in Britain and not representing the value of UK PLC. Some of these companies are in fact not British at all, such as SABMiller, Fresnillo, and our old Chilean copper mining favourite Antofagasta. So perhaps we should look to the FTSE250 to find our real UK companies? However even here it seems that only around 45% of the revenues from these companies are derived from the UK, and taking it further to cover the rest the FTSE All-share Index shows that only just over 50% of the revenues are from Britain. Now on one hand this is a great reflection of how international both our markets and many of our leading companies are, and we should rejoice that we have such a broad church being represented. However, I also find it extremely misleading. If like me you believe one of the prime drivers of an economy is confidence, then feeding the population misleading information about the state of our economy is, and I believe has been, rather dangerous. Currently we have a FTSE100 which has a disproportionately high make up of its members from the mining, extraction, oil and gas industries, and as we saw last week many of the commodity related companies have been very badly hit by the fall off in value as the much hyped commodity super cycle has found that its wheels have come off with a crash. Thus the net effect of furrowed brows from unknowing newsreaders expressing faux fears and concerns over the state of our stockmarkets is likely rather to be negative. To them stockmarkets are UK stock markets, are mainly comprised of UK companies and reflect the UK economy.

As we can see this is not simply true. However for the viewing public, such worried tones will, if repeated each night serve only to sap away our confidence in anything to do with the economy. So in my view this is more than misleading, it is financially dangerous when we are striving hard to sustain the recovery of our economy in a very competitive environment. Let’s then have a UK index, reflecting the success or otherwise of the UK businesses and its economy. A clearer message for us all. Finished with the Eurozone? A petition signed by 50,000 Finns has forced Finland’s parliament to debate as to whether they should remain in the single currency or not. A lot of the public dissatisfaction with both the EU and the Eurozone follows an extended period of economic weakness. In fact their economy shrank by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2015 meaning that the economy was on track to see its fourth straight year of contraction. An IMF report has highlighted that Finland has been affected by weak demand from not only the rest of Europe but was also impacted by trade issues with Russia. Exports seem to have suffered with the decline of the once mighty Nokia and a fall in the paper industry. Add to that the increased cost of an aging population and there is also a considerable drag on growth. The result is that the debate on Euro exit is now a serious issue as the pressure from centre right and further right parties seems to be growing. So there was a Northern Stock Exchange. Just to follow on from my writing about the potential for a Northern Powerhouse last week, my brain vaguely remembered some history regarding a northern stock exchange that briefly existed for a while. In 1965 the Liverpool and the other northern stock exchanges did in fact come together to form the Northern Stock Exchange to focus more effectively in raising and investing capital for firms in the region. Sadly though this was amalgamated into the London Stock Exchange and in fact the Liverpool trading floor finally closed in 1985 just before Big Bang in London. Unfortunately the Exchanges at that time were primarily run by stockbrokers and jobbers, whose focus was on share transactions and commissions and not really on their primary purpose of an exchange - namely to raise local capital for local businesses in the most cost effective and efficient way possible. They often dealt with smaller companies, with small numbers and values of transactions, which meant that according to their business model of depending on trades and commissions, they couldn’t continue. If they had focused on capital raising it could have been a very different story, and the potential northern powerhouse would already have in a place a northern investment exchange.

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And finally… Refusal to pay the bills of one’s tailor was famously almost a point of honour among English gentlemen in past centuries and Winston Churchill was no exception, newly released archives show. Britain’s World War Two leader had racked up a bill of £197 by 1937 - around £12,000 at today’s prices - with Savile Row tailor Henry Poole and Co before he was finally asked to pay up. He took offense, refused to settle the bill and never darkened Poole’s door again. Despite the arrears, the tailor had continued to make clothes for Churchill, said James Sherwood, a historian who has examined Poole and Co’s archives. ‘Churchill said it was for morale, it was good for us [Henry Poole] to dress him and he wasn’t aware we were short of cash. He never did pay, and never came back – he never forgave us,’ Sherwood added on Poole’s website. Churchill was certainly in exalted company when it came to not settling tailors’ bills. The son of author Charles Dickens, for example, ran up a bill with Poole which eventually had to be paid by his father. When he was Prince of Wales in the 1870s, King Edward VII, made “infrequent payments on an account that accumulated over years”. When a bill was eventually sent to the prince, he withdrew his custom and only came back 20 years later when he became King.

Other famous - and better behaved - customers of the tailor included author Bram Stoker, Prussian Prime Minister Prince Otto von Bismarck, American banker J.P. Morgan and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who was visited in person by the tailors in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. When company founder Henry Poole died, his high-profile clients owed him a huge amount and the firm was in a bad financial situation, the archives show. The last surviving letter from Poole, written in 1875, said: “there will be nothing much to leave behind me. I have worked for a prince and for the public and must die a poor man.” What a bunch of bounders and cads. Happy New Year! Justin Urquhart Stewart is one of the most recognisable and trusted market commentators on television, radio and in the press. Originally trained as a lawyer he has observed the retail market industry for 20 years whilst at Barclays Stockbrokers and developed a unique understanding of the market’s roles and benefits for the private investor

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

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

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

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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

: 020Website: 8942www.thestudyschool.co.uk 0754

fo@thestudyschool.co.uk

Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk

57 Thetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP

etford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP 22

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PRO-FIT

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

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

0208 394 2555

Estate Agents and Valuers

Sales@JacksonNoon.com Lettings@JacksonNoon.com

NEW BEGINNINGS

We would like to thank all our readers for their support, and suggestions, in 2015 and wish everybody a belated happy and successful New Year. January, named after Janus the roman god of transitions and beginnings, is the time when we look both to the past and the future. We are not clairvoyant but we can give an insight into what happened in 2015 and what issues are likely to drive the market in 2016. The shorter winter days and Christmas period, when people spend more time with their families, are often a time when dreams and plans are made. For those whose plans include a home move the start of any year is when drive and determination to make those plans a reality is heightened. LOOKING BACK Last year the property market came out of the blocks very quickly and January was a particularly busy month for us. The remainder of the year was steady. We didn’t really have any manic months’ but then we didn’t have any quiet ones either. Prices rose substantially in 2015 reaching an all time high. However the amount by which they increased was dependent on the type of property. Smaller properties attracted bigger gains being partly driven by strong interest from investors in the lower price ranges. That interest remains but stamp duty changes announced in the Chancellors Autumn statement will increase the cost of making investment purchases after 5th April 2016. That may lead to a flurry of interest in the early part of the year as

investors try to buy ahead of the change, but they will also be factoring in probable interest rate rises and the 2017 taxation changes. We are therefore unsurprised we have yet to see evidence of that rush to buy. LOOKING FORWARD Early published predictions for the 2016 property market range between price rises of 0% - 8%. That will vary across the different markets and regions in the country, but it is interesting that at the time of writing all reports are cautiously optimistic. The biggest reason for that is the continued shortage of supply. The fact that the UK is not building enough homes has been newsworthy for some while with no real sign of a solution anytime soon. You would be forgiven for thinking that housing shortage is a UK problem. Its not. Australia and the USA are amongst numerous countries battling the same issue. Closer to home France, which has almost the same population as the UK but considerably more land, is also suffering despite building more than double the number of homes over the last 10 years as we’ve built in the UK. Meanwhile excellent infrastructure, schools and proximity of both open land and London have always made our area particularly attractive. The population continues to grow and people continue to be priced out of London. Locally the result of the Crossrail 2 consultation, which ends in the first week of January 2016, is likely to further enhance the appeal of locating here. Our conclusion is that 2016 will continue the trend of the last few years with strong demand leading to rising prices.

www.JacksonNoon.com

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Finance A Fresh Financial Start in 2016 – Begin the New Year with a Budget If you’ve overspent this Christmas, you might be wondering how to get your finances back under control. It’s easy to get carried away by the spirit of giving – the problem is, it can jeopardise your financial wellbeing into the New Year and beyond. So what can you do to get yourself back onto a firm financial footing? One of the first things is to analyse your finances and make a realistic budget. By taking a long-term view and identifying exactly how much you spend during the course of a year, you can take back control of your dwindling finances, and prevent spiralling into long-term debt. Why budget? A budget helps to establish whether you’re living beyond your means. This isn’t always obvious on a day-to-day basis but if you’re constantly spending more than you earn, at some point you might find yourself unable to keep a roof over your head. But there’s a secret to making a budget that’s fit for purpose, and that’s to incorporate every expense that you make during the course of the year, including Christmas, birthdays, summer holidays and more. Birthdays and Christmas Friends’ and family’s birthdays may only cost a few pounds here and there, but over the course of a year, and in addition to Christmas expenses, constitute a significant chunk of annual expenditure. It’s going to take some time to calculate your total spend for the year, but once it’s done you’ll be able to use it confidently to improve your long-term financial situation, and set yourself up for a lifetime of control. Non-regular expenses, plus how much is coming in Motoring costs such as car insurance, tax, new tyres and the annual service, are easily forgotten. Annual membership subscriptions are also often left out, as is one of the biggest expenses of the year - the summer holiday. When thinking about the money that comes in, don’t forget to include wages, benefit and pension payments, and any income from savings, investments or selfemployment. Once you’ve totalled the figures, deduct your expenses and hopefully you’ll be left with a positive number. Not a static document Your budget isn’t meant to be a static document. It needs to reflect your income and spending in the long-term, and this is likely to change often. So make it part of your routine to update it regularly, and make sure new

expenses and sources of income are carefully recorded. Having a clear idea of where your money goes will also help to meet specific financial goals such as saving for retirement, putting money away for a deposit, or simply avoiding debt. Achieving financial clarity in this way helps you to live the life you want, so don’t view it as a restriction on spending – it’s more like

the road to freedom. So you’ve got all your figures – what now? There’s a great way to divide up your money called ‘piggybanking.’ It’s described in detail on the Money Saving Expert website, and essentially means opening a separate bank account for each of your main categories of spending. This allows you to allocate an amount of money to each one via standing order from the main account. The word ‘budget’ often implies having to go without, but knowing your spending patterns and gaining financial control can give you back your freedom – the freedom to enjoy life without the worry of debt. www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning

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

Sudokus

fairly easy

House Clearance Specialists

not so easy

mail@bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk Furniture, antiques, collectibles & ornaments bought & sold BROWSERS WELCOMED BUYERS CUDDLED!!

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P D U H L O 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: 9

4 letters: 5

5 letters: 0

6 letters: 2

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Recipe Lamb and spinach curry This mildly spiced curry thickened with red lentils and spinach will make a refreshing change for a family meal after all the traditional food over the festive season. Serve with a cooling cucumber and mint yoghurt and some warmed naan bread for a really filling mid-week supper. Serves: 4 Ready in: 55 minutes 2 tbsp oil 600g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 6 tbsp balti curry paste 75g red split lentils 400g can chopped tomatoes 200g baby spinach leaves 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander Boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges to serve

THE

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FEE

Heat half the oil in a large heavy-based pan over a medium-high heat. Add half the lamb pieces and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and sealed all over. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the oil and fry the rest of the lamb pieces in the same way. Add the onion and garlic (and a splash more oil, if needed) and fry over a medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the curry paste and fry for a further minute until fragrant. Return the meat to the pan and stir to coat in the curry paste. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 300ml cold water and the lentils. Reduce the heat then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the meat is tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the spinach and coriander. Cover and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the spinach has just wilted. Serve with the boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges. TIP For a spicier flavour replace the balti curry paste with one that has a little more heat such as Madras. Adding some finely chopped red chilli when frying the onion will also boost the heat factor!

and receive your first 3 months half price

The River Club, Old Malden Lane, Old Malden Surrey, KT4 7PX (Ts &Cs apply. Over 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only)

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020 8330 7557 - Sales 020 8330 7887 - Lettings www.brownsresidential.co.uk

Worcester Park £850,000 • Detached Family Home

• Five Bedrooms

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Browns Residential

Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7JZ Email:

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

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

21 14

11 11

11 26

26 1

26 21

3 7

8 3

11 8

2 8

20 7

18 2

17 18

1 11

3 14

11 1

19 23

2 19

l l l l

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3 14

TYRE SPECIALISTS

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS

7 21

MEGA DEALS!

(Ewell)

2 21

8 3

9 21

11 2

7 4

26 2

21 23

Looking for fast access to a GP?

Contact the Private GP service at Spire St Anthony’s Hospital We provide a full, in depth consultation with an experienced and understanding GP. The service will enable you and your family to be seen quickly, at a time convenient to you by expert local GPs in our premium private hospital. You don’t need private medical insurance to book a private GP appointment. • Evening and weekend appointments • Male and female GPs • Affordable service with no waiting lists • Onward referral to specialist consultants and diagnostic assessments such as MRI, CT and ultrasound

Our private GPs can facilitate private diagnostic tests and X-rays if appropriate, often within the same visit. Our GPs can also refer you on for private physiotherapy treatment, to a consultant for a private appointment, or to one of our specialist clinics. Minimal waiting time for results provides the opportunity for a speedy diagnosis and peace of mind.

For more information or to book an appointment call us on

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801 London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9DW

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

What’s On

Give blood

Find out times an book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG 4th Dec, 31st Dec, 31st March Sutton, The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey., SM1 4DP 17th Dec, 14th & 28th Jan, 11th Feb St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden 9th Dec, 3rd, 10th & 24th Feb Cheam, North Cheam Sports and Social 658 London Road, North Cheam 16 March

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 Entry Free; cars via Cheam Gate. For further information please visit the website at www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk The East Surrey Family History Society Meet On the first Thursday of each month at St Nicholas Church Hall,Robin Hood Lane,Sutton, SM1 2RG. Doors open 7.30pm. Talk starts 8pm. Visitors welcome. More details - www.eastsurreyfhs.org.uk

Epsom Playhouse,

Jumble sale

Saturday 6th February 2pm - 4pm Rowe Hall, Salisbury Road (Next to Cuddington School) Admission 50p 2nd Cuddington (Rowe) Scout Group

Nonsuch Park

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

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227 1 December Christmas Crooners ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ A romantic Christmas special. Now in it’s tenth record breaking year ‘Christmas Crooners’ is Jam packed with festive favourites, and the Christmas hits of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. This year we have our beautiful Christmas Belle, singing her favourite Xmas songs, including Santa

Care visits at home

Bluebird Care What we offer

Alternative

We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning and social visits.

Care at home offers a realistic, cost effective alternative to residential care.

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Socialise with US

epsom@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/epsom

Find “Bluebird Care Epsom” on Facebook and Google+ Follow us on Twitter “@bluebirdepsom”

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Baby, I saw Mama Kissing…Rocking around the Christmas tree, and many more. 3 December Rosebery School Christmas Concert With a varied programme of music including popular and classical items from all the choirs and ensembles. 4-24 Dec Santa Claus and the Night Before Christmas With songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa & a free gift! From the producers of last year’s record-breaking production, Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey, the enchanting Christmas experience returns with a brand new adventure. 6 December Epsom Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert Top West End star, David Leonard (Miss Trunchbal in Matilda ) will narrate the musical story of Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Epsom Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concerts. The programme also features music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Lehar’s Gold and Silver Waltzes and Leroy Andersen’s Sleigh Rides, as well as carols for the audience to join in. 13 Dec - 3 Jan Beauty and the Beast The Epsom Playhouse presents Pantomime 2015... Beauty and The Beast. Will good overcome evil? Will

Beauty find true love? Can the Beast break free of his curse? Will French Frank ever be funny? 11 January Goff Dubbers Dixieland Express Come and listen to an evening of the best of Jazz 17 January Ed Byrne Ed Byrne Outside Looking In That bloke. You know. The Irish guy. No, not the bald one. The other one. You know him, the one Carol from work really likes. Wait, that might be Jason Byrne. Anyway. Funny chap. 20 January The Glenn Miller Orchestra Get IN THE MOOD as legendary bandleader, Ray McVay presents a new show for 2016 complete with Colin Anthony and Catherine Sykes on vocals and added harmonies from the Moonlight Serenaders and of course our swinging Jazz Band, the Uptown Hall Gang. Featuring all your Glenn Miller favourites like Tuxedo Junction, Little Brown Jug, American Patrol and, of course In the Mood, as well as songs from other stars and bands of the Miller era. A “must see” for all the family. 21 January Katherine Ryan We are excited to announce the return of Katherine Ryan after her last sell out performance at the Epsom Playhouse. The product of a strict Irish father and a glitzy Canadian ‘stage mom’, Katherine Ryan won neither

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

friends nor pageant titles growing up. Try as she might to shed her questionable perspectives and super sparkly nature, she’s not sure we can ever truly escape our childhood indoctrinations. As well as being a writer-performer Katherine is also a talented actress and presenter. 22 January Roy Chubby Brown Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown is a comic genius and one of the funniest comedians in the world. His outrageous performances are considered unsuitable for mainstream television but his video’s and DVD’s sell in their millions. His live concerts are legendary and every theatre and concert hall in the UK has put up the ‘Soldout’ signs when he has appeared. 23 January Vision of Elvis A Vision Of Elvis is one the world’s leading touring Elvis productions. Celebrating all the music of Elvis Presley from Sun Studio’s through to the 68 Comeback with the finale being the Concert Years engaging audiences with an uplifting and authentic Elvis experience. 25 January Mike Piggott / Nils Solberg Quintet Come and listen to the best of Jazz 27 - 28 Jan Oliver! The Musical “Nothing works on the stage like a well-crafted tale, and OLIVER! is just such a show. Based on the Dickens novel, it will engage your audience with its pathos and drama, while delighting everyone with its outstanding musical numbers. Food, Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything, Where is Love?, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, Who Will Buy and Reviewing the Situation are musical theatre classics. Dickens’ characters are brought to life-perhaps larger than life-with all their facets glowing in this production “ 30 January The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town. This was the final script, originally conceived and written (but never recorded) by Spike Milligan and intended as a ‘one-off special ‘to reunite the legendary Goons. 4 February La Boheme Merry Opera, which has a nice line in slightly off-beat touring shows, performing them with charm, energy and wit ‘ (Opera Now) has toured southern England and London since 2010 and now comes to Epsom for the first time with with Puccini ‘s La Boheme, one of the greatest love stories in opera. 5 February Jenny Eclair: How To Be A Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane). Professional Grumpy old woman, Splash survivor, amateur soup maker, and novice knitter, Jenny Eclair is younger than Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. Semi –bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund! You are most welcome to join her, just button your cardi up properly and wipe that lipstick off your teeth.

6 February Meet bestselling and much-loved author Jacqueline Wilson, who will be talking about her writing and career during this special, hour-long event at Bourne Hall Theatre in Ewell, Surrey. The event will start at 2pm. 6 February Beast Quest Adventure at Bourne Hall This special Beast Quest event, packed with excitement and thrills, will take place at 4pm at Bourne Hall Theatre in Ewell, Surrey. It will run for 45 minutes. The event is aimed at children aged seven years plus who love adventure! Tickets are just £5 each and younger siblings can enjoy a range of fun, story-based activities at Bourne Hall from 2pm on the day, as part of the ReadingZone Surrey Festival. 6 February Dancing Queen With full costumes and plenty of glitz, Dancing Queen The Concert is the golden age in pop revived! Prepare for an action packed party show featuring all the greatest hits from Abba, Grease and the 70s! Featuring the classics, Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Mama Mia, along with 70s hits, Grease Lightning , You’re the One That I Want, Car Wash, YMCA and Boogie Nights! 7 February Stephen K Amos The Laughter Master Stephen K Amos The Laughter Master The maestro of feel-good comedy is back on tour with his new show. Fresh from touring UK and Australia. Star of Life An Idiot’s Guide and What Does the K Stand

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS Digital A5 & A4 Leaflets Single Sided from £40 for 250 in full colour Order of Service/Memorial 4 page from £35 Including Colour Business Cards from £35 for 250 A1 Posters from £10 Your Favourite Pictures on Canvas mounted on frames from £12 MANY OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE Please call or email

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Quality Orangery

design and construction Individually designed to your requirements. High quality extensions for new family living space, each one unique and tailored to your preferences, a fantastic way to improve your home and add real value. Get in touch for your free consultation...

T: 0800 988 3800 01293 277 312 E: support@kbi-ltd.co.uk www.kingsbridgelocal.co.uk

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

Crossword Across 1. Time in grammar stretched tight (5) 4. Came across culinary spice (4) 6. Ray of light can be used to hold up a roof (4) 10. Bidding occasion when caution is thrown to the wind (7) 11. Time for a resolution or two? (3,4) 12. Highly detailed to be a real entanglement (9) 13. Get permission and go (5) 14. Volcanic orifice in adventure (4) 16. Step with the French foot-lever (7) 19. Employ Sue in a new way (3) 20. Hunt red for loud noise (7) 22. Bird getting nothing in cricket (4) 26. Teams of pals? (5) 27. Boast about meat vessel (9) 29. I go and Mira makes an art form (7) 30. Tangier form of rock (7) 31. Group found in Cuban dance (4)

9 10

14 17 20

19 21

32. Yield that can be sown, we hear (4) 33. Visual faculty, location we hear (5) Down 1. Chief London flower (6) 2. Canter round plant juice (6) 3. Piece of soap to watch (7) 4. I am an alternative type of madness (5) 5. Happy, but it’s not decent in a way (9) 7. Gems mere lads dug out (8) 8. Demurrer type of killer (8) 9. Top time for hands to meet (6) 15. Lets it run around a

revolving gate (9) 17. A grave old doctor, likely to explode (4,4) 18. European chap from Tirana, US (8) 21. Laid back holding manuscript, dull and dreary (6) 23. Camp SOS sent out for instrument (7) 24. Taking heed that it’s not mixed with gin (6) 25. Highway setter broke up (6) 28. Bird that’s two strokes under par (5)

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Epsom Coaches Discover Britain and Europe

Home pick ups on every departure

Call 01372 731705 for a free brochure or visit www.epsomcoaches.com To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

Review Of The Year 1. What was the name of the lion that was killed in Zimbabwe on July 1st after a dentist from Minnesota was reported to have paid 50,000 dollars to hunt him? 2. In May 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalise what by popular vote? 3. Which band cancelled their Friday night headline slot at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival after lead singer Dave Grohl fell off stage and broke his leg at a concert in Sweden? 4. With 19% of the votes, who finished runner-up in the 2015 Labour Party leadership election? 5. What was the name of Banksy's art project that was constructed in Westonsuper-Mare and was described as a "family theme park unsuitable for children"? 6. In which 2015 film did Sandra Bullock voice a villain called Scarlet Overkill? 7. Libby Lane was in the news in January 2015 after becoming the first what? 8. In 2015, who became only the second British female solo artist to have had five number-one hit singles in the UK? 9. What was the name of the dog that, together with his owner Jules O'Dwyer, won the 2015 series of Britain's Got Talent? 10. Other than the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, what was the only party to win over 10 percent of the total votes cast at the 2015 General Election?

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

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R.J. Tree qualified & profession R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional staffServices are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every to the highest levels of service in every instance.

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re dedicated

ultural queries.

ree!

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Gardening Make Room for Roses Pippa Greenwood

It’s the perfect time of year to plant roses, and there should be a good selection in local garden centres or from specialist rose nurseries. Although roses look good in beds, borders and containers, why not create your own fantasy rose arch or rose-clad arbour? Transform an existing arch or pergola by planting roses now to ensure fabulous colour for many summers to come. Alternatively, create your own using sturdy timber or buy a good quality wooden or metal arch or pergola kit. Start by deciding whether to use ramblers or climbers to cover your pergola or arch. Ramblers are easier to train but only flower once a year, whereas many climbers have two flowering periods or flower intermittently for months. Many roses are strongly coloured, so ensure that these will look good with adjacent planting and will not clash with nearby painted or treated surfaces such as decking or garden furniture. Perfume is a vital ingredient - walking beneath an arch or pergola laden with perfumed roses on a warm summer’s evening takes some beating! If you get your roses delivered, don’t be put off if they have somewhat lopsided roots, uninspiring woody stems and little else. This is normal, but despite their forlorn appearance they usually establish well. Do try to plant as soon as possible, but if not make sure that you keep the root systems moist by wrapping in thoroughly moistened hessian or by burying the roots temporarily in garden soil. Make your planting hole close to the base of the arch or pergola: a distance of about 30 – 45 cm (12 – 18 in) works well, but keep away from concrete footings or other material located in the soil. Although roses quite like fairly heavy soil, for clay soils likely to waterlogging prepare a sizeable area before planting by digging in well rotted manure, garden compost and grit, which also ensures good fertility. If the roots of bare root roses are lopsided and crammed together, spread them out before planting. Soak the roots in water for a couple of hours before prising them apart, prune out any which have been damaged and plant the rose immediately. Ensure you plant at the correct depth: the swollen graft point slightly above where the roots start protruding should be just above soil level. Once in place, keep your rose well watered during dry conditions, paying particular care over the next 18 months. Apply rose fertiliser and top up the mulch in spring.

Newly purchased roses are unlikely to have much in the way of top growth, but once they get going you will obviously need to train these stems into the arch or pergola, securing them at regular intervals with great care, so that they are not damaged by being buffeted against the arch or pergola during windy weather. I like to use the steel wire with a dense foam covering – strong but soft! Good varieties for planting over pergolas and arches include Veilchenblau ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ (climber), Excelsa ‘Crimson Shower’, Albertine Albericbarbier ‘Golden Showers’, ‘Iceberg’ (climber), Malvern Hills ‘Super Fairy’, ‘Gloire de Dijon’, ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’. Make vegetable growing fun with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system. Select the vegetables you’d like to grow at www.pippagreenwood. com and your garden-ready

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Do you have space in your life for a child or teenager? Come and find out if fostering is for you at one of our drop-in Information Events below

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0800 085 7072 or visit www.kingston.gov.uk/fostering To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

Clubs Mondays

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

Do you enjoy listening to show tunes, big band music, jazz, light classics etc? Come along to an evening of live music played by top artistes. We meet on the second Monday of each month at our Banstead venue Banstead Organ & Keyboard Club Church Institute Hall, High Street, Banstead SM7 2NN Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts. Further details from 020 8330 5795, or visit www. bansteadorganclub.co.uk The Nightingales ladies singing group meets every Monday from 8:15pm to 9:45pm at The Parochial Rooms in Cheam village. We are a very friendly group which has been meeting for the joy of singing for over 40 years. There is no audition but it does help if you can sing in tune! We sing a selection of old and new songs and entertain various groups in the area with our afternoon concerts. Membership is free for the rest of 2015. Why not give us a try? Contact Val on 01372 725965. 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 St James Players If you enjoy acting do come or help backstage. Monday and Wednesdays 8pm New members welcome. St James Church Hall, Bodley Road New Malden. Mem Sec: linda@dunnz,net

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 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 / T oni Shepherd 07900 006367

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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 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: 4newmembers.ewell4probus.org.uk Talking Of Trains In Surbiton Programme of talks which take place locally at the Surbiton Library Hall each Wednesday evening throughout the winter months. The first meeting is free; the fee for the complete year is just £50. Topics this season feature subjects ranging from the railways of Lancaster to Kosovo and slideshow presentations by resident lecturer Dick Crane. Guest speakers included Ian Brown, the former Managing Director of Transport for London Rail, author Jim Connor and one of Britain’s noted rail photographers Bob Sweet. www.talking of trains.co.uk

Thursdays

Sutton Mariners. A local offshore sailing club founded in 1988 that meets at 8pm every Thursday evening at the Borough Sports Ground, home of Sutton United FC, Gander Green Lane, SM1 2EY. We are a small and friendly club of about 60 members and have about a dozen boat owners amongst us providing crewing opportunities during the summer months as well as enjoying meetings listening to interesting speakers and social nights. If you would like to get afloat come along and meet us – we’re sure you will enjoy the experience. Visit our website at www.suttonmariners.org.uk . East Surrey Family History Society For those who are interested in finding out how to investigate their family history the Sutton Branch of the East Surrey Family History Society holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month at St Nicholas Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane. Most months we have a professional speaker. 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 St. Bedes Conference Centre, St. Anthony’s Hospital, London Road, North Cheam. SM3 9DW 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

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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 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 Christchurch with St. Philips Church, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park at 7.15pm. 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, SOCIAL DANCING WITH ‘GLITTERS’ at Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell Village. 8.30 p.m. - ll p.m. Over 18s. Entrance Fee £8. All standards of dancing. Free parking. Bar. Professional D.J. We even have a glitter ball! For further information ring David 07903 314276 Jan 8th and 22nd, Feb 5th and 19th, Mar 4th and 19th (TBC) 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 Bowling Club, Manor Park, Malden Road KT3 6AU. New members will be made very welcome. Rollups, league matches, internal and external competitions; we offer bowling at all levels of interest and ability. For further details contact Men’s Secretary Gerald 020 8949 4623 or Ladies’ secretary Maureen 020 8337 5472. 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. www.facebook.com/CHSGym We open to the public at 5pm-9.30pm Monday - Friday and 10am-5pm Saturdays.

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Voice for Wildlife by Carol Williams

‘Winter creeps, Nature sleeps, birds are gone, flowers are none.’ So we sang when I was in Infants’ school decades ago. But Winter isn’t like that is it? Some of Nature sleeps, like the amphibians, dormice and hedgehogs, but there are Winter flowering plants, and evergreens, some birds migrate to hotter climes, others come in from colder places and many stay here throughout Winter. Robins, blackbirds, thrushes and many others, including migrants, will come in to gardens for food in the Winter, so it is a chance to see and enjoy wildlife more. With the deciduous trees bare of foliage, Winter is a good time for garden bird watching and for visiting wetlands and estuaries to see the huge flocks of overwintering waterfowl.

Gulls have come inland in recent years, and stayed throughout the year - many never go anywhere near the coast now. They follow the rubbish trucks and join the bands of scavenging creatures who benefit from the edible litter we drop everywhere. Go along by the river Thames anywhere and there will be loads of wildlife to see, including the gulls who, in my childhood were a sight and sound of the seaside only. The feral pigeon seems to be, along with rats, one of the most hated and despised of the wild creatures who live alongside us. Yet these species deserve more respect for their tenacious grip on life, and their ability to benefit from urban human messiness. Like all animals still living on planet earth they are simply trying to survive. The wild ancestor of the feral pigeon is the Rock Dove whose natural habitat is the sea thrift on North Altantic coasts among the seabird colonies or the cedars of the lower Atlas slopes in North Africa.They were domesticated centuries ago,

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kept in dovecots for the tables of the rich. All the feral flocks are descended from captive populations. Their numbers have induced pairs of Peregrine Falcons to nest on high buildings in many cities. This is welcome news to conservationist, because all birds of prey have been ruthlessly persecuted in the past but numbers are now slowly recovering. The Brown Rat is not native to the UK either, it originates in Europe, in the area around the Caspian Sea, and came here on ships when commerce between Russia and Britain opened up in the 18th century. It may have played a part in the disappearance of The Plague, because, being larger and more aggressive than the Black Rat, which was a vector of this disease, it outcompeted the smaller cousin for food, territory etc, and may even have attacked and killed some of them. Rats are smart creatures and deserve a little more respect than we give them. They are a natural prey species for urban foxes, who would very likely do a better job of controlling their numbers if there were not so many rich pickings among our litter bins, gutters, pavements and practically everywhere you look in the places where humans live in large numbers. Bread dumped near ponds, lakes and rivers for the water birds can also attract large numbers of rats, if it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eaten straightaway.

During a visit to Greenwich Park this Summer, I saw squirrels and jackdaws came to the eating areas and many people were happy to throw them titbits. It is very strange that we encourage these creatures when it suits us and then start to call them â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and persecute them when their numbers, due to us, begin to get too large for our convenience. Perhaps if other animals could think as we do, they might consider it a good idea if there were less humans to plague the earth... With the milder Winters in recent years, it is rare to have a time when nothing stirs and no green is to be seen. This WInter there will be many berries for the wildlife, as it was such a good Spring and Summer and all the fruit set and has produced abundance. The mature ivy in my back garden flowered profusely in the Autumn and there will be many berries for all the wild visitors. There is a glut of fallen fruit from my apple trees also - leaving some of this on the ground will provide a feast for some bird species, and sometimes they get a bit drunk as it begins to ferment! After dusk in January the unearthly screams you may sometimes hear are the cries of the vixens, for this is courtship time for foxes. WInter may creep, but much of Nature does not sleep!

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

Kids Play

Wednesday

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers

Thursday

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.

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Songs and Stories is a new music and story-time group at Worcester Park Baptist Church for babies and toddlers aged 0-4. We meet on term-time Thursdays, arriving at 10am for 10.10am start. Each session lasts 40 minutes and will include songs, puppets, rhymes, movements and story telling. Cost: £3.00 per session (£2.50 for siblings) No booking required

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.

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Crossword

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Safer Neighbourhoods Beat the burglar This month I will be telling you ways to make your property less attractive to burglars or thieves. 99.9% of burglars or thieves are not professional safe crackers or international jewel thieves. They are just people who want to make a fast buck as easily as they can and the easier we make it for them the more bucks they make. Burglary victims often wonder why the burglar picked on their house. To find out you need to consider: How does a burglar’s mind work? Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured: • Side gates open • Accessible windows open • Ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows • Garden tools available to force entry • Untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance • And more recently, NOT locking your double glazed UPVC doors before retiring for the night. This offers burglars an easy opportunity to enter your home. Just pulling the handle up is NOT sufficient. Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective burglar that it’s worth a second look. Residents of multi occupancy dwellings or flats should be mindful not to grant entry to people via an entry phone system, if they do not know them, and to be cautious of people seeking to ‘tailgate’ them into buildings. The question is, are the occupants in? • milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep • newspapers and mail in the letter box • unlit houses after dark • all windows shut in very hot weather These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable. If we can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on. To stop a burglar, you need to think like one. To a burglar, a stuffed letter box is a dead giveaway when you’re not at home. Ask a neighbour to remove your post while you are away.

To a burglar, a dark doorway is an opportunity to hide. Fit a security light over your front door to deter burglars. To a burglar, a dark, quiet house is an empty house. Attaching a timer to a lamp and/or radio will make your home appear occupied even when it isn’t. Also, there are plug-in LED lights that mimic the flickering light caused by a TV. These are ideal for use in an upstairs bedroom. If you are away for extended periods. • Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers • Disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer. • Enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries. • If you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. In winter if snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited. • Check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don’t cover you if you are away for more than 30 days. • Set your burglar alarm. • If you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief. None of the above will guarantee you won’t be burgled, but they will go a long way in deterring the attentions of an opportunist criminal. Remember: remove the opportunity - deter the burglar

A Safe, Happy & Healthy New Year to you all. See you next month. Take care PCSO Gary Weaving

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Smith & Byford

Total Home Solutions

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Smith & Byford can provide you with the Total Solution for all your heating and hot water needs with maintenance packages starting from ÂŁ7.50 per month. Visit our showroom at 36 The Broadway, Cheam Village SM3 8BD

020 8722 3439

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Winter

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

ABLE 2 BUILD & Sons ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK

0800 566 8198 • 07889 255 097 www.able2build.co.uk • info@able2build.co.uk 56

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