Worcester Park Life
KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide Jan 14 issue 67
www.wplife.co.uk
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers03/12/2013
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Greetings!
So here I am. Sitting amid pre Christmas chaos and struggling to transport myself into 2014! It is absolutely pouring with rain and my to-do-list of jobs I need to get sorted before the girls finish school is so scary that it hasn’t yet made it onto paper! A lovely friend recently bought me a task list pad which I’ve just excavated from a pile of papers on desk (first task – find the to-do-list pad). Will writing it all down make me feel better or worse? That, is the question. I know how good it feels to put a tick in the box when a job is done but, quite frankly, where do I start? Christmas is supposed to be a period of calm and reflection but for most of us it’s about the most stressful time of the year! Which is where the list can come in handy – surely some of the tasks can wait? Or delegated. I mean, do I really need to paint our living room before the new curtains go up when I still haven’t written the Christmas cards – or should that get scored out as just a bridge too far? Prioritisation has never really been my strong point but everything tends to get done by its deadline. I am, and always have been a deadline person. Good or bad, that is just the way it is. But relying on storing a long list in head is recipe for disaster – and also sleepless nights! So my resolution as we move into a new year is to get better at writing (and ticking off) lists, being more time efficient, and feeling more on top of a busy life. What’s yours going to be? Wishing you all a very Happy Hogmanay and 2014
Next copy deadline: 17th January jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk Published by Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS 020 8336 2915 www.wplife.co.uk We also publish Malden’s Village Voice
Jenny
Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher
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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).
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
TSD Bespoke Building HPV A4L 20/09/2011 14:34 Page 1
Greetings!
Not long to go before our Christmas decorations go up - probably around the time you get this! When the children were younger I’d put off getting the tree up as it minimised the amount of time available for it to be knocked over.... but as the decoration collection grew, I joined the line of thinking that if you’re going to go to the trouble of putting it all up, you may as well enjoy it for as ling as possible. And enjoy it we do. They’re Please contact dedicated friendly team for a free estimate or any not for everyone, our but i do LOVE fairy lights (white and advice warm glow) and now have rather a lot ofyou them.may The need ones in the kitchen and garden have been up since fireworks 2012 - we’re now usedwelcome to them but Testimonial Domestic andparty Commercial work
Here at TSD we cater for almost every building service
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Renovations & Alterations Painting, Decorating & Wallpapering Porches, Conservatories & Windows Door and window locks and handles repaired or replaced Misted/broken sealed double glazed units replaced Conservatory roofs repaired or replaced All Aspects of Roofing, Guttering, Fascias & Soffits Kitchen/Bathroom Installations Driveways • Fencing, Patio’s & Landscaping All Aspects Of Plastering & Pebble Dashing All Bespoke Building Works Carried Out Loft Conversions New basements design and build Plumbing & Heating, New Boiler Installations, Service & Repairs All Aspects of Electrical Work Extensions • Carpentry & Flooring All Aspects of Tree Work & Stump Grinding Complete Rubbish Removal & Site Clearances Curtain and Blind design and installation service Tiling/Stonework Bespokely made Wardrobes, Chest of drawers and more Emergency call out for Plumbing, Gas and Electrics Swimming Pool and Hot Tub design and build Brick and Block work carried out Garage door replacements in a large variety of designs and colours
Dear Tom I would like to start by saying a big thank you . Myself & Margaret are incredibly happy with the outcome of our new kitch en. From the very beginning of the job to the very end your help , advice and knowledge I believe made all the difference to a perfect finish. We can’t believe the tran sformation from how it looked before to how it looks now. I can hon estly say I have never met a builder who takes such pride in his work. I also didn’t think I would eve r meet a builder who is more fussy than the cust omer themselves. Thank you to all your team who wer e always polite, thoughtf ul & professional. I will of course always be using TSD to carry out all our future work & will alwa ys with great pleasure recommend you to frien ds, family & potential customers. Best Regards
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Mary's Story
For too many years Mary had been 'managing' by herself. Fiercely independent, she was just about making it through each day. Her daughter had tried many times to persuade Mary to get someone to help her with a bit of companionship, some home help, just a friendly face popping in from time to time to check she was okay. Mary point blankly refused. It took a fall and a brief spell in hospital for her poor daughter to decide enough was enough and regardless of mums procrastinations she made enquiries to get some help. Home Instead came to the rescue in the form of Sue, a fifty something local lady who lived round the corner from Mary. Sue's gently and patient nature matched her perfectly with Mary's reluctance. Sue visited Mary twice a week for a number of weeks gently breaking down barriers that Mary had so fervently put up.
Each visit Sue made, Mary unveiled a small piece of herself. Although her short-term memory was starting to fail her, Mary's recollections of wartime and rationing were still so vivid. During one of their chats, Mary revealed that she had won several awards for her ballroom dancing in her youth and even had a few trophies buried deep in the back of a cupboard somewhere. Knowing the area, Sue suggested they attend a tea dance, in the hall round the corner one Thursday.
"If I'm going again next week, I’ll need to have my hair done!" ~ Mary
In the hope to generate some enthusiasm but Mary wasn't keen. Each time the dance was mentioned, it fell on deaf ears!
Until one day Mary, quite reluctantly, agreed to give it a try - just this once. Mary was in a particularly bad mood that day and sat at the edge of the dance floor, stony faced throughout, and peering over her frown every so often to observe what was going on. Sue had started to question if this had been a good idea. After returning Mary home, Sue put on her coat to leave and as she got to the door, Mary looked up at Sue and said, "If I'm going again next week, I’ll need to have my hair done!" Mary now has her hair done every week, like she used to, in anticipation of Thursday. And with Sue's help, she has new dresses, and a comfy pair of shoes to dance in - well you can't Waltz in slippers now can you!!
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History
A Worcester Park childhood
Miss Knight’s memories Many WPL readers will have been sorry to read in the local Guardian in October the announcement of the death at the age of 92, of Doris Lightowler, known to generations of local children as Miss Knight, Principal of The Studio School of Dance and Drama, which she ran for over 60 years Doris Muriel Knight was born in Woodford on 24th July 1921. Her father was a brewers’ sugar refiner and the family’s sugar and brewing interests went back at least to 1860. When Doris was about 6, the family moved to Worcester Park where she spent the rest of her life; this month I am featuring some childhood memories she shared with me about 15 years ago. The family settled in Green Lane at no. 7, which later became no. 40. ‘When I first lived in Worcester Park, Green Lane was unmade, it was just like a cart track. At the bottom of our garden, where Hazlemere Gardens is now, that was all fields, down to the main road. You used to get Gypsies there: I can remember two or three years when they came with a fair at a certain time of the year; they used to have the grease pole, and the local lads used to try to get up this thing because at the top was a nice big joint of beef. I remember it well, because my father used to take me and we used to stand and watch the lads – I think on one occasion I remember the fellow getting there. They used to put sand on their hands, do anything to get to the top. The actual fair was where the old post office is, that section.’ She also recalled Gypsies further along Green Lane, beyond the present school: ‘They used to come along with their horses and whatever, and on occasion if we were in the front garden they would stop and say “Can we have a bucket of water for the horse?” and Mother would get a bucket of water.’
‘You could play in the fields anywhere – I was out all day in the summer holidays. My mother would give us a packed lunch – “Off you go and amuse yourselves” – and we’d go off, a gang of three or four or whatever, and we were as happy as anything – climbing trees; we used to play ball, chase each other. The little brook [Beverley Brook] opposite was our playing ground: it was clean and lovely, and there used to be ducks – really you were in the depths of the country. In the wintertime if you had a lot of rain it used to overflow, and I remember my father having to take his shoes and socks off and walk through the water to get home.’ Doris accompanied her mother to the local shops, such as the butcher’s in Park Terrace. On the corner of Longfellow Road was John Morley’s bakery, and Doris recalled ‘cakes seven for sixpence in Mr Morley’s, and well-made cakes at that; and his bread was beautiful: if I remember rightly a large white loaf was fourpence, and it was really good quality food.’ On the opposite corner of Longfellow Road was Frost’s the grocer’s, with biscuits weighed out from tins.’ Later, as more shops appeared in Central Road, they shopped at David Greig’s and Cater’s. Close to Morleys’ was Barelli’s sweetshop: ‘Sweets fascinated all children, because we could get a whole handful of sweets for a farthing – jellies, or liquorice rolls like a piece of black elastic with a sweet in the middle, sherbet fountains – all sorts of things. If you had a farthing you could have a real treat – a ha’penny was wonderful. Jars of sweets at tuppence a quarter!’ Between the station and Green Lane was another sweetshop, The Chalet: ‘Dad used to give me a penny to go in and get a piece of Nestle chocolate – quite a big square for a penny.’ On moving to Worcester Park, Doris became a pupil at Cheam Common Infants’ School, in the ‘tin tab’ iron building near the corner of Balmoral Road, and was taught by Miss Stone: ‘She was an absolutely lovely lady, and gave us so much encouragement’. Later she went to schools in Cheam and Sutton and then, aged about 13, to Kingsley High School at 25 The Avenue, a Victorian villa opposite Woodlands Avenue (now the site of Kingsley Court). The school’s grounds included the land now occupied by Kingsley Drive, and this ‘was divided out in little plots, and each pupil had a little plot of their own, and we were taught to grow things, or if
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we wanted to bring a bowl and dig it into the ground and make a little pond we could do.’ This month’s illustrations show Doris on holiday with her mother in 1933, and in dancing costume, presumably in the garden at Green Lane, in 1934. These were kindly provided by her close friends and neighbours John and Maggie Edwards; I am very grateful to them for their help with this article. In the March WPL I hope to continue this story by writing about Miss Knight’s career in dance. If any former pupils of The Studio School would like to contribute memories for inclusion, I should be very pleased to receive them. I have also received a request from a former pupil (now living in Finland) of the Stoneleigh West schools, between Cuddington Avenue and Newbury Gardens (now The Mead and Auriol), for old photographs of the school buildings – ideally from the 1930s-40s, but anything pre-dating the recent alterations might assist him. If you can help, please let me know. David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
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It’s OUR Worcester Park! Bill Grimsey, Mary Portas and many others have commented on the death of the British High Street. Many more have commented on the decline of community. What we want to know is what you think. The people behind the Worcester Park Traders Association (WPTA) have teamed up with some world class retail and marketing professionals to launch Our Worcester Park. Their vision is to see the Our Worcester Park brand become the glue that binds our community together. The start is with our very own high street. The WPTA is to rebrand as the Our Worcester Park Traders Club, a collective of the best local retailers coming together to share knowledge, share vision and ultimately share in the great possibilities ahead. The most important part of building our Our Worcester Park initiative is to understand what residents and businesses alike want to see and experience on Worcester Park High Street and beyond.
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Professionally trained, enhanced CRB certificate. Cut and file of all types of nails from straight forward to more complex. Treatment of hard skin and a foot cream/massage provided. I can visit you at home or in a residential centre. Price ÂŁ22 per person, per household, per visit, discounts available if more than one person in the same household, eg husband and wife. Please contact Julie on:
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We have a few questions: Do you shop on Worcester Park High Street? If yes, how often and what for? If not, why not? Where do you go? If not, when was the last time you visited the High Street? How do you find out about your retailers of choice? Where is your favourite place to shop? And why? Who is your favourite retail brand? What would you change about Worcester Park High Street? Do you eat and drink on Worcester Park High Street? Where? Why? Or Why not? We also welcome any other comments you have about your High Street and local community. Simply email scott@ourworcesterpark. com with your answers and comments. Community is about and involves all of us, so get in touch and we will all share in a bright and exciting future for Worcester Park. Scott, Our Worcester Park Team
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Anniversaries 1st January 1785: launch of the Daily Universal Register
New Year’s Day may, for many of us, mean a kingsize hangover and a brisk walk in a vain attempt to shake it off. But it’s also the anniversary of the greatest revolution in human history, the day in 1983 when the internet was launched. This counts as an anniversary in British history because, of course, the person responsible was Sir Tim Berners-Lee. What he actually did, though, I haven’t the foggiest. To me the internet is like a car – I can drive one, but lift the bonnet and I’m clueless. Instead, let’s go back to 1st January 1785 and another anniversary from the world of mass media, not quite so revolutionary but just as much a landmark: the launch of the Daily Universal Register, to become The Times exactly three years later. The Universal Register was founded by John Walter, a near-bankrupt insurance broker who decided the media was a better bet. Declaring he would favour no political party, he promptly accepted a £300-a-year bribe to support the government and then started the world’s first celebrity gossip column, actually serving a stretch in Newgate for libelling the Prince of Wales. His more high-minded son, John Walter II, led the fledgling Times out of the mire of sleaze and corruption and patronised brilliant young journalists and the man who in 1817 became perhaps its greatest editor, the radical Thomas Barnes. Under his 24-year reign the paper was more like the Guardian than The Times we know today. Barnes repeatedly attacked the government over the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, consistently supported the Chartists, called the 1832 Reform Act “the greatest event of modern history”, and in 1834 loudly campaigned in support of those seminal trade unionists, the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The Tories loathed him. When John Delane succeeded Barnes, The Times switched its support to the newly-instituted Conservative Party, but it could still spring some nasty surprises. During the Crimean War WH Russell became the first journalist to actually base himself at the battlefront, whence he continuously lambasted the government for its miserable failure to provide for its troops, earning The Times its nickname, The Thunderer. By this time The Times was at the zenith of its power and influence – Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to Russell, called it the greatest newspaper in the world. But it wasn’t to last. Growing competition and some very unfortunate editorial judgements brought the
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paper to its knees, and in 1908 the Walter family sold it to Lord Northcliffe of Daily Mail fame, who restored its fortunes but did nothing to improve its reputation. He sold out to the Astor family in 1922 and The Times became more and more entrenched as the establishment’s newspaper. The grand old Thunderer changed hands again in 1967 when the Canadian press baron Roy Thompson bought it, then in 1981 to Rupert Murdoch. The Sun and The Times in the same stable! The ruling class held its collective breath but it needn’t have worried. Murdoch sought and won his battle with the print unions with the move to Wapping in 1986; but editorially, he has made surprisingly few changes. The paper is still undeniably Conservative, but backed Tony Blair in 2001 and 2005; many of its columnists are not what you’d call right-wing: Paul Dacre of the Mail calls it “pinkish” – and it’s not afraid to fall out with the Tories. So happy 229th birthday, The Times. What will you do next? Support Ed Miliband in 2015? Stranger things have happened!
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Ruth Jemmett Writes Something Old, something new Ruth Jemmett Looks At How Traditions Change
As we take down the tinsel at the beginning of 2014 we can reflect on the fact that it is only a quirk of fate that made us celebrate Christmas on 25th December. This special day was originally on 6th January, until it was moved by Pope Julius Ist hundreds of years ago. Most of us have our lives ruled by dates, but throughout history political and religious leaders of our world have changed the pattern of our calendars many times. I have just spent a couple of hours transferring information into my new diary, and got a certain satisfaction from imagining that my life was in some sort of order! Nearly every page of my new almanac has something in it to remind me of people’s birthdays, various appointments, and the dates when meteor showers are due. (The late Patrick Moore has a lot to answer for!). Even though we would like to have everything in our lives to be totally predictable, even time itself varies by nano-seconds as our planet hurtles around the sun. For society to function smoothly we invent ways of controlling our environment, but traditions are constantly changing. In these islands we are quite used to changing our clock settings every Spring and Autumn, but if the idea of Scottish Independence becomes a reality, our tedious ritual of racing round adjusting all our timepieces will become a thing of the past. ‘Putting the clocks back’ (or forward) was invented initially to help Scottish farmers cope with too many hours of darkness. We human beings have an instinctive need to organise our days. Our forebears in Neanderthal times probably scratched pictures on the cave walls to remind them whose turn it was to go out and kill a woolly mammoth! The more we evolved the more we realised that keeping records and planning ahead was crucial for the survival of our species. From The Bible to the diaries of Samuel Pepys humanity has always had a deep urge to
record worldly events. One only has to read a little bit of history - be it ancient or modern - to realise that traditions that once seemed to be set in stone, are constantly changing. The reason that we rule the animal kingdom is because our brains are not only getting bigger (the reason why women suffer so much in childbirth is because our heads unlike most other animals - constitute one fifth of our body mass) but increasingly better nutrition means that we are getting more and more intelligent - although you wouldn’t think so when you watch some reality shows on television! Consequently we are constantly wanting to learn new things and change the world (hopefully) for the better, constantly striving to put everything on record. The onset of a new year gives us the feeling that we are writing on a new slate and re-inventing ourselves. No tradition, however old, stays the same forever. We have to adapt to changing times. Even in the last fifty years or so many older residents of
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Worcester Park will tell you that Christmas isn’t what it used to be. In living memory it was a mainly Christian festival, dominated by church services, and countless Carol Singers knocking on suburban doors. (I know - because I used to be one of those children crucifying Silent Night!). Such warbling waifs are now few and far between. Sending unchaperoned children out into a dark night is a definite no-no these days, considering how many alcohol or drug-fuelled individuals now roam our streets. The story, and traditional telling of the birth of Jesus was central to Yuletide, but nowadays - in truth - how many of you have received more than a couple of Christmas cards showing a nativity scene on them? Last month you were much more likely to have received cards showing tap-dancing reindeers or a drunken Santa! In the 1950s, the tradition of ‘First Footing’ was commonplace at New Year, when a likely looking male family member was ejected from the home at about midnight on 31st December, and would be required to return indoors after the chimes of Big Ben had echoed throughout the land. First Footing is an old Scottish tradition (many other countries throughout the world celebrate New
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Year in a similar way), and in the old days people over the border up north wanted the First Footer to be a tall, dark and handsome young man, as he would represent the Scottish people, and not the dreaded Norsemen. Ideally he would enter the home bearing gifts of a coin, bread, salt, sugar, coal, and a drink (preferably whisky) to respectively represent the hope for financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth and good cheer during the coming months. As my father had deserted our home when I was young we would substitute him with our bewildered-looking male Collie dog, Laddie, who had the aforementioned articles in a bag dangling from his neck! Happily we stopped short of dressing him in a little kilt! (My grandmother was a Campbell, and we felt duty-bound to honour our Scottish roots). How many families do YOU know who still follow that tradition? (And who of the younger generation would recognise a piece of coal if they saw it anyway?!). One New Year tradition that thankfully seems to stay with us is the singing of Auld Lang Syne. As we welcome in the New Year its familiar tune echoes throughout countless homes and bars. For some it is a sad song reminding them of happier times, whilst for others it can be a clarion call to make hay while they can! As years pass, everything from archaic rituals to our own bodies, gradually changes. (A certain television advert tells us to look out for The Seven Signs Of Ageing. At the last count I think I had about twenty!). As you fill in your own diaries for 2014 I hope that your days are filled with exciting challenges and the thrill of going into the great unknown. If last year wasn’t a particularly good one for you, try not to let it hold you back like a used snail’s shell. The Buddha said that “What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow”. Try not to let thoughts of what has been bog you down and stop you from moving on. Life is a gift - not a given. Enjoy it for all it’s worth. As Buddha also said - “Our life is the creation of our mind”. In other words: Life is what you make it. May all of you in Worcester Park have a very Happy New Year. Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors Copyright 27th November 2013
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34 Stonecot Hill, Sutton Surrey, SM3 9HE Tel: 020 8337 2626
WandsWorth
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1. In March 2013, who famously said “may God forgive you for what you have done”? 2. In 2013, who left his career in politics to become President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee in New York? 3. In April 2013, what became the first song with a running time of less than a minute to reach the top ten of the UK singles charts? 4. In August 2013, it was announced that actor Peter Capaldi will take over the leading role in which long running TV series? 5. UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom caused controversy in July 2013 when referring to countries that receive overseas aid from the UK by what name? 6. In which competition did Gaynor Hopkins finish in 15th position when representing the UK in 2013? 7. Mad About The Boy was the sub-title of a 2013 novel centred around which character? 8. With a main building that was affectionately known by staff as “the doughnut”, what officially closed on March 31st 2013? 9. What was the final score in the 2013 Ashes series? 10. Which two singers won two awards each at the 2013 BRIT Awards?
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1. Pope Francis (speaking to his fellow cardinals on his election as Pope) 2. David Miliband 3. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 4. Doctor Who 5. Bongo Bongo Land 6. The Eurovision Song Contest (Gaynor Hopkins is the real name of Bonnie Tyler) 7. Bridget Jones 8. BBC Television Centre 9. 3-0 to England 10. Emeli Sande and Ben Howard
Review Of The Year
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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We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural querie • Free quotes • Fully NPTC qualified R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional • Tree reductions / crown thins staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance. • Tree felling Free Quotes • Stump removal Diploma qualified NPTC licensed • Hedgeworks Tree Reductions / Crown Thins • Tree surveys & reports Tree Felling Stump Removal Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports £10 million insurance liability cover
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19
View from the City by Justin Urquhart Stewart
Investment Thoughts -A another FTSE Fad Goes – Annuity warnings & Pay FTSE fads The FTSE100 is a remarkably unreliable friend. It has inconsistently changed its complexion faster than many ladies of dubious professional standing. Over the decades it has become the focus of the fashionable companies to invest in of the period, and we see them rise with enthusiasm and fall into financial disgrace on a regular and almost cyclical basis. Thus we have gone from the old imperial trading companies like British & Commonwealth and ICI, through the conglomerates of BTR, Hanson and Williams. Then many will recall the early privatisations, then the demutualisations and the especially frenetic TMT (Technology, Media & Telecom) boom that bust so spectacularly at the end of the century. Even after that the fashion fads continued with, as I am sure we can all remember, the finance sector with banks that were surely “too big to fail” and then, running parallel with them, the rise of the miners during the commodities super cycle. Well now we are seeing the waning of this latest investment fervour. Last week saw the end of quarterly FTSE shuffle when CEOs either find themselves suitably flattered or humiliated as they win or lose their membership to FTSE 100 status. This is not just a technical exercise but affects many, as of course the powerful tracker funds and ETFs will become forced buyers and sellers depending which way your company is going and thus will see some quite dramatic price variations. This quarterly shuffle is just a consequence of capital valuations and thus it means that the index is going to be at the behest of sometimes
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short term capital swings and not provide the stability of, say, an equally weighted index where each constituent has an equal share. So in this case, with the FTSE 100 each constituent being 1% of the index whereas currently around 10 companies account for 45%. This time around the newly privatised Royal Mail Group has come in after its “priced to go” flotation a few weeks ago. However one of the leavers is to be Vedanta, the Indian mining company. Vedanta will in fact be the fifth stock from the basic resources sector to leave the index so far just this year. The others were Kazakhmys the Kazakh miner, the controversial ENRC miner, the steelmaker Evraz, and Polymetal. In many ways then 2013 has seen a rebalancing in the FTSE100 as the mining and metals sector slipped from a strong 17% of the index value to something less than half of that. Perversely it has
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been the banking sector that has been reviving in value, with Barclays rising by 15% in the past year, and the much criticised and fined Lloyds up by over 50%. The lesson from this is as ever – beware the fashion fads – fashion looks foolish soon after. Another scandal – and a serious one. Annuities Recently the Financial Services Consumer Panel, a statutory body charged with defending consumer interests described some of the brokers involved in selling annuities as “burglars”. Few understand their pensions and have little idea where to turn to for honest independent advice. The result is that many fall into an unknowing trap of buying an annuity from their pension provider with no shopping around or evaluation. They wouldn’t know where to start. If, though, they do come across an annuity broker they then find that their commissions can be as high as 6%! It seems that some of these operatives may also not be institutions of deep pockets (in case things go wrong) but small offices of offshore units which have little strength or credibility – but how would the consumer know that?
Annuities have always been suspect in my book. You get to retire and are then expected to place a bet on your own life. Die young they win, die later they still win – die very much later you might just win. I understand that from the age of 65 you would have to live to 85 to get you money back with the current meagre annuity rates. So why take one out at all? You might as well have it invested yourself for a better return rather than give the profits to the insurance industry. Now there is a question which we in the investment industry should look to answer. So clear direction for all of us and for any of us who know people in this situation – please seek advice now. It will affect 400,000 people each year who are being sold these things. Justin 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 etail 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
R WOODFALL OPTICIANS 159 Central Road, Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8DT
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21
Clubs
Cooking Your Spanish
Your 2014 resolution Have you already listed your resolutions for the new year? Do they include learning a new language or how to be a better cook? Then, you got it! Make Cooking Your Spanish your resolution for 2014: learn Spañish while preparing tapas! Travel with us to Spain and Latin America through the Hispanic world of food! Your invitation to our first anniversary party Cooking Your Spanish will be one year old on Thursday 23 January 2014. Come to meet us and our students, and learn more about our different courses meanwhile we enjoy some tapas together. Join us at The Brook in Worcester Park (formerly known as Midas Touch) from 7pm. Email us to reserve your free place as space is limited – we have 50 drink vouchers to give away! Our 2014 courses With just 7 students max, each of our courses is 8 weeks long – Mondays for beginners, Tuesdays for intermediates and Wednesdays for our advance course. We have lunch time courses from 12pm to 1.30pm and dinner time from 7pm to 8.30 pm. After a successful Autumn term, our evening classes for the Winter are almost fully booked as well! However, there are still places available for lunch time starting on 13, 14 or 15 January depending on your level. If you can only join us in the evening, we have already opened the pre-registration for our Spring term starting on 12, 13 or 14 May and finishing on the first week of July – ready for the summer holidays! Furthermore, CYS for the family (parents and kids from 8 to 11 years old) will be at lunch time on Sundays. At every session, two new tapas will drive you and your best classmate through the language of Cervantes and Rafa Nadal. Learning together – what an experience! Have a look at our website or send us an email for information on any of our courses. What our students say Both the beginner and intermediate courses in Autumn were fully booked and our students loved the experience: - “It was a very enjoyable course, fab idea to do tapas and Spanish at the same time. Loved it!” (Minka) - “I had a fantastic time again on the second course
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and I look forward to the new one in January. Muchas gracias!” (Jackie) Open day Join us at anytime from 12pm to 8.30 pm on 7 January – your glass of sangría is waiting! And DON’T FORGET our party on 23 January – book your free place soon to avoid disappointment! y
o
u r
Feliz Año Nuevo!
Y O U R
SPAÑISH & TAPAS
Learn Spanish while preparing tapas New term starting in January 2014
Courses are 8 weeks long | Half-term break on w/c 17 Feb
Beginner: Intermediate: Advance:
Mondays, 13 Jan – 10 Mar Tuesdays, 14 Jan – 11 Mar Wednesdays, 15 Jan – 12 Mar
Time: Fee:
Lunch (new!): 12 to 1.30pm or Dinner: 7 to 8.30pm
Location:
£199 (food and kitchen utensils included!) Payable by instalments Suite 12, Fitzroy House (opposite Barclays) Lynwood Drive, Worcester Park KT4 7AT
Join us for our open days on Tue 17 Dec or Tue 7 Jan Pop up at anytime from 12pm to 8.30pm
learn, eat, enjoy E: cookingyourspanish@gmail.com W: cookingyourspanish.com T: 07503 727320
Max. 7 people per class
Food source:
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NEW YEAR UPDATE 2014 Welcome to the New Year and may we take this opportunity to wish all our readers the very best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. The start of any year is always a good time for both a roundup of the past and predictions for the future so please read on for our view of the local property market, what’s changed and where we think its heading. WHEN SIZE MATTERS This time last year we were looking forward to the completion of office renovations which would more than double the size of our offices. Now we are wondering if we will have enough space to see our growing team through another 12 months! Jackson Noon continues to grow, and grow, covering an increasingly wide area. This is good for us and great for our clients. Whilst our increase in size and market dominance may have some logistical headaches ahead for us it has proven to be a considerable extra advantage for our vendors. Simply put the more property we sell the more enquiries we have from potential buyers. As a result by December our “appointment only viewing days” were attracting strong interest with 10-15 viewings leading quickly to good offers. This ensured that our vendors goals, a quick sale at the best price, were very comfortably met, often with a back-up buyer ready in the wings. All in all it was a thriving end to a very successful year and strongly indicates that 2014 will be busy too. PROPERTY PRICES On average property prices locally rose around 10% in 2013 reaching a new all-time high for most property types. This price rise is certainly strong but still lags behind London. However with good local schools, excellent transport links and more than a hint of greenery the local area is very attractive to those coming out of town hoping to make their money stretch a little further. Quite what will happen to local prices next year we can’t say for certain but as London interest combines with a significant influx of buy-to-let investors, the likelihood of them falling seems remote. Meanwhile Government initiatives to improve mortgage access are now in place and, whilst we haven’t seen a flood of local buyers taking advantage, it is certainly the case that availability of funding continues to steadily improve from the very restrictive situation of a couple of years ago. Towards the middle of last year increased activity took lenders, solicitors and surveyors by surprise leaving them unable to keep up. Thankfully we can report this has eased considerably and the legal processes between sale and exchange are now progressing both more smoothly and more quickly. This is very welcome indeed. So how will the New Year start? In both 2012 and 2013 January saw a huge surge in activity and interest. All indicators point towards 2014 being busier still. To take advantage of that, or if you are just curious to see how much your home is worth today, please contact Sandra or Peter in our office and they will be delighted to help. Lettings@JacksonNoon.com
Sales@JacksonNoon.com
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Pictograms 3 words
Est 35 YEARS
ROBINSON & SON
PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS
DON P_THO_ PAN_SA_
Wallpapering
4 words
JENNINGS EHT
Experienced professional Tradesman
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5 words USER MANAGER MANAGER USER MANAGER USER USER MANAGER MANAGER USER
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL High Quality WORK AT LOCAL RATES
CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER
020 8399 9803
RECOMMENDATIONS FULLY INSURED
A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS EMail: robinsonandson@talktalk.net
WORCESTER PARK RBL ENTERTAINMENTS TEAM PRESENTS...... NEW FOR 2014 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT WE HAVE A NEW LOOK ENTERTAINMENT BOARD IN THE CLUB COME AND JOIN THE CLUB AND SEE FOR YOURSELF EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY 1ST FEB - LIVE SHOW NIGHT DREAM BOATS AND PETTY COATS WEST END MUSICAL ARE AT THE LEGION MAX 2 TICKETS PER MEMBER ON SALE 1ST WEEK OF JANUARY NOT A MEMBER THEN COME AND SEE US ANYTIME
RECRUITING NOW 24
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ST R N NO YLE AN EW W S & GE AV C OF AI OL LA OU BL RS E
For a beautiful new kitchen...
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For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226 Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, View our credentials at Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Re giste r e d wit h t he
Home Care Services Ltd
A Comprehensive Range of Care Services •
Live-in Car e - Throughout Su rrey - 24 hour care an d/or compan ionsh ip
• Per son al Car e - t oilet ing, bat hing, dressing • “Pop - In” Service • Night Sl eeper an d Waking Night St aff - providing reassuran ce/night care • Household Dut ies - shopping, hou sework • M eal Preparat ion • End of Life Car e For a free professional assessment of your personal needs, please call us on 020 8393 7117
51 The Broadw ay - St onelei gh - Epsom - Surrey - KT17 2JE Office 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 020 8393 7117 - Fax: 020 8393 5535 Email: classichomecare@bt connect .com Websit e: www.classichomecareservices.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Seasonal recipe Red onion soup with melting gruyere croutons
After all the indulgence and expense of Christmas and the New Year, this hearty soup is the perfect antidote. Ideal for a warming winter lunch or supper it’s simple to make, tastes delicious and doesn’t cost a fortune. Serves 4, Ready in 1½ hours 2 tbsp olive oil 15g butter 650g small red onions, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tsp brown sugar 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1.2litres beef or vegetable stock Few sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra to garnish Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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8 thin slices day old French bread 75g Gruyere cheese, grated 1 Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep heavy-based saucepan until the butter is sizzling. Add all the sliced onions and cook very gently over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. 2 Sprinkle over the sugar and cover and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden. 3 Stir in the flour and half the mustard and cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock. Add the thyme sprigs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper (see Tip) and bring to the boil. 4 Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste. 5 Lightly toast the slices of French bread on one side. Spread the untoasted sides with the rest of the mustard and top with the grated Gruyere cheese. Pop under a hot grill for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. 6 Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and top each with two hot Gruyere croutons. Serve immediately garnished with thyme sprigs. TIP If you use stock made up from stock cubes taste the soup before adding any seasoning as some can be quite highly seasoned.
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 Independent Schools Inspectorate report pupils’ own excellent attitudes to learning.” 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.
Tel: 020 8942 0754
pupils’ overall success is a result hly effective teaching, an outstanding ulum 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
o@thestudyschool.co.uk
Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk
57 Thetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP
etford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP
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Wendover House, West Ewell Chessington Road, West Ewell, KT19 9XF
Enjoy independent living with no worries about home maintenance costs and responsibilities Inclusive fees from £250.00 per week Home cooked meals Meet new friends Why not visit us and take a look?
Call Caroline Hayhurst - 020 8393 0881 or email abbeyfieldewellsoc@btinternet.com www.abbeyfield.com/ewell The Abbeyfield Ewell Society Ltd. Charity No.204444
MOT
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Nordic Walking is an outdoor activity for every age and fitness level. It is easy to learn, great for your joints and back. Tones the whole body and is affordable, sociable and fun. Do you like to master the Nordic Walking technique and participate in fitness walks in the beautiful surroundings of Surrey?
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Pay yourself first How to complain and make money
Jasmine Birtles, moneymagpie.com When you purchase something, whether it’s a holiday or a hat, you’re entering into a contract of exchange. This means that the seller has agreed to meet your ‘statutory rights’. If these are not met or you’re not happy with the service, you can make a complaint and ask for compensation, either in the form of money or goods. Complain about goods and services Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, shops must provide goods which are of satisfactory quality, as described, fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time. They must provide services which are carried out with reasonable care and skill within a reasonable time and at a decent cost. The way to complain about sub-standard goods or services is: Step 1: Make a complaint in person or over the phone as soon as possible. Inform them that you know your statutory rights as a consumer. Step 2: If you don’t receive a satisfactory response, complain in writing to the head office. Ask for compensation for your time and effort (suggest an amount of money) as well as having your item mended or replaced. Send letters by recorded delivery. Step 3: If you still aren’t satisfied, write again and be persistent. Those who write a third time usually receive at least some of what they want. Complain about train tickets You can be compensated between half and your entire ticket price if a train is delayed for more than half an hour (depending on the cause of the delay). How to do it: Step 1: Write to the train operator. Forms are available from the ticket office, their website or from www.traindelays. co.uk. Step 2: Take your complaint further. If you’re unhappy with the response from National Rail, you can seek independent passenger representation from www. passengerfocus.org.uk for journeys outside of London or www.londontravelwatch.org.uk for journeys in and around London. Claims will need to be made within 28 days and the original ticket must be sent with your complaint. Compensation is usually paid in rail vouchers. Complain about insurance companies and financial services If you’re unhappy about the service you have received from a financial company, it’s easier to complain than it used to be:
Step 1: Complain directly to the company in writing, explaining why you’re not happy and what you want the business to do in return. Send copies of paperwork and keep a record of your correspondence. Make sure you complain as soon as things go wrong. They will look at your complaint and see if it’s appropriate to compensate you. However in most cases they will try and avoid this so be persistent. You might have to be patient though as a business is allowed to take up to eight weeks to reach a resolution. Step 2: If you disagree, you can ask the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) www.financial-ombudsman. org.uk to look at your complaint for free. Claim back PPI Millions of people across the country have been mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and have claimed back thousands of pounds in compensation. Step 1: Gather your paperwork and details and make
The Picture Frame Warehouse FOr all your framing needs 41 burlington Road, new malden, surrey, kt3 4lp
Large Selection of Ready Made Frames and Mounts Custom Framing Service available Retail and Wholesale Sporting Memorabilia, Canvas Stretching, Medals Needlework and Batiks 10% off with this advert
Please contact us on 0208 949 7119
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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020 8330 7557 - Sales 020 8330 7887 - Lettings www.brownsresidential.co.uk
Thinking of Selling? Browns Residential have your buyer Long established trusted brand Office in key location Motivated experienced staff with extensive local knowledge Database of quality buyers Accompanied viewings 3D colour floor plans on all sole agency instructions (subject to Terms & Conditions) High profile boards with QR technology Exclusive Member of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents for the Worcester Park area with a national network of over 750 offices Regional colour supplements within the Worcester Park Life and Ewell & Stoneleigh Connection Extensive internet coverage on all major property portals
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Worcester Park l Stoneleigh l Ewell l New Malden l Cheam Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
To view our full selection of properties scan this QR code with your smart phone
£1,500,000 Worcester Park
£589,950 Worcester Park
• Gated Detached House • Seven/Eight Bedrooms • Four Receptions • EPC Rating D
• Semi Detached • Four Bedrooms • Large Conservatory • EPC Rating E
£1,150,000 Worcester Park
£479,950 Stoneleigh
• Detached House • Five/Six Bedrooms • Five Receptions • EPC Rating D
• Family Semi • Three Bedrooms • South Facing Garden • EPC Rating E
Browns Residential
Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7JZ Email:
sales@brownsresidential.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 lettings@brownsresidential.co.uk
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JANUARY SALE
BIG DISCOUNTS ALL MONTH!!
BIG RANGE OF QUALITY BEDS, BED FRAMES AND MATTRESSES IN STOCK CALL BEST PRICE BEDS NOW:
Tel: 01379 855 456 or 01379 855 461 22 Redenhall Road, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9ER • www.bestpricebeds.co.uk
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
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at
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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O U R L AT E S T ‘N E X T G E N E R AT I O N’ S H O W R O O M
NOW OPEN
Visit us today... ...enjoy a coffee whilst you view our latest styles of windows, doors and conser vatories
E s t a b l i s h e d
i n
1 9 9 1
7, Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park KT4 8TL 0208 330 2170 48, High Street, Cheam SM3 9Ql 0208 770 7555
(w) www.cheamwindows.co.uk W I N D O W S , D O O R S , O R A N G E R I E S , C O N S E R V AT O R I E S , G L A Z E D E X T E N S I O N S, B E S P O K E S H U T T E R S & M U C H M O R E
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The Better Life Car boot capers by Derek Thompson
If Chinese philosophers ever need new pearls of wisdom, I’d like to suggest one of mine: When your garage is so full of tat that you can’t fit the car in, it’s time to do a car boot. I do have a tat filing system, of sorts, so it’s not difficult to find anything (if you can clamber over everything else). On one side, opposite the firewood pallet that we found dumped in a lay-by, is a salvaged cupboard unit, held together with an assortment of odd screws. In there live the boxes of books relegated from our shelves, an old beer tray from a charity shop and two binbags full of Anne’s castoffs - mainly shoes. We’ve always loved car boots. They’re really another form of recycling - turning unwanted goods into cash (and then buying other people’s flotsam). Car boots can also be a great place to pick up old and perfectly serviceable tools. For example, my much-loved £1 wrench was the only thing that could undo the old water pump so that we could replace the gasket and shaft head. When we parked up on site, people swarmed around our car as if we were in a zombie film (and I scare easily). Anne stepped out to force them back, but she was already doing deals before I’d lifted the last box of books from the boot. As car boot trader novices, we were surprised at how quickly some of our best stuff went, and even more surprised at how quickly it reappeared on other stalls at twice the price. Also, I lost count of how many times a cheery conversation ended up being steered towards the phrase: ‘Any chance of a discount?’ And this was often for books going for £1 apiece. I’m not a massive fan of haggling, although I did manage some furtive bartering for veg. After a couple of bursts of brisk trade, business really tailed off. And when the same faces went past for a third time we
decided to call it a day. Ironically, packing up brought all the hardcore bargain hunters out from the shadows. A new phrase became the norm: “How much for this save you taking it home?” Frankly, I felt embarrassed for the books. Once we’d finally closed the boot, we did a circuit together. Now, by some strange alchemy, random objects acquired unexpected allure. How had I ever got by without a ceramic foot warmer or a DVD of Yes Minister? Anne left me to it and made a beeline for one of the plant stalls. By the time I caught up with her, she was hunting for specimens on some invisible list I’d not
been privy to. Once she’d checked what was available and asked about growing conditions, I watched, in astonishment, as she ceased swapping pleasantries to ask, “Is there any discount for buying in bulk?” She always was a fast learner. Anything we didn’t sell on the day went to a charity shop. It turned out that the ceramic foot warmer leaked (don’t ask...), so it now sits in ignominy in the garden. The DVD was excellent. I’ve moved it to the garage, in the empty cupboard, just in case. Derek Thompson is a writer and humourist based in the West Country.His writing blog can be found at www. alongthewritelines.blogspot.com and he is also a regular at www.strictlywriting.blogspot.com
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Clubs Mondays
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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 13th January – James Goff 10th February – Steve Hubble 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 Email dawn.wicontact@gmail.com Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at CHRIST CHURCH with ST PHILIP Ruskin Road, Worcester Park
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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 Phone Contact: 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
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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 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 41 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, Ken Amess, on 020 8337 6241 or visit our website: www.ewell-probus.org. uk
Thursdays
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,
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London Road, North Cheam. 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
Fridays
Bartlett House 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. Transport may be available. Contact us on 01372 720563 or 07807443156 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
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.
North Cheam Sports & Social Club Telephone: 020 8644 8469
Members Joining and Renewals from February to February All sporting events- Sky, big screens 2 function halls available for hire- birthdays, weddings, funerals, christenings- buffet available Garden- summer BBQ’s, Disco- Kareoke’s • Very Friendly Club • Families welcome • Kids games room • Pool table / Darts 658 London Road North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9BY you... d to seeing Look forwar northcheamsocial@yahoo.co.uk e Millard u S d n a y n To www.northcheamsportsandsocialclub.co.uk
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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 Over 18’s All standards Bar & Free parking & Professional D J We may not have Brucie but we do have a glitter ball! January 3rd and 17th, February 7th and 21st 07903 314276 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 Where: Manor Park, Malden Road. New members will be made very welcome. Roll ups, league matches, internal and external competition; we offer bowling for all levels of interest and ability. Contact Men’s Secretary John: 020 8337 0084 or Ladies Secretary Pat: 020 8544 9704 Cheam High School. 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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Sowing Time by Pippa Greenwood
Now that January is here it’s a perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots. But how do you make sure that yours germinate and produce seedlings and then plants which thrive and grow well? A shopping list for first time sowers should be: - Good quality seed and cuttings compost. - Some seed half-trays, which are about 5” x 8”. - A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator. - A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home. - Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings. If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you’re using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it. Depending on the types of seeds you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths. Some seeds are tiny and are best scattered over the surface. Other seeds are best sown in drills. Once they are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to
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the required depth. However others germinate best if allowed access to daylight and should be sown on the surface. With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly. I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the compost is just moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator. When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts may harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over. Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the compost is adequately moist. Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear. When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant. When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always transplant seedlings so that they are at the same depth as they were in the seed tray. If you find that your seedlings have become rather leggy and drawn, this is usually because they’re not receiving enough natural light; move the trays onto a south or west facing windowsill. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening items including ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Choose the veg you’d like to grow and they’re sent to you ready to plant, accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa.
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45
Voice for Wildlife by Carol Williams
A winter ramble ‘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, 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
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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
SKC Electrical SKC Electrical are electricians based in Sutton, Surrey that provide a comprehensive range of electrical services including: • Complete and part re-wires • Fuse board upgrades and repairs • Inspection and testing • Landlords certificates • Lighting and power points • Shower and cooker circuits • Garden lighting SKC Electrical works in accordance with approved Document Part P of the Building Regulations.
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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 isn’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 ‘pests’ 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!
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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
There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers in Worcester Park (term time only) 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
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+
Day
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Cryptic Crossword
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Across 1. Cares about a hundred in short supply (6) 4. Latin fog swirls about, drifting aimlessly (8) 9. Give up work and go to bed (6) 10. Swindle and dish up jam (8) 12. Ultimatum ruins ideal end (8) 13. Ripest sort of clergyman (6) 15. Chaps to and fro for Christmas (4) 16. Ted able to come round after the expected time (7) 20. Endlessly desiring a painkiller (7) 21. New idea for an assistant (4) 25. Unprincipled spoken test in the morning? (6) 26. Ready money on simple material (8) 28. Dual need for a type of petrol (8) 29. Silent move to join the military (6) 30. Liberality when less rage is stirred up (8)
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31. Seal we exchanged for another creature (6) Down 1. Unpleasantly loud explosion of tridents (8) 2. Entreat a worried beast (8) 3. Ring a cleric modelled (6) 5. Weaving machine seen in Bloomsbury (4) 6. Trades so badly varied (8) 7. Serial about a country (6) 8. Got the change for a run-down district (6)
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11. Like a cherub in orange lichen (7) 14. Upper-case main city (7) 17. Exciting adventure when a seed cap explodes (8) 18. Roman emperor buries it badly (8) 19. Leap around Ted’s plinth (8) 22. Instruction book relating to the hands (6) 23. Hat worn by a cricket player? (6) 24. Part of a church cut for luck (6) 27. Tidings from all points of the compass (4)
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Tel: 5885 020 8942 Tel: 020 8942 / Fax:5885 020 8942 5885 E-mail: info@westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk Website: www.westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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What’s on St Raphaels Fundraising
Please support St Raphael’s Hospice. Here are some of the events taking place in the next few months. For a full list of events as they are available please visit our website www.straphaels.org.uk Saturday 18th January 14 - Quiz Night, at 7.30pm at Old Rutlishians Clubhouse, Poplar Road, Merton Park, SW19 3JS. Tickets £12.50 including supper with a cash bar, available from Wendy Nash, 0208 540 8978, wendynash2011@ hotmail.co.uk Saturday 18th January, 8pm. An evening of comedy with Tim Vine and friends at Sutton United Football Club.. Tickets cost £15, over 18s only, and are available from Sutton United (020 8644 4440) Wednesday 12th March 14 – Quiz Evening @ St Bede’s conference centre (behind the hospice). Table of 8: £72. For more details or to book please call: Bob Waters: 020 8337 3134 or Diana 020 8641 3540 Sunday 23rd March 14 - St Raphael’s Hospice Tandem Skydive. Don’t miss the experience of a lifetime! A chance to join a group – the ultimate adventure! Minimum sponsorship £395. For more details contact: Kerry Thomas T: 020 8254 2465, email: Kerry.thomas@straphaelshospice.org.uk Sunday 10th Aug 14 - Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, starting at the Olympic Park in London and finishing at The Mall. We have guaranteed places available. Minimum sponsorship of £450. For an application form contact: Kerry Thomas T: 020 8254 2465, email: Kerry.thomas@straphaelshospice.org.uk
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 Worcester Park Local Produce and Craft Market –,Sun 1st December, 10am-4pm, Central Road 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 Georges Square (by New Malden Train Station) 9am to 2pm (Not January) Surbiton Farmers Market Maple Road 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-1pm
Nonsuch News
“National media focus on the Tudors/local interest in Tudor history on our doorstep in Nonsuch Park. BBC2 has a season on Tudor history; the V & A has an exhibition of Tudor Art and Buckingham Palace is showing portraits exploring Tudor fashion. The local resident, however, does not need to travel to London to appreciate some of Tudor history. An amazing model of the original Nonsuch Palace, built by Henry VIII to celebrate the birth of his son Edward – so important to the Tudor dynasty – is on view every every Sunday in the winter 11 – 2 p.m in the Gallery of the Mansion, Service Wing entrance, Nonsuch Park. The site is marked on the Northern side of the Park by three tall pillars which now stand as the only physical evidence of this amazing building. They are as three sentries guarding a bygone age. In addition, a unique and important collection of stained glass amassed by Samuel Farmer, owner of the present Mansion in the early 1800’s, features one particular panel commemorating the marriage of Jane Seymour to Henry VIII – only 11 days after the execution of Anne Boleyn! These are just a few of the treasures on view in the Nonsuch Mansion Service Wing Museum open on 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month (9th and 23rd) 2 – 5 p.m. Combined entry to Gallery & Museum £3.00,
Cypress Garden Services “A cut above the rest” One Off Tidy-ups Regular maintenance Grass Cutting Hedge Trimming Landscaping Tree Surgery Stump Grinding Strimming and Weeding Path & Patio Washing Garden Waste Removed Japenese knot weed removal advice & action For a free quote call Andrew Cudd
020 8944 9882 07958 727272
info@cypressgardenservices.co.uk www.cypressgardenservices.co.uk
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Concessions £2.00. Friends of Nonsuch Members & Children under 16 free. Entry only to Gallery £2.50. Last entry 4.30 p.m. www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk”
Bourne Hall Museum Kids
January 11 1pm to 2.30pm Horrible Trenches of WW1 David Brooks 0208 394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk To begin the Centenary Year of the start of WW1 you can march back up the line and prepare to go over the top as you discover what life wasExpert like in the trenches local care on the Western Front for ordinary infantryman. Were the rats really as big as cats and why did the men spend so much time chatting? Could you tell the difference between a moaning Minnie and Archie? Join up and keep your uniform smart despite the dreadful conditions. Learn what equipment and weapons you would be issued with and how effective they were. Decide if you could survive longer than the average 6 weeks lifespan of a second lieutenant or if you would just hope to get a Blighty One Age 7 to 12 £4 per child February 8 1pm to 2.30pm Exploring the Tudor World Meet ‘Simpkin’, a Tudor Privateer and Explorer, who served with Captain Drake during his circumnavigation of the world. He has many tales to tell; of the hardship of life on board ship, of visiting far off lands, of involvement with the slave trade, and of battling against the Spanish as, it should be remembered, one man’s ‘Privateer’ is another man’s ‘Pirate’! Age 7 to 12 £4 per child February 19 11.00am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm Cave Painting In the deep time of prehistory early men crawled down into the darkest caves and used light from primitive candles to paint pictures of themselves and the animals they hunted. They left behind a vivid record of their way of life and some clues of what they believed in. Discover how and why these paintings were created. Then by flickering light try to create your own cave painting in our very own ‘caves’. Please book to reserve your place; maximum 20 children. Age 7 to 12 £4 per child March 20 1pm to 2.30pm Victorian School Days The happiest days of their lives? Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF David Brooks 0208 394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Epsom Playhouse,
Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227 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.
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t
rueblue Nurses
Care at Home
Personal Care Housekeeping Companionship
0787 541 7474
truebluenurses@gmail.com www.truebluenurses.co.uk
Saturday 4 January 7.30pm, interval at 8.30pm, resumes 9pm, finish 9.30pm Tickets: £16.50 YOUTHEATRE Presents SLEEPING BEAUTY Wednesday 15 January to Saturday 18 January 2014 7.30pm & 2.30pm Sat Mat Tickets: Prices from £13.50 Concessions/ Family/Group offers available. Please contact the Youtheatre Box Office on 07593 792678. JONGLEURS COMEDY ON THE ROAD Tuesday 21 January 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. Suitable for over-18s only) THAT’LL BE THE DAY 2014 TOUR Thursday 23 January 7.30pm Tickets: £24.50 It’s party time again as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety show returns with another opportunity to see its 2014 production! THE MAGIC OF A THOUSAND STRINGS FEATURING THE INTERNATIONAL HARP ENSEMBLE WITH SPECIAL GUEST FARYL SMITH Saturday 25 January 7.30pm Tickets: £21.00 Pass Card: £18.00 Child: £15.00 Family: £15.50 each 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 25 January 7.30pm, interval at 8.30pm, resumes 9pm, finish 9.30pm Tickets: £16.50 JOE LONGTHORNE Thursday 6 February 8.00pm Tickets: £20.00 JACK THE RIPPER “A 21ST CENTURY INVESTIGATION” PRESENTED BY TREVOR MARRIOTT Retired Murder Squad Detective and leading Ripper expert
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Friday 7 February 7.30pm Tickets: £12.00 Pass card: £10.00 PUNT & DENNIS (SOLD OUT) Saturday 8 February 8.00pm Tickets: £19.50 Pass card: £18.00 THE BIG CHRIS BARBER BAND “60TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR” Europe’s Finest Traditional Jazz & Blues Band Tuesday 11 February 8.00pm Tickets: £19.50 Pass Card: £18.00 SALLY MORGAN ENTERPRISES LTD proudly presents Psychic Sally: On The Road (SOLD OUT) Thursday 13 February 7.30pm Tickets: £25.00 GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY Friday 14 February 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50 Pass Card: £17.50 ALL STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING Monday 17 February 7.30pm Tickets: £15.00 Child: £10.00 Family: £11.25 each THEO THE MOUSE Wednesday 19 February 2.30pm Tickets: £10.00 Pass Card: £10.00 Child: £8.00 ROY ORBISON & FRIENDS WITH BARRY STEAL Thursday 20 February 7.30pm Tickets: £20.00 Pass Card: £18.00 MR BLUE SKY TOUR featuring the fabulous ELO EXPERIENCE
3 Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES
The Official UK No1 Tribute Show 2013 Friday 21 February 7.30pm Tickets: £20.00 BARNEY LIVE! THE LET’S GO TOUR Saturday 22 February 2.30pm Tickets: £12.50 Child: £10.50 Family: £10.50 each 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 22 February 7.30pm, interval at 8.30pm, resumes 9pm, finish 9.30pm Tickets: £16.50 ANDY KIRKPATRICK: INAPPROPRIATE CLIMBING Thursday 27 February 7.30pm Tickets: £15.00 Pass Card: £14.00 Best selling author and comedian Andy Kirkpatrick returns in Spring 2014 with his fifth theatre tour. S MOSCOW BALLET PRESENTS GISELLE Friday 28 February 7.30pm Tickets: £25.00 Pass Card: £21.00 Child: £17.00
020 8335 4224
Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003
New PCs Support Ends April 8th, 2014 from £285
Computer Repairs & Upgrades Virus/Spyware/Trojan Removal Data Backup & Recovery Windows Troubleshooting Network Setup On-Site Repairs …… and More. Please call for a FREE estimate
£10 Discount off
With any repairs over £55*
*Only one per transaction.
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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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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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
QUALITY OAK, PINE & PAINTED FURNITURE FREE LOCAL DELIVERY – MADE TO MEASURE AVAILABLE 23-25 HIGH STREET EWELL VILLAGE
Telephone 020 8786 9315 www.alexandras.biz
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Cake and Bake Protein packed Greek yoghurt brownie bites
Deciding to embrace healthy eating is a pretty big step – so if you’ve got that far, well done. The tricky part is figuring out what to eat. Sure, you can stock up on diet shakes and steamed veggies, but you can only go so far before the binge cravings break through! So we have a deliciously tempting recipe, packed with protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer – and bursting with chewy, chocolatey, nutty goodness. Made with Greek yoghurt, you can leave out the fat but still get a rich and beautifully textured brownie. Ingredients: 130g self-raising flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 100g dark chocolate, broken into small chunks 100g dates, pre-soaked, pitted and chopped 70g cocoa powder 200g Greek yoghurt (either full fat or low fat) 75g chopped nuts (optional) Makes: 12-16 brownies Method 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line a medium sized shallow baking tray with baking paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients until evenly blended. 3. Melt dark chocolate by placing in a glass bowl, over hot water. Stir regularly until evenly melted. It should be smooth and glossy. 4. Allow chocolate to cool slightly, and then blend in Greek yoghurt. Whip through until a light, fluffy texture is achieved. 5. Combine chocolate
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mixture with flour, and add dates. Mix everything together gently until even. 6. Pour into baking tray, and decorate with chopped nuts if using them. As a nut-free alternative, you can add dried fruit or chocolate chips. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, and check with a knife. The brownie cake should be soft and slightly sticky, but firm to the touch. 8. Allow to cool, before cutting into portions.
CATS AT HOME • Friendly reliable cat feeding service for long holidays or short breaks • Convenient and easy to book • Stress free for you and your cat • Excellent references available
www.catsathome.com 0208 330 3715
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
P E CONTRACTORS LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS
+ BRICKWORK & DECORATIVE WALLS + ALL TYPES OF PAVING LAID + PATIOS AND PATHS + DRIVEWAYS + FENCING AND GATES + TURFING + PONDS + CONCRETE BASES + QUALITY WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED + PHOTOS AVAILABLE + NO SUB CONTRACT LABOUR USED + FULLY INSURED + CITY AND GUILDS QUALIFIED + ESTABLISHED 1985
0208 393 7900 // 07973 192426 www.pe-contractors.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Safer Neighbourhoods A Thank you!
by PCSO Gary Weaving Met Volunteers Here in Worcester Park we are lucky enough to have a great team of Volunteers, who do their best to keep the front counter open to the public from 10am till 2pm Mon to Fri. We are very grateful for the time that our volunteers offer and although they work very hard as a team to keep the front counter open throughout the given times it is not always possible. Therefore we are looking for new Volunteers to join the team to continue to provide this vital service. The Met Police Volunteer Programme (MPV) gives volunteers the opportunity to support the Met Police Service (MPS) in making London the safest major city in the world. It increases contact between local communities and the police, and improves the service we give to the public. • Met volunteers lend their skills and free time to help
Greg Building Services Loft Conversions • Extensions Bathroom Installation • Kitchen Installation Plumbing • Plastering Painting and Decorating • Refurbishment Excellent references available - All jobs fully insured
OUR POLICY IS A GOOD JOB AT THE RIGHT PRICE
07930108892
info@gregbuildingservices.co.uk
www.gregbuildingservices.co.uk
make London safer. • They give their time in the borough that they also live or work in. • By giving back to their community, they also gain valuable experiences. The Met Police Volunteer Programme (MPV) was established in 2001 with the primary aim of getting local communities more closely involved with their policing, and so improving the service we can offer. It operates throughout London via a network of locally-based MPV Managers situated either in a borough or specialist department, whose role it is to recruit and support volunteers. Who we’re looking for We welcome interest from anyone over the age of 18 years who has been a permanent resident in the UK for 3 continuous years and more. Applicants must have no criminal convictions. Applicants will also be required to complete vetting questionnaires and provide two professional references. Complete an initial application form Applications may be down loaded from the Met Police website from February 2014 or alternatively in the mean time you may contact your local Borough MPV Manager for more information about this role and other volunteering possibilities. Sutton MPV Manager Jacqui Sims Email: jacqueline.sims@met.police.uk Tel: 020 8649 0452 Thank you to all our Volunteers, past, present and future. Got something dirty? - no time to clean it ? - take your cleaning to:
A New Dimension
Ovens ‘n’ Stuff For the cleaning of domestic ovens, hobs, extractors, microwaves and free standing cookers. We specialise in AGA/Rayburn and range cleaning. Prices from £30 for a basic oven clean
Tel: 078 078 16 347
We also clean fridges, freezers, dishwashers, showers, and Baths.
We love doing the jobs you hate!
Find me at : www. findacraftsman.com & www.yell.com e-mail: ovensnstuff@uwclub.net
Based in Godalming,
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Member of The Guild of Master Craftsman, Surrey. Est 2009
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
central lock smith a5.pdf
1
14/11/2013
22:10
BEAT THE BURGLAR Its takes seconds for an intruder to access your home. Simply replace your exiting locks with
ABS ANTI-SNAP LOCKS.
C
M
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CM
MY
CY
CMY
We can upgrade your door with the ABS snap secure high security lock to replace existing substandard europrofile locks.
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20% discount on key cutting *Prices exclude VAT
FROM £39.00* (WITH THIS ADVERT)
ocal Your l treet High S iths m Locks YEARS 8 2 t Es
CYLINDERS SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED
FROM £79.00* (WITH THIS ADVERT)
Worcester Park Traders Discount Scheme Member
******
• POLICE APPROVED • BRITISH KITEMARKED • SECURED BY DESIGN ACCREDITED • MEETS REQUIREMENTS OS PAS024 • SOLD SECURE DIAMOND GRADE* • SNAP RESISTANT • BUMP RESISTANT • PICK RESISTANT • DRILL RESISTANT • KEYED ALIKE OR MASTER KEY SUITING
CYLINDERS SUPPLIED
******
ABS FEATURES:
CENTRAL LOCKSMITHS 62 CENTRAL ROAD, WORCESTER PARK KT4 9HY
TEL: 020 8330 4777
www.centrallocksmith.co.uk
KITEMARK BS EN 1303 2005 KM 553511
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Index
to advertise call 020 8336 2915 Accounting
DGAS 20
Beauty
Lisa’s Body Shaping
Care
49
Abbeyfield Wendover House 56 Classic Home Care 27 GES Care 52 Home Instead 6 Nail Cutting 8 True Blue Nurses 54
Car hire, maintenance & repair Elmwood Vehicles 30 K&P Tyres 47
Carpets & Flooring Carpets 4 U
2
Kiddies Republic
48
Children
Cleaning services
Bits and Bobs 44 Ovenclean 18 Ovens’n’stuff 61 Time 4 You 15
Computing
Megabyte 19
Counsellling
Patrick 8 Stella Warriner Counselling 15
62
Education
The Study School Westbury House
29 51
Kitchens, bathroom & plumbing
The Brook 64 North Cheam Social Club 4
Andy Reeve Plumber Bathroom Refurbishment Dreamdoors Kitchens Smith & Byford
Evershed Brothers
R Woodfall 21
Food & Drink
Funeral Directors
Furniture and Beds
17
Alexandras 57 Best Price Beds 34 Hamseys matresses 53
Holidays
Epsom Coaches
Home, gardening, decorating
9
Able2Build 11 Central Locksmiths 61 Cypress Gardening 53 Elegant Curtains 28 Greg Building Services 60 PE Contractors 59 Robinson & Son painters & decorators 21 RJ Trees 19 SKC Electrical 46 TSD Building 5
Opticians
Picture Frames
47 19 25 7
Picture Frame Warehouse
31
Fresh Printing
7
Printing
Property
Browns 32 Jackson Noon 23
Repairs
Suddies 38
Shopping
Tudor Williams Unilet Sound & Vision
Sport and Leisure
63 35
Cycle Power 30 King George Indoor Bowls Club 42 Royal British Legion 24 Thai Chi 12 Walkfit 30
Windows
Cheam Windows 36 Kingsbridge Local 43 Warmlite 45
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Winter
up to 50% off
hundreds of half price items across the store N O W
NO Your Local Department Store
High Street New Malden Tel: 020 8942 2277 www.tudorwilliamsltd.co.uk
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Sunday Nights Quiz Night 8.30pm
Come and visit us! CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR MENUS
PUB HOURS:
Sunday to Thursday 12 noon til 11pm • Friday & Saturday 12 noon til 1am
RESTAURANT HOURS:
Monday to Friday 12 noon til 3pm, 6 til 9:30pm Saturdays noon- 9:30pm • Sundays 12 noon til 6:00pm
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www.thebrookworcesterpark.co.uk / 0208 337 6891 Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 181 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8DR