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What’s in here this month? Name the Ashtead Swans (ARA)

Ashtead Youth Centre

Leatherhead Residents’ Association

Recipe - meals in minutes

Bacchus Half and Full Marathons

English Wine Week

Dark Dorking hens return to Polesden

DDOS Presents ‘Fings ain’t wot...’

Chernobyl 25 year anniversary

What’s going on in June pages 64-67

Leatherhead Duck Race

Polesden Lacey Summer Festival

GO50’s new Nordic walk

Quiz - Wars and Battles

Leatherhead Theatre

Meredith’s Memories

Your health - bites and stings

Leatherhead loco on the move

Give a cat a home

May’s crosswords solutions

Book reviews

Local history article

Mole Valley Police column

Surrey Festival Choir Annual Concert

The Emerald Green Bikini - a story

Hanging Baskets by Pippa Greenwood

Andy’s Blog

Composting with Surrey Waste Partnership

Support Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall

Gardens of Bookhams Open Day

Ashtead Village Day - Centre Spread

June’s crosswords

Festival of Britain anniversary

Transition Ashtead

Simple crossword

Useful numbers

Solutions on page 74

From the Publisher

hat a wonderful spectacle the Royal Wedding was. I don’t think there’s another country in the world that does pomp and pageantry as well as we do. It was such a happy day and I was glued to the television watching the event, it was lovely to share such a joyous occasion with the happy couple and the rest of the nation. Good luck to them and I wish them a long and happy marriage. OK, now I’m getting a little nervous, we haven’t had any significant rain for some weeks, other than a few hours some Saturdays ago and the garden is looking a little worst for wear, despite it being so early in the season. The hanging baskets are done, tomatoes are in the greenhouse, sweet peas and the new ‘Clotted Cream’ Jasmine are in the ground but they are desperate for water. The whole thing is turning into a ‘Jean de Florette’ type scenario with lots of to-ing and fro-ing of watering cans (but thankfully no donkey)! Still, I think we’re keeping on top of it, for now, but as much as I love the sunshine, we could do with the odd deluge - in the middle of the night mind, so as not to bother us too much during the day. Asking for too much? Always. I’ll pop over to the library to pick up a book on Native American Indian Rain Dances and see where that gets me... The Rotary Club of Ashtead have once more organised a fantastic day for us all at the annual Ashtead Village Day - 2011 marks the 28th anniversary of this event - which commences at 11am with Morris Dancing outside the Leg of Mutton in the High St and with the main event starting from 12pm at Barnett Wood Lane Recreation Ground. More details of the event can be found on the centre pages. Advertising The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local provides local businesses with affordable, quality advertising. Ads cost from £53 +VAT per month, per quarter page for a 10,000 distribution (yes, really!) and can be designed where required. Technical & Legal stuff Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the Publisher cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, recording, photocopying, or otherwise - without prior permission of the Publisher. All in-house artwork and editorial presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Zen George. © Zen George All rights reserved 2011. 01372 376420 leatherheadlocal@btinternet.com www.ashtead-leatherhead.com

Clare Ansett, Events Co-ordinator of the Ashtead Residents Assoc, is inviting children aged from 5-12 to name the Ashtead Swans, closing date is 6th June and details can be found on the ARA page 8. I should like to wish Style Cruises & Travel (pages 10 and 11) in Craddocks Parade a very happy 5th birthday, it’s good to see a business doing so well and this is in no small measure due to the hard work that Warren and Jo have put into the business over the years. Congratulations! The Gardens of Bookhams Open Day (page 84) is on Sunday 19th June, a wonderful day where you will almost certainly take away some new ideas for your own outside spaces. The annual Leatherhead Duck race takes place on Sunday 26th June, page 28, lots of fun to be had for children and adults alike - don’t miss it. Time to go, have a super June, and fingers crossed for Andy Murray at Wimbledon this year. Oh, and don’t forget Father’s Day, which falls on Sunday 19th June. Cheerio,

Zen George Publisher 01372 376420 leatherheadlocal@btinternet.com www.ashtead-leatherhead.com

Shops & Services

ASHTEAD RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Founded 1945 www.ashteadresidents.org.uk

NAME THE ASHTEAD SWANS! the back). All competition entries will be picked up prior to Village Day. Closing

Dear Residents You may have noticed that we have a pair of lovely swans in residence on our pond at the corner of Barnett Wood Lane and Woodfield Lane. In the past the pond used to have swans which were named by the residents of Ashtead via the Residents Association. We have decided to maintain this tradition and to run a competition to name the swans.

date for entries is Monday 6th June.

The naming competition is open to all residents. You are invited to email your suggestions to swansinashtead@gmail.com You will also be able to make a suggestion at the ARA stall on Village Day if you do have not access to a computer.

The competition is open to children aged 5 -12, split into two groups: 5-8 and 9-12. They are invited to draw a picture of the swans and to provide names for them. There will be a prize for the best picture in both age groups.

The winning entries will be announced at the end of Village Day and prizes will be awarded to both ages groups in the drawing competition and the winner of the naming of the swans will be announced.

The chosen names and the best pictures will be announced on the ARA stall at the Ashtead Village Day on Saturday 11th June. The winning entries and the runners up will be displayed on our stall for you all to view.

We look forward to announcing all the winners and finally giving our swans their names. Regards Clare Ansett Events Co-ordinator Ashtead Residents Association

We have arranged for boxes to be available at the following local schools The Greville Primary School, Barnett Wood Lane School, St Giles Infant School and West Ashtead Primary School so that you can drop off your pictures. Please make sure that you put your child’s name, age, school, class and contact number on the back of the picture. You can also drop off your drawing at Elphick’s Estate Agents, The Street, Ashtead, (just remember to put your child’s name, age and contact number on

Are you a member of the ARA? If not, why not join and help us to become an even stronger voice for Ashtead? Membership currently costs £2.50 a year per household. If you would like to join or have a general query, please contact our Membership Secretary, Jim Malynn on 07733621614 or by email on membsec@ashteadresidents.org.uk. He will be delighted to hear from you.

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THE LEATHERHEAD RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Well the elections are over, but until the inter-Party negotiations have taken place, the form of Local Government in Mole Valley for the next year is still unknown. Members of the LRA committee are concerned as to whom they will have to deal with. Meanwhile we continue to work with our neighbouring Residents’ Associations. One of the current concerns is the proposed on-street parking charges. In a letter received from County Council, to the LRA it is stated that the primary concern is to get turnover of spaces (or ‘churn’). This seems very naïve when the spaces available in North Street currently have a 30-minute limit on them. Although parking is currently free for this time, the street is patrolled by the District Council’s wardens. It is proposed that the new time limit will be 2hours. It is hard to believe that the search for revenue is not the prime motivation. It is also hard to believe that ‘churn’ will be increased. Another Highway development currently being considered is a further attempt at putting a cycleway up the Epsom Road. The last one appeared and then disappeared, leaving a broad carpet of asphalt where there had been a grass verge. It also left a damaged fingerpost to Leatherhead Hospital – now only the post remains opposite St John’s Road. Our committee have unanimously agreed that the most suitable route between Ashtead and Leatherhead for cyclists, would be via Linden Gardens/St. John’s Close and the footbridge over the bypass and the motorway. But we are told that this would mean raising the parapets of the bridge. On the Leatherhead side it would also mean either putting in a ramp beside the steps for pushing bikes up, or reducing the slope by increasing the length of the embankment and so removing the steps. We hope that the Local

Committee will agree with us when they meet on June 8th. Recently the LRA has been asked for a list of projects which might be funded from ‘infrastructure contributions’ (money extracted from developers, in return for planning permission). We understand that this will be a rolling list, as indeed will be the source of the funds. So we are eager to add more items to the list if anyone wishes to offer suggestions. Although Swanworth Farm is not within the bounds of our area of benefit, much of Norbury Park is. We are represented on the Norbury Park Users’ Committee by Cheryl Allen, but this committee seems to be ignored by Surrey Wildlife Trust who manages the Park. We are very concerned for the farmer at Swanworth Farm who is under notice to quit. Meanwhile a home is needed for a large flock of sheep and dairy cattle who graze the chalk grassland and riverside meadows. We get frequent complaints and suggestions about the operation of the Town’s traffic lights. However there is more to the phasing of the lights than is often appreciated. Most of these signals are co-ordinated by a central computer system that allocates space according to demand as measured by the sensors in the road. At the Crescent/Church Street junction the stop line has been moved, but not the sensors, so vehicles have to go right up to the line and not hang back, or they could have a long wait. In conclusion, the Association continues to work for our residents. If you would like to support this work, or even influence it, then do join us. Hubert Carr, Chairman

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Yes I would like to join the Leatherhead Residents’ Association Name

_______________________________________________________________

Address

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Telephone

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Enc. £2 for one year / £5 for three years payable to the Leatherhead Residents’ Association. Please send to:

LRA, Letherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH Tel: 07986 430935 www.leatherheadresidents.org.uk

If you would like to receive information from the Leatherhead Residents’ Association via email, then please contact us by going to our website. 12

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Bacchus Marathon and Half Marathon Sunday 11th September

Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard have joined together with Events to Live Ltd (sister company to award winning local running shop Run to Live in Ashtead) and are pleased to announce the 2011 Bacchus Marathon and Half-Marathon. Combining running, wine and a lot of fun, this is the only race of its kind to be held in the UK. With breathtaking scenery, just prior to the grape harvest, entrants will be able to Bacchus 2010 sample Denbies award wining wine as they traverse the route running through the spectacular scenery of the Surrey Hills and North Downs. The event is being held to raise money for CHASE children’s charity. CHASE supports children and teenagers with life-limiting or significant life-threatening conditions. Jeannette Simpson, Denbies Marketing manager commented, ‘This is designed to be a real fun event – fancy dress is encouraged and there will be a post race BBQ to add to the party atmosphere!’

For further information or to enter please visit www.eventstolive.co.uk 16

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Financial Planning and Wealth Management Charlwood Leigh has been based in Leatherhead for over 40 years advising a wide range of personal and corporate clients on how to manage their assets, save tax and protect their families. We would welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss your affairs in confidence. Our first meeting will, of course, be at our expense.

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Alan Greenwood & Sons Funeral Directors & Memorials

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Polesden gets clucky! Dark Dorking chickens have returned to Polesden Lacey almost ninety years after the famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Ronald Greville sold off her rare chicken breeds in 1929. The hens are being kept in a chicken run out near the recently opened orchard which features about 30 apple varieties local to the area. There is currently only one dark Dorking – called ‘Lacey’ but there are plans for more. The hens have only been at Polesden Lacey since the Easter weekend, but have already proved a huge hit with visitors, and particularly children, as people are enticed to a new area of the garden and get to learn more about Mrs Greville and her estate. The orchard also features 6 bee hives which are on public display, and will provide the gift shop and restaurant with honey. The Dorking is one of the oldest chicken breeds in Britain having been in existence for over 2000 years. They’re unique in that they have five toes, as opposed to the usual four. They were discovered by the Romans when they settled in the area and the chickens made the beautiful, historic market town of Dorking famous for its meat and eggs for hundreds of years after. “It is fantastic to have Dark Dorkings back here on the estate. The Dorking cockerel is the emblem of our local historic market town and is an important part of our local heritage,” said Andrea Selley, General Manager for Polesden Lacey. “To know that Mrs Greville kept Dorkings on the estate here makes it a really important part of the Polesden Lacey story. It is wonderful to be supporting the continuation of this rare breed and they really are helping to bring the property to life.” 20

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24 hour hour nursing nursing care care • Long Lo ng Term and Respite Respite Stay Stay • Full prog program ramme me of activities activities • Day Care • Care Qua Quality lity Commission Commission - Excellent 3 Star Star Rat Rating ing •

For further deta details ils plea please se contact Mrs Helen Lockyer, the Man Manager, ager, on 01372 01372 274 274552 552 Email: redhouse@redhouseashtead.co.uk Website: www.redhouseashtead.co.uk

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Your Friendly, Reliable, Local Cleaning Service

• Domestic Cleaning • Spring Cleans • End of Tenancy Cleans • Drive & Patio Cleaning • Ashtead based family run cleaning business serving the local area since 2005 • All work is covered by both Employers’ and Public Liability Insurance • At First Choice we take great pride in all work undertaken and believe that our strength lies in offering a friendly, flexible and totally reliable service

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Chernobyl - 25 years and counting More than twenty five children gathered with their parents in April in front of the Ebbisham Centre, Epsom, to stage a visual commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. The contamination in Belarus, where most of the fallout from the Chernobyl reactor fell following the accident on 26th April 1986, will remain for thousands of years until the radiation has decayed to a “safe” level. As well as recruiting local families to host the children during their stay in the area, the Mid Surrey Link organises a programme of events for the children, with the support of local and national organisations and individuals. It also collects good quality second hand clothes no longer needed by local children for the visiting 10 year olds to take home with them. We are grateful to the Ashley Centre, Epsom Council and the Ebbisham Centre for their support to mark this important anniversary.

For further information or if you think that you can help in any way with the work of the CCLL Mid Surrey Link, please visit www.midsurreylink.org or call 01372 741 228.

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Answers, page 78

Ducks Away! Leatherhead’s Annual Duck Race Sunday 26th June Are you looking for something to do that that is fun for all the family? Then why not come along to the annual Leatherhead Duck Race on Sunday 26th June. For a quacking great afternoon of family fun head to the banks of the River Mole by the town bridge (bottom of Bridge Street). The tote races are followed by the mass duck race where hundreds of tiny yellow bath time ducks take to the water – with some fantastic prizes to be won! To keep your little ones entertained between races there will be a children’s entertainer down by the river with puppets, balloon modelling and magic. Miniature steam train rides will also be available in nearby Mill Lane, just follow the signs. Refreshments in the form of ice cream and soft drinks will also be on sale by the river. The little yellow bath time ducks used in the mass duck race can be sponsored on the day for £1 or in advance on Thursdays and Saturdays from 16th June in the Swan Centre right up to the event. Ducks are also available from the Help Shop and Barton’s Bookshop.

For further information go to www.visitleatherhead.com or phone Lucy on 01372 363652 or Anne on 01372 376358 28

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L. HAWKINS & SONS LTD FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Personal 24 hour service from a privately funded family business SERVING LEATHERHEAD, ASHTEAD, BOOKHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS

01372 372435 HIGHLANDS ROAD, LEATHERHEAD, KT22 8ND

GO50 Nordic Walking Course at Garson’s Farm GO50 – Age UK Surrey’s programme of guided outdoor activities for the 50 plus age group – is offering a course of Nordic Walking training at Garson’s Farm, Esher in June. The course costs £30 for four one-hour sessions. Nordic Walking is an enhancement to ordinary walking and has developed into one of the most effective exercise techniques around. It works the upper and lower body, strengthens the back, legs and arms, reduces neck and shoulder tension and improves the health of the heart and lungs. The training is given at different levels to suit different requirements. The Health level is suitable for those who are new to exercise or returning from injury or illness. Fitness level is for people who are already active and wish to get fitter. Details are: Garsons Farm, Esher Thursdays 9th-30th June Health level 9.30-10.30am Fitness level 11am-12pm

Nordic Walking is easy to learn, fun, sociable and an ideal way for people of all fitness levels to get outside and get active. For more information contact Age UK Surrey on 01483 503414 or go50@ageuksurrey.org.uk 30

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ALEXANDER ALEXAN DER LODGE LODGE RESIDE RESI DENTIAL NTIAL CARE HOME HOME

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Please go to www.the-theatre.org to check timings and make on-line bookings, or call the box office on 01372 365141 Eric's Tales of the Sea

Wednesday 1st June at 8pm on the Mezz Bar Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Former submariner Eric has taken the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm for the last three years. Now, he brings his acclaimed one-man show to The Leatherhead Theatre as part of his national tour. With the aid of astonishing visuals, Eric gives you an insider's view of the mysterious world beneath the waves in a nuclear submarine, and transports you to an underwater existence where edgy camaraderie, black humour, death and destruction are the closest of bedfellows! "A store of charm as deep as the ocean itself, and some of the best stories you'll hear all year" The Guardian

Roary the Racing Car

Saturday 25th June at 2pm Tickets: Adult, £14. Child, £12 and Family of 4, £46

Roary, the number 1 little race car "zooms" into The Leatherhead Theatre for the very first time in a brand new live stage show! The stage show will introduce motor sports to a pre-school audience, aged 3-6 years, for the first time, and through Roary’s example, children can learn the importance of friendship, problem solving, teamwork and positivity.

Pilgrim's Progress

Wednesday 29th June at 7:30pm Tickets: Adult, £12.50. Concessions, £10. Special deal; buy 10 tickets and get 1 free

A modern dramatisation of the classic tale by John Bunyan. Follow Christian as he sets out on a dangerous adventure, a journey that will see him encounter friends, companions and foes along the way. Will he ever reach the Heavenly City?

MEZZ EVENTS Jazz Jam

Friday 24th June at 8:30pm

Tickets: £6

Join top musicians for a smooth night of jazz music at the Mezz Bar. Come for a jam, or just for a listen at these special, informal evenings.

Quiz Night

Wednesday 15th June at 8pm Entry is £5 per team

The Mezz Bar's quiz nights boast a fun, friendly atmosphere with a variety of questions, making it suitable for almost everyone! We welcome under 18’s provided that at least one team member is over 18.

Open Mic Night

Wednesday 8th June at 8:30pm

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Health & Beauty

Bites and Stings When an insect bites or stings you, it makes a small hole in your skin, usually in order to feed on your blood. The sting will contain chemicals which are an irritant and will trigger a very mild through to a very severe reaction. Most stings are unnoticed at the time except those of bees and wasps, but the swelling and itchiness that follows brings it to your notice. If you can still see the sting in the wound you should remove it as soon as possible. It is better to scrape it out than to use tweezers as pinching it can cause the venom sac to further deposit its contents into your skin. There is one important exception to this though, and that is if you have a tick which has latched itself onto any part of your body. This will look rather like a dark, swollen tag mole and it must be completely removed otherwise you risk developing

HOME WANTED!

Lyme disease. You can use tweezers to remove a tick ensuring you pull straight up rather than twisting the tick out. If you are unsure how to do this consult your GP. If your skin becomes particularly itchy as a result of being bitten, a flannel soaked in cold water and taking paracetamol or ibuprofren can relieve the discomfort. Over the counter preparations may also help, or if you are really suffering, your GP will prescribe crotamiton cream. Antihistamines may be recommended to help reduce the reaction. Finally, despite the temptation, try to avoid scratching the area as this increases the risk that the bite will become infected, especially if your hands are dirty.

Smokey

Beautiful Smokey, is an eight year old female with a strong character. She is a lovely cat, but tends to call the shots. She must have a large garden area, as she has been used to a large playing field to roam in. Smokey would be fine with older children, & would best suit an experienced owner. Please ring Sue on 020 8390 3165 if you wish to know more about Smokey or any of our other cats.

http://www.epsom.cats.org.uk/ Epsom, Ewell & District Branch

As we have around 7,000 cats and kittens in our care at any one time, we will find you the perfect feline friend.

www.cats.org.uk

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland) 34

Health & Beauty

Book Reviews - June 2011 Wonders of the Universe - Brian Cox - RRP £20

Professor Brian Cox is back with another insightful and mind-blowing exploration of space. This time he shows us our universe as we've never seen it before. 13.7 billion years old. 93 billion light years wide. It contains over 100 billion galaxies, each containing hundreds of billions of stars. This infinite, vast and complex Universe has been the subject of human fascination and scientific exploration for thousands of years. The wonders of the Universe might seem alien to us and impossible to understand, but away from the telescopes, the labs and the white coats, Professor Brian Cox uses the evidence found in the natural world around us to explain its simple truths. Using 3D CGI imagery, his expert knowledge and his infectious enthusiasm, Professor Cox shows us that if we can understand the impact of these governing laws on Earth it will bring us a step closer to an understanding of our Universe.

Kitchen Secrets - Raymond Blanc - RRP £25

Raymond Blanc is revered as a culinary legend, whose love of delicious food is lifelong. Years of experience have given him a rich store of knowledge and the skill to create fantastic dishes that work time after time. With a range of achievable and inspirational recipes for cooks of all abilities, Kitchen Secrets is all about bringing Gallic passion and precision into the home kitchen. Raymond has done all the hard work, refining recipes over months and even years until they are quite perfect. Every recipe includes explanations and hints to ensure that your results are consistently brilliant. With scores of recipes this is guaranteed to be a must-have for anybody with a love of French cuisine and finesse.

Fortress of Spears (Empire) - Anthony Riches - RRP £12.99

In the enthralling third volume of Empire, Anthony Riches takes the legions deep into north Britannia, where the survivors of the rebellion still hope for revenge. The Romans have vanquished the rebel alliance, leaving Calgus, Lord of the Northern Tribes, the prisoner of the chieftains he once led. Marcus Aquila - burning for revenge on an enemy army that has killed one of his best friends - is part of the select group of infantry chosen to go north with the Petriana cavalry and take the fort before the rebel army can reach it. He is just a few days ahead of two of the emperor's agents, sent from Rome to kill him. Pitiless assassins who know his real name, and too much about his friends.

The Fifth Witness - Michael Connolly - RRP £18.99

Lisa Trammel had been a client of Mickey Haller, defence lawyer, for eight months - his very first foreclosure case, in fact - and although so far he'd managed to stop the bank from taking her house, the strain and sense of injustice are beginning to take their toll, and the bank had recently got a restraining order to prevent her protesting against their fraudulent practices. But now the bank's CEO, Mitchell Bondurant, has been found in the bank's car park with a bullet in his brain, and Lisa is about to be indicted for murder. For Mickey, it's back to what he does best on the biggest stage of all, but if he thought defending Lisa Trammel was going to be a walk in the park, he'd be wrong, and by the time the verdict is in, Mickey's whole world will have been turned upside down.

Lily Alone - Jacqueline Wilson - RRP £12.99

A brilliant new story from our bestselling author about what happens when Lily is left at home, with her three younger siblings to look after. Lily isn't home ALONE - but she sort of wishes she was; looking after her three younger siblings is a lot of responsibility. When Mum goes off on holiday with her new boyfriend and her stepdad fails to show up, Lily is determined to keep the family together and show they can cope without any grown-ups. What could be better than to take all the little ones for a camping adventure in the park? Plenty of space to run about, no carpet to vacuum, and surely no chance anyone will guess they're there... 36

Health & Beauty

MOLE VALLEY POLICE COLUMN News from Surrey Police... An ongoing concern also relates to theft of metal and other items, including garden machinery or tools, from sheds, lock ups and garages. These locations are not always kept securely locked, sometime quite remote from the house and not overlooked. We would like to emphasise the need to make it difficult for property to be stolen by fitting sturdy bolts, locks and/or padlocks to deter would be thieves. Please contact us on the number above and ask to speak with Mike Bessent, Mole Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crime Reduction Advisor if you require free advice on making your home and property more secure. You can also contact us by email at molevalley@surrey.pnn.police.uk

and passports!! Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contribute to your becoming a victim of crime by helping thieves to target your cars. A recent short-lived spate of graffiti caused considerable annoyance to residents in Ashtead but this matter is being followed up and dealt with robustly. If anyone notices new graffiti appearing, do please report it at the very least to Mole Valley District Council who are responsible for the removal of graffiti in public areas. A date for your diaries. Surrey Police will be holding a Community Safety Day between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, 16th July on Meadowbank in Dorking. This will involve a large number of local and organisations and partner agencies across Mole Valley, working together to help keep our communities safe and secure. Please make every effort to come along.

The issue of thefts from motor vehicles parked at beauty spot car parks across Mole Valley is a concern that it always seems to be with us. Your local policing team and police units within Surrey have been focusing attention on patrols at all these car parks and have been able to meet and speak with hundreds of visitors, advising them of the importance not to leave any valuables in their vehicles when they are unattended. Even more important, is to ensure that nothing of value is left on view in vehicles. This appears to have had a positive impact but the work continues as, on each day over the Easter weekend, officers identified up to forty unattended vehicles with items clearly on view as a tempting target to would be thieves. For some reason, people still leave handbags in foot wells or under seats in cars, where they are still partially visible. Recent examples of items taken include I phones (not locked or password protected), purses with debit, credit and store cards, laptops 38

Of course, the Ashtead Village Day takes place on Saturday, 11th June. As usual, your local policing team will be there to support this popular community event. Please do come and say hello and, if there any issues you would like to talk to us about, we would like to hear from you. Neil Clarke, 13363 Neighbourhood Team Co-ordinator clarke13363@surrey.pnn.police.uk Tel: 01483 630809 To contact Surrey Police, telephone 0845 125 2222. In the event of a crime in progress or an emergency, telephone 999 Your local team can also be contacted by email to MoleValley@surrey.pnn.police.uk www.surrey.police.uk

Health & Beauty

Yoga Ashtead, Leatherhead & Epsom

Epsom Downs

All levels welcome

Please contact Becki

Amanda Skelly

07502 215 827

Phone: 07507 550672 Email: info@amandaskellyyoga.com Web: www.amandaskellyyoga.com

enquiries@beckipilates.co.uk www.beckipilates.co.uk The Ashtead and Leatherhead Local was the natural way for the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline Mid Surrey Link to reach out to a really local audience and Zen's help in laying out the article led to really impressive results. Thank you Zen! Simon Cooke, Mid Surrey Link

QUALIFIED COUNS COUNSELLOR ELLOR

Margaret Mar garet Spice

• • • •

MA, BA BA (Hons (Hons.), .), MBACP, MBACP, BICA Abuse • Loss of Co Conf nfidence idence Anxiety Anx iety • Relationsh elationships ips Depression Depre ssion • All aspects aspects of Bereavement Ber eavement Infert nfertility ility

Ashtead Practi Practice ce Tel: 01372 01372 277 277802 802

www.surreycou www.s urreycounse nsellor.co. llor.co.uk uk 39

The Emerald Green Bikini were few and far between and clumsy kisses were as passionate as things went. University was more adventurous and her heart was broken by a handsome but ultimately selfish geography student called Michael. Several of her treasured letters were from him, sent from a field trip in Scotland. Other letters were from Rob, who loved her from a distance, both emotionally and physically, as he was studying a hundred miles away and preferred the idea of a long distance girlfriend who wouldn't discover his one night stands on a Saturday night. Stewart was sweet and gentle and loved Ruth with unrequited adoration and his letters were copious and gushing. He would post them through her door almost every day until Ruth put him out of his misery.

Ruth had two large cardboard boxes which she kept at the top of her wardrobe. One box contained baby clothes, first shoes, favourite books, NHS baby records, hospital identification bracelets, ultrasound pictures and soft toys that still smelled of babyhood. She would visit this box when the children were being particularly challenging or when they were away from home. She would visit the second box after an argument with Sam. It contained souvenirs of her time before children. There were school reports, diaries, cuttings from teenage magazines, pictures and concert tickets from her student days, souvenirs from her travels and letters from Sam before they were married. There were also photos and love letters from old boyfriends. She had considered throwing these out but they were just as much part of her identity as everything else and reminded her that she wasn't always somebody's wife or somebody's mother.

Ruth met Sam at her first job. He was a friendly face amid a sea of competitive new sales recruits for a large insurance company. They were both there on a temporary basis as she was earning money to go travelling and he was working while applying for other jobs. Neither of them stayed long and they both hated the work but it was car insurance that brought them together.

Along with souvenirs of her life were reminders of her sometimes dubious fashion sense. There was a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt from her time in America, a ruffled pink rah rah skirt, a Frankie goes to Hollywood T shirt and an emerald green bikini. The emerald green bikini was bought in Greece. She was wearing it when she met Demitri, the tall dark and handsome tour guide who introduced her to olives, Retsina and passionate kissing under the stars.

Ruth never told Sam about her Greek holiday romance and he never saw her in the emerald green bikini. He never knew that a dark skinned, brown eyed Greek man had told her she was beautiful and danced with her on a beach. She loved Sam deeply but she never forgot Demitri. She remembered him when she was doing the washing up. She remembered him when she was cleaning the toilets or picking dirty clothes off the floor. She remembered him as she lay in the dark listening to Sam's snoring and she even occasionally remembered him when they were making love.

She had been going out with Sam for six months before setting off on a back packing holiday through Europe with her friend Tanya. The trip had been planned before she started seeing Sam and things were still fairly casual between them. For Sam, Ruth's absence gave him the opportunity to realise how much she meant to him and for Ruth it gave her the opportunity to have a fling with Demitri. Ruth had always been a good girl. She had behaved well at school and had never been rebellious, apart from one drunken episode with cider when she was fourteen. There was also the occasional spluttered cigarette but the taste always made her feel sick. There were no tattoos, no piercings, no dyed hair or controversial friends. Boyfriends in her teens

She never wore the emerald green bikini again. It wouldn't fit her now anyway. It stayed in her box of memories to remind her of the girl she used to be. Copyright Sarah Lott May 2011 Website: www.thememorybook.co.uk Email: memorybook@virgin.net 40

Health & Beauty

• Well-Established Modern Practice • Fully Air Conditioned • Same Day Emergency Service • Cosmetic Dentistry including Tooth • • • •

Whitening & Advanced Facial Aesthetics Full Disabled Access Hygienist Service NHS For Children Easy Parking

Dr Sue Taylor Taylor

Dr R Woodriffe

Dr M Talbot Talbot

Dr T Than

Phone Now for an Appointment 01372 363670 135 Cobham Road, Fetcham, KT22 9HX 43

Health & Beauty

Take a bite out of spring! FREE estimates estimates for new den dentur tures es Natural Natu ral looki looking, ng, comfort com fortable able and at a price price to put a smile sm ile on your face! face! Astek Dental Dental Centre, Centre, 19 Cannon Cannon Grove Grove Fetc Fe tcham, ham, KT22 KT22 9LG

01372 377678 377678

www.dentist-leatherhead.co.uk

Please support your hall - Friends of Ashtead Village Hall Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall is at the social heart of Ashtead and a great many organisations use this large hall, as it is ‘Where Ashtead Meets’. The Friends of the Hall was formed in 1984 by a group of local residents, comprising amongst others, Betty Nolan and George Avery. Its purpose was, and remains, to act as a charity in raising money to back up the Management Committee and help provide those ‘little extras’ such as the new front doors to the hall in 1988. There have been many other projects over the years including refurbishment of the ladies toilets, (the gentlemen’s toilets have also now been refurbished as part of the current building project). New steps to the entrance and a projector for use with a computer to enable digital presentations, have also been paid for with money raised by “the Friends”. We meet four times a year and tickets are generally £18.50 for a three course dinner followed by an entertaining talk or musical event. A recent most entertaining speaker was Jonathan Jones, a Town Crier. Just over 100 people attended and we raised a staggering £700. Our next meeting is our AGM on the evening of 1st July followed by a dinner after which well known local poet, John Griffin, will be giving a poetry reading – it should be a very enjoyable evening. We would love to have a few more members. The annual subscription is only £3 and we are a ‘friendly’ group with the mutual interest of the Hall at heart. So if any readers are interested in joining us, or wish for more details, please contact our Membership Secretary – Janet Marsh on 01372 278988.

Judi Whitmarsh 44

Health & Beauty

ASHTEAD HEALTHY LIVING • • • • • •

Spring Clean Your Colon With life-enhancing Colonic Hydrotherapy

A relaxing, gentle and safe experience

Help with constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome Skin problems Headaches PMT Stress

• • • • • •

Detoxification Haemorrhoids Bloating Flatulence Chronic Fatigue Candida

Ashtead Healthy Living For an appointment please telephone Jane:

01372 279755

Newton Wood Road, Ashtead, KT21 1NN www.ashteadhealthyliving.co.uk

Spring Clean Your Colon At Ashtead Healthy Living I offer Colonic Irrigation also known as Hydrotherapy or Colonics. I have found that having between 1 – 3 colonics initially is often all that is required to cleanse the colon or bowel; remove accumulated toxins; improve constipation; reduce flatulence and bloating; reverse the affects of dehydration and improve the muscle tone of the colon. As a Colon Hydrotherapist my objective is to help you maintain a healthy, regular bowel. The procedure is popular with celebrities as part of their health regime. Most people wash their bodies and clean their teeth, so cleansing the bowel occasionally should be no different. You may be wondering what actually happens during a treatment. The procedure is clean, hygienic and odour free. A small tube is passed into the rectum by the therapist; there are 2 tubes attached to this, one for the clean water and one for

the dirty water. This is known as a “Closed System” because all the waste matter and dirty water stays inside the tube and flows directly into the toilet system. The warm, purified water flows into the colon through the clean water tube at a very gentle pressure. The warmth and pressure of the water, the natural pull of gravity and some gentle abdominal massage help the contents of the colon to soften, loosen and come away. There is no electricity or suction involved with this procedure and it is not painful. The abdominal massage and the comfortable surroundings result in a restful procedure that can leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed.

You can read more about it at www.ashteadhealthyliving.co.uk or call Jane Ranger on 01372 279755.

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Simple Crossword

Festival of Britain Anniversary

The 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain was celebrated in style by The Inner Wheel Club of Ashtead raising a substantial sum towards the refurbishment of The Leatherhead Night Hostel.

12 13

President Jean Haynes led the field of 50’s designed outfits sporting a blonde bouffant wig and swinging petticoats. The Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall was magnificently decked out in Red, White and Blue bunting, flags and Festive of Britain themed plaques, professionally and beautifully designed by Inner Wheel member Kelly Combeer.

20 21

Across 1 Not handsome (4) 3 Clothes (8) 9 Strongest muscles in human bodies (7) 10 Type of fruit (5) 11 Constructed (12) 14 Also (3) 16 Primitive (5) 17 Visualise (3) 18 However (12) 21 Respond (5) 22 Follows September (7) 23 All people (8) 24 Nocturnal birds (4) Down 1 Last, furthest or farthest (8) 2 Cloth woven from flax (5) 4 Donkey (3) 5 Inches, feet, metres etc (12) 6 Sons of siblings (7) 7 Stalk of a flower (4) 8 Adequately (12) 12 Area to play sport (5) 13 Puddings (8) 15 Perform surgery (7) 19 Joint in the arm (5) 20 Costing nothing (4) 22 To possess (3)

A superb night was enjoyed by over 100 people who sat down to a delicious 1950’s style meal and danced enthusiastically to ‘Atlantis’. The evening had opened with The National Anthem and closed with Land Of Hope And Glory accompanied by enthusiastic flag waving. An evening of fun once more enjoyed courtesy of The Inner Wheel Club of Ashtead combined with raising funds for a worthy local Charity.

President Jean Haynes presenting a cheque to Chris Thorpe of The Leatherhead Night Hostel.

Solutions, page 58 48

Health & Beauty

Mr N. Patel B.D.S., U.Lond., L.D.S., R.C.S. Mr N. Stretch B.D.S., U.Lond., L.D.S., R.C.S. 49

Ashtead Youth Centre Life at the Youth Centre continues to be as busy as ever, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in full swing, the Karting continues to be popular, we have summer adventure holidays in the planning and Gary is soon to kick off his transition project supporting youngsters in their move between Primary and Secondary Schools. I would like to take this opportunity to share an experience with our readers that on one hand is a tragedy and on the other reflects the true nature of our young people. On the 22nd of March a tragic accident befell a 15 year old young man called Alfie Skelton. An inflatable dingy he was using on Heathfield Pond in Oxshott capsized and Alfie was not able to get himself to safety, he was found by police divers the following day. As a popular student of Therfield School there was an understandable reaction of shock and grief experienced by his close friends and fellow students. Since the accident, youth workers from Leatherhead and Ashtead have worked closely with the School to offer support as and where it was and sometimes still is needed, but what struck me most has been the young people’s response in supporting each other and their commitment to celebrate the life of Alfie, and, with purpose and respect show the family how much they loved and valued him. One example that has stayed foremost in my mind was the memorial at the pond just a few days Just a few of the many afterward that was organised by the young people tributes left at the pond using facebook. This was incredibly well attended and whilst understandably sombre, people’s spirits were lifted as they recalled their shared experiences and remembered Alfie’s outgoing character. I personally witnessed a group of about a dozen young men that walked all the way from Leatherhead to be able to pay their respects to Alfie’s family and show support for each other. It is a shame that it takes such a tragic event for us to really notice the fine character of young people showing such compassion and support for others. I guess that sometimes we don’t realise what we are capable of until really tested. Richard Leary (Youth Leader in Charge) 01372 276912 – richard.leary@surreycc.gov.uk

A couple of our members wished to share some memories of Alfie

Our names are Jordan Sparkes and Scott Holman and we were friends with Alfie at School. Alfie was a real character who was funny and made people smile, he had a cheeky smile himself. He was very much his own person who was a bit of a daredevil and was always up for anything. I (Jordan) remember when he hugged one of our teachers at break time which made everyone laugh, it was the sort of thing he did to amuse people. I (Scott) played football with Alfie a few years ago and our team won the cup together, he probably didn’t realise just how much people loved him. The other day I was working and had to stop and think for a few minutes whilst one of his all time favourite songs came on the radio. It was good that so many people turned out for the funeral, it was so busy that some people had to stand outside. People really sang to everything, it was like a way of showing that we were all together. “We will always love you and think about you Alfie, May you be the brightest star out there – we love you little soldier” – Jordan and Scott.

Ashtead Youth Centre, Barnett Wood Lane, KT21 2BZ (This article appears with the permission of Alfie Skelton’s parents.)

Education & Tuition

We want you to have peace of mind when you leave your children with us, knowing that they will be loved and cared for in a friendly, safe and cheerful environment. • Ch Children ildren from 3 months-5 months-5 years years • Le Lear arning ning environment environment of the highest highest ca calibre libre • Fa Family mily va values lues and atmos atmosphere phere You are very welcome to visit us; us; please telephone tele phone to arrange an appointme appointment. nt. We look look forward to giving you and and your your child the support support you you deserve and and may need when combining com bining work and and parenting. parenting. Liz Chambers, Managing Director BEd. (Hons), Cert. Ed., Dip. SLD, P.P.A., O.U. (The First Years of Life)

Ashtead Art Lovers would not be growing without The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local. Thank you Zen, for such a great magazine. Mell Fraser

01372 276825 / 279935

www.flyingstartdaynursery.co.uk Barnesmead Woodfield Lane Ashtead Moorlands The Marld Ashtead

100% success for students on a counselling course

At Surrey Hills Onward Learning, (a provider of adult education classes) we are delighted to have the opportunity to appear in the Ashtead and Leatherhead Local.

Surrey Hills Onward Learning is delighted that all students who enrolled on our AQA Introduction to Counselling course succeeded in passing their exam.

The ‘A & L Local’ is well presented, accessible and has a wide readership, so ideal for getting one’s brand known.

For some, this course is the first step towards higher qualifications, and eventually a career in counselling. For others it provides another dimension to work in the health, social or educational sectors. It can even help people to be better parents, neighbours and friends.

Every time we include an advertisement we get several enquiries which result in enrolments.

Congratulations to this year’s students, and welcome to those people who are now registering for the new class which starts in September.

We are sure that the Ashtead and Leatherhead Local has contributed significantly to the rise of our student numbers by some 15% during the last year. Jill Harris, Principal

For further information on our classes, please phone 01372 363708, collect a brochure from the Leatherhead Institute or local libraries, or visit our website www.surreyhillsonwardlearning.org.uk 51

Food & Drink

Recipe of the Month

Meals in Mi Minutes nutes At this time of year you want to spend as

Serv Take es 2 s 20 mins

little time as possible in the kitchen so hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quick and easy supper that takes less than 25 minutes to create.

Chilli, Prawn & Tomato Lingui Li nguine ne 350g (12oz) linguine 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small red chilli pepper, deseeded and finely chopped 225g (8oz) raw, peeled tiger prawns 8 sundried tomatoes in oil, sliced plus 3-4 tbsp of the marinating oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Few fresh basil leaves 1. 2. 3.

Cook the linguine in a large pan of lightly salted, boiling water for 10-12 mins or according to the packet instructions until tender but still with a little bite. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the chilli for 1-2 mins. Add the prawns and cook over a medium-high heat for 3-4 mins, stirring all the time until they have turned from grey to pink. Drain the pasta and add to the frying pan with the sun-dried tomatoes and the marinating oil. Toss well to mix and heat through for 1-2 mins. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves. TOP TIP - If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not too keen on chilli then replace with a finely chopped spring onion. 52

Food & Drink

Every Thursday 9.30-11.30am Any Coffee & Cake £3.50

Afternoon Tea Saturdays 10am-3pm

Finger sandwiches, scones with cream & jam, cakes & tea £10.95pp

Free Cake with any large Coffee*! *please bring this page one cake per advert

5 Bridge Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8BL (next to Natwest bank)

01372 386108

English Wine Week – 28th May – 5th June The National Celebration of English Wine

English Wine Week is a national campaign to raise awareness of English Vineyards and wines. Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single estate vineyard located in Dorking, in the heart of the Surrey Hills will be celebrating English Wine Week with a wide variety of events. All events will be focused around the winery and vineyard. On Wednesday 1st June, there is the opportunity to work alongside Denbies vineyard team for a real ‘hands-on’ vineyard experience learning about bud rubbing and pruning. The morning is followed with lunch and a bespoke wine tasting. For a more leisurely day out, Denbies has teamed up with Norbury Blue Diary located in nearby Mickleham for Denbies Cheese and Wine making experience taking place on Thursday 2 June. Learn all about cheese making with local Norbury Blue cheese maker, followed by an insight into wine making with Denbies wine specialist. Full refreshments provided throughout the day On Friday 3rd June Denbies Wine Expert will host a sparkling wine and champagne comparison tasting followed by dinner prepared with locally sourced produce served with Denbies wine in the Gallery Restaurant.

Denbies, London Rd, Dorking, RH5 6AA | 01306 876616 | www.denbies.co.uk 54

The Running Mare The Taste of Summer at The Running Mare Soak up the Summer sun on our outdoor terrace. During the week pop in for a light Summer lunch – a choice of three delicious specials plus glass of wine or Prosecco for an amazing £8.95 On sunny Sundays sample our famous barbecue – giant black tiger prawns, seared tuna or whole sardines as well as lamb steaks and chef’s home made Scotch steak burgers.

01932 862007 www.runningmare.co.uk

The Running Mare Tilt Road Cobham Surrey KT11 3EZ

Art, Jewellery & Gifts Give a gift for forever

Fingerprint mementos Fingerprint mementos and keepsa keepsakes kes &

Original handcra handcrafted fted jewellery

I create beautiful hand crafted, finished and polished fine silver cufflinks, pendants and other keepsakes using your own fingerprint impressions. Because a fingerprint never changes, giving a gift that beautifully captures a child or loved one’s fingerprint is sure to be a very treasured gift always. Website: www.mymedesigns.org Email: mymedesigns@sky.com Tel: 07735 202 377

∗ Besp espoke oke Framing Framing ∗ Framed Framed Originals Originals & Limited Limit ed Edition Edition Prints Prints ∗ Gifts & Jewellery Jewellery ∗ Ca Cards rds ∗ Ready Made Frames Frames & Mounts Mounts 22 Bridge Bridge Stree Street, t, Leath Lea therhea erhead, d, KT22 KT22 8BZ

Tel: 01372 01372 377363 56

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DDOS presents: ‘Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’be’ 21st – 25th June 2011

The award-winning Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society (DDOS) present a lively and entertaining view of 60’s gangland London with their production of Lionel Bart (composer of ‘Oliver!’) and Frank Norman’s ‘Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be’. On at the Green Room Theatre in June, this cockney comedy introduces us to loveable rogue and gangland boss Fred Cochran who is down on his luck but trying to stage a comeback. His gambling den, or shpieler, is home to a hodge-podge of low-life London characters: gangsters, tarts, pimps, old bill, toffs and teddy boys and girls, who are brought to life by a talented cast who offer a spirited look at life in 1960’s Soho. Set in a time when the laws regarding prostitution and homosexuality were changing the face of London's streets forever, ‘Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be’ is an interesting and humorous musical, littered with cockney rhyming slang and an array of hilarious characters. Winner of the Evening Standard Award for ‘Best Musical’ in 1960 and with a title song made famous by Max Bygraves, this raucous romp of a show will have you tapping your feet!

Tuesday 21st – Saturday 25th June 2011: 8pm and 3pm (Saturday Matinee) Green Room Theatre, Rear of Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG Tickets: £11 (£9 for DDOS members) / £5 special price for under 16s at Saturday matinee For tickets call the Dorking Halls Box Office on 01306 881717 58

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Tel: 01483 285792 59

Clubs & Activities

STAR THEATRE ARTS WHERE EVERYBODY SHINES

www.startheatrearts.co.uk School entering 7th year - Free Trial Fantastic venues with full studio theatre at Chessington and mirrored dance studios at Chessington and Banstead

Summer course 9th-12th August 10am-4pm performance on the Friday Come for just the day (£25) or for all 4 days (£90) Sibling concession £15 per day, £60 for all 4 days

Due to popular demand, NEW Saturday afternoon session 2pm-5pm opening in September Current session 10.30am-1.30pm Chessington Community College, Garrison Lane, Chessington KT9 2JS

NEW September Banstead sessions 10.30am-1.30pm Greenacre School for Girls, Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA

Have a friend sign up for the whole term & receive 2 sessions free

Siblings half price

Call 020 8337 3746 to book your free trial All our staff are professional equity members and CRB checked

Dorking Quilters Dorking Quilters will be holding meetings on 14th June and 12th July, at the Friends Meeting House, Butterhill, Dorking. At our June meeting members and visitors will be sewing their own quilts, and we will also hold a Bring and Buy sale of sewing notions and materials to raise funds for our group. The July meeting promises to very interesting, when two volunteers from Fine Cell work come to tell us about their organization, which works with prisoners, to make fine embroidery and quilts.

We welcome visitors, and if you need further information please contact Lesley on 05601 534169. 60

Clubs & Activities

Angie Sayer professional Ceramicist and teacher

Christ Church Church Tennis Club

Pottery classes in own studio in Ashtead Throwing on the wheel and hand-building

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Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall Woodfield Lane, Ashtead

to join this this sma small, ll, friendly friendly local Club Cl ub which which has two Hard Cou Courts rts for all year-round year-round play

Occasional Relief Caretaker Required Details and enquiries to the Secretary

Further Furt her deta details ils availab available le from Gill - the the Hon Sec

01372 274969 274969 (eves/weekends)

Email: png@coombesfm.plus.com Epsom Road, Leatherhead

01372 274870 274870

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN JUNE? Wednesday 1st

The Big Toddle. 1pm-3pm. Headley Heath. A big adventure for little people. Run, hunt, play, explore, look, touch, smell, listen, discover! Suitable for children aged 2 – 5 years old, must be accompanied by an adult. ½ mile – easy walking. Booking essential. £3 per child. www.nationaltrust.org.uk. 01372 220644

Saturday 4th

12pm-4pm. Meadowbank, Mill Lane, Dorking. Fun Dog Show, run by Dorking Deepdene Rotary Club in aid of charity. Entries registration will be from 11am. £2 per dog class Judging 1pm. 01372 372639 or 01306 886937

Tuesday 7th (weekly)

Singing Surrey, Leatherhead Trinity School, Aperdele Rd, KT22 7QT. 6.30pm-8pm. £1 voluntary donation. Leatherhead's new community choir. Looking for new members. The choir performs music from folk to world to gospel. www.molevalley.gov.uk/arts

Sat 11th

Ashtead Village Day, Barnett Wood Lane Recreation Ground, fantastic annual event organised by The Rotary Club of Ashtead - see centre pages for details.

Saturday 12th

Rainbow Trust Bike Ride & Family Fun Day. 9am-4pm. St John’s School, Leatherhead. Riders can choose from: A 10 mile fun ride for all the family; 25 mile off-road route for mountain bike and dirt trail enthusiasts or a special 50 mile ride that covers the Surrey stretch of the 2012 Olympic cycling route. www.rainbowtrust.org.uk. 01372 220022

Sunday 12th

The Beeches summer fete. 12pm-5pm. The Beeches, Fortyfoot Rd, Leatherhead, KT22 8RZ. Family fun. Free tickets available from The Beeches, 01372 227540.

Sunday 19th

Annual Gardens of Bookhams Open Day, details on page 84

Leatherhead Rotary Club Midsummer 10K, Headley Heath at 10am in aid of CHASE Hospice Care for Children or a charity of your choice, www.rotarymidsummer10k.com, Sunday 19th June book online at www.runnersworld.co.uk, or contact Adrian O’Loughlin on 01483 203748. Friday 24th

Rotary Club of Leatherhead, Annual Charity Golf Day, Effingham Golf Club. £65 pp, £260 team of four, inc sandwich lunch & buffet supper. Barry Jones 01372 372437

Sunday 26th

Leatherhead Duck Race - details on page 28

GO50 at Age UK Surrey offers guided Walks, Cycle Rides & Nordic Walks for the 50+ age group. This is just a taste of what’s on offer. For more routes and info contact Richard Jeffries 01483 534706, or e: richardj@acsurrey.org.uk

June Guided Walks (Walking boots or other suitable footwear recommended) Monday 6th Friday 10th Thursday 30th

Monday 6th: Epsom Downs : 5 mls. 10am at the car park by mini-roundabout on Tattenham Cnr Rd. TQ223584 / KT18 5PP / Bus 318. Friday 10th: Ranmore Common : 8 mls,10am at Ranmore NT car park. TQ126501 / RH5 6SS. Thursday 30th: Headley Heath : 4 mls, meet 10am at the NT Headley Heath CP.(NT card or pay £2.50). TQ205538 / KT18 6NN

June Guided Cycle Rides (Please bring a bike suitable for off-road cycling ) Tuesday 28th Thursday 30th

Tuesday 28th: Friday Street : 17 mls Challenging ride. Meet 10am at the Friday Street car park (low entrance height) (TQ126457) / RH5 6JR. Thursday 30th: Reigate : 15mls, new ride Meet 10am at the Skimmington Castle pub, Bonny’s Road off Flanchford Road, Reigate. Car park behind the pub. TQ238497 / RH2 8RL

June Guided Nordic Walks (Please bring your own poles) Thursday 9th

Denbies Vineyard to Ranmore Common : 4½ mls Circular walk through the vineyards up on to Ranmore and a short stretch of North Downs Way. Meet 10.15am at Denbies vineyard car park. On A24, north of Dorking. TQ168510 / RH5 6AA / Bus 465 / Dorking, Dorking Deepdene stations. 64

What’s On?

Polesden Lacey Festival 2011 30 June–17 July

Thur 30 June 8pm Fri 1 July 8pm

Live Comedy Night Summer of Love

Sat 2 July 8pm

Thank You for the Music

Sun 3 July 12.30pm

Family Lunchtime Concert

Sun 3 July 8pm

Classical Music Extravaganza

featuring The Illegal Eagles

ABBA and Bee Gees tribute show

including Tubby the Tuba & Toy Symphony with firework finale

Sat 9 & Sun 10 and Twelfth Night* Sat 16 & Sun 17 July 3pm presented by Polesden Lacey Shakespeare

www.polesdenfestival.co.uk or call 0844 249 1895 *Tickets for Twelfth Night only available from Dorking Halls Tel: 01306 881717

WHAT’S GOING ON IN JUNE? REGULAR MONTHLY / WEEKLY EVENTS Wed 1st (monthly)

Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group - Nick Grounds ‘Flotsam & Jetsam’, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 1.45pm-4.30pm. Visitors welcome. Di Stirling 01372 279501

Wed 1st (monthly)

Ashtead WI, talk 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Details Sandra Brown 01372 276736

Wed 1st (weekly)

Rotary Club of Leatherhead, Police Federation Headquarters, Highbury Drive, Leatherhead. 7pm-9pm. Visitors always welcome. Further information from Simon Edmands on 07753 821964.

Thurs 2nd (monthly)

Leatherhead Barn Dance Club. 8pm-10.15pm 1st Thurs of month. Abraham Dixon Hall, Letherhead Institute, £2.50. Ruth & Jim Gwilliam. 01403 750844

Thursday GO50 L/d Health Walk. 10.15am for 10.30am. L/head Leisure Centre, KT22 9BL. 1½ 2nd (weekly) hours / 2-3 miles. Richard Jeffries, 01483 534706, richardj@acsurrey.org.uk Friday 3rd (weekly)

10.30am - 11.30am Leatherhead Country Market, Leatherhead Parish Church Hall. Cakes, plants, meat, pies, eggs and crafts together with coffee or tea.

Friday 3rd (weekly)

10am - 12noon The Sewing Room, Leatherhead Parish Church Hall. Full range of haberdashery in stock. Order service also available. Beading supplies now available. Beautiful greetings cards. Come and take a look.

June Walks Sat 4th Thurs 9th Sat 18th Tues 21st

Spring walks with Ian and Flip Cargill, Moderate pace and fitness. Saturdays 1½-2 hours, 4-5 miles; eves 1+ hrs 2-4 miles.. Donation to charities. 01372 363589 Sat 4th 10am Milton Heath CP west of Dorking off A25 Thurs 9th 7.30pm Betchworth - Church CP Sat 18th 10am Juniper Bottom CP (on R past Juniper Hall) Tues 21st 7.30pm Lavender Fields Croydon Lane off A2022 Sat 25th 9.00am Lavender Fields Croydon Lane off A2022

Sunday 5th (weekly)

NEW SERVICE TIMES: Leatherhead Parish Church, Church Road, welcomes everyone to our services. 9.30am Traditional Communion Service with Choir. 10.45-11.15am Coffee in Church. 11.15am Contemporary Service with Band.

Tuesday 7th (monthly)

Ashtead Evening Townswomen’s Guild talks ‘Fire & Iron Gallery & Rowhurst Forge’ Lucy Quinnell. Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7.45pm. Visitors welcome £2. Julia Mitchell 01372 276511.

Wed 8th (weekly)

(Termtime) 10am - 12noon Leatherhead Parish Church Parent & Toddler Group Under 5's with an adult. Toys, refreshments and chance to play or chat.

Wednesday 8th (2nd

Tylney Luncheon Club, Leatherhead Leisure Centre, 12.30pm. Different speaker each month, visitors always welcome. More info from Iris Heims 01932 864 822

Friday 10th (monthly)

Ashtead Friday Market, 9am-12.30pm. Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. Supporting the RNLI - free entry. Cakes, collectables, plants, cards, jewellery, gifts, wool, bric -a-brac and much more.

14th /17th & Ashtead Art Lovers will be exploring the work of the Surrealists on 14th & 17th and 21st / 24th the Life & Work of Joan Miro on 21st & 24th. £10, drinks & nibbles. 01372 272235 Friday 17th

NHS Blood donor sessions: Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. Two sessions: 1.30pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm.

If there’s an event in July you’d like mentioned, please contact me (details p.6) before Friday 10th June. All entries appear on a first come, first served basis. Details correct at time of going to print. 66

What’s On?

A s h t e a d

QUILTERS’ SALE

C h o r a l S o c i e t y p r e s e n t s

Saturday 25th June

MUSIC

Mickleham Village Hall

from

Dell Close, Mickleham, RH5 6EE

STAGE

10am – 1pm

(Extended free parking adjacent to the hall)

and

SCREEN

Bargain prices for books, fabrics, threads & notions!

A Great Way to End ASHTEAD VILLAGE DAY

Quilters’ Guild Members: free (with card)

Non-members: £1

Saturday 11 th June 2011

7.30pm St. George’s Church, Ashtead

Tea, coffee, soft drinks with biscuits & homemade cakes for sale.

All kinds of treasures!

Tickets from ACS Box Office 01372 275369 and at the door.

More info: Chris Ewart 020 8669 0165

www.ashteadchoralsociety.org.uk

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Answers, page 78

DREAM Door Quark_Layout 1 04/04/2011 08:38 Page 1

DURING MAY AND JUNE Offer not available in conjuction with any other advertised offer. Terms and conditions apply

Meredith’s Memories Memories of Portland - ctd made Easton the focal point for my holidays knowing that with B&B accommodation I can always get an excellent main meal at The Sugar Loaf where I could again meet my good friends. After the meal perhaps sit in Easton Square Gardens and chat with a friendly local.

Chesil Beach and Portland Harbour location for 2012 Olympic Sailing events

Think of Portland and you think of Portland Stone and the quarries. Sir Christopher Wren was a frequent visitor and 6m tons of stone went to London for the rebuilding of St Paul’s and 50 other churches and other famous buildings. Portland itself has an interesting variety of churches - St George’s in the style of Wren, 1766 - All Saints Easton 1917 - St Peter’s the convict church 1872 build by

Having passed through the normal sequence of holidays with my own family, Rob, Mary with Mum and me, the next generation with their children, then a quieter period when Joyce and I would make our choice and on two occasions we went to Portland and stayed at Fortuneswell and Pennsylvania Castle. Joyce died in 1991 and since then, apart from staying with family, Portland has been like a magnet. I have spent several holidays there including two different B&B addresses in the Coastguard Cottages, Moorfield Road in Easton and the Old Wyke Bakehouse. I find it rather difficult to relate the factors which have led to Portland being such a pleasant and satisfying resort.

Easton Sq Methodist Church - The Last Supper

convict labour, a certain woman was conscripted to the Grove while serving her sentence for her skill in laying a beautiful mosaic floor in the porch - Easton Square Methodist Church 1907 which has a fine stone carving of the last supper by local craftsmen. Mention must be made of The Avalanche Church 1879, built as a memorial to 106 people who died in a tragic accident when two sailing ships, Avalanche and Forest were involved in a collision 12 miles off Portland Bill.

I must mention firstly the exceptional kindness and hospitality of its people. I have always Easton Sq Methodist Church - by Meredith Worsfold

Portland folk will never say the word ‘rabbit’. They can talk of bunnies or furry things but ‘rabbit’ is taboo. The reason being that their burrowings in the quarries have caused large falls of stone with disastrous results. 70

House & Garden

Another Portland custom, marriage did not traditionally take place until the girl was pregnant. If no conception followed the couple would part, on the assumption that they were not meant for each other. When pregnancy did occur the couple invariably became man and wife. Charles Wesley visited Portland in 1746, staying at Fortuneswell and later at Straits in Easton, this house now bears a plaque recording the event.

My favourite spot on the Island is the area between East Weares and Wakeham and the area around the route of the old railway before passing under the Wakeham bridge and curving round to Easton station. I loved the peaceful quietness, the isolation and bleak beauty and always the sea views. I have endeavoured to indicate through this jumbled collection of facts and endearing experiences why, in the last 20 years Portland has been my favourite holiday recreation. I do not expect that many of my readers will share my reasons and sentiments, but these are a few of my happy and enduring memories.

The disused Tout Quarry has now become a sculpture Park where sculptors can actually carve the solid rock and there are many interesting works on permanent display. Training courses on rock carving can also be arranged. There have been Finally, a few lines from Skylark 1987, many poets on the Island the years and one of the best known in recent times is ‘Skylark’, nom-deUpon, this ancient rock my lot was cast plume of Cecil Durston, sculptor quarryman. I am Echo’s of age old freedoms hold me fast an admirer of his written work and I love the lines in Land sea and sky, the season’s changing face the foreword in his book, ‘I claim no literary merit No more was give to any place for the contents, my hope it that it gives as much pleasure to the reader as I got from writing it.’

Mr Meredith Worsfold was born in 1922, and still lives in the village of Ashtead and has written two books on the village entitled ‘Ashtead The Street in the 1920’s’ and ‘Meredith’s Memories - Recollections of Ashtead Village and Other Stories’ 71

Meredith Worsfold in 1930

House & Garden

Leatherhead Locomotive on the move The loco was moved from the leisure centre on a bright sunny Monday the 14th of March by Steve Cook Transport of Horton in Dorset to the Lavender Line at Isfield near Uckfield in Sussex. The move presented no serious problems for Steve as he is used to shifting much bigger loads than ours. He has even moved Concorde on one occasion.

The loco being delivered to Isfield

We are going to give the old loco a cosmetic restoration fairly soon and at the moment some of the smaller parts are being removed for attention. Work is underway to construct a platform,with steps, around the loco to provide access for our volunteers and also visitors to the railway. This will be no small item and will require a lot of timber so if any of readers have any bits of wood in their shed or garage that they no longer require, we should be very grateful to receive it. On the other hand if anyone would care to make a cash donation to the project we would also be very grateful. Contact details below.

Brian Davis Email: brian.davis1947@btinternet.com 72

Vi As sit ht ou e r Be ad sh 24 d K ow T ro itc r As he om he oom KT ht St s a ns 21 ea ree t & 2A d, t, H

House & Garden

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May’s Crosswords Solutions Across: 1 Classy, 4 Sawbills, 9 Ornate, 10 Emmanuel, 12 Clueless, 13 Dim sum, 15 Once, 16 Kitchen, 20 Echidna, 21 Ache, 25 Events, 26 Maladies, 28 Immature, 29 Mailer, 30 Attacker, 31 Masses. Down: 1 Chow-chow, 2 Announce, 3 Settle, 5 Army, 6 Boadicea, 7 Louise, 8 Solemn, 11 Aspirin, 14 Scandal, 17 Ecstatic, 18 Achilles, 19 Desserts, 22 Retina, 23 Permit, 24 Sahara, 27 Free. Across: 1 Damson, 7 Egyptian, 8 Lust, 10 Soya, 11 Indigo, 12 Sudan, 14 Unicorn, 17 Timothy, 18 Girth, 21 Geyser, 23 Putt, 25 Zeus, 26 Espalier, 27 Tartan. Down: 1 Dallas, 2 Moss, 3 Nepal, 4 Hygiene, 5 Stud, 6 Margaret, 9 Tobago, 13 Universe, 15 Chintz, 16 Gherkin, 19 Hudson, 20 Sport, 22 Siam, 24 Text. 74

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www.checkatrade.com/MarRoofingAndBuildingServices 75

Leatherhead & District Local History Society Potted Histories No 28

Woodfield Farm - Woodfield Lane - Ashtead

Woodfield Farm House c. 1903

Craddocks Parade c.1950s

Woodfield Farm formally named Craddock’s Farm after farmer John Craddock. The farmhouse stood on the site of the present garage facing the pond. Brick-built and tiled, it had a white stucco front to the first floor, a neat flower garden and kitchen garden. The fields were separated by the railway when it was constructed in 1859; the cattle creep then built survives as a footpath between Overdale and St. Stephen’s Avenue. Field names included Renmans, Long Meadow, Long Field, Great and Little Teasley and the farm covered the area bounded by Broadhurst, Overdale, Newton Wood Road, Craddocks Avenue (east end) Epsom Road, Bramley Way, Meadow Road and Woodfield Lane (north end). In 1879 it included Great Meadow of 16 acres (two portions). The farm contained a small wood called Renman Copse, mentioned earlier, now bisected by the level crossing. The southern boundary of Woodfield Farm abutted on the north-west part of Street Farm near the present cricket ground. By the late 1920s Woodfield Farm was the last working farm in Ashtead. Timber-framed farm buildings survived until June 1977 in Woodfield Lane, near Meadow Road, including stables with the name Sweet Sue legible on a stall door. Goff Powell – Extracts from ASHTEAD a village transformed L&DLHS 1977

For information regarding Membership, Lectures and Museum opening hours contact: Leatherhead & District Local History Society, Leatherhead Museum, Hampton Cottage, 64 Church Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8DP Tel: 01372 386348 mail to: staff@lheadmuseum.plus.com Website: www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk 76

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Surrey Festival Choir Annual Concert

Quiz - Wars & Battles 1. Robert the Bruce 2. A Bridge Too Far 3. The Battle of the Little Bighorn 4. World War Two 5. Marathon 6. Franz Ferdinand 7. The Chronicles Of Narnia 8. Massive Attack 9. The Battle of Trafalgar 10. The Royal Oak (Charles II hid in an oak tree)

Surrey Festival Choir will celebrate fifty years of singing when it presents its annual concert on Saturday 9th July in Guildford Cathedral with a performance of the Brahms Requiem commencing at 7.30pm. The concert will be held in collaboration with SAVI (Surrey Association for Visual Impairment). This year takes on special significance for Surrey Festival Choir when it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary since its first concert in 1961. In accordance with the wishes of its founding father Ralph Vaughan Williams no auditions are required to join this friendly choir.

Quiz - TV Wives 1. Susan 2. Betty 3. Helen 4. Margaret 5. Sara 6. Barbara 7. Sybil 8. Mary 9. Kate 10. Jean

Tickets for the performance priced at £14 £18 and £22 can be obtained from Guildford Cathedral on-line box office www.guildfordcathedral.org.com, or if you would like to join us to sing in this special celebratory concert contact Pat Ives the membership secretary on 01483 282442 or e-mail psives@btinternet.com

House & Garden

M D Edwards & Son Kitchen Specialists

Friendly Family run local business established over 25 years. Kitchens supplied and installed to a very high standard. Excellent Portfolio and local references. We also have a complete team of qualified tradesmen: Builder, Plasterer, Electrician, Heating Engineer, Tiling and Flooring Specialists Fu Fullllyy Insured Insured for for your your peace peace of of mind Proje Pro ject ct managed managed by us from desig design n to completion Kitchen facelifts also undertaken, Choose from large range of door styles, Granite, Engineered Stone, Corian, laminate and wood worktops, sinks, taps and integrated appliances. We also undertake remedial jobs new hinges, drawer runners, etc. No job too small.

Telephone Beverley Edwards for a free estimate M D Edwards & Son Cressida House, 10 Humphrey Close, Fetcham, Surrey KT22 9PZ e-mail: beverleyedwards586@btinternet.com

Tel: 01372 450677 450677 79

planting height and structure. For hanging baskets carefully ease the root ball of each through the planting slit and nestle the root ball by Pippa Greenwood in to the compost. It is easier posting the roots through and you’re less likely to do any long term The Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be the damage. famous ones, but why not create a superbly Any container looks better if there are plants colourful hanging basket of your own? Garden cascading over the sides, so choose trailing centres and nurseries are crammed full of plants and put these in around the edge. Space summer bedding plants at this time of year and the trailing plants evenly around the sides of the there are colours to suit every taste. If aerial basket. gardening is not for you, then the same type of Drizzle compost around and between the root plants can be used to produce a superb container balls of all the plants, making sure that each one for your terrace, patio or backyard. The great has new and fresh compost to grow in to. Use thing about summer bedding containers is that your fingers to firm the compost and make you can do just about whatever you want in the sure that there are no gaps. It is best to way of planting ...and get away with it. use a combination of cascading So now that the frosts are over in plants and some upright ones most areas, why not start around the outer edges of a planting? basket. This will ensure a All you need is readily really well filled and available from your local colourful display and garden centre: a goodshould help to hide sized basket - choose a the basket framework 12” basket as it’s too. easier to keep moist Once the planting is than smaller ones, a complete, water the hanging-basket liner container thoroughly (make sure it is the using a watering can with same diameter as the the rose attached. It is best basket you’ve chosen), or a not to hang a basket up or stand a pot in good-sized pot or planter with plenty of its final position until it has had a few days ‘rest’ drainage holes. A good quality multi-purpose sitting in a cool spot out of too much hot, direct compost is essential for excellent results. What sunshine. This little rest period allows the plants you choose is up to you, but the range is vast to settle in to their new home and perform Nemesia, Surfinia Petunias, Upright Petunias, better later on. Cineraria ‘Silverdust’, purple-bronze leafed Thalia Fuchsias or their more traditional cousins, Tips for Keeping your Summer Planter or Pelargoniums, Lobelia ...the list is endless. Think Basket Looking Great carefully about colours and textures. Decide whether you’re going for subtle or brash and • Water regularly, never letting the compost bold, or if you would like to co-ordinate the dry out completely. Use a watering can with flowers with other garden features. rose attached, or a gentle spray nozzle on the If you are planting a basket, place it in a end of a hose to minimise the risk of large flowerpot as this stops the round-bottomed disturbing the compost or the plants. basket from moving and makes it much easier to • If the container does become too dry it may plant. Place the liner in the basket, adjusting it be difficult to re-wet the compost. If so, to fit the basket and trimming off any excess. carefully sit it in a bowl of water for about an Next add handfuls of compost up until the point hour, allowing it to soak up the water it needs where you want to plant around the sides of the from the base and sides. basket. Planting slits are included in some liners. If you are using a pot, place a few inches of • Regularly remove faded flowers, before they broken flower pots or large stones in the base have a chance to set seed. This should help to and top up with compost to within a few inches encourage the plants to continue producing of the pot rim. more flowers. Pinching them off by hand Carefully remove the plants you need from works well for most plants but if the stems their containers, easing the root balls out gently are a bit tough, use secateurs or sharp but firmly. An upright plant such as a Fuchsia or scissors. Pelargonium is a perfect choice for the centre of • Check regularly for any pests such as greenfly the basket or container as it helps to give your and treat the problem promptly.

Hanging Baskets

House & Garden

•

When plants are as tightly crammed together as they are in a flourishing basket or patio pot, problems soon build up and spread if you’re not quick off the mark. Feed every couple of weeks with a highpotash liquid fertiliser such as a tomato feed, as this will help to encourage more flowers to develop. If you position a planter full of summer bedding on the paving beneath a hanging basket, then any excess water or feed from the basket won’t be wasted. Pippa Greenwood is a gardening writer and journalist and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. Pippa gives a wide range of talks and lectures to gardening clubs and societies.

Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up as a ‘Friend of Pippa’ to receive a free e-book and regular gardening updates and bulletins. 81

House & Garden

Get composting Whether you’re a keen gardener or just want to choose the greenest, most natural way to deal with your food and garden waste, composting is the perfect solution.

Grass cuttings, dried leaves, twigs and vegetable peelings are just some of the ingredients that can go into a compost bin or heap to make peat-free compost – ideal to use in potting or planting in your garden or allotment. Getting started is easy. All you need is a compost bin or a small space in the garden to create a heap. Then just follow our easy guide to creating your own supply of natural food for your garden. Get composting today – for a greener tomorrow.

Why compost? Compost is a natural, nutrient-rich food product for your garden. It will help improve soil structure, maintain moisture levels, and keep your soil’s PH balance in check while helping to suppress plant disease. It will have everything your plants need including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and will help buffer soils that are very acidic or alkaline. Compost improves your soil’s condition and your plants and ﬂowers will love it! Home-made compost is peatfree, which means it’s good for the environment outside your garden too. It reduces the need to buy peat products, which have been commercially sourced and extracted from peat bogs, resulting in the release of the carbon stored in them.

House & Garden

A step-by-step guide

Recipe for success

1. Find the right site. Site your bin or heap on bare soil. If space is limited, put your bin on concrete, tarmac or patio slabs; but make sure there’s a layer of soil or existing compost on the bottom so garden creatures can colonise. 2. Add the right ingredients. Fill your kitchen caddy with the right ingredients such as tea bags, taking care not to compost cooked food, meat or ﬁsh. 3. Fill it up. Empty your kitchen caddy and your garden waste into your bin or heap. A 50/50 mix of greens and browns is the perfect recipe for good compost. 4. After 9-12 months. The ingredients you have put in your bin or heap should have turned into a dark brown, earthy smelling material at the bottom of the bin, which can be dug out, with the newer material being left. Don’t worry if your compost looks a little lumpy with twigs and bits of eggshells – this is perfectly normal. Simply sift out any bits and return them to your bin or heap. 5. Ready! Once your compost resembles thick, moist soil and smells very earthy, it’s ready to use. 6. Collect the compost. Instructions will be delivered with your bin. Simply lift the bin slightly or open the hatch at the bottom and scoop out the fresh compost with a garden fork or spade. If you have built your own, simply rake out the ready compost. 7. Use it. And watch your garden bloom. Compost can be used for all types of planting needs – vegetable plants for allotments; general potting (if mixed with something like ordinary soil); or ﬂowerbeds and enriching new borders by mixing in existing soil.

Right ingredients Greens Tea bags Coffee grounds Vegetable peelings Fruit scraps Salad leaves Grass cuttings Old ﬂowers Dead plants Browns Dried leaves, twigs Toilet/kitchen roll tubes Scrunched up paper Vacuum bag contents Wood chippings, straw Crushed egg shells Cereal/egg boxes Wrong ingredients Cooked vegetables Meat Dairy products Diseased plants Dog mess or cat litter Nappies

Get started

To ﬁnd out more about how to build yourself a compost heap, or to buy a bin, starting from only £14.00 visit

www.surreywastepartnership.org.uk or call 0844 571 4444. You’ll also ﬁnd lots of other helpful tips and information there too.

Gardens of Bookhams Open Day Sunday June 19th - 10.30am to 5pm

If you enjoy visiting gardens, make a note in your diary to attend the popular Gardens of Bookham open day. Once again we are fortunate to have a mixture of old favourites and new gardens, each very different in style, together the Victorian walled garden at the Grange Centre, providing great opportunity to pick up tips and ideas for your own gardens. With this in mind, we are delighted to have our own Horticultural Society trained advisor to answer questions in the Old Barn Hall (between 123pm). A new addition this year is the participation of two local schools, The Dawnay School and Polesden Lacey Infant School who will be demonstrating their sensory gardens, wildlife areas with ponds, vegetable plots, a bird hide and a greenhouse made of recycled materials, all with a topical conservation theme. If you want a bit of the ‘Good Life’ and grow your own produce, the Little Bookham allotments will show you what is possible. In need of help? While at the allotments you can also learn Call Terry @ about the basis for every good garden – M & T Services compost! Local experts ‘Compost Works’ will be giving demonstrations and advice. Tickets (available from 19th May): £5 in advance, £6 on the day available from: • The Vineries garden centre, Lower Rd • Bungalow Stores, Beckley Parade • Weales Store, Little Bookham St • Wishing Well card shop, Bookham High St • The Old Barn Hall office (open Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30-12.00) in advance or on the day • Gardens themselves on the day. Ticket holders also entitled to one free visit to Polesden Lacey gardens from Monday 20th to Sunday 26th June inclusive.

For all your small job requirements, property maintenance, gardening, fencing, painting and decorating. Man & Van service available

01372 602207 07970 035472 Ashtead Handyman No Job Too Small Free Estimates, Fully Insured Decorating, Gardening, General Maintenance

Some private gardens will have plants for sale. Proceeds go towards the up-keep of the Old Barn Hall. Free Parking. There will be a regular free mini bus service to take you between the gardens.

Contact Steve Jenkins

07734 005741 / 01372 851002

For further information: Tel 01372 454323 or email poulkf@gmail.com 84

ashteadhandyman@btinternet.com

House & Garden

Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Hunted species, we hear (6) 4. Student, duped outside, ran slowly (8) 9. Attacks in acting venues? (6) 10. Youngster – tracks soldiers (8) 12. Cloth-cutter turned and eyed (8) 13. Fair lady old Ben assaulted (6) 15. Handle some idiot mislaid (4) 16. 1000 taxmen plus one girl (7) 20. Grand article in America (7) 21. Help with one opera (4) 25. Birds cold with bumpkins (6) 26. Prime minister? He’s ideal, sir! (8) 28. Tattered leotard I adjusted (8) 29. Entrance with gold for

cake (6) 30. This inhabitant is a topless leader (8) 31. Letters the Spanish carve (6) Down 1. Voles in a developed nation (8) 2. Perishable stale bun crumbles (8) 3. Two garments for Ms Jacques (6) 5. King – a French character (4) 6. Cleaner heedful around youth (8) 7. Hispanic lady one can love! (6) 8. Arid study for John the poet (6) 11. Wearisome bloke with debts (7) 14. Biblical killer gaining suitable rank (7) 17. Quick meal? Sounds like rubbish! (4,4)

18. Courtesy; incenses somehow! (8) 19. Haul bait round in a customary way (8) 22. Crazy curate getting keener (6) 23. Six models making calls (6) 24. Garland concealed in the war (6) 27. Harness to rule, we hear (4)

General Knowledge Crossword

Across 1. Song which was a hit for Rihanna in 2007 (8) 5. Largest and most southerly island in the Marianas (4) 9. Aunt ___, game played by throwing sticks at a doll (5) 10. Verbal defamation of character (7) 11. Small cave with attractive features (6) 12. Greta ___, film star (1905-1990) (5) 14. Small air-breathing arthropod (6) 16. Sculpture representing a human or animal (6) 19. Object used by a conductor to direct an orchestra (5) 21. River which flows through Baghdad (6) 24. Small guitar with

four strings (7) 25. Thespian (5) 26. Fastener for a door or lid (4) 27. City formerly known as Constantinople (8)

Down 1. Former communist country (inits) (4) 2. Country, capital Minsk (7) 3. Country, capital Cairo (5) 4. Capital of Portugal (6) 6. Mammary gland of bovids (5) 7. South American monkey with claws outward (6) (5) instead of nails (8) 17. Washing machine 22. Tropical fruit having 8. Larva of the housefly with one drum for yellow skin and pink (6) washing and pulp (5) 13. Device for spraying another for spin 23. River of Russia and paint, etc, powered drying (4-3) Kazakhstan which by compressed air 18. Capital of Greece (6) flows into the (8) 20. Tie the limbs of a Caspian Sea (4) 15. Curving or bulging bird before cooking 86

Solutions in next month’s edition

House & Garden

Transition Ashtead

Working towards a sustainable Ashtead

The Plight of the Honey Bee On 9th May Transition Ashtead hosted a very interesting talk about bee-keeping at the Ashtead Village Club. Andrew Barnett and Liz Knee from the Epsom Bee Keeping Association explained all about the life of honey bees, the hive and the importance of honey bees for pollination, food production and the environment. We are ‘bee hosts’ for Andrew who keeps a hive in our front garden here in Ashtead. Because April has been so warm and dry, he has already taken over 60 lbs of honey, a month earlier than usual. He has never had such a productive hive in all his many years of bee keeping. I am often asked how many bees are in the hive - the answer is up to 60,000 in the height of summer, and the follow up question is always ‘What’s it like having that many in the garden?’. In fact we get very few because, unlike solitary bees which flit from flower to flower, honey bees feed on massed planting. They travel up to three miles to find their food. Trees are particularly important - apple blossom, horse chestnut, lime trees, fields of rape flowers, lavender hedges, ivy and so on throughout the year. Where we do see about a dozen or so bees is in the bird bath and buzzing around the pond edges, where they land on the plants to suck up the water. The work of these bees is to collect water and take it back to the other worker bees in the hive. They are far too intent on their task to bother with me, even when I’m weeding nearby or fishing out blanket weed from the pond. We are careful not to make too much noise or disturbance near the hive - for example, we don’t mow the lawn near it without wearing a protective bee suit. It’s just a matter of being a bit careful and we have learnt what upsets the bees. Last year, when we had four hives in the garden and almost a quarter of a million bees I was stung, for the first time. We were doing some digging quite close to the hive and disturbed their flight path. This year we have gone back to only having one hive which is more manageable for our space. The bees and I have developed a mutual respect while they have been living in my garden – I don’t bother them and they don’t bother me! Andrew, who keeps bees in a variety of sites, says that his Ashtead hives always do better than sites in the countryside, possibly because there are plenty of trees and a good variety of massed plants. Sites for “hive hosting” are always needed, so if you would like to find out more information about having a hive in your garden, please contact the Epsom Beekeepers Association www.epsombeekeepers.co.uk Caroline Cardew-Smith

For more information about Transition Ashtead or to join any of our Action Groups, see our website at www.TransitionAshtead.org.uk Contact our Secretary Caroline on 07768 806201 or email info@transitionashtead.org.uk 88

House & Garden

Steve Hinchey Professional, approved and locally recommended electrician offering a wide range of services including: •

Family Safety Improvements

•

Security/Timed Lighting

•

New Additional Sockets

•

Home Extensions

•

Great Design Ideas

01372 376750 / 07748 741926 e: poweron@live.com

USEFUL NUMBERS Age UK 01372 386911 Ashtead Art Group 01372 272987 (Jan Cheeseman - Mem Sec) Ashtead Bowling Club 01372 274690 (Jenny Williams) Ashtead Chess Club 01372 813487 (Richard Jones) Ashtead Choral Society 01372 272835 / 278359 Ashtead Cricket Club 01372 276286 (Sarah Culhane) Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group 01372 279501 (Di Stirling) Ashtead Friendship Centre 01372 274288 (Don Butt) Ashtead Good Neighbours 01372 277350 (Marian Guess) Ashtead Horticultural Society 01372 274708 (Sue Jones) Ashtead Library 08456 009009 Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall 01372 272921 Ashtead Residents’ Association 07733 621614 (Judith Weller, Membership) Ashtead Squash & Tennis Club 01372 272215 Ashtead Townswomen’s Guild 01372 276511 (Julia Mitchell) Ashtead Women’s Institute 01372 276736 (Sandra Brown) Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 01372 375522 Cruse Bereavement Care 020 8393 7238 Electricity (EDF) 0800 783 8866 Epsom General Hospital 01372 735735 Fetcham Singers (ladies choir) 020 8393 7153(Barbara Bruce) Gas (Transco) 0800 111999 (minicom/textphone for deaf/hard of hearing 0800 371787) Leatherhead Choral Society 01372 277742 (Vivien Redman) Leatherhead & District Angling Society 01372 377654 Leatherhead Community Association 01372 360508

Leatherhead Helpshop 01372 363385 Leatherhead Horticultural Society 01372 375605 (Len Skilton) Leatherhead Leisure Centre 01372 377674 Leatherhead Library 08456 009009 Leatherhead Lions Club 020 8224 5356 (David Careswell) Leatherhead Museum 01372 386348 Leatherhead Orchestra 01372 376871 (Membership Secretary) Leatherhead Police Station 0845 1252222 Leatherhead Residents’ Association 07986 430935 Mid Surrey Community Mediation 07513 524241 Mole Valley Carers Support 01306 640020 Mole Valley District Council 01306 885001 Probus Club of Ashtead 01372 276742 (Brian Light) Probus Club of Leatherhead 01372 450930 (Andrew Crawford) Rotary Club of Ashtead 01372 727573 (Keith Allardyce) Rotary Club of Leatherhead 07753 821964 (Simon Edmands) Royal Association for the Deaf 01306 881958 Royal British Legion Leatherhead/Fetcham Branch 01372 811422 Ashtead Branch 01372 817492 Samaritans 01372 375555 Shopmobility Leatherhead 01372 362400 St Helier Hospital Main switchboard 020 8296 2000 Surrey County Council 08456 009009 Surrey Trading Standards 01372 371717 Volunteering Centre, Leatherhead 01372 383456 Water (Sutton & E Surrey Water) Emergencies/general 01737 772000 Wildlife Aid 09061 800132 (24 hr helpline) 90

Jackie Quinn & Co, Ashtead based estate agents have just won the prestigious ‘Estate Agent of the Year 2011’ award based on customer satisfaction votes made by their clients. The award was presented by Phil Spencer at a gala lunch at The Hilton Hotel in Park Lane ‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award in recognition of the outstanding customer service we provide. Over the past 20 years, we have successfully sold and let THOUSANDS of properties in Ashtead, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Dorking and the surrounding areas and we would love to work with YOU too. We GUARANTEE that YOU will be satisfied.’ Jackie Quinn This enthusiastic and professional team of seven also won The Leatherhead and District Business of the Year award 2011 which was held at St John’s School, Leatherhead.

Jackie Quinn & Co offer expert advice on all your property needs: • Residential Sales • Lettings & Management • Land & New Homes • Commercial Property • Property Search and Relocation as well as having extensive contacts with solicitors, surveyors, mortgage advisors, accountants and tax advisors, property maintenance contractors, Gas Safe Registered gas engineers - in fact, anyone who deals with property! Vendors can also have a short film of their property featured on our website and Find A Property, taken by a local producer who has many years’ experience filming Grand Designs and Property Ladder.

www.jackiequinn.co.uk

01372 271504

Winners of ‘Estate Agent of The Year 2011’ & Leatherhead and District ‘Business of the Year 2011’ Award

www.jackiequinn.co.uk 118 The Street, Ashtead Village, KT21 1AL 01372 271504