Worcester Park Life
KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide November 14 issue 76
WWW.WPLIFE.CO.UK
C A R P E T S • N AT U R A L S • V I N Y L S • L A M I N AT E S
WE ALSO OFFER:
FREE • DELIVERY
• MOVING OF FURNITURE • DISPOSAL OF OLD CARPET • FITTING • PLUS A FURTHER:
+10% DISCOUNT ON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT AND SPECIAL RATES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS T & C APPLY
OVER
2
The only carpet shop that comes to your home! See 100’s of samples & colours all at competitive prices with NO OBLIGATION in the comfort of your home or office
FREE Estimates & Advice Friendly, family run business based in Epsom, covering Surrey and SW London est. 1975
01372 632 118
300 CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS !! www.carpets4u.co.uk
Carpets_A5.indd 1
20/06/2014 13:49
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
ORCESTER PARK DOMINO’S W
NOW OPEN
50% OFF
*
When you spend £50 or more online at regular menu price Enter this code at the checkout
WPLIFE14
COLLECTION OR DELIVERY
VALID UNTIL 30TH NOVEMBER 2014
119 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8DY
02034 371 111
Opening hours: 11am - Late, 7 days a week.
dominos.co.uk /DominosPizzaWorcester
@DominosPizzaSK
Call
Pop in
Tap the app
*50% off any full menu priced items when you spend £50 or more online. Excludes drinks and ice cream. Collection or delivery – delivery areas and minimum delivery spends may apply. Offer cannot be used with any other offer. Redemptions online only at www.dominos.co.uk. Subject to availability. To order on the website, you must click email orBoring call Legal 020Stuff 8336 2915 on the meal deals section and order To fromadvertise there. Conditions applyjenny@wplife.co.uk see Competitions and Offers at at dominos.co.uk for full details. Offer valid until 30/11/14.
3
Dear Readers
Back in August our family was invited/persuaded to join some lovely friends who had entered the Prudential FreeCycle. On the Thursday before the event I went and bought a bike. Learning to cycle a couple of decades since my last biking experience was, I can confirm, just like ‘riding a bike!’ We had an absolutely fabulous day out and I’d thoroughly recommend it – 1st August next year. Loads of key roads are shut in central London and it was such a pleasure to ride past the likes of Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral as part of a peloton (I like to convince myself) and free of traffic. And it was the first time I’d seen ‘in real life’ the amazing poppy installation at the Tower of London. The whole circuit stopped and gazed with wonder at the sea of red that was slowly being planted. A very appropriate use of the word ‘awesome’. Totally breathtaking. Local resident, historian and author Dr Tracy Borman has written us a piece with a bit of background to the poppies at the Tower and a very personal experience of her day of planting some of the ceramic flowers.o Tracy also took the stunning picture on our front cover. You can read her story on page 20 along with details about how you can volunteer to help dismantle the instillation. The annual Worcester Park Remembrance Parade will start at 11.10am on Sunday 9th November from the memorial at the top of the high street. More information can be found overleaf. In the lead up to Christmas remember that we’re here to promote your local Christmas Fairs and Shopping Events – just email the details – and any other events you’re organising. Anyway, as always, a big thank you to everyone who has contributed and advertised this month. If you’re a local business wanting to reach out to your local community then why not call for a chat about affordable advertising in your local community magazine. Remember, we deliver to most homes every second month so if you’re not able to pick up a magazine on the months it’s not delivered to you, you can read it on your smart phone/tablet or PC. Until next month, best wishes
We also publish The Village Voice covering the KT3 postcode
Jenny
Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher
P.S. Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when replying to adverts, and get in touch by 17th November if you’d like your business, Club or event to feature in the December edition(s) Contact jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS
4
Next copy deadlines: 17th November for December’s editions 9th December for Januarys’
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Here at TFG we cater for every building service you may require Please contact our dedicated friendly team for a free estimate or any advice you may need. All of our teams of tradesmen are specialists in their own field. Domestic and Commercial work welcome - We hope we can be of service to you. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Extensions • Loft Conversions • Renovations & Alterations • Interior Design
New House Builds Basements
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub design and build Bathroom Installations
• Kitchen Installations
Replacement door system for your existing kitchen All Aspects of Roofing, Guttering, Fascias & Soffits Fencing, Patio’s & Landscaping
• Driveways • Underfloor Heating
Plumbing & Heating, Boiler Installations Painting, Decorating & Wallpapering Conservatories & Porches
• Conservatory roofs replaced
Misted/broken sealed double glazing units replaced All ranges of UPVC, Aluminium & Timber Windows All Aspects of Plastering and Pebble Dashing All Bespoke Building Works Carried Out All Aspects of Electrical Work All Aspects of Bespoke Carpentry Work All Aspects of Flooring
• Tiling/Stonework
All Aspects of Tree Work & Stump Grinding Digital Aerials and Satellite Installation Service Curtain and Blind design and installation Carpet design and installation Bespoke Wardrobes & Chest of drawers Fireplace and Stove installation Door and window locks and handles repaired or replaced Garage door replacements in a large variety of designs and colours All Aspects of New Gate Installations All ranges of UPVC, Aluminium & Timber Bi-Fold & French Doors
Head Office: 3 Wellington Avenue Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8TQ
T: 020 8330 0033
M: 07960 166413
info@tfgbespokebuildingservicesltd.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 www.tfgbespokebuildingservicesltd.co.uk
5
The one place for all your maintenance and building needs.
Electrical • Electrical Testing & Certificates • Rewires • Fuse board Changes • New Installations • Light / socket replacements • Appliance Installations
Gas • Gas Certificates • Boiler Installations • Boiler Services • Heating Breakdowns • Appliance Installations • No Job Too Small
020 8337 2884 6
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Fundraising Poppy Appeal 2014
Once again Remembrance Day arrives with an even greater significance than usual. One hundred years have passed and still there is conflict across the world. We at the Legion have seen some of the horrific results of these wars and I must say how brave they have been amazing to see what can be done with today’s technology. Once again our forces are engaged in conflict and trying to help where they are best needed. Our thoughts are with them all and their families at this time. We shall have some local squaddies outside our club on the 8th November collecting for the 2014 Poppy Appeal and they will have a jeep all kitted out with
dummy guns - as if going on a sortie. The soldiers would welcome you all and have any photos taken for a small donation. They will be on Parade from10am till 4pm on the Saturday.
Annual Parade
Our parade will pass down the high street as usual on the Sunday and once again the salute will be taken outside our club with the soldiers and jeep in attendance. We hope that you can join us for some light refreshment afterwards, when we have Dave Marion’s Big Band bringing back some of those favourite war time tunes. Keith Martin (Club Chairman)
WORCESTER PARK RBL ENTERTAINMENTS TEAM PRESENTS...... 5th NOV LADIES BINGO 7th NOV JOE KING & CRAZY JOKER 8th NOV SERVICE NIGHT WITH OFF THE RECORD 14tH NOV BRAVADO & CRAZY JOKER 15th NOV WAR YEARS SPECIAL NIGHT WITH THE THREE BELLES & THE BERLIN BOYS TICKET ONLY 18th NOV SHOWCASE NIGHT COME AND JOIN A NIGHT OF VARIOUS ACTS ON STAGE. 21st NOV PAUL BUCKNALL IS BACK WITH THE CRTAZY JOKER 22nd NOV THE MIDNIGHT FLYERS 28th NOV DIAMONDS UNCUT AND THE CRAZEY JOKER 29th NOV DANCING WITH CHARADE SURREY COUNTY DARTS ARE HERE ON THE 1ST & 2ND NOV AND 29th & 30th NOV WHY COME AND SEE LIVE DARTS AT THE CLUB. WE ARE STILL SEEKING NEW MEMBERS WHY NOT JOIN TODAY COME AND SEE US ON THE 8th NOVEMBER AND HAVE A LOOK ROUND OUR CLUB.
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
7
3
34 Stonecot Hill, Sutton Surrey, SM3 9HE Tel: 020 8337 2626
WandsWorth
020 8874 1781
8
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Worcester Park History
Taking the high road to Worcester Park by David Rymill
Following the recent decision by the electorate in Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom, it might be timely to investigate a few links between Worcester Park and north of the border. When James VI of Scotland succeeded Elizabeth I as James I of England in 1603, Nonsuch Palace was among the royal residences he inherited, and the household of his son Henry, Prince of Wales, was based there for some years (the Prince died of typhus in 1612; if the throne had passed to him rather than his brother Charles, the English Civil War might possibly have been avoided). Under Queen Elizabeth, the Great Park of Nonsuch, including much of today’s KT4 area, had become farmland, and it was King James who took the park back into royal hands in 1605 and appointed the 4th Earl of Worcester as Keeper of the park in 1606, so he was indirectly responsible for the park, and eventually the district, becoming known as Worcester Park. From 1851 onwards the ten-yearly census returns
indicate birthplaces, and reveal that numerous local people had been born in Scotland. They show that people were more mobile in the 19th century than we might think, and this applies at least as much (and perhaps more) to servants as to others: in 1891 the cook at Worcester Park House, off Old Malden Lane, was the Scotswoman Mary Holland, and in 1911 Jean Johnson, from Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, was a parlourmaid at the Manor House in Malden. Residents from Scotland also included some more well-to-do householders, such as Francis Outram, a consulting civil, mechanical and electrical engineer, who was living in Manor Lodge in Royal Avenue (now the site of Royal Close) in 1901, whilst at Malden Vicarage the wife of the Revd Thomas Birkett Dover (Vicar, 1894-1914) was Fenella Dover from Dundee. Idmiston Square has been home to a number of people from Scotland: in 1891 Jackson St Clair from the Black Isle, a domestic gardener, was at no. 7 while no. 21 was home to William Thompson, a contractor’s foreman, and his wife Elizabeth, one of the few local couples at the time who were both Scots. In 1901 William Chalmers, a farm bailiff from Scotland, was boarding at no. 16, and no. 19 was the home of another gardener, Alexander Donald from Chapel of Garioch, Aberdeenshire. In 1911 more than a dozen people from Scotland lived in or around what is now Central Road; these included Eliza Lock from Newbattle, Midlothian, at 9 Cheamside (in Central Road near Longfellow Road), and Helen Black from Kirkinner, Wigtownshire, at 4 St Margaret’s Villas in Longfellow Road, with her schoolteacher daughters Margaret and Helen, from Newton Stewart and Glasgow respectively. Very few couples were both from Scotland, and one wonders how they met: for instance, Margaret McKechnie of Washington Road came from Lanarkshire, but her husband John’s birthplace was far to the south, in Gosport on the Hampshire coast; he was an employment agent for hotel and pub staff, so his work perhaps involved travelling. Several local roads are named after Scottish places. The majority are on parts of the estate bought by John Jefferies Stone, after whom Stoneleigh is named, in 1860. One of the earliest parts of the estate to be developed, off Central Road, was given three road names inspired by royal palaces: Hampton Road, perhaps a tribute to Nonsuch’s role as an outpost of Hampton Court, and Windsor Road and Balmoral Road, which had a less direct connection. When land at the end of Balmoral Road was developed in the 1930s, it was logical to name the next road Braemar Road after the village near Balmoral Castle. Coincidentally, Braemar Road leads to Dalmeny Road, probably named
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
9
after Dalmeny House near Edinburgh, seat of the Earls of Rosebery: the 5th Earl also lived at The Durdans in Epsom, and presented Worcester Park Polo Club with its main trophy, called the Cicero Cup after his 1905 Derby winner. In the 1930s the estate agents Atkinson and Marler planned the development of much of the rest of the ‘Stoneleigh’ estate, and chose road names from around England and Scotland, the latter being represented by Kinross Avenue, Ardrossan Gardens, Inveresk Gardens, and perhaps Seaforth Gardens (although there is also a Seaforth in England). They also picked the name Murrayfield Gardens, but the land for which that name had been earmarked was bought by Surrey County Council and used for the Stoneleigh West Schools, now The Mead and Auriol. Inverness Road also dates from the 1930s, while Sutherland Gardens, off Longfellow Road, is postwar. As yet I cannot explain either name. From the 1970s we have Drumaline Ridge, off Royal Avenue, on the site of a house built in c1926 for Sir Frederick Dumayne (a colonial official in Bengal) which he named Drumaline (the road continues through the grounds of Tunstall House). Possibly he chose this Scottish-sounding name to commemorate his wife Mary, from near Drymen above Loch Lomond, who died within a year of their marriage in 1896: there is a Drumline Farm about ten miles away.
10
Our illustration this month, from a postcard postmarked in 1908 shows, to the right, shops in Percival Parade, between Brinkley Road and St Philip’s Avenue, including Cheam Common Post Office which many readers will remember. In the 1911 census Jane Shiells, a 39-year-old widow from Edinburgh, was living here, and was described as a shopkeeper at the post office. The shop blind in the photograph reads ‘S A Shiells stationer & tobacconist’, doubtless referring to Jane’s mother-in-law Sarah Ann Shiells who was listed in 1911 at 5 Wycliffe Terrace, near the top of Washington Road (left side) with her married daughter Jane Cox who had been born in Edinburgh, Jane’s husband George, and Robert Neilance Shiells (Sarah’s son and an actor), also from Edinburgh. Incidentally, the photograph also shows the early garage I mentioned last month. David Rymill David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563 David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
MEGA DEALS!
TYRE SPECIALISTS
(Ewell)
MASSIVE DISCOUNTS l l l l
High Performance Cars Light Commercials Family Saloons 4WD Vehicles
l l l l
All leading makes of tyres Available from stock Wheel alignment and balancing While U Wait service
169 CHESSINGTON ROAD, WEST EWELL, EPSOM, SURREY
R WOODFALL OPTICIANS 159 Central Road, Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8DT
Telephone: 020 8337 2059 OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am to 2:00pm
www.rwoodfallopticians.co.uk
THE FIRST LENS TO OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST UV ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK SURFACES OF THE LENS
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
11
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HEATING BILLS Sempatherm Radiator Insulation Panels are quick and easy to install. They are a simple way to reduce heat loss, improve room warmth and save money. Sempatherm Panels are very cost effective, reducing heating bills by up to 20% and they can be made up to fit any size radiator. Available in packs of 10 panels, enough for 4-5 radiators.
• • • • •
Quick and easy to fit Reduces heat loss Makes room warmer Cost effective Saves Energy
Special Offer for Worcester Park Life readers Sempatherm 10 Panel Pack normally £43.45 Now £25.00* Collection Only (delivery extra) Call Freephone 0800 285 1624 Quoting ref. WPL 1114S to order your Panels Mould Growth Consultants Ltd, McMillan House, 54-56 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 8RD * Offer available until 31 January 2015 (Householders only)
12
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
BLACK MOULD, DAMP AND CONDENSATION PROBLEMS? Black mould is a problem which is becoming widespread in homes throughout the UK. • It is unsightly. • It can cause serious health problems. • It will ruin your decorations. MGC’s Mould Eradication Kit has been supplied for over 25 years to Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Private Landlords and Homeowners for successfully treating mould.
RLT Bactdet is used to wash off and kill the mould followed by RLT Halophen which is brush applied to the contaminated area to kill the roots of the mould. Finally decorate, there are two additives which are mixed into the new emulsion to provide surface protection.
Special Offer for Worcester Park Life readers ME Kit normally £63.48 Now £30.00* Collection Only (delivery extra) Call Freephone 0800 285 1624 Quoting ref. WPL 1114 to order your ME Kit Mould Growth Consultants Ltd, McMillan House, 54-56 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 8RD * Offer available until 31 January 2015 (Householders only) To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
13
Dream Doors Kingston A5_Directory 16/04/2012 11:46 Page 1
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...
just change the doors
Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.
Less cost, less time, less mess...
• Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • Free Estimating and planning • 50% deposit with balance on completion www.dreamdoors.co.uk
For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226 Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk
14
View our credentials at
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Ruth Jemmett Writes November - a month of remembrance Ruth Jemmett Reflects On Sparklers And Soldiers We can’t pretend any more! Autumn has definitely gone, and as we turn up the thermostats on the central heating we have to accept that it’s time to batten down the hatches add more layers of clothing! This month (named after the ninth month of the old Roman calendar - ‘Novem’), is, according to surveys, the month that depresses people most. It is a time when we start to reflect on the year that has gone before, and sometimes we wish we could have done better! Let’s be honest - grey skies don’t do a lot to cheer the human spirit. I think that the poet Thomas Hood (who also wrote the poem ’Ruth’, which my mother read when she was pregnant - hence my name!) got it right when he penned: No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease. No comfortable feel in any member No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds November! Because we had an unusually dry Autumn, the leaves on the trees here in Salisbury Road, started to fall earlier than usual. Now that the rain - and the wind - have remembered where we are, our gardens are scenes of devastation, as we endlessly rake and prune piles of soggy vegetation, before winter’s icy hand eventually catches up with us. Some of us have been dutiful in getting the spring bulbs planted early (well done Mary next door!) whilst others (i.e. - me) have been a little tardy in that respect! Hopefully most of my ‘old faithfuls’ that are snuggling down beneath the soil, will have the wherewithal to reappear in the spring. I really must get my act together soon and scoot down to a garden centre. Whilst on the subject of gardens, I would like to hand out a little accolade to one of our readers. I mean YOU, Patrick of Worcester Park! On reading my August article about my fish pond, you very generously offered me your redundant pump/fountain. It is now happily established in my watery oasis, and my fish are very perky, thinking that they now have their very own water theme park! What a star you are! For children, this month is one to be rejoiced in, as November 5th is Guy Fawkes Night. (Pets, and those of a nervous disposition are usually not so keen on the
event!). Generations of English people have looked forward with glee to the spectacle of an effigy of a man they know very little about, being incinerated, whilst they munch on equally singed sausages in the frosty air. These days Health and Safety regulations mean that we are encouraged to eschew the cosiness of a ‘Bonfire Night’ party in the gardens of our homes, so that we can watch large professionally run displays burn money in a nearby field instead. Granted, in former times there were an unacceptable number of firework accidents at this time of the year, but to my mind, half the fun of the evening was obtained by placing bets on whether the garden shed would go up in flames or not. I jest of course! If I close my eyes I can remember the atmosphere and smells of an old-fashioned conflagration in one’s own garden, as we watched baked potatoes and chestnuts cook gently in the embers. “Can you eat chestnuts?” I hear the younger generation murmur, most of whom are only familiar with the Horse Chestnut, and its association with games of conkers. I can tell you that you haven’t lived until you have dislodged a filling from a tooth while laboriously chewing on a charred tepid sweet chestnut, that looks and tastes like The
Est 35 YEARS
ROBINSON & SON
PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS Wallpapering
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL High Quality WORK AT LOCAL RATES Experienced professional Tradesman
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE
020 8399 9803
RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE
A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
EMail: robinsonandson24@talktalk.net
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
15
Elgin Marbles! (I swear bits of those things can still President Lincoln decreed that it should take place be found wedged in your molars on New Year’s Eve!). on the fourth Thursday of November. The event The other half of the fun of the Bonfire Night was celebrates the Pilgrim settlers’ survival against the wondering if flaming bits of the bonfire would blast odds in their adopted country. During their first into the night sky and set the rest of the road on fire, two years in America they nearly starved, as they or if a rocket shooting upwards from an empty glass were abysmally ignorant about the flora and fauna milk bottle would pierce your skull or concuss next there. With the help of some friendly native Indians door’s cat! Perhaps Health and Safety were right they gradually gained knowledge about their new after all ….! environment. We always associate the eating of As a child of the fifties I remember seeing plastic turkey with Thanksgiving, but on closer inspection R.J. Tree Services & profession face masks forR.J. ‘Guys’Tree fill shops in the weeks before & professional of history books it seems thequalified ‘locals’ also taught Services qualified staff arethat dedicated the 5th November, and virtually every High Street them toto hunt deer and other animals. Turkey always highest levels of service in every to the highest levels of service in every the instance. in the country had its quota of groups of shivering takes centre stage on The Night of course, as it’s children showing off their often ingenious effigies probably easier tohappy drag onto dining table than We are tothe give advice – on all you We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural queries. of Mr Fawkes, whilst yelling to anyone who would a deer! listen - “Penny for the guy!”. (Those of you who are Of course the date that looms large for many of us wondering what an edible sweet chestnut during this month, will be 9th November, we • Freewhen quotes • was, Freearequotes are dedicated probably now asking “What is a penny… ?!”). will observe Remembrance Sunday. 2014 has been a • they Fully Fully qualified Children then, as now, blindly accepted•that the NPTCpoignant year for many people, as haveNPTC recalledqualifie . celebration was something to do with a•historical the sacrifices that were made on • ourTree behalfreductions in two / cr Tree reductions / crown thins about enmity between Protestants and World Wars - with particular emphasis on the 100 culturaltale queries. • Tree felling • Tree felling Catholics, but its deeper meaning was lost in haze of Year Anniversary of the start of the 1914 -18 World • Stump bonfire smoke and Catherine Wheels. • Stump removal War. There will, of course, be countless servicesremoval of This month is also the time that our American commemoration locally and throughout the country, • Hedgeworks • Hedgeworks cousins have Thanksgiving. The date of the with many prayers of hope for peacestaff worldwide R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional are in dedicated • Tree surveys & rep • the Tree reports celebration has varied over the years, but late surveys the & future.
ns
tree!
to the highest levels of service in every instance.
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
Look out for the LookOffiout for the red tree! ce: 020 8399 0103
J.tree Servi ces, Berrylands, r.J.tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton 020r. 8399 0103 07980 903 881 Surbiton 020 Mobile: 07980 903881 and videos Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work Visit our website for information info@rjtrees.co.uk LOOK FOR THE RED TREE!
www.rjtrees.co.uk
www.rjtrees.c
R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk
16 903 881 Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 3 07980 pects of our work
As I write this, rain is falling from a bleak sky, and my eyes are occasionally drawn to Christmas Catalogues on a table across the room. I began to write festive lists recently, and know that I must stir myself into action soon! Hopefully the thought of yuletide jollity to come will lift your spirits during the grey days. Remember that on 21st of next month the days lengthen again. As for me, I had better get on with those lists. Now where was I? Oh yes ….. Wrapping Paper ,Crackers, Tags, Cards….
MGS
Waste Management Established local business offering fast, fully licensed
Rubbish Clearance Waste Clearance Garden Clearance
Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors
We recycle as much as possible avoiding environmentally damaging landfill. Why get a skip when we can do it cheaper, quicker, more efficiently and we do the work!
Free
No Obligation Quotes
Please Call 020 8337 7641 www.mgswaste.co.uk • tonyt@mgsonline.co.uk Environment Agency Certification of Registration Under The Waste (England And Wales) Regulations 2011 Registration Number CB/CM3743GG
3 Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES
020 8335 4224
Computer Repairs & Upgrades
Virus Removal Windows Troubleshooting On-Site Repairs …… and More. Powerline Adaptor (2 Pack)
£19 USB Pen Drive-Twin Pack
£10
8GB 16GB
Laptop Repairs
Screen Replacement Keyboard Replacement DC Jack Repair
500GB External Hard Drives *
Only
£40
Any repair of £55 or more. Just bring this advert with you when you pick up your PC/Laptop. *Only one per transaction
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
17
18
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
19
History
The Tower of London Poppies by Dr Tracy Borman On a warm and sunny Friday in September, I became one of 8,000 volunteers from across the UK who have been enlisted to plant poppies at the Tower of London. ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ is the stunning installation by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, whose team is producing no fewer than 888,246 poppies by hand, each one representing a British military fatality during the First World War. Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that looks after the Tower, as well as Hampton Court Palace, Kew Palace, the Banqueting House in Whitehall, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle, was keen to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war with a series of events and exhibitions, of which the poppies is the centerpiece. The installation began on 5 August and will be complete by Armistice Day, 11 November 2014. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, together with Prince Harry, came to see the project on its first day, and each planted a poppy. Since then, the Tower has been encircled by a growing ‘sea of red’. By the time I did my planting stint on 12 September, it was already an aweinspiring sight. Just how much more so it will be by 11 November can only be imagined. In the space of a few short weeks, the poppies have become one of the most iconic landmarks in London, and thousands of tourists flock there every day to see the installation take shape. They also come to the ceremony that is taking place every evening at twilight, during which the names of 180 serving military killed during the First World War are read out in a roll of honour by a Yeoman Warder. This is followed by the ‘Last Post’ played by a single bugler. It is an incredibly moving experience, and I felt very privileged indeed to have had the chance to take part. Volunteers have to assemble the poppies, as well as plant them, which was harder than it sounds! It took a lot longer than I envisaged because each poppy is made to last, so there are several fittings to fix into place. But the care and attention will be worth it because it means that the poppies will not only survive the (increasingly harsh) elements of a British autumn, but will be in a fit enough state by the end of the installation to be boxed up and posted out to
20
the thousands of people across the world who have bought one. The funds raised from the sale of the poppies (which are priced at £25 + p&p) will go to the Royal British Legion and other military charities. They are selling out fast, so you need to act quickly if you would like to get your hands on a little piece of history. There is also still time to get involved in volunteering. Although enough people have come forward to plant the poppies, the task of deinstalling them will begin after 11 November and Historic Royal Palaces are calling for volunteers to help. Even though by the end of my stint, I had only added a fraction of poppies to the total, it meant a great deal to know that I had contributed even in a small way to such a worthwhile and historic project. I would therefore encourage everyone who is able to spare the time to get involved. To find out more, visit: www.hrp.org.uk/TowerofLondon
www.elegantcurtains.info
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
PRO-FIT
DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS DOORS conservatories l
WINDOW SYSTEMS LTD
Pro-fit Window Systems Ltd supply & install Double Glazed Windows, Doors and Conservatories We are an established family run business who focus on serving householders within the community. l No High pressure sales persons l No Gimmicks l Genuine quality products at competitive prices Pro-fit offer; l A variety of windows to complement any property, plus triple glazed options. l A full range of doors including our fabulous new bi-folds. l A wide selection of conservatory designs. l All our products are of premium quality, BBA accredited with high specification paying special attention to security and insulation. l ‘A’ rated thermal efficiency. l ‘Secure by Design’ high security locking.
Give your home a new look for Summer with our fabulous range of windows, conservatories & bi-fold doors’
TEL: 020 8288 8893 FAX: 020 8288 8894 l
164 Leatherhead Rd Chessington Surrey KT9 2HU web:www.pro-fitwindowsystems.co.uk Email:info@pro-fitwindows.org.uk l
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
21
View from the City Investing in Debt to Invest in Infrastructure by Justin Urquhart Stewart
Are we just Debt junkies? From the levels of personal debt, primarily though our houses, to overly enthusiastic use of credit cards and finally to the usurers of the pay day loan companies, we as a nation have not shown ourselves as being especially well controlled at managing our debts. In fact we seem to go out of our way to seek instant product gratification at the cost of short term debt. This also extends to our leaders, where governments over the centuries have laden us with an increasingly heavy load of national debt. Sometimes this has been caused by global conflagrations, but more often than not by populist policies of petty politicians recklessly and irresponsibly spending our money. Sadly, despite the much vaunted policy of austerity from our coalition government, our debt has not been coming down and in fact has been reaching new record of £1.4 trillion. The deficit, although significantly lower than when the coalition took over, is now levelling out and even showing some concerning signs of rising. There is a question, though, of how you should regard debt. Some can be incurred by day to day expenditure which would directly hit our cashflow and deficit. This would generally be regarded as bad policy and living beyond our means. However there is another type of debt which is longer term investment debt. This is not just current spending but rather investment in “stuff” that will make a positive return for the economy. Seemingly we don’t appear to separate these debt numbers out into different categories in our figures but rather lump them all together into one amorphous blob. However this need for investment is a key area for a recovering economy - as we can direct money where we know we will be likely to be seeing a sensible return, and at the same time see the ripple out effect of such expenditure into the wider economy. This year we will be spending around £28bn on net capital spending which is about 1.5% of our GDP. Now with record low rates you would think that any sensible government would use this as an excellent moment to raise cheap money for longer term investment for longer term returns. But many fear that large government borrowing, even on investment, might destabilise the apparently fragile confidence in our situation. Personally I am not so convinced. Yes, we must close the deficit to live within our means, but that should not preclude the vital necessity of longer term investment in our infrastructure. As any householder knows, failing to replace tiles on the roof now will only mean the higher
22
cost of replacing the entire roof later. However even if our government is reluctant to go down that route, we know we have some of our largest institutions ready to invest in reliable longer term projects. With the likes of the Pru, L&G and Aviva amongst others, these insurance and pension companies have already expressed their interest and even commitment, subject to the projects themselves, to participate. You only have to look at some of the Canadian pension funds who have seemed very keen to find solid and reliable longer term investments. I think though there is another untapped area which could be brought to provide more investment strength here. I have already attended meetings where the opportunity for private investors participating in such infrastructure schemes has been mooted. Most institutional investors regard this as being too complicated and potentially expensive to address. I disagree. In a population where we are all living longer, and where the annuity rules have been relaxed, the need for reliable low cost, steady investments is going to be vital. Private investors obviously already have access to government bonds through the Gilt market and a growing amount of Corporate debt as well. However the opportunity to be able to invest into an infrastructure project or fund could well be attractive. Actually this is not as new as some would think. Such infrastructure funds have been around before but the ability for investors to participate in individual projects has not really been so easily available. This could change if investment projects were packaged not just for the institutions but also for the retail investor to participate in. Despite the bleating from the politicians, I think that they would find that there is no shortage of money to be invested; it’s just that none of them seem to have seriously considered how best such support could be channelled through to where it is needed. Of course the financing is just one side; it is also the preparation of the infrastructure project that is also so crucial. The planning world in the UK seems to be slothlike in its movements, and there comes a stage where such tortuous inaction becomes both economically and socially damaging. From housing, to transport and energy production and delivery, we need some leadership to overcome the “nimbys’” and get on with this strategically necessary investment. Justin Urquhart Stewart is one of the most recognisable and trusted market commentators on television, radio and in the press. Originally trained as a lawyer he has observed the retail market industry for 20 years whilst at Barclays Stockbrokers and developed a unique understanding of the market’s roles and benefits for the private investor
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Epsom Coaches The Finest Coach Holidays
2015 Holiday Brochure Out Now!
Free home pick ups on every departure For a free copy of our 2015 holiday brochure, please telephone 01372 731705 or visit www.epsomcoaches.com To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
23
Malden’s
&
We deliver to 24,000 homes in KT3 and KT4
Call 020 8336 2915 to advertise from just £21 plus VAT a month maldenmedia.co.uk 24
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
1. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated (while watching it) 2. Laugh 3. Macbeth 4. The Muppet Show (it was later known as The Muppet Theatre) 5. Wings 6. The Mousetrap 7. The Globe Theatre 8. Nickelodeon (from “nickel” and “odeon”) 9. Break a leg 10. The Palladium
Theatre
1. Why was a performance of Our American Cousin not performed in full on April 14th 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.? 2. Corpsing is a word used in the world of British theatre when an actor or actress unintentionally does what? 3. Which play do many people in the world of theatre believe to be cursed, referring to it simply as “the Scottish play”? 4. Which TV show is set in a theatre that was originally known as the Benny Vandergast Memorial Theatre? 5. What name is given to the sides of a stage in a theatre that are hidden from the audience? 6. Which Agatha Christie play has been running continuously in London’s West End since it opened in 1952, giving it the record of having the longest initial run of any play in history? 7. Which famous theatre was burned to the ground in 1613 when a cannon set off during a performance misfired and set fire to its wooden beams and thatching? 8. Derived from a word referring to a particular amount of money and a Greek word meaning “theatre”, what 11 letter word was commonly used at the start of the 20th century to refer to small neighbourhood cinemas? 9. Due to a superstition in the theatre industry that says wishing someone good luck is actually bad luck, what three word phrase is traditionally said to an actor who is about to go on stage to perform as a message of good luck? 10. Which famous London theatre has the same name as the chemical element with atomic number 46?
1. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated (while watching it) 2. Laugh 3. Macbeth 4. The Muppet Show (it was later known as The Muppet Theatre) 5. Wings 6. The Mousetrap 7. The Globe Theatre
An independent preparatory An independent independentpreparatory preparatory An school for boys and girls schoolfor for boys and andgirls girls school aged 3boys to 11 years. aged3 3toto11 11 years. years. aged
“The pupils’ overall success is a result of highly teaching,isan “The pupils’effective overall success a outstanding result ult and wide extra-curricular experience, as well as the of curriculum highly effective teaching, an outstanding tan 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 culum and wide extra-curricular experience, as well as the Email: info@thestudyschool.co.uk s’ own excellent attitudes to learning.” Independent Schools Inspectorate report
: 020Website: 8942www.thestudyschool.co.uk 0754
o@thestudyschool.co.uk
Website: www.thestudyschool.co.uk
57 Thetford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP
etford Road, New Malden KT3 5DP
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
25
House Clearance Specialists
Sudokus fairly easy
mail@bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk Furniture, antiques, collectibles & ornaments bought & sold BROWSERS WELCOMED BUYERS CUDDLED!!
WE BUY UNWANTED and JEWELLERY AND SCRAP Better prices paid than companies currently advertising on TV!!
not so easy
Fully itemised and illustrated Probate Valuations, Probate Office approved Registered Waste Carriers
www.bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk 26
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Time to change your mattress? ADVERTISEMENT
Most people sleep on it and pay the price. A tired mattress can leave you feeling just as tired too
By Sandra Haynes
I
s your mattress over 7 years old, saggy or just not as comfortable as it used to be? Putting off replacing it can lead to disturbed sleep, morning tiredness, stiff neck and back ache. In fact, it’s the main reason for lack of sleep for most people – they just don’t realize it. Buying a new mattress might seem like an expense you can manage without but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your health and general well being.
SPECIAL READER OFFER!
What happens to your old mattress over time? The main problem is deteriorating support. Over time, the springs inside your mattress lose their firmness so they start to sag under
Right now, you’ll PAY LESS to regain a good nights sleep with our EXTRA DISCOUNT SPECIAL OFFER!
l l l
your weight. Eventually they become so weakened they retain your shape creating dips and hollows across the surface of the mattress. It’s this unevenness and lack of support that causes the body to toss and turn during the night. The lumpier it gets the more disturbed sleep you’re likely to get.
The benefits of a new mattress to you l l l l l l l
You’ll sleep much better for longer Fall asleep quicker and far easier Wake up feeling far more refreshed Aches and pains will simply fade away Well rested you’ll feel happier in yourself You’ll find you have that much more energy Handle the stresses of the day much more easily
Over 3000 top quality mattresses in stock All types - Pocket Sprung, Memory & Latex Foam Guaranteed cheaper than the Internet Try before you buy plus same day delivery Old mattress disposal service
Take this luxury Visco l Pocket Memory Foam l Mattress for example. The very latest in mattress design, it uses a combination of pressure relieving memory foam and the finest pocket springs This voucher entitles the for the most comfortable and holder to £50 off a restful night’s sleep of your life. Not only that as you can see from Single Mattress, the table below, you could £100 off a SAVE UP TO £200! Double or King and WITH VOUCHER SAVE DELIVERY £200 off £99 £50 FREE delivery a Super and FREE old £199 £100 King. bed disposal
!
Extra discount voucher WORTH up to £200
SAVE
UP TO
£200
SIZE
WAS
Single (75cm)
£149
Double (120cm) £299 King (150cm)
£399
£299
£100
available*
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
CUT OUT VOUCHER OR BRING THIS ADVERT WITH YOU TO CLAIM YOUR EXTRA DISCOUNT ON THE MATTRESS OF YOUR CHOICE!
Beckenham
421 Croydon Road Beckenham, Kent BR3 3PP 020 8658 2242
Horley
30 Balcombe Road Horley, West Sussex RH6 9AA 01293 825901
Leatherhead
22 – 30 North Street Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7AT 01372 388223
Morden
1 – 3 London Road Morden, Surrey SM4 5HX 020 3044 0008
*Details in-store. All store opening times: 9am - 6pm Mon - Sat, 11am - 5pm Sun
New Malden (B&Q) Unit 2, 175 Burlington Road New Malden, Surrey KT3 4LU 020 3441 1105
Wallington
59 Stafford Road Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AP 020 8669 0273
www.hamseys.co.uk
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
27
020 8330 7557 - Sales 020 8330 7887 - Lettings www.brownsresidential.co.uk
Worcester Park £975,000 • Detached Family Home
• Six Double Bedrooms
• Three Bathrooms
• Three Reception Rooms
• Large Modern Kitchen
• Two Study Rooms
• Extensive Lawned Garden
• Garage & OSP
• EPC Rating E
28
Worcester Park l Stoneleigh l Ewell l New Malden l Cheam Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
2014
25 years selling and letting in your local area
£674,900 Worcester Park
£549,950 Stoneleigh
• Detached Family Home • Four Bedrooms • Four Receptions • EPC Rating D
• Extended Semi • Four/Five Bedrooms • South Facing Garden • EPC Rating D
£660,000 Worcester Park
£315,000 Worcester Park
• Extended Semi • Four Bedrooms • Extensive Garden • EPC Rating D
• Garden Maisonette • Two Bedrooms • Garage & O.S.P • EPC Rating D
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
29
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 Wak ing 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
30
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
What’s On Give blood
Book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG 27th Nov, 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm Sutton, The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey., SM1 4DP 18th Dec 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden KT3 5QE 5th Nov 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm A.F.C Wimbledon Football Club, Jack Goodchild Way, 422A Kingston Road KT1 3PB 9th Oct,, 2014 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm
Fireworks
Kingston Upon Thames Annual Firework Display Friday 7th November Gates open 6.30pm Last entry7.45pm, Fireworks at 8pm Kingsmeadow, Kingston Road, KT1 3PB Ticket prices: In advance of the day Adults & Children £4 On the day Adults & Children £5 Under 5 years old are free Tickets available from Kingsmeadow, Kingfisher Leisure centre, The Malden Centre, Tolworth Leisure Centre, Kingston Visitor Information, Kiosk (by railway station) On line at www.kingstonfireworks.co.uk Sponsors Greenfield Estate Agents The display is arranged by the Kingston Round Table and Kingston Rotary Club. All profits go to local Charities Epsom Fireworks Display and Funfair Epsom Fireworks Display & Funfair takes place every November at Hook Road Arena. This year’s event will be taking place on Saturday 8th November 2014. 7th Epsom (Methodist) Scout Group hosts the display with the help of local charities from the area from which donations out of the proceeds are made. Gates open at 5.30pm and with the display beginning at approximately 7.30pm. - Tickets are priced at £7.50 on the gate or £5 in advance Carshalton Fireworks 2014 Saturday 8th November, Carshalton Park, Ruskin Road Gates open at 5pm - Display starts at 7pm. Bonfire lit at 7.30pm Music and entertainment by Radio St Helier from 5pm
Christmas Fairs
Christmas Extravaganza 1st Cuddington (Warspite), Sea Scout Group, Fancourt Hall, Cunliffe Road,, Stoneleigh, KT19 0RJ Saturday 6th December 2014 Craft Fair 11 - 2pm Admission: Adults 20p. Children Free. Real Christmas Trees on sale from 9am We will be selling Needlefast Nordman Fir Christmas Trees in different sizes and prices On behalf of 1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scout Group Merry Christmas! Doris Venner Pre-School Christmas Fair When: Saturday 22nd November 2014 Where: Doris Venner, The Manor Drive, Worcester Park, KT4 7LG How much? Children free – Adults 50p Get in the festive spirit at the Doris Venner Pre-School
Christmas Fair, a fun-filled event for all the family, with a host of activities going on from 11am – 2pm. Browse the festive stalls, try your luck on the tombola, enter the raffle and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Children will be able to meet Santa and have their photo taken with him in his grotto. Gift Market At Bourne Hall, Ewell. 11th To 15th November , 10am to 5pm (7pm Tuesday) Special selected Stalls have joined force to bring you a desirable array of Gifts for Family, Friends and to Treat Yourself . This is truly Christmas shopping , at your leisure. Enter Free Raffle (no purchase necessary) Just mention MALDEN MEDIA. Cafe, easy / cheap parking FREE ENTRY.
Local Markets
Cheam Village Friday Market Small indoor market with 28 stalls held in Cheam Parochial Rooms, The Broadway, Cheam Village, Surrey. Helping the Royal Marsden Hospital. Market Days: Friday North Cheam Farmers’ Market – 3rd Saturday of every month, 9.30am-1.30pm, North Cheam Crossroads outside the Post Office, KT4 8SG. Christmas Market: Saturday 21st December Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market, Sat 30th November, 10am-4pm, Town Square, Sutton High Street New Malden Farmer’s Market 1st Saturday of the month The car park beside the Foutain Pub 9am to 2pm Surbiton Farmers Market Maple Road 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-1pm
FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS Digital A5 & A4 Leaflets Single Sided from £40 for 250 in full colour Order of Service/Memorial 4 page from £35 Including Colour Business Cards from £35 for 250 A1 Posters from £10 Your Favourite Pictures on Canvas mounted on frames from £12 MANY OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE Please call or email
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
31
Nonsuch Park
Nonsuch Park is a link to Tudor England. The Palace that once stood here was a hugely expensive symbol of Henry VIII’s power. The Friends of Nonsuch offer guidance to a 7 feet model which has been created from contemporary documentation, paintings and an excavation of the Palace site in 1959. The model is on display in the Stable Wing of the much later Nonsuch Mansion in the heart of Nonsuch Park. The model is open from 11 am until 3 pm every Sunday in November and December; admission £2.50; cars via Cheam Gate. For further information please visit the website at www. friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
Epsom Playhouse,
Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227
3 November The JJ Vinten Band One of the best Chicago style bands. 5 November Alan Greenwood And The Ewell St Mary’s Morris Men with “The Heritage, Music, Songs and Dances of Morris Men” illustrated with live demonstrations of dance and music (open to non-members) 6 November The Thinking Drinkers Guide to The Legends of Liquor By Tom Sandham & Ben McFarland Alcohol: One minute a soul mate, the next a psychopath; it can be both creative muse and pesky mischief-maker. Slide onto the bar stool of discovery and enjoy several free deluxe drinks as the Thinking Drinkers explore the liquid lives of history’s most extraordinary elbow-benders. Alexander the Great, Humphrey Bogart, Dorothy Parker, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill star in this
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR QUALITY.... YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT LEVEL. Greg David Coombes Builders is a family run business with a sound reputation for quality. We offer reliability with honest advice and skilled workmanship. Our prices are competitive on all jobs large or small. References are available on request.
GDC BUILDERS.
brand new show from award-winning drinks experts whose ‘Guide to Alcohol’ has sold-out at the Fringe and at London’s Soho Theatre for three years running. 7 November Simon & Garfunkel by ‘Bookends’ Simon & Garfunkel By Bookends Bookends perform the most authentic sounding tribute to the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel. Made up of Dan Haynes & Pete Richards, Bookends have toured the UK and Ireland extensively and performed a run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Performing the songs in a truly captivating way, their delicate recreation of the unmistakable sound of the America folk-rock duo has been described by many as spellbinding. 8 November Old MacDonald had a farm Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O. But Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing! Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him? Presented by the team behind There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly and written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs including Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes, She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain and of course Old MacDonald Had A Farm. So come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales told with a captivating combination of live action, puppetry and animation by one of the UK’s leading theatre companies. 8 November Epsom firework display is one of the biggest displays in the area, with a huge range off effects, enormous bonfire and funfair. It has been running since 1971 and this year is the largest we have ever fired.
• Interior and exterior decorating • Kitchens and Bathrooms • Damp Course and Plastering Work • Structural Work, Loft Conversions and Extensions • Flooring and Tiling • Brickwork and Patios • Electrical ( PART P ) and PLUMBING Gas Safe Certification With All Gas Work
58 EBBISHAM ROAD, WORCESTER PARK, SURREY, KT4 8NE.
OFFICE 0208 330 7065. MOBILE 07999 172467. 32
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
ADMISSION IS BY PROGRAMME ONLY AND THESE MUST BE COLLECTED FROM EPSOM PLAYHOUSE BOX OFFICE. ONE PROGRAMME PER PERSON MUST BE SHOWN AT THE GATES FOR ENTRY TO THE EVENT 8 November DEREK ACORAH - ENLIGHTENMENT TOUR Voted Britain’s Favourite Male Medium by the prestigious Soul & Spirit Magazine 9 November The Central Band Of the Royal British Legion The Central Band of the Royal British Legion presents its ever popular Remembrance Day Concert. A commemoration for this special centenary year! Early booking advised. 13 November Magic - A kind of Queen QUEEN’S GREATEST HITS MAGIC, the first and still the best tribute to Queen, perform all of Queen’s greatest hits plus some you may not have heard for a while, in their latest show for 2014. It’s refreshing that in these days of pre-recorded backing tracks, Magic perform completely live. With five vocals to back up the powerful lead vocal of the dynamic Roger Brown, Magic can recreate all the complex harmonies that are Queen’s trademark recording sound. 14 November Roy Chubby Brown returns with his meatiest show yet! ‘Who Ate All The Pies?’ He’s still rude, he’s still crude and this time he’s turning headlines into punch lines as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country. Chubby doesn’t hold back from sharing his outlandish views on news, women and gender, sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked! 15 November Michael Armstrong ‘Rock Star!’ (Sir Paul McCartney) ‘He’s just TOO good!’ (Sir Cliff Richard) ‘A great new entertaining vocal talent’ (David Wigg -
Daily Mail Arts) 15 November Rich Hall’s Hoedown Join Rich and his virtuoso musical mates for a late-night mashup of music, comedy and gratuitous coloration. Performing with Rich will be the Hoedown regular band of talented and chronically unemployable urchins. 17 November The Eva Cassidy Story 10th Anniversary Tour STARRING BAD GIRLS AND EMMERDALE ACTRESS - NICOLE FARADAY The Eva Cassidy Story is a compelling award-winning Musical, which tells the Life Story of this legendary artist, following Eva’s life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music including a haunting interpretation of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow.’ Tags:Music 17 November Graham Hughes’ Sunshine Jazz Band The young band, with a big reputation. 18 November “Reduced Shakespeare Company in the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) “All 37 Plays in 97 minutes !” An irreverent, fast paced romp through the Bard’s plays. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest running comedy - 10 years in the West End at the Criterion Theatre! Join the madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. 19 November Path to Milkwood “These poems, with their crudities, doubts and confusions are written for a love of man and in praise of God, and id be a damn fool if they weren’t” So wrote Dylan Thomas, author of Under Milkwood, previously journalist, novelist, actor,
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
33
broadcaster and writer of film scripts. 20 November Hank and Bruce. Take a nostaligic trip back to the sixties with ‘The Fabulous Shadows’ tribute show. Hank and Bruce play all their classic hits such as Apach, Wonderful Land, Kon tiki and many more. 21 November Only Yesterday So much music comes to mind when you simply say “The Carpenters”. Only Yesterday brings that flawless blend of Karen Carpenter intonation with the wonderful music, arrangements and composition from Richard Carpenter. West End Sweetheart, Suzi Jary, provides those immaculate vocals backed by an incredible band to provide you with the ultimate evening of classic Carpenters songs. 22 November Thank you for the Music Thank You For The Music Presents the ultimate tribute to Abba. Britain’s original Abba Tribute Act show features all of their 17 top ten hits. This show authentically revives a musical phenomenon that, partly thanks to the success of film-of-theWest End musical Mamma Mia! is still as popular today as it was during Abba’s heyday. 26 November Jongleurs comedy, the UK’s number one comedy company. Dont miss the chance to see another two hours of top comedy that have audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter. 16 + Age restriction (There will be content of an adult nature) 27 November Counterfeit Stones - Lets Pretend The Night Together. Why pay a fortune to slip around in the mud of Glastonbury when for a fraction of the price you can experience the faking brilliance of the Counterfeit Stones. Their latest shakedown, LET’S PRETEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER promises a night of pure, unadulterated Xerox-rock. For 23
years these pie-eyed pipers have delivered the best Rolling Stones’ “rusical” on the circuit. 29 November Close Up at The Playhouse Close-up magic is one of the most impressive forms of the art and this unique format showcases some of the best and most skilful exponents. Audiences get to experience the magic in an informal setting, often taking part themselves, witnessing the impossible from only inches away. This is the show everyone is talking about. Prepare to be amazed! For further details please visit http://www.thecloseupshow.com/ An intimate evening of close -up magic, trickery and sleight of hand. 29 November Jongleurs Back by popular demand, Jongleurs comedy is returning to The Epsom Playhouse. 30 November Drifters original member Roy G Hemming’s multi award winning show. A party celebration of timeless Motown and soul classics with a sprinkling of sparkling Christmas hits. A celebration of 50 years of Motown, with hits by The Supremes, Martha Reeves and The Vendellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons and many more legendary Motown artists. In the Mood for Christmas by The Glenn Miller Orchestra 1 December 2014 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA led by RAY McVAY On the 70th anniversary of Glenn Miller’s visit to Great Britain, Ray McVay is proud to present the world’s greatest big band live, in concert. Join us for Miller favourites such as In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, Pennsylvania 65000 and, of course, Moonlight Serenade.
love
Slimming World TUESDAY Worcester Park Wesley Halls, Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, KT4 8LG 9.30am Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117
THURSDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue, KT3 4HL 9.30am, 5.15pm & 7.00pm Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718
WEDNESDAY Surbiton Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, 1 Balaclava Road, KT6 5PW 9.30am & 11.30am* 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117
FRIDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue, KT3 4HL 9.30am Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718
*New session starting on Wednesday 10th September
slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000
34
save £5
your Just £9.95 on first night then £4.95 a week.
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
I N ASS O C IATI O N WITH TH E EPS O M PLAYH O U S E
PROUDLY PRESENTS ANOTHER BIG SPECTACULAR PRODUCTION
YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW THE
YELLOW BRICK ROAD
TO SEE THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
SPECIAL GUEST STAR CHILDRENS TV LEGEND
EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
DAVE BENSON PHILLIPS
BOOK ONLINE
BOX OFFICE
SAT 13 th DEC 2014 to 4 th JAN 2015
WWW.EPSOMPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK
From FUN SONG FACTORY, TO WORDS & PICTURES AND GO FOR IT!
01372 742555/742227
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
35
Gardening
Planting Trees and Shrubs by Pippa Greenwood
This is a great time of year to get planting – the soil is still holding a bit of warmth from the late summer and is now more moist and provides good conditions for roots to develop, spread and establish. Furthermore trees, shrubs and woody climbers in particular are often a very good buy at this time of year. A good planting hole or pit is essential, and you should ensure that it is at least several inches larger than the current spread of the roots of the tree or shrub that you are about to plant. For years the advice has been that plenty of bulky organic matter should be incorporated in to the hole and the mixture with which you back fill it. Investigations now suggest that this may not necessarily be ideal: make the planting hole too ‘cosy’ and the tree’s roots may be inclined to stay in the hole. In a heavy clay soil a planting hole full of compost may also end up acting as a sump, so when the soil is wet the compost draws more moisture in to the hole, resulting in waterlogged roots. All very logical, but then I would also suggest that if you garden on a very sandy, poor soil, a well-prepared planting pit which includes bulky organic matter such as garden compost will help to reduce the risk of drying out. Similarly, provided the organic matter is incorporated over a good enough sized area on a heavy soil, I think it does help to improve aeration and drainage around tree roots, especially if you incorporate some grit too. Well-rotted manure, garden compost and proprietary bagged compost are all useful in planting holes and if it is largely an improvement in soil texture which you are after, then home-made leafmould is great too. Next, to tease or not to tease the roots? I’m a teaser every time, having seen thousands of trees fail because their pot-bound roots never moved out in to the soil properly, if at all. Planting depth is important too, so do make sure that you cover the roots, and only the roots, with soil. Even the compost level in the pot is often too deep, so start from scratch if necessary. Laying a straight cane over the top of the planting hole will help you to gauge the correct depth more easily. Then of course there is staking. I suggest only doing this with large trees, apples on very dwarfing rootstocks or if the site is extremely windy as a tree will get tougher and more resilient if given a chance to move around slightly and so form a strong trunk.
36
If you do stake, short stakes at an angle are now regarded as best, and do use a good quality tree tie, properly fitted so that the tree’s bark is not chaffed. Finally, remember that aftercare is essential, regular thorough waterings will be needed during dry weather, especially for the first couple of years after planting. If you don’t get the aftercare right, the plant and all that time and effort can easily be lost Visit www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related gifts including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Card, handmade pottery herb planters, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of useful garden items for your friends & family…or for yourself.
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
37
Clubs
To feature in this section email info@wplife.co.uk
Mondays
Do you enjoy listening to show tunes, big band music, jazz, light classics etc? Come along to an evening of live music played by top artistes. We meet on the second Monday of each month at our Banstead venue Banstead Organ & Keyboard Club Church Institute Hall, High Street, Banstead SM7 2NN 10th November - Tim Flint Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts. Further details from 020 8330 5795, or visit www. bansteadorganclub.co.uk Worcester Parkers Women’s Institute meet on the 3rd Monday of every month 7.45pm to 9.45pm at Christchurch with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. For more information contact Dawn Penn 0208 337 4361 wi.worcesterparkers@gmail.com *There is currently a waiting list. Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at CHRIST CHURCH with ST PHILIP Ruskin Road, Worcester Park on Monday evenings 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. Welcome new members just to draw and paint in any medium without tuition. If interested come down for an evening and meet us to see whether this is for you Brenda Banks 020 8330 0928 Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club meet every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at Christ Church with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive. Worcester Park. All over 60’s welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, plus some outstanding entertainment in the way of singers and musicians. One Monday a month we have Bingo and every Monday we run a raffle. Days outings to the coast are organised throughout the summer months, and mid week holidays are organised two or three times a year. Come a little earlier and meet up with some friends and have a chat before the entertainment starts. We would love to see you. Contact Joyce on 020 8330 5065. The ladies After Eight Club meet on the 2nd Monday of every month from 8pm onwards at Christchurch with St Philips church hall. We have interesting speakers, outings and dinners and all are welcome for a small subscription to cover our costs. Just come along and join in. Please contact Carol on 020 8337 2452 for further information
Tuesdays
The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local amateur drama group of long standing. We stage two major productions a year at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell, in April and November. We meet every
38
Tuesday and most Fridays at 8.15 pm in the Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam, on the Sainsbury’s site. Apart from play readings, rehearsals and set construction, we have quiz nights and various social events. We also arrange group outings to amateur and professional theatre productions. We welcome new members to help us stage future productions, anyone willing to act or work backstage. If interested, please contact our membership secretary, Joyce Cranfield, on 020 8337 3317. “Lunch Break” - a friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting on a Tuesday 12-2pm (term time only) at Worcester Park Baptist Church, The Avenue - free, but donations invited. Occasional speakers. Contact Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena 07837 941298 NHS Retirement Fellowship- Local Branch Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -12 at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat. Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month. For further details please contact Lorna on 020 8337 4121. Worcester Park Crafters We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the hall at Christchurch with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester park,KT4 8LG. We meet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For further details please contact Lynne by E mail: lynnesinger@msn.com or phone on:020 8330 5903 Our aim is to provide a meeting/crafting place for all crafters whatever their craft or ability. Either bring your own work or purchase our kit of the month (small materials cost usually £2), come and play and chat. (small cost to over hall hire and insurance approx £4) Craft group - We meet at Christ Church with St Philip Ruskin Drive on the first TUESDAY of the month from 7.30-9.30pm A place where all crafters whatever their craft or ability can meet, craft, share ideas and learn from each other. Feel free to bring your own projects or you can try our project of the month Cost: £5 per session Lynne Singer 020 8330 3590 or Toni Shepherd 07900 006367
Wednesdays
Keep Fit Stay Fit every Wednesday 10.15-11.15am at Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Road. Come along and give it a try ! For more information please call Jo Hamilton on 020 8786 3444. The Probus Club of Ewell Coming up to retirement? Just retired? Looking to make new friends? Why not join the Probus Club of Ewell? Since it was founded over 40 years ago, the Probus Club of Ewell has been attracting businessmen
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
from Worcester Park and its surrounding areas with a broad range of professional and business backgrounds. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Bourne Hall in Ewell Village, for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. In addition to two Ladies Lunches during the year, there is an active social programme for members and their partners with visits to places of interest and West End Shows. If you would like to know more, please telephone our secretary, Bruce Urquhart, on 01737 373 690 or visit our website: http://4newmembers.ewell4probus.org.uk
Thursdays
Monthly group for Vegans, and those in vegan food etc, meeting on the second Thursday of each month ,7pm until 8.30 pm at Christchurch with St Philip, Cheam Common Rd. RIng 0208 337 3722 for more info or find us on Facebook (Worcester Park Vegans). You don’t have to live in Worcester Park. Anyone interested ,who can get there to be with us,will be welcome! East Surrey Family History Society For those who are interested in finding out how to investigate their family history the Sutton Branch of the East Surrey Family History Society holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month at St Nicholas Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane. Most months we have a professional speaker. Further details of all our branch meetings, can be found at Our award winning website www.esfhs.org.uk 60+ Social Mixed Single Group We meet in a local pub every Thursday where we discuss outings for the weekends such as meal out, walking, theatre trips, cinemas and many other things. If you would like to join us please ring Maureen: 07761278661. Kingston Phoenix Road Club is a cycling club that meets at 8-30pm every Thursday at Worcester Park Athlete Club, Green Lane, Worcester Park. The club was founded in 1936 and currently has a membership of 70. We cater for riders of all ages whether they are novices or experienced and our oldest rider is 84 years old who is still racing and holds several national age related records. Malden Emergency First Aid Society (MEFAS) members meet every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 10pm. The public is invited to join members on short training courses. For further details please see MEFAS web site at http://e-voice.org.uk/mefas/ or telephone 020 8942 8653 or 07966661015 Breathe Easy (Merton & Sutton) Group. Wheezy? Breathless? you are not alone, come and join us at your local friendly support & information group for anyone affected by a lung condition. We meet between 2-4 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Scill Centre 3 Robin Hood Lane Sutton For more information please contact George on 0208 647 7530 Thursday Fellowship. Every Thursday at 2.30pm for men and women, finishing with a cup of tea
and biscuits or cakes. A lively, friendly meeting at Worcester Park Baptist church in The Avenue. Well-known, familiar hymns and prayers, musical afternoons, and a variety of speakers on topical subjects, including help and advice. New members welcome. For more information ring Jean Gathercole on 020 8642 9649 The Worcester Park Hello Club launched last November and is welcoming new members! We meet every Thursday morning from 10am – 12 noon. The club is aimed at anyone who would like to come and join in with board games, quizzes, cards, occasional craft sessions - or just to have a chat and a coffee. Adults of any age are welcome to come and get to know each other. The main aims of the club are: • To meet new people and build friendships • To become involved with the local community • To access activities, information and advice The club is very friendly and informal. Every month there will be a member of staff attending from the SCILL Information & Advice Service – they have information on most topics for all your needs and will be pleased to assist you. The drop in club was set up by Sutton Vision, Christ Church with St Philip and SCILL , working together in partnership. We are fortunate to be provided with a welcoming and comfortable venue at the Christ Church with St Philip Community Hall. There are accessible toilets on site. There is a small charge for coffee and tea at the church café. If you would like to join us, please just turn up, or if you would like to speak to someone, please contact one of the following: SCILL 020 8770 4065 Sutton Vision 020 8409 7166 Christ Church with St Philip 020 8330 7630
Fridays
Bartlett House Residents Luncheon Club is a welcoming social club for the retired from work but not from life! Bartlett House, 49-51 The Avenue, Worcester Park, KT4 7HU. Catch up with friends every Friday 11am-4pm. This fun and friendly club is not for profit, ensuring prices are kept to a minimum so it won’t cost the earth! New members welcome. Contact Dot on 0208 330 2074 Quest was set up in 1987 to provide a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no 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
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
39
Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m Contact June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220 RSPB Epsom And Ewell Local Group We meet the 2nd Friday of every month at 7.30, apart from July and August, at All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate their enthusiasm on a variety of natural history subjects. There is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. If you would like more information, please look at our website, www.rspb.org.uk/groups/epsom Worcester Park Womens’ Club. We are part of the National Association of Womens’ Clubs and we meet at Cheam Common Junior School, Kingsmead Avenue every Friday from 7.30 to 9.30 (term time only). We have very interesting speakers, outings, a garden party in the summer and a quiz night rasising money for our chosen charity for the year. Why not come along and give us a try. For more information call Carole on 020 8337 6088.
General
Auriol Bowling Club was established in 1967, and plays on the 6-rink bowling green attached to the pavilion in Auriol Park, Salisbury Road, Worcester Park. It is a mixed club of around 45 men and 25 women, who play outdoors from April to September, with a busy fixture list of league and friendly matches against other clubs, as well as internal club competitions. For further information please contact the club Secretary, David Regan, on 020 8337 8919 or visit the website at www. auriolbowlingclub.com. Cuddington Bowling Club will always welcome new members. The club is situated in Sandringham Road, Worcester Park and we play on an excellent 6 rink green that has been acclaimed by many of the club’s visitors this year. We are a mixed club with about 60 members and play a range of friendly and league fixtures catering for all abilities. For further information, please contact our Secretary Mike Ridley 02087158326 or our Treasurer Mark Broughton 02083379699. Social Dancing With “ Glitters” At Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell Village 8.15 pm – 11.00 pm Entrance 8.15 p.m. - 11 p.m.. Over 18s. £8 Entrance Fee. All standards of dancing. Excellent free parking. Bar. Professional DJ “We may not have Brucie, but we do have a glitter ball!”. Ring David 07903 314276. Friday Nights for 2015: Jan2nd and 16th, Feb 6th and 20th, March 6th and 20th, Apr 3rd and 17th, May 1st and 15th, June 5th and 19th, July 3rd and 17th, Aug 7th, Sept 4th and 18th, Oct 2nd and 16th, Nov 6th and 20th, Dec18th National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters GroupFormed in 1971, we run a
40
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 Graham 020 8404 6259 or Ladies Secretary Pat: 020 8544 9704 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.
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
0208 394 2555
Sales@JacksonNoon.com Lettings@JacksonNoon.com
OCTOBER 2014 UPDATE Autumn Colours As we write we are half way through Autumn heading towards the cold and dark of winter rather reluctantly and it seems the weather has been equally reticent remaining both warm and dry late into the year. House hunting is, of course, always a little more pleasant when it’s sunny. On the brighter side we are looking forward to the autumn shades, forecast to be particularly spectacular this year, and some clear blue skies providing a colour combination that definitely enhances external property photos. It’s also the time of year we annually bemoan the trend towards a splash of colour at the top and bottom of socks. Yes really! Whoever thought of that cheery little burst of neon knitting clearly neither considered people who have to take off their shoes frequently, nor did they factor in one of each pair inevitably vanishing in the wash. We have become used to months of dry weather and clean soles during which our offers to pad around property in our hosiery have generally been declined, so we’ve been a little bit spoilt. The winter is a very different story. Off come the muddy shoes, out come those socks. Just a little something to bear in mind if you are house hunting this winter. On a more serious note there are currently plenty of buyers, many with reassuringly mismatched socks, looking very seriously at the moment. The elements do tend to deter less committed buyers but those that are motivated will brave most conditions, even snow. Indeed a couple of years ago we faced a snowy Saturday and were very impressed that only one appointment, in a fully booked diary, failed to go ahead as planned. Autumn and winter are seasons during which the market is typically both less frantic and less volatile. The spring and early summer 2014 saw a particularly strong, and sometimes aggressive, market. Many buyers became frustrated and consequently put their plans on hold hoping the frenzy would calm. The market is a lot steadier now. Prices are generally holding firm with a little bit of upward movement and outbidding for some property types, particularly entry level property, whilst prices have eased a little at the upper end of the market. Demand is quite specific though at the moment and it’s therefore hard to generalise. Investment buyers remain very active as do London market escapees. It’s a commonly held misconception that the time to sell property is in the early part of the year, but our observation is that the best time is really whenever is right for you. The internet has changed the way nearly every business operates. You can now order a washing machine, with inbuilt sock vanishing system, at 7 in the evening and have it delivered to your doorstep the next morning. Rather more relevantly nine in ten of us will buy our Christmas gifts online, often in the evenings, which might make you wonder what people do with their shopping days now. A decade ago we would all have been battling the queues at the tills on the first Saturday of December. People still go shopping, but for something very different. For the last three years that Saturday has been our busiest viewing day of the year and we anticipate the pattern will repeat itself in December 2014.
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
41
The better life Time to Reflect Derek Thompson
alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk Now that the harvest is officially over (bar some sprouts and a couple of leeks), November is our time for pause and renewal. Just as Oct 31st signified the Celtic New Year, we celebrate our growing successes and consider our failures, much like a Better Life school report. A bit like the spuds I planted recently, it's a mixed bag. Biology - The so-called weed that flourished in the raised bed turned out to be an oriental poppy, bearing 16 flower heads. Full marks for bird poop or windfall, and my procrastination. Geography - My guerrilla gardening efforts at work were a little underwhelming. The four mange tout I secreted in the communal garden struggled (insufficient light) until, finally, the sole survivor yielded two actual mange tout. Must do better! Home Economics - Full marks to Anne and the garden. The butternut squash survived the mollusc hordes (as I've said before, there's never a hedgehog around when you need one, although we did once find a poop on the front doorstep) and, along with homemade fennel bread, rhubarb crumble and lettuce were the standout successes. PE - I clocked up 250 cycling miles in 12 months, commuting to my part-time job - aside from the milelong round trip for the Post Office run (amble!). Also, digging for victory helped to cancel out the calories. History - I was better at recording planting dates on the calendar for forward planning, helping to ensure the garden remained productive and sustainable. A WWII crop rotation leaflet proved useful too, once laminated for outdoor service. Chemistry - Our do-it-yourself plant feeds seem to work, but the trial became skewed when I felt sorry for the underprivileged specimens. We made nettle feed for growing and comfrey feed (donated by a neighbour) for flowers or fruits. Both Anne and the cat were put off by the stench though, so we'll need a quarantined area next time. Woodwork - Full marks again, to our neighbour. If you can find yourself a retired carpenter with tools and free time, it's well worth bartering to sort out their computer problems! Physics - A raised bed with insufficient soil is little more than a wooden frame. I think I discovered some as yet unidentified law of volume that states it always takes more bags of soil and compost than you have to hand. Drama - Somehow, we cornered the market this year in micro garlic. Indoors, the chilli peppers, alas, burned brightly but briefly - except on the tongue. In a surprise twist the rogue tomato seed in the compost proved to
42
be sun gold, yielding dozens of belladonna beauties. Maybe I'll grow to like the taste one day. Reading - I've started to read seed packets more carefully, so that we plant according to the climate and soil from now on! Our main growing lessons: - Assume there will be losses even early on and plant accordingly. - Be decisive when it comes to taking ailing plants out. Otherwise they're taking up nutrients as well as space. - Experiment. Much as the experts would love to tell you otherwise, there are no hard and fast rules - only what works on your patch of soil. Be bold! Overall, I'd give us a B minus for effort and a C plus for achievement. And now we move up a year!
HOUSE CLEARANCE We clear all houses, Flats, lofts, garages and sheds! Friendly honest and reliable service
Contact Luke Brammer on: Home: 0208 - 296 - 6811
Free And Fair quotations!
Mobile: 07557 - 957 - 610 www.thegrafters.co.uk
Andy Reeve
Plumbing & Heating Engineer ALL PLUMBING SERVICES from tap washers, toilets & garden taps through to installation of Central Heating Systems, Kitchens & Bathrooms.
No call out charges • Over 30 years in the trade
Mob : 07973 733649 / Tel : 020 8393 0180 andyreeve.plumber@virginmedia.com www.andyreeve.webs.com
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline
Add a New Dimension to Your Home
Our Conservatories, Orangeries and Bi-Folding Doors will completely change the way you enjoy your home.
7 Grand Parade, Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7BE www.warmlite.co.uk Tel: 020 8399 3377 To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
43
ABLE 2 BUILD & Sons ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK
020 8337 6327 • 07889 255 097 www.able2build.co.uk 44
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
The perfect garage door for your home. The SeceuroGlide LT is made to measure in the UK and comes with a fully comprehensive 5 year warranty. With a wide range of colours, finishes and accessories available, we will find the perfect garage door to complement your home.
FROM ON LY
£995 * FITTED
Call now on 020 8942 3186 to arrange a free no obligation survey or visit our showroom to view our full range of products: 320 West Barnes Lane, Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 6NB *To take advantage of this offer please mention this advert when calling
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
45
Recipe
Italian Lamb Shanks Serves 4 Ready in 2 ½ hours
Lamb shanks are perfect for long slow cooking as they become meltingly tender and the meat just falls off the bone. Here they are braised with all the flavours of Italy – red wine, smoked cured bacon and tomatoes. Serve with creamy mash or boiled ribbon pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle. 4 small lamb shanks • 2 tbsp olive oil 350g shallots, peeled • 300ml red wine 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 150g cubed pancetta (Italian dry cured bacon) 400g can chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs to garnish 5ml (1tsp) sugar • Creamy mashed potato, to serve Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 3. Season the lamb shanks with freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan and brown the lamb shanks over a high heat for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish. Add the shallots, garlic and pancetta to the frying
46
pan and cook over a medium heat for 6-7 minutes until lightly browned. Pour in the red wine and bring to the boil. Add the tomatoes, sun-dried tomato puree, rosemary sprigs and sugar and pour over the lamb. Cover the casserole and cook in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the lamb shanks are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve with creamy mashed potato and garnished with fresh rosemary. Tip Why not double up the quantities and freeze away half for another day? Allow to cool completely then transfer to a freezer-proof container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly then reheat gently on the hob for 20-25 minutes until piping hot.
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
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
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
47
Voice for Wildlife Crows, Magpies And Jackdaws by Carol Williams
Have you noticed, as I have, that the number of crows has increased in the last decade? And that jackdaws have started coming into towns, flocking with the pigeons where people gather to eat? The first time I ever saw jackdaws was in France in 1981. They were in an old village, nesting around an ancient stone bridge. The sight, for me, was rare and magical, their calls a sort of new bird music, one I’d never heard. The caws of the carrion crows and the ‘football rattle’ call of the magpies are familiar; they have been part of the ‘conversational chorus’ of my back garden for 30 years, along with the gentle cooing of the wood pigeons. The increase in their numbers is testament to how adaptable these species are. Any that can feed off human garbage and road kill are likely to be winners in the evolutionary race!
These three species, along with ravens. rooks, jays, choughs, nutcrackers and treepies, belong to the corvid family. They are the most intelligent of all non human animals, having demonstrated self awareness in mirror tests (magpies) and tool making ability (crows). Their total brain-to-body mass ratio is equal to that of great apes and cetaceans, and only slightly lower than in human beings. I was sitting on a bench in a shopping precinct one Summer afternoon last year, and watched a pigeon fliying repeatedly into a very full litter bin a few yards from my seat, and emerging, each time, with a chip. A crow was watching also, from a perch on the back of an empty seat. After a few moments the crow flapped across to the bin, dived in and grabbed the entire package of left over chips, flying off with it! It was clear to me that the crow understood something that the pigeon did not and took advantage to get all the food. Of course, as a human, with ideas of fairness and sharing, I felt sorry for the pigeon. But crows must live also, and have families
10TH ANNIVERSARY SALE ON NOW
QUALITY OAK, PINE & PAINTED FURNITURE FREE LOCAL DELIVERY – MADE TO MEASURE AVAILABLE 23-25 HIGH STREET EWELL VILLAGE
48
Telephone 020 8786 9315 www.alexandras.biz
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
needing food. There is nothing kind and fair in Nature. Or in us, for that matter, if we choose to emulate Nature rather than living by ethical codes. The natural diet of crows is not chips..... ! But they are omnivorous and so have ample food choices. They take invertebrates, the nestlings of smaller birds, small mammals, berries, fruits, seeds and, of course, dead flesh or ‘carrion’ which gives them their common name -carrion crow. I have seen many a crow dancing about on high speed roads, dodging traffic, to feast on the corpse of some poor creature hit by a vehicle. They are opportunistic foragers, and learn new behaviours quickly, which makes them supremely at home in urban environments where people chuck wasted food in open bins and down on the path; fast food outlets serve a host of scavengers with high energy food every day, thanks to the littering habits of homo sapiens. Rats and foxes benefit from this bounty also. I like magpies. They are rather beautiful, with their black and whilte plumage. Their call - the ‘football rattle’ is distinctive and I find their bouncing gait quite comical. Magpies are often blamed for the decline in songbird numbers, because, like all the corvids, they predate nests, but the RSPB has found that they are not a significant factor - it is availability of food and suitable nest sites that have driven songbird numbers down - loss of habitat, in other words, caused by intensive farming practices which reduce native plants ( often called weeds, to my annoyance) - and, therefore, insects, the removal of hedgerows and the loss of green spaces due to urban development. Songbirds need dense vegetation to nest in, to help protect their eggs and young from predators. We need look no further than ourselves for someone to blame for the decline of songbirds - all the choices we make -from what to buy to eat to how we manage our own land - have far reaching impacts.
Jackdaws are the smallest of British corvid species. They are stocky with grey colouration to the back of the head and the adults have striking pale eyes. That they steal bright objects for their nests does not seem to have much truth in it, according to those who have studied wild populations of these birds. I can personally attest, however, to the crows in my back garden taking strange objects for their nests - including a plastic disc from the centre of our picnic table - the bit that is supposed to support a sun umbrella!! To finish, I have just watched a Youtube clip of a pet jackdaw learning to copy words, just like a parrot will, although, I must admit, not with quite as much vocal ability. And here are 2 verses from poems about Jackdaws: There is a bird who, by his coat And by the hoarseness of his note, Might be supposed a crow, A great frequenter of the church, Where, bishop-like, he finds a perch, And dormitory too. (From ‘The Jackdaw ‘ by William Cowper) And, from ‘The Jackdaw of Rheims ‘ by Richard Harris Barham): In and out Through the motley rout, That little jackdaw kept hopping about: Here and there Like a dog in a fair, Over comfits and cates, And dishes and plates, Cowl and cope,and rochet and pall, Mitre and crosier! he hopp’d upon all! With a saucy air, He perch’d on the chair Where, in state, the great Lord Cardinal sat, In the great Lord Cardinal’s great red hat; And he peer’d in the face Of his Lordship’s Grace, With a satisfied look, as if he would say, “We two are the greatest folks here today!”
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
49
Kids Play
There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers
MUSIC CLASSES FOR UNDER 4’S
Monday
Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- a lively toddler group, where carers of any kind are welcome to attend and supervise their youngsters. Our age range is from young babies to 3-4 years. Sarah on 020 8393 7299 or email via the church’s website www.wpbc.org.uk Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group is a very welcoming and relaxed place to meet new friends for yourself and your toddlers. We are open to all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers. We meet in the Church Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 until 11.15am during term time
Tuesday
Toddling2Church, Christ Church with St Philip 2-3pm Parents, carers and pre-school children are all welcome to join us for songs with percussion instruments, a Bible story simply and sensitively told, a story-related craft activity and, of course, drinks and biscuits.
Wednesday
Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- see Monday. we have vacancies on a Wednesday
Friday
Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday
Saturday
Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane Primary School. For Dads and their pre-school children (0-4). The kids get to play with the toys, the Dads get a bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door. For more information & contact details, www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org Old Malden Library (Church Road, Worcester Park) Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+
50
Taught by a qualified Suzuki-method music teacher. Thursday At Worcester Park Library, Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES
Friday At Surbiton Library Halls, Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AG
9.45-10.30am Toddler class 10.35-11.20am Toddler class
10-10.45am Chinese music class (suitable for Chinese/ non- Chinese speaking families)
To book your place please contact Ginger on 07525 497 124 or email infomusicfun@gmail.com www.gingersmusicfun.com
If you are reading this then so too are your potential customers. Advertising costs from just £21 plus VAT a month.
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
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
We can upgrade your door with the ABS snap secure high security lock to replace existing substandard europrofile locks.
K
20% discount on key cutting *Prices exclude VAT
FROM £39.00* (WITH THIS ADVERT)
ocal Your l treet S High miths Locks YEARS Est 28
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
51
Clubs
The Worcester Park Dramatic Society The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local amateur theatre group of long standing, winner of the 2011 NODA London Flame Award, and since nominated for awards for our sets and performances. We stage two major productions a year at the excellent Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell, in April and November. We meet Tuesdays and Fridays at 8.15 pm in the Elmcroft Community Centre In North Cheam, on the Sainsbury’s site. We have
rehearsals and quiz nights and organise theatre outings and social events. We welcome new members wishing to act or work backstage in set construction, stage management, sound and lighting. Interested? Call our membership secretary, Sue Eacott on 07787 924820. Or simply come to one of our evenings for a look. Hay Fever, our next production, is a cross between a farce and a comedy of manners: Judith Bliss, recently retired from the London stage, still searching for some drama in her life, invites a guest into the family home for a weekend, hoping for a little intrigue. Unbeknown to her, her husband, a self-centred novelist, and their children have had the same idea. Their unsuspecting guests are quite unprepared for the ensuing parlour games and the vicious bickering and outrageous flirting on which the Bohemian Bliss family thrive.
KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
Learn to Bowl Free Coaching All Ages & Abilities Welcome Bar • Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jubilee Way, Chessington KT9 1TR
Tel: 020 8397 7025
www.kgfindoorbowlsclub.co.uk
52
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
You can find the right combination at Unilet All the best brands, in stock and available for demonstration. Give us a call.
Need a large screen for the World Cup? Give us a call.
Unilet
SOUND+VISION
Unilet Sound and Vision Ltd. 35 High Street, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4BY
hi-fi • audio-visual multi-room specialists
Tel: 020 8942 9567 Email: sales@unilet.net www.unilet.net
The Pick of the Crop Acoustic Energy • Arcam • Audio Lab • B&W • Bryston • Chord • Chord Cable • Denon • Dynaudio • Dynavector Electrocompaniet • Esoteric • Heed • KEF • Leema • Lehmann • Marantz • Meridian • Michell • Mission • Mordaunt Short • Musical Fidelity Onkyo • Ortofon • Panasonic • Pioneer • Plinius • PMC • Primare • ProAc • Pro-ject • Quad • REL • Roksan • Rotel SME • Sonos • Spendor Stax • Tannoy • TEAC • Wilson Benesch • Wharfedale • Yamaha - Cables, Home Installation, Vinyl Records, Bespoke Aerial, Satellite & Freesat Installations
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
53
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 54
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
S!
! y to nds c a i r t as b nt top a f a t he ve all a h ith we t w s Great sele n Ye me ction t r o f Toys for u a p nder de
Y O T
ÂŁ5 - perfe ct for party bags !
High Street, New Malden, KT3 4BU 020 8942 2277 www.tudorwilliamsltd.co.uk
To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
55
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Portobello Mushroom Filled with Stilton & walnuts
Gin Cured Salmon
with dill, shallots, capers & Crème fraîche
Monday - Tursday
2 Courses £17.95 (Add a dessert for £5)
Friday & Saturday Evenings 3 Courses £27.95
y Roast Turkey
Served with roast potatoes, pigs in blanket, chestnut stuffng, brussels sprouts, red cabbage & gravy
Duck Conft With marmalade glaze, bok choi and potato dauphinoise
Wild Mushroom Risotto With truffe oil, rocket & Parmesan
Fillet of Sea Bass
Adults First Sitting
With red pepper sauce, tender stem broccoli and fondant potato
12pm till 1.30pm
£42.95
Second Sitting
From 3pm onwards
£47.95 Children - £27.95
Christmas Pudding With a brandy sauce
Chocolate Fondant Served with ice cream
Rhubarb Crème Brûlée
A 10% service charge will be added to the final bill. without prior notice We reserve the right to change the menu at any time
56
Please check availability as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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