Worcester Park Life December 2012

KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide

Worcester Park Life

Dec 12 issue 54 Inside 6

Welcome to You Are Here

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Worcester Park History by David Rymill

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Competition Cycle Power

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Ruth Jemmett on Families at Christmas

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Give it Back Mak!

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View from the City by Justin Urquart Stewart

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On the Grapevine

40

Clubs

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What’s On

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Welcome to

our December edition W elcome to our December edition - the 54th!

Just cannot believe how quickly the year had flown

by (albeit that I am writing this in November) and that it’s almost Christmas already. Time to dig the decorations from the numerous places I stored them last year - oh to be organised and have one place for everything! (Note for New Years’ Resolutions.)

A big fan of fairy lights I don’t actually need Christmas as an excuse and have some on all year round lighting the stairwell. I am loving the new LED bulbs which don’t seem to have such a high failure rate as the traditional bulbs, replacing which is a very frustrating chore in my book!

Thanks so much to all of the businesses and readers who have supported Worcester Park Life in 2012. We’re back in the first week of January, so if you’d like to be included please make sure you get in touch by, the earlier than usual deadline, 14th December.

In the meantime, please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you reply to adverts.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Best wishes until next time Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher Next copy deadline: 14th Dec Published by Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS E: jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915

www.wplifeco.uk Also publishing The Village Voice

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Worcester Park

Welcome to You Are Here A pop-up shop has arrived in Worcester Park

under the name of You Are Here and from the 20th of November the shop opened its doors to provide a programme of workshops, classes and retail projects, all run by local Worcester Park residents.

You Are Here is a community interest project being run

by Meanwhile Space in partnership with Sutton Council and funded by the Outer London Fund. Meanwhile Space specialise in bringing empty shops back into temporary use for local people to try out a new business idea or creative project. They offer affordable space to trial ideas and support those using the space by offering business advice and guidance in partnership with the business support team at SCOLA. The You Are Here shop, based at 44 Central Road, has already housed a series of successful workshops including Halloween mask making with local artist Helen Race, Day of the Dead workshop with art practitioner Natalie Baum and French hat-making as part of the Worcester Park French Market. The You Are Here shop also housed activities as part of The Big Draw – the national drawing campaign which saw over 40 young people getting

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involved in window decorating and giant pom-pom making.

You Are Here was also home to Sutton’s National Entrepreneur Week activities, with free one-to-one business advice from SCOLA’s business experts along with workshops on visual merchandising for local traders and drop-in sessions for anyone looking to get started with their own business.

Over the coming weeks the shop will be transformed by the people who will be using it to launch their new businesses. The You Are Here shop is a constantly evolving space and passers-by will see new and exciting opportunities popping up on their high street between now and Christmas.

On Mondays Natalie Baum will be running Messy Play art fun for pre-schoolers, followed by art club for 7 to 11 years. On Tuesdays the shop will house mum and baby music classes with Ginger and on Fridays Louise Millward of Hummingbee Yoga will be offering beginners yoga classes, designed to de-stress you after a week at work.

As well as workshops, the space will be offering exciting and innovative Christmas crafts and gifts with a shop run

by Clare Gallagher and Helen Race opening on the 23rd November. If you are looking for the perfectly unique Christmas gift then Clare and Helen will be on-hand to talk you through their creations.

You Are Here will be taking part in Worcester Park’s Christmas Shopping night on the 30th November so please do join us for a glass of mulled wine, mince pies and a bit of a sing-song while you browse the wares and pick up a Christmas bargain or two.

For more information on You Are Here please contact Anna Ramsay, Project Delivery Manager on 07896 936158 or email anna@meanwhilespace.com More information is also available on our website www.meanwhilespace.com/projects/current/meanwhile-sutton

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Worcester Park History The Manor Drive WPLife readers in the Old

Malden portion of Worcester Park may have felt this side of the district has been rather neglected in my articles so far.

I now plan to put that right, beginning with a short series of articles about the estate centred on The Manor Drive.

The Manor Drive, Highdown, Leyfield, Lady Hay and The Hollands make up the Worcester Park Estate developed by the firm of Lavender and Farrell Ltd established by William Lavender and Frederick Farrell of Cheam Common.

The size and shape of the land allowed Lavender and Farrell to plan an estate of curving avenues, and a layout plan was submitted to the local council in July 1930. The only impediment was the long-established footpath running from the end of Park Terrace, behind the Railway Inn (forerunner of The Worcester Park), diagonally across what was to become The Manor Drive before following a tortuous route skirting the garden and orchard of Fullbrooks and emerging onto Church Road alongside Malden Parochial School. This was regularly used as a route to the church and school, so Lavender and Farrell proposed substituting the carriageway of The Manor Drive for much of the route, and providing a new footpath rejoining the old route near the Manor Close turning circle. The magistrates appointed to inspect the site, noting that the old route was almost impassable in wet weather, gave their approval in February 1931.

Lavender and Farrell began submitting plans for individual houses in The Manor Drive and Highdown in September 1930. The first houses were completed by February 1931, and development continued steadily until early 1939. They produced an 84-page guide, with two fold-out maps and over 30 photographs, to promote the development. It begins by describing Worcester Park’s convenient location for the capital and the countryside: “Up-to-date London … acquiring the riches of forest and mine, desert and ocean depth, and the learning and understanding of mythical cities untold, has developed into a region of Utopia … and

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thousands upon thousands of town-dwellers look upon life in the country as a sheer impossibility … and yet … man is not content unless he can, at will, get away from the glamour and bustle of the city, and step into – the open country … Worcester Park is the select, picturesque garden suburb of London … Residents in this unique district make a very distinctive claim: ‘The country at our front door, London at our back! What could be more convenient!’”

Almost all the houses were three-bedroomed semis, with occasional detached houses. Most followed the ‘universal plan’ of the 1930s semi, with front and back reception rooms, and a kitchen behind the hall; upstairs were two large bedrooms, a small bedroom over the hall and a bathroom and separate WC over the kitchen. Within this framework, Lavender and Farrell provided a variety of details to make properties more individual, varying the treatment of the façades with brick and roughcast.

The estate guide gives details of eight types. No. 1 type, priced at £1,095, featured generous bay windows and a rounded porch, while no. 2 and no. 5 types offered sweeping front gables, squared porches, and dual-aspect windows to the small bedroom. Space was provided for optional garages, while the more unusual no. 6 type included an integral garage and four bedrooms. A no. 1 type house could be secured for an all-inclusive £100 deposit, and arrangements were made for 20-year mortgages, with weekly repayments of 34s 2d (later reduced to 32s 2d). In practice some purchasers secured houses at lower rates: perhaps prices were reduced to match those charged by other local builders.

Internally, various options were available. May Holland, who moved to The Manor Drive in 1936, recalled being invited to visit a showroom in the Wimbledon area to choose fireplaces: “We were told that we could spend so much, and if we wanted an extra-special fireplace we could pay extra.”

Tom Tandy, who bought a house in Highdown the following year, remembers that “They sent you patterns of wallpaper, and you could choose all that, and how you wanted the painting done.” In the kitchen “you had a gas stove and a coal boiler to heat the water, a small mangle and kind of washing machine, that was all included. There was a small worktop on one side, and two cupboards.”

Over the course of the development process there were various show houses. The company’s brochure describes a show house furnished by Arding and Hobbs, the Clapham Junction department store, including a dining room “with a striking new design in limed oak” and a lounge which, with mahogany furniture, “could hardly be cosier or more inviting.”

John Rowe recalls that 27 The Manor Drive, as a show house, was equipped with “certain de-luxe fittings: in

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the bathroom, the walls were lined with glass panels made to look like marble” and the back reception room “had panels outlined on the wall, so you could have a panel of wallpaper and the areas in between painted.”

This is an edited extract from my new book Worcester Park, Old Malden and North Cheam: History at our feet which was published a few months ago, and contains details, stories and illustrations that are almost all different from those in my previous book. Copies cost £10 (plus £2 p&p if required); for more information, please ring 8330 6563.

Do any WPL readers have access to older title deeds to a house on this estate? Each purchaser in the 1930s was probably given a large paper document entitled ‘Abstract of title of Lavender and Farrell’, recording changes in ownership of the estate down to L& F’s purchase of it. I have so far been unable to find a copy of this, and should be very pleased to hear from anyone who would be willing to let me see one.

David Rymill (020) 8330 6563 david.rymill@hants.gov.uk WPLife

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Published in 2012 and available at £10 (plus £2 towards postage if required)

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Ring 020 8330 6563 for more details This 300-page book tells the story of Worcester Park from the Iron Age to the present day, and includes memories of local life from 1908 onwards, and over 150 maps, photographs and drawings - mostly never published before.

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Competition

JComplete ust find all and circle all of the hidden words listed below. your details and hand this page into Cycle Pawer, Central Road, Worcester Park by 5pm on Monday 31st December for a chance to win.

1st Prize A free bike service (worth ÂŁ40 and excluding parts) 2nd prize ÂŁ20 voucher to spend in-store

Bar Bell Bradley wiggins Brake Cassette Chain Chris Hoy Dani King Ed Clancy Geraint Thomas Jason Kenny Joanna Rowsell Kids Laura Trott Lights Mtb Pad Peddle Peter Kennaugh

V J O A N N A R O W S E L L X I Y F P

I S A V B R A D L E Y W I G G I N S E

C T C N B I E N J C E V W E O R B C T

T E R E P Z X C U Z D I R D E Q A A E

O M L R S W A T D W Y A R C D S E D R

R L S P H I L I P H I N D E S D A A K

I R S E O L B O Y N Z V G E C C F N E

A A E L A U R A T R O T T L T T G I N

P L J A W V B T I O W T A E S N Q K N

E E C E Y I H S C B E N C P T S Y I A

N I M U R O L O D H C M B R A K E N U

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L H V A U H L P E D W I D B T U B E H

E I S E Q L B P R R X L S T P N O Y H

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Ruth Jemmett Writes Families at Christmas R uth Jemmett Discusses The Stress Of The Yuletide

Season As we approach Christmas the media conspires to bombard us with idealised images of perfect families.

Christmas cards display pictures of domestic harmony, and television adverts show the perfect Mum presenting her squeaky-clean children with a perfectly cooked lunch, as her adoring partner looks on, beaming, while poised to carve a juicy turkey.

Although such perfection may exist for the lucky few, the truth is that, for many people, the festive season can often mean a time of money worries and family arguments - things far removed from the true religious meaning of this special time of year. Tempers can run high within the family circle as people negotiate who will be lumbered this year with Smelly Aunty Nelly or Pervy Uncle Mervin.

With one in two marriages in this country ending in divorce, the Christmas season can mean a time of high tension as sparring ex-spouses argue about which parent will have access to which child at that time - and as one in five families are now headed by lone mothers, great unhappiness can be caused by lack of maintenance from absent partners.

Lawyers know only too well how stressful Christmas can be. They start to rub their hands with glee in December, knowing that January will present them with a bonanza time for divorces, following the detonation of the emotional time-bomb that explodes at this ‘happy’ time of the year.

Many people probably think that Christ’s birth has always been celebrated on 25th December, but this isn’t so. The Gospels say nothing about the actual date of the nativity, and indeed the early church didn’t celebrate it at all. It was only in the fourth century that Christmas was officially put on the calendar. Even so, it bore little resemblance to the festivities that we now indulge in, with religious ritual predominating.

Even the familiar Christmas tree that we delight in decorating and gathering around, wasn’t even heard of in this country until Prince Albert introduced one to Windsor Castle.

All civilisations throughout history have marked changes of the seasons with ceremonies, with or

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without religious meaning. In countries where winters are severe people haven’t needed much of an excuse to huddle together and indulge in merrymaking during chilly dark days. For the most part they do it to keep warm! In the western world Christianity gave us a reason to celebrate - the birth of our saviour, with each century adding embellishments to the rituals - some of them having no bearing on the solemn meaning of the event. Our modern-day exchanging of increasingly expensive gifts has now got out of hand - but, who knows? - perhaps medieval citizens had a shop called “Suits Of Armour R Us”???!!!

Many of us of a certain age will remember a time when the done thing was to drag your child to a large department store in December, where an out of work actor smelling of whiskey, dressed as Father Christmas (another relatively new invention) would dangle you on his knee, whilst promising you toys your parents couldn’t possibly afford. (Santa - I’m still waiting for that pony - the saddle I bought in anticipation of it has now fallen to pieces …..). I can remember looking

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up at such a boozy individual all those years ago, wondering why his beard was hooked over his ears, and being terrified of him. If you want to know what the stress of Christmas is all about, that was it!

It is indeed sad that modern Christmases have become so commercialised, and in the bustle of buying food and gifts, we can sometimes forget the true meaning of giving. Sharing love and happiness doesn’t necessarily have to involve money, and we should all endeavour to make time for sick or lonely people in our lives at this time. Those who are bereaved find Christmas particularly painful, and we should all try and find time to make that extra ’phone call, or give that extra cuddle that will mean so much.

Just saying “I am here for you” can often change the day of a bereft person. Giving of ourselves will create memories that linger long after all the tinsel has been discarded.

As we frantically tick items of yet another list, and feel that we are drowning in a sea of mince-pies, we should also remind ourselves, how simply and differently children see things. The under fives often discard toys so lovingly given to them by their parents, and will often prefer to play with the box it came in. For them Father Christmas is real and wondrous, and if we are lucky ( in between complaining about Smelly Aunty Nelly’s place at the lunch time, and telling carol singers

not to spit out their chewing gum on our doorstep) we might recall that time when we too were innocent - and still believed that the pantomime fairy’s wand contained magic dust.

In 1897 a famous editorial appeared in The New York Sun. That newspaper had received a letter from a little eight year old girl called Virginia, who asked “Is there a Santa Claus?”. Cast away your cynicism and Christmas stress as you read part the reply that came from an unknown author: “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound, and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Thank God he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood”.

From the eternal child in MY heart, may I wish all of you in Worcester Park a very Happy Christmas.

Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors Copyright 26th October 2012 WPLife

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The Better Life

by Derek Thompson

D espite living in a rural area for a while now, the local wildlife continues to fascinate me. Maybe

it’s because of my urban upbringing, where I only encountered sparrows, pigeons and the occasional house mouse.

I’ve been known to stop the car for butterflies. I was once mesmerised by the sight of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth, when I was putting the bin out (it’s all go in our village). That moth seemed too perfect to be real somehow.

I feel the same about the bats that patrol along the back lane - pipistrelles I think, judging by the size of them. I was fortunate enough to see one up close, thanks to our cat.

She has a different attitude to wildlife, treating our window as Freeview with the creatures outside a mixture of entertainment, expendable toys and snacky treats (or parts thereof).

One evening I tore myself away from the computer, when Anne was out at a dance class. I don’t do dance, unless a good impression of a wounded elephant

counts. The cat was nowhere to be seen, but she’d left me a gift on the carpet.

“Typical,” I said to the room. “Another mouse in need of the last rites.” On closer inspection this was no rodent, unless they came in their own shrouds. It was a bat and it was still breathing. I know very little about bats, other than: a) They don’t get in your hair. b) They’re a protected species and you need a licence to handle them.

I telephoned around and spoke with a local bat lady, who I’d met once before, on a stand at a green fair.

There, she’d opened her overcoat - like a dodgy watch seller - to reveal a selection of bats hanging in the lining. She now informed me that she’d retired and her nearest replacement was 20 miles away, so could I take the bat to him. Not unless he was keen on trains.

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THE FIRST LENS TO OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST UV ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK SURFACES OF THE LENS

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Under the circumstances, she suggested guiding me through some basic bat care. First I wrapped the little fella in some tissue paper. Then I tried offering him some water on a small paintbrush without success. “Oh, and do you have any cat food?” she inquired. I told her that I rather thought that was part of the problem, but attempted a feed - again without success.

“The other thing you might want to try,” she said, “is feeling along the wings - very carefully, mind - for any broken bones.” I told her about my habit of sneezing unexpectedly and we agreed to skip the procedure.

It was like one of those old disaster films, where a novice has to pilot the plane while being talked down over the radio. Only in this case, it was the finer points of bat husbandry via a hands-free cordless.

Finally, as instructed, I took the bat outside and very carefully released it from the tissue cocoon. The combination of a warm evening, moonlight and a little TLC soon revived it from its torpor. The bat stretched its wings, took a good look around and then flitted into the night. It was a little piece of magic. The cat remains unrepentant. WPLife Derek Thompson is a writer and humorist based in the West Country. His writing blog can be found at www. alongthewritelines.blogspot.com and he is also a regular at www.strictlywriting.blogspot.com

Dream Designs Decorators Decorating Specialists for over 30 years

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by City and Guilds Qualified Craftsmen Specialists in all Decorating Finishes including Wallpaper to Domestic and Commercial Property Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Free Estimates - Fully Insured References Available 10% Discount with this Advert 020 8335 3447 / 07855 425536 Email: dreamdesigns@blueyonder.co.uk

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Call Caroline Hayhurst - 020 8393 0881 or email abbeyfieldewellsoc@btinternet.com www.abbeyfield.com/ewell The Abbeyfield Ewell Society Ltd. Charity No.204444

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Homecare at its best

GES Care provides Care Assistants who support people in

their own homes to live the life they choose. Our services range from 30 minute calls through to full time support in the form of Live In Care.

Expert Care, Expert Help In the comfort of Your Own Home We can help in so many ways To arrange a free no-obligation informal chat about how GES Care can help you live an independent life

Call Gill or Jane on 020 8393 3544 or email info@gescare.co.uk

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

21

Santa Dash

Saturday 8th December C ome and join St Raphael’s Hospice Sponsored Santa Dash at Nonsuch Park, Cheam on Saturday 8

December at 11am and raise much needed funds for the Hospice St Raphael’s Hospice (www.straphaels.org.uk) is seeking people to join the Santa Dash at Nonsuch Park, Cheam, on Saturday 8 December at 11am and raise much needed funds for the Hospice. The Santa Dash is a fun event for all the family, where all participants complete the Dash dressed as Santa. The length of the dash is approximately three quarters of a mile and participants can walk, run, jog or trot the route.

The route is also suitable for wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.

Although the Hospice is based in London Road, North Cheam, it treats terminally ill patients from all areas of the Boroughs of Sutton and Merton.

Suzi Forland, Events Fundraiser, St Raphael’s Hospice, says “We want as many people as possible to take part.

We do supply the “one size fits all” Santa suit – although there is a toddler size available as well.

Although there is no minimum sponsorship, we would love each participant to raise at least £30 which is equivalent of paying a Hospice nurse for two hours.

Sponsorship can be raised by using our official form or by creating a Just Giving page online.

“There were 210 “Santas” taking part in our Santa Dashes last year in Nonsuch Park, Cheam and Wimbledon Common. These raised over £10,500 for the hospice – so we hope to do the same with this year’s events.”

How to join Entry fees are £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s or £20 for a family group of two adults and two children or £30 for a corporate team of four adults or friends.

Children under 3 are free. Each participant must fill in a registration form. Once St Raphael’s Hospice receives your registration form and fee, you will be sent a sponsor form and “one size fits all” Santa suit – there is a special toddler size suit available.

For more details, visit www.straphaels.org.uk ; e-mail susannahforland@straphaels.org.uk or phone 020 8644 3857. WPLife

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COOMBE C OAC H WO R KS

w w w. c o o m b ec o a c h wo r k s . c o. u k We provide a comprehensive range of bodywork and paintwork services.

Each job is carried out by our fully trained and qualified technicians Call us or drop in for details of:

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We have both car and commercial accident repair departments. Free estimates and assistance with all bodywork and paint repairs. Servicing and mechanical repairs. Servicing from £75.00. All leading brands of tyre supplied. Wheel balancing and tracking. Loan cars provided if available.

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

23

Christmas Events Give it Back Mak! Out on the hills, under a sky full of stars, it is most

bitterly cold. The twinkling lights of the town look very inviting. But no such luck for the shepherds who must keep an eye out for all kinds of unusual predators at winter lambing time...

The Lamb Chop Inn is full to bursting. Worse still, they’ve nothing to serve for Sunday roast. Mak, who runs the place, has put up a sign, ‘NO VACANCIES AT ALL’. Another underneath says: ‘NOT EVEN THE TEENSIEST ONE’, but a young couple whose car is stranded in the snow knock on the door anyway...

A warm-hearted and funny story unfolds of desperate deeds, sheep in prams and people that glow in the dark, while out in Mak’s potting shed something is happening which will change everything and everyone for the better. With puppetry, hilarity and extraordinary story-telling, ‘Give It Back, Mak!’ promises to be a delightful and magical Christmas experience for anyone aged 5 and up.

Starting at 7pm, the production lasts approximately one hour so little ones can stay up a bit later than

RIDING LIGHTS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

normal but still be in bed at a sensible time. If children would like to bring a cushion so that they can sit on the floor close to the action they may.

We at Christ Church with St Philip are so excited that Riding Lights Theatre Company - a professional theatre company based at Friargate Theatre in York - are fitting us into their national Christmas tour. What a treat!

You’d be crazy to miss it...

Tickets £3 from the box office 0208 337 2348 WPLife

  



  



    

  

   

Alfie Jenkins 07792036365

A LY CHRI RU M B USTI OUS NEWFAMI STM A E S PLA H Y F O R A LL T

FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER - 7.00pm CHRIST CHURCH WITH ST. PHILIP Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park, KT4 8LG Tickets: £3

BOX OFFICE: 0208 3372348

24

£12 per hour

Once only maintenance or regular weekly/ monthly visits

Directed by: Paul Burbridge & Paul Birch

Pressure Washing Lawn Care Bed & border work Rubbish/leaf clearance

Tall Hedges Gutter Cleaning Snow Clearance Gritting

7 days a week from 7am to 7pm

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North Cheam Sports & Social Club Telephone: 020 8644 8469

New members and families welcome Membership: Single - £10 • Family - £15 • Oap - £5 • 2 Large function rooms available for various occasions • BBQ & Large Beer Garden • Kids Arcade / Games room • All live sports shown live in glorious HD • Pool, Darts & Poker • Live Music & Disco / Karaoke 658 London Road North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9BY you... d to seeing lard Look forwar northcheamsocial@yahoo.co.uk S nd ue Mil a y n o T www.northcheamsportsandsocialclub.co.uk

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

25

View from the City New Mail Hormones?

by Justin Urquhart Stewart

A

t last some good news for the Royal Mail. Yes over the years we have all moaned about our declining deliveries and the price of stamps.

However, I would put much of this down to an historical legacy of abuse - financial and managerial abuse by our politicians who consistently treated the Post Office as a cash cow in the good days and an object of ridicule in the bad days.

The Royal Mail missed out on the developments and initiatives of the likes of the Dutch mail service, because the latter was given the capital and the dynamic business ability to go out and develop both its market and itself. Meanwhile Royal Mail has been constricted by political dogma and old union

DG Accountancy Services provide a friendly and professional service at an affordable price.

Based in Epsom and Worcester Park Services offered include: For the Sole Trader: • Tax Returns • Bookkeeping For Limited Companies: • Bookkeeping • Statutory Accounts • Corporation Tax Contact Darren on:

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26

intransigence in the face of industrial and market changes.

Is this another classic British example of being bypassed by technology and innovation, blended with poor management and archaic trade unions? Perhaps not for much longer; with management having the strength of character to take hard decisions and the unions appearing to see the logic of such shifts, are we seeing a change of heart? Until quite recently the deliverer of snail-mail had been all but written off, and strangely it has been the rise of the previously touted “nemesis” of the Royal Mail that has really proved its saving. The increase of internet purchases has led directly to the rise of parcel deliveries (or sometimes failed deliveries, judging by the queues at the parcel office on Saturday mornings). If it does ever float, which is quite possible, then one wonders whether Amazon might make a bid for its prime deliverer.

Perhaps they could sort out the milk deliveries at the same time? And then, when they get round to it they might even consider paying some tax.

Seemingly things have changed in terms of the politicians, managers and unions and with the possibility of a flotation being mooted, maybe eventually for the better. Again another example where the politicians should just get out of the way and let a business, albeit a regulated business, get on with its own development. WPLife 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. WPLife

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

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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

16/6/12

13:35

Page 1

H OU S E

H

S C HO

B U RY

WestburyAdJuly12:Westbury House Ad

OL

ST

I have a list as long as my arm of places that I want to visit and wine regions that I’d like to explore, with Argentina and Chile featuring at the top of my wish list. Something about Chile’s crisp fruity whites and punchy reds has always been so attractive and it appears that the rest of the UK agrees with me!

As of November 2011, the UKPREPARATORY replaced the USASCHOOL as the FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3 TO 11 YEARS AN INDEPENDENT top importer of bottled Chilean wine in the world, with The school offers high standardsisinoutstanding. a safe and The stimulating Pupils’ moral, social and cultural development school is Chile overtaking South Africa for the firstacademic time. In fact, environment.

To book an appointment to view the school work just under one in ten of all bottles of wine sold in the successful in creating a happy family atmosphere in which each pupilatcan flourish.

UK are Chilean. Independent wine retailers (as opposed please telephone the school office on 020 8942 5885.

Ofsted Report 2008 to Supermarkets, pubs and bars) have reported that their customers now purchase more Chilean than French wine, but where did this UK obsession with Chilean wine come from?

Chile’s dramatic landscape offers remarkably diverse urban and natural locations, with most regions boasting fertile soil and irrigation water from rivers, which combine to create the ideal conditions for the production of quality wines.

Initially, I put its popularity down to its intensely drinkable style and low prices, but far from being considered as just great value, Chilean wine is increasingly being recognized for its unique blend of old world philosophy and innovation, its purity of fruit and its diversity of climate.

WE

WESTBURY HOUSE SCHOOL A LOVE OF LEARNING IS FOR LIFE

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Dec-Jan 13 Proof 1A.indd 9

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

11/19/2012 10:33:18 AM

27

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 28

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Kingston events

Bentalls Wednesday 5th December Meet Mich Turner at 1.30pm from the

Little Venice Cake Company. “Mich is the Bentley of Cake Makers” Gordon Ramsay, “Great Cake Chemistry” Heston Blumenthal, “Mich is the Master of Cake Perfection Learn from the best!” Kirstie Allsop. Mich will be cake decorating, answering questions and booksigning.

Mich’s new television series – Britain’s Best Bakery starts on ITV on 26 November at 4pm and continues daily; so it is a real treat to have her in store demonstrating. WPLife

FIRST TO HAVE IT ALL WRAPPED UP

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE FESTIVE MARKETS FAMILY FUN LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

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

29

Re gi ste 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

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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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Across 1. 16 Across multiplied by three (4) 4. 13 Across multiplied by three (4) 7. 2 Down minus three eighths of 2 Down (2) 8. 22 Down minus one third of 5 Down (2) 9. 237 squared plus 8 Across plus 22 Down (5) 12. Yards in four furlongs (3) 13. 12 Across plus one (3) 14. 6 Down multiplied by four (5) 15. 28 squared (3) 16. One thirteenth of 25 Across (3) 18. 193 squared plus 22 Down plus double 7 Across (5) 21. One sixteenth of 15 Across (2) 23. Months in seven years (2) 24. 94 squared plus 112 (4) 25. 12 Across plus 15 Down minus 11 (4) Down 1. Ounces in seven stone (4) 2. One eleventh of 12 Across (2) 3. 15 Across plus two (3) 4. 22 Down plus 5 Down plus 23 Across plus four (3) 5. Pints in six gallons (2) 6. 1 Across plus 1 Down minus four (4) 9. 224 squared minus one third of 22 Down (5) 10. 21 Across multiplied by 3 Down (5) 11. 136 squared minus one third of 23 Across (5) 15. 13 Across multiplied by eight (4) 17. 97 squared plus 38 (4) 19. 3 Down plus one quarter of 5 Down (3) 20. 16 Across minus double 23 Down (3) 22. 8 Across plus one third of 5 Down (2) 23. 23 Across minus three (2)

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

31

1. Which of Santa’s reindeer comes first alphabetically?

2. Ending with the line “we’ll keep the red flag flying here”, The Red Flag is a song that is sung to the same tune as which Christmas carol?

3. Which snack food introduced a special Christmas Dinner flavour in 2010, describing it as a “fusion of turkey and stuffing with all the trimmings”?

4. What was Cliff Richard’s last UK Christmas number one hit single?

5. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge anonymously send to Bob Cratchit and his family on Christmas morning after being visited by a number of ghosts during the night?

6. Which EastEnders character was murdered on Christmas Day in 2009?

7. What is the nearest country to Christmas Island?

8. Which character from a Christmas themed book lived on Mount Crumpit and had a heart that was two sizes too small?

9. Which double act from Wigan feature on the 2010 Christmas postage stamps issued by Royal Mail?

10. Which Christmas song has been the biggest selling single in the UK never to have topped the singles chart?

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1. Blitzen 2 O Christmas Tree 3. Pot Noodle 4. Saviour’s Day (in 1990; note that Millennium Prayer peaked at number two in 1999) 5. A turkey 6. Archie Mitchell (accept Archie) 7 Indonesia 8. The Grinch (in How The Grinch Stole Christmas) 9. Wallace and Gromit 10. Last Christmas (by Wham)

Christmas Quick Quiz - Christmas

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

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

33

Kids

From Worcester Park to West End

Eighteen pupils from

Stagecoach Worcester Park & Cheam were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to appear on stage in London’s West End, working with leading Artistic Director, Kim Gavin, fresh from his success producing and choreographing the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic closing ceremonies.

On 4th November, sixteen Stagecoach schools from across the UK were chosen to perform a piece of musical theatre in a Gala evening at Her Majesty’s !eatre, London. Stagecoach Worcester Park and Cheam had secured a place at this event and 18 pupils were selected to take part. !ose chosen had the privilege of working with Artistic Director Kim Gavin, who has been responsible for producing some of the UK’s biggest live events. Most recently Gavin is famous for the spectacular closing ceremonies of both the Olympics and Paralympics. He is also Take !at’s

resident creative director, directing and choreographing all their tours including Circus and Progress tours.

For this event, Gavin choreographed and directed the routine for the local troupe, which focused on dance and drama. Lucy Moorby, owner of Stagecoach Worcester Park and Cheam, said, “We were thrilled to be able to take advantage of Kim’s phenomenal talent and feel that not only is it an honour for our local tagecoach schools to be selected to take part in the Gala evening, the experience our pupils will gain from both working with Kim and appearing in a major West End theatre really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” !e spring terms starts on 4th & 5th January, so if you have a child aged between 4 and 16 years-old who dreams of being on the stage, contact Lucy Moorby on 0208 224 2442 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/worcesterpark for more information. WPLife

NCE! A D !

SING T NOW!

AC

ted Limi es plac ble! la avai

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Cheam & Worcester Park are now taking bookings for Spring term.

Call 020 8224 2442 email: cheam@stagecoach.co.uk worcesterpark@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/cheam www.stagecoach.co.uk/worcesterpark

34

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Buying a digital camera

by Imber Court Photo Training A re you considering purchasing a digital camera for Christmas? At first glance it can often appear

that you are entering a world of confusion! Here is a bit of advice before you jump in at the deep end.

A few considerations are necessary, number one being how much you want to spend, followed by what are you going to use the camera for. If you are looking for a camera that will easily fit in your pocket to use for taking family and holiday snaps then there are hundreds on the market at the moment. Always go for one of the well known manufacturers, Canon, Nikon, Olympus or Panasonic whose ranges start at about £90.00 up to about £250.00 depending on what features they have. We would suggest that the less features the easier the camera is to operate.

If you’re looking at buying something that will enable you to start taking your photography

seriously then there is only one option, a DSLR. These range in price from around £300 up to £5000! Don’t panic, Nikon and Canon both manufacture excellent entry level DSLR models starting at around £300. The Canon 1100D and Nikon D3200 can be purchased with a standard 18 – 55mm lens in this price range. They are both excellent models capable of producing fantastic results.

Most photographers need to be able to freeze movement, decide whether the background of the image is sharp or blurred and to have the ability to focus manually when the autofocus gets confused. These models enable you to do this along with a few other settings that will help you achieve stunning results that you will be proud to print and display. Further accessories can be added at a later stage like a longer lens and flash unit. For free unbiased advice call us on 02030442008 or email ashley@ imbercourtphototraining.co.uk. WPLIfe

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 December – Brian Hazelby 14th January – Len Rawle 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 Giselle Belcher 0208 404 6713.

Tuesdays The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local amateur drama group of long standing. We stage two major productions a year at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell, in April and November.

We meet every Tuesday and most Fridays at 8.15 pm in the Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam, on the Sainsbury’s site. Apart from play readings, rehearsals and set construction, we have quiz nights and various social events. We also arrange group outings to amateur and professional theatre productions. We welcome new members to help us stage future productions, anyone willing to act or work backstage. If interested, please contact our membership secretary, Joyce Cranfield, on 020 8337 3317.

“Lunch Break” - a friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting weekly 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

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-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 road, 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:0208 330 33590.

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)

Wednesdays Keep Fit Stay Fit every Wednesday 10.15-11.15am at Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Road. Come along and give it a try ! For more information please call Jo Hamilton on 020 8786 3444.

The Probus Club of Ewell Coming up to retirement? Just retired?

Looking to make new friends? Why not join the Probus Club of Ewell? Since it was founded 41 years ago, the Probus Club of Ewell has been attracting businessmen from Worcester Park and its surrounding areas with a broad range of professional and business backgrounds. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Bourne Hall in Ewell Village, for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. In addition to two Ladies Lunches during the year, there is an active social programme for members and their partners with visits to places of interest and West End Shows. If you would like to know more, please telephone our secretary, Ken Amess, on 020 8337 6241 or visit our website: www.ewell-probus.org.uk

Thursdays East Surrey Family History Society For those who are interested in finding

out how to investigate their family history the Sutton Branch of the East Surrey Family History Society holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month at St Nicholas Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane. Most months we have a professional speaker.

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

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

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

Wheezy? Breathless? you are not alone, come and join us at your local friendly support & information group for anyone affected by a lung condition.

We meet between 2 - 4 pm on the 3rd.

Thursday of every month at St Bedes Conference Centre, St Anthony’s Hospital, London Road, North Cheam. For more information please contact George on 0208 647 7530 or visit www.lunguk.org/ merton-sutton.

Fridays Bartlett House Luncheon Club is a welcoming social club for the retired from work but not from life! Bartlett house, 49-51 The Avenue, Worcester Park,KT4 7HU Catch up with friends every Friday 11am-4pm

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

*

1 2

Sit back and get that “Friday feeeling”with weekly entertainment! 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. No joining fee. Transport may be available. All you have to do is pop along and give us a try, we can guarantee that you will receive a warm welcome!

Contact us on 01372 720563 or 07807443156 Quest was set up in 1987 to provide a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no age cut off. The aim of the club is to provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere for the members and allow the carers to have a regular break. Everyone pays an annual subscription. and we all pay £2.50 for our lunch, which is cooked on the premises. We have various social activities and every second month we have a speaker, outings can be arranged if enough people wish to go. The venue is St. Philip Hall, Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park.

We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m Contact June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220 RSPB Epsom And Ewell Local Group We meet the 2nd Friday of every month at 7.30, apart from July and August, at All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate their enthusiasm on a variety of natural history subjects. Our speakers are of a high quality and we welcome anyone who has an interest in this area. We also have several birding outings throughout the year which is arranged to suit all ages. 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

Christmas Ballet Workshop

THE NUTCRACKER 15th -16th December Saturday 10:00am-­‐1:00pm & Sunday 9:30am-­‐12:30pm Cost: £42.00 per child

The magic of Christmas will be brought alive in this two-­‐day workshop, designed for children aged 5-­‐10 years old, exploring one of the worlds most loved ballets

Children will discover the ballet’s enchanting characters and be part of a performance at the end for friends and family to enjoy

Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment Places can be reserved by contacting: Caroline Butler arad rts Principle - Kids Love Dance 07951-163-755 info@kidslovedance.co.uk

Maple Lodge, The Hamptons Worcester Park

General

Stationery

Digital Printing

Business Cards

Posters (up to A1)

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 (email:clubsecretary@auriolbowlingclub.com), or visit the website at www.auriolbowlingclub.com.

Leaflets

Canvas Prints

Brochures

Digital Prints

Social Dancing With “ Glitters” At Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell Village 8.15 pm – 11.00 pm Entrance £8 Over 18’s All standards Bar & Free parking & Professional D J We may not have Brucie but we do have a glitter ball!

23rd Dec CALL 07903 314276 WPLife

Since advertising in the Village Voice & the Worcester Park Life, we are absolutely delighted with the response we have received over the last 3 months. We shall continue to advertise in both magazines to ensure that potential customers are aware of a local family fencing company who are able to offer a traditional quality of service without the price tag.

Tollworth Fencing

Invites

Banners

Folders

Colour

Invoice Sets

Photocopying

Pads

27-28 Adams Industrial Estate St Johns Rd New Malden KT3 3SF www.freshprintinguk.co.uk

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

39

On the grapevine Aret kapetanovic @ The Vin Bin

TandhisNewChristmas Years

is shaping up to be one of the most eventful my husband and I have ever had! We’ve got invites to low key gatherings at friends houses, our own parties to plan and decadent West End Soirees to contend with.

What on earth is going on? It’s interesting that at a time when everyone we know is bemoaning their lack of monetary plenty, we’ve all become such social butterflies!

Admittedly, I may be giving the slightly exaggerated impression that for us this years party season is going to ‘Rock’, when realistically most of it will be spent at the humble abodes of friends and family, over eating and over drinking in our paper cracker crowns. There is however, an exciting new trend arising this year amongst our friends, in the form of a wave of creative party planning and savvy spending with a little experimentation thrown in for good measure. Resigned to the fact that we will be spending less and staying in more, we’ve all gone a bit Martha Stewart (though I draw the line at making my own party hats!). It all makes perfect sense really, many a time we’ve been stranded with the rest of the Central London party goers, freezing our baubles off and trying to wrestle each other to one of the few cabs left and then forking out for their outrageous fares. We should really be warm in the comfort of our own home in a pair of sequin slippers (me, not my husband of course), topping our friends up with another glass of some lovely bubbly or wonderful wine that costs a third of the price that it would in a restaurant or bar. This I believe is the way forward and I have a cunning plan for this years party season. What if each person or couple, are tasked with bringing a wine to the party to compliment the dishes of the night? Of course this would need some serious menu pre-planning and may result in a little friendly competition……in fact, I may well call our Christmas evenings ‘Come wine with me!’

Unfortunately for me, my favourite tipple is bubbly and I will therefore try and match it to everything (cue collective eye rolling from those who know me best). This leaves me at a distinct disadvantage when trying to keep to a dictated menu and budget…or does it? Gone are the days when you had to go with a big name Champagne brand in order to feel like you were really celebrating and

40

suddenly the doors have opened to a whole new wave of value assured, character driven entry level champagnes that more than stand up to the bling names of old. My choice for this year is Champagne Gremillet Brut. There’s not many awards that this fantastic Champagne hasn’t won and at under £20 it’s a total bargain! If I’m tasked with the aperitif, fish or even white meat section of the evening, I’m sorted. If however, I am allocated the meat dish at my mums house which is invariably Goat…….I may have met my match! Never one to bow to a challenge however, I will offer up an Australian Sparkling Shiraz to baffle and delight (probably mostly baffle) and stick vehemently to my sparkling theme.

I can see it now, sparkling wine in front of the fireplace in my sparkling slippers….heaven! Merry Christmas! WPLife

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

3

34 Stonecot Hill, Sutton Surrey, SM3 9HE Tel: 020 8337 2626

WandsWorth

020 8874 1781

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

41

Dance news Lizzi Gee and dance school success G ee-Force school of dance in Worcester Park has now been running since spring 2010. Lizzi the

principal of the school is a top West End theatre choreographer and has seen the school grow into a huge success.

With many new pupils joining each term, lizzi has managed to maintain a personal approach to teaching whilst forming a solid relationship with each pupil and their parents. “ I feel it’s very important that the parents know all about what’s happening within the dance school as well as my personal career “ ‘I gave birth to my 2nd son in june, and could only bear to be away from the pupils for a matter of weeks after he was born’.

Lizzi’s choreographic career has also seen some great achievements during the past few months.

She has just returned from Australia where her production of ‘The All Male Pirates Of Penzance’ is now playing at the prestigious Sydney Theatre.

She now returns to stage the West End production of ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ and then goes into rehearsals for The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of ‘The Winter’s Tale’, a huge career dream come true to work for the RSC. Whilst running her choreographic career lizzi continues to teach at Gee-force and maintain it’s growth whilst investing in the future performers of today.

Gee-force runs half term and summer workshops in Musical theatre, run by herself and husband Phil Bateman, a top West End Musical Director.

For more information on classes or workshops at Gee-Force please contact lizzi direct geeforcedance@ hotmail.com 020 84012112 WPLife

Advertise

your business from only

£21

plus VAT a month

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Call Jenny on

020 8336 2915

to find out more

It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself?

We will deep clean your oven, hob, extractor and microwave, removing all traces of grease and burnt-on carbon using non-caustic, environmentally friendly cleaners.

You won’t find better prices, standards or aftercare, because we take pride in making sure every customer is satisfied.

Single Oven Grill Hobs Shelves/Racks Extractors Microwaves

£36.00 £10.00 £15.00 £2.00 each £15.00 £18.00

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly

020 8661 9671 or 07887 553 308 www.ovens2new.co.uk

Member of The Association of Approved Oven Cleaners

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Est. 1998

Neill Taylor

Send a Letter from Santa

Landscape and Estate Management 

WIN



a trip to

LAPLAND



ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. © 2012 Illustration by Jason Chapman. 0829/12

   

Regular Maintenance Lawn Maintenance Seasonal Tidying Tree and Hedge Pruning Turfing Fence Repairs Planting and design advice

Hampton Court Qualified 35 Years Experience

Make Christmas magical with a personalised Letter from Santa and help the NSPCC support children all year round. nspcc.org.uk/santa 0845 839 9304

Contact Neill on

020 8391 1703 07956 546779

Supported by

nptaylor@tiscali.co.uk

Ophthalmic

say it with cakes!

Gorgeous homemade cupcakes and bespoke cakes for all occasions

• Birthdays • Weddings • Christening

Optician

The independent caring practice Private/NHS patients welcome ● Affordable quality eye-care ● Contact lens centre ● Dedicated professional clinical excellence Mr A M Savvides BSc (Hons) M B C O 56 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8HY 020 8330 5364

• Corporate events • Bar Mitvaz • Special occasions • Kids cupcake parties/ corporate cupcake events • Cupcakes gift box/ cupcakes bouquet • Or Just because

●

0771 045 5670 or 0800 78 79 804 cakes@bakedblessings.co.uk www.bakedblessings.co.uk

Baked Blessings UK

To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 FLYER].indd 1

@RubitaTheBaker

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6/9/12 13:46:22

Seasonal recipe Mini Christmas Cakes Tarehese delightful mini fruit and nut topped cakes perfect for giving as a festive foodie present.

Simply wrap in clear cellophane and tie with gold ribbon or place in small gift boxes.

For the cake • 250g butter, softened • 250g dark muscovado sugar • 4 medium eggs, beaten • 350g plain flour • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground cloves • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 800g mixed dried fruit • 100g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and chopped • 100g chopped mixed nuts For the decoration • 750g marzipan • Icing sugar, for dusting • 4 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and sieved • Mixed coloured glace cherries, walnut halves, Brazil nuts and chopped dried apricots Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas 2. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with a double thickness of greased, greaseproof paper.

Malden Emergency First Aid Society (M E FAS)

Rear of Malden Centre, Cocks Crescent, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4TA Telephone 020 8942 0772 visit our web site at e-voice.org.uk/mefas/

Learn Adult and Paediatric First Aid with Us

Paediatric First Aid 5th18/19 and 6th December 2012 February 2013

Level 2 / HSE approved – 1 Day EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK th 18/19 February 2013 (EFAW) - Next course Monday, 12 November 2012

Level 2 - CPR and AED (on demand)

Other courses by arrangement.

To reserve a place or for information please telephone

02082417851 or 07966661015 alternatively email:

Christineatmefas@yahoo.co.uk

44

Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and cream together until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift together the flour and spices then fold into the creamed mixture. Fold in the lemon zest, dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts and mix thoroughly.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Use the back of a metal spoon to make a slight dip in the centre (this will help to give an even rise). Bake in the preheated oven for 3¼ - 3 ½ hours or until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin.

When the cake is completely cold, use a sharp knife to cut it into 9 smaller square cakes. Brush the sides of each cake with a little apricot jam. Divide the marzipan into 9 pieces. Dust a surface lightly with icing sugar and roll each piece out to a strip long enough to go around each cake. Wrap the strips around the cakes pinching the ends together to seal. Top each cake with a selection of cherries, nuts and apricots. Tie a ribbon around each cake if liked.

WPLife

We have tried many forms of advertising from radio to leflet drops. The Village Voice (since 11/05) has been the most cost effective form of advertising with new customers coming in every month. We are so pleased to be part of it.

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

45

Project1:Layout 1

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WHEN ADVICE & SERVICE MATTER The local family run business which prides itself on individual personal service ● Washing machines ● Refrigeration ● Cookers ● Built in Appliances ● Dishwashers ● Tumble Dryers ● Vacuum Cleaners ● Small Electrical Goods Installation Service Free Local Delivery Measuring Service We dispose of Old Appliances

All major credit cards accepted

Easy Buy Appliances Tel: 020 8224 0916 5 Cheam Road, Ewell Village, Surrey KT17 1SP 46

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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

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Green Lane Primary & Nursery School Your local Primary School for children aged 3 - 11 years.

We are a ‘good school with outstanding features’.

If you require an exemplary education for your child then contact us.

Telephone: 020 8337 6976 Email: office@glp.rbksch.org Website: greenlane.kingston.sch.uk Green Lane, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 8AS Easily accessible. Approximately a 10 minute walk from both Worcester Park and Motspur Park.

We also provide affordable extended care on site from 7.30am-6pm daily.

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

47

Voice for Wildlife

by Carol Williams

Life on the edge - urban scavengers

Wherever people live, there is rubbish -mountains of it. And there are many wild animals who thrive on it, including the brown rat, which nobody welcomes. It is thought that this species entered the UK in the early 18th century, most likely on ships from Russia. There are rich pickings for them wherever garbage accumulates, and also, of course, in the sewers. It is reckoned that there are as many rats in our cities as there are people and that nobody is ever more than a metre away from a rat. They are a problem in some parks, where uneaten bread, scattered for ducks, attracts them. They raid the nests of waterfowl but are themselves food for foxes, whose numbers have increased in urban areas in recent years.

Foxes eat vast numbers of worms and beetles, and also berries and fallen fruit; they do not spend all their time raiding our bins and making a mess in parks and gardens, as some people would have us believe.

Their usefulness in controlling rat numbers should

not be overlooked, and they are among the hordes of scavengers who patrol our landfill sites and roadsides, opportunists who are successful precisely because they will eat anything that is readily available. They are often, like so many animals, killed on our roads.

For many centuries, birds like the raven and kite scavenged the piles of waste in our cities, playing a vital public highway cleansing role in times when there were no sewers and no weekly refuse collection and all the filth was simply dumped in the street and the rivers.

KItes are still to be seen circling the tips outside large towns in France, Italy and Spain, but in this country their recovery from persecution and pesticide poisoning is slow.

Armies of gulls circle and swoop over our landfill sites, awaiting the arrival of the next truckload and following it, much as seabirds trail in the wake of fishing boats in mid ocean. There is such abundance here that gulls have become permanent residents in our cities, urban birds that never see the cliffs and waves where their ancestors dwelt. They join other birds on reservoirs and park lakes and take bread from human benefactors, and even visit

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

December 24th 11am - Midnight (Dancing to Diamonds) ÂŁ2-00p ON THE DOOR December 25th Midday - 3pm December 26th 11am - 11-30pm (kids party) December 27th / 30th 11am - 11pm December 31st11am - 1am ( Dancing with Nector) ALL TICKET ONLY January normal opening hours The Branch and Clubs Committee would like to wish all the members a merry Christmas and a very Happy and prosperous New Year And thank all the staff for their hard work over the past year Club Mirror Darts Club of the Year Award Winners.

New Members always welcome just pop in and see us at the club

DONT FORGET MEMBERS’ SUBS ARE DUE IN OCTOBER /NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME

48

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

gardens where scraps are left on the grass.

Feral pigeons are descended from domesticated rock doves who were bred for the table in former times, and for racing. They have become urban scavengers, thriving on spilled food and takeaway leftovers and are now quite omnivorous, exploiting any food source available.

The acid in their droppings literally dissolves the fabric of buildings and so they, like rats, are considered a serious pest by some and feeding them in public places is now discouraged. Nevertheless, they thrive, because human beings are messy and wasteful and pigeons are happy to take advantage! The return of the peregrine falcon in recent times means that now there is a natural control of their numbers and this has to be better than any clumsy attempt by us to do so.

Carrion crows and magpies are sometimes to be seen on roads, picking over the carcass of some hapless victim, often a fox or squirrel and, sadly, pet cats. These birds risk becoming casualties themselves as they dodge oncoming traffic to snatch a bite! One of the most entertaining wildlife dramas I’ve witnessed is a crow watching a couple of feral pigeons dipping in and out of a street bin, grabbing chips one by one. The crow seemed to study the scene, and then suddenly swooped down and grabbed the entire bag of chips and flew off with it! Resourceful and intelligent, their numbers are rapidly increasing.

Wherever there is garbage there will be some wild

creature which has moved in to exploit the opportunity offered by it, but inorganic litter like cans and plastic and polystyrene are dangerous to many creatures.

Hedgehogs are regular victims of accidents with rubbish, as are turtles out in the ocean,seabirds on our shores and swans on our rivers. The junk thrown overboard from ships is a scandal. Anybody who goes out picking up litter from streets and beaches and countryside and disposing of it safely, preferably by recycling, is doing a great service to the cause of wildlife conservation.

Christmas is coming ,when landfill sites get fat, please put some money in the conservation hat! Season’s greetings, all. WPLife

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WE SELL & REPAIR • WASHING MACHINES • DISHWASHERS REFRIGERATION • COOKERS • TUMBLE DRYERS, ETC YOUR LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

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

49

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers in Worcester Park (term time only) Monday

Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- a lively toddler group, where carers of any kind are welcome to attend and supervise their youngsters. Our age range is from young babies to 3-4 years. Sarah on 020 8393 7299 or email via the church’s website www.wpbc.org.uk Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group is a very welcoming and relaxed place to meet new friends for yourself and your toddlers. We are open to all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers. We meet in the Church Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 until 11.15am during term time

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 St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group meets 10.00 11.30am in the Parish Centre. Families enjoy making new friends in a relaxed atmosphere, while their children play safely. Ladies from St. Mary’s Mothers’ Union serve refreshments during the morning for both adults and children. Feel free to pop in and check us out any Friday morning during term time; you can be sure of a warm welcome. For more information, please contact the Parish Office tel: 020 8337 4026

Saturday

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

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+ WPLife

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.

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

MUSIC CLASSES FOR BABIES & TODDLERS AGED 6 MONTHS – 3 YEARS



• • • •

Introduction to Classical music and Fun instruments Action songs and rhymes Scarves • Bubbles • Puppets Taught by qualified Suzuki-method music teacher

          

New classes from August 2012 Every Thursday, At Worcester Park Library 10.15-11am Toddler class (18 months to 3 years) 3.30-4.15pm Baby class (6 months to 18 months)

Contact Ginger on 07525 497 124 or email her at infomusicfun@gmail.com

 

50

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

WORCESTER PARK PET CARE Est.1995

DOG WALKING usually on a one to one basis

CAT FEEDING in the comfort of it’s own home

Telephone: 0208 330 2530 or Mobile: 07841 563335

As “the local plumber” I’m pleased to be a part of the New Malden Village Voice and Worcester Park Life communities, living and working with the people in the area. The publications bring me a lot of my local work and Jenny manages my Ad in a very helpful, professional manner. I’ve been a regular advertiser in both magazines for a couple of years now and would thoroughly recommend the service to other local, small businesses.

Andy Reeve, plumber

Holger Klever 07989 676 842

Hendy’s Jewellers

SWIMMING LESSONS FOR BABIES AND KIDS BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED

Est 14 years

Spaces available – max class size 6 Classes after school and Saturday mornings We teach our swimming lessons in the water ●

Candy Bling • Elements • Fred Bennett Extensive range of watches Bespoke Jewellery by our own qualified jeweller On site workshop Watch & Clock Repairs

WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER

020 8330 5886

● ● ● ●

Ladies Water Aerobics Parent & Baby Classes Pre-School Classes Private Swimming Lessons Summer Crash Courses

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(No Joining Fee Everyone Welcome!)

Less than 10 mins away on the A3.

K2 or 71 bus route

Phone Cass on 020-8397-7731

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

24/01/2012 14:03:00

51

What’s on Give blood

If you’re generally healthy and aged 17 or over, do something amazing.... Give blood . 96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood. Please don’t leave it to someone else.

Book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 North Cheam Sports And Social 658 London Road, North Cheam SM3 9BY Wednesday 13 Mar 2013 2pm4.30pm, 5.30pm-8pm A.F.C Wimbledon Football Club Jack Goodchild Way, 422A Kingston Road Kingston KT1 3PB Friday 22 Feb 2013 2pm-4.30pm, 5.30pm-8pm St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road New Malden KT3 5QE Thursday 10 Jan 2pm-4.30pm, 5.30pm-8pm ST Philip Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG Wednesday 02 Jan 2013 2pm-4.30pm, 5.30pm-8pm

Worcester Park Library

Sing with Bing - A Celebration of Bing Crosby’s Recorded Music. 2.00-3.30pm 4th December tickets £2 Christmas Carols in the Library, Cheam Common Jr School. 4th December 3.45pm

Nonsuch News

Winter is a wonderful time for bracing walks in the Park but it is always good to know there is a refuge from sharp showers or piercing cold winds and The Friends of Nonsuch volunteers provide just that and more! Work up an appetite for Sunday Lunch and view The wonderful model of Henry VIII’s original Palace in The Nonsuch Palace Gallery 11a.m. - 2 p.m. on the following dates. Make a note in your diary now: 2nd,9th and 16th December13th,20th and 27th January Every Sunday in February, In March both the Museum and Gallery will be open on Easter Sunday (March 31st from 2-5 p.m.) Admission - adults £2.50, Members and children under 16 free. (Vehicle entry for parking near Nonsuch Mansion via Cheam Gate) Website: www. friendsofnonsuch.co.uk

Rose Theatre Kingston

24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, Box Office: 08444 821 556 (bkg fee) www.rosetheatrekingston.org (bkg fee)

Rosmarino are proud to announce the opening of their newly re-furbished Italian restaurant the opening of to their newly We look forward serving you...

Rosmarino are Come and enjoy the finest freshlyproud cooked foodto fromannounce our extensive menu and be

waited on in beautiful surroundings. For that special occasion or just to get away from the stresses of life – come and enjoy a little piece of Italy and be spoilt!

We guarantee you will not be disappointed To reserve your table now, call us on:

020 8330 2547 Rosmarino • 30 Church Road, Worcester Park KT4 7RA

52

Rosamarino

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Fri 30 Nov - Sun 6 Jan Cinderella The Midnight Princess Poor Cinderella wants to go to the ball... Who can help her? £8 - £26 Rose Christmas Concert Fri 11 – Sat 12 Jan 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm Following its sell-out success last year, the Rose will again be producing a special Christmas Concert, to raise money for Rose Productions.

Tue 11 Dec 7.30pm £8 to £20 Rose Plus+ Tess of the D’Ubervilles Following the success of last year’s production of The Crucible, the Rose’s youth and adult amateur groups join forces again in this season’s community production.

Martha Tilston Sat 19 Jan An enchanting singersongwriter blessed with a gloriously clear and seductive voice. Her poetic music boasts a magical new flavour on this live tour, following the recording of her latest new studio album, Machines of Love. 7.30pm

Epsom Playhouse,

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227 Saturday 1 December 8pm in the Myers Studio IMRAN YUSUF Up and coming comedian Sunday 2 December 3pm and 6.30pm EPSOM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Traditional Christmas Concert Monday 3 December 8pm ALBERT LEE AND HOGAN’S HEROES Wednesday 5 December 2.30pm FORCES SWEETHEARTS AT CHRISTMASWartime nostalgia show Thursday 6 - Monday 24 December THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Festive show for 2-7 year olds Thursday 6 December 7.30pm HITS OF MOTOWN Starring Roy G Hemmings Friday 7 December 8pm THE MAGIC OF A THOUSAND STRINGS The International Harp Ensemble with special guest Faryl Smith Saturday 8 December 7.30pm ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS Starring Barry Steele Friday 14 December - Sunday 6 January SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Annual family pantomime Wednesday 16 - Saturday 19 January YouTheatre presents DICK WHITTINGTON Thursday 24 January 7.45pm THAT’LL BE THE DAY Music and comedy Friday 25 January 8pm ELKIE BROOKS Live on stage Saturday 26 January 7.45pm SHOWADDYWADDY Seventies favourites Tuesday 29 January 8pm HARRY HILL New show from star of TV Burp WPLife

Greg Building Services Loft Conversions • Extensions Bathroom Installation • Kitchen Installation Plumbing • Plastering Painting and Decorating • Refurbishment Excellent references available - All jobs fully insured

OUR POLICY IS A GOOD JOB AT THE RIGHT PRICE

07930108892

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www.gregbuildingservices.co.uk Est 35 YEARS

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

53

Competition

WIN Rose Theatre tickets

TKingston his year’s Christmas show at the Rose Theatre Christmas show is Cinderella The

Midnight Princess, which runs from 30 November 2012 to 6 January 2013. And here’s a very special chance to win a Family Ticket to see the show, worth £70! (Tickets valid for a performance of your choice from Friday 30 November to Friday 7 December).

Poor Cinderella wants to go the Ball. Who can help her? Charles Way’s enchanting adaptation of this bestloved fairy tale is the perfect family show. Brilliantly funny, it offers something for audiences of all ages – a fairy godmother, two wicked step-sisters, a handsome prince, a glass slipper and a struggling court composer called Mozart.

Cinderella is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, former Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, where her productions of Peter Panand The Wizard of Oz played to great acclaim. The cast features Faye Castelow as Cinderella, most recently on stage in Maureen Lipman’s production of Barefoot in the Park at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Her Prince Sebastian is played by Jack Monaghan (War Horse, West End).

For your change to win a Family ticket* just email your name, address and phone number to competitions@wplife.co.uk by midnight on 9th December. *not vaild 21-27 December www.rosetheatrekingston.org WPLife

Qualified, professional and experienced staff are happy to give advice and information on all your arboricultural queries Free Quotes Fully NPTC Qualified Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Felling

Stump Removal Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports Fire log deliveries

Office: 020 8399 0103 • Mobile: 07980 903881 rjtreeservices@yahoo.co.uk • www.rj-treeservices.co.uk

LOOK FOR THE RED TREE! R.J.Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton

54

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

AJ AUTOS MOBILE I WILL COME TO YOU

About Me

• DEPRESSION?

• PANIC ATTACKS?

• ANXIETY?

• ADDICTIONS?

• STRESS?

• ANGER PROBLEMS?

• PHOBIAS?

• POOR SLEEP PATTERNS?

I can also help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low self-esteem.

I am a hardworking and reliable worker, with a responsible and pleasant nature.

I am committed, conscientious and dedicated to giving the best of my ability to my customers.

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH:

I am a counsellor/psychotherapist based in Worcester Park and hold a Human Givens Diploma (with merit).

What I will provide for you

Services & Repairs General Car & Motorbike Maintenance All parts are trade priced, not retail, all you pay for is my time

07930 930043 • 07939 699254

Human Givens therapy was developed about twenty years ago and works with the client to establish which of their emotional needs are not being met in balance.

My method using the Human Givens approach to counselling is holistic (treating the whole person).

I establish which of the client’s emotional needs are not being met and then help them to get these met in a healthy and effective way.

Please contact me for a confidential appointment and feel better soon!

Mobile Telephone No: 07580

169 591

email: stellawarriner@gmail.com

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

Jamsuma is a small group of locally based, Microsoft qualified, C.R.B checked support people specialising in:

• Home PC purchase and installation • Data transfer • Disk cleanup • Virus and Spyware removal • Current PC upgrades • PC healthcheck • Home PC networks • Safer home browsing for children • Helping you get the most from the internet • Broadband setup and protection If you require any further details or would like to book an appointment, please contact us on: t: 020 8405 9692 | m: 07563 060 793 e: james@jamsuma.co.uk

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

55

Winter Warmers

by Pippa Greenwood Eyourvengarden if you’re sure you’re not going to venture into much this winter, make sure you have every possible encouragement by creating a winter planter or two. They will not only look gorgeous from the warm comfort of your house, but will also help to coax you outside from time to time.

Choose a larger container as it’s more likely to protect the roots on the plants due to the greater volume of compost. I’d avoid any container less than 30cm (12in) diameter if possible.

Any container will insulate the roots a little, but one made from thick wood (such as a wooden trough or window box, or a half-barrel) will be very effective. Good quality, fairy chunky plastic also works quite well. Try to avoid metal as this tends to conduct cold.

Warm undergarments are all the rage for winter planters. A lining of bubble-wrap polythene or even a few layers of old fabric or carpet, sandwiched between the sides of the container and the compost will help to keep both compost and roots warm.

If you live in a particularly cold area, or simply want

Cypress Garden Services “A cut above the rest” One Off Tidy-ups Regular maintenance Grass Cutting Hedge Trimming Landscaping Tree Surgery Stump Grinding Strimming and Weeding Path & Patio Washing Garden Waste Removed Japenese knot weed removal advice & action For a free quote call Andrew Cudd

020 8944 9882 07958 727272

info@cypressgardenservices.co.uk www.cypressgardenservices.co.uk

56

to decrease the risk of winter damage further, try to position winter planters out of the windiest areas. If possible place them fairly close to a house wall on the south or west side as this will help to provide a little extra warmth.

You’ll be amazed at the range of plants available at your local garden centre for adding winter colour and interest to pots and planters. Some of my favourites are the universal or other winter flowering pansies or even hardier smaller flowered violas.

For some seriously sturdy winter colour, try the winter

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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

flowering heathers as these make a good base for the display and you can then add trailing plants such as variegated ivies to help provide extra colour, texture and interesting leaf shapes. All these plants will last for years, not just the winter months.

At this time of year, garden centres may offer very tiny versions of shrubs such as skimmias, Pieris or hollies and many of the dwarf conifers. They will provide good colour and interest in a container for a year or two and can then be planted in your garden to reach their full size.

In warmer areas, you can add bright patches of colour to your display using the ‘winter cherry’ or solanum which has bright yellow and orange fruits. You could also use a few winter flowering cyclamen but these definitely need a very sheltered spot such as a window box on a protected wall.

Don’t forget to add in a few early spring flowering bulbs such as miniature narcissus, crocus and miniature iris.

Hide them beneath the roots of your winter bedding plants; you’ll forget they are there until they burst out in spring.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables that Pippa will send to you at just the right time for planting AND each week you receive an email telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29 for up to 66 garden-ready plants.

REME Electrical Contractor Domestic, Commercial, Industrial

Andrew Cressey Electrician 17th Edition

A

Inspection, Testing & Certification

El

Complete re-wires Tidy, reliable with over 30 years experience No job too small All work guaranteed Free estimates

Ti 30

New fuse boards Control systems

N A Fr

Central heating wiring New Lights & Sockets TV and Alarm systems Garden and Security lighting 24 Hour Call Out (no call out fee)

8a Arcade Parade 07767 826426 Elm Road 020 8391 2384 Chessington acressey@btinternet.com KT9 1AB

07 02 ac

REME Electrical Contractor Domestic, Commercial, Industrial

Andrew Cressey Electrician 17th Edition

A

Inspection, Testing & Certification

El

Complete re-wires Tidy, reliable with over 30 years experience No job too small All work guaranteed Free estimates

Ti 30

New fuse boards Control systems

N A Fr

Central heating wiring New Lights & Sockets TV and Alarm systems Garden and Security lighting 24 Hour Call Out (no call out fee)

8a Arcade Parade 07767 826426 Elm Road 020 8391 2384 Chessington acressey@btinternet.com KT9 1AB To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

07 02 ac

57

58

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

Health

What exactly IS pilates? by Sarah Vracken

With the festive period around the corner, it is

the perfect time to start thinking about New Year Resolutions and the little changes you may want to make to your life over the next 12 months.

For many of us, improving our overall fitness level will be a goal we would hope to achieve in 2013. Although we all know we should exercise regularly, it is often difficult to find the time in our busy lives to commit to a fitness regime.

However, the older we get, the higher exercise should be on our list of priorities as we need a bit of help to steer off the effect ageing has on our bodies, such as loss of flexibility, loss of muscle tone as well as decreasing bone density, which can all lead to a multitude of health problems.

In my opinion, one of the biggest exercise myths is that you have to exercise every day to see the effects on your overall health. It is more important to exercise in a smart way, making sure you have correct technique so that every exercise you do is effective and really counts. For that reason, Pilates is a fantastic work-out that is targeted on strengthening the core,

whilst increasing flexibility and overall muscle tone. Once you’ve mastered the correct Pilates technique, it has the power the transform your overall body posture and alleviate back pain.

Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century. Joseph was a very sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, and he focused his entire life on improving his physical strength.

He started studying body-building, yoga, gymnastics and Kung-Fu and completely changed his body so that by the age of 14, he became a model for anatomical charts. He devised a series of exercises – 34 to be precise – that are very effective in strengthening the body and enhancing flexibility. Today, the Pilates technique is taught worldwide and has achieved a loyal following amongst dancers who need to stay injury free as well as celebrities.

Whilst yoga is connected to a spiritual life philosophy, Pilates isn’t. It is purely focused on the physical side, but it does increase body awareness and focus, which help to create a stronger connection between body and mind.

The great thing about Pilates is that it works for every level, including for those who have never exercised to those who are complete gym fanatics. Each exercise can be tailored so that it works for you. Why not try it out? It could be just what you need to keep true to your 2013 New Year’s Resolutions to boost your fitness levels! WPLife

Happy Christmas!

If you’re reading this then so are your potentional customers Speak to them next year through Worcester Park Life Call 020 8336 2915 to advertise, or see our website for more information

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

59

Safer Neighbourhoods Burglaries by PCSO Gary Weaving of burglary on the Nonsuch and Worcester Park wards.

Therefore, I wish to remind local residents of some practical measures that they can adopt to hopefully deter this offence from occurring.

Most people lock their doors and windows, but there are still many that don’t consider locking windows or think that one lock on a door is sufficient. In the majority of cases that may be the case, but there is always the possibility that a burglar will come along, look at a few properties, exploring the possibilities and the likelihood of an easy gain.

This is where your vigilance and extra attention to security will pay dividends.

It’s never too late to take extra care.

Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. There are things you can do to help deter burglars, some small things that will cost you nothing. It’s just a matter of getting into good habits.

- The first and most obvious is to lock all doors and windows.

- Do not leave any tools lying around your garden or yard, or anything a burglar may use to effect entry. Lock them securely in the garage or shed.

- Likewise, do not leave ladders or steps out, put them away.

- Trim your hedges down a bit more so that neighbours can see your property, at least from their upstairs windows (natural surveillance, leave thieves nowhere to hide).

- Do not leave valuables on display through your windows.

Christmas presents for instance, put them somewhere they cannot be seen, or put nets up, obscuring the view inside.

If you are planning to be away: - Remember to cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers Security lighting: I know a lot of burglaries take place during the day, but burglaries still occur at night too and don’t forget, the clocks have just gone back so it is getting dark earlier now. You can employ the use of exterior floodlights that become activated with movement, so they will only come on when someone or something activates them.

- Disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer.

- Enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries.

- If you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/ relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited. Also, a few timers that can be used with the lights, a TV or a radio are a very

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worthwhile investment. They can be easily programmed to come on as darkness falls and go off at a time that you would normally retire. Used thoughtfully with closed curtains these give the appearance that there is somebody home. A burglar arrested in Sutton last year and is now serving 3.5 years for seven burglaries admitted that his method was to walk along roads as it was getting dark observing the houses that remained in darkness. It was those houses he targeted.

- Check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don’t cover you if you are away for more than 30 days.

- Set your burglar alarm. If you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief.

None of the above measures will guarantee that you won’t be burgled. But they will go a long way to ensuring that your property will be of less interest to opportunist burglars.

See you next month. WPLife

MOT and

SERVICE CENTRE MOTs for Cars, Vans, Minibuses and Motorhomes We carry out MOTs on site with late appointments available Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings this advert with you and 10% OFF Bring receive 10% discount*.

FREE Anti-freeze, battery and tyre check Comfortable waiting area with TV and wi-fi Free local collection and delivery can be arranged

SPECIAL READER OFFER! Ring now or email for bookings 020 8394 2847 info@elmwoodvehicles.co.uk www.elmwoodvehicles.co.uk • www.elmwoodtvr.com 278 Kingston Road, Ewell, Epsom, KT19 0SH

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

*For any new customers

Recently we have seen an increase in our incidents

Beat the Burglar with a Central Locksmiths Cylinder Upgrade!

SPECIAL READER OFFER!

Cylinders supplied from ÂŁ39.00 (with this advert)* Cylinders supplied and installed from ÂŁ79.00 (with this advert) *

Prices *Prices excludeexclude VAT and in OCT andonly NOV only VATavailable and available in Dec

Central loCksmiths 62 Central road, Worcester Park, kt4 8hY Tel: 020 8330 4777

www.centrallocksmith.co.uk established since 1986 To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

61

Index

to advertise call 020 8336 2915 Accounting

DGAS 26

Beauty & Health Naturally Plus Pure Serenity

Care

22 56

Abbeyfield Wendover House 19 Classic Home Care 30 GES Care 21 Home Instead 6 Serve U 2 3

Driving Schools Roberts Driving School

9

Education & classes

Green Lane Primary & Nursery School 47 The Study School 13 Westbury House 27

Events

Kingston First

29

REME Electrical contractors

57

Electrical

Car hire, maintenance First Aid & repair MEFAS 44 AJ Autos Mobile 55 Food & Drink Chips Away 50 Coombe Coachworks 23 Elmwood Vehicles 60 K&P Tyres 32 Shannon Corner Service Centre 20

Carpets & Flooring Carpets 4 U Carpet World

Children

3 25

Music Fun 50 Sunny Signers 50

Cleaning services

Bits and Bobs

31 Crystal Clean Ovens 22 House Clearance 15 Ovens2New 42

Computing

Jamsuma 55 Megabytes 16

Counsellling

Stella Warriner Counselling

Cycles

Cycle Power

Dance & Drama

55 15

Kids Love to Dance 39 Lizzie Gee 42 Stagecoach 34

62

Bellini 7 HG Wells 12 Delhi Chefs 4 North Cheam Social Club 25 Rosmarino 52 The Vin Bin 40

Funeral Directors Evershed Brothers

Home, gardening, decorating

41

Epsom Coaches

Jewellers

Andy Reeve Plumber Bathroom Refurbishment Dreamdoors Kitchens Smith & Byford Top Drawer kitchens

Opticians

26 57 33 36 35

AMS Optician 43 R Woodfall 18

Pets services

Worcester Park Pet Care

50

Imber Court Photo Training

37

Fresh Printing

39

Photogragraphy Courses Printing

Private Car Hire

Ladysafe 68

Property

CEC Property Mgt

Repairs

17

Suddies 49

AC Gardening 49 Alfie Jenkins 24 BK Landscapes 16 Central Locksmiths 61 Cypress (Garden Services 56 Dream Designs Decorators 19 Elegant Curtains 24 Greg Building Services 53 Handyman Dene 22 Neill Taylor Landscapes 43 Robinson & Son painters & decorators 53 RJ Trees 54 TSD Building 5

Holidays

Kitchens, bathroom & plumbing

45

Shopping

Easy Buy Appliances Hamseys matresses Tudor Williams Unilet Sound & Vision

Sport and Leisure

46 49 63 58

Hook Swim School 51 King George Indoor Bowls Club 55 Royal British Legion 48

Windows

Cheam Windows 11 Warmlite 28

Hendys 51

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

GU9 Dec 2012_Layout 1 16/11/2012 14:21 Page 56

Christmas at SAVE ESPRIT SAVE £10 ON MEXX

Spend or more more on on aa purchase purchase from from Spend £60 £60 or fashions andfloor) get £10 MexxEsprit fashions (ground and off get £10 offwith withthis thisvoucher. voucher.

Valid until 24th December 2012. One voucher per customer.

Photocopies not accepted.

SAVE £5 ON BEAUTY

Spend £50 more a purchase Spend £50 or or more on on a purchase from from Molton Brown, Lancome, Molton Brown, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Clarins or Elizabeth Arden getoff Lancome, Clarins or Dior, andand get £5 £5 with off with voucher. thisthis voucher.

Valid until 24th December 2012. One voucher per customer.

Photocopies not accepted.

FRIDAY ROAST LATE NIGHT ROAST BUY FREE BUY ONE ONE GET GET ONE ONE FREE

Buy Friday lunch another one oneFREE. FREE. Buy one one Thursday latetime nightroast roastand and get get another Roast turkey, new and roast potatoes, fresh vegetables.

Roast turkey, new and roast potatoes, fresh vegetables.

Valid 7th13th , 14th & 20th 21st December 2012 Validon on Fridays Thursdays and December 2012.

Lunch time roast from 12noon to 2pm One voucher per customer. Photocopies not accepted.

One voucher per customer. Photocopies not accepted.

FREE GROTTO VISIT

Visit Father Christmas in his grotto & receive a special gift.

Saturdays 8th, 15th and 22nd December, 10am to 4pm, Toy department.

FREE visit (saving £3.50) with this voucher. One voucher per customer.

Photocopies not accepted.

Your LocaL Your Local Department Store Talk to us - we care Department Store

020 8942 2277 West Street, Farnham

Tel: 01252 716222 www.tudorwilliamsltd.co.uk www.elphicks.co.uk

53-59 high street, new malden, surrey

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

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     Car Estate 6 Seater 7 Seater  Destination   6       Car Estate Seater  7 Seater  8 Seater  Destination      Heathrow £40.00 £45.00 £50.00 £60.00            £ 50   Heathrow £ 40 £ 45 £40.00 £ 60 £ 70 Gatwick £35.00 £45.00 £55.00    45        Gatwick £ 35 £ 40 £125.00 £ 55 £ 65  £   Stanstead £105.00 £145.00 £155.00    £145   Stanstead £105 £125 £155 £165      City Airport £75.00 £95.00 £115.00 £125.00        £115   City Airport £ 75 £ 95 £105.00 £125 £135  Luton £95.00 £125.00 £135.00            Luton £ 95 £105 £60.00 £135 £145  £125   London £55.00 £80.00 £90.00          80   London £ 55 £ 60 £145.00 £ 90 £100 Southampton £135.00 £180.00 £190.00  £             Southampton £135 £145 £180 £190 £200                                     minimum fares are £5 per car, £10 per mpv, £15 per 7 Seater & £20 per 8 Seater                                          Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 64        

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