LookLocal November 2016
Esher
Your award-winning local community magazine
M.P.S
Garden & Estate Machinery Established 1952
• Large selection of new and second hand machines • Part exchange service offered • Comprehensive hire fleet • Manufacturer trained mechanics • Servicing on garden tractors, cylinders and rotary mowers, 2-stroke machinery and shear/secateurs sharpening. • Collection and delivery service • Large spares department Tel: 01372 453411 Email: enquiries@mpsgardenmachinery.co.uk
www.mpsgardenmachinery.co.uk
D.B
Garden Services
Established 1985
Call us for your complete garden service and receive a free no obligation quote.
t: 01372 453333
Qualified Tree Surgeons We are fully insured
enquiries@dbgardenservices.co.uk www.dbgardenservices.co.uk All aspects of Fencing · Tree surgery · Stump Grinding Hedgecutting · Hard and Soft Landscaping · Garden Tidy Up Regular Garden Maintenance · Grasscutting · Hardwood Logs and Woodchip supplied
11
from the EDITOR 14
8 19
Contents 8 12 14 16 18 19 22 24 28 30 32 34 36 37 38
GARDENING WITH SELINA ASK BRUCE Read Bruce’s column about the grass seed dilemma WHAT’S COOKING? WHAT’S ON See what’s on in and around Esher in November SUDOKU & WHAT WORD THE IVY RESTAURANT MAKE MINE A SNOWBALL BEEKEEPER IN PARLIAMENT MUSIC MATTERS CROSSWORD PUZZLE SEAT CAR REVIEW MUSIC ON THE GREEN VOLUNTARY ELMBRIDGE PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Welcome to the November issue of Look Local!
I guess it can’t be avoided for much longer, it will soon be the Christmas shopping season for real! I have a friend who, every year since I’ve known her, gets all her Christmas shopping not only done, but also wrapped up by the end of October. And every year, I think, how odd, and then a few weeks later, I’m really jealous, as I’m rushing about trying to get everything done and not miss anybody out. So this year - and yes, I know that I have already missed the end of October - I am going to aim for the end of November which will be a big step forward on previous years! I’ll let you know how I get on next month! Meanwhile, there are lots of Christmas fairs coming up locally, plus some fantastic local events too. The Ember Players are busy preparing a production of Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington, details within. I’m sure this will be a great night out. Also, Surrey Music are warming up for their Christmas programme of seasonal songs. We have a great competition, with the chance to win a new book by motor racing legend, Damon Hill! Good luck to all who enter. Maybe this will be your first Christmas present ticked off the list if you win! I’m running out of space here so I’ll sign off now. Have a great November, Esher. Warm regards
Ros
x
Ros Thomas Editor
Next copyDEADLINE 5th November 2016 for the 2016 Festive Issue phone us 01372 200 000 email us ros@looklocalmagazine.co.uk visit us online www.looklocalmagazine.co.uk like us on Facebook /looklocalmags follow us on Twitter @LooklocalMags
The all new Audi RS 6 Avant. Power from a less obvious place. With its 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, the Audi RS 6 Avant is a performance car designed for everyday life. It means that you get RS-specific Adaptive air suspension for real roads, not just the track. And quattroŽ all-wheeldrive for conditions that are less than race-perfect. And, with up to 1,680 litres of boot space, it also means that you’ve got the capacity for plenty of luggage, as well as for 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Visit us to find out more.
Epsom Audi Reigate Road Epsom Surrey KT17 3LA 01737 365365 www.epsom.audi.co.uk Images for illustration purposes only. Some images may show items that are over and above standard specification. Official fuel consumption figures for the all new Audi RS 6 Avant in mpg (l/100km): Urban 20.3 (13.9), Extra Urban 37.7 (7.5), Combined 28.8 (9.8). CO2 emissions: 229g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
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R I S I N G TO THE CHALLENGE
With a little help from L&E (Lofts and Extensions), the Knights’ have found the key to maximising light and space in their newly extended home. Their first baby’s arrival was the motivation behind the Knights’ decision to extend their home in this leafy Twickenham cul-de-sac. “We liked the house, but the kitchen wasn’t very practical as you couldn’t get directly from the kitchen to the playroom so I couldn’t leave my daughter alone in there. Originally we weren’t going to do the loft but we had bought it knowing it had the scope and so it seemed a great opportunity,” Catherine remembers. Turning their home into the practical living space they needed proved difficult however when, through a series of planning setbacks and bad advice, they found themselves a year further down the line. “We started conversations with our architect about six months after we moved in. The loft was the problem as we were advised badly which meant that the planning process went on for nearly a year.” At last, with permitted development received, the couple were able to move forward. It was at this point that they were introduced to L&E. “We were in the process of getting quotes from other builders. Our plumber recommended L&E and we thought there was no harm in getting them round to quote,” Catherine reflects. Husband Matthew explains how this proved a turning point for them.“After a long and arduous process with planning, architects and structural engineers, L&E’s surveyor made us feel good and reassured that things would be ok. He talked us through the process, we went to see other L&E projects and he
explained the way his teams worked and how important his reputation was to him. We immediately liked his ethos and suddenly we could see light at the end of the tunnel which is what we desperately needed.” Catherine agrees, “In hindsight, if we’d done the whole process with L&E who do it all the time, it would have been much quicker as our architect wasn’t local and so didn’t realise the loft would be a problem.” After finalising a water tight, 40 page, fixed price contract, L&E’s team started work 12 days after the Knights first made contact, promising they would be completed within a three month deadline. “It was so quick!” Catherine laughs. The couple had daily contact with the foreman project managing the build, especially during the early stages of the project. “There were a lot of questions as there were fundamental errors in the drawings. For example there was no staircase to the loft in the plans. L&E’s foreman just rearranged things and working with the building control inspector, found elegant solutions in every case,” Catherine reflects. “He was amazing. Whereas other builders could have stopped work, that wasn’t their attitude at any point - they just fixed things.” Matthew agrees, “I lost count of the amount of architectural
problems, that he found elegant solutions for. I’m sure we could have gone away for 12 weeks and would have got something not a million miles away from what we’ve got.” Now complete, their daughter’s loft room is bright and airy, and it’s unique shape adds originality and interest while downstairs, their kitchen bears little resemblance to what it was before. “We have much more space than we were expecting. People come into and go ‘wow!’, because it’s so light. Before it was so dingy,” Catherine says. Matthew suggests the main reason they would recommend people to use L&E is not only their speed but more importantly their quality of work. “It’s so rare to find people that actually care about what they do these days and they genuinely cared about the decisions. To have that level of trust in your team and know they were doing something for the right reasons was very reassuring.” Catherine agrees, “From such a long drawn out painful process, they were the only good bit.” Mr and Mrs Knight are so confident recommending L&E (Lofts and Extensions) that they are even happy to show you round their new home. Contact them via L&E to arrange a viewing.
T: 0800 326 5589 E: info@dontmove-extend.com W: dontmove-extend.com Access House | 30 Rugby Road | Twickenham | TW1 1DG
weaknesses IN GARDENS Award-winning local garden designer Selina Botham analyses the weaknesses of gardens as a part of the SWOT AFTER BEFORE
A
s part of the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of your garden this month, I’m looking at the weaknesses. It’s all part of my job and it’s really important to be objective about a garden space. While the strengths are the good news, the weaknesses also have to be recognised so that they can be resolved. Sometimes, it’s hard to see the weaknesses in your own garden (even designers really struggle to design their own garden).We all get used to how things are and sometimes you don’t even notice a problem. Other times, people feel overwhelmed by the problems with their garden and don’t know where to start or can’t get
any balance in their thinking. Weaknesses are OK - nothing’s insurmountable. Sometimes, a weakness may be size...too small, too big, unruly and out of control, overlooked or too shady to grow much. Sometimes, a terrace may feel too crowded or too open or cut off from the rest of the garden. If you find yourself trapped in one place in your garden,never using the rest of it, this is a clue that something’s wrong. A careful assessment of what isn’t quite working for you is just as important as looking at the strengths. Most weaknesses can be overcome by careful design and some of the techniques I use are:1. Screening - covering up the eyesore 2. Removal - knock it down or
8 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
move it 3. Distraction - use the shapes within the garden to take you away from the problem or use a focal point in the garden to take attention away from the problem area. Sometimes, it’s best to use a combination of all three. I’ve included before and after photos to show how screening and distraction have been used to overcome a problem of overlooking in a local garden. If you’d like to redesign your garden and need some professional help, contact Selina on 07894 553 202 or see her website for further ideas www.designsforallseasons.co.uk and her Facebook page Selina Botham - Designs for all Seasons.
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Phone: 01795 662266 Email: info@eirikjohnsongateauto.co.uk Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 9
H
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
aving spotted some work being done recently at Bruce’s Doggy Day Care in Cobham, I was keen to pop in and see what’s been happening since my last visit. First opened in 2009, the Bruce’s Doggy Day Care Cobham site has grown from a couple of huts and a few acres to the sophisticated, purpose-built 25-acre day care centre of today. It now boasts a total of five fields, each five acres in size, all with their own heated Scandinavian log cabins. There is a brand new reception and office, dog grooming parlour and a nursery area for puppies and small dogs. The site has also welcomed 10 new members of staff and three new doggy buses. When I chatted to Bruce, he said: “After opening our second site in nearby Ripley last year, it was time to turn our attention back to Cobham. Given business has been booming, with waiting lists for our services, it made sense to expand. Our day care centres have 32 staff and over 500 dogs of all shapes and sizes. Now we have expanded, we hope
to welcome another 300 dogs into our care.” The canine customers are collected in special airconditioned doggy buses from their homes in catchment areas around London** and Surrey*. They then spend the day at Bruce’s Doggy Day Care facilities having fun with their four-legged friends before being driven home, tired and happy. Proof that dogs can be a part of the lives of busy people, including full-time workers and commuters. It was a real pleasure to see the dogs having such a wonderful time. It never fails to amaze me how this fabulous care facility just keeps on going from strength to strength. They really do offer the ‘Gold Standard’ when it comes to canine care. Congratulations, Team Bruce! You should be very proud of your newly refurbished and extended facilities. Look Local highly recommends Bruce’s Doggy Day Care. For further details call bruce on 01932 902086 or visit us online at www.brucesdoggydaycare.co.uk
**Surrey: Bookham, Claygate, Cobham, Epsom, Esher, Fetcham, Guildford, Horsley, Oxshott, Pyrford, Ripley, Stoke d’Abernon, Thames Ditton, Walton, West Byfleet, Weybridge, Woking. **South west London: Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Chiswick, Clapham, Fulham, Kew, Putney, Raynes Park, Richmond, St Margarets, Streatham, Surbiton, Teddington, Tooting, Twickenham, Wandsworth, Wimbledon.
ASK BRUCE:
GRASS SEED DILEMMA Reader Roger Trevit-Jones’ black labrador recently had an operation to remove a grass seed that had embedded in his paw and worked its way up his leg. Roger asks, ‘how can I stop this happening again?’ Grass seeds in dog paws are very common, regardless of the breed. In fact, flat-coated labradors are more likely to encounter them than their furrier friends, the labradoodles. If found quickly and removed straight away, however, they don’t usually present a problem. But prevention is better than cure. Avoid walking your dog in places with very long grass – if you can see it bending in the wind, it will probably be long enough to host seeds which could fall off into your dog’s paws. We deliberately keep our grass shorter than this at doggy day care to stop the grass seeding, and also to keep ticks at bay, as they love long grass.Walking in woodlands or in managed parks with short neat grass are great alternatives. After every walk, ensure you wash down and wipe your dog’s legs and feet and check their paws thoroughly, including underneath and on the top of the webbing between each toe. If you notice they are limping, the chances are the seed is already embedded, so take your dog straight to your vet. A more extreme solution is purchasing doggy boots. But personally, I’m not a big fan of these and neither are most dogs I know! Bruce Casalis is director & founder of Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, a multi-award winning business in Esher. Do you have any dog training or canine behavioural questions which you would like to ask Bruce? Send your questions to :-
ros@looklocalmagazine.co.uk
Then check out this column each month for Bruce’s answers.
12 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
W G Harpur TREE SURGERY Thames Ditton
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Gabriel Asian Arts Home of Contemporary Original Art
Join us in our anniversary celebration with an exhibition of contemporary art from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
‘COLOURS OF ASIA’ Contemporary art exhibition 12 November 2016; 1300-2000hrs 13 November 2016; 1100-1900hrs Cobb/Lambert Suite, Hilton Cobham, KT11 1EW Free Admission
www.gabrielasianarts.com
events@gabrielasianarts.com
07402 837340
Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 13
prawn
LAKSA
Serves 4 Preparation Time:5 mins Cooking Time:10mins Recipe reproduced by kind permission of Waitrose. Over 5,000 recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes
INGREDIENTS 28g pack fresh coriander, leaves picked 25g pack fresh mint, leaves picked 185g jar Cooks’ Ingredients Laksa Paste 400ml can coconut milk 1 tsp turmeric 300g raw king prawns, shelled 300g pack fresh Waitrose Egg Noodles 265g pack Waitrose Pea, Bean & Cress Stir Fry 1 red chilli, sliced, to serve 1 lime, quartered, to serve Fish sauce, to serve
METHOD 1. Finely chop half the coriander & mint, reserving the rest to garnish. In a large saucepan, add the chopped herbs, laksa paste, coconut milk, turmeric & 550ml of water. Gently bring to the boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer. 2. Add the prawns & simmer for 2 mins, then add the noodles & stir-fry mix, stirring them into the liquid. Simmer for another 2–3 mins, until the vegetables are wilted & the prawns are cooked through. 3. Divide the noodles evenly between four deep bowls, spooning the soup over. Top each portion with the remaining herbs, some chopped chilli, a wedge of lime & fish sauce to taste. This recipe would also work very well with fried strips of chicken breast or cubes of tofu.
what’s on
IN ESHER
Local events in & around the Esher area during November 2016
Vera Fletcher Hall E V E N T S SUN 6TH NOV 2016 - 7.30pm Five Star Swing with ‘Hits from the Blitz’
From London’s Leicester Square Theatre, the unique “feel-good” 1940s show. Famous war-time tunes & sing-along songs brought to life by the singers & multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing Band.
Tickets £15.00
SAT 26TH NOV 2016 2.30pm Image Musical Theatre presents Beauty & the Beast This wonderful production gives all the audience a chance to join in with the show & some lucky children the opportunity to perform onstage alongside our team of actors. For ages 5+
Festive WALK
30th NOV, 1st & 2nd DEC, Enjoy the magic of Painshill at Christmas with our Crystal Grotto Festive Walk. The special festive route passes follies and trees lit up with colourful lights to the amazing sparkling Crystal Grotto. The Painshill Shop will be open late so you can browse a superb range of gifts, decorations & stocking fillers. 5pm - 6:30pm & 6:30pm - 8pm Adults £12 (members FREE),
Call 01932
868113 or book online www.painshill.co.uk Painshill Park, Portsmouth Rd, Cobham KT11 1JE
Tickets £8.00
www.verafletcherhall.co.uk 4 Embercourt Rd, KT7 0LQ
0845 652 8529
16 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
The event is a must for landscapers, designers & architects throughout the landscaping sector. The continued success of the event year after year has solidified it as the leading landscaping show in the UK, with this year proving to be even bigger and better than before. More exhibitors than ever have lined up for the event, an exciting new seminar programme has been organised – all for free! TUES 15th NOVEMBER 9.00am - 5.00pm Sandown Park Portsmouth Rd KT10 9AJ 01372 464348 | sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Reeds School CHRISTMAS FAIR
All the favourite exhibitors are back, plus some really exciting new stalls. FREE Admission FREE Parking
FRIDAY 25th NOVEMBER - 12PM - 6.00PM
Reeds Sports Hall, Sandy Lane, Cobham KT11 2ES
competition Answer the following question for the chance to win a copy of Damon Hill’s book “Watching the Wheels”
To emerge from the shadows of a famous and heroic father who was a double world champion and to take up where he left off was Damon Hill’s destiny after the tragic death of his dad Graham in an air crash. And to his complete credit, Damon, the only son ever of a Formula One champion to be champion too, has written an allaction and completely candid close-up of the trials and tribulations of his grand prix career. It is entitled “Watching the Wheels”, published by Pan MacMillan at £20, as a mark of his coronation as F1 king in 1996. I was there with him when he secured the title in Japan, writing as a columnist for the
Daily Mirror. Damon, a late entry into F1 at 32, won 22 of his 106 races, with 42 podiums and 20 pole placings, and he faced formidable race geniuses such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Now the exciting rerun of his life on and off the track, all penned by himself and in his own words, is a winner. Just like him. And I would like to offer a hardback copy of his book as a prize to be enjoyed and treasured. Answer the following question and it could be yours : Who was Damon driving for when he won the world championship?
novemberPUZZLE
Email your answers to ros@looklocalmagazine.co.uk Entry closing date: 11/11/16 By Ted Macauley
whatWORD
Can you guess what ONE word we are describing? It is just ONE word and this can get a little tricky but fun.
Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic - you don’t have to guess!
18 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
1. Quickly pull the 5th letter 2. Tripped onto, middle leg joint 3. Honey maker, on the way 4. 1+1, “bah” 5. “RE”, hunt 6. Australian or English mom, 5th letter 7. Mom or Dad 8. Chair for the 4th letter 9. Test the flavor, golf ball holder 10. 12th letter, tied ribbon
See how many you can solve. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS PAGE 37
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Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 19
6 reasons why you will
love 1. No wires or Brackets 2. Brush & Floss as normal! 3. Virtually Invisible, no one has to know! 4. You can whiten your teeth while wearing your aligners! 5. Removable, so you can eat what you want 6. Wear your aligners & get the smile you always dreamed of! At the Gentle Dental - we don’t take Impressions! - we have late and weekend appointments - we tailor a complete package with no hidden costs! - we are competitively priced! For your initial FREE consultation call
020 8224 7562 î ˘e Gentle Dental Practice Norfolk House, 1 Spencer Road Easr Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0SP
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' make mine A SNOWBALL’
For a deliciously different programme of seasonal songs this year, look no further than Surrey Music’s annual festive concert on Saturday 26th November 2016 at 7.30pm.
M
ake Mine a Snowball! promises a refreshing twist on the traditional Christmas concert, as the 140-voice Elmbridge Choir and 90-strong Elmbridge Ladies’ Choir perform some new and delightful seasonal pieces to herald the start of the Christmas period. ‘We’re aiming for warm and cosy, with more than a dash of sparkle!’, says Cliff van Tonder, Musical Director of Surrey Music. ’This year’s programme
offers a fresh mix of heart-warming and rousing songs to celebrate the traditional Christmas themes of peace, joy and goodwill. And with some spectacular lighting planned to add to the festive cheer, we think ‘Make Mine a Snowball!’ might prove to be one of our best concerts yet!’ Elmbridge Ladies’ Choir’s performance will be led by their Musical Director, Mrs Dale Thomas, and the mixed-voice Elmbridge Choir’s performance will be directed by Mr Cliff van Tonder.
22 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
The two large community choirs rehearse weekly in Cobham, and together they form Surrey Music, a community-based society which has raised in excess of £140,000 for numerous charities through concerts and performances over 11 years. ‘Make Mine a Snowball!’ takes place on Saturday 26th November 2016 at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Claygate. For more details and to book tickets (£10 adults, free for under 18s), visit www.surreymusic.org/snowball
We now accept all major credit & debit cards
PERFECT ON THE HUNT FOR THE
TREE THIS YEAR?
CHRISTMAS TREES, LOGS AND KINDLING FOR SALE Trees available in a variety of shapes and sizes - PERFECT FOR YOUR HOME Home delivery service Disposal service after Christmas at an extra cost
T: 07748 185 624 or 07721 333 222 5% of all sales will be donated to the animal sanctuary uk
SURREY
TREES
Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 23
thames ditton BEEKEEPER GOES TO
PARLIAMENT
There was a definite buzz in the air when Thames Ditton beekeeper Alison Derrick flitted off to Parliament recently to wax lyrical about the wonderful world of bees.
All Party Parliamentary Group honey fair event, attended by Alison Derrick (pictured) from Thames Ditton
A
lison, who keeps her bees at hives near Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, is the owner of BeeInspired (http://www. beeinspiredcreams.buzz/) an awardwinning home-based company which makes luxurious silky-smooth skincare and homecare products from beeswax and honey. Says Alison: “We were absolutely overjoyed to be asked to showcase our wares to an all-party Parliamentary group for bees, along with the British Beekeepers’ Association, Surrey Beekeepers - Kingston division, Friends of the Earth, Bee Farmers, Bee Connect,
BumbleBee Trust, Kew Gardens and a few others.” The Houses of Parliament Honey Fair at Portcullis House was an opportunity for MPs and other invited guests to find out about all aspects of beekeeping and to understand the current issues surrounding bees and pollination. Guests could take a look at an observation hive and browse stalls, such as Alison’s, selling bee products, but also to find out more. “Bees play a vital role in pollinating our food chain, and we mustn’t overlook their welfare and continual safety,” said Alison, who got to speak
24 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
to, among others, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom. Alison, who has kept bees for more than 20 years, is passionate about her craft. Over the last six years, she has grown her business, whilst retaining the all-personal touch, and is proud of the many awards her products have attracted. Atelier 2, Weston Green Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0JN 020 8398 0041 or 07825 278 044
Outstanding Patient Care
Allison Hill
Retired Primary School Teacher
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New Victoria Hospital 184 Coombe Lane West Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT2 7EG
*Over 99% of patients rated our overall quality of care as Excellent or Very Good.
T. +44 (0) 20 8949 9000 E. enquiries@newvictoria.co.uk W. www.newvictoria.co.uk
Patient Satisfaction Survey Jan-Jul 2016
Scams and
POWER PROTECTION This guide was written by Les Beer from Tecres in Leatherhead, which has been providing computer solutions since 1989. We have previously reported on the “We are from Microsoft” type telephone scams. However, the scammers are becoming much more confident and advanced in their approach. Quoting directly from our customers and their experience, this is how the call evolved… “Hello, we are from Microsoft and can see that you have a problem with your computer. We can also see that you have Bullguard for Internet Security and your support is from TecRes.”...Then they continue about the validity of the problem, and for just £400.00 they can resolve the problems. During the conversation, the scammers had full access to the customer’s machine without the customer’s permission. In one instance, they started deleting the customer’s data when they felt the conversation wasn’t going in their favour; in another, the scammers’ password protected the folders and files. We could see that the scammers had used a “standard” remote access bit of software, which they must have installed during an earlier call to set the scene for the second call. It is easy to over-analyse these situations, but please remember, Microsoft does not have your phone number and Microsoft does not call domestic users about computer problems. Should you receive a call of this nature, just say you don’t have a computer, otherwise they will continue to hound you. Microsoft updates: Microsoft is changing the way it distributes its updates, starting from October 2016. Previously, you could select which updates you wanted and which you didn’t,
but now they are combining them all together. This is more convenient, but it makes the download files much bigger than before, which means the updates may take hours to download. If you feel your computer is sluggish or very slow to turn off, it may be doing the updates, so just be patient.
Power Protection: Finally, in Leatherhead, we often suffer from power cuts and spikes. These can create havoc for your computer, causing hard drives to crash, power supplies to blow and motherboards to fry. To protect yourself against this damage and inconvenience, we stock an uninterruptable power supply and anti-surge unit which has its own rechargeable batteries inside. These are powerful enough to run your computer for several minutes in the event of a power loss and to suppress any power highs or lows. For around £100.00, they are great value items and may be worth considering.
For further information, please call 01372-370300 or email sales@tecres.co.uk www.tecres.co.uk
~Surrey’s favourite computer store~ 14 North Street, Leatherhead tel: 01372 - 370300 Monday - Saturday 9:00 - 5.30pm
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Epson A3 printer/copier/scanner
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7610DWF, business grade 4 in one A3 printer/copier/ scanner/fax. High resolution for excellent performance, high speed printing and economic printing via large capacity cartridges. Fully wifi and mobile print-enabled.
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LOADS MORE SALE REDUCTIONS IN STORE Onsite & workshop repairs, upgrades, virus removal, data recovery
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14 NORTH STREET | LEATHERHEAD SURREY | KT22 7AW
music
MATTERS
Words by David Kid Jensen Experienced and Professional Dog Walkers Cobham, Weybridge, Esher, Hersham, Walton & Oxshott hugosdogwalking.co.uk
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Member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps
Full public liability insurance cover
Call Patrick Stone on
020 8979 1670
07733 895213 28 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
The story behind a seasonal song Merry Christmas Everybody from Slade entered the astonishingly competitive chart in 1973, went straight in at Number 1 and went on to sell 1 and a quarter million copies. Having songs go straight to Number 1 was a rare accolade then: it was the first time that a song shot straight to the top, making the accomplishment even more special, because this was the first occurrence since the Beatles hit the top of the survey in 1969 with Get Back. Not bad when you consider that Noddy Holder, along with bassist Jimmy Lea and the legendary producer Chas Chandler, manager of Jimi Hendrix, based the melody from discarded songs written 6 years before. This success happened while Slade were at their peak of their powers, having chalked up 5 Number 1s before Merry Xmas was born. Incredibly, the organisation for monitoring air play and ensuring that compers received their fair dues told Slade that up to 42% of the world’s population could have listened to their song. The song was actually recorded in late summer at the Record Plant in New York City, right next door to where John Lennon was recording his album Mind Games. Jimmy reflected on his vision of the track, in which he wanted to remind people of a traditional British Christmas. “Economically, the UK was up the creek. The miners had been on strike, along with grave diggers, bakers and almost everybody else. I think people wanted something to cheer them up – and so did I. That’s why I came up with the line ‘Look to the future now, it’s only just begun.’ Once I got the line ‘Does your Granny always tell you that the old ones are the best’, I knew I’d got a right cracker on my hands.” A lovely understatement.
Barbara Currie School of YOGA Ltd All Levels Welcome
Amazing Energy - Fabulous Shape - Fantastic Flexibility - Deep Relaxation Elmgrove Hall, Hersham Road, Walton
Mon 5.45 - 6.45pm 7.00 - 8.00pm 8.15 - 9.15pm Weds 9.30 - 10.30am 11.00 - 12.00pm Thurs 9.30 - 10.30am 11.00 - 12.00pm ** Fri 9.30am - 10.30am 11.00 - 12.00pm *
Oxshott Village Centre, Holtwood Road,
Mon
9.30 - 10.30am 11.00 - 12.00pm
King George’s Hall, High Street, Esher
Tues
9.30 - 10.30am * 11.00 - 12.00pm * Advanced ** Easy
Barbara Currie is a state registered nurse & a qualified yoga teacher with many years experience. She has sold a million DVDs worldwide & written 4 popular yoga books.
Contact Barbara Currie on 01372 467 177
Email: barbaracurrie@globalnet.co.uk Web: www.barbaracurrieyoga.co.uk www.youtube.com/barbaracurrieyoga
Able Roofing ▲ New roofs ▲ Flat roofing ▲ Lead roofs ▲ Slates and tiles ▲ Chimneys repointed
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Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 29
novemberPUZZLE
Clue: 10 Across
Clue: 12 Across
Clue: 2 Down
across
1. Peril (8) 5. Rim (4) 9. Similar (5) 10. Extinct elephant (7) 11. Aromatic seasoning (7) 12. Wild feline (5) 13. Gaped (6) 15. Winner (6) 19. Go in (5) 21. Farmer’s calendar (7) 23. Italian red wine (7) 24. Inexperienced (5) 25. Luxuriant (4) 26. Fierce (8)
down
1. Envious (7) 2. Mediterranean fruit tree (5) 3. Norm (7) 4. Type of plum (6) 6. Shortage of rainfall (7) 7. Used as an anesthetic (5) 8. Leave out (4) 14. Achieves (7) 16. Vast (7) 17. Wealthiest (7) 18. Of the sea (6) 19. Surpass (5) 20. Rip (4) 22. Dissonance (5) PUZZLE SOLUTIONS PAGE 37
Clue: 6 Down
E n g l i s h m a n ’s
C a s t l e GPlan Edit Hepburn
GPlan Vintage - Fifty Nine
GPlan are now offering something a little different ... the new Vintage and Edit Collections. INSTORE NOW! 9 - 17 Church Street, Leatherhead (next door to the theatre)
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GPlan Edit Hockney Sofa
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm
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Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 31
Seat Ateca
CAR REVIEW Ted Macauley test drives Seat’s first SUV, the Ateca, and lets us know all about what it has to offer...
M
y annual pilgrimage to Italy’s temple of grand prix racing to write up the showcase event is a perennial commuting problem, all of it my own fault and choice. That is because I prefer to live it up 90 minutes away from the Monza autodrome in one of the country’s finest, most stylish stopovers, the Lake Como-side Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio. Five-star plus…and that has been my choice - and my utter joy - for more than 25yrs. So much so, and so welcoming, that it is where Trophy Wife and I were married 13 years back. But getting to and from the circuit, travelling the perilously narrow and twisty waterside roads, always populated by corner-cutting, risk-taking motor bikes and cars with drivers who fancy their chances, has forever been a threat. It is not only vital to undertake the journey in the safety of a car burly enough to match anything that might, God forbid, hit it, but in one that exudes the sort of style and panache that show-off Italians love to drive, ride and be seen in. Over the years, I have enjoyed a variety of motors that all answered the above requisites and were familiar. This time round, I ventured on to completely new ground in a car I had
SPECIFICATION: Engine: 1.4TSI SE.BHP:150. Top speed 124mph. 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds. MPG 52.3. Price £21,015. never even seen before. Chancy? Yes. But as it turned out it was my ideal partner. And what’s more, it revels in a five-star, ten-out-of-ten rating on the safety issue. It is the brand new Seat Ateca, the company’s first SUV, and based on the tried-and-tested Volkswagen platform, sharing a lot with the VW Tiguan, if a wee bit more petite. A proper crossover. It enters a massively contested market with well-established rivals galore, the product of Seat’s most recent update, market awareness and refocus not to be left behind in the chase for SUV superiority. And crucially, it boasts an attentiongripping starting price, allied to one of the best fuel economy returns of all. What more would you want? Okay, I know, the next question is: what is it like to drive? Here, I return to my commuting for four days to and from Monza, near Milan. It was perfectly behaved, an absolute treat. It drives well. It copes superbly and efficiently with the twists, bumps, ruts and smoother bits, and, as it had to undertake sharp braking for tight, blind corners, it responds contentedly and turns in as nippily as you want. Its dashboard showcase may not be as informative as, say, the Tiguan or a few other SUVs, but it is adequate, with big clear, logical dials
and an easy-to-operate and understand touchscreen feedback. All viewed from cushy seats with ample leg room for six-footers like me and our passengers. And just to make your journey, long or short, more acceptable, there are optional driver aids, such as full LED headlights, surround-view cameras and radar cruise. During traffic jam stops-and-goes, it will self-speed-up, self-brake and self-steer. So sit back and relax… which is exactly what I did. What to me does seem a bit stingy and mealy, despite Seat’s reputation for reliability, is the Ateca’s three year and 60,000 miles warranty when you measure it against the Kia Sportage’s seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty and Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage back-up for the Tucson. But hey, the tot-up of the plus points and its basic kerbside appeal, with handsome looks and a profile to admire, will make it a target for those of us with a keen sense of value for our outlay. It is destined to be a surefire winner, like Nico Rosberg was, ahead of three times champion Lewis Hamilton. This was all before my return trip, and there were envious glances towards the new baby Ateca as I parked proudly alongside the Rollers, Ferraris and Maseratis in front of the Serbelloni.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MEMORIAL STONEMASONS
T H E F A M I L Y Y O U C A N T U R N T O ... Seven generations of our family have been helping and advising local families in their time of need. For over 230 years we have been providing funerals, both modest and traditional, with care and compassion. ESHER: EAST MOLESEY: THAMES DITTON:
78 High Street
01372 463903
156 Walton Road
020 8941 1412
ASK ABOUT OUR PRE-PAYMENT FUNERAL PLANS
37 High Street
020 8398 4586
Custodian Trustee: HSBC Trust Co. (UK) Ltd.
Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 33
ovencleanad.pdf
MON U S I C THE GREEN L U N C H T I M E CONCERTS
Ovens Grills Extractors
Mihi Kim, Flute Mikhail Shilyaev, Piano
FREE ENTRY, RETIRING COLLECTION
For further info, please contact the Parish Office
19:45
Friendly, professional and reliable Completely safe, eco-friendly cleaning system No fumes, no mess, no bother Removes grease, fat and burnt on carbon deposits from:
Wednesday 16th November 2016
LIGHT LUNCH - 12.30PM CONCERT 1.10PM
23/03/2011
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AT CHRIST CHURCH, ESHER
The enchanting sounds of the flute and piano are captivatingly executed by two exceptional musicians at this month’s lunchtime concert. We are most fortunate to have performers who have established an international reputation, winning many awards throughout their careers. Mihi Kim studied the flute at an early age in Korea ,and amongst many successes, went on to win first prize at the International Music Competition of Bayreuth in 2000. She is currently Professor for flute and piccolo at leading music establishments in Paris. Russian-born Mikail Shilyaev has also won many competitions, including first prize in the intercollegiate Beethoven competition organised by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe and the Myra Hess award. He continues to perform as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe.
1
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Call Sheree today to book your Ovenclean appointment on
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Provided in the comfort of your own home
CAN HELP WITH: • • • •
Nail cutting Corns/callus Foot/heel pain Advice and assessment
Over 10 years’ experience in both NHS and private work. Please call Melissa Bennett BSC Hons, HCP Registered
07939 901918
01372 462282
Email: office@esherparish.org.uk www.esherparish.org.uk
34 To advertise please call email ros@looklocalmagazine.co.uk
NEED NEW FENCE PANELS THIS WINTER? CALL NEIL...
MACDONALD FENCING & SONS LTD
FENCING CONTRACTOR Telephone 01932 863435
www.neilmacfencing.co.uk info@neilmacfencing.co.uk
Cleanability Domestic & commercial cleaning service
• Friendly and reliable
• Staff fully insured
• Ironing service also available • References available on request
Call Sherry on
01737 559896 or 07855 340929
To advertise please call us at 01372 200 000 35
voluntaryACTION E
L
M
B
R
I
D
G
E
Festive volunteering
Can you help with either morning or afternoon shifts (3 hours per shift) during the festive season? This role involves the day-to-day running of a charity card shop in Esher with a small team of volunteers
Experience in social media required
If you are looking to gain work experience in social media, this could be for you. A local cricket club is looking for an enthusiastic person who knows their way around promoting club activities and events.
Support your local foodbank
Looking to fill various volunteer roles from helping in the warehouse to chatting with clients and transporting foods (need to have a driving licence and be a car owner).
Do you have experience in financial management?
This is an opportunity to use your financial management experience for a local charity and become a trustee. This requires a commitment of 2 – 3 hours a week.
Support people with dementia
A charity is looking for a volunteer who can help people with dementia live a fuller, happier life. A commitment of 2 hours a week for minimum of 6 months is required. There will be training and ongoing supervision to support you.
INTERESTED IN ANY OF THOSE ROLES? For more info on these roles & many other volunteering opportunities, please contact Voluntary Action Elmbridge
please call : 0 1 3 7 2 4 6 3 5 87 Visit : www.vae.org.uk or email : contact@vae.org.uk Esher Civic Centre: Monday & Weds 10:00 - 13:00 Walton Library: Wednesday 10:00 - 13:00 Walton Quintet: Tues, Thurs & Friday 10:00 - 13:00
poem
OF THE MONTH
KNIVES OUT FOR FAWKES
Patterned strands of silver pearls sear a wintry night Reflected in a thousand starry eyes Banshee cries and siren whines crackle and ignite But as I stand in awe I wonder why? How did the nation’s celebrations garner such a name As Guy Fawkes Night? It comes as a surprise Fawkes was only one of thirteen men whose evil aim Was to bring about King James 1st’s demise Robert Catesby led the ring, a dozen by his side But time has hid the names you’ll never hear History has hung the blame and spread it countrywide On just one plotter’s head, it would appear Sir Everard Digby was another plotter to remember So what if English history had him starred? We’d celebrate Everard Digby Night each fifth day of November And on every burning stack... an Everard! Erm? No... best we stick with Guy!
CT Sullivan 36 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS
YOUR OWN FOR ONLY £WESBSITE 299+VAT www.zigger.
Tel: 01306 6
co.uk
44960 Em ail: hi@zi
Custom de sign • Hostin g • Free Do Production main • Email setu p • Sell onlin e
gger.co.uk
Located on Esher High Street, Castello is an independent restaurant which offers an Italian inspired menu with a fusion of taste and style. We are dedicated to providing excellent food and warm, friendly & unpretentious service. All our food is cooked to order using quality ingredients choose from delicious pizzas, home-made pastas, cooked to order steaks or a selection of dishes from our daily specials to include fresh fish. Castello provides Mediterranean staples in a simple, bustling dining room fit for all occasions
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
10 High Street, Esher KT10 9RT | 01372 461 789
hello@castellorestaurants.co.uk
www.castellorestaurant.co.uk
novemberSOLUTIONS Sudoku - page 18
Crossword - page 30
What Word page 18 1. Jerky 2. Felony 3. Becoming 4. Tuba 5. Research 6. Mummy 7. Apparent 8. Deceit 9. Tasty 10. Elbow
Looklocal Magazine - November 2016 37
advertisersINDEX A W Sewell ........................................................ 35 MacDonalds Fencing & Sons Ltd...................... 35 Able Roofing...................................................... 29 Mailboxes etc. ................................................... 33 Alexander Roofing ............................................. 12 Marks Plastering ................................................ 19 Astek Dental........................................................ 6 MPS Garden & Estate Machinery ...................... 2 Audi - Epsom....................................................... 4 Music on the Green............................................ 34 Bathrooms Eleven................................................ 5 New Victoria Hospital........................................ 25 Brighter Care ..................................................... 10 Ovenclean.......................................................... 34 Bruce’s Doggy Day Care...........................11/12/13 Patrick Stone Chimney Sweep............................ 28 Casey & Associates............................................. 31 Reeds School Xmas Fair..................................... 37 Castello Restaurant ........................................... 37 Reynolds Cars ................................................... 19 Chiropody – Melissa Bennett............................. 34 Roofs of Esher.................................................... 23 Claremont Fan Court School ............................ 40 Surrey Music...................................................... 22 Cleanability........................................................ 35 Surrey Trees........................................................ 23 DB Garden Services............................................. 2 Tec Res Computer Solutions ........................26/27 Ember Players.................................................... 17 The Gentle Dental ........................................20/21 Englishman’s Castle............................................ 31 The Ivy Restaurant............................................. 19 Esher Tyres & Exhausts...................................... 39 Vaughans Forge Ltd ............................................. 9 Gabrielle’s Asian Art........................................... 13 WG Harper........................................................ 12 Guillaumes Solicitors ......................................... 15 Yoga with Barbara Currie................................... 29 Hub Property Care............................................... 9 Zigger Web Design ......................................... 37 Hugo’s Dog Walking ......................................... 28 Lodge Brothers – Funeral Directors.................... 33
© LOOK LOCAL MAGAZINE 2016
Lofts and Extensions ........................................... 7 DESIGNED & SET BY KIRSTY HAMILTON
All pages within are copyright of Look Local or its respective contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s prior written permission. All material published in Look Local (including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content) is printed in good faith. Whilst all reasonable care is taken, Look Local does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any material published, nor is any kind of warranty expressed or implied by such publication, and Look Local specifically disclaims all and any liability to advertisers, readers and users of any kind of loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and howsoever arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause. All material is accepted on the basis that its publication does not infringe any copyright and Look Local does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage of any kind resulting from claims of copyright infringement. ©Look Local Magazine 2016. All rights reserved.
38 Looklocal Magazine - November 2016
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Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years
Open Mornings
Whole School - 10.00am-12.30pm Introductory talk at 10.00am Saturday 4 February Saturday 11 March For further information, tel 01372 473624 or email info@claremont.surrey.sch.uk
Nursery Pre-Prep Prep Senior Sixth Form www.claremont-school.co.uk