Wplsept13

KT4’s ONLY FREE independent community magazine and business guide

Worcester Park Life

www.wplife.co.uk

Sept 13 issue 63

C A R P E T S n N AT U R A L S n V I N Y L S n L A M I N AT E S

RT EXAPRE PET

s t e p r Ca

C G CLEANIN O S AL LE AVAILAB

4U THE MOBILE

CARPET

SHOWROOM years 5 3 r e v O nce! experie

CARPETS 4U

The carpet shop that comes to your home!

See 100’s of samples & colours all at competitive prices with NO OBLIGATION in the comfort of your home or office

FREE estimates & advice

FREINEG

FITT & Y! IV DEL ER

Friendly, family run business based in Epsom, covering the whole of Surrey & SW London est. 1975

020 8873 7950

Learn more, visit 2

www.carpets4u.co.uk

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

O U R L AT E S T ‘N E X T G E N E R AT I O N’ S H O W R O O M

NOW OPEN

Visit us today... ...enjoy a coffee whilst you view our latest styles of windows, doors and conser vatories

E s t a b l i s h e d

i n

1 9 9 1

7, Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park KT4 8TL 0208 330 2170 48, High Street, Cheam SM3 9Ql 0208 770 7555

(w) www.cheamwindows.co.uk W I N D O W S , D O O R S , O R A N G E R I E S , C O N S E R V AT O R I E S , G L A Z E D E X T E N S I O N S, B E S P O K E S H U T T E R S & M U C H M O R E To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

3

Welcome to

our September edition Dear All, I know I may have a short memory but am definitely giving summer 2013 a big thumbs up. I do hope you agree. From Wimbledon onwards the weather was lovely for such a long time and there wasn’t as much as a spot of rain from the beginning of July until the schools broke up (I think!)

Our annual holiday to see in-laws, cousins and friends in South West Cork in Ireland was also exceptional -2 days rain and 8 days of sun compared to the 2 of sun and 8 of rain that we ‘enjoyed’ last year! No wetsuits this year swimming in the Atlantic for our little bodyboarders…. I, on the other hand, sat on the sidelines keeping everything safe and myself warm.

A great sacrifice I know but, well, someone has to do it. My ‘back-up’ holiday (for sunning purposes) on the Venetian Coast wasn’t, as such, a complete necessity but hopefully will live up to my nostalgic memories.

We’re off in a couple of days from writing this to Union Lido – a campsite where I spent 3 very happy holidays, many (many!) years ago! For two of them we drove from our home in Hannover, Germany and the third when we moved back to the UK, ALL the way from Glasgow to Venice. Imagine! When our girls were little we got DVD players for the car to make any solo long journeys with them a bit easier. Now of course there’s all sorts of electronic devices to relive the boredom of long trips so I’m not sure they’d ever comprehend Glasgow to Venice in a Peugeot 504 (turquoise with proper roofrack) playing iSpy, reading Enid Blyton until finally completely carsick and occasionally persuading the parents to let us to listen to Abba, whilst slowly, slowly your legs (those bits not protected by shorts) stuck faster and firmer to the seats. Hands up all of you who are old/unlucky enough to remember dimpled plastic seats! And the patterns on the backs of your legs when you managed to peel yourself away….

Anyway, enough about me. I hope you enjoy this edition and remember to email me any local events you’re involved with over the coming months.

Best wishes 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).

4

Next copy deadline: 17th Sept Published by Malden Media Limited 36 Rosebery Avenue, KT3 4JS

jenny@maldenmedia.co.uk 020 8336 2915 www.wplife.co.uk We also publish

Malden’s Village Voice

Why advertise with us?

Worcester Park Life is such a great local magazine to advertise my business in. I got so much interest. I started my baby/ toddler music classes in August. I am now opening the forth and fifth classes.

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

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

TSD Bespoke Building HPV A4L 20/09/2011 14:34 Page 1

Here at TSD we cater for almost every building service Please contact our dedicated friendly team for a free estimate or any advice you may need Domestic and Commercial work welcome

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Renovations & Alterations Painting, Decorating & Wallpapering Porches, Conservatories & Windows Door and window locks and handles repaired or replaced Misted/broken sealed double glazed units replaced Conservatory roofs repaired or replaced All Aspects of Roofing, Guttering, Fascias & Soffits Kitchen/Bathroom Installations Driveways • Fencing, Patio’s & Landscaping All Aspects Of Plastering & Pebble Dashing All Bespoke Building Works Carried Out Loft Conversions New basements design and build Plumbing & Heating, New Boiler Installations, Service & Repairs All Aspects of Electrical Work Extensions • Carpentry & Flooring All Aspects of Tree Work & Stump Grinding Complete Rubbish Removal & Site Clearances Curtain and Blind design and installation service Tiling/Stonework Bespokely made Wardrobes, Chest of drawers and more Emergency call out for Plumbing, Gas and Electrics Swimming Pool and Hot Tub design and build Brick and Block work carried out Garage door replacements in a large variety of designs and colours

Testimonial Dear Tom I would like to start by saying a big thank you .

Myself & Margaret are incredibly happy with the outcome of our new kitch en. From the very beginning of the job to the very end your help , advice and knowledge I believe made all the difference to a perfect finish.

We can’t believe the tran sformation from how it looked before to how it looks now. I can hon estly say I have never met a builder who takes such pride in his work. I also didn’t think I would eve r meet a builder who is more fussy than the cust omer themselves. Thank you to all your team who wer e always polite, thoughtf ul & professional.

I will of course always be using TSD to carry out all our future work & will alwa ys with great pleasure recommend you to frien ds, family & potential customers.

Best Regards

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

529550

5

Re gi ste r e d wit h t he

Home Care Services Ltd

A Comprehensive Range of Care Services •

Live-in Car e - Throughout Su rrey - 24 hour care an d/or compan ionsh ip

• Per son al Car e - t oilet ing, bat hing, dressing • “Pop - In” Service • Night Sl eeper an d Wak ing Night St aff - providing reassuran ce/night care • Household Dut ies - shopping, hou sework • M eal Preparat ion • End of Life Car e For a free professional assessment of your personal needs, please call us on 020 8393 7117

51 The Broadw ay - St onelei gh - Epsom - Surrey - KT17 2JE Office 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 020 8393 7117 - Fax: 020 8393 5535 Email: classichomecare@bt connect .com Websit e: www.classichomecareservices.co.uk

6

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

History

Around Idmiston Square Idmiston Road and Idmiston Square, across Malden Road from The Plough at Old Malden, occupy part of the field known as Marle Field at least as early as 1623; the field name has now migrated in two directions, to Marlfield Court on the further side of the Chessington railway line, and to Marlfield Close leading from Lower Green Gardens, in the Malden Green Farm development.

Idmiston Square is believed to have been laid out by Charles Blake, a solicitor in the City who lived at Motspur Park, where Blakes Lane is named after him. By the early 1850s he was living at Blue House Farm, near the junction of this lane and West Barnes Lane. In 1865 he took a 99-year lease, at an annual rent of £380, of Motspur Farm and part of Manor Farm, from Merton College, Oxford, which had owned much of the land in Malden since the Middle Ages. The farmland comprised almost 170 acres in various locations around the parish, including a block of land now occupied by Idmiston Road and Square,

ALL GAS REPAIRS Landlords Gas Safety Certificates Boilers, Cookers, Fires, Installations, Warm Air Units, Central Heating All areas covered. Fully insured FREE Estimates

V.A. Roswell Mob: 07956 349591 Tel: 020 8394 2040 39 years experience & still going strong Registration Number: 19510

Columbia Avenue and part of Manor Park.

Charles Blake undertook building development in various locations, including West Norwood, between the 1860s and 1890s. West Norwood too has an Idmiston Road, and it is believed that he chose the name to commemorate the Wiltshire village which was his childhood home.

The cottages forming nos. 32-78 (evens) Idmiston Square had been built by the time of the 1891 census, but they were probably not built by Blake himself. I am grateful to Vincent Arnold for providing information about the development of the cottages. This shows that in October 1883, with the College’s agreement, Blake granted various leases of cottages in the Square, described as part of the Plough Field Estate, to Philip Baughan, a builder from Worcester Park, in return for Boughan having incurred the expense of building the premises, and also for an annual rent: for one terrace of four cottages, the rent was £8 8s 0d, but it appears that Boughan had actually built several terraces. Charles Blake had probably lent money to Philip Baughan to cover the cost of the construction, because on the same day Baughan mortgaged a group of four cottages to Blake for £2,076.

One of our illustrations this month is a plan of the cottages in Idmiston Square from a document dated 1883, courtesy of Vincent Arnold, while the other is a photograph of Silver Jubilee celebrations in Idmiston Road in 1977, with thanks to Jeff Wallder.

In 1891 the 24 cottages in Idmiston Square were occupied by 100 people (with several accommodating six people), including domestic gardeners, farm workers and a coachman, probably all working locally, but also a signalman, a furnishings salesman and a dispenser of medicine. Very few of the heads of the households had been born locally: they came from a wide variety of locations, from Cornwall to Ross and Cromarty In Idmiston Road there appear to have been ten

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

7

inhabited houses in 1891; the householders included another coachman, two gardeners, two railway clerks, a watercress grower, a book-keeper, and Arthur Hann, Headmaster of Malden Parochial School.

Three houses were described as under construction in the area in 1891; they may well have been the three large houses backing on to the square, later numbered as 10, 12 and 14 Idmiston Road. Of the three, only no. 10 is still standing, the others having been replaced by townhouses. Much of the outside of the Square remained undeveloped until the 1930s.

In the 1890s the Vicar of St John’s, the Revd Thomas Birkett Dover, was worried about the lack of recreational facilities in the area for the families living in the cottages of Idmiston Square. Writing in the parish magazine, he asked, ‘What amusement

8

or recreation is there for young men or old men in Malden on these dark winter nights? It is idle for the Church to try and befriend the souls of her children till she has first provided for their bodily needs.’

It was because he realised the journey along Church Road to St John’s would be difficult for the people in Idmiston Square that he suggested the building of the Malden Institute, now St John’s Hall, on a site closer to their cottages, in the Malden Road, to provide a club or recreation room, with billiard table, books, games and comfortable chairs. It was duly opened in 1898 and continues to serve the local area.

The journey along Church Road nowadays, however, is a pleasant one, for people from Idmiston Square or anywhere else, especially on a late summer’s day, and you may like to take the opportunity to visit St John’s Church when it is open in September under the nationwide Heritage Open Days scheme.

St. John’s Old Malden will be open on Thursday 12th September and Friday 13th, 11am to 4pm; Saturday 14th, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 15th, 2pm to 5pm. An exhibition showing the long history of Malden can be viewed, and refreshments will be available.

A few weeks later you might like to visit St Mary’s Church, Cuddington, at the top of The Avenue, where a Harvest Fayre will be held on Saturday 5th October from 12 noon to 3pm (admission free). There will be stalls selling cakes, hand-stitched cards, books and so on, and refreshments including a barbecue and cream teas.

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

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

WORCESTER PARK RBL ENTERTAINMENTS TEAM PRESENTS......

Friday 6th September Disco night and Karaoke Saturday 7th September Dancing to Magic Moments Saturday 14th September Dancing to Links Saturday 21st September Dancing to Diamonds Friday 27th September Diamonds Uncut (Rock & Roll Night) Saturday 28th September The Midnight Flyers are back Dont forget your bingo on Fridays starts at the earlier time of 7-30pm from 6th Sept Bingo every Friday & Sunday and 1st Wednesday of every month.

CRAZY JOKER EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT DRAWN AT 10pm Its getting near to subs renewals see in house notice boards for details during Oct New members always welcome come and see our club at any time.

NO SPRINGS ATTACHED! • 100% natural latex mattresses • Hypoallergenic and anti microbial • Yield, shape and conform to the bodys shape

46 Universe from £999

5ft Vega from £1,399

Sirius Box Pillow Top 4.6 from £1,499

On Show at: Best Price Beds, 22 Redenhall Road, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9ER Tel: 01379 855456 or 01379 855461 // www.bestpricebeds.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

9

Events

Epsom and Ewell Borough Family Fun Day Sunday 22nd September 2013 at Hook Road Arena from 12 noon For further information about One of the main aims of Rotary is to help the event including details of the community and back in 2011 the Rotary our sponsors, many of the pitch clubs of Epsom & Ewell decided to organise holders and advertisers and a Family Fun Day with the help and support additional outlets where you can of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. buy programmes please see our The main aim was to promote the great event web site www.epsomfunday. amount of voluntary and community work net. To find out more about what we undertaken by Borough local residents. We also do at Epsom Rotary Club & Ewell Rotary club please wanted to give local charities, community groups and visit our web sites Ewell www.epsomrotaryclub.org or businesses an opportunity to promote themselves www.ewellrotaryclub.org.uk WPLife and in the case of charities to raise money for their Tony Axelrod & Duncan Cox – Event Organisers particular good cause. Finally we wanted the day to be an event of family entertainment and fun at a reasonable cost, with many free arena displays.

We organised the first Family Fun Day to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Borough and with their support and assistance we are delighted to run an and even bigger event this year with over 120 pitches.

We welcome the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team, Huxleys Birds of Prey, many vintage cars and MOTs for Cars, Vans, coaches and welcome back the GB Martial Arts Association, the Pegasus Parachute Display Team, a Minibuses and Motorhomes children’s fun fair and food court. We also will have a marquee run by the Borough, with many free activities We carry out MOTs on site with late and entertainment for all the family celebrating the appointments available Monday to Friday diverse cultures in and around Epsom and Ewell. We and Saturday mornings are sure there will be something of interest for all the Bring this advert with you and family. receive 10% discount*.

The family dog show also attracted great interest last FREE Anti-freeze, battery and tyre check year and so we are again running this event between 1-30 & 3-30 in their own arena. If you have a pet dog Comfortable waiting area with TV and wi-fi you would like to show, please bring your dog along.

Free local collection and delivery can be arranged We cannot express our gratitude enough to our SPECIAL sponsors for their support, for without it the day would not take place and money raised could not go to the READER many worthwhile causes.

OFFER! Programmes which are entry tickets can be purchased Ring now or email for bookings from Ebbisham Centre Library and Bourne Hall at £2 020 8394 2847 info@elmwoodvehicles.co.uk per adult (entry on the day of the event at the gate will www.elmwoodvehicles.co.uk • www.elmwoodtvr.com be £4) and other outlets, but accompanied children 278 Kingston Road, Ewell, Epsom, KT19 0SH under 12 are free.

Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 10

MOT

SERVICE CENTRE

*For any new customers

10% OFF

Live Music every Friday/Saturday @ the HG Wells

upcoming eventsFriday this6thsummer September The Mad hatters Tea Party [Modern Rock Band]

Friday 5 July - MOSS

[Reggae, Rock, Soul & Blues]

Friday 13th September Chilly Breeze [Classic Rock, Funky Jazz Saturday 12 July - AARON&NORTON Blues]

[Modern Rockl]

Friday 20th September Tribute Friday 19Pink July Floyd - FREQUENCY9

[Club Disco]

Friday 28th September Reggae Tribute

Saturday 27 July - ELVIS PRESLEY TRIBUTE Friday 4th October FridayRock, 2 August FULL Moss [Reggae, Soul- HALF & Blues]

[Rock & Roll]

Free entry on all events

The HG Wells, 101 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8TA. Tel: 02083374784. email: info@thehgwells.co.uk web: www.thehgwells.co.uk.

Like us on facebook to win a ÂŁ50 bar tab. www.facebook.com/thehgwells 11

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

3

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

WandsWorth

020 8874 1781

12

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

Ruth Jemmett Writes Salad days

Ruth Jemmett’s Hopes For a Child Called Komal This is the time of year when thoughts of eating stodgy warming food give way to dreams of savouring crispy salads. Our unusually hot, if somewhat late summer, has ensured that we have been able to shed the thick woollies that are de rigueur in this part of the northern hemisphere in summer. We have, at last, been able to venture outside and bare our pallid skins to the elements. It has been a delight to enjoy alfresco meals, instead of doing the usual British thing of cowering behind net curtains, and wondering if it is worth dashing onto a soggy lawn in between the showers, so that we can wave a half-cooked beefburger in the air, and pretend that we’re continental.

New neighbour Steve, recently invited several members of the Salisbury Road ‘family’ to a barbecue, and it was sheer pleasure to dine and socialise in his beautiful garden, where he made us wonderfully welcome. The sausages fried - and so did we, in the brilliant sunshine! As people trooped in bearing platters that were burgeoning with seasonal salad delights, the smell emanating from the barbecue was intoxicating.

As we tucked into our food with relish, my thoughts strayed to a different continent - and I thought how lucky we were …….

That very morning I had been writing a birthday card to a nine year old fatherless girl called Komal, who lives in a poverty-stricken part of India. I have been sponsoring her and her village for the last five years.

Along with her card, I had sent her little gifts that would brighten her day. The passage of my parcel can be a tortuous one, over land sea and air. I kept my fingers crossed that it would arrive safely. Komal lives in a part of India where it is normal for one in five children to die before the age of five, either from malnutrition or diseases that our easily preventable and treatable in our own country. My sponsorship is organised by a charity called World Vision, who liaise with field camps in deprived areas all over the world. As well as sending cards and gifts to Komal, I also send a regular amount of money, so that her basic needs are met. A couple of years ago one of my donations paid for a water pump to be installed in the village, which hopefully will help

their fight against disease. My other donations have made it possible for Komal to attend school. I receive regular reports and photographs of ‘my’ child, and it is heart-warming to know that Komal has now received vital innoculations.

These years should be Komal’s ‘salad days’, which, according to the dictionary, are a time in one’s youth that should be filled with enthusiasm and hope for the future. Instead of such carefree sentiments, Komal has to rely on the charity of strangers. Her father deserted the family home when she was born as my own father did, leaving my mother, sister and myself in penury. I think I rather identify with the child, as I remember many years of cold, hunger and having fear for the future. Apparently, when Komal’s mother knew that I would support her daughter she wept tears of joy. A letter of thanks from her, translated from Hindi, brought tears to my own eyes, such was her gratitude. It made me feel very humble. After a very tough upbringing and years of hard work, I am now lucky enough to live in Worcester Park’s premier road, and never take anything for granted. At least when I was a child I

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH: • DEPRESSION?

• PANIC ATTACKS?

• ANXIETY?

• ADDICTIONS?

• STRESS?

• ANGER PROBLEMS?

• PHOBIAS?

• POOR SLEEP PATTERNS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mobile Telephone No: 07580

169 591

email: stellawarriner@gmail.com

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

13

had the umbrella of the then newly formed National Health Service to shelter under, which prevented me from getting polio or diptheria. Unfortunately I ended up getting malnutrition, which ultimately gave me an under-developed hips, which sadly caused my only child, my late son, Dominic, to be born very prematurely and brain-damaged. Hopefully Komal will live a normal life, without such traumas.

As I sat in Steve’s garden, watching people laugh, chat and eat, I thought how blessed we were, and how ironic it is that we all have so much, when others have so little.

When we see heart-rending adverts about charities, it is all too easy to say “The problem is too vast. What can I do that will make a difference?” I suppose I felt like that too until I saw a photograph showing Komal’s saucer eyes gazing at me from a photograph. Of course we have needy people in our own country (I know, because, in my childhood I was one of them), but nothing British people suffer compares to the subsistence level that people in third world countries suffer.

I now have a lovely photograph collection that show’s Komal’s progress, and the life of her village. Because of my donations the village have benefited from basics such as chairs and blankets. One of my favourite photographs is one showing the village children primly posed liked Victorians, proudly showing off the umbrellas that had been brought so that they could stay dry on their way to school in the monsoon season!

We might complain about our lot here, but few of us have to watch our homes being swept away by floods, or witness our babies dying before our eyes. We also shouldn‘t forget that in the Indian sub-continent, one on three of mothers or babies die around the time of childbirth anyway.

Here in Salisbury Road, we have become a sort of family (many of us certainly see more of each other than we do our relatives!) and it can be easy here, in commuter-belt suburbia, to forget that we are all part of a much bigger global community. If every one of us could reach out to just one needy child, not only will they enjoy THEIR ‘salad days’, but can look forward, with hope, to a real future.

Now that Komal is able to go to school, she is also learning English. I recently received a sweet crayoned drawing of a flower from her, accompanied by the words “I love you sponsor”. We are surrounded by a plethora of colourful flowers here in this road, but none of them touch my heart as much as that simple drawing from a little girl who lives half way across the world.

Ruth Jemmett is a Member of The Society of Authors Copyright 7.8.13 World Vision: 01908 84 10 10 e-mail: info@worldvision.org.uk

ARE YOU STRUGGLING INRuth YOUR Jemmett isRELATIONSHIP? a Member of The Society of Authors Copyright 9.7.13 WPLifeMET? ARE YOU GETTING YOUR NEEDS ARE THERE SEXUAL DIFFICULTIES? Can counselling help me?

We offer confidential, individual one-to-one personal counselling or couples counselling It is the first step to exploring the difficulties you may be experiencing at present. Any difficulty no matter how small is treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity in a non judgmental safe environment

What to do next?

Contact Jacqueline Humphrey Adv. Dip. Couns. MBACP (Accred) (UKRCP) For a no obligation assessment appointment Appointment available within 3 days of contact Telephone Mobile/Answer phone: 07962 181424 Email: jacqueline@cpa.counselling.co.uk www.cpa.counselling.co.uk

CONSULTING ROOMS LOCATED IN CHESSINGTON FEES ARE DETERMINED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS

14

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

ST R N NO YLE AN EW W S & GE AV C OF AI OL LA OU BL RS E

For a beautiful new kitchen...

just change the doors

Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.

Less cost, less time, less mess...

• Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • Free Estimating and planning • 50% deposit with balance on completion www.dreamdoors.co.uk

For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226 Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, View our credentials at Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

15

Seasonal recipe Mediterranean Fish Bake Ready in 50 minutes Serves 4

This is a great onepan dish full of fresh flavour. Monkfish is quite pricey but the meaty flesh is delicious and bakes really well, however you can replace it with cod loin, salmon steaks or thick pieces of haddock fillet if you prefer. Serve with a green salad and warmed ciabatta bread to mop up all the lovely herb and lemon flavoured pan juices.

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil (choose a good quality fruity one) • 350g small new potatoes, halved • 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 225g small plum tomatoes, halved • 4 monkfish fillets (each weighing about 150g) • 50g butter, softened • Pared rind and juice from 1 small lemon, plus extra wedges to serve • 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Tip Replace the peppers with sliced courgettes, chunks of celery and baby button mushrooms, if liked.

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6. Place the oil in a large non-stick roasting tin and heat in the oven for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes to the tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Roast for 20 minutes, turning once.

Add the peppers and tomatoes to the roasting tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Make a space in the tin and add the monkfish fillets. Return the roasting tin to the oven for 10 minutes.

16

Dot the butter over the fish fillets and sprinkle over the lemon rind, juice and oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast for a further 5-10 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and the potatoes and peppers are tender.

Slice each monkfish fillet and arrange with the potatoes, peppers and tomatoes on four warmed serving plates.

Spoon over the pan juices and serve immediately with lemon wedges.. WPLife

The Picture Frame Warehouse FOr all your framing needs 41 burlington Road, new malden, surrey, kt3 4lp

Large Selection of Ready Made Frames and Mounts Custom Framing Service available Retail and Wholesale Sporting Memorabilia, Canvas Stretching, Medals Needlework and Batiks 10% off with this advert

Please contact us on 0208 949 7119

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

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

SPECIAL OFFER

WITH THIS ADVERT

ÂŁ50 OFF YOUR EXCESS (subject to T&Cs)

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

17

Community Library Garden

Dear Worcester Park Life Readers

I am having a coffee morning at Worcester Park Library on Saturday 7th September. I am trying to reach out to the Worcester Park people to get everyone into joining in our community project.

This project is a garden next to the library.

I applied for a grant earlier this year to start a

garden at the library and the “Friends” of Worcester Park library was granted £5,000. We are hoping that we can get people throughout the local area to donate their time, possibly materials and even money for the project.

I have attached the original garden plan for people to view but there are plans at the library if people wish to actually see what is going on.

So it would be great to see you at our Coffee Morning Saturday 7th September 2013 10.30am Jackie - Chairperson Friends of Worcester Park Library WPLife

When times are tough you have to shout about your business

EVEN LOUDER Be seen and heard by the your local market in the Village Voice and Worcester Park Life.

With competitive pricing, friendly efficient service and helpful advice it’s simple and effective - but then the best ideas always are.

Call jenny on 020 8336 2915 or go online www.maldenmedia.com

18

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

Total Home Solutions Heating Plumbing Electrical Solar

Why Choose Smith & Byford?

Family Run Business

Standard

Customer Focussed

The Standard package provides you with an annual service for your Gas appliance or basic Electrical cover.

Free Energy Saving Surveys 45 years experience Friendly Local Service

0 - £7.0onth £3.00 per m nly

o from

Premier The Premier package gives you all the benefits of the Standard package for either your Gas or Electrical services, with the additional assurance that parts and labour are included if a repair is required at anytime.

from only

£6.00 - £14.00 per month

Fully Qualified Engineers 24/7 Emergency Service

Ultimate

Expert Advice and Support

An enhanced package for both your Gas and Electrical services, with greater savings and additional benefits.

from only

£19.99 per month

Install a new Boiler from as little as £1700* Call us on 0208 722 3439 or ths@smithandbyford.com www.smithandbyford.com Subject to Terms and Conditions.

Published prices relate to local homeowners only. All contracts are subject to a Survey and Terms and Conditions will apply.

Quote TL09

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

19

The importance of goals

By Brett Hindson

If we aim for nothing in life, that’s exactly what we’ll get – nothing.

That’s why goals are good. They give us purpose and stop us drifting.

Goals help us feel fulfilled as people. We are at our happiest and most effective when we are working towards achieving beneficial, realistic goals.

Without goals, the logical and rational part of our personality becomes stressed and unhappy. We lose the will to do things and lose control of our lives.

Here are a few tips to help you make your wishes come true.

1 Be Specific Know exactly what you want. If your goal is losing weight, set an exact target. Visualise your target weight as it will appear on your scales.

2 Focus On the Benefits Why do you want it? What will achieving your goal allow you to do that you can’t do now? How good will you feel when you get it? Be very clear about the benefits to you of achieving your goal.

3 Have a Plan and Commit to It What do you need to do to achieve your goal? Break it

down into a series of steps and then write it down.

4 Beware of Self-Sabotage The emotional part of your personality is afraid of change and may try to sabotage your efforts. Be ready for this by always having a list of goal-benefits ready at hand.

5 Set a Target Date This should be challenging but achievable. Push yourself to make it happen.

6 Take the First Step Go on – do it!

Finally, remember there is no failure, only the opportunity to learn. If you don’t achieve it this time, what lessons have you learnt for next time?

To find out more about achieving your goals, call Brett Hindson on 07768 613866 Brett Hindson Clinical Hypnotherapist BA (Hons) D.Hyp PDCBHyp Member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis Member of the British Institute of Hypnotherapy T: 07768 613866 E: Brett@ResultsHypnosis.co.uk www.ResultsHypnosis.co.uk WPLife

Hypnotherapy

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

EwEll VillagE

a wide range of proven, safe treatments for many psychological and physical problems including:

• stopping smoking • weight control • phobias • sports performance • self-confidence • stress/anxiety

Contact me today for a free confidential assessment t: 07768 613866 e: brett@resultshypnosis.co.uk Brett Hindson

Ba (Hons) DHyp PDCBHyp MBSCH www.bsch.org.uk/hindson www.ResultsHypnosis.co.uk

20





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



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

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

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

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

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

21

Sudokus Easy

Ophthalmic

Optician

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

Not so easy!

ot

& y kl ly ee ai W D

H

on yer bike...

*

ls

ea

D

Be inspired by our summer deals

t

rueblue Nurses

Care at Home

Personal Care Housekeeping Companionship

0787 541 7474

truebluenurses@gmail.com www.truebluenurses.co.uk

22

Cycle-Power a local, family-run shop for all your biking needs.

• Bikes for all the family • The Ride2Work scheme • Children’s bicycle seats • Clothing & Accessories • Qualified mechanics • Services & Repairs 77 Central Road, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 8EB t: 0208 330 3421 WWW.CYCLE-POWER.COM Opening times: Mon-Sat 9-5:30 Wed 9-3:30 Thur 9-7:30 *See in store for details. © 2013 All rights reserved.

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

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

23

Gardening

via the planting of imported trees and transfer from infected areas via shoes etc, it is highly probable that this autumn will witness many more diseased Ash trees across the country. Some trees will have a natural immunity to the disease but we feel that the With over 90 million Ash trees in the UK it is majority of our Ash trees are facing quite likely that you will have one in or near a doubtful future; especially the your garden; this article is an update on the older Ash trees where this disease R.J. Tree Services qualified & profession R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional staff dedicated Chalara fraxinea disease focussing willare weaken the tree to a point that on identifying the symptoms. other pathogens willservice exploit thein every to the highest levels of to the highest levels of service in every instance.

It is in September that the impact condition. of the spread of this disease across We are happy to give advice – on all you Weevident. are happy queries. the UK will become In the to give advice – on all your arboricultural What to look for:spring period the main symptoms 1. Leaves will start to wilt changing were hard to spot as these trees colour from olive green to purple • Free quotes • Free quotes tend to come into leaf quite late and are dedicated then brown and finally black.

• Fully the foliage can look very healthy • Fully NPTC qualified 2. Lesions develop as the NPTC disease qualifie . even if the tree has the disease. The enters the main leaf stems, these • Tree reductions /c • Tree reductions / crown thins early signs can be seen by scratching have a black purple colour. culturalaway queries.

• Tree felling the stem surface to see if the • Tree felling 3. The wood on the stems and wood below has a lime green colour branches starts split and removal • toStump • Stump removal or has a brown/black discolouration from chalara. discolour. If a stem is split open you can see the black The disease will spread quite quickly from•theHedgeworks locations Hedgeworks brown colour as the disease spreads•across the cambian qualified & professional staff are dedicated identified last autumn, as it spread viaR.J. sporesTree some Services cutting off the water supply to the tree above. surveys • Tree & rep • Tree surveys & reports experts estimate a wind borne spreadto ratethe of 20highest miles levels of service in every instance. ns per annum. If we consider that spores can also spread

Ash Dieback disease : update

tree!

We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural queri • Free quotes • Fully NPTC qualified R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional • Tree reductions / crown thins staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance.

• Tree felling Free Quotes • Stump removal Diploma qualified NPTC licensed • Hedgeworks Tree Reductions / Crown Thins • Tree surveys & reports Tree Felling Stump Removal Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports £10 million insurance liability cover

Look out for the LookOffiout for the red tree! ce: 020 8399 0103

J.tree Servi ces, Berrylands, r.J.tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton 020r.

8399 0103 07980 903 881 Surbiton 020 Mobile: 07980 903881 and video Visit our website for and videos on all aspects of our information work Visit our website for information info@rjtrees.co.uk LOOK FOR THE RED TREE!

www.rjtrees.co.uk

www.rjtrees.c

R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk

24 903 881 Please remember to mention Worcester Park Life when you speak to our advertisers 03 07980 pects of our work

The future?

If you believe you have an infected tree there is no requirement to notify the authorities , we advise a qualified arborist is sought to confirm and advise on possible options. If the tree has to be removed due to the hazards of limb failure then care must be taken to dispose of materials including burning or composting affected leaves and timber.

DEFRA are investigating the range of possible treatments that could slow or stop the fungicide spreading, there is a concern that the disease may be resistant to some of these treatments. The trees cannot be vaccinated against chalara yet.

In the future both with Ash and other trees we may need to “quarantine” imported trees and have much stricter controls on tracking international tree movements rather like that in Australia and New Zealand. WPLife

Est 35 YEARS

ROBINSON & SON

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS Wallpapering

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL High Quality WORK AT LOCAL RATES Experienced professional Tradesman

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

020 8399 9803

RECOMMENDATIONS FULLY INSURED

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS EMail: robinsonandson@talktalk.net

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

25

Finance

Did you know?

Boilers account for around 55% of what you spend in a year on energy bills. You can save as much as £310 a year by replacing it.

Save Money by Doing Winter Things Now

By Jasmine Birtles, Moneymagpie.com

Winter might seem like some time away but you can

save money by preparing for it now. Plumbers are cheaper while the weather is warmer and there are still offers on insulation and boilers so start work now before winter arrives and the prices go up.

Switch your bills now

It’s a great time to switch to a cheaper provider as the major providers typically start to increase their prices any day now, just in time for winter. Find a copy of your last gas and electricity bills, go to the energy-switching page on Moneymagpie.com and find a cheaper deal for yourself.

It’s often worth considering one of the smaller suppliers to obtain a better price. You could save up to £60 a year by moving to a smaller supplier. Sainsbury’s Energy, First Utility, Ovo Energy and The Co-Operative Energy all trumped the major suppliers for cheaper tariffs in early 2013.

If you want to stick to one of the major suppliers you may be eligible for discounted bills through the government’s ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme.

The ECO scheme offers heating and insulation improvements for low-income and means tested households. You’re eligible for the scheme if you receive certain benefits; see www.gov.uk/energy-companyobligation for the full list. You can apply through the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234.

Once you have switched to the best-priced deal, the next step is to make sure your home retains heat with the efficiency of an old-time dragon.

Boilers

If your boiler is coming to the end of its life, now is a good time to have it replaced. Most boilers over 15 years old can

R WOODFALL OPTICIANS 159 Central Road, Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8DT

Telephone: 020 8337 2059 OPENING TIMES

Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am to 2:00pm

www.rwoodfallopticians.co.uk

26

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

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

be repaired to keep them working, but they will be less efficient than modern ones. Even factoring in the cost of a new boiler you could save money by replacing it now.

Also, you could receive up to £270 cashback for updating your boiler through the new government energy improvement scheme, The Green Deal Cashback Scheme.

The scheme will give you money back if you make energy efficiency improvements in your home such as installing a new boiler, having loft or cavity wall insulation done, improving heating, draught proofing, double glazing and installing renewable energy such as solar panels.

The Green Deal is available to households in England and Wales and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can apply even if you are renting privately or in social housing providing the landlord can pay for installations costs.

Firstly, have a Green Deal assessment carried out on your property which will provide you with a report of what could be improved. Then agree to a quote or Green Deal plan with a Green Deal Provider. You can find them online through www.greendealorb.co.uk/consumersearch.

Once you have agreed the quote, apply for the Green Deal Cashback Voucher at www.gdcashback.decc.gov. uk. Make sure you have the work completed before the voucher expires and you’ll receive your cashback within 30 days.

Insulation Now is a great time to get up-to-date insulation as it’s a quiet period for installers. Insulation materials are also much cheaper to buy in the summer and early autumn when the demand is low, so it’s worth checking out B&Q or Homebase. Efficient insulation can cut the cost of heating and cooling by 40%, while loft insulations save an average 20% on your energy bills annually.

Don’t forget you can also find loft insulation vouchers on websites like Groupon as well as applying for the Green Deal.

Draught-proofing Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy in your home. The Energy Saving Trust claims you can save £55 a year.

You could save more money by taking the DIY route; materials should set you back around £100 while a professional might cost double this. Some older properties with single glazing will be more difficult to draught-proof however and if you are not comfortable with your DIY skills, hiring a professional could save you money in the long run. Check with your home insurance policy before carrying out work yourself to ensure that you are covered for any mishaps.

Plumbers Summer and early autumn is a slower time of year for plumbers so you could find the rates more favourable, and you’ll also be able to get the work completed quickly.

Have any pipe repairs or radiator work done now to eliminate cold spots and fix wasteful dripping taps.

It’s also worth having the plumbers in just to check everything is ship shape for winter.

Moneymagpie.com has up to date information on hundreds of ways to earn a bit on the side and boost your income – and more are being added every week. There is also a wealth of information on best-buy financial products, plus heaps of articles to help you be a clever consumer and make the most of your money.

Justin is on holiday WPLife

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

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

T: 0203 371 7939 • M: 07877 974913 E: info@businesstaxaccountants.co.uk FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • FIXED PRICE FEE SERVICE

See our website for a full list of services and price guide

www.businesstaxaccountants.co.uk

Andy Reeve

Plumbing & Heating Engineer ALL PLUMBING SERVICES from tap washers, toilets & garden taps through to installation of Central Heating Systems, Kitchens & Bathrooms.

No call out charges • Over 30 years in the trade

Mob : 07973 733649 / Tel : 020 8393 0180 andyreeve.plumber@virginmedia.com www.andyreeve.webs.com

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

27

N B E W AS M ED AL IN D EN

1. What is the name of the long plastic horn that came to worldwide attention during the 2010 FIFA World Cup with many supporters blowing on one to produce a loud monotone sound?

2. Which musical instrument features on the Guinness logo?

3. Jazz musician Charlie Parker is best known for playing which musical instrument?

4. Consisting of two metal strips bound around a cotton tape reed, a swazzle is an instrument that is held in the mouth and traditionally used to provide the voice of which character?

5. How many black keys are there for every eight white keys on a piano?

6. Which famous person popularised musical instruments called the wobble board and the stylophone?

7. How many strings are there in total on the four instruments that make up a standard string quartet?

8. Who famously set his guitar on fire at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival?

9. Which musical instrument features a part called a chanter, which the player of the instrument would use to create the melody?

10. Which musical instrument has a name that roughly translates as “jumping flea”?

WINDOW CLEANING • Local, Family Run Business • Regular & Reliable • Fully Insured WE CLEAN: Houses, Flats, Offices and Schools For A Free Quote For Your Property, Please Call: 020 3239 0015 or 07935 382 279 www.lionsoflondon.co.uk

28

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

1. The vuvuzela 2. The harp 3. Saxophone 4. Punch (in a Punch and Judy show) 5. Five 6. Rolf Harris 7. 16 (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello - all have 4 strings) 8. Jimi Hendrix 9. Bagpipes 10. The ukulele

Musical Instruments

Spotlight on

Richard Challoner Cricket Academy Our new Cricket Academy, fully endorsed by

Surrey County Cricket Club, warmly welcomes students aged 16-18 outside of Richard Challoner School

Academy aims

• Develop young cricketers and provide opportunities to excel in a professional environment • Enhance students’ self esteem, extend time management skills and aid personal development • Benefit students by delivering courses taught by high calibre, credentialled educators

Benefts

• Individual skill development with specialist bowling, batting, wicket keeping and fielding coaches within state-of-the-art facilities • Sports Nutrition and Psychology Workshops • Biomechanical analysis

Personalised gym programme and fitness training • Sports injury management

•

Timescale

• Courses run every week of the term for up to six hours per week • Fees for specialised course are £200 per term

Further details

Contact: Neil Mander tel: 020 8330 5947 nmande2@challoner.kingston.sch.uk WPLife

RICHARD CHALLONER SCHOOL Sixth Form Traditional Values, Tomorrow’s Thinking

JOIN US ON OUR OPEN EVENING Thursday 3rd October, 2013 – 7 pm

+ Mixed Sixth Form provision in superb setting + 40+ A-level and BTEC courses + ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted including teaching and learning, as well as ‘Leading Edge’ and ‘Top 100 Schools’ accreditation + State-of-the-art facilities for teaching and independent learning Richard Challoner School, Manor Drive North, New Malden KT3 5PE 020 8330 5947 // www.richardchalloner.com/sixthform To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

29

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

September Property Supplement

Worcester Park £799,950 • Detached Family Home

• Luxury Kitchen

• South/West Facing Garden

• Four/Five Bedrooms

• Two Receptions

• Garage & O.S.P

• Two Bath/Shower Rooms

• Study/Bedroom Five

• EPC Rating C

30

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

To view our full selection of properties scan this QR code with your smart phone

£750,000 South Cheam

£335,000 Worcester Park

• Detached Family Home • Four Bedrooms • Three Receptions • EPC Rating D

• Terraced House • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • EPC Rating D

£550,000 Worcester Park

£174,950 Worcester Park

• Extended Family Semi • Four Bedrooms • Two Receptions • EPC Rating E

• First Floor Apartment • Double Bedroom • Allocated Parking • EPC Rating C

Browns Residential

Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7JZ Email:

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

31

AUGUST 2013 UPDATE Some Things Old And Some Things New Every client and every property is special to us in their own way but there is rarely something more special than a first. A few months ago, when we were called to value one particular property there was a little more excitement than normal. This was the first house Peter Jackson sold. He remembers it very well and what he recalls is a real indication of how things have moved on, not only for this property but also the massive changes in life that we all take for granted. He says:“I know it’s an overused turn of phrase but it really does seem like only yesterday. On a cold damp morning in 1987 I strode purposefully out of the offices of Maggs Edwards and Sharp in Epsom High Street, pre TK Maxx and probably Sainsbury’s too. I decided to walk to Temple Road rather than use my company car, the trusty blue Ford Cortina, not because I thought parking would be a problem, it wasn’t then, but because I enjoyed the walk through town. Ten pence pieces jangled noisily in my pocket in case I needed to use a payphone. In my hand were the particulars of the property, painstakingly touch typed on a proper typewriter by our office secretary, and onto which I had carefully applied the single, fresh from the photo lab, sticky backed, glossy photograph.”

“It’s amazing to think that it is only 26 years ago and yet technology has changed how we do things completely. In my Cortina days computers were a very expensive rarity, the internet was something I had yet to hear of and digital photographs were more than a decade away. My children can no more imagine a non-computer age than I can imagine life without a washing machine. Things have changed and that’s also true of the property I was about to show.”

“Back then the details described a ‘fixer upper’. Take one step inside and the reason why was immediately obvious. This once glorious detached Victorian villa was suffering badly. Half the back room floor had collapsed as a result of damp and woodworm and the rest of the house told a similar story of woe and neglect. This most certainly wasn’t a project for the faint hearted. There was, however, plenty of potential and I had a good feeling that my potential buyer, a plumber and builder, would see the opportunity and snap the property up pretty quickly.”

“I arrived early, he arrived slightly flustered and a little late from a job that had over run. In the absence of sat-nav and mobile phones I waited and crossed fingers that he would find the property easily and had the right time for the viewing. He had no emailed details, no floor plan, no real idea of what was behind the front door apart from what I had described on the phone, which wasn’t glowing!

Different times indeed, perhaps better in some ways as my viewer could concentrate fully on the property rather than doing what we often see now, viewers spending more time trying to reconcile floor plans and camera angles than actually looking at the property itself. And there is no doubt that this gem, with its damp peeling walls, grubby kitchen and dated bathroom would not lend itself to internal photos no matter what exotic photographic technique you used!”

Roll forward 26 years and the property has changed hands only a couple of times, been modernised and is in much better shape, a happy blend of traditional and modern. Internet advertising and a few viewings later the property is sold at, as you can imagine, a markedly different price to that achieved in 1987. Once again it’s a family home and that’s just wonderful.”

Sales@JacksonNoon.com

32

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

Fitness

Get happy, get healthy, get Square Dancing!

Worcester Park has had its own Square Dancing

Club for 2 years now with over 50 members meeting weekly to learn new moves and to dance. Most of the people who came to the first sessions are still dancing and enjoying new challenges, as well as forming social groups from the membership.

Square dancing is not about performance. You will rarely see a demonstration because the fun of square dancing is in the action, not the result. Even a sense of rhythm is not required for this form of dance. There is no hopping, skipping or elegance; the basic step is…… a step.

It is nothing like line dancing although we sometimes use the same music and several square dancers are keen line dancers. We also have many dancers who have been folk, ballroom or jazz dancers and the occasional ballerina.

Square dancing is particularly suited to mathematicians, engineers and IT specialists as it involves geometric movement. You need an active brain as much as an active body, your brain getting as much exercise as your body. It is ideal for young couples who can get a babysitter one night a week or for families with teenagers or the recently retired.

It can offer you quality time as a couple learning and having fun.

Singles are very welcome in square dancing - you will always have someone to dance with. However, as it is similar to barn dancing, you could bring neighbours or colleagues without any commitment.

Children can learn with their parents from the age of eleven but they cannot join alone until the age of sixteen. Parents be warned that children pick up the moves far faster than adults!

Many dancers are happy to dance once a week at their own club but Square Dancing is an international participation activity. Some of our dancers in Worcester Park have already danced in Hastings, Worthing and the New Forest. The club organisers have been dancing for nearly fifteen years and have participated in dances in Germany, France, Spain, Slovakia and the USA. One of our members admits to being dragged along to his first session saying “I’ll go once to keep my wife happy!” – and now he is one of our keenest dancers.

You will not know how much fun dancing can be until you try Square Dancing. You will laugh as you learn but you will not fail as it is all about teamwork and we laugh together.

Why not come along for our first taster session on Monday 9th September 2013 at St. Mary’s Church Hall, The Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7HR commencing at 07.30 pm. It only costs £4 per person including light refreshments.

If you cannot make this date do not worry as we will accept new dancers every subsequent Monday night in September (i.e. 16th, 23rd and 30th). For further details contact Granville and Wendy Spencer on Tel: 02035567449, Mob: 07752431721 or E-mail: spencer8@tiscali.co.uk WPLife

SQUARE DANCING BEGINNERS CLASS MONDAY EVENINGS 7.30 – 9.30 pm COMMENCING 9th SEPTEMBER 2013 AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH HALL, THE AVENUE WORCESTER PARK, SURREY KT4 7HL

£4 (incl. refreshments) ------------------------------FOR FURTHER INFO CONTACT GRANVILLE OR WENDY ON 02035 567449 or 07752 431721 - spencer8@tiscali.co.uk

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

33

Clubs Mondays

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

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 9th September – Pete Shaw 14th October – Andrew Nix Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.

(Visitors £7) Visitors & new members are always welcome to our concerts. Further details from 020 8330 5795, or visit www. bansteadorganclub.co.uk Worcester Parkers Women’s Institute meet on the 3rd Monday of every month 7.45pm to 9.45pm at Christchurch with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park. For more information contact Dawn Penn 0208 337 4361 Email dawn.wicontact@gmail.com Cheam Common Art Group Small friendly Art Group who meet at CHRIST CHURCH with ST PHILIP Ruskin Road, Worcester Park on Monday evenings 7.30 – 9.30 p.m.

Welcome new members just to draw and paint in any medium without tuition.

If interested come down for an evening and meet us to see whether this is for you Phone Contact: Brenda Banks 020 8330 0928 Worcester Park Over 60’s Welcome Club meet every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at Christ Church with St Philip Church Hall in Ruskin Drive. Worcester Park.

All over 60’s welcome to join us for a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, plus some outstanding entertainment in the way of singers and musicians. One Monday a month we have Bingo and every Monday we run a raffle. Days outings to the coast are organised throughout the summer months, and mid week holidays are organised two or three times a year.

Come a little earlier and meet up with some friends and have a chat before the entertainment starts. We would love to see you. Contact Joyce on 020 8330 5065.

The ladies After Eight Club meet on the 2nd Monday of every month from 8pm onwards at Christchurch with St Philips church hall.

We have interesting speakers, outings and dinners and all are welcome for a small subscription to cover our costs.

34

Just come along and join in.

Please contact Carol on 020 8337 2452 for further information

Tuesdays

The Worcester Park Dramatic Society is a local amateur drama group of long standing. We stage two major productions a year at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell, in April and November. We meet every Tuesday and most Fridays at 8.15 pm in the Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam, on the Sainsbury’s site. Apart from play readings, rehearsals and set construction, we have quiz nights and various social events. We also arrange group outings to amateur and professional theatre productions.

We welcome new members to help us stage future productions, anyone willing to act or work backstage.

If interested, please contact our membership secretary, Joyce Cranfield, on 020 8337 3317.

“Lunch Break” - a friendly lunch club for those retired, meeting weekly on a Tuesday 12-2pm (term time only) at Worcester Park Baptist Church, The Avenue - free, but donations invited.

Occasional speakers. Contact Brian on 020 8224 6675 or Rowena 07837 941298 NHS Retirement Fellowship- Local Branch Are you retired or about to retire from the NHS? Why not join us on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10am -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)

Wednesdays

Keep Fit Stay Fit every Wednesday 10.1511.15am at Christ Church with St Philip, Ruskin Road. Come along and give it a try ! For more information please call Jo Hamilton on 020 8786 3444.

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

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

Thursdays

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

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

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

Malden Emergency First Aid Society (MEFAS) members meet every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 10pm. The public is invited to join members on short training courses. For further details please see

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

MEFAS web site at http://e-voice.org.uk/mefas/ or telephone 020 8942 8653 or 07966661015 Breathe Easy (Merton & Sutton) Group.

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

We meet between 2 - 4 pm on the 3rd. Thursday of every month at St Bedes Conference Centre, St Anthony’s Hospital, London Road, North Cheam. For more information please contact George on 0208 647 7530 or visit www.lunguk.org/ merton-sutton.

Fridays

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

New members welcome. No joining fee. Transport may be available. All you have to do is pop along and give us a try, we can guarantee that you will receive a warm welcome!

Contact us on 01372 720563 or 07807443156 Quest was set up in 1987 to provide a meeting place for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 20 - 60. However, once a member there is no age cut off. The aim of the club is to provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere for the members and allow the carers to have a regular break. Everyone pays an annual subscription. and we all pay £2.50 for our lunch, which

BUSINESS CARD OFFER 250 x 1 - £35.00 D/Side - £50.00 500 x 1 - £45.00 D/Side - £65.00 250 x 2 - £50.00 D/Side - £70.00 Artwork from £10.00

is cooked on the premises. We have various social activities and every second month we have a speaker, outings can be arranged if enough people wish to go. The venue is St. Philip Hall, Christchurch with St. Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park.

We meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month from 12.45 to 4p.m Contact June Day, Club Secretary, on 02083301220 RSPB Epsom And Ewell Local Group We meet the 2nd Friday of every month at 7.30, apart from July and August, at All Saints Church Hall Fulford Road, West Ewell with guest speakers who illustrate their enthusiasm on a variety of natural history subjects. Our speakers are of a high quality and we welcome anyone who has an interest in this area. We also have several birding outings throughout the year which is arranged to suit all ages. There is a small charge for non-members of the RSPB. If you would like more information, please look at our website, www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/epsom

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.

Our internal competitions are fun but keenly contested and provide competitive bowling through the season. 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!

Dance Dates for 2013: 16th/September 6th and 20th/October 4th and 18th/November 1st and 15th/December 13th CALL 07903 314276 National Trust - Epsom, Ewell and District Supporters GroupFormed in 1971, we run a varied programme of social eventswhich includes Evening Lectures at Bourne Hall in Ewell, once a month from Oct. to June, Coach Outings which visit historichouses and gardens(not necessarily N.T.),Guided London Walks, and other trips to London e.g.The Magic Circle, The Royal Opera House (backstage tour).Other special events include Coffee Mornings, Holidays and Christmas Lunch.

Newsletters are produced four times a year.If you would like more information please visit our website: www.epsom-ewell-district-nt.co.uk or telephone Paul on 020 87158486 Malden Manor Bowls Club Where: Manor Park, Malden Road.

New members will be made very welcome. Roll ups, league matches, internal and external competition; we offer bowling for all levels of interest and ability. Contact Men’s Secretary John: 020 8337 0084 or Ladies Secretary Pat: 020 8544 9704

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

35

Weed Attack

by Pippa Greenwood Ask a dictionary the definition of a weed and you’ll

read that it’s ‘a plant growing in the wrong place’. Ask a gardener, and they’ll tell you that weeds are often the number one menace in their garden. So if you want to wage war on those pesky weeds, and stand a chance of winning, take a look at my multi-pronged attack strategy.

Off with their Heads

Whatever the weed problem, it’s essential to prevent them from setting seed. Make sure you cut off its head before it has a chance to even start to set seed. The old saying that ‘one year’s seed is seven years’ weed’ isn’t far from the truth.

Stop Stowaways

When you’re next shopping for plants in your local garden centre or nursery make sure that you only bring home what you want, not those pesky weed stowaways that often lurk on the compost surface. I always do a bit of weeding before buying: especially for weeds such as the innocent looking hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta).

Spaghetti roots

Laying Carpet

For large areas, try the carpet option; literally covering the surface with a layer or two of carpet, held in place with bricks. If the carpet is placed fluffy side down and left in place for at least 18 months, the weeds will start to die off from lack of light. Make sure that the carpet is made from natural fibres, not synthetic or else you’ll be left with it in the soil, and for allotments, check that there are no restrictions on using carpet.

Time it Right

Some weeds such as the purple flowered oxalis spread by forming tiny ‘bulbils’ or miniature bulbs below ground. If you try to dig these weeds out now, the bulbils will be shed into the surrounding soil as you lift the plant out, making matters worse. Wait until next spring when the bulbils will be firmly attached and weed them out then.

Some weeds like couch grass, bindweed and nettles have amazingly resilient and far-reaching underground stems or roots. Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to use a powered cultivator or rotovator as this will chop the roots in to little bits and end up spreading and increasing the problem in the process.

Hoe, hoe, hoe

Lawn Louts

Careful what you Compost

Deep Rooted Problems

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. WPLife

Lawn weeds such as dandelions and daisies are difficult to control as unlike the taller weeds, these rosette-forming plants won’t be harmed as you mow the lawn. One of the best, albeit slow, methods is to tackle them with a sturdy old kitchen knife or a daisygrubber tool.

Some weeds such as docks and dandelions have tough and chunky roots that are very difficult to kill. And to make matters worse, if you leave any sizeable bit of the root in the soil, it’s likely to form a new plant. Do everything you can to take out the entire root as you’ll be saving a lot of time in the long run.

36

An old fashioned and still just as useful method of weed control is the hoe. They’re a great way to weed your garden, especially if it’s largely annual weeds such as chickweed or groundsel that invade your plot. Keep the hoe sharp and use it regularly.

Only compost the green, leafy bits of weeds; avoid any chunky roots, and never put any flowering or seeding weeds in the compost heap. Some weed seeds will easily survive most domestic composting systems.

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

Time to change your mattress?

ADVERTISEMENT

Most people sleep on it and pay the price.

A tired mattress can leave you feeling just as tired too

By Sandra Haynes

I

s your mattress over 7 years old, saggy or just not as comfortable as it used to be? Putting off replacing it can lead to disturbed sleep, morning tiredness, stiff neck and back ache. In fact, it’s the main reason for lack of sleep for most people – they just don’t realize it.

Buying a new mattress might seem like an expense you can manage without but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your health and general well being.

SPECIAL READER OFFER!

What happens to your old mattress over time?

The main problem is deteriorating support. Over time, the springs inside your mattress lose their firmness so they start to sag under

Right now, you’ll PAY LESS to regain a good nights sleep with our EXTRA DISCOUNT SPECIAL OFFER!

l l l

your weight. Eventually they become so weakened they retain your shape creating dips and hollows across the surface of the mattress. It’s this unevenness and lack of support that causes the body to toss and turn during the night. The lumpier it gets the more disturbed sleep you’re likely to get.

The benefits of a new mattress to you l l l l l l l

You’ll sleep much better for longer Fall asleep quicker and far easier Wake up feeling far more refreshed Aches and pains will simply fade away Well rested you’ll feel happier in yourself You’ll find you have that much more energy Handle the stresses of the day much more easily

Over 3000 top quality mattresses in stock All types - Pocket Sprung, Memory & Latex Foam Guaranteed cheaper than the Internet Try before you buy plus same day delivery Old mattress disposal service

Take this luxury Visco l Pocket Memory Foam l Mattress for example.

The very latest in mattress design, it uses a combination of pressure relieving memory foam and the finest pocket springs This voucher entitles the for the most comfortable and holder to £50 off a restful night’s sleep of your life.

Not only that as you can see from Single Mattress, the table below, you could £100 off a SAVE UP TO £200!

Double or King and WITH VOUCHER SAVE DELIVERY £200 off £99 £50 FREE delivery a Super and FREE old £199 £100 King. bed disposal

!

Extra discount voucher WORTH up to £200

SAVE

UP TO

£200

SIZE

WAS

Single (75cm)

£149

Double (120cm) £299 King (150cm)

£399

£299

£100

available*

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

CUT OUT VOUCHER OR BRING THIS ADVERT WITH YOU TO CLAIM YOUR EXTRA DISCOUNT ON THE MATTRESS OF YOUR CHOICE!

Beckenham

421 Croydon Road Beckenham, Kent BR3 3PP 020 8658 2242

Horley

30 Balcombe Road Horley, West Sussex RH6 9AA 01293 825901

Leatherhead

22 – 30 North Street Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7AT 01372 388223

Morden

1 – 3 London Road Morden, Surrey SM4 5HX 020 3044 0008

*Details in-store. All store opening times: 9am - 6pm Mon - Sat, 11am - 5pm Sun

New Malden (B&Q) Unit 2, 175 Burlington Road New Malden, Surrey KT3 4LU 020 3441 1105

Wallington

59 Stafford Road Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AP 020 8669 0273

www.hamseys.co.uk

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

37

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

24

22

19 24

19

5

16 11

21

8

17

14

22

21

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

8

21

22

23

24

20

25

26

11

20

20 24

L

19

8

4

11

12

26

21

6

26

9

4

19

10

15

26

8

20

12

13

21

20

3

4

17

5

8

22

22

13

22

19

14

20 11

20

20

I

12

21

7

4

15

S

11

19

14

15

11

19

22

1

20

9

15

20

8

3

19

18

15

5

20 1

8

16

24

15

18

5 11

11

8

4

4 20

4

l l l

High Performance Cars Light Commercials Family Saloons 4WD Vehicles

l l l l

All leading makes of tyres Available from stock Wheel alignment and balancing While U Wait service

169 CHESSINGTON ROAD, WEST EWELL, EPSOM, SURREY

38

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

20 20

13

TYRE SPECIALISTS

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS l

15 20

MEGA DEALS!

(Ewell)

20

4

4 23

8

12 18

2

5

20

5

4

20

15

15

21

11

25

26

20

19

15

at

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

39

Cooking Your Spanish

At last, a different way to learn a language We all have always found difficult learning another

language: the grammar, the pronunciation, vocabulary... and what about understanding the native speakers?

Cooking Your Spanish teaches you Spanish at the same time you prepare tapas - learn and practise your Spanish meanwhile you are having fun! As simple as that...we focus on conversation and you learn how to prepare new delicious tapas every time. You have such fun that you don’t feel stressed about learning the language and by feeling good in a relaxed atmosphere, you will remember what you are learning week by week.

We cover daily real situations you would be involved with when visiting a Spanish speaking country: using public transportation, meeting people, at the hotel, visiting a doctor, ordering in a restaurant, going to museums, shopping and more.

Using a kitchen environment as a vehicle, you will learn Spanish through all your senses and prepare three new tapas per lesson, getting to know the history of the tapa or its ingredients.

Did you know that “chimichurri”, the famous Argentinian dressing, comes from an Irish trader named “Jimmy Curry”?

The Argentineans’ imagination and pronunciation did the rest...or, did you also know that serving a tapa with every glass of wine was mandatory in Medieval Spain to prevent people getting drunk?

Travel with us to Spain and Latin America through the Hispanic world of food.

Our groups are for up to 8 students. We are offering two courses this Autumn in Worcester Park: - Beginner: Mondays from 23 Sep to 11 Nov, 7pm to 8.30pm - Intermediate: Wednesdays from 25 Sep to 13 Nov, 7pm

to 8.30pm Come and join us at our “taste” open day on 11 September at Fitzroy House, suite 12. We’ll be at our cozy “kitchen”, so book your free place and pop in to find out more information and how to register.

Visit our facebook page at cookingyourspanish or contact us at cookingyouspanish@gmail.com or on 07503 727320 WPLife y

o

u r

Y O U R

SPANISH & TAPAS Learn Spanish while preparing tapas Courses start in September 2013 Beginner: Mondays, 23 Sep - 11 Nov (8 weeks) Intermediate: Wednesdays, 25 Sep - 13 Nov (8 weeks) Time: 7pm to 8.30pm Fee: £199 (food and kitchen utensils included!

Payable by instalments Location: Fitzroy House, (opposite Barclays) Worcester Park Come and join us at our “taste” open day on: 11 September Book your free place at: cookingyourspanish@gmail.com T: 07503 727320

cookingyourspanish

40

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

P E CONTRACTORS LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS

+ BRICKWORK & DECORATIVE WALLS + ALL TYPES OF PAVING LAID + PATIOS AND PATHS + DRIVEWAYS + FENCING AND GATES + TURFING + PONDS + CONCRETE BASES + QUALITY WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED + PHOTOS AVAILABLE + NO SUB CONTRACT LABOUR USED + FULLY INSURED + CITY AND GUILDS QUALIFIED + ESTABLISHED 1985

0208 393 7900 // 07973 192426 www.pe-contractors.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

41

Voice for Wildlife

by Carol Williams

Small Beauties.

I have been paying attention to small things this Summer. Taking walks in patches of wildness and looking closely at the tiny flowers and the insects they attract. Nonsuch Park, the nature reserve behind The Hamptons, the paths through the Hogsmill Conservation areas, Epsom and Ashtead Commons and Horton Country Park. I saw more bees and butterflies in July than for a long time, which is encouraging, since so many of them are now in serious decline, nationwide.

In Shadbolt Park there is a small patch of ragwort which has flourished in the wild area surrounding the pond railings. In this single patch we have seen about 6 different species of butterfly or moth and many bees, all foraging for nectar on the plant at the same time.

It seems to be a magnet for flying insects! Rosebay willow herb, thistle and blackberry also attract them, particularly when growing in full sun.

Several conservation charities have been urging us to help bees this year and BBC Springwatch did a special programme on butterflies. Many of these are specialists, so when their preferred food plant disappears from the countryside, so do the butterflies.

For many others, however, encouraging small patches of native plants or sowing a wild flower strip will suffice. We have seen, in Shadbolt Park over the past 3 years, how widlife thrives when given the slightest helping hand.

I have enjoyed seeing Burnet moths, not a species I really knew much about before we created our small wildlife refuge in the park, and also the cases left behind on stems of long grass by emerging dragonfly adults, some of which we will be displaying in the notice board, once we have repainted it, a work currently in progress as this goes to print!

Habitat in the park would be greatly enhanced by a swathe of meadow flowers in the area where we recorded bats in 2010. Grass is left long here for a time, but usually cut in June/July. It then becomes rather dull and of little use to wildlife, whereas, if a third of it were to be turned into a small conservation strip left uncut for much longer and improved with the sowing

Wendover House, West Ewell Chessington Road, West Ewell, KT19 9XF

 Enjoy independent living with no worries about home maintenance costs and responsibilities  Inclusive fees from £250.00 per week  Home cooked meals  Meet new friends Why not visit us and take a look?

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

42

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

of meadow flowers, there would be a huge increase in wildlife diversity across the park.

The Wildlife Trusts have estimated that we have over 200,000 hectares of possible ‘linear meadow habitat’ in our roadside verges, yet a fraction of these, less that 5%, are currently intentionally managed by the local Councils, as conservation strips.

Most of the UK’s minor roads follow the tracks and pathways worn by our ancestors over many centuries.

They offer us glimpses of a time when flower rich meadows abounded in land that was farmed for more sustainably than today, leaving plenty of room for wildlife. Organic farms are the only ones, nowadays, that do this, so buying organic fruit and vegetables is a good way to help wildlife, particularly since some types of pesticide are thought to be a large part of the reason for bee decline in recent years.

Wildlife is now squeezed to the edges of fields and pastures and pushed out completely by insenstive developments that do not factor in their needs at all. A patch of ‘scrub’ on a derelict site, or a neglected garden, may often seem to the human eye, a ‘waste’ of good land where a house or shop could be built, but, in fact, it will be a useful small nature reserve that is helping many small creatures to survive in an urban desert.

A patch of ‘wild’ is a small beauty that we need to learn to cherish and to recreate when lost. I have seen,

in Shadbolt Park, how quickly Nature rewards even the tiniest encouragement. As I walk about Worcester Park, I see largish patches of grass in many streets the traffic islands for instance, and some of the larger verges on the corners, which could so easily become conservation areas, if our Councils were to adopt this as a policy. With bees and butterflies in peril all across the UK, this could be a significant small step to improve things for them.

I also imagine every garden with a small pond and/ or a patch of wildflowers in the lawn. Neither have to take up much room- 2 square yards would do. Just one ragwort plant in Shadbolt Park has been alive with humming and flitting insects all through July. Imagine that repeated garden by garden, verge by verge...

I began this piece with mentions of some of the loveliest Nature Reserves already beautifully managed in this area, and I am so grateful to have these small beauties on my doorstep. They show that we have much knowledge of conservation within our local authorities already and a significant ‘army’ of keen volunteers, all of which is hugely positive. But there are many more urban recreation grounds, school playing fields, churchyards, supermarket carparks, industrial estates, larger gardens and miles of street verges that could also be easily turned into a positive wildlife asset.

Together, perhaps those of us who care for wildlife can make it happen. WPLife

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

43

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

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

Worcester Park Baptist Church 9.30-11.30- see Monday. we have vacancies on a Wednesday

Friday

Christ Church with St Philip Parent and Toddler Group 9.30 until 11.15am - see Monday St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group meets 10.00 11.30am in the Parish Centre. Families enjoy making new friends in a relaxed atmosphere, while their children play safely. Ladies from St. Mary’s Mothers’ Union serve refreshments during the morning for both adults and children. Feel free to pop in and check us out any Friday morning during term time; you can be sure of a warm welcome. For more information, please contact the Parish Office tel: 020 8337 4026

Saturday

Tuesday

Men behaving Dadly, Grace Church - every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9.30 to 11 am, at Green Lane Primary School.

For Dads and their pre-school children (0-4). The kids get to play with the toys, the Dads get a bacon roll and coffee, and Mums might possibly get a lie-in... £3 on the door. For more information & contact details, www.gracechurchworcesterpark.org

Wednesday

Old Malden Library (Church Road, Worcester Park) Tuesdays, 10.30-11am, Rhyme time aimed at age 0-3 Tuesdays, 2.30-3pm, Story time aimed at age 3+ WPLife

Toddling2Church, Christ Church with St Philip 2-3pm Parents, carers and pre-school children are all welcome to join us for songs with percussion instruments, a Bible story simply and sensitively told, a story-related craft activity and, of course, drinks and biscuits.

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

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

New Tuesday class from 16 April At Cheam library

Every Thursday, At Worcester Park Library

9.45am Baby class 10.30am Toddler class

10.15am 2.45pm 3.45pm

Toddler class Toddler class 2yr+ Baby class

 £30 for a block of 6 classes, which can be used in an 8-week period.  Drop in fee: £7 subject to availability

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

44

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

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

45

Cleaning at its best GES Clean is a professional and reliable cleaning service that operates in South London and Surrey. All of our cleaners are reference checked and vetted for your peace of mind. We offer a wide range of services to suit your needs.

Our services include:

• Domestic Cleaning • End of Tenancy Cleaning • Spring Cleaning • After Building Cleaning • Office Cleaning • After Party Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Prices Start at £12 per hour 46

Cleaning at its best

For more information or to discuss a bespoke service that suits your needs please call: 020 8393 5506 Or email: info@gesclean.co.uk

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

www.gesclean.co.uk

Kids

On Yer Wand!

Losing your job is quite a setback, but for

one Worcester Park resident it set him right back to his teenage passions - magic and puppets.

Until last November local parent Marcus Morgan, of Longfellow Road, worked in a hospital in central London. “The hospital was having a reorganisation, moving people about to save money, and my job was one of the ones that was for the chop. I didn’t want to leave but in the end I had to.”

“I spent months applying for similar jobs in other hospitals, but there’s only a few of them and lots of other candidates. I went on to Job Seekers Allowance and was starting to lose hope.”

But then a chance comment to the Job Centre Adviser changed his life, bringing with it the help of a government scheme.

“We were talking about what other skills I had, and I was trying to list everything, absolutely everything,

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

OUR POLICY IS A GOOD JOB AT THE RIGHT PRICE

07930108892

info@gregbuildingservices.co.uk

www.gregbuildingservices.co.uk

and I mentioned that I was into magic and puppets. And from there we started talking about self-employment.”

Not just a hobby Marcus had previously taken a puppetry evening class at London’s prestigious ‘Central School of Speech & Drama’ and in 2012 won a trophy for his magic act at the South London Magic Society. A cub-scout leader when he was in his 20s, he had a lot of experience entertaining and controlling audiences of

children.

His Job Centre Adviser put him in touch with Greater London Enterprise who administer a scheme for the government to encourage the unemployed to start up new businesses. Set up by the Conservatives, the New Enterprise Allowance gives potential entrepreneurs access to advice, training and finance.

“The mentor at the GLE said she’d never had a Magician client before, but she was really supportive and gave me a lot of good ideas and support. She suggested I do market research - and I found that there was a gap in the market locally for a skilled party entertainer. I combine magic with puppetry and games, and that ‘whole party’ package wasn’t being offered at a professional level. With her help I wrote a business plan, and secured a loan for the start-up costs.”

The New Enterprise Allowance loan is intended to cover the initial costs of setting up as self-employed.

“That amount made a huge difference to me, allowing me to buy props, costume and equipment plus start some online advertising.”

How’s it going now, six months later? “I’m really enjoying the performing, I’m less enjoying the admin!”, he laughs. “When I’m at a party in a room full of children all watching and laughing along with the show - that’s brilliant. When I’m sitting at home typing up invoices, that’s not as much fun.”

Looking back, does Marcus miss his old job? “I would never have quit to become a magician - I thought I had job security and wouldn’t have given that up. But I was wrong, and now I spend my time making people happy, making children laugh. I love it.”

Contact Marcus to discuss how he can, as he says, “make your party hassle-free” on 07595607036 or via his website www.magicmarcus.co.uk WPLife

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

47

What’s on

Give blood

Join our fun quizzes.

For further details Bob: 020 8337 3134 or Diana 020 8641 3540 8th Sunday September London to Brighton cycle ride Starting at Clapham Common and finishing in Brighton We have 10 guaranteed places available with a £35.00 deposit and we ask for a minimum of £100 sponsorship. - If you would like one of our places please contact, Kerry Thomas- details above St Philip, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park Saturday 21st September Wednesday 17 Jul Cheam FAMILY Midnight Memories Walk, Thursday 19 Sep, Wednesday 23 Oct, Starting and finishing at the Hospice Thursday 02 Jan This is a great night out for all the family, 2 to 4:30pm 5.30 to 8pm friends or groups, walking together a circular 5 mile route. This sponsored walk Fun times in support of raises much needed funds to support the work of St Raphael’s Hospice. We need your local Hospice to raise over £3 million each year to care If you would like one of our places please for over 1,000 patients and their families contact Community Fundraising, Kerry Thomas through the most difficult times in their on T:020 8254 2465 or email lives. Please, if you can, support us or Kerry.thomas@straphaelshospice.org.uk sponsor friends or family who are taking 4th Wednesday September Quiz Evening St part. The theme is yellow and t-shirts/ Bedes Conference, Centre behind the hospice wigs are provided and you can dress this - Table of 8: £72. up with your own accessories/costumes!

Book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 AFC Wimbledon Wednesday 02 Oct, Tuesday 12 Nov 2013 , Tuesday 04 Feb 2014 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm St James’s Church Hall, Bodley Road, New Malden KT3 5QE Wednesday 14 Aug 2 to 4.30pm 5.30 to 8pm

48

11pm start. To register for this sponsored event or for more information please call Louisa Hitchen on 020 8254 2467 or email: Louisa.hitchen@straphaelshospice. org.uk

St. John’s Old Malden will be open on Thursday 12th September and Friday 13th, 11am to 4pm; Saturday 14th, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 15th, 2pm to 5pm. An exhibition showing the long history of Malden can be viewed, and refreshments will be available.

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, 9.30am1.30pm, North Cheam Crossroads outside the Post Office, KT4 8SG. Worcester Park Local Produce and Craft Market – Sat 6th July, Sat 5th

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

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 Nonsuch News 23rd) 2 – 5 p.m. Combined entry to Gallery “National media focus on the Tudors/local & Museum £3.00, Concessions £2.00. Friends interest in Tudor history on our doorstep in of Nonsuch Members & Children under 16 Nonsuch Park. free. Entry only to Gallery £2.50. Last entry BBC2 has a season on Tudor history; the 4.30 p.m.

V & A has an exhibition of Tudor Art and www.friendsofnonsuch.co.uk” Buckingham Palace is showing portraits Bourne Hall Museum exploring Tudor fashion. The local resident, however, does not need to travel Good Queen Bess Saturday 14 September 1pm-2.30pm to London to appreciate some of Tudor history. An amazing model of the original The royal progress of Queen Elizabeth I will halt at one of the Queen’s favourite palaces, Nonsuch Palace, built by Henry VIII to celebrate the birth of his son Edward – so Nonsuch, in Ewell and allow local citizens to join the Queen’s court. important to the Tudor dynasty – is on view every Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. in the Gallery Meet the Virgin Queen in all her splendour and listen as she tells the story of her life and of the Mansion, Service Wing entrance, the news of court.

Nonsuch Park. The site is marked on the See how she was a leader of fashion and how Northern side of the Park by three tall October and Sun 1st December, 10am4pm, Central Road Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market, Sat 29th June, Sat 28th September and Sat 30th November, 10am-4pm, Town Square, Sutton High Street Market on the Square 1st Saturday of the month Georges Square (by New Malden Train Station) 9am to 2pm Surbiton Farmers Market Maple Road 3rdSaturday of the month 9am-1pm

she influenced the clothes of her courtiers.

Learn courtly etiquette to ensure that you don’t displease her and get sent to The Tower. Practise your newfound skills as you are presented to the Queen herself.

Price £4 per child Further details available from David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF. Tel 020 8394 1734. Email brooksd@ epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Worcester Park Library

Cinema Club Enjoy a classic film with the Friends of the Library. Tuesday 10th 2.00 – 5.00 pm : £3.50 (this price includes refreshments) Book Buddies : If your aged 7-9 and love getting your nose into a good book, you’ll LOVE BOOK BUDDIES. Refreshments provided. Contact the library for more information.

Saturday 21st Sept 2.30 – 3.30 pm Free Craft Club Organised by the Friends of Worcester Park Library Every Friday

RANSOMS (PLANT HIRE) CO. LTD. Established 48 years MIXERS, CULTIVATORS, POWERED TURF CUTTERS, STRIMMER, KANGOS, POWER TOOLS, TOWERS, STRIPPERS, TRESTLES, LADDERS, GENERATORS, CAR TOOLS, CARPET CLEANERS, PUMPS, PATIO HEATERS, DRINKS COOLERS etc… * BALLAST / SHARP SAND SUPPLIED LOOSE * * CALOR GAS STOCKISTS * SAME DAY DELIVERY * MON - FRI 8AM - 5PM, SAT 8AM -12 NOON

020 8397 1848

436 HOOK ROAD, CHESSINGTON, SURREY. KT9 1LY

www.ransomsplanthire.org.uk (Please use green door seen in picture)

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

49

5.00 – 7.00 pm Donation towards craft materials requested & small fee for refreshments. Adults only Knitting Circle Learn to knit and make new friends.Tuesdays 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Free Scrabble Club All abilities of scrabble player are welcome to our open invite game group. Every Wednesday 1.00 – 4.00 pm 50p for refreshments Story and Rhyme Time Every Friday (term time starts again 6th September) 11.15 – 11.45 am Free. Please collect a free ticket on the day, places are limited. Ages: 0 – 3 years Over 50s Computer skills for Beginners A free 4 week introductory computer course run by Library staff. Pop in to any Sutton library for further details or to book your place.

Tuesdays 2.00 – 3.00 pm Free Councillor Surgeries Come and chat with your local Councillor.1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 11.00-12.00noon first and third Saturdays Liberal Democrat Councillors12.001.00pm third Saturday of the month Conservative Councillors Japanese Tuition Learn Japanese for free with a Japanese teacher (places are limited). Every Thursday 3.30 – 4.30 pm Free 8 – 11 years Homework Club Get help with your homework and enjoy free homework resources at this all inclusive club. Every Friday (term time only) 3.45 – 4.45 pm FREE Ages: 7+ Music Fun Music classes for babies and toddlers, using actions, rhymes, instruments, props, scarves, bubbles, bells and mores Thursdays from 12th Sept 9.45-10.30am Babies 10.35-11.20am Toddlers, £36 for 6 sessions, or £7 each session, Babies – 3years

Kingston events

31st August and 1st September: Minima Regatta In the heart of Kingston, the Minima Yacht Club plays host to an annual regatta that sees local sailors pit their skills against visiting clubs, sailing between Kingston Bridge and Raven’s Ait. Spectators can enjoy the action from the shore with plenty of races to take in and a chance to visit the Minima Yacht Club and enjoy the brilliant views down the Thames. For more information visit: www.minimayc.co.uk 1st September: Kingston Carnival Legend of the UK reggae scene David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan is coming to headline Kingston’s 2013 Carnival. With over 50 years of reggae and DJing experience, David brings his unique show to Kingston’s historic Market Place.

The theme of this year’s carnival is: Different Communities, Many Cultures ONE Kingston. In addition, to David ‘Ram Jam”, the Carnival offers dancing, stalls and delicious food as well as a parade featuring the cream of London’s Mas bands fresh from their performance at Notting Hill Carnival.

12th – 15th September: Heritage Open Weekend Heritage Open Days Weekend takes place in September and sees buildings of historical significance opened up for the public to visit free of charge. In Kingston, over thirty buildings will be available to visit, ranging from churches to cellars and Kingston Council’s Grade II listed Guildhall.

Full details of the properties open during the weekend will be available from mid-July by visiting: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory

Rose Theatre Kingston

24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, Box Office: 08444 821 556 (bkg fee) www.rosetheatrekingston.org (bkg fee) Mon 2 – Sat 7 Sep Daytona - A new play by Oliver Cotton Starring Maureen Lipman, Harry Shearer and John Bowe

50

‘See the ripples? You’re underneath. Your body’s under those ripples.’

Haunting, funny, poignant and full of mystery, Daytona is a play with not one but two love stories at its heart. £15 - £30, pit seats £8 Sun 8 Sep 7pm An Evening with Ruth Rendell Join us for an evening with the creator of the iconic fictional detective Chief Inspector Wexford. This is a unique opportunity to hear Ruth Rendell talk about her long and successful career in writing wrongs, and to hear about her new Wexford novel No Man’s Nightingale. £15, pit seats £8 Tue 10 Sep 7.30pm Stewart Lee - Much A-Stew About Nothing - Following the sell-out Carpet Remnant World, acclaimed writer and comedian Stewart Lee presents a mixed stew of unrelated ideas in preparation for his 2014 TV series. £20, pit seats. £15 Wed 11 – Sat 14 Sep The Snail and The Whale Based on the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler ‘How I long to sail said the tiny snail…’ Tall Stories, creators of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows bring you their latest exciting collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father.

Age 4+ £12, pit seats £8 Thu 19 Sep – Sat 12 Oct Ghosts By Henrik Ibsen Post Show discussion Thu 10 Oct Oswald returns from Paris to honour his dead father. As his mother begins to feel the presence of ghosts from the past around her, Oswald discovers there is more to his mystery illness than he first thought. Only by uncovering the truth can they both be free. £13 - £28.50, pit seats £8 Sun 29 Sep 7.30pm Sun 27 Oct 7.30pm The Comedy Store Every famous comic has graced The Comedy Store’s stage at some point in the last thirty years and their critically acclaimed shows remain the place to see the stars of tomorrow, today.

Advance Tickets: £12, pit seats £10 On the Door Tickets: £14, pit seats £12 Sun 6 Oct 7.30pm Richard Durrant: The Guitar Whisperer With music from JS Bach, Django Reinhardt, music from Venezuela to Romania, Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, and a set of folk dances for guitar and laptop, you will see why Richard is the greatest guitarist of his generation. £14, pit cushions £11 Sun 13 Oct 7.30pm BBC Big Band & Clare Teal Award-winning jazz vocalist, Clare Teal, joins the BBC Big Band for a celebration of the legendary leading ladies of the Big Band stage – from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee. Feel-good music inspired by the most glamorous women in Jazz. £22.50 - £25, pit cushions £14 Tue 15 – Sat 19 Oct Oedipussy - Spymonkey’s hilariously anarchic comedy combined with playful storytelling of Kneehigh Artsitic Director Emma Rice and writer Carl Grose to create an outrageous no-holds-barred subversion of the quintessential Greek tragedy. Inspired by Barbarella, Bowie and a little bit of Bond, this is a tale of the ultimate dysfunctional family. Age Guidance 14+ £12 - £25, pit cushions £8 Sun 20 Oct 7.30pm The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show Live! Join Simon Jones as Arthur Dent and Mitch Benn as Zaphod Beeblebrox with favourites from the legendary Radio and TV casts. VIP Guest Voice Of The Book to be announced. £25, Pit cushions £14 Tue 22 – Sat 26 Oct Theatre Royal Bury St Edmonds present Mansfield Park By Jane Austen Mansfield Park is a spellbinding re-telling of Austen’s

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

e captivating novel, and a must see for lovers of all classic drama, from the country’s last remaining Regency Theatre.

Tickets £16 - £25, pit cushions £8 Sun 27 Oct 7.30pm The Comedy Store Every famous comic has graced The Comedy Store’s stage at some point in the last thirty years and their critically acclaimed shows remain the place to see the stars of tomorrow, today.

Advance Tickets: £12, pit cushions £10 On the Door Tickets: £14, pit cushions £12 Mon 28 Oct Catherine Shipton in Soldier’s Wives - Sarah Daniels’ funny, moving and gripping tale with one of TV’s finest and well known drama series actors in this explosive one woman show, nominated for Best Solo Performance at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Part of the performance fee for this production will be donated by the Producer to HELP for HEROES £12, pit cushions £9 Tue 29 Oct – Sun 3 Nov What the Ladybird Heard Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks - Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird and a whole farmyard of fun!

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own. £12, pit cushions £8

Epsom Playhouse,

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

2 September Treasure Island Take your family on a merry romp to the sunny Caribbee’ with Cambridge Touring Theatre’s swashbuckling musical adaptation of Treasure Island. productions.

SKC Electrical SKC Electrical are electricians based in Sutton, Surrey that provide a comprehensive range of electrical services including: • Complete and part re-wires • Fuse board upgrades and repairs • Inspection and testing • Landlords certificates • Lighting and power points • Shower and cooker circuits • Garden lighting SKC Electrical works in accordance with approved Document Part P of the Building Regulations.

Call On: 020 8641 9396 • Mob: 07971 172 450

www.skcelectrical.com

6 September Mistresses These Mistresses of Kings and famous artists tell heart-rending tales of love, lust and laughter!

Starring Jean Heard, Julia Munrow and Donna Flinn.

9 September Brian White’s French Quarter All Stars Inspired by the New Orleans masters.

11 September The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A) 12 September Love Goat In The Pearl ACDARTS and BANTU VISUAL ARTS PRODUCTION in relation with Bantu Theatre co present “LOVE, GOATS in the PEARL...!”

13 September Dancing Queen “The Concert” is an action packed party show featuring all the greatest hits from Abba, Grease and the biggest hits from the 70’s. With a fantastic cast of singers and musicians, Dancing Queen is the ultimate party show that will have the whole family dancing in the isles.

14 September Sounds of the Glen Miller Era Recapture the sounds of a bygone era with the Nick Ross Orchestra.

15 September A Proms Concert Performed by Farnborough Concert Band of The Royal British Legion. Special Guests Military Wives Choir from Aldershot 19 September Hal Cruttenden The ‘Tough Luvvie’ Tour Following stand out performances on Live At The Apollo (BBC1), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV1) and The Edinburgh Comedy Gala (BBC3), Hal is being strongly tipped as the next big thing.

20 September The Twist THE TWIST is set in an American Diner where all the greats from the 50’s and 60’s pop in, Elvis, Dusty, Buddy, Petula and more.

Theultimate feelgood show of great songs, fun and laughter.

Starring: West End Sweetheart, Suzi Jary BBC’s strictly Come Dancing lead vocalist, Chris Madin TV’s favourite Elvis, Paul Molloy

Robert’s Driving School Your Local Independent DSA Approved Driving Instructor.

Introductory Offer Your first 4 lessons for just £50 • Learner, Advanced, Refresher and Motorway Lessons. Intensive and Pass Plus Courses.

• Excellent 1st Time Pass Rate.

• Competitive Prices with Discounts for Block Booking and Student’s.

• Off Road Lessons at 16 Years Old. • Door to Door Service.

T: 07738 859594 E-Mail: nr.roberts@ntlworld.com

Email today on: info@skcelectrical.com To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

51

Plus David Peyton Bruhl playing Tony Tremendo alongside fast talking radio DJ, Danny Dellany played by Jack Harding 21 September Caenarfon Male Voice Choir Côr Meibion Caernarfon or the Caenarforn Male Voice Choir was founded in 1967 at the local car parts Ferodo works. Over forty years later those factory roots are long gone. The Choir is one of the leading choirs of Wales and boasts an impressive list of successes in many choral competitions, which includes winning the competition for Male Voice Choirs in the National Eisteddfod of Wales nine times.

22 September “Re Take That” This is the Northern Hemisphere’s biggest, best & Most Authentic Tribute to one of pop’s greatest bands. Superb sound, dramatic lighting and dynamic dance routines, complement breathtaking versions of All The Greatest Hits.. including Pray, Million Love Songs, How Deep Is Your Love, Could It Be Magic, It Only Takes A Minute, Babe, Take That Beatles Medley, Back For Good, Everything Changes, Relight My Fire, Shine, Patience, Never Forget, Shame, The Flood and many more.

23 September Graham Hughes’ Sunshine Kings Trombonist Graham leads this fine young band.

28 September Bananas in Pyjamas Join our favourite Bananas and the characters of Cuddlestown. Meet the Teddies, the mischievous Rat in the Hat and new friends Topsy the cheeky kangaroo, Charlie the monkey and wise old dog Bernard.

28 Sep - 25 Jan Close up at The PlayhouseAn intimate evening of close -up magic, trickery and sleight of hand.

30 September The Eye of the StormA savage, yet darkly funny, exploration of family relationships starring Charlotte Rampling as Elizabeth Hunter, the wealthy, manipulative and dying matriarch.

Academy Award-winning actor Geoffrey Rush plays her famous, yet struggling actor son and Golden Globe winner Judy Davis completes the cast’s principal trio as his down at heel high-society sister. Both Rush and Davis’s characters unite in a common goal of securing their vast inheritance. WPLife

House Clearance Specialists

mail@bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk Furniture, antiques, collectibles & ornaments bought & sold BROWSERS WELCOMED BUYERS CUDDLED!!

Reliable, Local mobile dog groomer.

Service includes: • Bath & Blow Dry • Ear & Eye Cleaning • Nail Clipping • Deodorising • Clipping/Trimming.

SPECIAL READER OFFER!

£5 DISCOUNT

on bookings before Christmas For more info or to book ring Holly on

07907751613 holly@thedoggywash.co.uk

www.thedoggywash.co.uk

52

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

Fully itemised and illustrated Probate Valuations, Probate Office approved Registered Waste Carriers

www.bitsandbobsclearance.co.uk

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

Clubs OCs Netball Club OCs Netball Club is a social, yet

competitive netball club based in Cheam, Surrey, and is looking for new players - young, or not so young, with any type of experience, even if it was many moons ago!

The club is made up of local ladies from 26 – 60 years old who play in three local leagues – Kingston, Surrey and Metropolitan. They cater for a wide variety of skill and ability across two competitive teams and a more social, development squad.

Its clear the one key thing that binds this fairly random group of local ladies together is the love of netball, its not just about training on a Wednesday evening or the Saturday matches.

There is a strong social side too – from pub quizzes, Christmas parties, charity tournaments, tours and most importantly the post Saturday match tea and cakes. It’s very easy to get sucked in by its sense of community.

And, they are not adverse to a bit of babysitting duty either! It seems that a couple of players take leave to have a baby every year. So its not uncommon to find a couple of little cheerleaders on the side lines being cooed over while mummy gets back to other important things like playing netball.

Louise joined the club a couple of years ago, and said “I wish I joined years ago. Not only am I able to have a regular hobby that gives me great escape from work, I’ve made great friends and able to keep fit without it being a chore.”

We train every Wednesday evening at 19.30 at Nonsuch School for Girls (Ewell Rd Cheam, Surrey SM3 8AB) throughout the season - which starts on September 4th and runs through to April 2014.

If you are interested in coming along, or would like to find out more, please email Tracy on ocsnetball@gmail.com WPLife

A.C. GARDENING GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE SERVICE l l l

l

Garden design Lawn mowing Treatment and Turfing Clearance

l l l l

Hedge Trimming Borders Landscaping Reliable, Friendly, Fully Insured

For a free quotation, please ring 07885 778429 nickchurch@acgardening.co.uk www.acgardening.co.uk To advertise email jenny@wplife.co.uk or call 020 8336 2915

53

Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline

Add a New Dimension to Your Home

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

7 Grand Parade, Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7BE www.warmlite.co.uk Tel: 020 8399 3377 54

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

Safer Neighbourhoods General safety advice

by PCSO Gary Weaving Personal safety

When going out: Think ahead and plan your journey, avoiding deserted areas.

Try to avoid walking alone at night, and keep to well-lit main roads where possible. You should try to avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.

Stay alert: be aware of what’s going on around you.

It is always worth letting someone know where you are going, the route you intend to take and when you expect to return.

Consider investing in a mobile phone. There are various services available for light users.

Try to avoid wearing headphones - your ability to hear traffic, strangers or potential trouble is severly restricted.

In an emergency dial 999

Safety for teenagers

As we all know, teenagers need more freedom than younger children. They become increasingly independent from their families, they’re social life expands and becomes more active, they might start to take up part-time jobs. It’s difficult to always know exactly where they are or what they’re up to. There are a number of tips they can follow, however, for their own safety and your peace of mind. Make your teenager aware of these simple tips.

• Tell parents where you will be, and how to contact you if possible • Go out accompanied by friends, especially at night, and come back with them. Try to give your parents/carers an approximate time that you expect to be home.

• If going far, and on your own, get a lift or taxi there and back • If your lift back doesn’t show up on time, find out why.

Ask if you can stay a little longer until it does, or phone a taxi • Don’t take a lift with someone who’s been drinking, or with someone you’ve just met • When looking for a casual job, like babysitting, do it through family or friends. Be careful about answering advertisements - if you do answer an advert, go with a friend or family member on the first day • If you are babysitting, make sure you have the number of the child’s parents. If anyone comes to the house, don’t let them in • On a paper round, never go into stranger’s house or take a lift They might be expensive sometimes, but mobile phones

can offer a link to added safety. It might be worth considering buying one for this reason alone.

If you already carry a phone, regularly check that it is charged and if it is a ‘Pay as you go’ phone, check your balance is ok.

Phone tips for everyone

Don’t leave your phone on tables in pubs or restaurants.

When you leave a train or tube station don’t use your phone immediately, leave it a while.

Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is happening around you.

Keep calls in public places as brief as possible, the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief.

Stay safe. WPLife

The Dent Professor Dent removals Bumper scuffs Stone chips Paintwork scratches Alloy wheels restored Plastic bumper repairs Mobile service We come to you Workshop facilities Free estimates Office: 020 8397 8821 Mobile: 07917 667290

Email: stephencain62@hotmail.co.uk

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

55

Let me know if this is ok for you Steve or if changes

Dad’s Diary Letter from America

by Ian Duncan

People, when they first come to America, whether as

travellers or settlers, become aware of a new and agreeable feeling: that the whole country is their oyster. Alistair Cooke Ah the joys of wireless broadband, unavailable in deepest Devon or darkest Norfolk, but available, at no cost, in every coffee shop, fast food joint and condominium in the land of the free. So, I sit composing this with a bottle, bejewelled with condensation, of America’s finest beer in hand; sitting on the dock of the bay with just a grey pelican and some 50lb fish for company. The sky is blue, as it has been all day, and a gentle breeze ruffles the palm trees. It’s 8pm in Key Largo and the temperature is still 82F. Chance to reflect on the experience of our summer vacation and a few of the differences between the US and the UK.

1.Theme Parks. These would be fantastic if it wasn’t for the other people. What a scam: charge people a fortune, say $55, to get in; then charge them to park; then cram so many in that the queues get so ridiculously long (100 minutes for Minion Mayhem anyone?) that you charge

them an obscene additional amount, say $70, to queue jump!

2.God Bless Americans - only in Florida do I feel like the slimmest man in the world. Now I realise that there is a huge imbalance in the price of fresh food vs prepared food in the UK but in the US that imbalanced seems to be exaggerated - the price of a huge packet of processed junk, with a list of chemical ingredients the length of your arm, is next to nothing compared to the price of fresh vegetables and fruit. It also seems that there is a more relaxed attitude to what you can spray fruit and veg, we have an apple, bought over 2 weeks ago that looks just the same now as then. You also don’t appear to be able to buy

When times are tough you have to shout about your business

EVEN LOUDER Be seen and heard by the your local market in the Village Voice and Worcester Park Life.

With competitive pricing, friendly efficient service and helpful advice it’s simple and effective - but then the best ideas always are.

Call jenny on 020 8336 2915 or go online www.maldenmedia.com

56

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

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

anything in small quantities - a gallon of milk and a 2lb tub of butter or a cake that is capable of feeding a family of 4 for a day.

3.Everyone is so so friendly, warm and welcoming.

The service is fantastic: compare the wonderful Donna, she of the belly laugh, warm smile, spot on recommendations and continuous fill ups, our bright a breezy waitress at Robbie’s Marina with the surly Monmartre waitress who sneered at our attempts at French but was quite happy to charge us a mouthwatering (!) €12 for a coke.

4.Turning right at a red light if there is no one coming. What a great idea.

5.Overtaking on the right and the left on the freeway:

seems like a good idea at first then you realise that if you get in the wrong lane at the wrong time no quarter is given and its every man for himself - just like the Periphique around Paris.

6.Measurements: the American’s are obsessed, they know the dimensions of everything, whether it’s the contents of a beer bottle (12 fluid ounces), the weight of a steak 8 ounce, or the size of a house (John Travolta’s place in Clearwater is apparently 40,000 square feet, excluding the visitor’s villa, tennis courts and swimming pools, which is, I think a little bigger than a 4 bedroom semi in New Malden - and a little more expensive at $41 million.)

But they do measure everything imperially, lovely feet, pounds and inches, the metrically trained daughters are so confused.

7.They speak English, so there are no translation issues - since when did men wear suspenders?

Have a nice day y’all. WPLife Got something dirty? - no time to clean it ? - take your cleaning to:

A New Dimension

Ovens ‘n’ Stuff For the cleaning of domestic ovens, hobs, extractors, microwaves and free standing cookers. We specialise in AGA/Rayburn and range cleaning. Prices from £30 for a basic oven clean

Tel: 078 078 16 347 We also clean fridges, freezers, dishwashers, showers, and Baths.

We love doing the jobs you hate!

Find me at : www. findacraftsman.com & www.yell.com e-mail: ovensnstuff@uwclub.net

Based in Godalming,

Member of The Guild of Master Craftsman, Surrey. Est 2009

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

Tel: 020 8397 7025

www.kgfindoorbowlsclub.co.uk

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

020 8944 9882 07958 727272

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

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

57

Index

to advertise call 020 8336 2915 Accounting & Bookkeeping

Food & Drink

Care

Funeral Directors

HG Wells 11

DGAS 27 Abbeyfield Wendover House Classic Home Care True Blue Nurses

42 6 22

Car hire, maintenance & repair Chessington Motorcycles 30 Coombe Coachworks 17 The Dent Professor 55 Elmwood Vehicles 10 K&P Tyres 38

Carpets & Flooring Carpets 4 U

60

Children

Music Fun 44

Cleaning services

Bits and Bobs

52 GES Clean 46 Lions of London 28 Ovenclean 33 Ovens’n’stuff 56 Time 4 You 28

Counsellling & Hypnotherapy

CPA counselling Brett Hinson Hypnotherapy Stella Warriner Counselling

Driving Schools Nigel Roberts

Kitchens, bathroom & plumbing Andy Reeve Plumber Bathroom Refurbishment Dreamdoors Kitchens Smith & Byford

27 48 15 19

Opticians

AMS Optician 22 R Woodfall 26

The Doggy Wash

Picture Frames

52

Plant Hire

Picture Frame Warehouse

Browns 30 Connor Prince 43 Jackson Noon 32

Repairs

Suddies 25 VA Roswell Gas Repairs 7

Able2Build 23 AC Gardening 53 Cypress Gardening 57 Elegant Curtains 20 Greg Building Services 47 PE Contractors 41 Robinson & Son painters & decorators 25 RJ Trees 24 SKC Electrical 51 TSD Building 5

14 20 13

Cooking your Spanish 40 Kumon 44 Richard Challoner 29 The Study School 21

12

Home, gardening, decorating

Pets

Education & classes

58

Evershed Brothers

Property

Shopping

Best Price Beds Hamseys matresses Tudor Williams Unilet Sound & Vision

Sport and Leisure

Cheam Leisure 60 Cycle Power 43 King George Indoor Bowls Club 57 Royal British Legion 8 Square Dancing 33

Windows

Cheam Windows 3 Kingsbridge Local 45 Warmlite 54

We also publish

53

16

Ransoms 49

Printing

Fresh Printing

9 37 59 39

35

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

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

59

smart restart be smart and restart your children on a programme of activity • FAMILY SWIM f�o� £1�

• Aw�r� w�n�i�g s�i�m�n� l�s�o�s*

• FAMILY COURT HIRE f�o� £8

• Pr�f�s�i�n�l �p�r�s �o�c�i�g* • Ho�i�a� a�t�v�t�e� a�d �a�p�* • Ac�i�i�i�s �o� u�d�r �s*

ASK IN CENTRE OR GO ONLINE Cheam Leisure Centre 0208 644 2891

The Phoenix Centre 0208 773 6060

David Weir Leisure Centre Westcroft Leisure Centre 0208 641 9480 0208 669 8666 Everyone Active manages these faciltities on behalf of Sutton Council EOA4579

60

everyoneactive.com *At participating centres, facilities vary and terms apply, see website for details.

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