Wplife sept 14

Worcester Park Life

KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide September 14 issue 74

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Postcard from Crookhaven

I suppose I’ve always considered myself an early adopter when it comes to new technology. Whilst I never owned a brick like mobile phone, I did like to keep up to date with handsets, and was buying and selling shares (not always very successfully!) on my Nokia WAP phone back in 2001 before I progressed on to Palm Pilots. I recall friends declaring how anti-social mobile phones were and swearing NEVER to get one. Yeah, right! I also remember a colleague making a stand in a work meeting and sharing his view that ‘the internet is just a passing fad…’Really?

My memory is blurred with what functionality became available when but I will admit to never foreseeing where we are with mobile technology now. This month’s editorial is being written in a field in South West Cork on our annual holiday to the tiny village of Crookhaven. Our mobile home is yet to enter the world of broadband but, thanks to the iPhone, it’s been business as usual. In between cows, boat trips, fresh crab (from Billy’s pub - yum), body boarding, walks, beaches and a wee bit of rain (well you have to have some the make visiting the cosy pubs such a pleasure), this month’s edition of Worcester Park Life has taken shape. Time will tell how my mother in law’s router will cope with the upload to the print company’s web site. Fingers crossed! I think I have now entered the world of flexible working.

Anyway, as always, a big thank you to everyone who has contributed and advertised this month If you’re a local business wanting to reach out to your local community then why not call for a chat about affordable advertising in your local community magazine.

Remember, we deliver to most homes every second month so if you’re not able to pick up a magazine on the months it’s not delivered to you, you can read it on your smart phone/tablet or PC. Until next month, best wishes

We also publish The Village Voice covering the KT3 postcode

Jenny

Jenny Stuart, Editor & publisher

P.S. Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when replying to adverts, and get in touch by 17th September if you’d like your business, Club or event to feature in the October edition(s).

Contact jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.maldenmedia.co.uk Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS

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Next copy deadlines: 17th September for October’s editions 17th October for Novembers’

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Here at TFG we cater for every building service you may require Please contact our dedicated friendly team for a free estimate or any advice you may need. All of our teams of tradesmen are specialists in their own field. Domestic and Commercial work welcome - We hope we can be of service to you.

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All Aspects of Tree Work & Stump Grinding Digital Aerials and Satellite Installation Service Curtain and Blind design and installation Carpet design and installation Bespoke Wardrobes & Chest of drawers Fireplace and Stove installation Door and window locks and handles repaired or replaced Garage door replacements in a large variety of designs and colours All Aspects of New Gate Installations All ranges of UPVC, Aluminium & Timber Bi-Fold & French Doors

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The one place for all your maintenance and building needs.

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Worcester Park History In the fields at Tolworth Court

by David Rymill

This month we take a look at the last active farm in Worcester Park postal district, Tolworth Court Farm.

This is one of the farms which will be featured in a church open day and local history display at St Mary’s Church, Cuddington, at the top of The Avenue, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 13th September. The church itself, with its Victorian architecture, and its range of stained glass dating from the 1890s to the 2000s, is well worth a visit, and there will be an exhibition of photographs and recollections of farms in Worcester Park, Cuddington and Nonsuch: do come along and find out about the farm on whose lands your house was built.

There will also be another newly-produced display, featuring hymn-books and prayer books

used at St Mary’s over the decades, plus hymns and anthems written by the church’s organists.

The Friends of Shadbolt Park will be displaying albums showing their restoration of the day-lily garden beside Shadbolt Park House, and there will be another chance to see the ‘400 years of Worcester Park’ exhibition.

All are welcome, and no booking is needed.

There is plenty of parking in the church car park.

Tea and coffee will be available, and most of the church complex (including wc) is accessible to wheelchair users.

You might like to combine this with a visit to St John’s Church in Church Road, Old Malden, which will be open all four days of the Heritage Open Days weekend, as follows: Thursday 11th and Friday 12th September, 11am-4pm; Saturday 13th, 10am-5pm; Sunday 14th, 2pm-5pm.

The buildings of Tolworth Court Farm stood close to a bend in the old main road from Kingston to Epsom, where now the A240 runs straight across the farmlands towards Tolworth, and the Old Kingston Road follows the line of the earlier road.

Vi Williams, whose father Harry Skinner worked as a cowman here in the 1930s, recalls living in the old house on the moated site between the Old Kingston Road and the river – the location of a prestigious manorial complex in medieval times: ‘we just lived downstairs; upstairs I had a swing which my Dad had put up for me in the rafters.’ The cows were milked by hand, and she remembers her father sitting on a stool with his head against the cow. Hay was grown in the field behind the farm cottages, and she recalls

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running out to the haymakers with bread and cheese. Beside the house on the south side of the road was an orchard, and ‘people used to come and buy apples and plums.’

In 1947 Henry Offer and his family became tenants of the farm, which then covered 211 acres, running south beside the Bonesgate Stream towards Chessington Road, and north towards the River Hogsmill at Malden Manor.

R.J. Tree qualified & professio R.J.previously Tree Services qualified & professional staffServices are dedicated The family had run a dairy farm in Kingston attoKnight’s Park, and were known worked cows as well. ’ Another uncle, Len tomilking the highest levels of service in ever the highest levels of service in every instance. as ‘Kingston’s only cow-keepers’; they had Offer, was responsible for the steam sterilising combined this with a milk delivery in Kingston We are happy to‘He give advice We are happy to give advice – on all milking your arboricultural queries. of the equipment: loved boilers–– on all yo using horse-drawn carts. On moving to Tolworth he wanted to be an engine driver’. In 1947 the they concentrated on wholesale milk production. milking was still done by hand, but the Offers • Free quotes Free quotes Many of the fields were used as cattle•pasture; installed vacuum-pump milking machinery, e dedicated • Fully NPTC qualifi the family also grew kale as cattle feed, and • Fully NPTCpowered qualified by a single-cylinder diesel engine. wheat, barley – plus, very rarely, oats.•Around Ron Offer, as a boy and young•man, was Tree reductions / Tree reductions / crown thins cattle were generally kept, bought mainly responsible for ploughing with•tractors.

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Kingston Road) and he said “Unhitch, drive your tractor up and down, and hitch on, and you’ll come out.” I was about 12 or 14.’

The herd was a mixed one: ‘mostly Shorthorns, Friesians, one or two Ayrshires (they wouldn’t stand anything from you but they were good milkers) and a couple of Guernseys and Jerseys to keep the butter fat up.’ The milk was sold to United Dairies, and the Offers would lift the ten-gallon churns onto an old tank level with the lorry so the drivers could easily move them across.

For more than 40 years, members of the family lived in Tolworth Court Cottages in Old Kingston Road, and in the farmhouse on the south side of the main road (only the footings of the old house on the moated site had survived). Until they were able get overhead cables installed after a few years, there was no electricity supply, and the houses were lit by paraffin lamps and candles.

Although farming has now ended at Tolworth Court Farm, most of the fields remain open land, and those to the south of the A240 are a nature reserve where visitors are welcome, whilst the

land off the western arm of Old Kingston Road continues to be productive as the home of Court Farm Garden Centre.

This month’s illustrations, courtesy of the Offer family, show the family with the hay harvest in the summer of 1948, cows at the farm in 1956, and the farm buildings depicted in pen and ink by a student at Kingston School of Art (now Kingston University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture – housed on the site of the Offers’ earlier farm at Knight’s Park).

David Rymill (020) 8330 6563 David.Rymill1993@alumni.aber.ac.uk

3 Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES

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Community

The Worshipful The Mayor of Sutton Arthur Hookway

The Mayor, Mayoress and their family have lived in Worcester Park, Sutton for the last 15 years. Arthur worked for the London Fire Brigade for 30 years from 1974-2004 finishing the last 3 years of his career as Sutton’s Borough Commander. He was also very actively involved in his local community, only retiring as the Chair of the Worcester Park Residents Association last November to stand as a candidate as a local councillor for the Liberal Democrat party for Worcester Park Ward. He was successfully elected on the 22nd May this year and on the 9th of June he gained the honour and privilege of being asked to serve the residents of Sutton as the Mayor, which he gladly accepted.

He is supporting two very worthy charities this year, they are: - Sutton Seniors Forum (SSF) which amongst other things, promotes the welfare and interests of senior people living in the Borough of Sutton and works hard to combat the social isolation of this group of residents. The other one is Sutton Mentoring and Independent Leisure Experiences (SMILE), which is a peer mentoring scheme for disabled young people

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The hours of work will be between 8am and noon Tuesday to Friday, and 7am to 11am on Mondays. The holder of this position will be required to clean, do small maintenance work, collect rubbish and assist residents when required. He/she will report to the Estate Manager.

This is a great opportunity to work within a beautiful environment where your contribution will be appreciated by the residents.

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Pictured (right) with Mayor of Kingston Councillor Ken Smith

aged 12-18 years living in our Borough. Amongst other things SMILE provides access to a range of age related activities and opportunities during holidays, term-time evenings and weekends for this very deserving group of young people. If any person(s) or organisation(s) would like to make donations to the Mayor’s charities they will be very gratefully received and receipted.

Cheques made payable to “The Mayor of Sutton’s Charity Fund” should be sent to the Mayor’s secretariat on the 2nd floor of the Civic Centre. Contact details for the office are referred to at the end of this article.

His theme for his Mayoral year is “Volunteers and Volunteering in the Community”, and he wants to do everything he possibly can during his year to support these very worthy people, who he “considers” the backbone of our community.

Finally, the Mayor is keen to hear from any groups or organisations (large or small, formal or informal) within the Borough that would like himself, and possibly the Mayoress to go along and both meet with and support them. Arranging these visits is very straightforward, and requires the completion of simple forms (which we hope to have available electronically on this site very soon). In the first instance, contact should be made with the Mayor’s secretariat either by phone on 020 8770 5402 or by emailing mayor.sec@sutton.gov.uk

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

Ruth Jemmett Writes Autumn’s pencil

Ruth Jemmett Reflects On The Changing Of The Seasons A few weeks ago, when we were all melting in an unbearably sticky phase of the summer, I saw a couple of leaves on the silver birch in my garden, flutter to the ground. Their tips were dry and brown. Although we should be grateful when this damp island of ours has a ‘proper’ summer, those dried leaves reminded me that Autumn wasn’t that far away, and I felt a sense of relief. The famous poet John Clare once beautifully summed up the onset of Autumn with the words “Every leaf of bush and weed is tipt (sic) with Autumn’s pencil.“ A typical northern European such as myself never fares well when the sun is high and hot. My pasty skin bridles against its searing rays, and prays for the respite of the cooler days of September! As a natural blonde I find sunbathing nothing more than an exercise in self-punishment, and spend most summer days cowering behind the shelter of a big sunhat and Factor 50 sunscreen!

Now that September has finally arrived, I delight in feeling the slightly cooler air on my skin, and marvel at the myriad of spiders’ webs that glisten in the morning light of a paler sun. Yes - I like September NOW for reasons of sheer bodily comfort. When I was a girl I hated the month, for it signified a return to school after weeks of enjoying carefree holiday time. Throughout history most children have recoiled at the thought of being regimented and disciplined. One of Shakespeare’s wellremembered quotes is about “the whining schoolboy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like a snail, unwillingly to school”.

How I disliked those mornings when I was a girl! The days were becoming shorter, and our home was becoming colder, as in those far-off post war years we didn’t have the luxury of central heating. At that time my family home was situated next to a field that belonged to Tolworth Court Farm. The first real sign that

Autumn was arriving was the sight of the morning mist drifting across the pasture which was alongside the Hogsmill River. The thought of trudging to the bus-stop on the Kingston Road garbed in my ugly winter school uniform, would pull my mood right down! As I packed my satchel, whilst heaving a weary sigh, I would have to put sweet memories of frolicking in the field to one side. Our pleasures were simple in those days. Picking hazel-nuts or swinging on a rope attached to a huge old oak-tree in the field, would fill up many a happy hour, making my pale skin get burnt and freckled. Now I would have to wear a scratchy blazer, and focus on all things academic!

Each September here in Salisbury Road, I watch a younger generation making their way to school for the first time - some of them

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reluctantly holding their mothers’ hands - others having the comfort of being ferried back and forth in cars - but all of them with a look of trepidation on their faces!

Regular readers of this column will recall that I sponsor a little girl in India, called Komal. One of the reasons that I decided to fund her was because I discovered that she was unable to attend school due to the fact that her family couldn’t afford to buy her uniform or necessary scholastic equipment. How lucky we are to live in a country that offers us a wonderful education, whatever our background is - and how very sad it is that such a gift doesn’t always bear fruit. Countless employers continually complain that many school-leavers are unemployable because they lack basic literacy skills. I get regular updates on Komal’s progress from India. She is now nine years old, and would like to become a doctor when she grows up. She has started sending me messages in English. What a shame that many of our indigenous children can’t string a sentence together in their native tongue, let alone another language! Perhaps they don’t appreciate how lucky they are. Things that come easily are invariably taken for granted. As Oscar Wilde said - “We are all in the gutter, but some of

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us are looking at the stars”.

We post-war children had to ’learn by rote’, having to chant our tables like little parrots, and we lived in fear of corporal punishment. Such a system - for all its faults - turned us into a usable workforce, who respected our elders, and took it for granted that our success in life would only come from hard work and self-discipline. Granted, there are some wonderful young people out there who have the work ethic, but sometimes, when I am trying to converse with youngsters behind the tills in shops, I want to weep for them. So many of them seem unable to do the simplest mathematical calculation without the use of some form of technology! Yes - I know we have been to the moon, but what a shame it is that so many of our population can’t add up and subtract - and don’t even get me started on the way some of them speak!

September has another resonance for the older generation, as on 3rd of the month we commemorate the day the Second World War started. This year has been filled with many memories of the First World War, which started one hundred years ago. How sad to think that history repeated itself a generation on. As ‘Autumn’s pencil’ touches the trees and flowers, we should

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Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors

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be thankful that we have not had a war that has touched our shores for a very long time, and as our upcoming generation celebrate another Harvest Festival, let us look forward to better times, despite countless smaller conflicts continually occurring around the world.

Men often cite revenge as a justification for many wars. I think Confucius got it right when he said “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves ….”. Gandhi echoed the same sentiment when he said “An eye for an eye only ends by making the whole world blind ….”. Do we ever learn from history, or are we always condemned to repeat it?

Hopefully future generations will turn their backs on such things. George Orwell’s book 1984 predicted a world in which wars would be fought on our behalf by technology. Judging from the way our young people spend most of their lives with their noses in computers, I suspect that Orwell’s prediction will come true, and that battlefields will eventually be replaced by boffins pressing buttons - and the world will be a happier place for it - in September, or any other month.

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Fundraising

It’s always worth trying.

Seven years ago when approaching a significant birthday a friend asked if I wanted to join her and a group of friends who were planning to do a triathlon?

I agreed, with the proviso that the target was to finish the event rather than winning it. I joined a gym with a pool started to swim more and did some cycling on my son’s mountain bike. The event was hard but fun. I had really enjoyed the variety in training, there was always an element that you could work on even when tired. I had got the bug. Every year I looked for improvements, read more about training techniques and trained a bit harder. I just loved it and was having fun. I was feeling fitter and stronger and got a buzz out of being so active. Gym kit always accompanied me on holiday Seven years further down the line I have just retired from my job and rather than putting my feet up and reaching for the knitting needles my ever expanding kit bag is creaking under the strain of hydration bottles , beetroot shots and a new tri suit with my name on and the GB logo! I’ve been chosen to go to THE World Championships in Canada at the end of August. A dream come true. I have to say my selection came as a huge shock despite entering two scary

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qualifying events I was not at all confident.

This experience has taught me so much. To be successful you need positive people around you. My family have been very supportive, indeed rather than getting the usual nice toiletries at Christmas my boys bought me cycling shoes and cleats for the bike. My husband encouraged me to enter events that would test me more. My oldest son is always sending me research articles into the latest sports science that may help me (hence the beetroot shots in my kit bag). I finally challenged myself to try to get a GB call up if I didn’t make it so be it. I had to give it a go.Triathlon is a truly inclusive sport offering older athletes the chance to compete into their more mature years. Events often start athletes in waves according to their age and gender. Results are provided making it easy to see how you compare with people of a similar age. I would always look to see how I compared with all female competitors and would take great delight if I’d come in the top half of all females. In a couple of events I even won my age group (55-59). It’s a great sport. The ethos is always to race hard but to enjoy the event too.

The different venues provide interest and variety. I’ve been to Nottingham, Dorney Lake, Windsor, HydePark, Docklands, Haileybury College and have others on my list to do. Maybe Wick where they swim in a harbour with a resident Grey seal?

2014 has been different though with the realisation that I really had to get out of my comfort zone to improve enough. It wasn’t easy. Years back I had joined The River Club to be able to swim more. So now I signed up to several Bootcamps where the mantra is to lose fat, get fit and to be healthy. You are encouraged to work hard as you will get out what you put in.

Indeed if you don’t everything will stay the same. I was not at Bootcamp to lose a huge amount of weight but I had seen gym members change significantly it was inspirational. After a week I was having fun and

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enjoying the different focus of each session, I felt so good it was easy to keep going and enjoy the friendly camaraderie of the group. The other major change was for me to finally join a Tri club. It was quite a big step I felt everyone would be so much better than I was. I was intimidated by the idea but along with a friend took the big step in January to join Kingfishers and began to attend regular swim and track sessions. The people there were friendly and supportive. I realised that much of what I had been doing particularly in the pool was probably a waste of time. These sessions were so much more structured. I began to focus more on the objective ahead and got out in the winter on some longer runs. I ran a couple of times from my home in Worcester Park into Nonsuch Park when it seemed that when I got to the Park the skies would look apocalyptic and the heaviest downpour would ensue. Once I was so cold I ran into the loos and put the hand dryer on to keep warm. Madness really but I told myself that whilst I was suffering my competitors might not be training and this would give me the edge. It helped me to keep motivated. I sometimes trained at Kingsmeadow and was inspired by the many para athletes working hard.

Some were very young and so determined to make it.

I took inspiration from being on the same track as the legend that is Jenny Archer (David Weirs Coach).

I never thought this would happen indeed in my

last event I was seriously thinking I should be more realistic and change my focus for next year. You just don’t know what you can do unless you try. Sometimes I would finish an event saying how hard I found it and expecting to have a rubbish time to later find that I had got a personal best. The mind can be very negative but results speak for themselves. Once at Hyde Park I was a bit freaked out by the weedy swim. After the race I saw para athletes getting in the lake with missing limbs and chastised myself for being such a wimp. I had no right to complain! I was intimidated about joining a club which was needless and I had to put myself into events with really classy athletes. At Bootcamp I see people regularly achieve results they never thought possible due to the effort they made. I had to try and it paid off.

Edmonton here I come. I’m 57 and going to be wearing a Tri suit with my name on it and the GB logo. What a way to begin my retirement. As I said you can’t do these things without support so my husband will be right there alongside me helping to keep me calm and sorting out technical stuff when the pre race nerves get to me. I know I’ll be really nervous and probably want to go back to the hotel room and hide under the covers but after the race will be elated to have been part of the team. I have to try and just do my best. Wish me luck! Lynn Hayes

.

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

19

View from the City La “less than belle” France

by Justin Urquhart Stewart

It’s easy to make simplistic comparisons, but this year I found a stark difference in attitude between what I saw in the French economy as opposed to that of Perfidious Albion on the other side of La Manche (‘The Sleeve’).

Naturally all citizens are usually quite cynical over their leaders and especially those who these days seem to be guided by their spin “Meisters” in managing their media coverage. In France the leaders’ media story was obviously going to be dominated by the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, as well as the liberation of Provence and Paris. This provided a perfect platform for the President to look statesman-like and a natural leader for the nation.

Sadly though this was not the case. President Hollande is not a very charismatic man - although

possibly his private life implies he may have some hidden attractions not obviously visible to the rest of us. From standing on the flight deck of the French aircraft carrier -at least they have got one and it even has planes on it! The mighty if somewhat ageing (eventually commissioned five years late in 2001) Charles de Gaulle (was to have been called the Richelieu – a far better name), to unveiling various memorials to the fallen, I am afraid he did not cut much of a figure. If ever there was an impersonation of a bemused actuary trying to find a lost pencil, then this was it.

Meanwhile the rest of the French cabinet, including the prime minister, were being despatched around the nation with no “grande vacances” for them but rather endless television interviews trying to explain away the dire economic figures. Even the weather joined in, with window rattling thunderstorms and a cold mistral bringing the worst weather for most of the country in years heralding the latest domestic growth figures hitting Zero% and the broader

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Eurozone still in a disinflationary spiral. Hollande is not popular.

The UK’s picture though does stand in stark contrast with growth figures being revised upward, employment figures improving and the business start-up levels seeming far more confident than before. We may still be cynical over our leaders, but certainly the economic backdrop has been very different and, for much of the summer, even reflected by an improvement in our weather for a change.

However as we are now in the dog days of the summer and the holidays end, we can wipe away the last of the sunscreen and start to look at what is next for the economy. The next month is going to be dominated by the emotion of the Scottish referendum, but leaving that aside it has been the rather tedious discussions around the eventual rise in interest rates that has dominated much of the commentary. Frankly the guesses over the timing of interest rates are a fairly useless conversation as the Governor has made it quite clear that they will go up when he thinks the economic indicators show that it would be

prudent to do so. All we need to understand is that they are going up and that any move is likely to be quite small - even as low as 0.25%, but that the direction has now changed.

So what can we draw from this? Firstly anyone or anything that is affected by the rates will be impacted. Thus personal spending will be affected by those running higher debt levels; mortgage costs will rise and have a similar impact, and companies running debt will pay more. From this therefore we can probably deduce that there is unlikely to be any asset value crash as a result of a small rate rise, but there is every likelihood that there will be a brake being applied, at least for the moment, on certain key areas - especially around housing.

Justin Urquhart Stewart is one of the most recognisable and trusted market commentators on television, radio and in the press. Originally trained as a lawyer he has observed the retail market industry for 20 years whilst at Barclays Stockbrokers and developed a unique understanding of the market’s roles and benefits for the private investor

love

Slimming World TUESDAY Worcester Park Wesley Halls, Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, KT4 8LG 9.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117

THURSDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue, KT3 4HL 9.30am, 5.15pm & 7.00pm Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718

WEDNESDAY Surbiton Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, 1 Balaclava Road, KT6 5PW 9.30am & 11.30am* 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117

FRIDAY New Malden The Graham Spicer, 15 Dukes Avenue, KT3 4HL 9.30am Tel: Vanessa 020 8288 0718

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1. In the nursery rhyme Sing A Song Of Sixpence, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?

2. Which mythical bird would live for hundreds of years and then build a nest of twigs that it would set fire to, burning itself to ashes from which a new bird would be born?

3. Originating in a play called The Birds by Aristophanes, what three word phrase is used to mean an unrealistically idealistic state where everything is perfect?

4. What "bird" was Michael Parkinson referring to when he said that despite all the stars he had interviewed, he'd always be remembered by "that bloody bird"?

5. What type of bird is Wheezy modelled on in the Toy Story films?

6. Buzz Buzzard was the nemesis of which cartoon character?

7. What bird is used as a term in golf to refer to a score of three under par on a hole?

8. What type of birds are kept at the Tower of London at all times in accordance with a legend that says that if they are absent then the kingdom will fall?

9. Which European country's flag has a black two-headed eagle on a red background?

10. Of the 364 gifts given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds?

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1. 24 (“four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”) 2. The phoenix 3. Cloud Cuckoo Land 4. Emu (Rod Hull’s puppet, who attacked him in an interview, knocking him out of his chair) 5. A penguin 6. Woody Woodpecker 7.

Albatross 8. Ravens 9. Albania’s 10. 184 (7 swans-a-swimming on 6 days, 6 geese-a-laying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days)

Birds

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

23

One Planet Sutton

GUTTERING CLEARED

you too can take part in making our local area a healthier environment and a happy one too. You learn about the One Planet Sutton agenda which includes the following themes: Are you interested in - Cutting Carbon UPVC Work Roofing learning how toWork adopt Emissions a Flat more Roofs environmentally Guttering Repaired or Renewed Quality Assured - Cutting Waste friendly lifestyle that will Valuing our Natural Environment Downpipes Roofsyou, Pressure Washed & Sealed Fully Insured benefit your community - Supporting Healthy Communities and the local environment, Fascia -& Soffits Ridges Re-bedded & Re-pointed Fully Guaranteed Supporting the Local Economy but perhaps you don’t have the time to attend a These talks are free so it costs absolutely nothing New Roofs meeting or travel outside of your locality? Well, now to learn how to make a real difference that will be you no longer have to because we at EcoLocal will better for our health, homes and the environment. We bring our exiting new talk ‘One Planet Sutton’ directly provide the ambassador and the necessary equipment, to your community group, wherever you are, in the so all you need to do is to supply the venue, tables, borough of Sutton. chairs and a screen or white wall to project on to.

The One Planet Sutton ambassador scheme is One of our specially trained ambassadors will be sent organised by us at EcoLocal - a local charity and social to a location of your choice and provide a free, exciting enterprise group, and is funded by Sutton Council so and interactive workshop on ways to help the local we can work together to create and sustain a healthier environment as well as energy reducing tips to help environment for all. you reduce your bills. The talk lasts about an hour or To book a free talk for your group please email less and includes interactive activities. Our ambassador heather@ecolocal.org.uk or call us on will happily come along and give practical advice so 020 8770 6611

(FULL HOUSE) Free and fun talks for community groups

FROM £39.00

We are a small family run business and can help with the following, plus more!

ALL WORK

Tel: 01372 877 121 Mob: 07712 142 494 Email: roofs-of-esher@hotmail.co.uk

www.roofs-of-esher.co.uk

GUTTERING CLEARED (FULL HOUSE)

FROM £39.00

We are a small family run business and can help with the following, plus more!

Roofing Work

Flat Roofs Repaired or Renewed Roofs Pressure Washed & Sealed Ridges Re-bedded & Re-pointed New Roofs

UPVC Work Guttering Downpipes Fascia & Soffits

ALL WORK

Quality Assured Fully Insured Fully Guaranteed

Tel: 01372 877 121 Mob: 07712 142 494 24

Email: roofs-of-esher@hotmail.co.uk

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

3

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

WandsWorth

020 8874 1781

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

25

Sudokus fairly easy

House Clearance Specialists

mail@bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk Furniture, antiques, collectibles & ornaments bought & sold

not so easy

BROWSERS WELCOMED BUYERS CUDDLED!!

WE BUY UNWANTED and JEWELLERY AND SCRAP Better prices paid than companies currently advertising on TV!!

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D E P L D A 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: 15

4 letters: 11

5 letters: 4

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

6 letters: 1

3 Lette add ale alp ape dad dal dap eld

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

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Worcester Park ● Stoneleigh ● Ewell ● New Malden ● Cheam Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers

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What’s On Give blood

Book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park KT4 8LG 30th October, 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm Sutton, The Thomas Wall Centre, Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey., SM1 4DP 4th Sept 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden KT3 5QE 3 September 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm A.F.C Wimbledon Football Club, Jack Goodchild Way, 422A Kingston Road KT1 3PB 10th Sept,, 2014 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm

Free ‘Fit as a Fiddle’

courses starting September 2014 Are you over 50, live in the borough of Kingston, and want to get fit, lose weight and improve your wellbeing?

Why not join a free 6 week course in September 2014?

Take your pick from gentle exercise to more vigorous activity with either: • Nordic walking Canbury Gardens, Kingston, Mon 10th Sept - 13th Oct, 10.00am -12.00pm • Aquacise: Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston, Wed 10th Sept 15th Oct 1.30 - 3.15 pm • Body Balance: Hook Centre, Chessington, Thurs 11th Sept -16th Oct 12.30 - 2.00pm All courses include healthy lifestyle/weight loss workshops.

To book a place contact Grace, Fit as a Fiddle Coordinator: 020 8942 8256 or email: grace@ageconcernkingston.org

Heritage Open Days weekend

St John’s Church, Old Malden, will be open all four days of the Heritage Open Days weekend, as follows: Thursday 11th and Friday 12th September, 11am-4pm; Saturday 13th, 10am-5pm; Sunday 14th, 2pm-5pm.

“Learn to sew and knit!

Develop your creative skills and share them with others! The Sew-and-Sews, a club for all ages, starts Saturday September 6th, 10.30 am to 12 pm in the Lower Church Hall, St James Church, Bodley Road, New Malden, KT3 5QE. We meet every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Entry is free-a small charge may be made to cover expenses. Please ring Yunghee Koh on 07533 386918 for more details and before you come along for the first time. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Entrance to the hall is off Malden Road car park.”

Epsom and Ewell Borough Family Fun Day

Sunday 21st September 2014 at Hook Road Arena from 12 noon - see page 41

St Raphaels Fundraising

September 17th Wednesday An Evening with Jimmy White Sutton United Football Club, Gander Green Lane, Sutton.

Doors open at 6.30pm, first frame of snooker at 7pm Your chance to watch (and play!) Jimmy White, former World Number 2, play snooker. Tickets are £16, including all booking fees, available to over 18s only All proceeds split between St Raphael’s Hospice and Sutton United Football Club.

For more information contact Kerry Thomas 020 8254 2465 Kerry.thomas@straphaelshospice.org.uk 28th Sunday A perambulation around Richmond Park Starts 11am at Robin Hood Gate of Richmond Park (also the finish point) Walk around Richmond Park (approximately 7 miles) with halfway lunch break. Walk should take approximately 3 hours in total. For more details please contact Mike Foy mjfads@dircon.co.uk October 4th Saturday Moonlight Memories Walk St Raphael’s Hospice, Fun Activities Start at 6pm Walk starts at 8.30pm A fun walk for the whole family of 5 miles through the local area.

Walk starts and finishes at St Raphael’s Hospice. Fun activities on the day will include a bouncy castle, face painting, T-shirt design station, bar, hot and cold food, and music.

Registration is £15.00 for adults and £10.00 for children aged 5-16 years, Under 5’s go FREE. For more information please contact Louisa Hitchen, 020 8254 2467 Louisa.hitchen@straphaelshospice.org.uk 8th WednesdaySupporter Group Information Sessions St Bede’s Conference Centre, in the grounds of the hospice 2:30pm - 4:00pm Ever wondered what our Supporter Groups do or whether you might like to join one? Come along and find out more! For more information please contact Kerry Thomas 9th Thursday Supporter Group Information Sessions St Bede’s Conference Centre, in the grounds of the hospice 7:30pm Ever wondered what our Supporter Groups do or whether you might like to join one? Come along and find out more! For more information please contact Kerry Thomas 020 8254 2465 Kerry.thomas@straphaelshospice.org.uk 11th Saturday Race Night – with a difference!

St Bede’s Conference Centre, in the grounds of the hospice.

7pm to start at 7.30pm. Come along for a fantastic horse-racing evening! Tickets are £10 each and include a fish and chip supper.

Cash bar available and fabulous prizes to be won.

Contact Ann Rutherford on arutherford789@gmail.com for tickets 18th Saturday Wallington Supporter Group Barn Dance St Mark’s Church, Purley, CR8 3QQ 18th Saturday Call my Wine Bluff. St Bede’s Conference Centre in the grounds of St Raphael’s Hospice 7:30pm Fun, interactive wine-tasting evening with Ploughman’s Supper. Tickets £15 available from Lynne Palmer 07805 436726 palmer.lynne@gmail.com

Local Markets

Cheam Village Friday Market Small indoor market with 28 stalls held in Cheam Parochial Rooms, The Broadway, Cheam Village, Surrey.

Helping the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Market Days: Friday North Cheam Farmers’ Market – 3rd Saturday of every month, 9.30am-1.30pm, North Cheam Crossroads outside the Post Office, KT4 8SG. Christmas Market: Saturday 21st December

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

31

Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market, Sat 30th November, 10am-4pm, Town Square, Sutton High Street New Malden Farmer’s Market 1st Saturday of the month The car park beside the Foutain Pub 9am to 2pm Surbiton Farmers Market Maple Road 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-1pm

Nonsuch News

“National media focus on the Tudors/local interest in Tudor history on our doorstep in Nonsuch Park.

BBC2 has a season on Tudor history; the V & A has an exhibition of Tudor Art and Buckingham Palace is showing portraits exploring Tudor fashion. The local resident, however, does not need to travel to London to appreciate some of Tudor history. An amazing model of the original Nonsuch Palace, built by Henry VIII to celebrate the birth of his son Edward – so important to the Tudor dynasty – is on view every every Sunday in the winter 11 – 2 p.m in the Gallery of the Mansion, Service Wing entrance, Nonsuch Park. The site is marked on the Northern side of the Park by three tall pillars which now stand as the only physical evidence of this amazing building.

They are as three sentries guarding a bygone age.

In addition, a unique and important collection of stained glass amassed by Samuel Farmer, owner of the present Mansion in the early 1800’s, features one particular panel commemorating the marriage of Jane Seymour to Henry VIII – only 11 days after the execution of Anne Boleyn! These are just a few of the treasures on view in the Nonsuch Mansion Service Wing Museum open on 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month (9th and 23rd) 2 – 5 p.m. Combined entry to Gallery & Museum £3.00, Concessions £2.00. Friends of Nonsuch Members & Children under 16 free. Entry only to Gallery £2.50. Last entry 4.30 p.m. www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk”

Epsom Playhouse,

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5AL (01372) 742555 / 742227

The Twist 5 September The Beatles, Elvis, Dusty, Buddy, Sandy Shaw, Lulu and more..........

The ultimate feelgood show is now in its fourth succesful year, delivering great songs, fun and laughter. Set in an American Diner, the Twist if Happy Days fun with your Top of the Pops 50’s and 60’s songs.

West End Sweetheart , Suzi Jary BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing lead vocalist Chris Maden Award winning Elvis , Danny Fisher 6 September Andy and Mikes Tick Tock Time Machine Following their smash-hit show, Andy and Mike’s... Big Box of Bananas, the dynamic duo brings you another brilliant adventure, and this time they have a time machine!

Whilst playing in the garden of their ‘fun pad’ - they discover a door that was locked many years ago by their great, great, great grandfather Wally Bum. Inside they find many inventions and a mysterious Time Machine. The Time Machine sends them on a quest to collect the things they need from the past and the future. Will they make it back to the here and now or be trapped in the mists of a time forever? One thing’s for sure; they haven’t a chance without your help!

8 September Goff Dubber’s Dixieland Return of the King of the Swingers

32

9 September new weekly acting company with LAMDA qualifications information A NEW WEEKLY JUNIOR and SENIOR acting company training in acting, voice and movement; we work with our students ensuring constant individual guidance and feedback to enable the best outcome and to have the best fun! Please refer to our LAMDA with PtO page on our website for more information: www.ptotheatre.org.uk 10 September Psychic Sally On The Road. Star of Sky LIVING’s Psychic Sally On The Road, Britain’s favorite TV psychic, Sally Morgan returns with her outstanding 2013 nationwide tour.

Often referred to as ‘Psychic to the stars’, Sally has built up an extensive client list having read for well known faces like Katie Price, George Michael and the late Princess Diana.

11 September Ultimate Elton & The Rocket Band Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Elton John does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! Featuring Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Sacrifice, Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting and many more.

12 September Lets Hang On - Let’s Hang On The Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. This award-winning production is a musical journey through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. From the beginnings in the early 50’s, the show takes you through hits such as Beggin’, Grease, Bye Bye Baby, Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, December 1963 (Oh What a Night!), Working My Way Back To You, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale with, of course, Let’s Hang On! 13 September Ken Maybury - Laugh Till You Cry Tour Ken Maybury is one of the country’s top comedy hypnotists.

See men think they are women , or a superstar. Or women believe they are meeting the man of their dreams plus many more funny situations.

14 September Marcus Collins. Premier Productions and Paul Holman Associates are pleased to present Marcus Collins on his first UK theatre tour. The XFactor runner up will be taking to the stage alongside his 7 piece band with a collection of Motown classics and brand new material from his second album. Marcus has achieved top 10 success with his first single ‘Seven Nation Army’ and self-titled ‘Marcus Collins’. After starring as Seaweed Stubbs in the 2013 UK tour of popular musical ‘Hairspray’, Marcus has been busy writing new material and is proud to bring this exciting show to venues across the country this Autumn.

16 September World’s Worst Serial Killers Trevor Marriott is a retired British Police murder squad detective, whose re-investigation of the infamous Jack The Ripper, led to a new and unprecedented discovery; that of a new suspect, which was documented in his book ‘Jack The Ripper The 21st Century Investigation’. Now he discusses and analyses the high profile murder cases involving some of the world’s worst serial killers. This presentation tells the stories behind the crimes, the victims, the killers and the police investigation leading to their arrests.

17 September Bouncers By John Godber BOUNCERS A vision of the 80’s urban nightlife It’s Friday night, it’s disco night time for Bouncers to come alive! Judd, Ralph, Les and Lucky Eric invite you for a night on the town in this hilarious and outrageous look back at the 80’s nightclub scene.

18 September OMID DJALILI Iranalamadingdong He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out

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

four week West-End residency and a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival. Age restriction 16+ 19 September Supersonic 70’s It’s the hottest ticket in town! An incredible live show so jam packed with classic 70s hits it’s no wonder it’s been described as “the best 70s show in theatre land”.

Led by the ‘Catsuit Wondergirl’ Janey Bombshell, ‘Supersonic 70s’ will take you back to when Pop was at it’s peak. Groups of 5 or more £15.00 20 September Singalonga Dirty Dancing Sing-a-Long-a DIRTY DANCING is a screening of the iconic 1987 film, with lyrics on screen. The show has all the elements of a sing-a-long-a spectacular.

22 September Dave Hewett’s Condonians New York Jazz a la Eddie Condon 23 September Jaleo Flamenco In a scintillating fusion of heartwrenching vocals, explosive footwork and virtuoso guitar playing, Jaleo return to Britain after three years with their latest new stage show ‘A Compás’, brimming over with the intoxicating rhythms, palpable energy and joie de vivre which has become synonymous with the company.

24 September THE RAT PACK Vegas Spectacular Show “Purveyors of Cool” swing into town with The Greatest Music of the 20th Century. Wonderful memories of classic Las Vegas Frank Sinatra - Dean Martin - Sammy Davis.

25 September Albert Lee & Hogans Heroes Albert Lee by common consent one of the world’s finest guitar players needs no introduction to Country Music and Rock fans.

Fronting his own band Hogan’s Heroes, which was originally formed by steel-guitarist, Gerry Hogan, the band comprises

some of the best known and respected Rock’n’Roll and Country musicians in Great Britain. Constantly in demand this Grammy award winning musician and Hogan’s Heroes will be bringing their thrilling show to the Playhouse.

26 September Epsom In Harmony 2014. To commemorate the start of the First World War five local choirs are again getting together with the Epsom Silver Band on Friday 26 September in the Oaks Hall in the Duchess’s Stand at the Racecourse to provide a memorable gala evening of song and poetry spanning classics and old favourites to barber shop and pop.

26 September Jongleurs - back for your regular dose of comedy. Back by popular demand, Jongleurs comedy is returning to The Epsom Playhouse.

They tore the roof off last time, so now the country’s best stand-up comedians are gracing our stage once more.

16 + Age restriction (There will be content of an adult nature) 27 September Close Up Magic Close-up magic is one of the most impressive forms of the art and this unique format showcases some of the best and most skilful exponents. Audiences get to experience the magic in an informal setting, often taking part themselves, witnessing the impossible from only inches away. This is the show everyone is talking about. Prepare to be amazed!

27 September Surrey Harmony - Cant Stop The Beat Surrey Harmony Presents CAN’T STOP THE BEAT Saturday, 27th September at 7.45pm Join us for an evening of dynamic and upbeat entertainment from Surrey Harmony and their special guests, Starmakerz, from Oxted, Surrey.

Surrey Harmony sings classic, chart and show songs in close harmony a cappella and is a five times UK gold medal winning chorus.

With music from Adele to Abba, Les Mis to Phantom, Chicago

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35

People

A Latecomer Novelist

by Gordon Thomas I live in Worcester Park with my lovely wife, Janet, and we’ve been here since our children were small. I used to work as a scientist and administrator in the Home Office. I was so thrilled on 26th June because that was the day my second novel, ‘The Emerald of Burgos’, appeared in print.

Not many people start writing novels when I did - after I retired - so I thought I’d tell you about my writing. My message is simple: if I can write a novel, so can you!

It all began in 2003 at SCOLA, the Sutton College of Learning for Adults, where I studied Spanish for ‘A level’. I chose to do an oral exam on Spanish composers. I came across one called Juan Hidalgo and could hardly find anything about him. I was coming up to retirement then and thought: what a great project! I’ll write his biography! I discovered much about him but not enough to write a really interesting, purely factual book so I wrote a novel based on his life instead. I called it ‘The Harpist of Madrid’. Up to now, it has sold more than 1500 copies and received some great reviews.

While writing ‘The Harpist’, I created a character called Esmeralda. I sensed an inner compulsion to write a book about her, such was the strength of my feelings towards her! In ‘The Harpist’ she is a retired lady of pleasure and a spy. My new book begins when at only fifteen she commits a hideous crime and flees to Madrid with a friend.

They are kidnapped on the way and that is where the story really begins.

In the blurb, it says the book is ‘a daring prequel to the Harpist of Madrid’. How daring is it, you will be asking? To start with, it’s written in the first person singular: So I wrote it as if I was Esmeralda!

And writing about the adventures of a lady of pleasure is also quite audacious. I hope you will love her and her story in ‘The Emerald of Burgos’!

When you’ve published a novel you have to

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develop other skills such as marketing and promoting it, for example, by doing book signings in shops. My favourite way is through talks.

I’ve given more than twenty so far. I don’t charge but take some copies of my books along in the hope of selling some. So, if you want an after dinner or lunchtime speaker, I’d be thrilled if you’d invite me to speak to your group.

You can contact me by e-mail on gordonl.thomas@virgin.net.

So have a go yourself at writing a novel. They say that there is at least one in each of us. I’m now on my third. Maybe more about that later!

The Emerald of Burgos is available in W H Smiths and all good bookshops for £9.99. Or you can buy it direct from me for £8.50 and I’ll deliver it free, anywhere in the Worcester Park area!

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

AUGUST 2014 UPDATE Values, Delays and Knotweed The late spring and early summer of this year saw a huge surge in the market both in numbers of property being sold and prices. It seemed at one stage that prices were moving upwards on a weekly basis. During that period Peter and Sandra, our two valuers, were often to be found pouring over data in our meeting room and conferring to ensure that they got it right for our clients. There was much to talk about. We consistently sell a very large proportion of local property and have done for many many years, so we have our finger firmly on the pulse of the local market, but still we saw anomalies. Some reasonably priced property struggled to gain interest while other similar properties became the subject of a bidding war and sold well in excess of our upper estimate.

Several weeks down the line and those properties are now at, or close to, exchange. This is the point when the proof emerges and the fall-out from that period can be properly judged. It hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Properties are taking a lot longer to exchange for a multitude of reasons related to both the volume of transactions and the effect of increased risk awareness of both lenders and surveyors.

Solicitors are inundated. Whilst some are excellent under pressure the cracks are definitely beginning to show for some. Once again we are faced with a catalogue of papers that go missing, are misfiled, or re-requested repeatedly. This type of issue mainly arises with corporate conveyancing firms, but we’ve noticed it spill over to some who are normally much more reliable indicating the extent of the problem.

Lenders meanwhile are particularly cautious at the moment. Additional indemnities are frequently requested and whilst these would normally be dealt with within a couple of days the current turnaround is a week to 10 days to get these in place. Lenders have rightly instructed surveyors to consider values very carefully and we are consequently finding that within many chains there is a property somewhere on which the price has been called into question. For the most part those have not been our own, but we discovered another little hitch when surveyors started to be drafted in from out of area to cope with the volume of sales here. Unfamiliar with the area, they have been more brutal with their valuations.

Amusingly there have also been some curious issues raised as a result of newly designated ground water flood plains in the area in reaction to the winter floods. One in particular threw us as the property concerned was a first floor flat! Similarly, and for the first time ever, we have a case of suspected Japanese Knotweed to contend with. Where exactly is Alan Tichmarsh when you need him?

The market has been less hectic over the summer. It’s been a period of consolidation during which prices have settled sensibly. The press, keen doom mongers, are reporting a fall in asking prices, which doesn’t surprise us as there was a period where asking prices were unsustainable with some agents giving flattering valuations to gain new business rather than to actually reflect what a property was worth. This appears to have been particularly rife in London which is consequently experiencing the most dramatic fall in asking prices. Our view is that the market will stabilise into the Autumn which is likely to be busy rather than frenzied. 

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





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Gardening

Credit Crunch Gardening

by Pippa Greenwood

If you feel that your garden has become an expensive hobby, check-out my top tips for Credit-Crunch Gardening.

Apply for an allotment. An allotment opens up a whole new opportunity to grow almost unlimited food at very little cost, get exercise without paying for the gym, and learn a lot from your neighbouring plot holders.

Gardeners are a very generous bunch, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask, friends, neighbours, or fellow allotmenteers for cuttings or seedlings of plants that you have admired. It is part of what gardening is all about.

Collect softish, deciduous leaves to make free soil improver. Just make a ‘cage’ from galvanised wire with posts at the corners or cram the leaves into bin liners and puncture a few holes.

Make the most of every bit of fruit and veg that your garden or allotment produces. Make jams, chutnies, jellies and of course bottle or freeze just about anything else.

Make your own wasp trap. Use a jam jar part filled with stale jam, mixed with water and topped with tin foil with a few holes in it made using a pencil.

Many local councils offer really good value composters and compost bins. Better still, if you’re at all handy with the hammer and nails, create your own from old pallets or floor boards.

Fill a flowerbed with colour by sowing it with hardy annual seeds – some can be collected from existing plants, others from packet seed, often at under £1 per packet.

Ask your local pub to give you any stale beer from the driptrays and use it as slug bait. Use an old plastic beaker part filled with beer and placed so that the rim is about 1cm above soil level in a slug and snail prone area.

Enjoy some wild food. Many garden plants are edible, and don’t forget the old favourites such as hedgerow blackberries - great for crumble, stewed with some apple or for making into bramble jelly.

Many fruits sold in the supermarket come in smart, clear-plastic trays, which can be used as miniature seed trays, and most even come with a clear plastic top, the perfect mini propagator lid.

- Growing your own vegetables really can save you a packet. Right now you can order in seed for crops, and onion sets and garlic for crops early next summer. Then early in the year start planting potatoes and sowing seed.

Look after your garden tools. Store them in a dry shed or garage, wipe over any metal parts with an oily rag to keep rust at bay and they’ll last years longer.

- Invest in a few raspberry canes. This has to be the best

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money saving crop, as they are expensive in the shops.

Once established autumn fruiting varieties yield heavy crops and can give you ‘posh’ fruit....for just pennies.

The garden furniture is probably the most costly item in your garden and statistics show it’s what gardeners spend most money on replacing. Remove washable seat-pads and cushions first, wash and dry these and then cover the furniture up or move it into a shed or garage if possible.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.

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

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

39

Clubs

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

Mondays

Do you enjoy listening to show tunes, big band music, jazz, light classics etc? Come along to an evening of live music played by top artistes. We meet on the second Monday of each month at our Banstead venue Banstead Organ & Keyboard Club Church Institute Hall, High Street, Banstead SM7 2NN 8th September – Ian Griffin 13th October – Jon Smith Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts.

Further details from 020 8330 5795, or visit www. bansteadorganclub.co.uk Worcester Parkers Women’s Institute meet on the 3rd Monday of every month 7.45pm to 9.45pm at Christchurch with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. For more information contact Dawn Penn 0208 337 4361 dawn.wicontact@gmail.com *There is currently a waiting list.

Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at CHRIST CHURCH with ST PHILIP Ruskin Road, Worcester Park on Monday evenings 7.30 – 9.30 p.m.

Welcome new members just to draw and paint in any medium without tuition. If interested come down for an evening and meet us to see whether this is for you Brenda Banks 020 8330 0928 Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club meet every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at Christ Church with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive. Worcester Park.

All over 60’s welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, plus some outstanding entertainment in the way of singers and musicians. One Monday a month we have Bingo and every Monday we run a raffle. Days outings to the coast are organised throughout the summer months, and mid week holidays are organised two or three times a year. Come a little earlier and meet up with some friends and have a chat before the entertainment starts. We would love to see you. Contact Joyce on 020 8330 5065.

The ladies After Eight Club meet on the 2nd Monday of every month from 8pm onwards at Christchurch with St Philips church hall. We have interesting speakers, outings and dinners and all are welcome for a small subscription to cover our costs. Just come along and join in.

Please contact Carol on 020 8337 2452 for further information

Tuesdays The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local

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

“Lunch Break” - a friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting on a Tuesday 12-2pm (term time only) at Worcester Park Baptist Church, The Avenue - free, but donations invited. Occasional speakers. Contact Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena 07837 941298 NHS Retirement Fellowship- Local Branch Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -12 at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. We have speakers, activities, coffee & chat.

Other outings & activities are also arranged during the month. For further details please contact Lorna on 020 8337 4121.

Worcester Park Crafters We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the hall at Christchurch with St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester park,KT4 8LG. We meet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

For further details please contact Lynne by E mail: lynnesinger@msn.com or phone on:020 8330 5903 Our aim is to provide a meeting/crafting place for all crafters whatever their craft or ability. Either bring your own work or purchase our kit of the month (small materials cost usually £2), come and play and chat. (small cost to over hall hire and insurance approx £4) Craft group - We meet at Christ Church with St Philip Ruskin Drive on the first TUESDAY of the month from 7.30-9.30pm A place where all crafters whatever their craft or ability can meet, craft, share ideas and learn from each other.

Feel free to bring your own projects or you can try our project of the month Cost: £5 per session Lynne Singer 020 8330 3590 or Toni Shepherd 07900 006367

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

The Probus Club of Ewell

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Coming up to retirement? Just retired? Looking to make new friends? Why not join the Probus Club of Ewell? Since it was founded over 40 years ago, the Probus Club of Ewell has been attracting businessmen from Worcester Park and its surrounding areas with a broad range of professional and business backgrounds.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Bourne Hall in Ewell Village, for a Lunch followed by a Speaker. In addition to two Ladies Lunches during the year, there is an active social programme for members and their partners with visits to places of interest and West End Shows. If you would like to know more, please telephone our secretary, Bruce Urquhart, on 01737 373 690 or visit our website: http://4newmembers.ewell4probus.org.uk

Thursdays Monthly group for Vegans, and those in vegan food etc, meeting on the second Thursday of each month ,7pm until 8.30 pm at Christchurch with St Philip, Cheam Common Rd. RIng 0208 337 3722 for more info or find us on Facebook (Worcester Park Vegans). You don’t have to live in Worcester Park. Anyone interested ,who can get there to be with us,will be welcome!

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

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

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

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

Wheezy? Breathless? you are not alone, come and join us at your local friendly support & information group

for anyone affected by a lung condition.We meet between 2 - 4 pm on the 3rd. Thursday of every month at St Bedes Conference Centre, St Anthony’s Hospital, London Road, North Cheam. For more information please contact George on 0208 647 7530 Thursday Fellowship. Every Thursday at 2.30pm for men and women, finishing with a cup of tea and biscuits or cakes. A lively, friendly meeting at Worcester Park Baptist church in The Avenue.

Well-known, familiar hymns and prayers, musical afternoons, and a variety of speakers on topical subjects, including help and advice. New members welcome. For more information ring Jean Gathercole on 020 8642 9649 The Worcester Park Hello Club launched last November and is welcoming new members! We meet every Thursday morning from 10am – 12 noon.

The club is aimed at anyone who would like to come and join in with board games, quizzes, cards, occasional craft sessions - or just to have a chat and a coffee. Adults of any age are welcome to come and get to know each other. The main aims of the club are: • To meet new people and build friendships • To become involved with the local community • To access activities, information and advice The club is very friendly and informal. Every month there will be a member of staff attending from the SCILL Information & Advice Service – they have information on most topics for all your needs and will be pleased to assist you.

The drop in club was set up by Sutton Vision, Christ Church with St Philip and SCILL , working together in partnership. We are fortunate to be provided with a welcoming and comfortable venue at the Christ Church with St Philip Community Hall. There are accessible toilets on site. There is a small charge for coffee and tea at the church café.

If you would like to join us, please just turn up, or if you would like to speak to someone, please contact one of the following: SCILL 020 8770 4065 Sutton Vision 020 8409 7166 Christ Church with St Philip 020 8330 7630

Fridays Bartlett House Luncheon Club is a welcoming social club for the retired from work but not from life! Bartlett house, 49-51 The Avenue, Worcester Park,KT4 7HU Catch up with friends every Friday 11am-4pm This fun and friendly club is not for profit ensuring prices are kept to a minimum so it won’t cost the earth!

New members welcome. Transport may be available.

Contact us on 01372 720563 or 07807443156 Quest was set up in 1987 to provide a meeting place

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

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for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no age cut off. The aim of the club is to provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere for the members and allow the carers to have a regular break. Annual subscription. and £2.50 for lunch. We have various social activities and every second month we have a speaker, outings can be arranged if enough people wish to go. The venue is St. Philip Hall, Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m Contact June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220 RSPB Epsom And Ewell Local Group We meet the 2nd Friday of every month at 7.30, apart from July and August, at All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate their enthusiasm on a variety of natural history subjects.

There is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. If you would like more information, please look at our website, www.rspb.org.uk/groups/epsom Worcester Park Womens’ Club. We are part of the National Association of Womens’ Clubs and we meet at Cheam Common Junior School, Kingsmead Avenue every Friday from 7.30 to 9.30 (term time only). We have very interesting speakers, outings, a garden party in the summer and a quiz night rasising money for our chosen charity for the year. Why not come along and give us a try.

For more information call Carole on 020 8337 6088.

National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters GroupFormed in 1971, we run a varied programme of social eventswhich includes Evening Lectures at Bourne Hall in Ewell, once a month from Oct. to June, Coach Outings which visit historichouses and gardens(not necessarily N.T.),Guided London Walks, and other trips to London e.g.The Magic Circle, The Royal Opera House (backstage tour).Other special events include Coffee Mornings, Holidays and Christmas Lunch.

Newsletters are produced four times a year.If you would like more information please visit our website: www.epsom-ewell-district-nt.co.uk or telephone Paul on 020 87158486 Malden Manor Bowls Club Where: Manor Park, Malden Road. New members will be made very welcome. Roll ups, league matches, internal and external competition; we offer bowling for all levels of interest and ability. Contact Men’s Secretary Graham 020 8404 6259 or Ladies Secretary Pat: 020 8544 9704 Cheam High School Gym NO contract or joining fee, and just £15 a month. It has everything other gyms have, we also have a Personal Trainer on hand to help out and give advise FREE of charge, something other gyms don’t offer. www.facebook.com/CHSGym We open to the public at 5pm-9.30pm Monday - Friday and 10am-5pm Saturdays

General Auriol Bowling Club was established in 1967, and plays on the 6-rink bowling green attached to the pavilion in Auriol Park, Salisbury Road, Worcester Park. It is a mixed club of around 45 men and 25 women, who play outdoors from April to September, with a busy fixture list of league and friendly matches against other clubs, as well as internal club competitions. For further information please contact the club Secretary, David Regan, on 020 8337 8919 or visit the website at www.auriolbowlingclub.com.

Cuddington Bowling Club will always welcome new members. The club is situated in Sandringham Road, Worcester Park and we play on an excellent 6 rink green that has been acclaimed by many of the club’s visitors this year. We are a mixed club with about 60 members and play a range of friendly and league fixtures catering for all abilities. For further information, please contact our Secretary Mike Ridley 02087158326 or our Treasurer Mark Broughton 02083379699.

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

07903 314276

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

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COOMBE COACHWORKS

With our modern, fully equipped workshop we are committed to providing a service level second to none. Our workshop is over 10,000 square feet in size and we have storage for 40+ vehicles. Our advanced facilities make Coombe Coachworks one of the leading Accident Repair Centres in the area.

The quality of service we provide means a high rate of return business from the private motorist to major insurance companies.

We hold many Manufacturer’s approvals and details are on our website.

Coombe Coachworks can offer a total solution for crash repairs from setting up your claim with your insurance company, providing replacement vehicles and making sure you get what you are entitled to.

Coombe Coachworks 1 Sandiford Road Sutton SM3 9RN Phone 02086410060 Fax 02086448056

www.coombecoachworks.co.uk

Coombe@coachworks.fsbusiness.co.uk

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SPECIAL OFFER

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Events

Epsom and Ewell Borough Family Fun Day Sunday 21st September 2014 at Hook Road Arena from 12 noon

With the help and support of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, the Rotary clubs of Epsom & Ewell are organising the Borough Family Fun Day, with loads of fun and enjoyment for the whole family. The event will take place on Sunday the 21st September at Hook Road Arena Epsom KT19 8QG, from 12 noon to 5pm.

This is the third year of this community family charity day, with the aim of promoting the great amount of voluntary and community work undertaken by local residents and to give local charities, community groups and businesses an opportunity to promote themselves.

This will be the biggest Family Fun Day to date with over 130 pitches/stalls, many running low cost children’s games, plus many free attractions, shows and presentations for the whole family.

The free presentations include Punch and Judy, a children's entertainment stage, an arena with the Battling Cumberland Giants, the GB Martial Arts Association and The Southern Retriever Dog Display Team. There will also be a Diversity and Wellbeing Marquee run by the Borough, with many additional free attractions, plus the Royal British Legion Riders, classic cars and bikes and loads more.

In addition a children’s fun fare and a food court will be on site and you can again bring your dog along to enter the family pet dog show in its own arena and register between 12-30pm & 1-30pm. If you have a pet dog you would like to show, please bring your dog along.

Programmes which are entry tickets can be purchased from mid-August at the Ebbisham Centre Library and Bourne Hall and other outlets, including The Ashley Centre on the 5 Saturdays

from the 23rd August leading up to the event from 10am to 4pm. Programmes are £2 per adult (entry on the day of the event at the gate will be £4), but children under 12 are free.

For further information about the event including details of our sponsors, many of the pitch holders and advertisers and additional outlets where you can buy programmes please see our event web site www. epsomfunday.net. To find out more about what we do at Epsom Rotary Club & Ewell Rotary club please visit our web sites www.epsomrotaryclub.org or www.ewellrotaryclub.org.uk

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Recipe Courgette quiche There’s an abundance of home grown courgettes in the shops at the moment – or you may have some growing in your garden. Make the most of them with this tasty quiche which can be served warm or cold.

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes, plus chilling FOR THE PASTRY 225g plain flour 100g lightly salted butter, chilled and cubed 1 medium egg yolk beaten FOR THE FILLING 1 tbsp olive oil 3 courgettes, 1 sliced and 2 chopped 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 75g mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 3 medium eggs 150ml milk 100ml crème fraiche 50g mature Cheddar cheese, finely grated 1 tomato, thinly sliced 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs 1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl.

Add a pinch of salt and the cubed butter and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

2 Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tbsp ice cold water and mix with a round bladed knife until the mixture begins to stick together, adding a little more water, if needed. Gather the mixture together with your hands and knead for just a few seconds on a lightly floured surface until just smooth. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

3 Roll out the chilled pastry and use to line a 20cm round metal flan tin. Prick the pastry base all over with a fork and chill the in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans then bake blind on the hot baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and cook for a further 5 minutes until the pastry is pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.

4 Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and fry the courgette slices for 1-2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on kitchen paper.

5 Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the shallots, mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes then

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add the chopped courgettes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring until just softened.

6 Spoon the courgette and mushroom mixture into the pastry case. Beat together the eggs, milk, crème fraiche and Cheddar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly pour into the pastry case over the courgette mixture.

7 Arrange the fried courgette slices and tomato slices on top of the filling and sprinkle with the Italian mixed herbs. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and golden. Serve warm or cold with salad.

Tip Add a handful of pine nuts when frying the shallots and mushrooms if liked or scatter some chopped walnuts over the filling before baking.

www.elegantcurtains.info

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Voice for Wildlife Canada geese

by Carol Williams My Summer magazine from Wildlife Aid (Wild Lives) arrived in early August and in it is a piece on Canada geese. This struck me as quite a strange coincidence, as I was already thinking of writing my next article about them after an encounter with a family of these birds on a sunny afternoon in July, on Wimbledon Common.

I sat on a log bench beside a lake to rest from my walk and to eat my apple. Behind me was a busy road, and a path where joggers, walkers and cyclists frequently went by. But with my back to all that and the peaceful scene before me, my thoughts were far away from urban Wimbledon. After about 5 minutes, a family of geese came swimming purposefully towards the lake’s edge where I sat - parents and 4 nearly fully grown youngsters. The leading goose looked at me, must have decided I wasn’t any threat, and came out onto the grass. The rest followed. Then, while the youngsters grazed the short grass around me, the parents, one

at the lakeside, one to the left and slightly behind me near the path, kept watch. I had a sense of privilege, to be amongst them - wild creatures whose lives briefly interacted with mine.

I was surprised to read, though, that they are “ the most hated British wild animal”. Really? More hated than rats or feral pigeons? There are notices on the waterfront at Charter Quay in Kingston which label pigeons as ‘vermin’ whilst asking people not to feed them. Will I be seeing similar notices soon about Canada geese, or even urban foxes? I sincerely hope not. I have a strong objection to the word ‘vermin’ - it gives people a licence to hate, demonise and begin to persecute a species of wildlife - as happened once with birds of prey, only recently making a comeback after near extinction for some species.

Since becoming vegan about 20 months ago I have often reflected, and written on social media (Twitter and Facebook), about human attitudes to other animals and how disturbing I find it that we can hate some so much yet love others, treat some with kindness yet abuse and kill others. It all seems to come down to some idea we have that other animals must either be of use to us, or please us in some way, to be acceptable; those which annoy us or get in our way are at best a nuisance and at worst ‘vermin’ to be exterminated.

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Canada geese mess up golf courses and green lawns apparently - this is why they are hated, but the birds have no idea that the patch of lush grass is anything but a perfect feeding ground, and so they descend on it, to enjoy breakfast.

Why are they here in the UK when they are native to Canada? Because King James ll had some of the birds brought to this country to be part of his exotic waterfowl collection in St James Park. and they were uncommon in the countryside untl the mid 20th century, about the time I was born, so I have never known a landscape without them. They are as famliar as mallards and swans, and, to anyone with a sensible attitude to wildlife, just as welcome.

Wandsworth Council, I read, carried out a massive cull of them in the 1990s which caused a public outcry - the latter news pleases me - I hope they still have many supporters who value close encounters with wild creatures and are pleased to have them inhabit urban spaces with us.

Canada geese mate for life and can pine to death when their partner dies. They have clutches of up to 9 eggs at a time and both parents guard the nest. They are aggressive only when protecting their young.

They have about 13 different calls which indicates a sophisticated level of communication, the hiss call is only given in defence of territories or goslings - mostly you will hear a low pitched honk from the males and a higher pitched ‘hink’ from the females.

In Canada the geese have protected status because hunting was exterminating them.

They fly in a perfect V formation, sometimes reaching heights of 9,000 feet. In flight they are referred to as a flock or skein, and will often honk as they fly overhead; on the ground, groups of them are called gaggles.

The best way to control their numbers , says Wildlife Aid, is not to feed them in public places. Simon Cowell, CEO, asks that people never feed them bread, which is very poor nutrition and can cause a condition called Angel Wing in a juvenile goose. It’s a deformity which renders a bird unable to fly for the rest of his or her life.

Bread is very bad food for ducks also, in fact - it fills them with empty calories and prevents them seeking their proper food, so they are, in effect, malnourished and open to many diseases.

Uneaten bread also turns water stagnant and encourages rats.

As a wildlife lover, I have no issue with rats. As long as they remain outside, I cannot get bothered about their presence anywhere - they are a natrual prey species of foxes, who might do a better job of controlling them

if there were not such rich pickings in our garbage and litter. The reason for all of the ‘problems’ we see with wildlife is ourselves - introducing species which don’t belong in this ecosystem, killing off predators who do, offering food to some species because we want to watch them and enjoy having them around us, yet cursing them when all this extra feeding creates larger populations that seem, to us, destructive of ‘our’ land and resources. The greatest ‘pest’ species on this planet is, in fact, humans. Think about that. We evolved last, and have simply dominated and taken over everything else. It has got so bad for many creatures that they struggle for any living space at all and some have already been driven to extinction by the total destruction of their habitats for reasons that often have nothing to do with survival and everything to do with greed for money.

I have always loved wildlife, both animals and plants, and nothing is more wonderful to me than spending time outdoors among the sights and sounds of Nature. Every species is a wonder to me, something extraordinary and precious.

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

49

Kids Play

There’s lots going on for pre-schoolers

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.

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

Learn to Bowl Free Coaching All Ages & Abilities Welcome Bar • Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jubilee Way, Chessington KT9 1TR

Tel: 020 8397 7025

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Wednesday

Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- see Monday. we have vacancies on a Wednesday

Friday

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

Saturday

Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane Primary School. For Dads and their pre-school children (0-4). The kids get to play with the toys, the Dads get a bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door. For more information & contact details, www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org Old Malden Library (Church Road, Worcester Park) Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+

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MUSIC CLASSES FOR BABIES & TODDLERS AGED 6 MONTHS – 3 YEARS Taught by a qualified Suzuki-method music teacher.

Thursday At Worcester Park Library, Windsor Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8ES

Friday At Surbiton Library Halls, Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AG

9.45-10.30am Toddler class 10.35-11.20am Baby class

10-10.45am Chinese music class (suitable for Chinese/ non- Chinese speaking families)

To book your place please contact Ginger on 07525 497 124 or email infomusicfun@gmail.com www.gingersmusicfun.com

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Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline

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Our Conservatories, Orangeries and Bi-Folding Doors will completely change the way you enjoy your home.

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51

Safer Neighbourhoods Protect your bike

by PCSO Gary Weaving There has recently been a small increase in bicycle thefts in Worcester Park and Nonsuch.

This is a timely reminder for all of us to be more vigilant when securing our bikes and that we should not leave them in an easy position for thieves who have been targeting back gardens, sheds and garages. The thieves have, in the past, taken a bike from a shed or garage and then moved on to the next. If the next address produces a more expensive or sought after model, they take that and leave the previous bike at this new location.

Therefore, should you be unlucky enough to have a bicycle stolen, please check with your neighbours. They too may have had a bicycle stolen, but they may now have your bicycle in their possession. That particular method hasn’t been used recently but it’s worth remembering if your bike does go missing, just in case.

Keep a record of your bike’s make, model and frame number (you may find the number near the handlebars, below the seat post, by the pedals, under the pedals or towards the back wheel). Without these the police, should your bike be recovered, may not be able to restore it to you.

Also, you can register your bicycle.

It is free and easy to register your bike at: www. immobilise.com Or, keep watching the local media for the Bike Marking Events that the Worcester Park and Nonsuch Local Policing Teams arrange in the area throughout the year. You have your bike marked with a unique number and it is added to a register. These events are FREE and you also have the opportunity to talk to members of YOUR local team, ask them what’s happening in the area and tell them of any concerns you might have.

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Locking your bike: - Lock both wheels and the frame to a bike stand, or strong immovable object.

- Lock ‘tight’ so your bike is hard to manoeuvre when parked.

- Secure your lock so it does not touch the ground.

It is always best to use two locks. Go for different types of lock, for example, a strong D-lock and a sturdy chain lock.

This means that a thief will need different tools to break each lock, making theft less likely.

Finally, always report thefts or damage to your local police by phoning 101 and if you see a theft in progress, or see someone acting suspiciously around a bike or other vehicle, call police on 999.

For the latest information, visit: www.bikeoff.org

SQUARE DANCING U3A BEGINNERS CLASS TUESDAY MORNINGS 10.00 – 12.00

COMMENCING 16th SEPTEMBER 2014 (BEGINNERS ALSO WELCOME ON 23rd & 30th SEPTEMBER and 7th OCTOBER 2014)

AT SHIRAZ MIRZA COMMUNITY HALL, MANOR PARK, MALDEN ROAD, NEW MALDEN KT3 6AU (Ample parking, 213 bus stops outside the park, 15 minute walk from Worcester Park, Manor Park and Motspur Park Stations)

£2.50 (incl. refreshments) JOIN KINGSTON U3A - COME ALONG AND GIVE IT A TRY

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53

Great

£1,000,000 refurbishment Great of our 1st & 2nd floors £1,000,000 OPENING SEPTEMBER 2014

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0208 942 2277 53-59 High Street, New Malden. 0208 942 2277

Sunday Nights Quiz Night 8.30pm

Come and visit us!

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR MENUS PUB HOURS:

Sunday to Thursday 12 noon til 11pm • Friday & Saturday 12 noon til 1am

RESTAURANT HOURS: Monday to Friday 12 noon til 3pm, 6 til 9:30pm Saturdays noon- 9:30pm • Sundays 12 noon til 6:00pm

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www.thebrookworcesterpark.co.uk / 0208 337 6891 181 Central Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8DR Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers