Worcester Park Life
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February Contents
History by David Rymill 6 Organic Wine 8 Ruth Jemmett Writes 11 Conquest Art Group 14 Finance 18 Baking Raspberry & Vanilla Panna Cotta 20 View from the City 22 Poetry in Worcester Park 24 Epsom Charity Book Fair 27 Sudokus 28 From cancer to the London Marathon 30 Recipe Caramelised onion and goats’ cheese pizza 34 What’s On 36 Florally Speaking 38 The Life List 42 Wordsearch 42 Gardening Velvet Underground 44 Doggy News 46 Eating Disorders Awareness Week 48 Clubs 52 Voice for Wildlife 56 Parkin’ some thoughts 58 Kids Play 60 Solutions 62 Published by Malden Media Limited Editor Jenny Stuart jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk 36 Rosebery Avenue KT3 4JS Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the editor. All advertisements are commercial and not indicative of any endorsement by the editor who accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine. All in-house artwork and editorial presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Malden Media Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored on any retieval system, or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical. recording, photocopying, or otherwise without prior permission from the Publisher.
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Welcome to Your Worcester Park Life Well, as I write we are having another very cold patch of weather. This morning a burst water main in Kingston has caused chaos on the roads and damage to tracks, misery on the trains. Such a shame as it really was a gorgeous crisp morning – ideal for a dog walk….. But our pets are having a pretty miserable time themselves – spare a thought for our seven poor chickens - Kylie, Mylie, Whitney, Britney, Spotty, Bluebell and Snowey – who have been confined to their rather sparse and muddy run since 6th December by order of the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This precautionary measure was brought in to reduce the risk of bird flu spreading from wild birds, and the ban, originally brought in for a month was then extended until the end of February. So they’ll have been consigned to this smallish area (luckily bigger than some though) for almost 3 months. No roaming around the garden or allotment as they’re used to. So whilst I’m not wishing February, Valentines Day (hint hint), the start of the 6 Nations and half term away, roll on March I say! g and supporting our advertisers. Remember that Worcester Park Life is YOUR magazine so if you are helping to organise an event and would like some FREE publicity then please do email details. Likewise if you are part of an organisation that could benefit from attracting new local members next year then why not send in an article. You may or not know that in order to deliver the magazine to most of Worcester Park, we split the distribution over a two month period. So if you have had this edition delivered you probably won’t get the next one. There are a limited number of copies available from Waitrose, the libraries, Manor Drive surgery, St Marys and also Christ Church with St Philip but don’t forget that it is also published online - you can get the link from our website. Best wishes.
Jenny
Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher P.S. Please remember to mention the Worcester Park Life when replying to adverts, and get in touch by 17th of February if you’d like your business, Club or event to feature in the March edition(s). Also publishing Malden’s Village Voice
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Worcester Park History by David Rymill
The line that got away This month’s illustration shows the down platform at Worcester Park Station looking serene, in the early twentieth century; one would not guess from this that a few years earlier there had been a proposal to make Worcester Park into a junction station, with the down platform transformed into an island platform. In 1882 a plan was drawn up which would have made Worcester Park the starting point of the Sutton and London & South Western Railway. There would have been a branch line with its own bay on the further side of the existing down platform, and a connection to the main line, branching off on the further side of the railway bridge. The line would then have run across what is now Stone Place, and between Kingsmead Avenue and Oaks Avenue, making its way to Sutton crossing the Malden Road near Cheam Baths and Gander Green Lane near the Water works, reaching its destination just north-west of the Cock crossroads in Sutton just under two and a half miles later, at a total estimated cost of £101,592, including six bridges, 173,978 cubic yards of cuttings and 42,089 cubic yards of embankments. The proceedings of the Parliamentary committee which looked into this proposal can be consulted at the Parliamentary Archives, within the Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster (ref HC/CL/PB/2/50/70). When the committee began hearing evidence on 19 April, the scheme rapidly began to unravel. A succession of supposedly friendly witnesses appeared to extol the desirability of the proposed branch, but it soon became clear that their main hope was that the competition would encourage the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway to improve the existing service from Sutton, in which case many of them would be happy to continue using that line. It was common practice for branch lines to be promoted initially by independent companies, often through local initiative, but for the nearest main line company to run the trains once the branch had been constructed. In this case the promoters’ engineer, Edward Wilson, had to admit that they had not been able to reach agreement with the LSWR about through running onto the main line at Worcester Park, although he indicated that the company would press bravely on and run their own trains on the branch if need be.
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By this point the bill probably had little chance of success, as it was unlikely that many passengers would think it preferable to change at Worcester Park and wait for a connection provided by an uncooperative LSWR, rather than travel from Sutton to Clapham Junction and change there for Waterloo. On the second day the LSWR’s engineer William Jacomb appeared before the committee and complained that the surface junction with the main line would impede the progress of their trains (an objection which was scarcely compelling, as there were only about a dozen passenger trains daily each way except on race days). He insisted that the promoters should construct a flying junction over the existing tracks, which would doubtless have added considerably to the cost of the project. Further hostile witnesses came forward, and the promoters’ barristers attempted to salvage their case by tripping them up. Joseph Dand, a property owner in Sutton, who travelled daily to Charing Cross, stated that he was quite satisfied with taking the train to Victoria and walking from there, adding “I think a walk is healthy”, but when he added “I have sometimes gone to London Bridge for a walk”, the counsel retorted “I am afraid you are hardly a judge of what railway accommodation must be, because you prefer a walk at the end.” John White Pope, a professor of ancient languages, who lived in St James’ Road, was asked “How would a railway at the end of your garden interfere with the study of Latin?” to which he replied “The noise … and the diversion of my attention”, but when asked “You think that you would be jumping up for a little while to see the trains passing?” he responded “No, I am not such an excitable being as that.” The barristers’ efforts were in vain, and the committee concluded “Sutton has to grow into greater importance before it ought to ask for amplification of its railway accommodation.” Sutton had to wait until 1930 for an alternative route to London via Wimbledon, and Worcester Park lost its chance of becoming a junction. Perhaps surprisingly, the possibility that the line might help Worcester Park people to reach Sutton received little attention, and it was not until 1922 that a bus service was begun to fulfil this need. David Rymill David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk (020) 8330 6563
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Worcester Park, Old Malden and North Cheam: History at our Feet Published in 2012 and available at £10 (plus £2 towards postage if required) from the Rymill family. Ring 020 8330 6563 for more details. This 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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Food & Drink
We all know that red wine contains resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that protects against cancer, heart disease, is anti-ageing and may even extend your lifespan. You can imagine that pesticides can significantly decrease the potency of any antioxidant. In fact, the French government in 2012 officially released a statement that there is a link between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease in agricultural workers.
Eating healthy? Do not forget to upgrade your wine drinking habits! Many people do not know that grapes accumulate more harmful pesticides and herbicides than most other fruit. It means that conventional wines are not just alcohol, they come with additional harmful substances. Why do you need to drink it?
What about the taste? Have you ever been told that those organic wines might be better for you but they taste awful?
Common sense tells us that less of those nasty pesticides will mean healthier you. That is how you can care for yourself better. What is the solution then? Quite naturally, it is all to do with organic farming. It assumes that no harmful pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and chemical fertilisers are allowed in the vineyard to grow the grapes. No artificial or synthetic preservatives are used, no colours added and no agents added to alter the taste; obviously nothing genetically modified. Hence the definition of organic wine is that it is made from grapes grown organically. It is not just the absence of harmful things, organic organic wines are richer in nutrients & antioxidants*.
It is a strong argument not to drink it, after all we all want to enjoy a very good wine. Recent advances in organic movement and also brilliant job of winemakers and sommeliers are bringing absolutely amazing organic wines to the UK. Blind tests did not show any evidence to support or reject the hypothesis of taste differences anymore (as was proven by Decanter blind tasting panel). Organic wines are not different from their conventional analogues, more so, they are expressive of the nature and soil and pure with the fruit flavours. Make the first steps towards your healthier lifestyle with organic wine!
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Make a donation for getting your Will written ... Once a month local solicitors Lewis & Dick (expert solicitors in Wills) are taking appointments for Will Writing in our offices in The Old Town Hall. For a suggested donation of only ÂŁ50 (this would normally cost over ÂŁ200) they will prepare your Will for you. It's an inexpensive way to do it and helps us as well. Next Date is: Thursday 26th January 2017 Call 01372 732456 to book your appointment.
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Ruth Jemmett Writes Hearts And Flowers Longer Days And Longing Hearts -By Ruth Jemmett February is the shortest month of the year - which is just as well, as it is usually the coldest one! It takes its name from the latin word ‘februa’ which was an ancient Roman feast that was often accompanied by much merry-making and debauchery. I don’t think there is too much debauchery during February in Worcester Park, the epitome of pensioner-land. If so, the residents are keeping it well hidden under their sensible suburban clothing! This month will only have 30 days in it, which means it won’t be Leap Year - which would be divisible by four, and, according to tradition, a year when women can propose to men. Men who are reluctant to commit can breath a sigh of relief! The Celtic name for this
month is Imbole. The 2nd of the month is known as Candlemas Day - also known as The Purification of The Blessed Virgin. According to the religious law of the Jews Mary went to the temple to present her newborn son to the Lord. In former times Christmas didn’t officially end until the feast of Candlemas. I had a rather hectic time at Christmas, lost track of the date, and forgot our modern ritual of Twelfth Night, when one traditionally gets the decorations down. A friend came to visit me and asked why I still had a wreath on my front door on 9th! Oops! There was much scurrying around, and stuffing tinsel out of sight. In the USA the 2nd is also known as Groundhog Day. The groundhog starts to emerge from hibernation then, and if it seems too wintry for him he will return to his burrow, signalling a longer colder winter. In 1993 the film Groundhog Day certainly struck a chord with cinema-goers. The 5th of the month commemorates the day when the rationing of sweets and chocolate was abolished in this country, in 1953. I remember those times well. When I was a child an old fashioned Co-op shop graced the parade at the corner of Ruxley Lane. When rationing was still in operation I would stand drooling by the counter, as a shop assistant would cut coupons out of my ration book! On the 6th we remember the accession of H.M. Queen Elizabeth to the throne, hardly daring to believe that she would still be with us all these years later. On the 8th of February we commemorate the birthday of the famous author Jules Verne. He was born in 1828, and died in 1905. He was probably best known for penning Around The World In Eighty Days. He was an amazing man, with almost psychic abilities. One of his unpublished works set in 1960, predicted cars, feminism, skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and windpower. He also thought that poetry and art would be replaced by business and technology. Whenever I see people hunched over their I-’Phones whilst walking down the street or eating in restaurants, I definitely think he was on to something!
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For many people their thoughts are directed towards 14th - St Valentine’s Day. Since the 19th Century romantic hand-written notes to one’s beloved have given way to massed produced and often inordinately expensive - cards. It is estimated that over a billion Valentine cards are sent worldwide (nearly outdoing Christmas) which sounds impressive, but it is sad to report that 85% of them are sent by women. Come on chaps - don’t make the girls do all the work! The Grand National Steeplechase was first run on the 26th February in 1839, at Aintree Racecourse. In modern times it is usually run in early April. No doubt the organisers thought the weather would be kinder to horses and riders. On 27th of February 1848 Dame Ellen Terry, one of our greatest Shakespearean actresses was born. She was on the stage from infancy. Regular readers will be familiar with the fact that many of my forebears were a creative lot, with several of them going into the theatrical profession. Well, Dame Ellen was related to us through marriage, which probably had an effect on the more artistic of us. The 28th February is Shrove Tuesday (formerly known as a time for ’shriving’ - confession and absolution of sins) which is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Traditionally it is a time when we use up various foodstuffs that are forbidden during Lent. In France and other countries that have a French heritage, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras. (“Fat Tuesday” - I know the feeling!). I have always been hopeless at tossing pancakes, and just concentrate on covering them with syrup. Yum! The garden at Chez Jemmett, like everyone else’s at this time of the year, looks a little sad. I ventured out there yesterday, secateurs in hand, trying to regain some order. I am glad I looked at the pond, as the fountain had gone crazy, robbing the pond of water. I discovered my goldfish and Ghost Koi floundering around near the bottom, mouthing “Help!”. Luckily when my husband came in from work he rectified the situation later, albeit illuminated by lighting in the greenhouse, as it was very dark and frosty. He was not a happy bunny but at least we now have happier fish!
again. Wildlife certainly needs our help now. A squirrel has become rather fond of us lately, and sits on our patio looking like a furry Oliver Twist, pleading for ’one more nut please’. (See attached pic). I hope that during 2017 local residents will resist changing our beautiful landscape too much. In recent times many people in the area have had a penchant for hacking down well-established and picturesque trees. (No doubt they have watched one gardening programme too many!). Before you get inspired with a chainsaw remember that your lumber-jacking ambitions can sometimes take away a pretty view from your neighbours - and more importantly take away privacy they may have enjoyed for decades. Mature trees take a very long time to reach an impressive stature, and their beauty can be destroyed in an afternoon. When we moved here in 1979 it was almost like living in a magical woodland. Sadly now I can be overlooked by three lots of neighbours, meaning that my morning forays around the borders on summer mornings in my nightie are a thing of the past! This is a lovely neighbourhood, where it seems, a lot of people want to live. Let us all try and be neighbourly - be it regarding unwarranted treelopping, excessive noise, or unnecessary bonfires. On that happy note, I hope that you have reason to smile on St Valentine’s Day! Try and keep your spirits up during the iffy weather - and remember that if we didn’t have to endure winter, spring wouldn’t be so uplifting! Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors
During these slowly lengthening days we can glean hope from the fact that it won’t be too long before buds burst forth, and flowers fill our gardens
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Conquest Art Group Conquest Art works to inspire people living with disability or long term health issues to discover their creative energy and build self-confidence through art. Working at their own pace in supportive groups, our Members find both relaxation and fresh stimulus, along with the opportunity to make new friends. Our Worcester Park Group meets every Tuesday at St Mary’s Cuddington, The Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7HL. From 1:30 to 3:30pm. Why not come along, your first session would be free and thereafter there would be a nominal charge of £1 per week and a yearly £5 subscription to belong to Conquest Art, all art materials are provided and you would receive a very warm welcome. Absolutely no art experience is necessary, just visit the group one week and give us a try. Here are some quotes from our Members: “I have never done art before and now I have been here 10 years and feel I have improved and even put my work in exhibitions.
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My friend Nora suggested we come to Conquest together as we are both widows and we have some really lovely people and lots of fun and laughs. Ursula's idea of getting people together has been inspirational and I have learned to look at things differently and look at things longer” – Pat Trodd. “Two years after my stroke a lady from church took me to the Conquest Art Group - it saved my life. I have now been coming for 11 years sometimes up to four times per week and my family are now also involved as volunteers. During this time, I have done many still life and animal portraits including commissions” – Debbie Deal. “Everyone is welcomed. It brings a respite from the difficulties of life” - Arthur Miller. “Conquest Art has helped rebuild my confidence after a traumatic time in my life.” - Phyl Belcher. For further information on becoming a Member of Conquest Art please contact Tina on 020 3044 2731 / email enquiries@ConquestArt.org or see our website www.conquestart.org
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Finance Money saving ideas to get you back on track in 2017 If you’re searching for ways to save money this year, take a look at some ideas for everyday savings and special treats that won’t break the bank. Discount websites Wowcher, Groupon and Living Social are just three websites offering great deals on everything from holidays to online courses. You simply sign up and input your chosen region to get a local or national deal with as much as 50% discount. It’s a great way to save on presents for friends and family members, or treat yourself whilst sticking to a budget. Couponing You may know couponing as cutting out discount vouchers from the local paper or supermarket magazines. But the practice has taken on a life of its own, with ‘extreme couponing’ hitting the headlines as shoppers save huge amounts on their monthly food bill.
you an idea of the quality you’ll experience, and the company operates a secure online payment service. Amazon Prime Amazon Prime offers films, TV shows, music, books, and a free one-day delivery service for eligible Amazon products, all for a single annual payment of £79. You also get unlimited photo storage and discounts on video games. If you have a Kindle, you can borrow one book per month free-of-charge from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, and also have access to the Kindle First scheme. This allows you to download one of six titles a month for free, or at a reduced price ahead of their official publication date. You can save further by signing up to Prime Early Access, where you’re given the opportunity to purchase ‘Lightening Deals’ 30 minutes before nonPrime members. Travel costs at home Fuel Large supermarkets generally offer the cheapest petrol, but you can also find out the cost of fuel at various independent petrol stations local to you using the website Petrolprices.com. You just have to input
Various websites dedicated to couponing tell you where to find the best offers online, but you do need to spend time searching, and be organised so that you can move quickly to secure the best deals. You’ll also need to stockpile items if you’re serious about saving money this way, as that’s how the best bargains are obtained. The Money Saving Expert website has its own coupon page, and if you look at Supersavvyme.co.uk you’ll find a range of coupons for Procter and Gamble products. Airbnb Airbnb is a website offering accommodation in privately-owned residences around the world. It can often be cheaper than staying in ‘traditional’ hotel rooms or hostels, and offers travellers a vast choice of grades and styles to suit every budget. You can choose to rent an entire property, or stay in one of your host’s rooms - all you need to do is enter the date of travel and where you want to go. Some hosts prefer to find out a little more about their guests before they’ll confirm a booking; others offer an ‘Instant Book’ facility. Previous guests leave reviews on the website to give
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your location, and a list of petrol stations is returned once you’ve signed up. Car sharing Car sharing is a great way to save money on motoring, whether it’s with work colleagues or via websites such as BlaBlaCar and Liftshare, which allow you to advertise spaces in your car. Train fares You can save money on long train journeys by buying ‘split tickets’, where the journey is divided and you have several tickets instead of one. The train must stop at the stations named on your tickets, and it can become complicated if you need to change trains, but in many cases huge savings can be made this way. Low cost hotel rooms and car hire Several websites, including Lastminute.com, Priceline and Hotwire, have a ‘Top Secret Rooms’ section where you can book a top quality hotel room at a fraction of the usual price. All you need to do is choose a location and the hotel star-rating you’re looking for, and pick a hotel from the list returned.
You see a description and the hotel’s star-rating; the only drawback is you don’t know the name of the hotel until you’ve paid. You may be able to find out which hotel it is, however, by typing some of the phrases used in these descriptions into a search engine. You can then read reviews on TripAdvisor.com to check that it’s what you want, as once you’ve paid, there is no facility to get a refund. These same websites offer reduced car rental, but you may be able to save even more money using price comparison websites such as Skyscanner, Carrentals, and TravelSupermarket. Medical costs Annual certificate for prescriptions If you need prescriptions on a regular basis, it may be worth buying a pre-paid annual certificate. Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) are currently available for three months at a cost of £29.10, or £104.00 for 12 months. Certificates can be backdated for up to one month, and a monthly direct debit is an option to spread the cost of the 12-month certificate.
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Cake and Bake Raspberry & Vanilla Panna Cotta These delightful creamy desserts make the perfect Valentine treat!
Ingredients:
1.
To make the raspberry jelly hearts, line a small 6cm square dish with cling film. Soak the gelatine in a shallow dish of cold water for 2-3 minutes. Heat the raspberry puree in a small pan with 1 tbsp water. Remove the gelatine leaf from the water and stir into the hot puree until dissolved. Pour into the lined dish and leave to cool, then chill in the fridge until set.
2.
When the jelly is set, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out 4 heart shapes and place each one in the base of a small heart shaped ramekin dish (each about 150ml capacity).
3.
To make the panna cotta, place the cream, vanilla extract, lemon rind and caster sugar in a pan and bring slowly to the boil. Remove from the heat.
4.
Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves as in step 1. Remove from the water and stir into the hot cream until completely dissolved. Leave to cool for 30 minutes. Remove the strips of lemon rind and divide the mixture between two bowls. Stir a few drops of pink food colouring into one bowl. Spoon the two mixtures into the ramekins, to give two with colouring and two without. Chill for 6 hours or overnight until set.
5.
To serve, cut and trim the halved brownies to make four heart shapes the same size as the ramekins. Dip each ramekin into a bowl of hot water for a few seconds to release the panna cotta then turn each one out onto a heart-shaped brownie. Decorate with fresh raspberries.
• 75g fresh raspberries, pureed
• 1 sheet leaf gelatine PANNA COTTA • 600ml double cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract • 2 pared strips lemon rind • 50g caster sugar • 2 sheets leaf gelatine • Few drops pink food colouring
TO SERVE • 2 ready-made chocolate brownies, halved horizontally
• Fresh raspberries
Serves 4 Ready in 1 hour, plus overnight chilling
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Sunday Nights Quiz Night 8.30pm
To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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View from the City by Justin Urquhart Stewart 7IM Did your New Year Resolution make it past ‘Fail Friday’? 2017’s most popular New Year Resolutions (at least according to Twitter) were all about diets and exercise – almost inevitable after the surfeit of indulgence over the festive season. Next on the people’s list of to-dos were to read more and to try to learn to do something new such as learn a language. A survey in December 2016 by the Dutch ING Bank, however, asked whether New Year Resolutions might be linked to financial goals. Here in the UK, according to the research findings, just 27% were planning a financial resolution. This compares to 30% of Germans, 44% of Spaniards, 49% of Italians and 50% of the French. Turks came top of those surveyed with an estimated 69% including financial goals in their 2017 planning. Meanwhile, only 3% of our fellow Brits are estimated to keep their resolution for the full 12 months, with the vast majority having abandoned any good intentions on or before Fail Friday – the name coined for the third Friday each January. So, we have proposed seven financial goals to choose from. Follow up on any of these and you can be one of that 3%. 1.Diarise your deadlines From 31 January’s deadline to file your online tax self assessment, to 5 April to get your latest ISA set up, to insurance renewal dates, through to the variable dates for any VAT and Corporation Tax filings you may need to lodge. Just putting them in your diary with a nice long reminder timeline will help you start to get organised. 2. Spring clean your paperwork From the ancient share certificates you’ve inherited to forgotten childhood bank accounts, chances are that there is a small savings pot that is out of sight and therefore out of mind. 3. Track your cashflow In my latte pension video [https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=h3x97Eqhza8], we show how saving a small amount regularly over a long period of time compounds to quite an incredible sum. Now is a great time to work out what you spend on all those
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small payments – from Amazon Prime to Netflix to magazine subscriptions – that together could tally to a whole lot more than you might have imagined. 4. Cut up the credit cards The Bank of England’s Governor is on the record saying that the Bank of England may finally raise rates. With inflation spiking to 1.6% year-on-year in December, and that level set to rise further, rates may well rise. This means any credit card bills you haven’t fully paid off could lead to costs increasing exponentially.
5. Switch where necessary Aggregator sites now compile the best options for everything from energy bills and mortgage providers to insurance bills and credit card cashback percentages. Now is the time to see how much you and your family could save. 6. Make a will According to research by the cancer charity Macmillan, only 40% of Brits have a will. 89% of 18 to 34 year olds do not have a will versus 32% of the over 55s. One of the reasons is no doubt the emotional choices you have to make, but at least plan to do this by November when Will Aid 2017 goes live (again) and lists 900 odd solicitors who will help you in return for a charity donation. 7. Review your pension Successive governmental budgets since 2010 have reduced both the lifetime and annual allowances for pensions. It may be necessary to take your pension early or stop contributing to your scheme, even if you haven’t retired, to avoid the benefits exceeding those allowances. Perhaps it’s time to start using another tax wrapper or at least making sure that you are using your other tax allowances, such as the annual capital gains tax, properly. All just common sense really – nothing even vaguely radical!
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Care visits at home
Bluebird Care What we offer
Alternative
We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning and social visits.
Care at home offers a realistic, cost effective alternative to residential care.
Bespoke Care visits range from shorter visits to live-in care and overnight stays.
01372 822875
Socialise with US
epsom@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/epsom
Find “Bluebird Care Epsom” on Facebook and Google+ Follow us on Twitter “@bluebirdepsom”
To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Poetry
In Worcester Park by Katy Lawrence I am triplet and have one older sister, I have always lived in Worcester Park with my Mum and Dad but recently moved to Brinkley Road in Worcester Park with my partner. I think my Nan and granddad were my inspiration for writing, I used to write poems for them from the age of 10. I am now 30 and still love writing, I recently self published a book through Amazon called See Me Young with a collection of my favourite poems, I put my Nan on the front cover as she is a wonderful lady who is a true inspiration for the older generation. I have been lucky enough to have wonderful parents and a great network of friends which have given me guidance and help along the way. Whilst I work in Chessington in an office, Iwould love to write full time, I believe that writing can help heal people and provide comfort when they really need it.
ELEGANT CURTAINS SOFT FURNISHING SPECIALIST Made-to-measure curtains • Roman blinds • Black out blinds • Roller blinds
FREE DESIGN SERVICE
• Pelmets & Upholstery
Choose from our wide selection of fabrics, including our range of children’s fabrics or we can make up from your own fabric. Tracks & poles supplied and fitted. For a free estimate and appointment, please call Linda Jordan on
020 8337 7145 • 07957 177164 WWW.ELEGANTCURTAINS.INFO
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See Me Young See me not as one who’s old, because I bare wrinkled skin, see me with no pitying eyes, see the girl within. See me not as old, because my hair has long since greyed. See the scars I bare, they are the memories I have made. See me not as old, because my pace has slowed, I stopped to watch the world rush by, before I got to old. Don’t be sorry, that my mind has muddled and sometimes I get lost, I got back to a time of the world I knew, before my love was lost. See me not as old, when I cannot hear you speak, Try to be more patient dear and talk louder when we meet. See me not as old my dear, when my appetite is small, food seems less important now, as it’s just to fill a hole. See me not as old my dear, when I tell stories of the past, it’s because we stood together, we secured a future built to last.
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
Heartfelt care in your home Care from 30 minutes support each week to full time live-in care We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service enabling you to live life in your own comfortable and familiar surroundings Hourly Care at Home is an ideal solution if you want a little support during the day, evening or night Live-in care is an excellent alternative to residential care if you want to remain at home and require one-to-one full time care.
To find out more, come and visit us or call our award winning team
“I cannot thank the team at Trinity Homecare enough for their support in caring for my Mum...they are worth their weight in gold.� Julia S, Surrey
Central House, 1-15 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8EG
To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 020 8108 4564 www.trinityhomecare.co.uk
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Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Conflict observed in Poland (6) 4. Luckless sort of lad, I felt (3-5) 9. Tolkien’s ogre concealed a plant (6) 10. Lisa may change a country (8) 12. Knight’s weapon collection (8) 13. Mum is coming round fast! (6) 15. Line written about a flower (4) 16. Six men who lead Norse invaders (7) 20. Insect leaving cheese for a short time (7) 21. Pastry chef I loathed helping! (4) 25. Article edited near small stadiums (6) 26. Disturbed pet - a lone animal (8) 28. Distant object is an old coin (8) 29. Delay leaving this country (backward country) (6) 30. Sheer rap disaster, put another way (8) 31. A peer in a state, more or less (6)
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Down 1. Trees an odd owl damaged (8) 2. Coin put in bank not long ago (8) 3. Another sarnie has appeared (6) 5. Slender characters given a tip (4) 6. Ring of fire, perhaps, for a bird (8) 7. At last a fresh date’s sampled (6) 8. Gardener’s fourth soil shortage (6) 11. Observed, like a bare cake? (7)
14. Fierce deviant in love with tired leader (7) 17. Minister regrets opening post before long! (8) 18. Large reptile is around, oddly (8) 19. English city witches check out (8) 22. Blunder by Republican boss (6) 23. Prague is ordered to prepare (4,2) 24. Burke arranged Hare’s last scolding (6) 27. A responsibility you and I have (4)
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Events Epsom Charity Book Fair 18th – 20th February 2016 At Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ Thursday 16th and Friday 17th February – 10am-8pm, Saturday 18th February 10am-4pm Entrance 50p (children and students free) Epsom’s hugely popular Annual Charity Book Fair is now 16 years old! The event has grown from relatively small beginnings in 2002 to become a massive annual event attracting visitors from throughout the southeast and beyond. This year’s Fair will take place from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th February, from 10am to 8pm (ending at 4pm on Saturday). Entrance is just 50p (students and children free). Many thousands of quality books at bargain prices will be on offer. The vast range includes children’s books, antiquarian, out-of-print, fiction and non-fiction, plus
CDs, DVDs and records. Delicious refreshments and light lunches are available throughout. Proceeds from this year’s Fair will benefit a variety of national and local charities, including Action for Children, The Rainbow Trust, Epsom Food Bank, Hope 4 Malawi, Age Concern, scouting and guiding in Epsom and the work of Epsom Methodist Church. Last year’s Book Fair raised about £32,000 and this year promises to be even bigger and better! For inquiries please ring 01372 728535 or email office@ epsommethodistchurch.org.uk.
Epsom Book Fair 16th-18th February 2017 At Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ 10am - 8pm (Ends 4pm on Saturday) Entrance 50p (children and students free)
Tree Surgery • Tree Felling Stump Grinding Tree Surveys and Reports Planting• Hedge Maintenance Fruit tree management
Annual Giant Charity Sale of books, CDs, DVDs and records. Refreshments and light lunches available. For all enquiries please ring:01372 728535 Email:office@epsommethodistchurch.org.uk
Fully qualified Arborists £5 Million Liability Insurance Local Authority Approved Free Quotations and Advice
info@turnertreecare.co.uk
020 8393 3222
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 25 years in the trade Mob : 07973 733649 / Tel : 020 8393 0180 andyreeve.plumber@virginmedia.com To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Pictograms
Sudokus
4 words
fairly easy
FAST 2-2 3 words MATTHEW LUKE JOHN
3 words 2 2 2 2
not so easy
0 0 0 0
Lock Up Your Stuff! It seems that there’s a new hack every couple of days, with websites admitting that hackers have managed to get people’s account details. That’s dangerous, because many people use the same passwords on every site - so if somebody manages to get your login details for one website, they might be able to get into your email and favourite online shops. The good news is that protecting yourself is simple.
N I P R E C You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
3 letters: 10
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4 letters: 10
5 letters: 4
6 letters: 2
First of all, don’t use the same user name and password twice. And secondly, don’t use easy to 6 Letters pine 3 Letters rep guess passwords. “12345678” is one of the UK’s prince rein rip cep most popular passwords and easy to guess, but pincer 4 Letters rice ice something like “ektg-243n-brb456” isn’t. That’s ripeof course, but you don’t have cine ire hard to remember, epic nip to remember it:5 Letters on Apple hardware the Safari nicerremember your passwords pen web nice browser can peinand onprice per for you, other devices, apps such as the repin peri LastPass pie excellent or 1Password do the same. ripen pier pin
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
P E CONTRACTORS LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS
+ BRICKWORK & DECORATIVE WALLS + ALL TYPES OF PAVING LAID + PATIOS AND PATHS + DRIVEWAYS + FENCING AND GATES + TURFING + PONDS + CONCRETE BASES + QUALITY WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED + PHOTOS AVAILABLE + NO SUB CONTRACT LABOUR USED + FULLY INSURED + CITY AND GUILDS QUALIFIED + ESTABLISHED 1985
0208 393 7900 // 07973 192426 www.pe-contractors.co.uk To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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Fundraising From cancer to the London Marathon My name is Mark, I am local family man in my late 30’s and wanted to share my story with you. In July 2015, I was given the devastating news that I had cancer. The doctor informed me that I had “Stage 3, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma”, I had it in my Groin, Lungs and Stomach. I was told I needed to start a course of chemotherapy with immediate effect as this illness could potentially kill me. I came out of the hospital speechless, in shock, thinking I’m going to wake up in a minute from this nightmare. Then I realized, I’ve got to tell my children, Alexander 11, Malachi 9, Annmarie 7 and Annabel 4 that I am unwell. We sat the children down and Sandra, my wife said “ Your dad is not very well, and the medicines that
Finish Decorators Professional, Friendly Service Hanging wall paper property maintenance general painting decorating to a high standard
he will be given may change his appearance and make him sicker “. My eldest, Alexander says “ Like cancer patients, when they lose their hair through chemotherapy “. I was surprised that he knew about cancer. Malachi then ask me “ Are you going to die dad? “At which point my eyes filled with water, not knowing what to say. Sandra reassured the children that everything will be ok and I’m going to be in good hands. I inform the rest of my family, and as you can imagine the news shocked everyone. One comment that a member of my family said, that stuck in my mind was “ I knew someone, the same age as you, that died from Lymphoma “. I really didn’t want or need to hear that. That night when lying in bed the only thought’s I had was, I’ve got cancer, are you going to die dad? I knew someone same age as you that died from Lymphoma. I didn’t sleep much that night. A few days passed until I was in the hospital for my first out of six session of Chemotherapy. I would be having this every 3 weeks. The nurses connected me up to a drip and pumped me full of drugs from 9 till 5. I thought I would have had a room to myself, but I was in a small room with eight other chairs in, some patients were there all day like myself, others came and went within a couple of hours. But all, came for different types of chemotherapy. I was sent on my way with a carrier bag full of tablets to take. I felt very light headed, with a strange metallic taste in my mouth. Every week I was to return to the hospital for blood tests and to be checked over. Two days prior to my second session of chemotherapy I came out of the shower, only to notice that my hair had started to fall out. When I returned for my second session, I had lost a stone in weight in just 3 weeks.
07956434770 / 07957644324 please call for a free estimate, no job too small
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It was at this stage when I had come to terms with this illness, and had accepted it. I thought, for whatever reason this path has been chosen for me and if it’s the case that I’ve got this for 1 year or for the rest of my life, it will not dictate my life. Life goes on.
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This routine continued for six months, seeing the same familiar face’s having their medicine’s when I had mine. All of us losing weight, hair, strength and looking paler, but trying to keep a positive mind. Thankfully everyone’s prayers were answered, I was given the best Christmas present ever and was put in remission. I now go to the hospital every 2 months, for the next 5 years for checkups. I am sure that everyone, knows someone, that has been affected by this evil illness, but it’s wrong when you here about children that have it. When my children returned to school in the September 2015, we informed the teachers what was happening to me, and it came to my attention that there was a 6-year-old girl from our school, that had been diagnosed with Leukemia around the same time that I got diagnosed. I felt like crying. It was at this point, not knowing what my outcome would be, that I decided that I would run the London Marathon to raise money for Children with Cancer.
run, maybe for the odd bus or at the park with my children. I suppose it has always been something I’ve wanted to do, but never had the incentive and drive to do it. My training started slowly, I joined a gym and initially wanted to just put some weight back on, as I had lost a lot due to my illness. Then the running started, baby steps, 1 mile at a time. In November 2016 I had built myself up to 13 miles, when I pulled in ligament in my knee. This put a halt on the running momentarily. Marathon day is now 3 months away and I am trying to run 3 to 4 times a week. There is no enjoyment there whilst running, I find it very tedious and hard, but the only thing that keeps me motivated it the thought that the money I raise will help the children battling with this evil disease. Please show your support and sponsor me, you can do this by going on the computer Www.Justgiving and typing my name Mark Krige Thank you for reading my story
This coming April I will be participating in The Virgin London Marathon, prior to my illness I had never
CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH Raising money for Children with Cancer UK
St Cecilia Dad’s v Cheam Fields Dad’s One off Tidy-ups Garden Maintenance Decking and Lawns Hedge Trimming Landscaping Tree Surgery Stump Grinding Strimming and Weeding Garden Clearance Path and Patio Washing For a free Quote call Andrew Cudd Contact us:
Tel: 020 8330 7787 Mobile: 07958 727 272
Sunday 19th March 4pm - 6pm
Sutton United Gander Green Lane
Tickets £5, Under 14’s free Penalty Shoot out for the children, Mystery Guest, Fire Brigade, Police, Raffle, Tombola, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting The Mayor of Sutton will be attending
info@cypressgardenservices.co.uk www.cypressgardenservices.co.uk
Charity Football Match.indd 1
To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
20/01/2017 08:34
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020 8330 7557 - Sales 020 8330 7887 - Lettings www.brownsresidential.co.uk
Worcester Park - £750,000 • Imposing Family Semi
• Four Bedrooms
• Three Receptions
• Two Bath/Shower Rooms
• Luxury Kitchen
• Downstairs Cloakroom
• S/W Facing Garden
• Garage & O.S.P
• E.P.C. Rating D
Worcester Park l Stoneleigh l Ewell l New Malden l Cheam
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
21428 - Browns Residential - A5 Local Mag.indd 1
20/01/2017 10:24
Independent Estate Agency at its best
£720,000 Worcester Park
£675,000 Worcester Park
• Extended Three Bed Semi • Premier Road • Large Garage & O.S.P • E.P.C. Rating D
• Two Brand New Semi’s • Luxury Finish • Three Bed/Three Bath • Completion Spring 2017
£680,000 Worcester Park
£465,000 Worcester Park
• Extended Three Bed Semi • Two Bath/Wet Rooms • Single Garage • E.P.C. Rating D
• Three Bed Period Semi • Two Receptions • No Ongoing Chain • E.P.C. Rating C
Browns Residential
Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7JZ Email:
sales@brownsresidential.co.uk lettings@brownsresidential.co.uk
To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915 21428 - Browns Residential - A5 Local Mag.indd 2
33 20/01/2017 10:25
Recipe Caramelised onion and goats’ cheese pizza This is a tasty alternative to the classic cheese and tomato pizza. Serve with a simple mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Serves 4 Ready in: 1 hour 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tsp brown sugar 2 x 145g packets pizza base mix 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary leaves, plus 1 tbsp small sprigs 2 x 100g round goats’ cheeses, sliced 5 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and add the onions. Fry over a gentle heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the sugar and fry for a further 10 minutes until golden brown. Leave to cool. 2 Preheat the oven to 220C, Fan 200C, Gas Mark 7. Empty both sachets of the pizza base mix into a large bowl and stir in a large pinch of salt and the chopped rosemary leaves. Stir in 200ml hand-hot water and mix to a soft dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. 3 Roll the dough out to a 30 x 45cm oblong. Place on a greased baking sheet and turn up the edges of the base. Spread the caramelised onions over the base, then top with the sliced goats’ cheese, cherry tomatoes and rosemary sprigs. Leave in a warm place for 10 minutes. 4 Drizzle with olive oil and season with a little salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the base is golden brown. TIP Instead of the caramelised onions spread, the pizza base with sun-dried tomato paste then top with some cooked and drained spinach. Scatter over diced mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped oregano.
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Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers
34 Stonecot Hill, Sutton Surrey, SM3 9HE Tel: 020 8337 2626
WandsWorth
020 8874 1781
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What’s On
Give blood
Find out times an book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG 2nd Feb Sutton, The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey., SM1 4DP 9th March St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden 1st Feb Cheam, North Cheam Sports and Social 658 London Road, North Cheam 8th Feb
Farmers Market
Wallington Farmers’ Market is held from 9am to 1pm every second Saturday of the month at the Old Town Hall and Library Gardens in Woodcote Road, Wallington. Established in 1999, it is the borough’s oldest Farmers’ Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month. 1st Saturday of the month - New Malden Farmers Market. By the Fountain pub. 9am-1pm
Tunes’n’Tea
An afternoon of live music, tea, coffee, home made cakes, conversation and dancing if you wish. Guest musicians perform for your delight! Relax and listen to a mix of songs and tunes, old, new and everything in between! Thursday 9th February and Thursday 9th March 1.30pm-3.30pm St John’s Church Hall Station Approach, Stoneleigh, Epsom, KT19 0QZ (next to Stoneleigh Station on the West Side) Entrance: £3 All Welcome!
Women’s World day of Prayer 2017
is to be held at Worcester Park Baptist Church 2,The Avenue, Worcester Park, KT4 7EW on THURSDAY 2nd MARCH at 2pm Women’s world day of prayer is an international and interdenominational movement of informed prayer and prayerful action. The service this year has been written by Christian women of the Philippines. It has been translated into 1,000 languages and dialects and over 5,00 services will be held in the British Isles on the theme ’Am I being unfair to you’. The day of prayer is not just for women. Everyone is welcome to attend and you are welcome to stay afterwards for refreshments including some Pilipino cake. If you would like to find
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out more about the theme and the service please visit the website www.wwdp.org.uk or contact Jacqui Archer 02083958570 The East Surrey Family History Society meet on the first Thursday of each month at St Nicholas Church Hall,Robin Hood Lane,Sutton, SM1 2RG. Doors open 7.30pm. Talk starts 8pm. Visitors welcome. More details - www.eastsurreyfhs.org.uk Thursday February 2 2017 Peter Gillman : Below Stairs Life and work of servants in great houses. March 2 2017 Miss Anne Carter : How life changed forever in 1914
Bourne Hall Museum
Home Education Group After talking to parents who attend our Museum Kids Club we found a demand for sessions to support children who are being educated at home. We held some test sessions and over 50 children came – so we’ve decided to form a weekday group for these children to learn about history. The first session will be on Tuesday 7 February 2pm to 3.30pm (£5 per child, one adult per child free) and it will be on the First World War. Would you like to sit for hours in a muddy funk hole? Learn who or what was a Moaning Minnie or a Jack Johnson. What did it mean if you were chatting, and where was Blighty? Discover the answers to all of these questions and more, when we are visited by a British Army Officer. Who will try and recruit you into the army! Learn about trench warfare on the Western Front and how tough daily life was for the troops. See and have the opportunity to handle objects and weapons from the War to end all Wars. Try to understand the soldier’s experiences and how life in the trenches evolved through the duration of the war. Further information is available from David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF. Tel 020 8394 1734. Email dbrooks@epsomewell.gov.uk
Nonsuch Park
Nonsuch Park is a link to Tudor England. The Palace that once stood here was a hugely expensive symbol of Henry VIII’s power. The Friends of Nonsuch offer guidance to a 7 feet model which has been created from contemporary documentation, paintings and an excavation of the Palace site in 1959. The model is on display in the Stable Wing of the much later Nonsuch Mansion in the heart of Nonsuch Park. The model is open from 11 am until 3 pm every Sunday in November and December Entry Free; cars via Cheam Gate. For further information please visit the website
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at www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
Epsom Playhouse,
Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227 The Jonathan Vinten Band 30 January A Return of one of the best Chicago style bands in Britain. Chris Barber Band 3 February Europe’s Finest Traditional Jazz & Blues Band. Chris Barber OBE, this year celebrates his Diamond Jubilee as leader of his band on a full-time professional basis. A band that stands out as one of the finest, if not thé finest, of its kind anywhere in the world. Barry Steele as Roy Orbison 4 February Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vocalists playing homage to legend Roy Orbison. He’s stunned audiences across the globe with his uncanny similarity and ability to authentically revive the exquisite toe-tapping sound of this music giant. Ewell Castle School Present Bugsy Malone 8 February (eve and mat) 9 February (eve) “Following the rip-roaring success of Oliver The Musical, Ewell Castle School present this slick, slapstick musical comedy. Bugsy Malone follows the rivalry between two half-witted street gangs and the suave and sophisticated Bugsy himself. Along the way he makes finds love, laughter and befriends ... So you think you know about Dinosaurs? 13 February Did dinosaurs eat their own families? Was every Tyrannosaurus rex a fearsome carnivore? Why did Allosaurus headbutt its prey to death? Come and test your knowledge against Ben Garrod (the TV scientist in “Attenborough’s Giant Dinosaur”). With the help of TV film footage and photos of his own... Lady Chatterley’s Lover 17 February “Obscenity only comes in when the mind despises and fears the body, and the body hates and resists the mind” The story follows Connie Reid, a cultured, independent thinker who marries the emotionally distant Sir Clifford Chatterley. Connie turns to the bed of the lowborn... Whitney Queen of the Night 18 February A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This award winning production features a stellar line-up with rising West End star, Rebecca Freckleton, delivering a powerhouse and breath-taking performance as Whitney. Taking us on an emotional rollercoaster... Gary Delaney - ‘There’s something about Gary’
19 February .. and that something is he likes to write and perform jokes. An awful lot of them. He thinks a good joke should be like a drunk Glaswegian, short and punchy. Gary’s last tour was extended four times and took in over 240 dates. His next tour will once again showcase... Psychic Sally 21 February The nation’s favorite psychic is back and better than ever with her most jaw-dropping show yet. Funny, entertaining, sometimes heart breaking, often controversial Sally says” Every night when I am on stage, amazing things happen, and it is a privilege to be able to pass on messages of love and... Jongleurs 22 February Your regular dose of comedy brought to you by Jongleurs, the UK’s number one comedy company; they’ll have you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Don’t miss this chance to see another two hours of today’s funniest standup. Two Sisters (Myers Studio) 23 February 2017 Is it possible to lose your innocence at 70? Rika and Edith, close and caring sisters, are about to discover a shocking truth about their past. Can they adapt or will they now, after seventy years, become strangers? A heartwarming play, set on a kibbutz in Israel in the early 2000s, that reveals... Eat, Drink, Love! 23 February If music be the food of love, play on! But if music be the love of food then play on as well! On the menu tonight: the Merry Opera Company presents a musical celebration of human appetites: for drink, for food, even for each other! A mouth-watering all-you-can-eat buffet of favourite cabaret songs... Swinging at the Cotton Club 25 February Featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company & The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra Take a step back into 1920s & ’30s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, ‘The Cotton Club’! ‘Swinging at The Cotton Club’ is the action-packed show celebrating the music and dance... Bob Dwyer’s ‘Bix & Pieces’ 27 February The more traditional form of jazz is the bands main influence. Marty Wilde 2 March A chance to see live on stage, one of the only performing Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneers in the world today. With his many hits and a host of wonderful songs from that era, Marty and his fabulous band, The Wildcats, take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country has ever...
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Florally Speaking By Catherine Rose There is a silent language that spreads its roots far back into ancient cultures from the Ottoman Empire to the Chinese Dynasties. Long captivating us with their beauty, individuality and scent, for centuries flowers have been a tradition at every human celebration and ceremony, from birth to marriage and death. In the same way, conveying messages with flowers has been used throughout history as a form of botanical code and these fertile metaphors can be found across art, literature and religion. The lily, for example, was often painted as an emblem by artists during Renaissance times to represent the purity of Christ and the Virgin, and it crops up in many religious-themed paintings of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In literature, Shakespeare often used flowers for added emotional emphasis and meaning in his plays. But it was the Victorians who truly embraced the concept and elevated flower symbolism into an art form which they called floriography. The famous group of Victorian artists known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood were great admirers of the painters who had led the early Renaissance, and they resurrected the lily in several of their religious works such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The Girlhood of Mary Virgin (1848). And fellow artist John Everett Millais borrowed from Shakespeare when he painted his much-admired work Ophelia (1852), using flowers mentioned in Hamlet for the background: rosemary for remembrance, pansies for thoughts, a poppy to represent sleep and death, and fritillary for sorrow, amongst others. Not only would their meanings have been clear to the Victorian viewer, they would also have been understood by Shakespeare's audience 300 years earlier. During the sexually repressed Victorian era, using 'the language of flowers' was easier to convey a sensitive message, via a bouquet or with flowers printed on a greetings card, than expressing it verbally. Each flower was imbued with a subtle meaning so putting them together in a carefully chosen posy could say so much more than words. Today, the modern example of this is the red rose that has became synonymous with love and remains a popular and traditional way to say 'I love you' on St Valentine's Day. However, there are actually many other flowers that also offer specific declarations of love, including the red tulip (passionate love), anemone (unfading love), gladiolus (love at first sight) and the self-evident forget-me-not. These little bouquets so beloved by the Victorians were
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known as 'tussie-mussies' - a term that dates from the 1400s and was used to describe a bunch of sweet-smelling flowers and herbs that had a symbolic meaning. As well as being a meaningful gift, such bouquets were somewhat of a necessity in medieval times where living conditions were fairly unsanitary. Carrying fragrant flower tussie-mussies or nosegays (the word 'gay' means 'ornament' in old English) was also a good way to disguise body odour and the stench of the streets where open sewage ran freely. Moreover, flowers and herbs were also considered essential to wellbeing as they were believed to ward off disease. Becoming fluent in the language of floriography is by no means an easy task, as many plants have more than one meaning and different cultures place their own interpretation on them. Additionally, the colour of the flower is important and can even change its meaning - for example, giving a yellow rose would mean friendship while a pink rose signifies affection. The Duchess of Cambridge paid homage to floriography when she chose her wedding bouquet. Sticking to the Royal tradition of using only white flowers, she carried lily of the valley (a return to happiness), sweet william (gallantry), hyacinth (constancy in love), ivy (fidelity) and myrtle (marriage). Appropriately, the myrtle is said to have come from a bush that was grown from a sprig in a nosegay originally presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert's grandmother. While Kate Middleton may have been following Royal tradition, most observers would not have noticed the hidden symbolism. Today, floriography is something of a 'lingua morte' (dead language) on a par with ancient Latin but once, there were even specialised dictionaries so that people could look up the meaning of different flowers to convey precisely the right message. It is believed that the first floriographical dictionary to be published was Dictionnaire du Language des Fleurs by Joseph Hammer-Pugstall in 1809. But before and since, there have been many more references to the symbolic meaning of flowers. This Valentine's Day, instead of the usual red roses, why not try resurrecting a very old, charming and thoughtful tradition by giving your mister or missus a mussie? Just ensure you refrain from giving your true love a bouquet that includes basil, candytuft and dogbane, as you would be sending a message of hatred, indifference and deceit!
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The Life List Finders Sleepers I think Hamlet spoke for insomniacs everywhere when he said: ‘To sleep, perchance to dream.’ But if Shakespeare doesn’t send you to the land of nod and you’re desperate for forty winks, it’s time to get creative. How about counting sheepdogs? After all, there’s no need to follow the herd. Some swear by a milky drink with whisky, and some leave out the milk altogether. Listening to the news on the radio might work, but there’s a high probability of nightmares. Think yourself asleep by visualising all the DIY jobs you haven’t finished (or started!). Recite the alphabet by animals. If you can lap zebra to reach zebra shark, and then go
right through again to zebu, you deserve a decent sleep (and your own column in National Geographic). If you’re stuck for something to think about, but your brain won’t shut down, you could try thinking up new insomnia cures. Maybe you need to change the Feng Shui by moving a snoring partner on to the landing, or changing your mattress - only not last thing at night. Have you opened the window a little? Not recommended if you live near a motorway, a landfill site or an opera house. Chamomile tea is one option - particularly if the alternative to sleep is having a second cup - but it may cause chamomile wee! Acupuncture is said to work wonders, only don’t experiment at home by leaving a needle under the duvet - especially if you own a waterbed. Sweet dreams! By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk
Wedding
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ST R N NO YLE AN EW W S & GE AV C OF AI OL LA OU BL RS E
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Gardening Velvet Underground Pippa Greenwood
They may be known as ‘velvet coated gentlemen’, but believe me if you have a problem with moles in your garden, it is highly unlikely that you will be inclined to call them anything quite so polite! For years I thought people were over-reacting when moles appeared, but having now come across them in great numbers in my own garden, I too have started to have some rather unfriendly thoughts. So what can you do if all of a sudden your lawn becomes decorated with mounds of finely turned soil, or if plants in your beds and borders suddenly start to disappear beneath soil level as subsidence occurs within the flowerbed, or an entire row of vegetables is excavated from below? Moles can do a lot of damage to a lawn, largely because that fine soil acts as an excellent seedbed for weeds and is also inclined to make the surface of the lawn rather slippery. If their runs go beneath your lawn or, worse still, beneath flowers in a flowerbed or vegetable plants in your vegetable plot or allotment, then because they tunnel quite close to or in amongst the plant roots, they can occasionally cause the plants to suffer from drought because the soil is no longer in contact with the roots. Often, when the tunnels collapse subsidence occurs, everything starts to topple inwards, and plants can literally fall over. Moles can sometimes be deterred by high-pitched sounds or vibrations. To this end you could try inserting children’s windmills over the mole infested areas, as the vibration that passes down these into the soil is often said to send moles scampering away. It is an inexpensive and relatively decorative solution AND I’ve seen gardens where it really does seem to work. Similarly, you can try plunging glass bottles into the soil so that just the neck is protruding. As the wind whistles over the mouth of the bottle the noise and vibrations created may also discourage moles. Very smelly substances can work against moles. It is possible to buy mole smokes which seem to work, in the short term at least. These are rather like fireworks and are inserted into the run where the smoke they produce is unpleasant to the moles. Unfortunately, however, with these and indeed most other smelly deterrents, it is likely that once the smell has subsided the mole will return.
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Traps are available from some garden centres or online stores. In order for these to be effective you must set them carefully, and because the moles are very aware of human scent it is essential that you wear gloves when setting them up, so you never actually touch the trap with your hands. The trap needs to be correctly set or else there is a risk that the mole could suffer a lot before it dies. Some gardeners find traps work well but I must admit I know many who have found that they don’t seem to do the job, as it is very difficult for a nonexpert trap setter to get it right! Perhaps the most effective means of control is to hire in help by employing a mole catcher. Many of these specialists have worked with moles for many years and are adept at trapping them. Since they often charge only on the basis of moles caught, it need not be too expensive a process either. Moles do eventually decide to go elsewhere, and although this does not imply that your garden will then remain free of moles, if the problem has been very bad one year it may not be quite so severe the next. It is sometimes said that the plant caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyrus) will deter moles. I have never found that this has any effect whatsoever, but it does seem to work for some gardeners and as the plants are fairly attractive it is worth giving it a try! Some gardeners report success with ultrasonic devices that can be inserted into the ground. Once again, I am afraid that it seems the majority of you find these ineffective and indeed I will never forget once seeing a molehill which appeared directly around the base of one of these gadgets in a friend’s garden - so they are not a method I recommend. If all else fails, and attempting to look at this problem in a positive light, it is worth bearing in mind that incredibly finely turned soil can be useful and many gardeners I know, including the wonderful
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‘grandfather of gardening’ Geoffrey Smith, used the soil as a medium in which to grow an excellent crop of seedlings! Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, fleece jackets for plants, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides. copy.pdf 1 23/01/2017 Advert(60x43mm)
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News
and throughout December the votes flooded in.
Local dog ‘Monty’ Glasgow, a gorgeous 2 year old Dachshund has been crowned as Maven Vet’s Pet of the Year 2016! The fiercely fought competition was held through the month of December with 12 competitors, each of whom had been chosen as a ‘Maven Pet of the Month’ during 2016.
It was Monty who stole the hearts of the public to win the Maven Pet of the Year 2016!
Each month the team at Maven Veterinary Care on London Road, North Cheam select a pet they feel has overcome the odds and stood out as a champion. The Pet of the Month winner is featured on the Maven Vets website (mavenvets.co.uk) and on their facebook page (facebook.com/mavenvets).
Monty, who is from Worcester Park, had been treated at Maven Vets in summer 2016 when he became very unwell after eating a corn on the cob. Unfortunately for Monty the cob had become stuck in his intestines making him very unwell and he needed surgery to have the offending cob removed. Throughout his stay at Maven Vets Monty was so brave and dignified and quickly became a favourite among the team. Happily he recovered well from his surgery and has not looked back since.
In 2016 Maven Vets extended the competition to crown a champion of champions, the ‘Maven Pet of the Year’. The competition was made public
Monty was delighted to win his hamper of goodies and his mum, Hannah, equally delighted to win a voucher for a meal at the
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newly opened ‘Memphis’ restaurant on London Road in North Cheam. She said, ‘I was at a loss when Monty was so unwell and had to be admitted to the surgery. It was such a difficult time and I am so grateful to the team at Maven for looking after Monty so well and keeping me up to date at every stage. I’m delighted he has won the Pet of the Year and I’m looking forward to opening his goodie hamper of toys with him later! ’
The Abbeyfield Ewell Society is dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and more fulfilling. We offer rented accommodation for independent living in supported sheltered housing.
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Come and have a look and join us fororacall cuppa and a chat about To advertise emailround jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 living in friendly, secure sheltered housing in the local community.
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Health Eating Disorders Awareness Week Eating disorders affect over 725,000 men and women in the UK and claim more lives than any other mental illness. A shocking one in five of those most seriously affected die prematurely, either from the physical consequences of their disorder or suicide. That’s why Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which runs from 27th February to 5th March, is so vital. It’s essential we are all aware of the dangers of eating disorders and realise that we are all susceptible to them. That means we need to know the facts – not just the stereotypes. Challenging the Stereotype: Who Suffers from Eating Disorders? The stereotype is a teenage girl obsessed with becoming thinner, either starving herself or alternately binge eating and vomiting. However, in reality there are several different eating disorders and while young women are more prone to them, they can affect people of any age, gender or ethnicity. What Causes Eating Disorders? Often a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental, social and biological factors seems responsible, although the latest research indicates biology has a bigger influence than previously believed. Identified ‘risk factors’ are: • Suffering sexual or emotional abuse. • Experiencing criticism for weight, looks, body shape or eating habits. • Suffering bereavement. • Periods of intense stress (at home, school or work etc.). • Family history of addiction, depression or eating disorders. • Preoccupation with body shape. • External pressure to be thin from society or for a career/hobby, e.g. dancing, sports, modelling. • Underlying traits/mental health issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism or an obsessive personality. • Relationship issues. Types of Eating Disorder Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia sufferers are preoccupied with keeping their weight as low as possible by excessive exercise
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and/or starving themselves. Around 1 in 250 women and 1 in 2,000 men will experience anorexia nervosa at some point. Although people usually develop the condition at around 16 or 17, it can occur as early as 7 years old. In younger children, it’s more prevalent in boys. Bulimia Bulimia sufferers alternate between binge eating and then purging (emptying their stomach by inducing vomiting or emptying their bowels by using laxatives). Bulimia is around two to three times more common than anorexia nervosa, and 90% of sufferers are female. It usually develops at around 18 or 19. Binge eating disorder (BED) BED sufferers feel compelled to eat large amounts of food very rapidly. It affects both sexes equally and usually develops between the ages of 30 and 40. Because it’s difficult to define binge eating, it’s hard to assess sufferer numbers, but it’s estimated to affect around 5% of adults. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) Some people, particularly younger sufferers, may have some, but not all, of the symptoms of a specific eating disorder and will be given an EDNOS diagnosis. Diagnosing Eating Disorders Doctors and healthcare professionals use internationally agreed criteria to diagnose eating disorders, normally using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or International Classification of Diseases (ICD). They will ask patients about their weight, self-image and relationship with food. But how do you know when someone needs to be referred for diagnosis? Warning Signs Often, people with an eating disorder will be in denial or try to hide their symptoms, but watch for them: • Skipping meals or claiming they’ve already eaten, or
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plan to eat when they’re out. • Only eating tiny or very low-calorie meals. • Believing they’re fat when they’re a healthy weight or underweight. • Repeatedly weighing themselves or studying themselves in the mirror. • Cooking large meals for others yet eating little themselves. • Refusing to eat in public or becoming stressed when they do. • Using ‘pro-anorexia’ websites. If you suspect you or someone else you know may be developing eating disorder, it’s important to get professional help immediately. Treatment of Eating Disorders Rapid treatment increases the chance of a full recovery and minimises the impact on the patient’s body, life, relationships, job or education. However, finding the right treatment can take some time. They may be suffering from more than one eating disorder, and symptoms may change while they’re recovering. A desire to overcome the condition and the support of those around them are vital. Their physical health will be monitored while the underlying causes of their disorder are treated. This
may involve: • Using self-help manuals and books, possibly under the guidance of a healthcare professional. • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), aiming to change their thinking and in turn, their behaviour. • Interpersonal psychotherapy: a talking therapy that focuses on relationship issues. • Dietary counselling. • Psychodynamic therapy or cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), focusing on how their personality and life experiences influence their thoughts, relationships and behaviour. • Family therapy, focusing on how the eating disorder has affected them and their family. • Medication: often, antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat bulimia or binge eating. For more information and support: Beat (Beat Eating Disorders) www.b-eat.co.uk/ For over-18s or those concerned about someone under 18: 0345 634 1414 help@b-eat.co.uk For under-18s: Youth Helpline 0345 634 7650 fyp@beat.co.uk
Little and Large 1. On the TV show Little Britain, what was the name of the weight loss group run by Marjorie Dawes? 2. Built by CERN between 1998 and 2008, the Large Hadron Collider is the world's largest and most powerful particle collider and lies in a tunnel between the border of which two countries? 3. In the nursery rhyme This Little Piggy, which begins "this little piggy went to market", what did the third little piggy do? 4. Which BBC TV show was first broadcast between 1990 and 2001, was revived in 2005 with the phrase "Goes Large" after the main part of its title, and has been running ever since, reverting back to its original name in 2008? 5. Based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, in which capital city would find a statue of The Little Mermaid? 6. The penny farthing was a bicycle featuring one very large wheel and one much smaller one. Was the large wheel at the back or the front? 7. The name of which type of pasta means "little tongues" in Italian? 8. Who played the title roles in the 2000 film Kevin And Perry Go Large? 9. Nicknamed "the biggest little city in the world", which city in Nevada is famous for its "quickie" divorces? 10. Alexander DeLarge is the narrator and main character of which famous novel? To advertise email jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915
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020 8394 3038 www.nescot.ac.uk 50
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19/01/2017 14:28
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Clubs
To feature in this section email info@wplife.co.uk
Mondays
Worcester Park Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Group first Monday of the month at 2pm and finishing by 4pm. If the first Monday falls on a Bank Holiday the meeting takes place on the second Monday. Old Malden Scout Hall, 411 Malden Road, KT4 7NY. All retired civil servants and friends are welcome to attend and if you are interested in listening to one of our speakers please contact John Wright on 020 8337 8965 or johnandglenisw@gmail.com
mailto:johnandglenisw@gmail.com Do you enjoy listening to show tunes, big band music, jazz, light classics etc? Come along to an evening of live music played by top artistes. We meet on the second Monday of each month at our Banstead venue Banstead Organ & Keyboard Club Church Institute Hall, High Street, Banstead SM7 2NN Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts. 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 Sue Hostler on 020 8337 3756 wi.worcesterparkers@gmail.com
*There is currently a waiting list. Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at Christ Church With St Philip Ruskin Road, Worcester Park 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. Welcome new members just to draw and paint in any medium without tuition. If interested come down for an evening and meet us to see whether this is for you Brenda Banks 020 8330 0928 Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club meet every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at Christ Church with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive. Worcester Park. All over 60’s welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, plus some outstanding entertainment in the way of singers and musicians. One Monday a month we have Bingo and every Monday we run a raffle. Days outings to the coast are organised throughout the summer months, and mid week holidays are organised two or three times a year. Come a little earlier and meet up with some friends and have a chat before the entertainment starts. We would love to see you. Contact Joyce on 020 8330 5065. The ladies After Eight Club 2nd Monday of every month from 8pm onwards at Christchurch with St Philips church hall. We have interesting speakers, outings and dinners and all are welcome for a small subscription to cover our costs. Just come along and
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join in. Carol on 020 8337 2452 St James Players If you enjoy acting do come or help backstage. Monday and Wednesdays 8pm New members welcome. St James Church Hall, Bodley Road New Malden. Mem Sec: linda@dunnz,net
Tuesdays
Vegan Group - monthly bring and share buffet,. every second Tuesday. 7.30pm until 9.30 in Room 1,Christchurch with St Philip, corner of Ruskin Drive, WP. For vegans and anyone interested in learning more about veganism. Conquest Art Group inspires people living with disability or long term health issue to discover their creative energy and build self-confidence through art. Our art group meets every Tuesday at St Mary’s Cuddington, The Avenue, Worcester Park, KT4 7HL from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Anyone over 18 is welcome, all art materials and refreshments are provided. If you would like to come along and give us a try, please contact Carole on 020 8786 8534.
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. membership secretary, Joyce Cranfield, on 020 8337 3317.
“Lunch Break” - a friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting on a Tuesday 12-2pm (term time only) at Worcester Park Baptist Church, The Avenue - free, but donations invited. Occasional speakers. Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena 07837 941298
NHS Retirement Fellowship Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -12 at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat.Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month. Lorna on 020 8337 4121
Worcester Park Crafters 1st Tuesday of each month in the hall at Christchurch with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester park,KT4 8LG. We meet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For further details please contact Lynne by E mail: lynnesinger@msn.com
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or phone on:020 8330 5903 Our aim is to provide a meeting/crafting place for all crafters whatever their craft or ability. Either bring your own work or purchase our kit of the month (small materials cost usually £2), come and play and chat. (small cost to over hall hire and insurance approx £4)
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 ! Jo Hamilton on 020 8786 3444. The Probus Club of Ewell Coming up to retirement? Just retired? Looking to make new friends? Why not join the Probus Club of Ewell? Since it was founded over 40 years ago, the Probus Club of Ewell has been attracting businessmen from Worcester Park and its surrounding areas with a broad range of professional and business backgrounds. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Bourne Hall in Ewell Village, for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. In addition to two Ladies Lunches during the year, there is an active social programme for members and their partners with visits to places of interest and West End Shows. Bruce Urquhart, on 01737 373 690 or visit our website: 4newmembers.ewell4probus.org.uk
Talking Of Trains In Surbiton Programme of talks which take place locally at the Surbiton Library Hall each Wednesday evening throughout the winter months. The first meeting is free; the fee for the complete year is just £50. www.talking of trains.co.uk
Thursdays
Tunes’n’Tea An afternoon of live music, tea, coffee, home made cakes, conversation and dancing if you wish. Guest musicians perform for your delight! Relax and listen to a mix of songs and tunes, old, new and everything in between! Thursday November 17th and Thursday December 1.30 - 3.30pm St John’s Church Hall, Station Approach, Stoneleigh, Epsom, KT19 0QZ (next to Stoneleigh Station on the West Side) Entrance: £3 Sutton Mariners A local offshore sailing club founded in 1988 that meets at 8pm every Thursday evening at the Borough Sports Ground, home of Sutton United FC, Gander Green Lane, SM1 2EY. We are a small and friendly club of about 60 members and have about a dozen boat owners amongst us providing crewing opportunities during the summer months as well as enjoying meetings listening to interesting speakers and social nights. If you would like to get afloat come along and
meet us – we’re sure you will enjoy the experience. www.suttonmariners.org.uk
East Surrey Family History Society For those who are interested in finding out how to investigate their family history the Sutton Branch of the East Surrey Family History Society holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month at St Nicholas Church Hall, Robin Hood Lane. Most months we have a professional speaker. www.esfhs.org.uk
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 each Thursday evening at 7.30pm for First Aid training. New members required. Everyone welcome. Hall available for hire. Christine 07966661015 Breathe Easy (Merton & Sutton) Group Wheezy? Breathless? you are not alone, come and join us at your local friendly support & information group for anyone affected by a lung condition. We meet between 2-4 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month at St. Bedes Conference Centre, St. Anthony’s Hospital, London Road, North Cheam. SM3 9DW George on 0208 647 7530
Thursday Fellowship Every Thursday at 2.30pm for men and women, finishing with a cup of tea and biscuits or cakes. A lively, friendly meeting at Worcester Park Baptist church in The Avenue. Well-known, familiar hymns and prayers, musical afternoons, and a variety of speakers on topical subjects, including help and advice. New members welcome. Jean Gathercole on 020 8642 9649 The Worcester Park Hello Club launched last November and is welcoming new members! We meet every Thursday morning from 10am – 12 noon. The club is aimed at anyone who would like to come and join in with board games, quizzes, cards, occasional craft sessions - or just to have a chat and a coffee. Adults of any age are welcome to come and get to know each other. The main aims of the club are: • To meet new people and build friendships • To become involved with the local community • To access activities, information and advice The club is very friendly and informal. Every month there will be a member of staff attending from the SCILL Information & Advice Service – they have information on most topics for all your needs and will be pleased to assist you. The drop in club was set up by Sutton Vision, Christ Church with St Philip and SCILL , working together
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in partnership. We are fortunate to be provided with a welcoming and comfortable venue at the Christ Church with St Philip Community Hall. There are accessible toilets on site. There is a small charge for coffee and tea at the church café. SCILL 020 8770 4065 Sutton Vision 020 8409 7166 Christ Church with St Philip 020 8330 7630
New Malden Women’s Institute Shiraz Mirza Hall, Manor Park Hall, Malden Road, New Malden, KT3 6AV. 2nd Thurs of each month at 7.30pm Barbara 0208 546 1495 or twocavs@ googlemail.com
Fridays
Quest a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no age cut off. The aim of the club is to provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere for the members and allow the carers to have a regular break. Annual subscription. and £2.50 for lunch. We have various social activities and every second month we have a speaker. Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m
Social Dancing With “ Glitters” At Bourne Hall,
Spring Street, Ewell Village. 8.30 p.m. - ll p.m. Over 18s. Entrance Fee £8. All standards of dancing. Free parking. Bar. Professional D.J. We even have a glitter ball! David 07903 314276 Friday 3rd of February/Friday 17th February
National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters Group Formed in 1971, we run a varied
programme of social eventswhich includes Evening Lectures at Bourne Hall in Ewell, once a month from Oct. to June, Coach Outings which visit historichouses and gardens(not necessarily N.T.),Guided London Walks, and other trips to London e.g.The Magic Circle, The Royal Opera House (backstage tour).Other special events include Coffee Mornings, Holidays and Christmas Lunch. Newsletters are produced four times a year.If you would like more information please visit our website: www.epsom-ewell-district-nt.co.uk or telephone Paul on 020 87158486 Malden Manor Bowling Club, Manor Park, Malden Road KT3 6AU. New members will be made very welcome. Roll-ups, league matches, internal and external competitions; we offer bowling at all levels of interest and ability. Men’s Secretary Gerald 020 8949 4623 or Ladies’ secretary Maureen 020 8337 5472.
June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220
RSPB Epsom & Ewell Local group 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. 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. rspb.org.uk/ groups/epsom.
The Association of Surrey Bookbinders - we meet on Friday mornings in the Scout Hut in Dell Lane, Stoneleigh Roger@gmathews.co.uk 020 8330 2306
General
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Worcester Park. It is a mixed club of around 45 men and 25 Experienced professional women, who play outdoors from April to Sept with a busy Tradesman fixture list of league and friendly matches against other clubs, as well as internal club competitions. David Regan CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 020 8337 8919 www.auriolbowlingclub.com. Cuddington Bowling Club Sandringham Road, Worcester Park and we play on an excellent 6 rink green RECOMMENDATIONS that has been acclaimed by many of the club’s visitors this AVAILABLE year. We are a mixed club with about 60 members and play a range of friendly and league fixtures catering for all A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS abilities. Secretary Mike Ridley 020 8715 8326 Treasurer EMail: robinsonandson24@talktalk.net Mark Broughton 020 8337 9699 Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 54
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Voice for Wildlife by Carol Williams
Let’s Go To The Sea. Firstly, some quotes from an article by Simon Barnes in the latest RSPB magazine: “ The sea is ...........life for dolphins, a larder for dolphins, home for dolphins, a playground for dolphins, a nursery for dolphins....... It’s home. Home for them: and home for much else too - all of it hidden from us by the immense, ever-shifting roof of grey. “ “ Our sealife has been hammered for decades and we simply haven’t noticed. It seems to me that it’s time we did better. “ “Puffins are favourite birds for almost everyone. They have recently been put on the Red List of birds along with ......kittiwakes and shag. Puffins, and other birds .........feed on the hidden life of the sea...... Sandeels are a must have prey for them. Climate change is reducing the abundance of sand eels” “ Marine Conservation Zones won’t stop climate change, but they will help birds deal with it better. “ I am happy to see the RSPB speaking up for marine life in this way. We need an extensive network of Marine Conservation Zones all around the world - protected areas of ocean where no commercial fishing is permitted - and a good system in place to enforce the restrictions. Farming fish is not helping, because fish farms are essentially factory farms in the sea, and all the attendant problems of factory farms on land apply here too essentially over crowding is causing outbreaks of disease which - inevitably - leak out into the wider environment. Another even more serious consequence of farming sea creatures, is that the oceans are being dredged for small fish (often - very disrespectfully referred to as ‘trash fish’ ) to grind up as feed for farmed prawns. These small fish are the young of much larger fish (so will never grow and reproduce to re-populate the ocean) - and other tiny creatures who are the only food source for many larger marine animals who will, therefore, starve to death from the shortage. I recently read on a site called One Green Planet, that at our present rate of exploitation, the oceans will be empty by 2050 , which basically means they will be dead. Climate change is likely to cause vital tiny organisms - zoo plankton, algae and krill - to die off, and human activities - commercial fishing and whaling, and the dumping of trash in the oceans - can only worsen
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the problem (Ocean liners tipping rubbish overboard and people littering in coastal towns - much of it swept out to sea). In addition we have toxic wastes getting into the ocean food chain, oil spills killing many marine birds and plastic or fishing net discards injuring and killing many more sea creatures. Activities on land that contribute to climate change will also - obviously - affect the oceans : burning fossil fuels (coal and oil principally), road and air transport and industrial scale animal farming ( the three largest contributors to this problem). Last year I took Waitrose to task for giving me a Bag For Life that had the words ‘we are fishing responsibly’ printed on it - along with the inevitable pictures of dead fish. I explained to them, that, as a vegan, there was no way I could happily use such a bag for my shopping - it was offensive to me on every possible level. They apologised and sent me a free replacement which was printed with trees on one side and wholesome fruits on the other. I still have the other bag, on which I have scrawled, in permanent marker, the words ‘no such thing as sustainable fishing’. Because, in the modern world, there isn’t. Put simply, when you are taking from an environment that is already in serious peril, you cannot possibly be helping in any way to save it - you are simply adding to its burden, no matter how ‘responsibly’ you believe you are acting. There are so many industries greedily plundering the sea, that the only ‘responsible’ way is for you to stop doing it at all - until and unless - we actually manage to create enough conservation zones to restock the oceans. Vegans are living proof that no human being in modern, urbanised societies needs to eat fish to survive and be healthy and so - of course - I am bound to ask ‘why do it? why eat fish at all, given the problems in the marine ecosystem? Why contribute to the loss and damage at all?’ Whether or not we care about the suffering of fish who are hauled out of the sea to basically drown in air, we who care for wildlife and the environment ought to care about the impact of so much commercial fishing and be willing to do whatever we can to help the sea recover from our ravages. So, I ask you to please support - by helping to fund - the setting up of Marine Conservation Zones and, above all, to rethink your eating habits. I’ll end with a final quote from Simon Barnes: “We need to protect the life of the sea as enthusiastically as we protect that of the land”.
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SL
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Parkin' some thoughts Life on the Ocean Wave.. Whilst at University, I was a member of an 8 man novice rowing crew who, through a slight communication problem, piloted their craft into the lock of a canal. The only way out was to fill the lock, row to the other side and reverse the process to return from whence we came. As the water cascaded into the rapidly filling channel on the outward journey, I first began to question my involvement in a sport that originated as a form of corporal punishment. Two further weeks beginning with a daily 5.30am ritual of literally breaking the ice and the realization that I was too fat to cox and too short to row, brought a premature end to my nautical endeavours. On a recent visit to Suffolk and in an ill-advised effort to revisit my boating credentials for the benefit of the next generation and having checked for water sports cover on my travel insurance, I placed myself in charge of a small rowing boat containing my two daughters. Before stepping into the boat, my eldest, Anna, nervously asked, "Err Daddy, do you know how to row?" "Of course," I replied, displaying a confidence not reflected in my sea legs, "I went to Oxford". However, it was clear that whatever skills I thought that qualification gave me had not materialized through the mere passage of time. After 20 minutes of rowing in circles and having progressed no further than 5 meters from our embarkation point, I suggested a return to shore blaming an unfavourable wind direction and muttering about equipment failure. All of this was under the watchful eye of my wife, who having previously been in a boat with me, elected to remain on dry land and who was, due to an uncontrollable fit of what could only be described as "the giggles", in no position to assist. Safe to say then, that rowing and for that matter sailing are not sports in which I excel. So, it won't come as a surprise to hear that when offered the chance to row the Indian Ocean through a charity I've recently become involved with, I politely declined. In some ways, such a feat might would suit my skills; rowing technique is pretty irrelevant on the Ocean. It does though require a level of mental strength, determination and ability to "rough it" beyond that which I possess. Apparently, there are more than 10 times the amount of astronauts that have made the journey into space than there are Ocean Rowers who have successfully crossed that body of water. The
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challenge is not an easy one, but for Robin, Billy, James and Barry, one they are soon to face. In June they are due to leave the coast of Western Australia to row 3,600 miles in a 27 foot long Ocean rowing boat. Once they leave shore, they will be on their own in the vast open Ocean and at the mercy of the elements. Powered only by their oars, the boat they will call home for anything between 65 and 85 days will have to provide everything they will need to survive. Rowing in 2 hour shifts and then resting for 2 hours, none of them will have more than 90 minutes sleep at a time. The aim is to reach Mauritius, which is a small target. Unpredictable weather conditions have been known to add an extra 800 miles to the journey and whilst landing in the Seychelles instead of Mauritius may not sound too bad, the prospect of eating one of your crew mates to get there is less appealing. By any measure, it's an extraordinary effort. What makes it all the more extraordinary is that whilst three of them are experienced sailors, adventurers and explorers, Robin is not. He's an University instructor and lives in Leicester with his wife and son. Oh, and he has Parkinson's Disease.. Through Robin's involvement, the challenge is intended to raise awareness of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and in particular, the aims of UK Charity Spotlight YOPD in providing or enabling access to information and support for those diagnosed with YOPD. Through an on board media system, the team is also planning to link up with schools throughout the UK to allow them to interact directly with the crew as they make their progress, although hopefully not at times when the fresh air ventilated, salt water flushing sanitary system (bucket) is in use. Robin feels that an experience like this provides a unique opportunity to show others that life with this
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diagnosis doesn't have to stop even if sometimes and unaccountably, he does... Now, there are clearly less extreme ways of proving that point, but he like so many Young Onset sufferers I've met over the last eighteen months, have the same thing in common. Despite the hand dealt to them having been dipped in the cowpat of life, they won't give up and are determined to make the best of it. You don't have a choice about whether you have Parkinson's, but you have many choices about how to make a positive impact on your own life and those of others. The Indian Ocean 17 crew are doing a fine, if not mongoosingly mad thing and one day, with enough funding, research and people like Robin continuing to draw attention to the condition, the Parky boat itself will come in or at least hove into view carrying a cure. I just hope that, given my luck with boats, I'm not at the airport when that happens! Nick Hazell More information about the row and how to support the crew can be found at www.rowtheindianocean. com
Please note our new address Unit 2 Chancerygate Business Centre Red Lion Road Surbiton KT6 7RA
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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59
Kids Play
Wednesday
There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers
Thursday
Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- see Monday. we have vacancies on a Wednesday
Monday
Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- a lively toddler group, where carers of any kind are welcome to attend and supervise their youngsters. Our age range is from young babies to 3-4 years. Sarah on 020 8393 7299 or email via the church’s website www.wpbc.org.uk Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group is a very welcoming and relaxed place to meet new friends for yourself and your toddlers. We are open to all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers. We meet in the Church Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 until 11.15am during term time
Tuesday
Toddling2Church, Christ Church with St Philip 2-3pm. Parents, carers and pre-school children are all welcome to join us for songs with percussion instruments, a Bible story simply and sensitively told, a story-related craft activity and, of course, drinks and biscuits.
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET Excellent: 25 or more words Good: 20 words Fair: 17 words
E
E S
G
R T
R I
Songs and Stories is a music and story-time group at Worcester Park Baptist Church for babies and toddlers aged 0-4. We meet on term-time Thursdays, arriving at 10am for 10.10am start. Each session lasts 40 minutes and will include songs, puppets, rhymes, movements and story telling. Cost: £3.00 per session (£2.50 for siblings) No booking required NEW Carer and Toddler group for all families with twins and multiples. Come and meet other local families who understand all about having more than one of everything! We meet every Thursday at Worcester Park Baptist Church from 9.30- 11.00 am with toys, craft, songs, refreshments and stories during term time. Come along and join in - other pre-school siblings also welcome. There will be a minimal cost of £2 per family.
Friday
Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday
Saturday
Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane Primary School. For Dads and their pre-school children (0-4). The kids get to play with the toys, the Dads get a bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door. For more information & contact details, www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org Old Malden Library (Church Road, Worcester Park) Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+
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For a free quotation, please ring 07885 778429 nickchurch@acgardening.co.uk www.acgardening.co.uk
Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 60 Answer: REGISTER
0208 394 2555
Estate Agents and Valuers
Sales@JacksonNoon.com Lettings@JacksonNoon.com
a stranger will spot. The digital age has meant that we take many, possibly thousands, more photos than we would have done even 5 years ago. Most of them stay in digital format on our computers or phones, but some make it to print and onto walls and mantelpieces. Photos always draw attention but therein lies the occasional accidental distraction.
OFF AND RUNNING
January is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. One member of our team, Glynn, has a particularly busy year ahead. After many years of trying, he has secured a place to run the London Marathon for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a cause very close to his heart. Having invested in specialist running shoes his training is now well underway and we wish him every SPARING BLUSHES success. We will be cheering him on every Most photos are of family or travel but step of the way and keeping him motivated. sometimes we come across a photo which The first Saturday of 2017 has also set off at requires us to position ourselves carefully to a pace and was beyond busy with over 60 spare a viewers blushes. appointments, viewings and valuations. It One in particular springs to mind. Whilst the was quite a task fitting everybody’s photo was very comic indeed the camera requirements into our diary, accommodate angle had captured just a little bit more than those that struggled through traffic and keep the photographer expected. One of those everything on track. things which is easy to miss, but very
obvious once noticed. When a viewer remarked on the interesting artwork, and couldn’t take their eyes off it, the look of horror on the owners face made it clear they had always concentrated on the face, and memories of the moment, never spotting what lurked a little lower. Red faces, FIRST IMPRESSIONS followed by a flustered explanation, gave There is plenty of advice online, in print and way to uncontrollable laughter all round, on TV about how to get a property ready for which completely saved the day. market and it boils down to making the most If you are thinking of selling your home we of your property and limiting the negatives. are always happy to offer a fresh pair of Neutral tones, declutter and depersonalise eyes and advice to help both spare your are the buzzwords and sum up most of the blushes and make sure you make the most advice. of your home. Just give us a call and ask to It is only one Saturday, and there are plenty more viewing days to come, but it does indicate that the market is off to an early and busy start. Every year the ‘season’ seems to start earlier and 2017 is apparently keen to make a strong impression.
One aspect of living in a home for a long speak to Peter or Sandra. If you speak to time is that we no longer notice little things Glynn please encourage him. Its for an excellent cause. that are the first, and sometimes only, thing
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61
Solutions Quick Quiz
Little And Large 1. Fat Fighters 2. France and Switzerland 3. Had roast beef 4. MasterChef 5. Copenhagen 6. The front 7. Linguine 8. Harry Enfield and Kathy Burke 9. Reno 10 A Clockwork Orange
Two Minute Trial
3 Letters cep ice ire nip pen per pie pin rep rip 4 Letters cine epic nice pein peri pier pine rein rice ripe 5 Letters nicer price repin ripen 6 Letters prince pincer
CodeWord
Wordwheel REGISTER
Sudokus
Crossword
UpUp FRE FR
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