march 2014 issue 86

Inside this month:* Articles and quizzes*Community pages and Events* And much more................... * Remember to put your clocks forward.

IncorporatingYour SurbitonMonth: March 2014Issue No. 86Independent monthly community news andbusiness directory for KT5 & KT6

Happy Mothers’ Day

Delivered free each month to homes in Berrylands, plus Surbiton or Tolworth

0208 408 3030 ON PAGE 3

“Guttering cleared from £39”

9

2Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers2

Revitalise your smile with

dental implantsThe permanent solution tomissing teeth and loosedentures

Tel: 020 8399 4311www.gentlecaringdentist.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER £149 TOOTH WHITENINGCornerhouse Dental Practice & Dental Implant Centre, 395 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 7DG







(Dental Implants starting from £1900 per tooth)

3

Hello Readers

Useful NumbersKingston Councilwww.kingston.gov.ukTrading StandardsRefuse CollectionElectoral RegistrationCouncil TaxCitizens AdviceCustoms & Excise (VAT)Inland Revenue HelplineEnvironmental AgencySurbiton LibraryKingston PoliceNon-Emergency PoliceEmergency ServicesNon Emergency NHSTransport:National Rail EnquiriesPublic Transport TravelineGatwick AirportHeathrow Airport

Emergencies/Utilities:Gas EmergencyElectricity EmergencyWater EmergencyBT Fault LineVirgin MediaCrimestoppersKingston HospitalNHS Direct (24/7)ChildlineSamaritansAge ConcernKingston Relatewww.relatekh.orgDomestic Violence Help Linewww.victimsupport.org.ukSurbiton Safer Neighbourhood Team based at YMCA

020 8547 5000

020 8547 4654020 8547 5560020 85474630020 8547 51960844 826 97010845 010 900008459 000 4440870 850 6506020 8547 6444020 3541 1212101999111

08457 484 9500870 608 26080844 335 18020844 335 1801

0800 111 9990800 783 88660845 920 08000800 800 1510845 142 00000800 555 111020 8546 77110845 46470800 11110845 790 90900800 00 99 66020 8549 3318

020 8547 3202

020 8721 2518

A Berrylands Companion18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ020 8274 [email protected]

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

Welcome to this month’s magazine, I hope it is a good read for you and you can find just the service that you need amongst

our advertisers.

It is amazing how some advertisers say that they do not ask anyone enquiring about their business, just how they found them. But when people ring an advertiser do they tell them they saw their advert in A Berrylands Companion magazine? It works both ways! Keeping track of how adverts attract custom is vital, for businesses, for the magazine and ultimately for you the reader, as we could lose advertisers.

Whilst the Surbiton area has not seen the awful devastation that has befallen the South West of England, we have had some very windy weather recently, driving rain into all those nooks and crannies and we have not been immune. The rain has found it’s way through to cause a problem in one of our rooms upstairs. At the moment we have a very badly stained ceiling!! And the rain is still falling.

So we are looking forward to Spring, which will probably be quite short! Would you believe it, British Summer Time begins at the end of the month!! Don’t forget to put the clocks forward on the 29th March

ready for 2am on the 30th.Happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers and grandmothers on the same day.

Next month we celebrate Easter, so if you are holding any events or promotions, remember to send in your information by the 8th March.

Best wishes

Karen

44 Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers

The Better LifeGreen with Envy by Derek Thompson

Our Better Life has always been about cooperation. We try to work with Nature and the seasons; we swap produce and ideas with neighbours and friends. It’s never about competition...usually.“You must come and see our new place,” a friend of ours simpered. “We’re still renovating, but the garden is looking lovely.”In fairness, they’ve been renovating for months and months now and there’s no sign of the house surrendering yet. Anne was very keen to go, principally because she likes looking around other people’s houses - when they’re in, I hasten to add.The garden was, to my emerald eyes, spectacular. They had six chickens, each one a different breed and with its own pedigree, a humungous vegetable plot with three types of potato already in the ground and enough fruit trees to have

made 48 litres of cider last autumn. By way of a contrast, we once harvested five sweet potatoes that wouldn’t fill a saucer and managed a mug of juice from a bag of foraged apples. We were given a whistle-stop tour of several fruit bushes and raspberry canes, a nod to the concrete pond (rectangular) and a visit to the earthworks soon to become a solar array. They also showed us where the water butts will sit and how they plan to follow our example, by linking them to a Rainwater Hub up the wall under the main drainpipe.I was quiet on the drive home, thinking about what we could do with more space. Anne, ever the practical one, knew just how to harness my ambitions. She drew up a list of things we need to do in March for our own little eco-paradise:1. Take up more grass, so

we can extend the mini-meadow to make it a midi-meadow. We’ll also need more fine sand for the 50 / 50 mix before we sow last year’s wildflower seeds and it’ll be a chance to delve into a traditional seed catalogue to diversify.

2. Spread the love by spreading the compost. Plus, this year I really want to look at doing something with seaweed. Incidentally, the ‘love’ does not extend to weeds.

3. Tend to the plants in the (world’s smallest) conservatory. I tend to think everything is pot-bound,

but sometimes I am right. It’s also a good time to check the drainage and keep a watchful eye on the temperature. It may only be March but it can be pretty toasty in there on a sunny day.

4. Generally, get busy. This covers a multitude of activities - everything from checking car boot sales for new old tools to turning over the veg patch and planting out onions and beans.

Naturally, we popped into a garden centre on our way home - for tea and cake. “While you were looking at their wood store,” Anne caught me daydreaming, “Stephanie told me how much they’d been inspired by our garden.”I smiled then, remembering how we’d agreed a tomato growing competition: Gardner’s Delight vs. Sweet Million - our conservatory vs. their leaky greenhouse.And I recalled those words of Robert Louis Stevenson: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Mainly, it had to be said, because it was written in the seed catalogue.

Derek Thompson is a writer and humourist based in the West Country. His writing blog can be found at www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.com and he is also a regular at www.strictlywriting.blogspot.com

5 5To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096 email: [email protected]

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

OVER 200 CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS !! www.carpets4u.co.uk

The only carpet shopthat comes to

your home!See 100’s of samples & colours

all at competitive priceswith NO OBLIGATION

in the comfort of your home or office

FREE Estimates & AdviceFriendly, family run business based in Epsom,

covering Surrey and SW London est. 1975

020 8873 7950

10% DISCOUNTON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT AND SPECIAL RATES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS T & C APPLY

Carpets_A5.indd 1 03/12/2013 05:30


We’re getting ready for Spring at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club Roy Staniland explains

March and April are key months in the Club’s year, because our eleven superb grass courts need

intensive maintenance to bring them into peak condition for the new grass season in May. Our ground staff mow each court at least three times a week, and there’s fertiliser and other regular spraying to be fitted into a busy outdoor schedule.

While we wait impatiently for the grass season, tennis need never stop at our Club. Two of our fast-draining hard courts are covered by our magnificent Dome, guaranteeing play until the end of March, whatever the weather. Three of our hard courts have been laid with synthetic clay, and these are highly popular with our Members.

Of course, there’s always plenty happening indoors. We have four state of the art squash courts, all of them heated and air-conditioned. Our Squash Coach is available if you feel the need to improve your game!

Our spacious Fitness Suite is a very important facility for our Members. Its equipment includes some of the latest apparatus, from cardiovascular aids to resistance machines and free weights.

Equally important is our Studio, with regular classes which range from Pilates and Yoga to Zumba and Indoor Cycling. And there’s Cardio Tennis, a unique fitness programme.

No other Club in the neighbourhood offers our unique spread of facilities. We have plenty of social events, and you can always relax and chat in our

comfy Clubhouse Bar. Why not come along and see us? Just drop in, or ring beforehand if you wish on 0208 399 1594. You can be sure of a warm welcome!

About The Club Today

Although the Club started life as far back as 1881, today we are well up with most modern trends and facilities. For instance, we have no less than twelve professional tennis coaches, and our training and coaching programmes run all the year and involve more than 250 pupils a week, from age 3 right up to the over-80s. Nor is our coaching limited to the Club premises; we visit eleven local schools on a regular basis for coaching sessions. In partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and the Tennis Foundation, the Club is committed to the development of tennis in our area, and particularly among the youngest players. Just what you would expect from a major Club in the modern era of tennis.

We are also a Disability Hub, working with children and adults with a range of disabilities.

See you soon!

Roy

Roy Staniland is the Director of Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, Berrylands, KT5 8JT. 0208 399 1594 www.surbiton.org


Puppy parties Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm.

Please phone the surgery to book your place.

Open Mon-Fri: 8am-7.30pmSat: 8.30-11am

24 hour Emergency Service

Aspen Veterinary Surgery Your pet matters to us

www.aspenvets.co.uk351 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7BZ

020 8399 6437

QP Advert Jan 12 Proof 1.indd 1 1/16/2012 4:53:33 PM

PROOF B

QP Advert Proof 2B.indd 9 1/24/2013 11:42:43 AM

LocalÊInteriorÊDesignÊandÊDecorationÊServices.ÊÊ

ÊConceptÊdefinition,ÊSourcing,ÊÊ

SpaceÊplanning,ÊBespokeÊstorageÊsolutionsÊtoÊreflectÊyourÊpersonalityÊ

andÊfulfilÊyourÊrequirements.Ê

07854707999Ê[email protected]Êwww.personaedesign.comÊ

InteriorÊDesignÊServicesÊ

QP Feb 14 proof 1.indd 9 31/12/2013 04:37:31

36

October Crossword

October Sudoku

Across:6. Colourless liquid formerly used as an anaesthetic (5)7. Near or close to (8)10. Very poisonous metallic element (7)11. Continually repeated over a period of time (7)12. Silvery-white radioactive metallic element (7)13. To go into again (2-5)14. Slow witted or stupid, particularly following alcohol (11)19. Student who studies intensively in a short period of time (7)21. Convert ordinary language into code (7)25. Advance beyond the usual limit (7)25. Of little substance or signifi cance (7)26. At the right time of year (2,6)27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

Down:1. Terminate gradually (5,3)2. A Sultanate in northwestern Borneo (6)3. Horologist (10)4. Slightly open (4)5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6)6. Represents or performs as if in a play (6)8. Come to terms with (7)9. Shortened term for provocation (5)13. Returning to political offi ce (10)15. Unusually great in size (7)16. After sunrise and before sunset (8)17. Strong and sharp (5)18. Having little emotion or sensibility (6)20. Add to the very end (6)22. The highest point; culminate (6)24. Compass point (4)

E Page 33-40.indd 36 22/01/2010 00:22:03

Remember, you can pick up a copy of A Berrylands Companion

magazine at the following:

C.D.Jennings, Hypoxi Centre,Budgens, Surbiton & Tolworth Libraries, Shan’s Pharmacy, YMCA, Tolworth Recreation Centre

Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Surbiton Hill Garage

If you would like copies at your business please call me on:

020 8274 0096

8Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers8

Apricot andApple Strudel

Layers of light and crispy filo pastry wrapped around a sweet fruit filling makes a delicious pud that tastes just as good warm as cold. Serve with tangy crème fraiche, thick Greek yogurt or vanilla custard

Ingredients:• 2 large cooking

apples• Finely grated zest of 1

lemon• 85g no-need-to-

soak dried apricots, chopped

• 50g fresh white breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp ground mixed spice

• 7 tbsp Demerara sugar

• 6 large sheets filo pastry (approx 200g)

• 50g unsalted butter, melted

• Icing sugar, for dusting

Serves 4 - 6

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Peel, core and finely chop the apples and place in a bowl with the lemon zest, apricots, breadcrumbs, mixed spice and 3 tbsp of the Demerara sugar. Mix well.

2. Place 2 sheets of the filo pastry, slightly overlapping, on a large greased baking tray. Brush them liberally with some of the melted butter then arrange 2 more sheets on top. Brush with more butter and top with the last 2 sheets.

3. Spoon the apple mixture along one long pastry edge, leaving a 3cm border. Sprinkle over another 3 tbsp of Demerara sugar. Fold in the two short ends of the pastry then roll up loosely from one long side to enclose the filling, making sure the seal is underneath. Brush the pastry all over with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the rest of the Demerara sugar.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden. Check after 25 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the pastry begins to go too brown. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

TIPAdding breadcrumbs to the fruit mixture helps to soak up any juices and stop the pastry from becoming soggy. You can replace them with ground almonds, if liked.

Cake and Bake

99To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096 email: [email protected]

SURBITON BUSINESS CENTRE 44-46 VICTORIA ROAD, SURBITON, KT6 4JL

Tel: 0208 408 30 30www.roofingandgutter.com

"We are a small family run business with over 30yrs experience, we can help you with the

following plus much more”

● FLAT ROOFS ● TILING ● POINTING● LEAD WORK ●● AND ALL OTHER ASSOCIATED ROOFING PROBLEMS ●

● GUTTERING FITTED, FIXED AND CLEANED ●● FREE ESTIMATES AND 15YR GUARANTEES ●

“Gutters cleared from £39."

andGutter.com


Start your New Year by putting your grand plans for improving your home into action. If you are thinking of extending and/or improving your

property, now is the time to start planning. Building to a high specification will add space to your home and increase the value of your property.

Berrylands Building Company Is your local firm, with a highly skilled team with over 30 years of experience. We offer a ‘Design and Build’ service which will help take away the stresses of planning your extension.

We come highly recommended by previous clients who agree that we give a professional, approachable and affordable service. Just check out our “Checkatrade” ratings.

Planning is KeyInvite us to discuss how we can push your project forward. We are happy to introduce you to our recommended Architects and Structural Engineers and give advice on planning issues.

Any building project takes time, particularly if you need to gain planning permission. By starting this process early with a reputable firm, you will have help every step of the way to complete a high quality build.

So, get your plans kicked off early and work with your local building company using our 5 step guide:

1) Invite us to your home to discuss your requirements2) Meet our recommended Architects and Structural Engineers, or if you already have your plans drawn up, no problem.3) Get plans drawn up if required, and we will give you a detailed quotation.4) Allow time to submit your plans for planning permission and/or building control (normally 6/8 weeks for planning)5) Arrange and book in a date for Berrylands Building Company to start work

We are on CHECKATRADEWe are extremely proud members of Checkatrade for the last 10 years and we come highly recommended by our previous customers. Working locally, with local homeowners like yourselves, allows us to be in a position of providing you with plenty of recognizable references.

Latest projectsOur latest completed project photographed in the heart of Berrylands, (Pine Gardens). A single storey rear and side kitchen/diner extension including new patio and landscaping.

Before:

After:

So, this New Year, get in early and talk through your plans to extend your home with your local building firm, Berrylands Building Company.

See our website for more projectswww.berrylandsbuilders.co.uk

Contact:Garry Hall 020 8399 6276 or 07941374324E mail: [email protected]

‘Small enough to care, big enough to deliver’

A New Year - Get Planning!

‘Very high standard of workmanship’‘Taking pains to minimize the disruption

to our family’ (Mr & Mrs C Godfrey)


71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LR Tel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324

Em: [email protected]

* Extensions * Conversions * All types of Paving

Local builders with over 30 years experience.

Many local customers with excellent references, viewings by appointment

Check out our Check a Trade ratings.

Painting and Decorating Plastering and Tiling Household Maintenance and Repairs Bathrooms Fitted and Refurbished Carpentry and Plumbing Flat Packs and Small Jobs

BERRYLANDS

Marcus & Sarah Baines 020 8390 7549 07702 603 885

[email protected]

Property Maintenance Ltd

WWW.CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

No obligation quotations. References available. All work guaranteed and fully insured.

proof 3 Dec 10-HP.indd 9 11/24/2010 12:31:24 PM

•Extensions •Conversions

•All types of Paving


Many local customers with excellent references,viewings by appointment

Check out our Check a Trade ratings.71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LR

Tel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324Em: [email protected]

* Extensions * Conversions * All types of Paving


Many local customers with excellent references, viewings by appointment


Painting and Decorating Plastering and Tiling Household Maintenance and Repairs Bathrooms Fitted and Refurbished Carpentry and Plumbing Flat Packs and Small Jobs

BERRYLANDS

Marcus & Sarah Baines 020 8390 7549 07702 603 885

[email protected]

Property Maintenance Ltd

WWW.CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE

No obligation quotations. References available. All work guaranteed and fully insured.

proof 3 Dec 10-HP.indd 9 11/24/2010 12:31:24 PM

•Extensions •Conversions

•All types of Paving




Many local customers with excellent references,


71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LRTel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324

Em: [email protected]

Mini Cryptic CrosswordAcross3. Lyrical epic to sabotage (6)6. Picture taker arrived before artist (6)7. Quantity men rub the wrong way (6)10. Commercial break at sea (6)11. City that shows the way, we hear (5)14. Country that sounds cold (5)18. Entertains when Sam and Sue are

brought together (6)19. Instrument for holding ice cream? (6)21. Show clearly when Venice is wrecked

(6)22. Planes deployed in Italian place (6)Down1. Crawls round poor handwriting (6)2. Come out when Ian leaves menagerie

(6)3. Drawers and gasps for breath... (5)4. ...But returns for a container (3)5. Vehicle serviced by the RAC, perhaps

(3)8. Gloomy theatre contains legendary

tale (4)9. Real kind of nobleman (4)12. Reflection in an Aztec house (4)13. Girl who’s there at the break of day (4)

15. Mentally deranged when Anne is altered (6)

16. Teresa turns to a time of celebration (6)

17. Goes out with palm fruits? (5)

19. Is able to keep food in (3)20. Mr Van Winkle’s tear? (3)

©puzzlepress.co.uk

1 2 3 4 5

6

7 8 9

10

11 12 13 14 15 16

17

18

19 20

21

22


1. Use trade suppliers: they’re much cheaper than their high-street equivalents. If you’re embarking on a major project, open an account with your local builders merchant, or else try specialists such as Screwfix or Plumbase. Feel intimidated about going into a branch? Do your research beforehand (so you know what you’re talking about), wear appropriate clothing and act confident. If you need to ask advice, though, do – these guys are the specialists and will probably be only too happy to help.

2. Borrow rather than buy expensive tools that you’re unlikely to use very often. Ask friends – making sure their tools have been well maintained – or try a local hire shop. Before you start, though, make sure you know exactly how to use the tool safely.

3. Do as much work as you can yourself, and ask friends and family to help. You may be able to improve your DIY skills by studying a good manual, taking an evening

class or even attending a specialist course. Only tackle jobs you can manage safely, however. Painting, decorating, tiling, sanding floorboards are all fine. But complex or tricky jobs should be left to the professionals, as should anything that involves electricity, gas or working at a height.

4. Try to design fitted furniture such as shelves or cupboards with the dimensions of standard materials in mind. This will allow you to either buy off the shelf or will save on cutting-waste, and therefore cost you less.

5. Grab the best bargains in sales and clearances, and at factory outlets, seconds shops and discount warehouses. This may mean planning your decorating around a one-off sale, or waiting until you have acquired just the right discounted item, but your patience will pay off in the end.

6. How about second-hand? You never know what you might find if you scour the

right places, from auctions and junk shops to small ads in your local paper and salvage yards. The golden rule is to be prepared – if you’re out and about, write out a list of relevant dimensions and keep it, together with a mini tape measure, on your person at all times. And be aware of safety: if you do buy second-hand radiators, taps or electrical items, have them fitted by someone who’s qualified to check that they’re totally safe and functioning correctly.

7. Something for nothing? Some people swear by the fine art of ‘skip dipping’ – and it’s true that many a desirable item, from floorboards to kitchen cupboards, has been re-homed in this way. If you’re going to try this, never trespass, and ask the owner’s permission first. Much easier, though, is to sign up to an internet-based network such as Freecycle, which connects people who are giving things away with people who will happily take them off their hands. Don’t expect designer style, but

10 Ways To Save On Renovating Your HomeBuilding work can be expensive, but if you’re canny you can keep costs down, says Katherine Sorrell

By Katherine Sorrell


Book now for Valentine’s Day www.prithicuisine.co.uk

020 8399 0030/3904285 Ewell Road, Surbiton

£10.95

*Please note King Prawn & FishDishes are £2 extra

Book now for Mothers’ Day & Easter

EP March 10 .indd 1 09/02/2010 17:27:34

#1 Handyman ServicesPainting & Decorating, Fencing,

Patios, Decks, Flat Packs, Odd Jobs, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning,

Move in/out cleaning

Mob: 07980 065466Evenings: 0208 224 0830

www.extremecpm.co.uk

EP advert October 2012.indd 9 9/13/2012 11:05:59 AM

you may be surprised at the range of useful things on offer, and you can even post a ‘wanted’ ad if you’re after something in particular. 8. Buy wallpaper and fabric from ends-of-line and discount suppliers. And avoid paying extra for special colours from expensive paint companies – have your chosen colour mixed for you, in whatever finish you require. Johnstone’s and Dulux both offer this service. 9. Use decorating tricks to save money. If you can’t afford carpet, for example, either sand your floorboards or paint them, and add a simple rug for a clean, contemporary look. Instead of bespoke curtains, choose Roman or

roller blinds, which use much less fabric and are correspondingly a great deal cheaper (you may even be able to buy them off the peg or make them yourself). Can’t afford to have the glass in an overlooked window beautifully etched? Then buy some stick-on window film, which is easy to use and inexpensive.

10. Think laterally. In a bathroom, for example, you can completely transform the look and feel of the room by changing the taps, loo seat, bath panel, window treatment and shower curtain. In a kitchen, consider replacing either the cupboard doors and drawer fronts, or carefully repainting

them. A new worktop can also be relatively inexpensive, and will give the room a whole new look. Image on left: Roller blinds are smart and simple – and much less expensive than curtains. These rich brown blinds with an on-trend print start at £50 (60x60cm), Luxaflex Sunway (0800 652 7799; www.sunwayblinds.co.uk).Image above: Window film is an easy and inexpensive solution for overlooked windows. Etch-effect film, £20.85 for a 50cm square sheet, Purlfrost (020 8992 4024; www.purlfrost.com).

M.DUFFELLInterior / Exterior DecoratingFully Insured References

For Free Quotations & Advice Family business established 25 years

Call: 020 8390 0383 07989 035 725


Why Saving Doesn’t Have To Be TaxingIt’s that time of the year when financial talk is all about tax free savings and ISAs. It’s worth listening, because you’re really missing a trick if all your savings are being taxed – so here’s a quick introduction to saving tax-free.

Avoiding and Reducing Tax on Interest

If you earn less than your annual tax allowance, you won’t have to pay tax on your savings interest (unless it pushes your income over your tax allowance). But most banks and building societies automatically tax your interest, so register as a non-taxpayer by filling in form R85, found here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/r85.pdf, for each institution you bank with. You can check your eligibility at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/r85-helpsheet.pdf. Don’t forget, children pay tax too – most won’t earn enough to go over their allowance, but parents must fill in an R85 on their behalf. Remember, if money given by a parent produces interest of over £100 a year, the interest is considered part of that parent’s income. If you or your partner pay different tax rates, consider putting savings in the name of whoever pays the lowest rate. Some couples aren’t happy with their savings in just one name, but if you are, it can make good financial sense, particularly if one of you is

paying the higher rate tax of 40% or more while the other pays basic tax or none at all.Tax Free SavingsEven if you’re a tax-payer, there are tax-free saving schemes sanctioned by the government which allow you to invest a limited amount each tax-year and receive your interest tax-free.An ISA (Individual Savings Account) allows you to save up to an overall maximum of £11,520 a year (in tax year 2013-14), either in a Stocks and Shares ISAs (annual limit £11,520) or a Cash ISA (annual limit only £5760 per year – so you may want to invest the rest of your allowance in a Stocks and Shares ISA). Many Cash ISAs now have instant access facilities - handy if you want to save but think that you might need to dip into your ISA. Junior ISAs are also available for children up to 18, but have a lower limit of just £3,720 per annum; those born between 1 Sep 2002 and 2 Jan 2011 aren’t eligible, as they have Child Trust Funds. Of course, most children won’t pay tax anyway, but one advantage of a Junior ISA is that savings automatically convert into an adult cash ISA when the child turns 18, and

then remain tax-free – even if the amount is over the adult ISA limit. The Government backed NSI (National Savings and Investments) sometimes offer Savings Certificates which give tax-free returns without affecting your ISA allowance. You can also save tax-free with a Friendly Society; their policies often have other features such as life or health insurance, but they are designed for long term saving and investing; charges can be severe if you end the policy early.

PensionsWe should all save in a pension, and pension contributions accrue tax relief. You can usually pay extra voluntary contributions into your employer’s pension scheme, and can also pay into a personal pension scheme (either as a top-up or your sole pension). Some pensions will allow you to take early lump sums but pensions aren’t designed for short-term investment, so always check terms and conditions before deciding how much money to commit long term.

By Alison Runhamwww.alison.runham.co.uk


Architectural ServicesResidential + Commercial Extensions or New BuildPlanning + BuildingRegulation ConsentsHealth and Safety for ConstructionParty Wall Awards

Ken BurgessTele: 07976 837 031 Fax: 070 9200 3581E-mail: [email protected]

••

•

•

•

K B

Design

LeverettElectrical Ltd

Qualifi ed electrician Part P registered. All work certifi ed.No job too small.

All work considered Quality at the heart of our work

Installation & maintenanceRewiresSecurity lightingFire alarmsCentral heating wiring

Stuart LeverettOffi ce: 020 8390 0617Mobile: 07710 123 628Email:[email protected]

•••••



All work considered Quality at the heart of our work• Installation & maintenance• Rewires• Security lighting• Fire alarms• Central heating wiringStuart LeverettOffi ce: 020 8390 0617Mobile: 07710 123 628Email:[email protected]

QP advert 1 QP advert 2Leverett

Electrical LtdQualified Electrician

Part P registered.All work certified.No job too small.

All work considered.Quality at the heart of our work

• Installation &maintenance• Rewires• Security lighting• Fire alarms• Central heating wiringStuart LeverettOffice: 020 8390 0617Mobile: 07710 123 628Email:[email protected] www.leverettelectrical.co.uk

Installation & Maintenance logo

Installation & Maintenance blue

Installation & Maintenance 294C

Installation & Maintenance CMYK

QP advert 3

QP advert Colours

QP colour samples.indd 9 6/13/2012 12:28:16 PM


It sometimes pays to follow your instincts.

Author JK Rowling reportedly decided to write the first Harry Potter novel after an idea for the story occurred to her when she was travelling on a train. She completed the book as a struggling single mum on state benefits, becoming a multi-millionaire within five years. Japanese engineer Yusuke Funaki saw a performance by the world-famous circus company Cirque du Soleil and was so inspired that he decided to learn the rope-skipping techniques he had seen in the show. After a few years of practice he abandoned engineering and literally ran away to join the circus. He is still working with Cirque du Soleil as a performer at their Florida base.The link between these two individuals is their willingness to follow an impulse, taking up new activities that – given their backgrounds and relative inexperience in their chosen

fields - were far from guaranteed to result in success. It takes a certain kind of courage to risk everything in order to follow a dream, especially when we know it might fail. Most of us, at some stage in our lives, have done things that we have regretted at a later date. Sometimes our

spur-of-the-moment choices seem so out of character it’s almost as though someone else has taken over our minds. A study of the brain shows why we feel this way. While the primitive, emotional part of our brain (found in the limbic system) makes rapid-fire decisions about things we like, dislike, hate, love, fear or want, the intellectual and more logical mind (located in prefrontal cortex) is geared to making deliberate and rational conclusions at a slightly slower pace. Allow your emotional brain to guide your actions and you’re likely to end up doing something impulsive.We tend to associate impulsivity with youth. As they age, people often reject these youthful emotional responses: instead mature people use the knowledge they have acquired, backed up by logic and reason, to cope with new challenges or solve problems.While no-one would

doubt the benefits that knowledge and experience can bring, something is perhaps lost in this process. Impulse and risk-taking are closely linked with creativity, and there’s a danger that we may ignore creative impulses that have the power to change the course of our lives.By middle-age, many of us have ceased to follow our instincts completely, relying on tried and trusted methods that we have learned in our formative years to see us through. But does sticking with what we know actually inhibit brain development?When individuals settle into routines that are repeated automatically from day to day, the brain activity required for those activities decreases. That means that we tend to carry out familiar actions on autopilot and consequently our minds receive very little stimulation.The good news is that older people can reactivate their brains by undertaking new activities, or by approaching established routines in different ways. Whether you decide to join a choir, take up a musical instrument or volunteer for a local charity, it’s not really about the activity – it’s about rekindling the youthful spark

that encouraged you to experiment and try

new things. At the very least it will give your brain some exercise, at best it might be the key to

a whole new life.

Life BeginsWhen did you last do something impulsive? by Kate McLelland


Phone 07922 246673

E Mail [email protected]

CJM Plumbing and Heating

ALL OF YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS BOILER SERVICING OR REPAIRS

NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES

JUST CALL CHRIS

JAMES ANTHONYDECORATOR

Specializing in qualityinterior & exterior decorations

• Domestic and Commercial• Bathroom Refurbishment• Tiling and Plastering

• Free Estimate Provided• Fully Insured

• 20 Years Experience

07939 333 324020 8399 9735

[email protected]

QP Sept 12 Proof 1.indd 1 8/7/2012 11:21:06 AM

William Stallion150 Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 9HF

Tel: 07828 796 [email protected]

APPROVEDCONTRACTOR

DOMESTICINSTALLER

*Alterations & Additions *New Installations *Maintenance *Rewires*Testing & Inspection EICR/PIR*NIC/EIC Registered,insured,certifi ed

QP May 13 Proof 3.indd 9 5/3/2013 10:43:41 AM

Est 35 YEARS

ROBINSON & SONPROFESSIONAL

PAINTERS& DECORATORS

WallpaperingINTERIOR & EXTERIOR

PRIVATE & RESIDENTIALHigh Quality

WORK AT LOCAL RATESExperienced professional

TradesmanCALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

020 8399 9803RECOMMENDATIONS

FULLY INSUREDA FAMILY RUN BUSINESSEMail: [email protected]

QP July 11 .indd 1 6/14/2011 10:39:06 AM


LEWIS DICKso l ic i tors

For more information or a no obligation quote

Call: 020 8393 0055Email: [email protected] or visit our Website: www.lewis-dick.com

Lewis & Dick, 443 Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey, KT19 0DG

Need a

DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELPWITH CONTACT

speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten

Need to

MOVE HOUSE OR GET HELP WITHYOUR BUSINESS

speak to Jonathan Owens

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM,AND PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY

SERVICE

Need to

MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEYOR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE

speak to James Winfield

Ovenclean will transform your oven andput the sparkle back into your kitchen!

Call Sheree today to book yourOvenclean appointment on

01932 706223www.ovenclean.com

✓ 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:● Ovens ● Filters ● Hobs● Grills ● BBQ’s ● Ranges● Extractors ● Microwaves ● AGA’s

ÊÊÊ Ê

Painting and Decorating Roofing and Guttering Plastering and Tiling

Household Maintenance and Repairs

MarcusÊ&ÊSarahÊBainesÊ020Ê8390Ê7549Ê07702Ê603Ê885Ê

[email protected]Ê

WWW.CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE No obligation quotations. References available.

All work guaranteed and fully insured.

Oct 12 QP.indd 1 10/2/2012 6:38:27 PM


As the new gardening year is under way, is it time to embark on a new era in your garden? It can be really refreshing to have a change of style, not necessarily in your whole garden but perhaps you could create a different and contrasting feel in a small part of your plot to the rest of your well-loved garden? The Japanese style is largely very simplistic and aims to create a relaxed, calm environment. In any garden you’re going to need walls, fences, pathways and so forth, and if you use natural materials such as wood or of course bamboo, they blend in better with the surroundings of an existing or a newly planned garden and instantly help to create that oriental feel. Provided the surface is made relatively slip-proof, a small bridge can be created quite easily using a simple plank of wood, allowing you to cross over an existing or new pond or other water feature. Stain the wood an interesting colour: perhaps even bright Japanese-style red if you’re feeling daring.Thinking of water, why not create your own ‘deer chase’? All you need to set up is a source of water powered by a pump, then allow the water to pour out from a bamboo spout and then into another hollowed out piece of bamboo. As the weight of the water increases

in the hollowed out bamboo it causes it to tip and to swivel around slightly. Once filled up it then tilts downwards and pours its water into the basin or bowl beneath. When empty it clunks back into position. If you want something even simpler, then buy some wide diameter bamboo canes, hollow one out, cut the end at an angle and simply create a trickling water spout. Provided you fix everything up with a pump, the water can then be recycled around from the bowl or basin and back into the trickling pipe.Gravelled areas raked into simple patterns resembling waves or entire circles also help to create a Japanese feel. These can take up the majority of the garden space, be a relatively small area or perhaps link your existing garden into the Japanese ‘room’ that you have created. Concentric rings of raked gravel or sand look particularly dramatic if you place a sizeable, interestingly shaped boulder, stone or specimen plant in the centre of the middle circle. When it comes to plants there are several which instantly help to evoke that Japanese effect. The so-called Japanese maples with their intricately divided leaves epitomise Japanese gardens and many will turn brilliant shades in the autumn. Japanese azaleas too can be used to great effect and can

bring in some of those really bright colours which look so good for the relatively simple garden surrounding them. Pine trees may be too large for most gardens, but you can gradually bend the stems of a smaller one to create a bonsai effect. Of course, if you’re a collector of bonsai then most of these trees actually enjoy spending the summer outside in a garden and provided they are kept adequately maintained, will look great in your Japanese garden.A trip down to your local garden centre is bound to supply you with a few oriental-themed containers. Plant one or two of these up with a small acer, camellia, miniature azalea or miniature bamboo and you will really help to complete that oriental touch.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related items including ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ veg growing system, electronic cat and fox deterrents, lots of slug controls, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, and many other useful garden items.

A Touch of the Orient

by Pippa Greenwood

21 21

LOCAL CARPENTERGARDENER

CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED

Doors/Skirting Maintenance Repair Work Hedge Trimming Shelving/Carpentry Gates Joinery Fencing Stud Walling Clearance Wardrobes Decking

Friendly, reliable and tidy service

Will: 020 8399 7872Mobile: 07961 450 618

QP Sept 2101 proof 3 .indd 1 15/07/2010 18:54:38

28

maintenance timberwork paving design

Trimming, tidying & mowing

Patios & paths

Scaled drawings & planting plans

Fencing, decking, gates & sheds

For a friendly, reliable service at a competitive rate

Fencing&

Landscape construction

07714 592 650 020 8390 715107714 592 650

QP April 2010 mono 2.indd 1 29/03/2010 22:08:25

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096 email: [email protected]

QP Proof June 10.indd 1 14/05/2010 14:19:06

R.J. Tree Services qualifi ed & professional staff are dedicated to the highest levels of

service in every instance.

Offi ce: 020 8399 0103 Mobile: 07980 903881

[email protected] LOOK FOR THE RED TREE! R.J. Tree Services, Berrylands, Surbiton Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work www.rjtrees.co.uk

Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Felling

£10 million insurance liability cover

Hedgeworks Tree Surveys & Reports

Free Quotes

Tree Reductions / Crown Thins Tree Felling

Hedgeworks

£10 million insurance liability cover

Diploma qualifi ed NPTC licensed

• Free quotes• Fully NPTC qualified• Tree reductions / crown thins• Tree felling• Stump removal• Hedgeworks• Tree surveys & reports

R.J. Tree Services qualified & professional staff are dedicated to the highest levels of service in every instance.

We are happy to give advice – on all your arboricultural queries.

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Berrylands, Surbiton 020 8399 0103 07980 903 881Visit our website for information and videos on all aspects of our work

www.rjtrees.co.uk

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr





www.rjtrees.co.uk






www.rjtrees.co.uk






www.rjtrees.co.uk


Stump Removal

Tree Surveys & Reports

HP June 13 Proof 2.indd 1 5/15/2013 9:58:55 AM


It’s that time of year again: spring has sprung and the grass has started to rise. While robot lawnmowers haven’t quite reached bargain basement prices just yet - a robo-mower such as Husquvarna’s Automower 305G has an RRP of £1,399, and even the cheapest online shops charge around £850 - technology can still help: firms such as Bosch, Greenworks and Mountfield all offer battery-powered lawnmowers that offer the convenience of cable-free mowing without the noise, smell and hassle of petrol engines. Prices range from just over £200 to around £500.What’s even easier than a cordless mower? That’s right: grass that you don’t have to mow in the first place. Hi-tech turf (www.hitechturf.co.uk) looks like grass and feels like grass, but it’s entirely artificial - and if you have terrible memories of plasticky, jaggy artificial turf you’ll be relieved to discover that this is a very different proposition. For around £29 per square metre (for HT Luxury) you can lay a lawn that looks just like the real thing without any of the work. If your budget’s a bit more limited then there are more affordable options including a budget artificial turf at £7.99 per square metre.

Lawns aren’t the only places where technology can make life easier. Battery power has reached the point where it’s good enough for seriously demanding garden tasks. Black & Decker will happily sell you battery-powered chainsaws, pruning saws and loppers. The batteries deliver plenty of oomph - the chainsaw will power through up to 150 3.5cm branches before it runs out of puff - but boffins have yet to invent a device that ensures we remember to charge the power tools before we actually need them. More modest gardening can benefit from gadgetry too. Hozelock’s auto-watering system sticks a timer onto your tap, turning it on and off at the times you program, and options range from a simple sprinkler to an entire micro-irrigation system. Some timers even have rain sensors that mean they won’t turn on the tap if the weather forecast turned out to be overly optimistic. Not all gardening gadgets need electricity to function. The iconic Leatherman multi-tool isn’t exactly cheap, but its products - and their many imitators - offer a huge range of tools in one handy gadget. For example the Leatherman Charge AL includes two kinds of pliers,

a knife, a saw and a serrated knife, a wood and metal file, wire cutters and wire strippers. If you find gardening is, literally, a pain, it’s worth taking a look at the range of gardening tools made by Radius Garden, whose slogan is “Garden more. Hurt less.” The odd-looking tools have been designed with ergonomic grips to make them more comfortable and less likely to aggravate repetitive strain injuries, and the range includes trowels, forks, transplanters, weeders and cultivators. Expect to pay around £9 for each individual tool or around £30 for a set of four. If taking the grunting out of gardening sounds like something you’d like to do, you might also want to consider a device such as Fiskar’s Weed Puller (currently £25), which is designed to remove weeds without using chemicals or wrecking your lower back: it’s a long L-shaped stick containing deep-reaching stainless steel claws that effortlessly grab weeds by the roots. It might not be an exciting robot mower but anything that helps with a hard day’s weeding sounds like a great gadget to us.

Garden of DelightsHow tech can take the grunt out of gardening

Images left to right: Black & Decker Cordless Lopper, WORX cordless lawn mower, Hozelock auto watering system with rain sensor, Radius ergonomic gardening tools


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

Add a New Dimension to Your Home

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

Windows • Doors • ConservatoriesOrangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline


The storm conditions we all endured in the Christmas and New Year period brought serious problems for many trees, this article

will assist you in assessing the stability of your garden trees and give some tips to minimise future damage.

The problems that the weather can bring to our trees can be divided into conditions prior to storms as well as the events themselves. A prolonged period of rain can saturate the soil which can raise local water tables to the point that surface water covers the lawn. The problem can be exasperated where older lawns with a compacted surface from years of us walking over them slows the infiltration of rainwater into the soil below. In areas like ours with clay based soils the poor porosity and permeability further intensifies the saturation of the garden. It is these clay soils that create a slippage zone under the tree rootplate as the movement of the tree creates “slip” just like the sort used in school pottery lessons!! Just rub some soil and water in your hand to see if your garden has these slippery clay soils.

Following a period of sustained rainfall the occasion of a storm can be the final straw in affecting the stability of a tree. The key factors that cause a tree to collapse in high winds are the “sail” area and height of a tree. The sail area is the amount of the tree that can catch the wind just like the sail of a boat, the bigger the sail the more movement that can be expected especially if the tree is an evergreen or a deciduous tree in leaf. The higher the tree is the more leverage is exerted on the base of the tree in high winds, in physics this is often referred to as a “moment”, shorter trees cause less leverage on the base and rootplate.

Where trees are in groups they assist one another by creating a collective friction against the wind. A tree standing by itself is more vunerable to the full force of the wind, whereas a mix of trees surrounded by buildings can be protected somewhat, buildings however can funnel the wind that can act against

Winter storms and your trees!Roger Kerr

this general benefit of surburban housing!

Trees with shallow rootplates are more prone to the effects of storms. The majority of our emergency call outs over the holiday period and into January were for conifer, pine and Eucalyptus trees, these trees have roots that rarely go more than 1 metre below the surface, they rely upon a wide but shallow root structure to support the weight of the tree. The other trees we worked on tended to have health issues including rootplate decay whereby they were already prone to a failure of the whole tree and the storm was the trigger for this.

To assess your tree stability and condition follow these basic guidelines

1. Look for hanging branches in the canopy or branches with unusual angles that appear to be recent, a good tip is to photograph the tree so a comparison image is available to you2. Look for raised roots in the lawn area, as a root plate becomes unstable these roots can be exposed on the surface as loops.3. Inspect the base of the

tree look for a difference in soil height on opposite sides of the trunk.4. An easy clue to spot is the movement of the trunk itself , see if the trunk is off centre from the usual position, on smaller trees you can “feel” movement by holding the tree trunk when its windy to see if the movement is excessive.

Tree surgery that reduces the size of the tree via a crown reduction alleviates the forces of a large sail area and leverage. A crown thin reduces the sail area facing the wind that again helps reduce vunerability.Making you lawn more porous via forking the lawn rootplate to aerate the soil improves the movement of water through the soil rather than ponding up on the surface.

For a proper assessment contact a qualified Arborist for expert advice.


EstatesDirect.com can save you £1,000’s on traditional estate agents’ fees, as our proven sales methods used in Worcestershire are rolled out across the U.K. EstatesDirect.com are on course to transform the traditional estate agency model, bringing together the accessibility and value of an online provider with a high level of personal service, provided through a network of on-the-ground Local Property Specialists.

You wouldn’t buy car insurance from a plush office in the high street, when you can use the power of the inter-net for exactly the same service! So why do we stick with high street agents? According to Rightmove, 90% of property searches start online and your local Estates Direct agent will market your house on over 100 property portals, including Rightmove, Zoopla, PrimeLocation, to name but a few.

All EstateDirect.com’ Local Property Specialists are fully trained, Rightmove accredited and are local to your area.

Rather than being tied to an office, Local Property Specialists spend time with their clients, enabling them to provide a higher quality, personal customer service, showcasing properties to a huge audience with far less pa-perwork. We take high quality photos, draw the floorplan, organise EPCs, conveyancing and even mortages, from the comfort of your home.

By using iPad technology, your property details are sent to the EstatesDirect.com Headquarters, where full col-our brochures are assembled for distributing to our expanding portfolio of buyers, as well as uploading to prop-erty portals.

Sound interesting? See how much you can save marketing your property through EstatesDirect.com by visiting the website www.estatesdirect.com. To contact your Local Property Specialists today, call 0208 166 9773 / 01932 450 329 or email [email protected] for a free, no obligation valuation.

ESTATESDIRECT.COM Creating Success in Surrey

Letting your property? Let your property for a one-off fee that won’t eat into your profits!

ONLY £295 + VAT (taken from 1st month’s rent) Includes: Photographs, Floor Plan and Description Upload onto Portals (Rightmove, Zoopla etc.) 100% Accompanied Viewings Tenant Vetting and Referencing

Need your property managed? ONLY £45 + VAT (optional monthly package) Includes:

We can save you £1000s per year in letting and management fees. Instead of charging up to 50% in commissions, we will only charge you a fair fixed fee for marketing and managing your property.

Emergency Repair Line 24/7 Gas Certificate Notifications Point of Contact for Duration of let

Quarterly Inspections Renewal Notifications FREE RENEWAL FEE


A Walk in the Woods, Bill BrysonFar from being a stroll among the bluebells, the Appalachian Trail is a two thousand mile route that goes right the way along the East Coast of North America, from Georgia to Maine. Bill Bryson’s hilarious account of all the things that will kill you along the way will have you longing for a bit of adventure. This is a trek that’s a journey into the wild. Some don’t make it alive. Rest assured, if the bears don’t get you then the poison ivy will. Walking Home: A Poet’s Journey, Simon ArmitageMost walkers complete the Pennine Way by going South to North but Simon Armitage decided it would be more poetic if he did it the other way around. He made the 256 mile journey from Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border to his native Yorkshire, and the village where he was born. True to form, Armitage decided not to look like he was on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition but to wander as a lonely troubadour, penniless on the Pennine Way and give poetry readings in village halls, churches and pubs. It’s packed with Northern soul and would be best enjoyed with a pint of stout in a pub.

Walking, Henry David ThoreauAccording to Thoreau, in order to find happiness, we just need to spend more time outdoors. More specifically, not only do we need to constantly reconnect with nature but we need to be moving and discovering and taking long afternoon walks. As a writer he took inspiration from his surroundings and revelled in the wild and the free. Here he did his greatest thinking and he remains a hero among environmentalists and fans of American literature alike.

Rabbit-Proof Fence, Doris Pilkington, Nugi GarimaraIn 1931 the Australian government dictated that all Aboriginal and mixed race children should be removed from their homes and put into settlements to assimilate into white culture. This is the true story of three little girls who followed the rabbit-proof fence 1000 miles across the harsh Australian outback, all the way back home. Doris Pilkington’s mother was one of those girls and here she tells her mother’s remarkable survival story. It’s an absolutely unbelievable account of the human spirit and its resilience.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel JoyceThis is an extraordinary story that begins with the most ordinary of objects: a letter. Harold Fry receives a letter from old flame and dear friend Queenie, who is now in a hospice and facing her mortality. Harold writes her a reply but then on a whim, decides he must walk the 600 miles to hand deliver it to her, leaving his wife upstairs doing the housework. It’s such an amazing and heart-warming story. Will Harold reach Queenie in time?

The Hobbit, J R R TolkienIf there’s one thing in life that hobbits enjoy more than anything, it’s comfort. From the sanctuary of his hobbit-hole, Bilbo Baggins is plucked by the wizard Gandalf and taken off on an extraordinary and most unexpected journey, deep into Middle Earth. Accompanying Gandalf and his band of thirteen dwarves, the world’s most reluctant hero must help them raid the treasures of Smaug the Magnificent, a dangerous dragon. Written for Tolkien’s own grandchildren, it’s the prelude to The Lord of the Rings and a fantastic odyssey into the unknown.

Now the weather’s improving and spring has almost sprung, it’s time to head outside and explore the great outdoors. OK, so this might be taking the month of March a tad literally, but how about taking it literary? Here are some of our top tips for great reads about epic journeys.

March On


Let us take care of the big things...

MOUSE CROSSING

If you're thinking of letting or selling your home, please contact us on

Surbiton:020 8390 0404

Thames Ditton:020 8398 3707

www.hjc.co.uk

... so you can take the weight off.


View our credentials at

For a beautiful new kitchen...

just changethe 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

NEWRANGE OF

STYLES & COLOURS

NOW AVAILABLE

For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HFEmail [email protected]

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Dream Doors Kingston A5_Directory 16/04/2012 11:46 Page 1


(Ewell)

l High Performance Carsl Light Commercialsl Family Saloonsl 4WD Vehicles

l All leading makes of tyresl Available from stockl Wheel alignment and balancingl While U Wait service

TYRE SPECIALISTS

169 CHESSINGTON ROAD, WEST EWELL, EPSOM, SURREY

MEGA DEALS!

MASSIVE DISCOUNTS

www.k-p-tyres.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Berrylands Autocare* MOT Testing (while you wait)* Diagnostic Testing* Servicing & Mechanical Repairs* Recovery Services Available* Open until 5.30pm weekdays* Saturdays: 10.00am to 1.00pm

250 yards from main line Berrylands Station

Providing a service for our local community

020 8399 [email protected]

167 Surbiton Hill Park, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8EJ

©P

uzzlepress.co.uk

Word LadderChange one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

R O C K

R O L L


1 The Crossways, Raeburn Avenue, Tolworth, Surrey, KT5 9DNEmail: [email protected]

Web: www.tolworthmotorcompany.co.uk

020 8399 4945www.tolworthmotorcompany.co.uk

A genuine “fresh” approach to used

vehiclesTolworth Motor Company is jointly owned and managed by Andrew Hawkins and Nick Kift. Between them they have more than 50 years experience in the motor trade and finance industry.

Throughout their working lives they have gained a wealth of knowledge and are renowned for their extensive contacts and expertise. This has enabled them to hand pick the finest cars from around the country.

Their experience allows them to give honest advice and valuations. The finance service is extensively utilised by a range of garages, companies and private individuals the service is exceptional, providing a finance brokerage which has access to more than 40 finance companies

covering all products and has the ability to fund vehicles and most business assets.

Cars are purchased and the money immediately transferred to your bank. Cars can be re-financed to raise cash or alternatively re-structure your existing finance agreement to suit your needs.

Prior to collection all cars have a thorough pre delivery check, are fully valeted, come with a minimum of 6 months MOT, a fully comprehensive warranty and a HPI certificate. If required there is a 7 days free insurance option.

The showroom is located behind M&S at Tolworth within easy reach of the A3. Its fresh appearance and welcoming layout ensures that all vehicles are visible, and accessible for immediate test drives. AA and RAC inspections are welcomed. The friendly non pressurised atmosphere and welcoming coffee entices your attention!

Please come in to discuss your requirements.


AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING

SURBITON HILL GARAGE

020 8399 1938/39 65 The Avenue, Surbition

MOT

SERVICING REPAIRS

BODYWORK

WELDING

ALL MAKES

ALL MAKES

FREEESTIMATES

WEEKDAYS 8.00am - 6.00pm

PETROL & DIESEL AVAILABLE

SATURDAY 8.00am - 12.30pm

WHILE YOU WAIT SIX DAYS A WEEK CATALYST AND DIESELS

020 8399 1938

ALAN SURSHAM(MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

Registered Office: 1, Orchard Close, West Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9NS

Your localMOT TESTER AND SERVICE REPAIRER

ALL CARS COLLECTED AND DELIVERED (LOCAL AREAS)

Interim Service - £85 Full Service - £145 (Parts and Labour included)CARS UP TO 2000 CC Quotes for cars over 2000 cc - please phone

Diagnostics - Brakes - Clutches - Bodywork - Welding etc.Labour Rate £37.50 per hour

Telephone: Office - 020 8397 8654 Garage - 07784 716 567 (For instant attention)

HP July-Aug 12 Proof 1.indd 9 6/11/2013 3:05:44 PM

©pu

zzle

pres

s.co

.uk

Hidato

Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

49 46 29

30 1 25

44 32 2

43 38 34

13 22

7 14 21

8 11 18


Do you love designer cosmetics? Or do you prefer a bargain buy? Whatever your preference, it’s worth checking out our guide to when to splurge and when to save.Foundation - SplurgeFoundation literally provides the foundation for the rest of your make-up. It evens out your natural skin and covers up flaws - like blemishes and scars - to leave you with a perfect finish.Cheap products just can’t beat their costly counterparts when it comes to this all-important purchase, because poorer formulations don’t have the staying power and the true-to-skin colour of pricier versions. To find the one that’s ideal for you, head to your nearest department store and take advantage of some expert advice. Find a shade which matches your natural colouring and works best for your requirements, like skin type and coverage.High-end foundations are formulated with all of these things in mind and come in a variety of true-to-life shades. Built to solve the problems presented by cheap foundations, these products are far superior.

Cheap eyeshadow does have a tendency to be more glittery and shimmery though, so be careful if you’re a more mature lady because it will emphasise every line and crease around your eyes.Try Bourjois Little Round Pot Intense Eyeshadow £6.99.powder - Splurge Like foundation, there is a real difference between budget and high-end face powder. Expensive products are finely milled, making their texture extra soft and natural looking on the skin.A good powder sets your foundation and finishes your make-up, so invest in a quality one.Try Guerlain Les Voilettes Compact Powder £35.lip-gloSS - SaveLip-gloss formulations are pretty similar, so save some money when you buy yours.There’s an array to choose from and all of them will instantly serve to plump up your lips.Try Barry M Lip-gloss Wand £4.49.HigHligHter - Splurge There are many different highlighters on the market; some are in powder form, others liquid. Find the right one and your face will be instantly lifted with a radiant and youthful glow.

And if there’s one product that you really should splurge on, it’s YSL’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch £25.

Designer vs. Budget Beauty Buys By Helen Taylor

BeautyTry Estee Lauder Double Wear £28.50.BluSHer - SaveEveryone needs a bit of colour in their cheeks and blusher is definitely one of those items that you can save

on, because high-end products don’t differ too greatly from budget versions. Just make sure that you choose a natural shade, as cheaper colours can be a little more intense and unnatural if applied too heavily.Try No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder £8.00.MaScara - Splurge Full, long lashes really do make your eyes look more beautiful, so it’s worth investing in a quality mascara. Cheap mascara is often disappointing because its consistency doesn’t match that of more expensive products, and leaves lashes looking sticky, clumpy and undefined.High-end cosmetic companies lead the way in developing the best formulas and brushes for their mascara, so you can be sure that you’ll see the benefits when you upgrade from a budget brand.Try Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof Mascara £22.50.eyeSHadow - Save Generally, there isn’t too much difference between budget and more costly eyeshadows, as long as you choose neutral shades - stronger colours can be very harsh.

Image: Courtesy of Estee Lauder


Strength . Flexibility . Stamina

www.isobarre.com ~ #isobarresurbs

Iso Barre is a unique and challenging programme of full-body, group exercise classes. Clients are expertly led through a series of conditioning intervals which systematically target each muscle group through a combination of isometrics, resistance, and barre work for core strengthening and alignment. Deep recovery stretching follows each interval to lengthen and shape the body. Guidance on form and technique is delivered by one of our highly trained team of instructors resulting in the most efficient and effective barre class available.

physiotherapist endorsed non-impact, safe, suitable for all levels, and ages improves posture and flexibility burns fat, builds stamina boosts metabolism

so barre

NEW CLASS Wednesday 12.15pm LOCATION The Studio Surbiton Rackets & Fitness Club Berrylands, Surbiton KT5 8JT FREE TRIAL CLASS NONMEMBERS welcome Contact Sally 07767873348 Other location Thames Ditton & Wimbledon Village

020 8399 3388www.121surbiton.co.uk

• Housework

• Shopping

• Meal preparation

• Companionship

• Trips out

“I’m still independent, but a bit of help wouldn’t be a bad thing...”

One to One Homecare is the trading name of Halo Homecare Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales: 6686170.

Regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

nd_A6_2.indd 1 9/5/13 10:24:57


A hernia occurs when part of the body bulges through a weakened or damaged wall of muscle or tissue. 1 in 10 people will suffer from a hiatus hernia, where the stomach is the culprit, bulging through the hiatus (a gap in the diaphragm that allows the oesophagus to pass through). If this area is weakened or damaged (herniated), the upper part of the stomach can sometimes bulge through and sit above the diaphragm, forming a hiatus hernia. But not all hiatus hernias are the same:Over 90% are sliding hiatus hernias - the upper stomach pushes up through the hiatus, under the oesophagus. Paraoesophageal (rolling) hiatus hernia - the upper stomach pushes up through the hiatus beside the oesophagus. It usually requires surgery and causes more pain than a sliding hiatus hernia.Mixed hiatus hernia - both sliding and rolling characteristics are present. Extremely rare.Smokers, women, overweight people and over 50s are more prone to hiatus hernias and they’re more prevalent in the Western world, possibly due to unhealthy low fibre diets. There isn’t always an obvious cause, but common causes are:• Persistent / violent coughing

or sneezing• Persistent / violent straining

on the toilet or vomiting

• Heavy lifting• Pregnancy / delivery• Sudden bending or straining

to reach something Sometimes hiatus hernias are symptomless, but symptoms are:• pain in the left side of your

chest or just under the ribs – this can be severe

• acid reflux (heartburn)• physical sensation of your

stomach pushing upwards • shortness of breath• sometimes nausea, belching,

loss of appetite, discomfort when eating, difficulty passing stools

Hiatus hernia symptoms can be mistaken for chest or heart problems and vice versa, and occasionally a hiatus hernia can become strangulated, requiring urgent attention. So if you have symptoms, always see a doctor – or visit A&E if you’re suddenly in great pain.Unless your doctor suspects a strangulated hernia, they usually won’t refer you for surgery immediately (if at all). Instead they’ll suggest ways to improve symptoms and prevent aggravating the hernia.Treatment• Lifestyle / Diet changes

- lose excess weight and give up smoking. Avoid eating late in the evening or before lying down. Small, light meals are best. Certain foods are inclined to cause heartburn,

so if affected avoid them: alcohol, caffeinated or fizzy drinks, peppermint, spicy or fatty foods, onions, garlic, citrus and tomatoes.

• Sleeping – avoid sleeping flat, preferably by raising the head of your bed; using lots of pillows may put more pressure on the abdomen.

• Painkillers – usually anti-inflammatories e.g. ibuprofen, or opioids like co-codamol or co-dydramol, depending on your symptoms.

• Antacids and alginates – to soothe the stomach and reduce acidity.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors – e.g. Omeprazole, to reduce the production of stomach acid.

• H2 receptor antagonists – e.g Ranitidine, to block histamine and so reduce stomach acid.

If these steps fail, or there are concerns about damage to your stomach or oesophagus, then surgery will be recommended - usually by Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF). This is keyhole surgery carried out under general anaesthetic, which puts the stomach into the correct position and tightens the diaphragm around the oesophagus, using part of the upper stomach. It’s a common, simple, low-risk operation – so don’t be put off. If you suspect you have a hiatus hernia, visit your doctor.

By Alison Runham

Hiatus Hernias


Professional Toe Nail Cutting ServiceFor those who find it difficult to cut their own nails

Fully trained at Age Concern, enhanced CRB certificate. Cut and file of all types of nails from

straight forward to more complex.

Treatment of hard skin and a foot cream/massage provided.I can visit you at home or in a residential centre.

Price £22 per visit, discounts available if more than one person in the same household, eg husband and wife.

Please contact Julie on: 07932 510855

You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a

normal everyday word.3 letters: 10 4 letters: 17 5 letters: 6 6 letters: 1

R N P G S I

Join a warm and friendly group near you today...

ISlimming

WorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorldWorld

www.slimmingworld.com0844 897 8000

WEDNESDAYSurbitonSurbiton New Life Baptist Church1 Balaclava RoadMorning Group: 9.30amEvening Groups: 5.30pm & 7.30pmTel: Justine 020 8942 6117

Long Ditton YogaFriendly yoga classes for all levels - beginners welcome.

Would you like to: be fitter? be more flexible? reduce your stress levels?

Tuesday 6:45 - 8:15 pm & 8:30 - 10:00 pmWednesday 9.30 - 11.00 am & 11:15 - 12:45 pmThursday 6:45 - 8:15 pm & 8:30 - 10:00 pm

Long Ditton Parish Hall KT6 5LE.

www.longdittonyoga.co.uk

[email protected] or call Carolyn on 020 8390 9522


Fitness @ Gold @ ST MATTHEW’S SCHOOL SURBITON SEA SCOUTS HQ Langley Road, Electric Parade Surbiton Off Balaclava Road Wednesdays 7.30pm Mondays 11 am

07702 358064

[email protected]/Facebook-Zumba with Cheryl

ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. - Used under license.

Ditch the workout, Join the party!

All the fun of Zumba Fitness at a pace to suit YOU!

with Cheryl

Come along and test your skill at bowling

Suitable for all ages and abilities

Beginners welcome—free coaching provided

Bar, Restaurant and Social events

FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS

large car park Visit and discover for yourself

NEXT OPEN DAY 15TH JANUARY 2012

10.00AM—2.00PM Jubilee Way, Chessington

Surrey, kt9 1tr tel: 020 8397 7025

Www.KGFINDOORBOWLSCLUB.CO.UK

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

Learn to Bowl, Free Coaching, All Ages & Abilities Welcome

Bar . Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park

FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Jubilee Way,.Chessington, KT9 1TR Tel: 020 8397 7025 www.kgfindoorbowlsclub.co.uk

Layout: advert full colour 1 Layout: advert full colour 2

Master FP Template.indd 9 12/22/2011 12:28:30 PM

Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

CODEWORD 17 12 14 19 2 14 5 16 14 18 26 11

14 21 4 1 14 23 3

17 24 15 4 26 1 11 2 18 5 18 2

2 10O

15 26 2 2

24 26 25 12 2 20 15 1 7 2 6 18

15 1 25 13 2

24 2 12 14 19 26 15 1 18 3 26 17 18

2 12R

24 2 1

17 24 15 9 2 11 19 24 26 21 26 10

12 22 18 14 4 24

26 11 2 18 5 16 20 14 24 26 1 2

2 24 14L

12 1 1 18

10 5 18 19 6 2 8 19 2 1 10 18


6

Easy Lamb Rogan DhansakServes 4-6 Ready in 4 hours

This recipe does use fresh ingredients but ‘cheats’ a little by using a jar of sauce rather than creating it from scratch which saves time, but still produces a delicious and authentic dish.

Unlike many curry type dishes, the lentils make this very thick so there’s no need for rice. It reheats perfectly and so can be cooked the day before ready to eat at short notice the next day.

Ingredients:

• 800g diced leg of lamb or lamb steaks

• 3 whole peppers, red, green, yellow, sliced.

• 1 chopped and diced onion• 2 carrots peeled and finely

diced• 2 sticks of celery chopped

and finely diced• 2 jars of Rogan Josh

sauce (recommend Loyd Grossman)

• Half a teacup of dried red lentils

• 2 – 4 whole red chillies sliced• Bunch of fresh coriander• Olive oil• Salt and pepper• For serving, naan bread and

sour cream

Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2. Add a splash of olive oil to a frying pan and cook the onions, carrot and celery until they take on a bit of colour, then put these into a large casserole pot.In the same pan put about half the diced lamb and fry until sealed, then put into casserole pot, repeat with the rest of the lamb.Fry the peppers for a couple of minutes, then put them into casserole pot with a pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper. Add the chillies to taste – 4 chillies will give a medium heat but use fewer chillies and remove the seeds if you don’t like it too hot.Pour in the two jars of Rogan Josh, then add a bit of water to the jars, put the lid back on and shake. Chop half the coriander and add to the pot with the liquid from the jars and stir thoroughly. You need the casserole pot filled to near the top, so add water if necessary. Don’t worry if it looks a bit watery, the lentils at the end will thicken it all up. Put into the oven, giving it a stir after about 2 hours. After 3.5 hours sprinkle over lentils and stir in. Put back into the oven for another 40 minutes.Just before serving sprinkle the rest of the fresh coriander on top and then serve with naan bread, and sour cream.

7


C.D Jennings & SonsSurbiton’s High Class

Traditional Family ButchersMeat of the Highest Quality from the Finest Sources

C.D Jennings & Sons Winter Specials

Call us on 020 8399 4870

Stews & CasserolesOxtail, Shin of Beef, Neck of Lamb, Belly Pork, Diced

Venison, Rabbit, Beef Cheeks, Lamb Shanks

RoastsRibs of Beef, Pork Shoulders,

Legs Lamb, Free Range Chickens

Serving Surbiton for over 50 Years

Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite The Victoria pub) or call us to place an

order on 020 8399 4870

For more informationview our website

www.cdjenningsandsons.com


March can be a pretty cold month, and my mind turns to the splendid range of warming dishes that can

help us through the winter months. Like my favourite stews and casseroles.

Whether you want to go for beef, lamb or pork, there’s an excellent range of cuts which are ideal for slow cooking in stews and casseroles. These are the cheaper cuts, which may help with the family budget, but they’re none the worse for that; indeed, the longer, slower cooking they need helps each cut to develop its own characteristic flavour, and some are my own personal favourites for home cooking.

Starting with beef, excellent choices for a stew would be chuck steak or shin of beef, and they won’t run you up a big bill, either. Oxtail is another economical cut that has its own celebrated flavour. For those in the know, beef cheeks are a highly fashionable option for slow cooking.

Lamb casseroles have a delicacy that any foodie can admire. For these dishes shoulder and neck are ideal, and the lamb will cook down to a mouth-watering tenderness. Or, you can have lamb shanks, which have been appearing in many trendy eateries and pubs in recent years. They taste just as good at home when braised slowly in stock and vegetables to bring out the flavour and juices. Our lambs come from Scotland and the English salt-marshes, so they’ve got built-in flavour right from the pasture to your table.

Pork devotees have their own choices for stews and casseroles. There’s pork belly,

Nourishing stews and casseroles.

A tasty and economical way to keep warm! says Alan Jennings

renowned for its special flavour. Although it roasts beautifully, it also excels as the main ingredient of a really nourishing casserole, either as a piece or separated into segments beforehand. Another pork delicacy is shoulder meat, which can be diced and stewed very slowly to bring out all its subtle softness. Our pork is the famous Gloucester Old Spot strain, renowned for its flavour, and raised for us under ideal conditions in East Anglia.

Stews and casseroles are among the easiest of dishes to prepare. Usually the meat has to be browned in hot oil to seal in the juices, and after that meat or vegetable stock is added to cover the meat and braise it as slowly as possible. Your choice of vegetables can be added, and when the meat is really tender and ready to serve the whole dish can be thickened if you wish with flour, cornflour or arrowroot.

How long do you need to cook your stew or casserole? It depends on the meat, of course. Beef shin might take two hours, but pork diced fairly small might need only an hour. If in doubt, consult the nearest cookbook or one of the many cookery sites on the internet, but the essential test is the tenderness of the meat. Happy cooking!

Best wishes

Alan C D Jennings and Sons

Traditional Quality Butchers since 1963146 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 6HE

020 8399 4870


Tel: 020 8942 5885

WESTBURY HOUSE SCHOOL

H

WESTB

UR

Y

HOUSESC

HO

OL

A LOVE OF LEARNING IS FOR LIFE

Pupils’ moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. The school issuccessful in creating a happy family atmosphere in which each pupil can flourish.

Ofsted Report 2008

AN INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3 TO 11 YEARS

80 WESTBURY ROADNEW MALDEN

SURREYKT3 5AS

Tel: 020 8942 5885 / Fax: 020 8942 5885E-mail: [email protected]: www.westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk

WestburyAdJuly12:Westbury House Ad 16/6/12 13:35 Page 1

FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE SCHOOL: Please telephone the school office

020 8942 5885

Open Day is on Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.


Mrs Jones EDUCATION11 PLUS TUITION& Mock Exam Practice

West & South West London

Y3 (pre-Plus), Y4 and Y5 (11 Plus) State Grammar and Private Schools

Bursaries and Scholarships Mathematics, English,

Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Exam Practice, Interview Technique

Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS

TEL: 0208-390-6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

This power walking class, with a mixof cardio, strengthening & toningexercises is proving to be the answer

to shifting postnatal weight & re-toning your bodyafter giving birth!

• Burns fat, improves posture & strengthenscore muscles • A one hour social class withtime to chat to other Mums • For all levels

of fitness • Suitable for all buggies/pushchairs • It’s fun & your baby or toddler comes too!

“The Ultimate Class for Mums and Babies” The Times

SURBITON,

NEW MALDEN,

KINGSTON

Please call Anna on 0208 873 7441visit www.buggyfit.com or www.mumsinshape.co.uk

or email: [email protected]


Short StoryParma Violets by Jackie Brewster

“Can you be trusted to mind the café while I nip next door?” Aunt Carol asked solemnly as though she was leaving Becky in charge of the country. It was a big responsibility, and this was only Becky’s third day. The lunchtime rush was over, and there had been no customers for nearly an hour. While Becky was grateful to Carol for giving her a holiday job, she found that buttering cobs was not as easy as they made it look on television. She suspected Carol wasn’t convinced she had what it took to be a success in catering. “Whatever you do,” Carol warned her, ”don’t let that rat chap in.” Which seemed both a strange and reasonable request. Left alone, Becky practised folding napkins until she heard the café door open. An elderly gentleman, smartly dressed, sat down at the table by the window. Becky took a deep breath, picked up her order pad and walked briskly over to him.“What can I get you, sir?” she asked. He was wearing a jacket which appeared to be wriggling. A small furry nose popped up between the lapels.Becky nearly dropped her pencil.“Oh, don’t worry about him,” the man said. “He’s fine.”“Pets aren’t allowed in the café,” Becky said nervously. She was almost certain this was true because she’d read a sign in the window.“Roland’s not a pet,” the man

replied, browsing the menu. “He’s a guide dog, and they’re perfectly welcome everywhere.” “But you’re not blind,” Becky said, a little embarrassed.“Of course everyone immediately thinks of guide dogs for the blind.” He closed the menu as though he found nothing appetising within it. “Roland’s an allergy guide dog. Have you heard of that?”Becky confessed she had not.“I am allergic to parma violets,” the man continued confidentially. “Roland has to sniff my food to confirm it’s safe to eat.”“Allergic to parma violets?” Becky repeated blankly.“Dangerously.” The man nodded sagely and tapped the menu. “Can you recommend anything that doesn’t include parma violets?”Becky was confused. Parma violets were little purple sweets - she had no idea they were also a cooking ingredient.“I don’t think there’s any in the tea,” Becky said hopefully. The man frowned,“Can you guarantee it?” She shook her head. “In that case, it’s a good job I have Roland here.” He pulled Roland out of his jacket and sat him in his lap. He was a funny looking dog, with short legs, a pointy nose and a long body.“What type of dog is he?” Becky asked.“He’s an allergy dog, we’ve

been through this.” The man waved his hand dismissively. “Be quick with the tea dear, I’ve a plane to catch.”Becky hurried back behind the counter. Something didn’t feel right about the man and his allergy dog. She hoped he would drink up and go before her aunt returned. After all, the nearest airport was a two hour drive. She was not in luck. Carol bustled into the café carrying a box of crisps.“Any customers?” she asked.“Not really,” Becky lied as she overflowed the teacup. “So who’s that for?” Carol asked dubiously.“The gentleman over there.” Carol turned round and almost exploded.“Not you again,” she screamed. “Get that rat out of here!”The man scooped up Roland protectively. “He’s not a rat,” he said indignantly. “He’s a ferret, and they’re very clever animals.”“He sniffs parma violets,” Becky added to explain the situation. And with that, her fate in the world of catering was sealed.


KINGSTON, SURBITON AND THAMES DITTONT: 0208 224 3971E: [email protected]

Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time.

Virgin Active, Kingston on MondaysSt Nicholas Church Hall, Thames Ditton on WedsSurbiton Hill Methodist Church Hall on ThursdaysSt Luke's Church, Kingston on ThursdaysYMCA Surbiton on FridaysSt John's Parish Hall, Surbiton/Kingston on Saturdays

HP April 13.indd 9 3/21/2013 3:17:11 PM


Wallace & Gromit’s Big Breakfast raises funds for Wallace and Gromit’s Children’s Foundation, which supports children’s healthcare throughout the UK.Registered charity 1096483. Company number 04659630. © and ™ Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Limited 2014.

HOT LINE 0845 600 1924www.wallaceandgromitsbigbreakfast.org

Supported by

Invite your friends, family or school tobreakfast to help sickchildren in hospitals andhospices across the UK

WINfantastic

prizes

DOWNLOADYOUR FREE FUNDRAISING PACK TODAY

When calling quote: A Berrylands Companion

From age 5 to GCSEwww.numberworksnwords.com

• Specialist English tutors and maths tutors

• So much fun itdoesn’tfeel like learning!

NumberWorks’n’Wordsafter-schooltuitionsucceeds because children get:

• Individualised, tailored instruction

• Proven resources matching school curriculum

Phone today to book a FREE assessment and intro lesson!

Surbiton 020 8399 1234


Do you want an outstanding education for your child?

SCCN offers free 15 hours funded nursery places term time only for children from the age of 3

We also offer extended hours 8.00am to 6.00pm all year round

We are currently taking applications for September 2014

Closing date 21st March

See our outstanding Ofsted Report http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-

report/provider/ELS/102560

For further information or to arrange a visit please contact our school office: 020 8390 2555

Email: [email protected] Website: www.surbitonchildrenscentre.org

Address: Alpha Road, Surbiton, KT5 8RS


Children’s Page Solution: Chinese New Year Symbol: HorseNot a Chinese New Year Symbol:Tortoise

Hidato

MINI CRYPTIC SOLUTION

CODEWORD SOLUTION

QUIZ SOLUTIONS

Wordsearch Hidden Phrase:I can fish from a stick and a string. Giancarlo Esposito

Solution

P17

L12

A14

T19

E2

A14

U5

B16

A14

S18

I26

C11

A14

G21

V4

N1

A14

Q23

H3

P17

R24

O15

V4

I26

N1

C11

E2

S18

U5

S18

E2

E2

D10

O15

I26

E2

E2

R24

I26

F25

L12

E2

M20

O15

N1

K7

E2

Y6

S18

O15

N1

F25

Z13

E2

R24

E2

L12

A14

T19

I26

O15

N1

S18

H3

I26

P17

S18

E2

L12

R24

E2

N1

P17

R24

O15

J9

E2

C11

T19

R24

I26

G21

I26

D10

L12

W22

S18

A14

V4

R24

I26

C11

E2

S18

U5

B16

M20

A14

R24

I26

N1

E2

E2

R24

A14

L12

N1

N1

S18

D10

U5

S18

T19

Y6

E2

X8

T19

E2

N1

D10

S18

N1

E2

H3

V4

U5

Y6

K7

X8

J9

D10

C11

L12

Z13

A14

O15

B16

P17

S18

T19

M20

G21

W22

Q23

R24

F25

I26

Solution

49 46 47 29 28 27 26

45 48 36 31 30 1 25

42 44 37 35 32 24 2

43 41 38 33 34 3 23

40 39 6 13 4 20 22

9 7 12 5 14 19 21

8 10 11 15 16 17 18

Word Ladder SolutionHere is one possible solution, (others may exist)

ROCKrickricerilerole

ROLL

3 Letterspig gin nip gip pin rip sin rig sip

sir 4 Lettersgins gips grin grip nips pigs ping pins

pirn snip spin rips signrigs ring prig sing5 Letters

grins grips pings pirns sprig rings 6 Lettersspring


On the On your On yourgogo laplap deskdesk

MAR 6 - Bin - Berrylands Companion - A5.ai 1 10/02/2014 12:47

To advertise in A Berrylands Companion call 020 8274 0096


COMMUNITY PAGE

50

Did you know there is an association in Hook which exists to support gardeners and allotment holders?Are you interested in gardening? If so our associa-

tion, which was founded over 50 years ago and is run by volunteers, can provide a wide range of composts, fertilisers, seeds and other gardening products at not-

for-profi t club prices to our members.Membership costs only £1 a year and our trading

facility is situated next to the entrance to the allotment plots, just beyond the rugby club pavilion, at the rear of

King Edward’s recreation ground, Hook Road,Chessington.

We are open:-Sundays - 10am to 12 noon - February to October

10am to 11am - November to January

If you want to make further enquiries come and see us during the above times.

A warm welcome and friendly gardening service awaits you.

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION

SURBITON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tues 4th March: The Society’s AGM.The meeting will start at 7.45pm, at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Surbiton. No charge is made for visitors on this evening. Come and find out more about our Society and perhaps become a member. Refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.

Tues 1st April: Mrs Carrie Evans will talk & demonstrate “At Home in the 15th C” including, with the help of her son, how to wear your suit of armour!The meeting will start at 7.45pm, at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Surbiton. Visitors are welcome, a contribution of £2.00 is appreciated.

Details about meetings and the Society:The Secretary: 020 8399 4473

[email protected]

51

COMMUNITY PAGE


British Summer Time starts, so remember to

TURN clocks FORWARD one hour

before you go to bed, on Saturday 29th March

TOLWORTH & DISTRICTLEISURE GARDENERS’ SOCIETY

Open to all gardeners & allotment holders. Established over 90 years

Run by members for members, non-profit making& can offer seeds, seed potatoes, fertilisers, composts and other gardening supplies to

members at favourable rates.

Alexandra Store, King Charles Road, alongside Travis Perkins Yard

Open Wednesday 2.00-4.00pmSaturday 2.30-4.30pm

Knollmead Store, by Knollmead SchoolSunday 10.00-12 midday.

Both open from February to November

A newsletter is provided for members four times a year with information, tips and offers.

New members always welcomeAnnual membership £2.50/ concessions £1.50

To find out more pleasecome and see us at one of the stores during trading hours

QP Nov 10 Proof 2.indd 9 10/15/2010 10:43:18 PM

For all gardeners and allotment holders!

We are a small friendly local society providing gardening supplies at very reasonable prices to our members:

Seeds, summer and spring bulbs, onion sets, seed potatoes. Summer bedding plants and other young plants according to season. Traditional and organic fertilizers and soil improvers/conditioners. Lawn and rose treatments, weedkillers, pest controls. Growbags and bagged compost, pots, gloves, trays, canes, netting etc.

Annual membership just £2, senior citizens £1.

Our trading hut is conveniently sited at Moor Lane Allotments (just off Moor Lane near The Bonesgate pub)Open every Sunday 10am to 12noon, except December.

In accordance with our "members only" policy, new members are always welcome to join!

13To advertise in A Berrylands Companion call 020 8274 0096

DM Contract Solutions Ltd manufactures and installs premium quality timber windows and doors which combine traditional English style with modern technology:

• Sliding Sash Box Windows – Lead and Spring Balanced • Casement Windows • French Doors • Sliding-Folding Doors and more.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques combine aesthetics, comfort, convenience and security while preserving its classic lines. It simply exceeds all expectations for its price.

www.dmcscontractsolutions.co.uk [email protected] call us: 0203 174 0208



All work considered Quality at the heart of our work

Installation & maintenanceRewiresSecurity lightingFire alarmsCentral heating wiring

Stuart LeverettOffi ce: 020 8390 0617Mobile: 07710 123 628Email:[email protected]

•••••

DisclaimerWhilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the

accuracy of information included in A Berrylands Companion, the publisher takes no responsibility

for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or for the loss arising

from non-publication of any advertisement.

Any errors, omissions or o� ers are the responsibility of the advertiser. All artwork is

accepted on the condition that the advertiser has obtained permission from any copyright holder for its use by A Berrylands Companion. Whilst every

care is taken when printing artwork we cannot guarantee an exact colour match due to variations in print processes. Bookings are accepted only on

this basis.

It is the advertiser’s responsibility to submit any amendments to adverts

by the deadline dates.

To advertise any event, community activity in the magazine, please call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or

email: [email protected]

Page 13.indd 13 1/19/2012 9:43:55 AM

[email protected]

52 To advertise in A Berrylands Companion call 020 8274 0096

What’s on in March:-

52

March: National Bed Month, Veggie Month, Great Daffodil Appeal for Marie Curie Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Month.1st: St David’s Day. World Book Day4th: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, at Great Spitalfields in aid of London’s Air Ambulances. 12.30pm start.5th: Ash Wednesday14-30th: Ideal Home Exhibition at Earls Court £12 admission.16th St Patrick’s Day Parade starts at noon, down Piccadilly, Regent’s Street, past Trafalgar Square to finish in Whitehall Place 17th: St Patrick’s Day20th: Spring Vernal Equinox21-23rd: Sports Relief 2014, www.sportsrelief.com22nd: World Water Day An Evening of Psychic Art & Clairvoyance with Andy Mulligan at Tolworth Spiritualist Church, Scout Hall Princes Avenue, Tolworth. 7pm, Admission £2.5024th: World TB Day29th: Head of the River Race. Putney to Mortlake, 2.15pm start. Put clocks forward tonight.30th: British Summer Time begins. Mother’s Day: treat her to lunch/spa/afternoon tea/a show/ flowers/ take her to a London Market/ or visit Covent GardenUntil 31st March: Animal Adventures for under 11s, at London Zoo. Admission from £20. 10am -4pm Butterfly Paradise at London Zoo Bird Feed with a Warden at London Wetland Centre, Barnes. Free, daily at 3pm.Until 6th May: Large Hadron Collider at the Science Museum. Admission £10, 10-6pm.Until 1st Sept: Natural History Museum will erect a tropical Butterfly House on the lawn, where there will be challenges, games and activities among the free flying butterflies.

Events in April: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month;

1st: April Fool’s Day6th Tax Week 17th: World Health Day11th: Commonwealth Day11-12th: Hook Beer Festival, at 1st Hook Scout HQ, Verona Drive, Surbiton. In aid of Breast Cancer. Friday 11th 6pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-4pm and 6pm-10pm. www.hookbeerfest.org.uk for info and e-tickets.18th: Good Friday20th: Easter Sunday21st: Easter Monday, Bank Holiday23rd: St George’s Day

Places to take the kids over Easter:Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood, Free admission 10-5.45pmLondon Transport Museum, Covent Garden 10-6pm (Fri: 11-6) £15, £11.50 Concessions, under 16s FreeLondon Zoo, Varying prices, 10-5.30pmNatural History Museum, FreeScience Museum, FreeHousehold Cavalry Museum, Whitehall, March - Sept, 10-6pmBattersea Park Children’s Zoo, Adults £6.50, Child 2-15 £4.95, under 2 Free Family ticket £20.50Cartoon Museum, Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH Mon-Sat 10.30-5.30; Sun 12-5.30 £5.50 admitHorniman Museum, 110 London Road, SE23 3PQ. Free admissionBritish Museum, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG. Free admissionGeffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, E2 8EA. Free admissionImperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ. Free admission


What’s On/Local Events1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, 10-12pm at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, meet outside Clas Ohlson Market Place 10.00. 020 8547 5865. E-mail: [email protected] Marks & St Andrews Church:Weds mornings 10.15-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers and Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am. In addition to this we have a regular craft group meeting. They are all hosted at St Andrews Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them.Tiny Tunes: Mon 10am & 10.50am at Surbiton Library Hall. Tues q0am & 1050am at St Nicholas Parish Church, Summer Rd, Thames Ditton. All sessions 40 mins long, features music, dance, parachutes, bubbles & pom-poms. Age 3 months -5 years, pay as you go £5, siblings £2.50 www.tinytuneslive.comKingston Camera Club: Camera enthusiasts welcome. Meet Mon eves, aat St John’s Ambulance HQ, Athelstan Rd off Villiers Avenue. 7.30pm - 10pm with coffee break. New members welcome. Contact Tim Moreland 020 8541 0126, email: [email protected] See www.kingstoncameraclub.comKingston Philatelic Society: Meets 8-10pm on 1st Thurs & 3rd Fri, at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road. Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: [email protected] Floral Club: 1st Weds of the month at Raeburn Hall United Reform Church, Elgar avenue. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Floral demos, talks, workshops & outings. Tel: 020 8399 8193Energy Healing & Reiki every Thurs 1.30-3.30pm in Room 22, United Reform Church, Eden Street, Kingston. Turn up or leave a message on 0781 914 163. Donations only.Surbiton Club for the Blind: Alternate Tues 2-4pm at Surbiton Methodist Church Ewell Road, transport available if nec. Social club with entertainment and tea. Info: 020 8399 8596 or 020 8399 3022 if places available.Oasis daytime group for over 60s at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Plenty of opportunity to chat, play games, do puzzles. Meetings include a 5 minute Bible-based talk. There will be a talk by Age Concern on the 2nd Wednesday. Tel: 020 8390 6631

Why not send in details for Easter or other events Call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email: [email protected]

Get your school, church or charity event mentioned in A Berrylands Companion magazineCall Karen on: 020 8274 0096 or email details to: [email protected] submission deadline is by 8th March for the April edition.

Please Note: The following deadline will be 8th April for May issue.

53

54

Index Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers

Magazine printed by Warwick Printing, Warwickshire54

Home & GardenAll Your Garden NeedsBerrylands Building Company Berrylands Property MaintenanceCarpets4UChris Mould PlumberDream Doors (Kingston Kitchens)Estates DirectHire a Handy ManHJC EstatesJames AnthonyKB DesignKevin Robinson DecoratorsLeverett ElectricalsM. Duffle Decorating Oven CleanersPersonae Interiors R.J.Tree ServicesRoofing & Gutters Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Time for You Domestics Warmlite Will Lord William Stallion Electricals

Care & HealthCornerhouse Dental PracticeJulie’s Nail Cutting ServiceOne 2 One HomecareShan Pharmacy

Rest & RelaxationAnna CoeCineSanctuaryIsso BarreKing George Field Bowls ClubKingston CouncilMobile DiscoSlimming WorldSurbiton Racket & Fitness ClubYogaZumba Classes

Children & EducationGwenda JonesMonkey Music Numberworks Surbiton Children’s Nursery CentreWestbury House School

Office StationeryMBE Surbiton

2110/111951828251327181518151319721211517232118

2363335

4373337491336563637

4345464741

55

VeterinaryAspen Veterinary Surgery

Car MaintenanceAlan SurshamBerrylands AutocareK&P TyresSurbiton Hill GarageTolworth Motor Company

Food & DrinkC.D.JenningsPrithi

SolicitorsLewis-Dick

Articles & EditorialsCommunity PagesRecipeBaking Kids Page Events Pages Crossword Book ReviewUseful Telephone Numbers Gardening by Pippa Greenwood

7

3129293130

3913

19

50/513884252/531126320

Want To Advertise Your Business?Just because there is already an advert for a similar one, please do not think we will not take your advert!There are so many businesses, trades and services that are not represented in

A Berrylands Companion

From as little as £27 a month your advertcan feature here for a year!An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured.

So What is Stopping You?Call Now!Contact Karen:tel: 020 8274 0096email: [email protected]

56

the club for all seasonswhatever the weather there’s always

something happening at surbiton

spring summer

winterautumn

springspring

free

one h

our

tennis l

esson

for t

he fir

st 25

people

who

join

!*

*Term

s & c

ondiT

ions

apply

no ContraCt | no Comparison Berrylands, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 8JTT: 020 8399 1594 | E: [email protected]

march 2014 issue 86

Documents

berrylands companion

surbiton area

months magazine

ewell road

kt6 6jz020

community pages

orgdomestic violence

awful devastation