January 2016

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Published on2 January

HURST GREEN NEWS

January BluesI don’t know about the January Blues - as a colour January can feel more like the colour black than blue. The Christmas presents have been opened, too much festive food has been consumed, and the tree, baubles and tinsel are packed away for another year. Without the festive lights of Christmas the darkness of winter descends upon us. Summer seems like a distant memory or a remote hope, the post-Christmas bills start rolling in and life seems flat and empty. What a depressing month January can be!

The next issue of Hurst Green News will be published on 6 February 2016. Please send material for that issue, including items for the diary, no later than FRIDAY, 22 JANUARY 2016 to The Compiler, 3 Parklands, Oxted, RH8 9DP; e-mail: hgncompiler@gmail.com. The Compiler reserves the right to edit copy. The Hurst Green News is published by St John’s Parochial Church Council (Registered Charity 1133107) as a church and community newsletter.

It is financed by advertisements and St John’s Parochial Church Council.

But long after the Christmas season is over the Christmas message lives on as powerfully as ever. 'The light shines in the darkness and the darkness could not overcome it' (John 1:5). When you enter a dark room you can feel engulfed by the inky blackness but the moment you switch on the light the darkness disappears and cannot re-enter (unless there’s a power cut of course!). This is what John meant when he says the darkness cannot overcome the light.

The Christmas message is one of hope. The baby Jesus is the dawning of a new day. Although he looked ordinary enough, lying in a manger, Jesus was to become the Saviour of humankind. Jesus was and is the light of the world. The world can often seem a dark and dangerous place: wars, terrorism, violence, debt, unemployment, illness and death touch us all in one way or another. But none of these things can extinguish the light of Christ.

Jesus is our present strength in times of crisis and future hope in trials. In the long, dark days of winter, when the world feels a bleak and lonely place there is a hope for the future that can never be blown out because the baby born in Bethlehem is the Light of the World.

So light a candle with me today. Remember someone you have loved and lost or something that is making life a dark place and notice that the light of the candle fills the room. The darkness cannot claim back that light. That is what having Jesus in your life is like.

God bless you all and may you all have a happy 2016.Revd Karen Bell, Hurst Green Methodist Church

The late Mr Robin HarlingWith the recent death of Robin Harling, Hurst Green lost one of its most distinguished and devoted members of the community. Robin was born in 1933 in the gardener’s cottage of a house in Ice House Wood. He went to Limpsfield Schoo l f o l l owed by Redh i l l Technical College, then trained as a telephone engineer. He worked for the GPO, but subsequently changed course and became a clerk for the National Assistance Board, later, the Department for Work and Pensions. He married Barbara in 1956 at St John’s Church, and lived in Coldshott, then briefly in Oxted, before moving to Chestnut Copse.

Robin joined the Labour party in his youth, becoming an ardent worker for it, and his entire life was devoted to serving the community in one way or another. He was a District Councillor for 17 years, during which he was Chairman of the Housing Committee, and was proud never to have evicted anyone. He also successfully fought the plan to sell off the council housing stock, so Tandridge DC is one of the few to have council housing still today. He was Chairman of Tandridge District Council in 1998-99. Every year he attended the Remembrance Day Service at Hurst Green even though he was invited to attend it elsewhere. He served as President of Age Concern Oxted, Surrey Mayors’ Association and the Oxted Band, and was Chairman of the Hurst Green Community Association. He set up the Oxted and Hurst Green Junior Football Club, and enabled the building of a basketball court at Holland Sports. Together, Robin and Barbara were instrumental in setting up Diana Francis House in Caterham which nurtures the handicapped for independent living.

Above all, Robin was a lovely person and a real gentleman: gentle in every way, kind, polite, generous and a friend to everyone, but particularly to those in trouble or who had hit hard times. He spent an enormous amount of time helping them, and many local people have good cause to be grateful to him. Others are grateful simply to have had the privilege of knowing him. Mary Seller, Assistant Priest, St John’s Church

All are welcome and we hope you will feel able to join us one Thursday morning if you haven’t done so yet. If you are concerned about getting to the church just let me know and I will arrange a lift for you.

Our first coffee morning of the New Year is from 10.30am - 12 noon on 7 January. Details of subsequent dates are in each edition of Hurst Green News. Why not give us a try? You could always come with a friend.

Barbara Richards, 715636

WHY NOT JOIN US FOR COFFEE?Every other Thursday morning there is a coffee morning at St John’s Church when a group of people gathers for a friendly chat over coffee or tea and biscuits (and occasionally cake!). We have been meeting since last February when the church decided that it would be good to

offer the chance of a bit of company to those who live alone (although we do not refuse access to those who don’t!). We weren’t sure how popular this event would be but from small beginnings it has gone from strength to strength. In fact, for our last get-together before Christmas we had coffee at the Carpenters Arms pub on Limpsfield Chart and most stayed on for the pub’s Christmas lunch.

Many of our ‘regulars’ are members of the St John’s congregation but we also have others who don’t come to church services at all.

HURST GREEN CHURCHES WELCOME YOU

Please telephone any of these numbers for details of weekday worship and activities,to discuss baptism, marriage, or the arranging of a funeral, or if you want help in times of joy or sorrow.

ST JOHN’S, CHURCH WAY8am Holy Communion9.30am Parish Eucharist Crèche and Children’s groups - all ages12 noon Holy Communion, David Gresham House Other services: details in church porchWednesday 12 noon Weekday EucharistVicar: Anna Eltringham, 712674, 14 Oast Road (day off - Friday)Assistant Priest: Mary Seller - 715675, 11 Home ParkSouthwark Monica Fenton - 715769Pastoral Auxiliaries: Pearl Hobson - 712366

METHODIST CHURCH, HURSTLANDS10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church6.30pm Evening Service - 1st Sunday of the monthMinister: Karen Bell - 371346 (day off - Friday)

EVANGELICAL CHURCH ON HURST GREEN10.45am Family WorshipPastors: Steven and Margaret Cox - 717510

ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH OF OXTED & WARLINGHAMAll Saints’ Church, Chichele Road, Oxted - 627762St Ambrose Church, Warren Park, Warlingham5.30pm Saturday First Mass of Sunday, All Saints’ Oxted9am Sunday St Ambrose, Warlingham11am Sunday All Saints’ OxtedParish Priest Fr Simon Hall - 713776

OXTED UNITED REFORMED CHURCH The Church of the Peace of God 21 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted - 73040610am Sunday Service includes story-time for children, Junior Church, and communion monthlyMinister: David Skitt - 01342 837449

EAST SURREY WALKERS AND THE LOST FERRETThere is a song whose opening lyrics are ‘Ho, if I could talk to the animals, just imagine it.’ Whilst to our knowledge no member of East Surrey Walkers can talk to the animals, with over 50 walks a quarter, it is not unusual for them to help in the rescue of sheep, cats, and dogs, even lost souls.Recently, some walkers stopped in a wood above Marden Park near Woldingham. Happily chatting, eating and drinking they were suddenly startled by a silent stalker. A flash of brown and white, and

the culprit snatched a banana out of a rucksack, then vanished behind a fallen tree. Minutes later it returned, moving fast and low, escaping with some chocolate. Food, sticks, and hats were quickly gathered up, and the walk continued.There were several views as to the species of animal accepting ESW hospitality but little agreement. The mystery was soon solved when a short man in country clothes, with a goshawk on his arm, appeared in their path. He was looking for his ferret lost a few days before. Thus the ferret and the countryman were reunited thanks to East Surrey Walkers - that is how they viewed the incident. As to saving lost souls, a naked man was seen running across a field, but that is another story.

For a full programme of winter walks visit eastsurreywalkers.org.uk.

POLLARDS OAK WI ....is a group of local women who get together on a monthly basis. We meet at 7.45pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Methodist Hall in Hurst Green. Pollards Oak WI was formed in 1951 by enthusiastic ladies who had common interests and

wanted to do something beyond their family and home environment that was just for them but would fit in with their lives.This enthusiasm still thrives at Pollards Oak. We socialise at the monthly meetings and usually there is a guest speaker talking on a diverse range of subjects (see the Hurst Green News diary each month). We discuss events, outings and classes that we or our County Federation have in the pipeline and also hold regular craft sessions where skills are passed on. We like to encourage members to get together outside the monthly meetings too and there is a regular Diners Club group who try out the local pubs and restaurants. Members can take part in scrabble sessions, go to quiz nights, local theatre productions or just walks around the nearby area - often ending up at a pub! We also take part in local or county events and usually participate at the Edenbridge & Oxted Show. The Hurst Green Village Fair is another event we like to support; look out for us on the Green again this year - we will be there!

Lots to do and good friends to make; your local WI might just be thegroup you are looking for. Why not join us one Thursday evening.

You would be most welcome. Janet Ward

Hurst Green Community CentreThe Hurst Green Community Centre charity trustees are planning a party on Sunday 16 October 2016 to celebrate with everyone the 40th anniversary of the local hall. We would like to invite local people to send us a memory of what they were doing 40 years ago in the hall when it opened or just after.

Were you a regular user of the hall, did you help build the hall or help move it from Coldshott all those years ago? Were you at a party, a celebration, a meeting of a local group? If so we would love to hear from you and why not come along too and have tea and cake and listen to some music?

We would love to hear from anyone who can help us with either a COPY of a picture or a written note of a memory from all those years ago. Can you scan your pictures to us? If not please ask for help. Contact the Trustees: hurstgreencommunityassociation@gmail.com or telephone/ text 07815 074236 and ask for Carmen. Failing that, drop a letter at the hall in Oak Close just behind the shops and we'll contact you.

EAST SURREY WALKERS’ FESTIVAL OF WINTER WALKSESW have a festival of walks to get you out and about in January. It can often be a wonderful time of year to be in the countryside, with crisp frosty days, and clear blue skies. Walks can be 'short ambles', 5-7 mile walks, or longer 8-10 mile walks. For full details go to eastsurreywalkers.org. Coffee Morning

The next coffee morning to raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s Society will be held on Friday 5 February from 10am - 12 noon at the Methodist Church, Hurst Green. Coffee mornings will be held on the first Friday of the month throughout 2016.

We would be very grateful for donations of cakes or biscuits, please contact Matt on 715814 or email matty158@sky.com. We are also looking for people to help to promote our Coffee Mornings; if you are creative on the computer or could help to distribute leaflets in the area please get in touch.

We hope to extend the times to 2pm as we may be able to have a lunch club. To find out more please check with us (above), or see the website:coffeemorning3.wix.com/coffeemorning.

Matthew Leadbeater

Dates for your Diary 20164 Jan Tandridge Club for the Visually Impaired, 2.45-4.15pm - New Year party and present exchange, entertainment from Alan Hinton. Contact: Carol Leach, 01883 3820315 Jan Hurst Green Quilters Group, 10.30-12.30pm, 72 Chestnut Copse, Hilary Moore, 7232076 Jan…..and every Monday and Wednesday, Harry’s ACOL Rubber Bridge Club, Oxted Red Cross Centre, 1.15-4pm, 715900 or 713128From 8 Mother Goose - traditional family pantomime, The Oxted Players, Barn Theatre, Oxted13 Jan Oxted and Limpsfield Flower Society, 2pm, St Peter's Hall, Limpsfield13 Jan Hurst Green Gardening Club, 8pm St Agatha's Hall, speaker to be arranged14 Jan Pollards Oak WI, Methodist Hall, 7.45pm: The Kammeo Singers25 Jan Tandridge Club for Visually Impaired, 2.45-4.15pm - Orpheus Centre talk, Tricia Whyte26 Jan Hurst Green Quilters Group, 10.30-12.30pm, 72 Chestnut Copse, Hilary Moore, 72320730 Jan La Bohème, by Puccini, 7.45pm, Barn Theatre, Bluehouse Lane, Oxted

Hurst Green News can also be read on www.stjohnshurstgreen.org.uk

Children's ChurchFor toddlers and children

who have just started school

Monday, 25 January, 3.30pmSt John’s Church

EVERYONE IS WELCOMEAnyone looking after your children

is welcome to bring them.Further information - 715769

St Agatha’s HallBooking Secretary

Marjorie Walker, 714492

PARISH REGISTERSHoly Baptism

We welcome into the family of God’s Church:

19 December Jacob Gauntlett2 January Felix Bream

FuneralsOur sympathy goes to all

their relatives and friends:17 December Richard Sharp18 December Barbara Seal18 December Maurice Upton21 December Robin HarlingSt John’s Book of Remembrance

To have a name entered,please phone Diana on 712845.

AGGIES-ON-THE-GREEN COFFEE SHOPOpening again after the break onWednesday 13 January 2016

Every Wednesday MorningCoffee from 10.30am

Light lunches from 12 - 2pmAll welcome!

Limpsfield Decorativeand Fine Arts Society

St Peter’s Hall, LimpsfieldWednesday 27 January 2.30, 8pmEverything Very Fine - Dressing to impress in the 18th CenturyLecturer: Nigel Arch. LVO MA,

Chairman of DorkingMuseum & Heritage Centre

This was a time when to enter and retain your position in society

it was necessary to appear inthe most expensive clothes and

jewellery. Extravagant dress and behaviour were acceptable and

encouraged by the Prince of Wales, later George IV. The

lecture considers the sometimes extraordinary (not to say comical) lengths to which both sexes went to prepare themselves for entry

into society. More info:www.limpsfieldarts.org

MULLINGER ELECTRICS LTDAll domestic electrical jobs undertakenfrom a replacement switch to a rewire

Simon Mullinger, electrician Part P QualifiedAll work full insured Please ring for a free quote:

01883 372548 or 07974 425126

Oxted and District History SocietyThe Society meets on alternate Tuesdays at the United Reformed Church in Bluehouse Lane during the winter months for a talk on a subject of general or local historical interest. Membership is £12 for the season or you are welcome to attend individual talks for £3. No booking is needed; just arrive between 7.30 and 8pm. The programme continues:

5 January: Stuart Dennison - Origins and development of the London, Brighton &South Coast Railway, esp London & East Surrey19 January: Bob Ogley - War Poets2 February: Peter Shipley - Leaps in the Dark: Parliamentary Reform 1832-188416 February: Nicola Moorby - Murder and Modernism: Walter Richard Sickert and the Camden Town Group1 March: Richard Streatfeild - Afghanistan and back, an historical perspective

Hurst Green Gardening ClubEach morning before my day begins, I walk around my garden. There is always some plant in flower, however small - in these winter days a sign of light and life in a dark world of dead leaves and branches. But to see this, we have to stop. Stop our inner commentary and judgement of our garden failures and plans. We have to let go of that for a moment and see what is before us.

When you visit other gardens this year, seek out a bench to rest your body and your mind. Let go of your opinions about the garden and share the moment with the plants around you until there is no separation, and you become part of the garden. Start with your own garden and see what happens.

The first meeting of Hurst Green Gardening Club is on 13 January - see the diary section for details. Brian Parrott

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SPORTS          The Rotary Club of Titsey & District has launched an initiative to give youngsters in the Tandridge area an opportunity to play

organised sports outside school. Aptly named TROYS, the scheme is designed to provide an opportunity for youngsters in the area to take part in one of a variety of sporting activities in and around the Tandridge area. TROYS is open to all those who might not otherwise get a chance to participate in sporting activities and those that do will be called Trojans.Titsey Rotary Club will help introduce successful applicants to local sports clubs, so that new players get proper coaching in a safe, controlled environment. Currently available are rugby, riding, netball, squash and other racquet sports but the club has plans to develop its scheme to encompass any number of additional sporting activates, subject to receiving the interest needed. The club plans to provide these opportunities to youngsters of any age and ability, so to find out if you qualify for our sporting opportunities, please contact troys@titsey.org.uk or to apply to become a TROJAN, visit our website at www.titsey.org.uk/troys.

Lamb and Bean Casserole2 tablespoons olive oil1 large onion, peeled4 cloves garlic, peeled1 medium leg or diced lamb2 x 400g tins flageolet beans½ pint boiling water1 vegetable stock cubeJuice of 1 lemonFresh rosemaryNew potatoesSalt & pepper

• Heat up olive oil in a casserole• Dice onion & garlic, lightly sauté• Brown leg of lamb (or pieces)• Drain and add flageolet beans• Dissolve stock cube in boiling

water. Add to casserole with lemon juice and rosemary

• Cook slowly for 3 to 4 hours• Approximately 1 hour before

serving, add the new potatoes, adjust seasoning and leave to cook. This can be done either on the hob or in the oven.

• Serve with crusty bread - delicious!! Serves 8

This recipe comes from‘Manna From Heaven’, the

St John’s Church Cook Book.

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICESProfessional, experienced service. Preparation of

accounts and submissions for HMRC etc Jeremy Kite BA, CPFA, FIC 07788 727688

APARTMENT - SLEEPS 2/3Stunning views, near St John's church & station.Self contained, fully equipped, private balcony.

Weekend/mid week/weekly let. Ideal for visiting712782 friends and family 07831 865530

BOILER REPAIRS AND SERVICING All gas appliances repaired, serviced & installedPower flushing. Westerham Plumbing & Heating

Richard Day - Gas Safety Register 151580 Mobile: 07710 933153 712588

CAMERON BUILDING ANDLANDSCAPING SERVICES LTD

All aspects of general building undertakenwww.cameronservices.co.uk

Mobile 07855 894426 715856

CHIROPODIST HCPC REGISTEREDIngledale Therapy Centre

Julie Reynolds 07766 141179

CJS HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTSAll trades undertaken. No job too small.

Also house clearances. cj.seal@btinternet.com Mobile: 07956 465466 Home: 723683

CLEARANCE & REMOVALSGarden, Garage & House Clearance

Collections/Deliveries/Complete Removals Paul 07850 970278 Office 713807

CRABWOOD www.crabwood.co.ukSmall self-contained flats for independent seniorcitizens, affordable rents, unfurnished, resident

part-time manager, gardens, close to Oxted centre manager@crabwood.co.uk 07963 669452

CROZET ALARMS LTDLocal company that installs, maintains, repairs,and services Burglar Alarms, CCTV and Door

Entry Systems. For a free survey and quotation: enquiries@crozet.co.uk or 723458

DAY'S GARAGECar sales, MOT, Service & repairs, Bodywork17 Hurst Green Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 9BS

01883 730058

DEWDNEY LANDSCAPINGAll landscaping/garden maintenance

Email: info@dewdneylandscaping.co.ukwww.dewdneylandscaping.co.uk

Contact Robert Dewdney 01959 439818

DIAL-A-TUTORPrivate tuition by qualified CRB/DBS checked

teachers. All ages. New tutors welcome. www.dialatutor.co.uk 712148

FAIRALLSFor all building materials

www.fairalls.co.uk 742256

FIRST POST FENCINGwww.firstpostfencing.co.uk

Mobile 07795 455667 or 01883 717 942

GardenING ServicesRegular maintenance to one-off clearance work.

Veg plots/ponds/rockeries a speciality.Friendly, reliable and tidy. References available. Simon M:07936 285032 H:01342 325176

STEPHEN GEALPainter & Decorator

All interior & exterior decoratingFully insured

Mob. 07714403598 712727

GREENWELLS TREE SURGEONSAll aspects of tree work

E-mail: info@greenwellstreesurgeons.co.ukwww.greenwellstreesurgeons.co.uk

Contact Stuart Rimmington 01959 561101

GUITAR TUITIONNo grades, no boring scales: play the songs

you like in a short space of time. 723311

H2O PLUMBING SERVICESGeneral plumbing, bathroom installations,alterations, no job too small. Free quotes.

City & Guilds trained MI/RP Richard - Mobile 07876 450420 712523

STEVEN HAWKINSPLUMBING & HEATING LTD

Heating & plumbing services, bathroom installation, tiling, boiler changes, cylinder

replacements. City & Guilds Gas Safe registered Tel 01732 863183 Mob 07980 607491

HGC Decorations All forms of painting and decorating, interior and

exterior. David Chowler or Richard Abbott Email dchowler246@btinternet.com

01883 716450 or 07808 719383

HURST GREEN BUSY BEESPRE-SCHOOL AND FOREST SCHOOL

Early learning in a homely environment www.hurstgreenbusybees.com 722796

I.T. AIDEComputer services. Hardware & Software

Installation & troubleshooting. Virus removal.Wired/wireless networking. Tuition.

Mobile 07799 164993 714369

JACKSON-STOPS & STAFFNational estate agents with local knowledge

www.jackson-stops.co.uk 712375

JEM HOME SERVICESGeneral House & Garden Maintenance

Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, General DIYPruning, Weeding, Hedge/Tree/Grass Cutting

Call Jon - Mobile 07906 029813 712905

ALEX JONES FUNERAL DIRECTORSRenowned Caring Service

Private Chapels of Rest Day & Night Attention. Monumental Masonry

A totally independent Family Concern Oxted 730383 or Lingfield 01342 832534

KAVBRO BUILD LTDUnits S & T, Lambs Business Park

Tilburstow Hill, South Godstone, RH9 8LJ All Building Work Undertaken 722100

KIND HOST FAMILIES NEEDEDOverseas students (11-18 years) studying locally

need kind people to stay with for occasionalweekends and half term holidays. Pay per night. english-country-guardians.co.uk 712782

KINGSMEAD PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICwww.kingsmeadphysio.co.uk

224 Pollards Oak Road, Hurst Green Rowan Galloway 712987

KNIGHTS GARDEN CENTRES Ivy Mill Betchworth Nags Hall www.knightsgardencentres.com 742275

LAUREN'S HOME HAIR STYLINGwww.homehairstyling.co.uk

07709 177695

LEE’S LOCKS24 emergency locksmith. No call out charge.

Locks fitted to insurance BS3621. OAP discounts 01883 840042 or 07921 068564

PETER MAYNARDSeasoned LOGS delivered any size.

Hedges, Tree work, Grass mowed and strimmed. Fencing undertaken 717563

MGBuild Extensions, Loft Conversions, Kitchens…Big enough to cope, small enough to care

07553 264254 01732 865066www.mgbuild.net

MR COMPUTING LTDLocal mobile computer repair and maintenance.

No fix, No fee & No Call-out charge.Virus; Internet; networks & new Dell pcs.

" Call Mark or Sue 730345

NICHOLLS BUILDERS LTDBuilding & Roofing Contractors. General

Building - Alterations - Home Extensions - Roof Repairs - New Roofs. Over 25 years experience Mobile 07850 850175 717062

PAINTER & DECORATORM. J. White-Howles. Over 25 years experience

Mobile 07771 632203 713251

PAINTER & DECORATORCaroline Mee

NVQ Qualified, Fully InsuredHigh Quality Finish

Mobile 07887 514915 717278

PAYNE & COIndependent estate agents - 11 Station Rd West

712261

PIANOS TUNED & REPAIRED Peter Franklin 716752

PLASTERING SERVICESAll aspects of plastering undertaken

C W LEACH LTD 07930 266397 or 01883 382031

PLUMBING AND HEATINGStott’s Plumbing and Heating. From tap washers

to full installations. Gas safe registered. Tim Stott Mobile 07748 614254 714707

RETIREMENT FLATS WITH SERVICESSycamore Court, Hoskins Road, Oxted RH8 9JQ

24 hour staff, alarm call, domestic assistance,laundry and lunches if required

www.sycamorecourt.co.uk 723500

RH HEATING AND PLUMBINGHighly recommended local family businessoffering installation, servicing and repairs

712714 or 07580 712714

SBS HEATING SERVICESBoiler Servicing/Installation/RepairGas Safety Registration No 199283

Mobile 07801 427641 712268

STONEMANS FUNERAL SERVICEFamily owned & run; private chapel;

prepaid funeral plans; home visits 740123

W. A. TRUELOVE & SON LTDFuneral Directors & Monumental Craftsmen

49 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0AXAn Independent Family Firm since 1885

www.watltd.co.uk 732000TO ADVERTISE, please ring 717473or e-mail: rascals@rogerlugg.co.uk