Ashtead & Leatherhead May 2016

www.ashtead-leatherhead.com www.ashtead-leatherhead.com

RUNNER RUNNER UP RUNNER UPUP RUNNER UP

Issue Issue 127 127

May May 2016 2016 Never underestimate underestimate the the Never importance of of community community importance

Leatherhead Leatherhead Drama Drama Festival Festival ‘Bilbo Baggins’ wins at ‘Bilbo Baggins’ wins at Crufts!

Crufts!

Changes at Surrey’s ‘rubbish Changes at Surrey’s ‘rubbish tips’ tips’ Spotlight on Ashtead’s Rectory Lane Spotlight on Ashtead’s Rectory Lane Update Update on on Teazle Teazle Wood, Wood, Leatherhead Leatherhead Rotary Community Service Awards Rotary Community Service Awards 2016 2016 Dementia Awareness Week 15th 21st 15thDementia Awareness Week 15th May 15th--21st May Remembering the Battle of the Somme 1916 Remembering the Battle of the Somme 1916 Do Day? Do you you have have a a cherished cherished car car for for Village Village Day? the Claire & Laura Show on local radio Listen to Listen to the Claire & Laura Show on local radio Tulips Tulips at at RHS RHS Garden Garden Wisley, Wisley,

Shops & Services

24 hour nursing care • Long Term and Respite Stay • Full programme of activities • Day Care • Care Quality Commission Excellent Report • For further details please contact the Manager on 01372 274552 Email: redhouse@redhouseashtead.co.uk Website: www.redhouseashtead.co.uk

43 Skinners Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2NN

REGISTERED WITH THE CARE QUALITY COMMISSION 2

Shops & Services

3

What’s in here this month?

Ashtead Residents’ Association

8

Give a cat a home

52

Leatherhead Residents’ Association

10

Dementia Awareness Week

54

Fetcham Residents’ Association

12

Bilbo Baggins wins at Crufts

56

Ashtead Community Vision

14

Young lives transformed

58

Sudokus

16

MV Walking for health timetable

62

Spotlight on Rectory Lane

18

Leatherhead Morning WI

64

MV Police Column

20

Ashtead WI

64

Remembering the Battle of the Somme

22

Leatherhead Drama Festival

66

Rotary Community Service Awards ‘16

26

What’s on in May? Pages 68-73

68

Quiz - Days of the Week

28

Brilliant young people of Surrey

74

Listen to the Claire & Laura Show

30

General knowledge crossword

76

Aunty Beryl’s Stories - a story

32

Local history article

78

Quiz - Literary Siblings

34

Changes at Surrey rubbish tips

80

Book reviews

38

Cryptic crossword

82

Pictograms

42

Transition Ashtead

84

Simple crossword

43

Teazle Wood, Leatherhead

86

Recipe - Ginger relish

45

Gardening - grass care

90

Village Day Cherished Car Run

46

Word ladder

93

Mr John Northcott

50

Useful numbers

94

Sudokus can now be found on page 16 4

From the Publisher

T

here’s a lovely parade of shops in Rectory Lane, Ashtead which most of you may know, but the retailers there thought it would be a good idea to remind you all of what services they provide. You can find details on pages 18 and 19, along with some enticing offers.

15th-21st May is Dementia Awareness Week, if you need assistance, or advice from the Alzheimer’s Society, then please call their Helpline, see page 54.

1st July sees the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme during the First World War, the battle continued until 1st November that year where over 1,000,000 soldiers from the British, French and German armies were either killed or wounded. The Royal British Legion is asking that we remember the sacrifices made by these soldiers by commemorating the Battle through our schools, clubs and organisations.

A Somme toolkit can be ordered from the Legion, details of how to do this can be found on page 22.

Monday 2nd May sees the arrival of the annual Leatherhead Drama Festival, which remains the biggest amateur drama festival in Britain. More on the event on pages 66 and 67.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of John Northcott. I met John a few times and he was always very kind to me, and showed such integrity. Kindness and integrity are traits which seem sadly lacking in today’s world, but John had these in spades. He will be missed by a great many people.

A few weeks ago I was chatting to the lovely Sheila Smith, the Nurse Practitioner at the Ashlea Medical Practice at Advertising Linden House, Leatherhead and was sorry to hear that she The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local will be leaving the surgery in mid May. Sheila is a provides local businesses with affordable, quality advertising. Ads wonderful nurse; her enthusiasm, undiluted cheerfulness and energy will be a great loss to our local surgery. I am cost from £53 +VAT per month, per quarter page for a 10,000 residential sure that I am not alone in wishing Sheila the very best for distribution (yes, really!) and can be the future. designed where required.

A new community based radio show is starting on Surrey Hills Community Radio featuring two local girls, Claire Technical & Legal stuff Whilst every care has been taken to Francis and Laura Kerbey. You can hear the girls every ensure that the data in this magazine fortnight on Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm, more on this, is accurate, the Publisher cannot page 30. accept, and hereby disclaims, any Next month we have the annual Ashtead Rotary Village Day liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions and in readiness there are two articles in this edition - the first one is the Rotary Community Service Awards (p.26) resulting from negligence, accident and the other is the Cherished Car Run (p.46). I shall of or any other cause. course have more information on the event itself in the No part of this magazine may be June edition. Always a good day out and a great reproduced, stored in any retrieval opportunity to catch up (or gossip...). system, or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, recording, You may remember back in November I featured an article photocopying, or otherwise - without about a little dog called Bilbo Baggins who was had been prior permission of the Publisher. nominated for the ‘Pets as Therapy’ category at Crufts.

Well he won! Great news for his owner, Philippa Cadge All in-house artwork and editorial and Bilbo of course. Piccies and article appear on page 56. presented in this magazine remains the copyright of Zen George.

© Zen George All rights reserved 2016.

01372 376420 leatherheadlocal@btinternet.com www.ashtead-leatherhead.com

Time to go ducks, see you next month and enjoy the two Bank Holidays in May! Cheerio, Zen George Publisher 01372 376420 leatherheadlocal@btinternet.com www.ashtead-leatherhead.com 6

Shops & Services

Professional dog grooming and quality accessories for your canine friend since 2003

Dog grooming for all breeds: Brush & Bath - Clipping - De-shedding - Hand Stripping - Nail Cutting DO-IT-YOURSELF DOG WASH Friendly, personal service, no holding or drying cages - you can even stay with your dog and have a cuppa! Do it yourself dog bath, come and use our bath & dryer, we provide all you need. Great for dogs that love to roll in ‘you-know-what’ or just for a spruce-up between appointments.

We sell a range of dog products and accessories including: Collars & leads - Toys - Clothing - Food & much more Exclusive to Bonnie Dogs is our 'Design Your Own' service, where you can personalise your own dog’s clothing and accessories.

Our clothing will fit all breeds from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane.

01372 459670 19 Dorking Road, Bookham, KT23 4PU www.bonniedogs.co.uk 7

ASHTEAD RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Working for Ashtead since 1945 www.ashteadresidents.org.uk Protecting Ashtead’s Trees

wardens as to what is required, and would endeavour to process proposals in batches, with priority accorded to trees where there may be potential for development.

If you can be tempted to consider becoming one of Ashtead's tree wardens to help with this task, and so contribute to the maintenance of Ashtead's leafy character, first look at the Surrey Tree Wardens website (http://surreytreewardens.org.uk/), and then contact ARA Standing Committee member David Hawksworth (d.hawksworth@nhm.ac.uk).

Do not be shy of coming forward as no great expertise will be assumed, but enthusiasm will be a prerequisite! The ARA would like to see the first new Ashtead tree wardens out and about this summer.

The fallen trees and branches seen in Ashtead as a consequence of storm Katie in the last days of March have made us all more aware of what a key feature of Ashtead our trees are.

In the course of undertaking surveys of the Green Belt around Ashtead, it became clear that some trees and wooded areas that might merit formal protection by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) lacked that protection. In addition, there have been several incidents in Mole Valley, but fortunately not so far in Ashtead, where considerable numbers of unprotected trees have been felled prior to proposals for development being submitted to the Council. The ARA concluded that a proactive tree protection policy was required.

These concerns are shared by the residents' associations of Bookham and Fetcham, and representatives of the three associations have been exploring with Council staff how to address the issue. Bookham has five voluntary tree wardens, who have identified about 100 trees which are candidates for protection.

Finally on trees, if you are aware of trees or groups of trees that you feel perhaps should be protected, check to see if orders are already in force through the MVDC website and, if not, inform the ARA through its website so a list of candidate trees can be compiled.

Ashtead Spring Clean

Tree wardens are volunteers, appointed by parish councils or other community organisations, who gather information about their local trees, get involved in local tree matters and encourage local practical projects related to the trees and woods. They operate under a national scheme organized by the National Tree Council (http:// www.treecouncil.org.uk/take-part/ treewardens), which is a charity.

Many thanks to the 60 or so volunteers who turned out on 9th April to help with this year’s annual spring clean and to those residents who joined in by litter-picking their own roads. This year’s event was run in conjunction with the Clean for the Queen campaign, which meant that rubbish was collected in grand purple sacks and 115 of them were piled in the APMH car park as evidence of everyone’s hard work. The The ARA has had tree wardens in the past, but Association’s thanks go to Chrissy Kerton for none are now active, and the Association organising the event, to the Corporation of would like to see a new team established.

London for collecting the sacks from all over MVDC can supply large scale maps marked to Ashtead and to Beverley, the landlady of The show trees and wooded areas that are already Brewery Inn, for her generosity in providing protected and the first task of the tree refreshments for all the volunteers as her wardens would be to identify unprotected contribution to the morning’s work. trees that appear to satisfy the criteria for protection. Further, some trees marked as protected may no longer exist or now not David Hawksworth Glynis Peterkin merit protection. The MVDC Tree Officer has Biodiversity & Ecology Chairman agreed to provide guidance to any new 8

Shops & Services

9

4 April AGM features EU Debate

Fourteen Gardens Open to the Public Sunday 12 June 11am to 5pm

For the first time, our non-political organisation included speakers of a political nature. Because leaving or staying in the EU is a very topical subject that will affect us all, the LRA Committee decided that it would be worthwhile to hear speakers present both sides of the issue.

In recent years, The Environment Committee have held Open Garden events in order to maintain a fund to plant designated areas of the Town Centre and contribute to worthy environmental projects.

To this end, two speakers were invited to our AGM. Mr. Anthony Scholefield, founder of Futurus and part of the Campaign for an Independent Britain (CIB), and the Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway, member of Parliament for Croydon South from 1992 to 2015 and before that for Nottingham North from 1983 to 1987 presented their views.

Question and Answer time, ably monitored by retiring committee member John Wilson, gave each speaker the opportunity to defend their position. For that reason, a very controversial subject was conducted in an orderly fashion. Maintaining our non political stance, our aim is not to influence our members in their voting decision.

We only hope that those present heard something that will help them make an informed decision when they vote on 23rd June.

Earlier in the evening, LRA members voted to become a Company Limited by Guarantee, in order to protect its membership and committee members (now directors).

This move was in line with what similar local organisations are doing in our increasingly litigious world.

Sunday 12th June: A Date for Your Diary 12th June will not only be the official day to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday, but also locally three organisations are working together to plan two events for the benefit of people in the area.

In 2014, we joined forces with The Friends of the Parish Church, a registered charity, that raises funds to assist in maintaining the fabric and grounds of the St. Mary and St. Nicholas Church and ensure its preservation for future generations.

The Open Gardens are beneficial to both organisations, with the parish church providing a rest stop where teas, cakes, sandwiches, and scones will be available throughout the afternoon.

Vintage Bus Running Day Benefits Open Garden Ticket Holders

This year the Open Gardens have been timed to coincide with the Amersham and District Bus Preservation Society Running Day centred on Randalls Road Car Park. From here 10 vintage buses will recreate bus routes from the past as they take nostalgic trips into the countryside surrounding Leatherhead.

One of the buses will be designated as transport to five outlying open gardens.

Tickets/Programmes (£5 each) will be available from 2nd May at Barton's Book Shop and W A Truelove & Son Ltd. On the day, tickets will be available at either Randalls Road Car Park or the Parish Church. Email cherylallen842@btinternet.com if you have questions.

The next LRA Open Committee Meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Monday, 6 June at the Letherhead Institute

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

_______________________________________________________________

Address

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Telephone

___________________ Email _____________________________________

Enc. £2.50 for one year / £6 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.

10

FREE FITTING & MOVING OF FURNITURE

Over 40 years experience Small, friendly, family run business (Father and Daughter) based in Epsom Over 700+

Customer reviews www.checkatrade.com/Carpets4U

We bring 100’s of samples & colours to you, all at competitive prices

01372 632 118 www.carpets4u.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

Following on from our very successful new format AGM, where residents were able to engage directly with ourselves, local Councillors, representatives from The Police, Friends of Leatherhead Hospital, S&SE Water, Transform Leatherhead, Stonegate Homes, the new owners of the Tudor Motors site, we felt it took the agenda of ‘any other business’ to a new level. We presented our reports for 2015 and our objectives for 2016 to all those present introducing both our new committee and reelected members, all of which are listed on our website.

please do so membership@fetchamresidents.co.uk.

Recognising not everyone uses email we have added a new mobile telephone number to our contacts so residents can now text or call us directly 07833620744.

For those that were not present, for 2016 we hope to both continue and build upon the foundations we have laid down. Continuing to improve our level of communication and information to residents, using social media, email, our website, paper communications and our notice boards. Having acquired an additional notice board outside the Village Hall to add to those already outside Sainsburys. We also plan to add quarterly email updates in-between our newsletters for 2016; so if you haven’t already registered your email address

We would like to continue to grow our team of road stewards and try to get ALL the roads in Fetcham represented as well as recruit new committee members for issues that are currently poorly covered such as green and environmental issues, particularly creating a new Tree Warden Team. Jen Addy has now taken over as Membership Secretary and co-ordinates all things membership, so please don’t hesitate to contact her, her details are below.

May marks the start of a new membership year so if you haven’t already renewed your subscription or would simply like to join, please use the form and information below to do so.

Jen Addy has now taken over as Membership Secretary and co-ordinates all things membership, so please don’t hesitate to contact her.

Susanne Taylor Vice Chairman/Editor Fetcham Residents’ Association

12

EMMELINE LODGE Kingston Avenue, Leatherhead

Retirement apartments,

Show Complex now open!

We are delighted to announce the launch of our Show Complex at Emmeline Lodge. Visit today to find out how good retirement living could be!

Make the first move towards Churchill Retirement Living today – you’ll be surprised how easy it can be.

ADDED PEACE OF MIND AT EMMELINE LODGE, LEATHERHEAD • Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge • 24-hour support

• Guest Suite for friends and family • CCTV security entrance system

• Landscaped gardens • Parking • Lift to all floors

Call Ken Hollis to see how we can help you move – OPEN DAILY 10am – 5pm

01372 372200 Visit churchillretirement.co.uk Home is at the heart of your retirement

FOLLOW US

Ashtead Community Vision “The Local” gets ‘a pat on the back’ from the Ashtead Neighbourhood Development Forum consistently stood out as a significant player in the process – and it’s this publication The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local, ably managed by its publisher Zen George.

Over the past three years, ‘The Local’ as we all like to call it, has consistently covered the development of the draft Ashtead NDP in no less than 36 articles – some 17,000 words at my reckoning. Bearing in mind The Local is delivered to almost every home in Ashtead, that is a considerable power in the world of media and in terms of informing the local community of development across a range of local issues.

T

he importance of communicating how the Ashtead Neighbourhood Development Forum has developed draft planning policies for Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) over the past three years cannot be underestimated.

This dedication to allowing local organisations, including the Ashtead Neighbourhood Development Forum, was recognised recently when the Forum met to agree the Draft NDP before it was recently sent off to MVDC for consideration. During the meeting it was proposed that the Forum should formally ‘thank’ the Local and its publisher Zen for the support it has given.

In the guidance notes for those of us who have worked towards developing the draft plan – a proposed blueprint for how planning applications should be dealt with

by MVDC’s planners – there is as much written about public consultation and its importance, as there is about the mechanics of putting together the actual Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

So, rather than write one of those ‘formal’ letters thanking Zen for her support, it was decided to do it through this article – a sort of literary pat on the back for a job well done! And I have to add a personal ‘thank you’ from me as Zen has had to put up with all sorts of excuses as to why I can only seem to write to a deadline – getting the ‘copy’ to her at the 11th hour (actually, on many occasions, two minutes to midnight if the truth be told).

As mentioned in last month’s ‘Local’ article, it would be very easy to identify a ‘democratic deficit’ in this whole process were it not for the fact that each NDP – whether for Ashtead or anywhere else – has to go through two consultation processes as well as a final vote in a local referendum.

That said, even then it would be very easy to suggest that local residents had ‘not been involved’ had it not been for the fact that Ashtead is lucky to have local media groups who are generally very willing to support the NDP initiative by simply publishing what’s going on at any point in time.

While the local media and its journalists have been extremely helpful (as has the Ashtead Residents’ Association with its Ashtead Village News publication), there has been one publication which has

John Morgan ACV member

You can find out more about ACV and the Forum’s work at: www.ashteadcommunityvision.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Ashtead-Community-Vision/ https://twitter.com/AcvComms 14

Shops & Services

Family run business Est. 1998

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Fully Insured - Free Estimates

Call Nick on

01372 379475 07957 209708

nickcleaneasy@gmail.com

15

Shops & Services

Sudokus

Solutions on page 92

16

Shops & Services

IRONING SERVICE Prompt & Reliable Service Collected & Delivered Competitive Rates

First Choice Cleaners: Friendly, Local, Reliable

Call Tracey 01372 200583

• • • • •

Regular Domestic Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleans Spring / ‘Blitz’ Cleans Carpet Cleaning Deep / Steam Cleaning

First Choice Cleaners Ltd is a family run cleaning business serving the local area since 2005. All work fully insured. We take pride in all work undertaken and believe that our strength lies in offering a friendly, flexible and totally reliable service. www.mycleanhome.co.uk

01372 200492 17

Shops & Services

Did you know that just off The Street you have historic Rectory Lane where you can find, sweet treats, fresh fish, food, coffee, bikes and haircuts...

ASHTEAD BALTI

Contemporary Indian Cuisine Open 7 days, 12-2.30pm, 5.30-11.30pm, (midnight Friday & Saturday) Tel: 01372 277245/277679 www.ashteadbalti.com

BIKE BEANS CYCLE CAFE

Fuelling the revolution Bikes, club bike beans, coffee, food...

Open 8am-4.30pm Tuesday - Saturday Sunday 8am-3pm Tel: 01372 272855 www.bikebeans.co.uk

1

WARD & CROSS HAIR STORE

Ladies & Gents Hairdressers Open 9am-5pm Tue, 9am-8pm Wed & Thu, 9am-6pm Fri, 9am-5pm Saturday Tel: 01372 271199 www.wardandcross.co.uk

Rec

ASHTEAD FISHERIES

Retail and wholesale fishmongers Open 7.30am-1pm Tue & Wed 7.30am-3pm Thu & Fri, 7am- 1pm Saturday Tel: 01372 273584 www.ashteadfish.co.uk

HANNAM’S

Bringing the flavour back...

Sweets, Handmade Fudge & Chocolate, Italian Gelato Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm Tel: 01372 279390 www.hannams.co.uk

18

ane

yL tor

Shops & Services • BIKE BEANS - 10% OFF CAFE PURCHASES • ASHTEAD BALTI - 10% Discount WHEN YOU EAT-IN • ASHTEAD FISHERIES - Tuesday to Thursday 10% off. Min Spend £20.

Ends 31st May. to receive discount please mention/produce this advert

r to

c Re

ne

a yL

5B

6 2

4

#SHOPLOCAL

19

Mole Valley Police Column The importance of marking & securing your property Part of my job as a Crime Reduction Advisor is to keep up-to-date on new developments in security products. Every week I get to hear about a new idea or product that is being launched that claims to offer enhanced security to home owners and businesses. Some of these products seem very promising but I am loathe to recommend them until I have seen some evidence that they are actually effective.

There are several companies which market this type of product, each offering slightly different services to their customers. It is up to the individual to decide which type of product meets their needs. I would emphasise, however, that people should really consider doing everything possible to safeguard their property and possessions.

Many people tend to forget that garden equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers etc can add up to a One of the most exciting developments in considerable value and would certainly be home security in recent years, however, is costly to replace if stolen. No shed can be the availability of forensic DNA property considered totally secure but it is really marking for home use. Now it’s possible to mark your own property with an ultra-violet important not to make items easy to steal.

Sheds should always be secured with a sturdy product that actually incorporates a DNA lock or padlock and it is worth marking trace that is registered to the owner of the larger items with your post code in gloss marking kit. In addition, some products paint (or consider UV DNA property marking). even include microdots which can make Making items easily identifiable makes them identification of property even easier. To less popular to thieves. In more rural areas, give you a “head start” in researching this type of security product, I can mention one – many people have larger items of equipment SelectaDNA (www.selectadna.co.uk) - which stored in sheds, barns or outbuildings. Do try to make them secure and, again, Surrey Police has been using very consider property marking. successfully for some time (and before anyone asks, I am not getting any Neil Clarke, 13363 commission from the company!!).

Crime Reduction Advisor - Eastern Division Virtually any item can be marked safely and discretely, including household items, garden equipment, garden paving and statuary, jewellery, pictures and items of furniture. If a stolen item is recovered by police it is always checked to see if there is any identifying mark, which includes scanning with UV light. These products can enable officers to trace items back to their registered owner quickly. If a microdot is present, the process involves a simple telephone call giving the serial number on the microdot. If there is only a UV DNA trace, then a tiny sample can be sent in to the manufacture of the marking kit and the owner’s details can be provided within days.

PO Box 101, Guildford, Surrey GU1 9PE

To contact Neil Clarke direct, please call: Tel: 101 Extension 30809 or 01483 630809 / 07467 3367783 or email: Neil.Clarke@surrey.pnn.police.uk Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (e.g. a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.

For more crime prevention advice visit www.surrey.police.uk 20

Shops & Services

21

The Royal British Legion is encouraging communities to remember the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and is producing a toolkit to assist with commemorative events.

The Battle of the Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has come to symbolise the tragic futility of the First World War. Its first day of conflict remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army and it was felt deeply at home, in particular in those towns and villages which had raised ‘Pals battalions’ and suffered horrible losses.

Its 100th anniversary provides an opportunity to commemorate the Service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the battle, to reflect upon the human cost of conflict and to have hope for a more peaceful world.

As the nation’s custodian of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion would like to assist with organising an event in our local community, to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this battle. They have produced a Somme 100 toolkit to help.

To order your Somme 100 Toolkit, go to: www.rbl.org.uk/somme100 Diary of Private William Roberts, 18th Durham Light Infantry, 1st July 1916:

“Opened a violent bombardment on the German lines. 7am a village blown up by our mine and 7.30am advance started. We were the 4th Battalion to go over, which we did about an hour later.

The short but terrible rush through the fierce curtain fire with men falling on all sides I shall never forget. High explosive shells fell all round us. The sights I saw are too terrible to write about and men almost blown to pieces were lying side by side.

Unable to proceed further, the order to retire was given and I thanked God that I came through the terrible ordeal unhurt.

I went to work in our front line at night but had to come away as it was almost blown to pieces.

There again I saw dead and wounded lying side by side. Some were moaning and others had so far lost their reason that they were laughing and singing.”

Killed at Etrun, Pas-de-Calais on 15th June 1917,

age 23.

22

Q: Do my spouse and I need a solicitor to obtain a divorce and financial settlement?

A: No, you are not required to have a solicitor but you should obtain initial advice from a solicitor concerning your entitlement and the procedure applicable to your circumstances. It is recommended that you instruct a family solicitor for expert guidance as these do involve complex legal issues, and your future financial security.

Q: If my spouse and I agree the arrangements for our children after separation does it need Court approval?

A: No, after both separation and divorce you and your spouse will continue to have joint parental responsibility for your children. Unless a dispute arises as to which parent the children should live with, or how much time they should spend with each parent, no Court Order is necessary. In any Court application concerning children, Judges resolve disputes on the basis of what is in the best interests of your children.

Q: Are all assets divided equally?

A: Although equality is a ‘starting point’, in most marriages the appropriate order will depend upon a number of factors, including marriage length; income of both spouses and whether an equal division of capital (usually the value of the home) will be sufficient to provide a new home for both parties.

Q: Are pensions always shared?

A: Both parties can make a claim for a Pension Sharing Order, and the joint value may be shared, particularly if built up during the course of the marriage. However, sometimes one spouse takes a larger capital share instead of a pension share. This would depend upon the facts in such case, the value of the assets and the wishes of the parties.

Q: Is it necessary to go to Court for a divorce or financial settlement?

A: No, it is not necessary to attend Court if the divorce is uncontested. Divorce terms should be agreed with your spouse before being issued in the Court. If you and your spouse agree the terms of the financial settlement and a Consent Order is drafted by your solicitor, this can be submitted to the Court for approval by a Judge without the need for you to attend. It may be necessary to attend Court if the terms of settlement cannot be agreed easily. Even then, Judges will assist you and your legal team to avoid a full hearing.

Q: Do I need a solicitor if I go to mediation?

A: You are not obliged to, but it is better for you to have advice before starting the mediation process, and throughout the mediation process if you wish to do so. After conclusion of mediation you will need to instruct a solicitor to draft the legal documentation.

For family and matrimonial enquiries, contact Lindsey Alexander on 01372 729555 or email lindsey.alexander@twmsolicitors.com

www.twmsolicitors.com

!

- " &+

#

$

"

- ")

%&(+' (+),*)

!

"

- ")

- " &+

#

$

%&(+' (+),*)

Rotary Community Service Awards 2016 Fifteen years ago the Rotary Club of Ashtead instituted two special awards, the purpose of which is to recognise outstanding service to the local community by members of it. Presentations are made each year at Ashtead Rotary Village Day and receive much local publicity. Last year the Individual award winner was Pamela Ventham-Smith (pic right with Ian Oxley-Crawford), and the Ashtead Residents’ Association received the group award.

Both recipients well deserved the honour and we are proud to be associated with their success.

This year we are introducing a third category - the "Service Above Self Award”. This is to recognise an exceptional contribution to the community by an individual through their particular employment, vocation or profession. In the past, although the Community Service Award specifies that the candidate shall have given voluntary service to the Community, the selection panel have from time to time thought it right to recognise exceptional service by an employee in a public role, and this has resulted in the occasional special award or even through the main award.

I invite you to make nominations for all three group awards which again, will be presented at Ashtead Rotary Village Day on Saturday 11th June. You may nominate, either on behalf of your organisation or as an individual, as many candidates as you like for each award. A Selection Panel of the Rotary Club will make the final decision on the basis of the information you supply and other information which may be gathered from elsewhere. Any award is at the absolute discretion of the Selection Panel.

The criteria for the individual and group Community Service Awards are that the nominee should: 1.

2.

3.

Live or work or be based within the borders of Ashtead as defined by address and postcode.

Have given voluntarily their time and services to help other members of the community.

Have done so in a manner that demonstrates their dedication and commitment to the needs of others.

For the new ‘Service Above Self Award’, Criteria 1 and 3 are the same. 2 is as follows: 2.

Have given exceptional service to the community through a profession, vocation or employment over and above normal expectation.

We do not carry nominations forward from year to year but if you made a nomination in the past, please consider sending in up-dated particulars of your candidate(s). Last year we received a number of exceptional nominations and would be pleased to receive them again.

Please reply (details below) with written or e-mailed nominations, together with any supporting material you feel appropriate, by, and not later than, midnight on Wednesday 18th May 2016.

Awards Secretary Simon J Ling Woodstock House 29A Agates Lane Ashtead KT21 2ND or via the Rotary website: www.ashteadrotaryclub.org.uk 26

Shops & Services

Barry O’Leary

Carpet & Flooring Specialist With over 37 years in the carpet and flooring trade, I can offer you an affordable, reliable and quality service, of which I am very proud.

Carpet Carpet Tiles Karndean Moduleo Vinyl Wood Laminate

• • • •

Supply and fit all types of flooring No retail unit, no overheads References available Home visits with a wide range of samples to suit you • On-site visit to assess any sub-floor preparation

Please call or email me: T 01737 813260 M 07956 431 783 E bpolr@aol.com www.barryoleary.co.uk

Beautiful lingerie, swimwear & nightwear Back sizes from 30 - 44 Cups from AA - H Professional fitting service Brands include: PrimaDonna, Marie Jo, Empreinte, Wacoal, b.Tempt’d, Fantasie, Freya, Huit, Marjolaine and Royce

66 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS

Tel: 01306 743338 www.victoriaslittlebrashop.com Opening times: Tues - Sat 9.30am-5pm

27

Shops & Services

28

Answers on page 92

Shops & Services

Single Oven £45.00

From £14.00

From £20.00

Call for quote

01372 276665 29

76 The Street, Ashtead, KT21 1AW www.profilecleaning.co.uk

It’s all go on our very own ‘Claire & Laura Show’...

Claire and Laura met over 20 years ago in the Penny Black pub in Leatherhead and they have remained friends ever since.

Laura is a born and bred Leatherhead country girl whilst Claire originally comes from the hustle and bustle of south London and moved to Leatherhead some 28 years ago.

A lot has changed for the girls in the last 20 years, but what has remained is their love for Life, Friendship, Music and Communications.

Claire is now a fully qualified accredited Life Coach and is training for her diploma in Counselling and Laura now has her very own successful business supporting families & children with autism and behavioural problems called ‘Positive Autism Support and Training’ (PAST). Claire says, “Since we started planning the show just a month ago, we have grown from strength to strength and the beauty is although we come at it from different angles, we both want the same results.”

So what is it that Claire and Laura want from the Claire and Laura Show?

“We want to achieve a Family Show; a show that people can relate to. We want families to turn off their TV’s, interact with the show and go back to a time where families communicated with each other. They may want to listen to the show sitting around the table or lounging on the sofa.

We want to invite guests in who will inspire both children and the adults and play some great music that will bring back memories. We will also be running competitions where we will be giving away prizes donated by various businesses, although you will need to tune into the show on how to enter. There will lots of chatter on various topics and community (we do love a chat!)

Finally we want to have some fun too by getting you involved and asking you to email or phone in with your favourites or topics, remember it is your show too!”

The show runs fortnightly on Wednesday evenings (7pm-9pm) from 13th April, and can be heard via internet on: www.surreyhillsradio.co.uk For more info email the girls on: claireandlaura@surreyhillsradio.co.uk

30

Shops & Services Help for you at home I offer the following helpful services: • Help with shopping / trip to hairdressers • Lift to/from Doctor / Hospital appointments • • • •

can stay with you Companionship Local outings Light gardening / looking after pets Reasonable rates

Call Lynn on

01372 383001 / 07713 132546

31

Aunty Beryl’s Stories Aunty Beryl was Ruth's eccentric aunt who had, in her own words, "Been around the block a few times." She'd lived in the same post war house since her wedding day and it was certainly a testament to a life well lived. Many years before, a kind hearted visitor once remarked that Beryl's style was 'eclectic' and she'd immediately adopted this new exciting description as a way of life.

worried the crown would fall down over her eyes!

We had to wait nearly a year before the Queen was actually crowned but we were happy again by then and looking forward to the celebrations. All the children at our school were given a souvenir mug, which was very exciting.

Mum's friend, Miriam, was married to a manager at the Peak Frean's Factory and they'd just bought a television set... I was so excited! All the families in the street had organised a big party, with tables outside and bunting and flags. Mum and I made hundreds of jam sandwiches but she kept nagging me to use less butter as there was still rationing in those days.

Every room was a time capsule, overflowing with souvenirs of a life time. The bedroom was crammed with inherited, dark and serious Edwardian furniture and the fifties bathroom had a large blue basin, bath and sturdy matching toilet with a flush that released a gushing torrent of water down the pan. The living room was pure seventies with an overpowering orange brown wall unit, proudly displaying several rows of glass and china ornaments. The kitchen paid homage to the 1980's with pine units, rag rolled walls and flowery Laura Ashley 'swagged' blinds. Sadly, Aunty Beryl had bad arthritis and was now in the early stages of Alzheimer's. She loved to disappear into the past, almost as much as she loved to rise majestically up the stairs on her quietly whirring stair lift.

We had a wonderful day. The television was amazing but the screen was tiny! There was a giant magnifying glass in front of it to make the picture bigger but I still couldn't see very much as Uncle Jim's big head was in the way."

Aunty Beryl suddenly stopped talking. "On the second shelf over there, love, behind the glass paperweights and the thimbles, you might find something special. You can keep it if you like. I knew I'd need it again one day." Buried at the back of the 1970's unit, Sarah retrieved the pristine souvenir Coronation mug.

Ruth and the children enjoyed visiting Aunty Beryl.

She'd play 'Gambling Rummy' with them on a special velvet table cloth, using old one penny coins as betting chips. These were kept in a battered shortbread tin and were always exchanged for shiny new twenty pence coins at the end of the game. What the children loved most were the stories about her childhood in Bermondsey. Her memory seemed to be based on smells and she'd take the children on an aromatic journey from the delights of the Peak Frean biscuit factory, via the blackboard smells of school to the Big Stink of 1958 when Government ground to a halt because of the smell of untreated sewage in central London.

Copyright Sarah Lott April 2016 Website: www.thememorybook.co.uk Email: sarah@thememorybook.co.uk Telephone: 07957 598348 Twitter: @thememorybook Facebook: The Memory Book

May 15th to 21st is Dementia Awareness Week. It’s a subject that’s very close to my heart and last year I completed a six month apprenticeship to qualify in Reminiscence Arts in Dementia Care. When someone receives a diagnosis of early dementia, it’s frightening and often confusing for the whole family.

Creating a Life Story Book is a positive action to take at such a difficult time. It’s rewarding, enjoyable and reassuring and family stories are kept safe. The book then provides wonderful reminiscence opportunities both with the family and with future carers. If you (or anyone you know) want to capture your precious family memories, please get in touch for a chat. To find out more about Dementia Awareness Week and learn how you can become a Dementia Friend take a look at their website www.dementiafriends.org.uk.

Sarah was doing a special project at school to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and Aunty Beryl was the perfect person to help her. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, Ruth borrowed Sam's dictaphone and took her daughter to 'interview' her great aunt. Aunty Beryl was delighted. She and Sarah settled down by the gas fire with glasses of lemonade and a plate of flapjacks.

"I was thirteen when King George VI died, in 1952.

He'd been through so much and was never even meant to be King. That horrid abdication business was the cause of it all. I remember seeing my father cry for the first time. Princess Elizabeth was far too young to be queen. She had a young family and was so petite and pretty. I was 32

Shops & Services Tailor Made

Curtains, Blinds & Accessories Free Design, Measuring & Fitting Quality Hand Finished Alterations undertaken Curtains Pelmets Swags & Tails

Blinds Cushions Tracks & Poles

Please call for a friendly, no obligation chat

Justine Evans 01372 272387 / 07533 793705

“The Rotary Club of Leatherhead is very grateful to the Ashtead & Leatherhead Local for its ongoing support and promotion of the club's community and fundraising activities, which has generated a great response from across the area." Simon Edmands, Rotary Club of Leatherhead

Why make a will?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Do you want to protect your children?

Do you want to protect your loved one, whether spouse or partner?

Do you want to protect your family home, especially in old age?

Do you want to express your wishes on a formal document, or leave it to chance?

Do you want to telephone the number below and receive peace of mind?

Family Wills Surrey comes to you, at a time that suits, including evenings and weekends.

Our services include: Drafting of Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney Estate Planning Trusts Contact us now for a free no obligation consultation:

Contact: Ben Kopieczek Tel: 01372 374676 Email: benk@familywills-surrey.co.uk

Family Wills Surrey is an appointed representative of New Leaf (WWF) Ltd., Head Office: Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, Southend on Sea, SS1 1JE Co. Reg. No. 7891401

33

Shops & Services

34

Answers on page 92

Shops & Services

Bargain 80/20 Wool Twist - was £37.50m² - now £19.99m² 100% Wool Loop, Natural Shades - an absolute bargain at £15.99m²

Ca

W

e’

re th che r p an ap et er rig ht !

Quality Vinyls for kitchens, bathrooms, WC’s and utility rooms ONLY £15.99m²

35

Shops & Services

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

www.dorkingdomestic.com

36

Shops & Services

ALEXANDER LODGE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME Caring for those you care about

• Respite care • Integrated social , outings and

• • • •

Person-centred 24 hour care Unrestricted visiting Excellent cuisine Newly refurbished rooms with en-suite toilets • Registered with Quality Care Commission

activities programme • Deferred Payment Plan • Visiting professionals: - Chiropodist - Physiotherapist - ‘Pets as Therapy’ scheme

41 Skinners Lane, Ashtead, KT21 2NN

Tel: 01372 276052

37

It’s A Mystery Few things beat curling up with a good mystery. Whether you prefer a classic whodunit, a gritty crime novel, or a supernatural thriller, there’s sure to be something to tempt you in our pick of the latest releases.

In the Dark, In the Woods – Switcheroo – Aaron Elkins Switched identities, unsolved Eliza Wass While aimed at the young adult audience, In the Dark, In the Woods definitely crosses the age barrier. Castley Cresswell lives with her siblings, broken mother and domineering father, in a rundown house in the woods. Her father tells her that they are the chosen ones, and that he is God’s conduit. As with all teenagers, Castley struggles with being ‘different’ from her school peers, and starts to question her parents’ ideology. Will she find the strength to break free from her father? Will he let her?

Quiet Neighbours – Catriona McPherson Needing a place to run, Jude flees to a Scottish town, and the quiet solace of the tumble-down bookstore. Staying in a gravedigger’s cottage, she begins to unravel some of the town’s closely-guarded secrets. This is a novel of quiet mysteries to puzzle over, rather than a gruesome whodunit. Nevertheless, the characters will keep you turning the pages until night has fallen and your tea has long gone cold.

The Deadlock Trilogy Box Set – P.T. Hylton

murders and a gorgeous setting to boot, Switcheroo has them all. This is Elkins’ 18th book featuring the forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, and fans say it’s one of the best to date. Investigating a cold case in Jersey dating from the 1960s, Gideon discovers a web of deceit, dating to before the war, when two boys were swapped by their fathers. Not quite as gripping as some in the genre, Switcheroo is nevertheless a very enjoyable read.

If you like your mysteries to have a supernatural edge to them, and more than a touch of horror, The Deadlock Trilogy needs to be on your wish list. Convict Frank returns to his childhood home - a backwater town in Tennessee - to find that things have taken a turn for the bizarre. Brilliantly original, well-plotted and skilfully narrated, this trilogy is a real find.

Perfect for fans of early Stephen King.

What She Never Told Me – Kate McQuaile

The Hollow Men Rob McCarthy

Back in Ireland due to her mother’s death, Louise is hoping to finally find out who her father is. Does a stranger hold the answers? Who is the little girl in her memories and why do they leave her feeling so unsettled? A psychological thriller with twists and turns aplenty, this could well end up on this year’s bestseller list. Prepare to put everything aside for a few hours, as you won’t want to put it down. A must for fans of Before I go to Sleep, Girl on a Train and Little Face.

38

Police surgeon Dr Harry Kent is known as a man with a weakness for lost causes. So when a teenager takes a group of people hostage, then later seems to be in clear danger himself, Harry can’t help but get involved. As he works to find out what drove the boy to such desperate measures, Harry starts to uncover a trail of deception and cruelty. Gritty, tense and fast paced, this is the first in a new series starring Dr Harry Kent, and fans are already clamouring for more.

Shops & Services

WE SELL & REPAIR • WASHING MACHINES • DISHWASHERS REFRIGERATION • COOKERS • TUMBLE DRYERS, ETC YOUR LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

We’re on our way!

01372 748275 29 Waterloo Road, Epsom, KT19 8EX

email: info@suddies.co.uk website: www.suddies.co.uk

Established 1991

Quality Home Care To assist elderly and/or disabled persons to remain independent in their own home. We can provide highly trained care staff to help with:-

Bathing & showering • Meal & snack preparation Getting up in the morning • Going to bed at night Supporting with day to day activities Assisting with taking medication

www.tendacare.co.uk

01372 272240

41 The Street • Ashtead • KT21 1AA

39

Shops & Services

40

Shops & Services

41

Art, Jewellery & Gifts

BUMBLES

Closing Down for a Complete Refurbishment 25% off marked prices some at 50% off 90 The Street, Ashtead, KT21 1AW Tel/Fax 01372 276219

∗ Bespoke Framing ∗ Framed Originals & Limited Edition Prints ∗ Gifts & Jewellery ∗ Cards ∗ Ready Made Frames & Mounts

22 Bridge Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8BZ

Tel: 01372 377363

Answers on page 47 42

Art, Jewellery & Gifts

Simple Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

9

11

12 13

14

15

16

17

18 19

20

21

22

Across 7 A large sea (13) 8 Disclosed (8) 9 Opposed to (4) 10 Move forward (7) 12 Allude to (5) 14 Learn (5) 16 Not coolest (7) 19 Zn (4) 20 Fizzy drink (8) 22 Practical example (13) Down 1 Not there (4) 2 Picture house (6) 3 Think about (7) 4 Unrefined (5) 5 Breathe in (6) 6 Insensitive (8) 11 Thorough (8) 13 Mallets (7) 15 Physician (6) 17 Tiny (6) 18 Show embarrassment (5) 21 Let fall (4) Solution on page 92

43

Food & Drink

44

Food & Drink

45

46

Pictograms: 1. Fowl language

2. Fingers crossed

3. Quick on the draw

Technology

FOR ALL YOUR COMPUTING NEEDS Friendly Local Service For SALES - REPAIRS - UPGRADES REMOTE ASSISTANCE - CALLOUTS TELEPHONE : 01372 801545

THE STREET - FETCHAM - SURREY - KT22 9RD

www.tekmate.co.uk 47

Technology

I N

KEEPING YOU

T H E

P I C T U R E

checking on the status of your property.

Upto 99 cameras or devices can be setup and viewed on one account. In addition to the cameras you can add sirens, motion sensors, door and window sensors and smart plugs.

To help you see the image quality, we have setup a camera for you to login to- please following these steps: From your computer go on the internet and go to https://eu.mydlink.com/entrance, enter our details below, you may be asked to install a DLink plugin, please do so, then restart your browser and re login, at this stage you should be able to see our test camera.

From your phone or tablet, search and download our app called “mydlink Home” on opening the app please use the user name of sales@tecres.co.uk, the password is tecres1234, click on camera and play.

The cost of the Camera is just £90.00 For further information please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can advise further.

For some time we have been seeking a simple to install, easy to use, low cost solution to provide the ability of viewing video image and sound from distant locations- we have found a product which fits the bill, we hope you like it.

The base requirements are an available plug socket, smartphone/ tablet or PC, any wifi router with internet connection Installation is easy achieved by pairing the camera to your wireless network, once done download the app if you are using a mobile phone or tablet, setup a free of charge account and you are on your way.

The camera can be setup to notify you of movement and/or sound- ensuring you are always in the picture.

The camera boasts a low light sensor enabling you to “see” upto 5m in complete darkness, it has a microphone so you can hear what’s being said, and any noises in the remote location.

The possible uses are considerable including- security monitoring, keeping an eye on your loved ones,

THIS GUIDE WAS WRITTEN BY LES BEER FROM TECRES, WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDING COMPUTER S O L I T I O N S S I N C E 19 8 9 . H O W C A N W E H E L P Y O U ?

F o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e c a l l 013 7 2 - 3 7 0 3 0 0 o r e m a i l s a l e s @ t e c r e s . c o . u k 48

Technology ~Surreys favourite Computer Store~

14 North Street, Leatherhead tel: 01372 - 370300 Monday - Saturday 9:00 - 5.30pm

MAY OFFERS Refurbished Apple Macbook Pro Current Model last few remaining, With Core i5 CPU running at 2.5GHz, 4Gb Ram, 500Gb Hard drive, Internal DVD RW Drive, 13.3” Retina display, El Capitan

ONLY £775.00

As new Lenovo x1 Carbon- Top spec- One left

With Core i7 CPU running at 3.2GHz, 8Gb Ram, 500Gb Solid State Hard drive 14” High definition display, Windows 10 Pro, Weighs only 1.2Kg

ONLY £1250.00 - SAVE £850.00

HP Desktop and Monitor bundle

- Perfect for Home and Business use With Intel Quad Core CPU running at 2.61GHz, 8Gb Ram, 1Tb Hard drive 20” LED High definition display, Windows 10, Keyboard and Mouse

ONLY £450.00

Custom built PC- ideal for compact spaces

Sample spec - Overall dimensions 26 (w) x23 (h) x40 (d) cm, Core i7- running upto 4Ghz, 8Gb Ram, 240Gb SSD, 2TB data drive, Inbuilt wifi, Win 10

ONLY £790.00

Range of fabulous printer deals

WE ARE NOW A

including HP Deskjet 1512, printer copier scanner Perfect for low volume printing

ONLY £35.00

LOADS MORE SALE REDUCTIONS IN STORE Onsite & workshop repairs, upgrades, virus removal, data recovery

01372-370300 | www.tecres.co.uk | sales@tecres.co.uk Retail store open Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm

14 NORTH STREET | LEATHERHEAD SURREY | KT22 7AW 49

Mr John Northcott Mole Valley District Council is very sad to announce that John Northcott, a District Councillor for Ashtead Common Ward for sixteen years, passed away on Wednesday, 16th March.

John was a Member of Mole Valley District Council, representing the Ashtead Common Ward as an Independent Member, from May 2000 to March 2016. In addition to his District Councillor role, John was a very distinguished Chairman of the Council in 2010/11; Chairman of the Development Control Committee from 2004-2006 and again for a short period in 2012, and he was the Executive Member with responsibility for Planning from 2012 – 2015. He was an active and well-respected Independent Member of the Local Government Association where he was the Deputy Chair of the Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board between September 2014 and December 2015.

John was highly respected and regarded by Members of all political persuasion.

John was brought up in St Albans and went to Cambridge University where he read Natural Sciences. Most of his working life was spent in the steel industry, based in Sheffield, Barrow-in-Furness, Coatbridge and London. He also had a spell with WS Atkins in Epsom and a secondment to the British Embassy in Paris as Commercial Attaché. He lived in Ashtead from 1972.

Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Simon Ling said “John was a highly valued Member of the Council; he was principled and his integrity was second to none. His knowledge of all Planning related matters was without question. He will be sadly missed by his constituents in Ashtead Common, Councillors and Officers alike, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Yvonne Rees, Chief Executive of Mole Valley District Council said “We are deeply saddened to have lost such an experienced Member who dedicated so much of his time for the benefit of his local community and the wider District. His wise words will be greatly missed by us all.”

John leaves behind his wife Gill, son Richard, daughter Clare and her family.

50

The small, local, friendly, GREAT VALUE garage between Leatherhead and Guildford

Specialists in all VW Group vehicles, large and small.

Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda.

Servicing & Repairs • ABS brakes • Clutches • Tyres • Exhausts • Diagnostics • Air conditioning

All Makes Welcome We also service and repair other makes so please call with your enquiry

Performance Tuning Increase your engine’s efficiency Free Loan Car Available while we work on your car Tel: 01483 285792 Email: info@ct-cars.co.uk www.ctcars.co.uk

Where to find us Open View Farm, Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AP

Sable

Sable is a lovely, pretty, longhaired, black and white (with a very attractive brown tinge across her back), female cat needing love and reassurance.

Sadly Sable was a stray who has lost faith in human nature and needs patience and understanding as she is timid in new situations. After several weeks of fostering Sable is gaining in confidence, enjoying company and playing with her toys like a young cat again. Sable would suit a mature patient household, without other pets or young children.

With your patience and love she will continue to blossom and she will make a lovely companion.

Can you give Sable the loving home she so richly deserves? Please ring Sue on 020 8390 3165 for further information.

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

If you cannot adopt a cat but would still like to help us please go to: www.justgiving.com/Epsom-Cats-Protection www.cats.org.uk

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

52

Health & Beauty

QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR

Margaret Spice

MA, BA (Hons.), MBACP, BICA • • • •

Abuse Anxiety Depression Bereavement

• • •

Loss of Confidence Relationships All aspects of Infertility

Specialist foot and lower limb care, including:

Ashtead Practice Tel: 01372 277802

Corns & Callus Cracked heels • Verrucae treatments • Flat feet

www.surreycounsellor.co.uk

Thank you for publishing the information about our trueCall Care initiative, Zen. We have already had enquiries from local people who have read about the project in The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local.

Thanks and regards. Katherine Preston, Senior Trading Standards Specialist, Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards

Orthotics Heel pain • Ball of foot pain • Ingrowing toenails

•

•

•

•

Emma Ashdown

(BSc)Hons MChS HCPC Registered

01372 270571 62 West Farm Ave, Ashtead, KT21 2JY

ashteadpodiatry@mail.com 53

Health & Beauty

54

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

Dr R Woodriffe

Dr M Talbot

Dr T Than

Phone Now for an Appointment 01372 363670 135 Cobham Road, Fetcham, KT22 9HX 55

Bilbo Baggins Wins Crufts ‘PAT’ Dog of the Year!

Back in November of last year The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local magazine ran an article about ‘Bilbo Baggins’ entering the Crufts ‘Pets as Therapy’ ‘(PAT) Dog of the Year award, and in March his owner, Philippa Cadge, was delighted to inform us that Bilbo was chosen as the winner from the six finalists!

Philippa would like to thank all the readers of The Ashtead & Leatherhead Local who voted for him.

He was nominated for this prestigious award by Cherry Trees Respite Home for Children with Disabilities in East Clandon where he has been visiting for the past 4½ years and has also visited Furze Hill Lodge care home in Kingswood for the same number of years. He is much loved by the children and the elderly who look forward to his visits.

Philippa will donate £250 of the prize of £500, to Cherry Trees to continue their superb care of the children who go there. Bilbo also won a Trophy and a huge rosette!

Bilbo with Philippa Cadge and director of HiLife Foods, who sponsor the award

Bilbo with Mike at Furze Hill Lodge 56

Health & Beauty

57

Young lives transformed

(L to R) Jo Dennis, Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of the Royal National Children’s Foundation, and Graham Ryding, President of Leatherhead Rotary Club In early March, the Leatherhead Rotary Club attended the club’s weekly meeting to hear Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of the Royal National Children’s Foundation, talk about his career in both the commercial and voluntary sectors.

Having been the CEO of a multinational consultancy business for many years, Mr Dennis explained how one particular contract in Bangladesh had been a turning point in his life, opening his eyes to the lives and needs of so many people around the world far less fortunate than himself.

Saying goodbye to the modern day trappings of a very successful commercial career, Mr Dennis moved to the voluntary sector, working as International Director for the British Red Cross in Somalia, Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, before becoming Regional Director for the whole of South Asia for the International Red Cross, and subsequently CEO of Care International, working alongside the likes of William Hague and Angelina Jolie.

In 2014, he became Chief Executive of the Royal National Children’s Foundation, a national charity based in Cobham, who support some of the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people by co-funding long-term places at state and independent boarding schools through their Assisted Boarding program, thereby preventing them from having to go into full local authority care.

Currently funding nearly 400 young people, primarily from within the South East of England, the charity is looking to more than double this number to over 1,000, from across the whole country, over the next five years. For further information about the Royal National Children’s Foundation and its work, please visit www.rncf.org.uk Leatherhead Rotary Club meet at 7pm most Wednesday evenings at the Police Federation Headquarters in Highbury Drive, Leatherhead. For further information about the club and its wide range of community, fundraising and social activities, please visit www.leatherheadrotary.org.uk or contact Simon Edmands on 07753 821964 or simon.edmands@ukipme.com 58

Health & Beauty

Leatherhead Podiatry Love your feet!

Lesley Pennington S.R.Ch., D.Pod.M., B.Sc.Hons., HPC reg

25 years experience

• Corns • Calluses • Orthotics • Ingrowing Toe Nails • Verrucae

• Problematic Nails • Athlete’s Foot • Bunions • Sports Injuries • Heel Pain

10% off your first appointment on production of this ad (offer ends 31st May 2016)

01372 374125

63b High Street, Leatherhead

Newlife Fertility Clinic We can help. www.newlifeclinic.org.uk

01372 738 932 The Pines, 2 The Parade, Epsom KT18 5DH 59

Education & Tuition

60

Clubs & Activities

Mondays 7.30pm-9pm

Our Lady & Saint Peter Catholic Church Garlands Road, Leatherhead

Tuesdays 1.15pm-2.45pm & 6pm-7.30pm Parson’s Mead Pavillion Ottways Lane, Ashtead

Weds 9.30am-11am St Michael’s Church Hall The Marld, Ashtead

Come and strengthen, stretch and relax with Emily. Class includes postures, breath work and relaxation.

For more info contact Emily on:

emily@emilyinyoga.co.uk 07979 037045 www.emilyinyoga.co.uk

61

Clubs & Activities

walk this way

Walks Timetable Spring / Summer

2016

Discover the many benefits of walking from reducing stress, to losing weight, to sharing laughs. Walking for Health has something for everyone.

Walking is great for your health!

Join one of our free and friendly short walks in Mole Valley today!

Our walks in Mole Valley are free, fun, sociable and incredibly good for you! We are part of an England-wide network to keep you fit and healthy.

With specially trained walk leaders, you are sure to be in safe hands, offering the opportunity to try new walks to enjoy again and again.

Joining is easy Choose a walk that’s suitable for your needs There is no need to book in advance Turn up on the day

What to wear Footwear

You don’t need expensive walking boots but it can be muddy at times, so wear something suitable for the conditions.

Rain gear

When necessary, bring a waterproof jacket or an umbrella.

Find out more

If you would like to know more about Mole Valley Walking for Health or have any questions, contact our Walks Coordinator: t 01306 885 001 e estelle.holmes@molevalley.gov.uk w www.molevalley.gov.uk/walkforhealth For progression walks, visit www.molevalleyramblers.org.uk or www.surreycommunity.info/dorkingwalkers

Special Walks _________________________ Bluebell Walk - Severells Copse Friday 29 April Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Meeting point: Broadmoor Car Park, Abinger Common, RH5 6JR An easy short circular woodland walk.

Option for coffee / refreshments at The Stephan Langton Inn, Friday Street.

_________________________ Rhododendron Walk - Leith Hill Friday 6 May Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Meeting point: Rhododendron National Trust Car Park, Tanhurst Lane, RH5 6LU Option to visit National Trust Leith Hill Place.

_________________________ Rookery Farm - Dorking (National Garden Scheme) Sunday 19 June Time: 2pm Duration: 90 mins Grade 2/3 Meeting point: Westcott Sports Ground, Milton Street, RH4 3PX Enjoy a white circular garden, roses, old bricks and scented arbour.

We often have one off specials, seasonal and heritage walks, visit www.molevalley.gov.uk/walkforhealth

Walk for Health Timetable Mondays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Thursdays (weekly)

Dorking Meadowbank (for beginners) (1st & 3rd Monday of the month) Walk Leader: Estelle Holmes Meeting point: The Christian Centre, St Martin’s Church, Dorking

Bookham Common (2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month) Walk Leader: Sheila Baddeley Meeting Point: Tunnel Car Park Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Tunnel Car Park (Free to NT members)

Brockham River Mole (1st Thursday of the month) Walk Leader: Mandy Cooper Meeting point: The Royal Oak pub, Brockham Village Green

Leatherhead (Norbury Park and River Mole) Walk Leader: Rota of volunteers Meeting point: Leatherhead Leisure Centre Reception Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 - 90 mins Grade 2/3 Parking: Free parking at Leatherhead Leisure Centre

Why not pop in for lunch afterwards?

Time: 11am Duration: 30 mins Grade 1 Parking: St Martins Walk (Pay & Display)

Tuesdays (weekly) Dorking including Meadowbank, Pixham, Cotmandene or Deepdene Walk Leader: Estelle Holmes Meeting point: Outside Reception, Pippbrook MVDC Council Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Reigate Road Car Park (Pay & Display)

Everyone can have access to a short, free, friendly health walk within Mole Valley.

Wednesdays North Holmwood Common (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) Walk Leader: Rosemary Hobbs Meeting point: Inholms Car Park Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 - 90 mins Grade 2 Parking: Inholms Car Park (Free to NT members)

Thursdays Denbies Vineyard (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) Walk Leader: Vivian Adams Meeting Point: Denbies Car Park, Farm Shop Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Free parking at Denbies

**Walkers special lunch for £5 afterwards**

Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Free parking in village

Thursdays Buckland Circuit (3rd Thursday of the month) Walk Leader: Mandy Cooper Meeting point: The Deli, Buckland Time: 10.30am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Free parking in village

Walking is an enjoyable way of staying active, keeping healthy and meeting new friends.

KEY: Graded walks 1 - 3 1 easy, for beginners, approx. 30 minutes, short flat accessible walk.

2 intermediate, approx 60 minutes, gentle to moderate pace, generally flat but uneven ground at times, possible steps.

3 brisker pace, approx. 60-90 minutes, undulating or uneven ground, possible stiles/steps.

In association with the Mary Frances Trust, Leatherhead, the following walks have been organised. For more information, please contact www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk or call 01372 375400.

Saturdays

Thursdays

Leatherhead Riverside Walk Meeting point: Leatherhead Theatre Time: 11am Duration: 60 mins Grade 2 Parking: Leatherhead Car Parks (Pay & Display)

Leatherhead Short Walk Meeting point: Leatherhead Theatre Time: 2pm Duration: 30 mins Grade 1 Parking: Leatherhead Car Parks (Pay & Display)

(9 April, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August & 10 September)

(17 March, 28 April, 26 May, 23 June, 28 July, 25 August & 22 September)

Family walks (all walks are buggy friendly) In association with Leatherhead Trinity Children’s Centre.

For more information, please contact Leanne on 01372 812754.

Norbury Park, Bookham Thursday 28 July Meeting point: Bocketts Farm Entrance Car Park Time: 10am Duration: 60 mins Grade 1/2

Leatherhead Thursday 18 August Meeting point: Leatherhead Trinity Centre, KT22 7QT Time: 10am Duration: 60 mins Grade 1/2

Ashtead Common Thursday 11 August Meeting point: St Georges Church, KT21 2DA Time: 10am Duration: 60 mins Grade 1/2

Norbury Park, Bookham Thursday 1 September Meeting point: Bocketts Farm Entrance Car Park Time: 10am Duration: 60 mins Grade 1/2

www.molevalley.gov.uk/walkforhealth

62

Clubs & Activities

On a remote mountain in Peru in June 1985 Yates found himself in an unenviable position.

He was slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner – Joe Simpson – dangling on the rope far below. His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives in the epic of survival that followed. With the publication of the book ‘Touching the Void’ and later film of the same name, both climbers became household names.

Come along and witness Simon’s tireless journey from that mountain in Peru to some of the remotest on the planet. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Alaska to Central Asia, there is hardly a significant range of mountains that he has not visited and what’s more he’s brought back the stories and pictures! Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and video collected on his great climbs, Simon both entertains and inspires.

Tickets cost £15.

Book online at www.dorkinghalls.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01306 881717.

Friends of Dorking Halls go for £13 when booking through the Box Office.

63

Simon Yates: My Mountain Life Dorking Halls, Friday 20 May, 8pm

Clubs & Activities

Leatherhead Morning WI March Meeting Our March meeting took place on 31st March, unusually the fifth Thursday of the month. Noticed were given out by our President, Mrs Hazel Richmond-Coggan.

The date for the trip to St Hill Manor has been changed from 12th to 19th May and a visit to Eastbourne has been arranged for 7th June - members were asked to book as soon as possible.

In April we celebrate our 31st Anniversary and this will take place on 28th April at 10.15am at our usual venue, Leatherhead Parish Hall.

We were pleased to welcome a small group from the Orpheus Centre at Godstone. This centre was opened 18 years ago by its patron, Sir Richard Stilgoe. He was once Sheriff of Surrey and is well know for his appearances on our television screens.

The Orpheus Centre is a residential establishment for young disabled people, aged 18 plus.

The varied activities include cookery classes, IT, literacy, dance and drama. The high standard was illustrated by Luke, one of the residents. He is a very talented and personable young man, who writes and performs his own songs. He sung several for us, and we were invited to join in the last one, complete with actions.

The Centre relies heavily upon the 90 volunteers, and their help and support. It was enlightening to hear about all the wonderful work that goes on there.

Our meeting in May will be on Thursday 26th at Leatherhead Parish Hall and all are welcome.

Ashtead WI April 2016 Meeting We had a warm welcome on a cold evening from our co-President Marilyn, and also to a new member. However, we will much miss our previous President, Sally Cole, who has moved to Cambridgeshire near her daughter. We’re already thinking ahead to Ashtead Village Day in June, and tonight a list was circulated for suggested donations of cakes, preserves, etc. for our always popular stall. One of our members told of her attendance at the Spring Council Meeting in Dorking, and of a very moving message from a member of Bronzefield Women’s Prison W.I. We understand there is also a W.I. at Send Prison which is involved with producing many crafts.

We were delighted to welcome back our speaker for the evening, Siobhan Clarke, who this time told us of The Crown & The Cradle (Royal Babies in History), from the children of Elizabeth Woodville whose sons were the Princes in the Tower, supposedly deposed by their uncle Richard III. The older boy knew he was in danger, but wasn’t protected, so having royal blood could be dangerous! Of course motherhood was then dangerous for all women and the royals were no exception, and a quarter of all babies died before their first birthday. Some boys haven’t succeeded to the throne when expected to, while others unexpectedly found themselves crowned. Siobhan showed paintings & photos of many people involved and gave a wonderfully detailed insight into the children of our royal families and those associated with Britain through many centuries, right up to today. It was reassuring to see how times have changed, both medically and socially.

Back to earth again, and our W.I. have visits planned to Denbies, a garden in Tadworth, an Emlyn Downs Group tea and a possible day in Oxfordshire. Dates were given for our many extra groups and the monthly local lunch, and the 4th May meeting will be for W.I. Resolutions, always a thoughtprovoking procedure, though we know our committee will have something a little lighter planned for the remainder of our evening.

Sandra Brown

64

Clubs & Activities

LeRoc Surrey Exciting Modern Jive Social Dance

1 FREE taster lesson for non-members (any week) - bring this ad with you

(Free lesson from 7.55 to 8.30pm)

Mondays - Aviva Hall

Pixham Lane, Dorking, RH4 1QA

7.45-10.45pm

Tuesdays - Dorking Halls

Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG

7.45-11pm

07944 971195 www.leroc.biz

65

What’s On?

The Leatherhead Drama Festival Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May till the Gala Awards Night on Saturday 14th May at the Leatherhead Theatre.

Still the biggest amateur Drama Festival of its kind in Britain!

VARIED & EXCITING PROGRAMME

The two weeks of drama will feature 14 Junior and 11 Adult plays.The programme looks very exciting and includes nine completely new plays. Local groups performing include Applause Youth Theatre (Dorking), Therfield Theatre Company (Leatherhead), St. John’s School (Leatherhead), Reed’s School (Cobham), Leatherhead Performing Arts, Young Ashtead Players, Mole Valley Players, Freewheelers Theatre Company (Leatherhead), Cobham Players, Akemi Theatre (Ashtead) plus others from a wider area. With two or three plays each evening you are assured of a good night out, each and every night!

Season Tickets are available, meaning you can watch the Juniors’ or Adults’ whole programme at a bargain price! Well worth considering.

THE TROPHIES

The Drama Groups, several of whom are new to the Festival this year, will be competing in the Junior or Adult sections for the unique and prestigious “Sir Michael Caine Drama Awards” (including Best Play, Best Actor and Best Actress), the “Richard Houghton Awards” for outstanding contribution, and the “Fire & Iron New Writers Awards” and the new “Directors Awards”.

ADJUDICATION

The Festival is a competition and the plays will be performed in front of the audience and the professional adjudicator Jennifer Scott-Reid (Member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators) who will assess each play and give her verbal adjudication at the end of each evening. The Junior and Adult Winning plays will be re -performed at the Gala Awards Night on Saturday 14 th May.

But do come along and judge the individual plays yourself !

DATES & TICKET INFORMATION

Junior Section – Monday 2nd to Friday 6th May at 7.00pm - £8 each.

Season Tickets (covering 5 nights) - £25.

Adult Section – Monday 9th to Friday 13th May at 7.00pm - £10 each.

Season Tickets (covering 5 nights) - £35.

SPECIAL Young Person’s Ticket (under 18 years) £2 – for any competition night (Junior or Adult weeks) Gala Awards Night - Saturday 14th May at 7.00pm – all tickets £15 each. (Note time change) Details and Festival Photographs are available on our website: www.leatherheaddramafestival.org Programmes and Tickets are available from the Leatherhead Theatre Box Office.

NB. The Theatre Restoration Levy adds 50p per ticket.

Tel. 01372 365141

Theatre Website: www.theleatherheadtheatre.org

An Event Not To Be Missed !

66

What’s On?

67

What’s On?

Brass for Leatherhead Trinity Thursday 9th June

Leatherhead Concert & Arts Society is the charity that runs the town’s lunchtime concerts. 2016 is our fifth year and we have begun to think beyond the lunchtime concerts to ask what further musical benefit we can bring to Leatherhead.

I have vivid childhood memories of my introduction to the sights and sounds of musical instruments. My mother played the piano at home and encouraged each of us to learn, but I knew little of orchestral sounds.

Then one day, in the school hall, a harp appeared. I knew harps existed, but here was my very first live harp. Enormous, ornate, delicate, beautiful. . . And then she played it!

Through our primary and secondary school years we were introduced to more instruments – oboe, cor anglais, clarinet, bassoon, brass and strings of many sizes.

And that is the inspiration for our project. We plan to bring the sounds of orchestral instruments and professional performance to Leatherhead’s youngsters. We want to share with a new generation the musical experiences we enjoy.

So on Thursday 9th June Mardi Brass will play for the pupils at Leatherhead Trinity School and show them their trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba. Afterwards, the group will come to the Methodist Church to perform that day’s 12.30 lunchtime concert.

Mardi Brass are five professional brass players and tutors. They will introduce the sounds of their instruments to the pupils at Leatherhead Trinity, even letting one or two have a go.

Who can tell what possibilities that experience will open for any one of the children listening? I went on to play trumpet, horn, and later tuba. That tuba got me into the town band when I lived abroad, a great way to meet and share with a variety of local people.

Two donors have already given £100 to help guarantee the project’s future. The £5, £10, or £20 you give will help Trinity to invite more musicians through each school year.

Let’s see if we can fill some young heads with the excitement of live music, and let them discover where that spark takes them.

Peter Steadman, Trustee, Leatherhead Concert & Arts Society, HMRC Ref EW 0221

If you would like to help LCAS fund bring the experience of live musical performance to Leatherhead Trinity, then please send your donation to: ‘LCAS’ 31 Elmer Cottages Fetcham KT22 9BU 68

EVENTS AT ST JOHN’S SCHOOL SUMMER 2016 Boris Kucharsky and Markus Schlemmer concert Thursday 5 May, 7.00pm, Old Chapel

Visiting speaker – Gerard Russell

Wednesday 11 May, 7.00pm, Old Chapel The former Head and Spokesman for the Islamic Media Unit talks about Iraq and Syria.

Visiting speaker – Ambassador Mulhall

Wednesday 18 May, 7.00pm, Old Chapel The 14th Ambassador to Ireland speaks on the state of Anglo-Irish affairs and the centenary of the Easter Rising.

Exhibition – Celebrating Montgomery

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 May, Old Chapel

Visiting speaker – Gary Sheffield

Wednesday 25 May, 7.30pm, Chapel ‘Field Marshal, the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein’

All the King’s Men a cappella concert Wednesday 8 June, 7.00pm, Old Chapel

www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk For more information and for booking details, please visit the School Events page on our website.

Epsom Road, Leatherhead KT22 8SP 01372 231529 | events@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk

What’s On?

WHAT’S ON IN MAY? Friday 6th

Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection gig, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.

Bluegrass, acoustic blues, Irish melodies with a touch of Piaf thrown into the mix along with a large dose of wry humour - this band does it all. Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door. Book online: www.wegottickets.com/event/341247 or call 07817 976 989. For info go to www.wildwillybarrett.com/#!french-connection/cb30

Friday 6th

Friends of the former Stoneleigh Dancing Club, May Ball at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall 7.30pm. Ballroom and Latin dancing to Andrew Varley's Keyboard music. All welcome.

Tickets in advance £16, M&S Refreshments, bar, dress formal - Details: Sue & Pat Hunt 01372 277938 or Ricky Lesser 01737 819699

Saturday 7th

The Guild of Enamellers’ Open Day, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 10am-4pm, free entry. See how it’s done, or make your own coloured kiln-fired pendant/key ring for £5!

Saturday 7th

Bookham Choral Society ‘Come and Sing’ at St Nicolas Church, Bookham, from 2pm. All that is needed is a love of music. Vivaldi’s Gloria ending with an informal performance which is free for friends and relatives. New members welcome. Tea & homemade cakes. Tickets at £10 are available from bcsboxoffice@gmail.com or Cascade in Bookham High St

Friday 13th & Friday 27th

What the magazines say - a series of interactive talks run by Oasis. 9.15-10.30am.

George’s Cafe, St George’s Christian Centre, Ashtead. Activities for pre-school children whilst mum relax with coffee, cake and chat. Free of charge. Friday 13th: How to challenge the bullies. What the mags say about coping with tricky people at work or school. Friday 27th: The new body battleground. What the mags say about how we regard our bodies - what’s wrong with curves?!

Wed 18th

Leatherhead Horticultural Society host a talk by Cherrill Sands, Garden Historian, on the Hidden Gardens of Surrey, see right hand page.

Wed 18th

Charity Dinner for Epsom Medical Equipment Fund, 7pm, The Jolly Coopers, Stamford Green Road, Epsom Common. Tickets £20, (2 courses and service, drinks extra). Limited nos, so please book through Bess on 020 8337 8181.

Ashtead Bowling Club open days, Woodfield Lane, KT21 2BJ. 19th at 6pm and 22nd at Thursday 19th 2pm. Free instruction and bowls provided, just bring flat soled shoes. Contact Mike & Sunday 22nd Bradford 01372 273142 or John Crowley 01372 272396.

Saturday 21st

Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, conductor Mark Fitz-Gerald, Rossini, William Tell Pas de six, Beethoven Violin Concerto; Beethoven Symphony No.6 Pastoral. Tickets £14 from 01372 275907 or www.surreyphil.org.uk

Saturday 28th

Leatherhead Horticultural Society host a Plant Sale & Coffee Morning at 19 The Mount, Fetcham KT22 9EB 10am-12pm. Entrance £2 includes refreshments. Plant Sale, Cake Stall, Raffle and other activities.

SAVE THE DATE IN JUNE Monday 6th

Leatherhead Residents’ Association Open Committee Meeting, 7.30pm, Letherhead Inst.

Saturday 11th

Ashtead Rotary Village Day - more details in next month’s edition

Sunday 12th

Open Gardens of Leatherhead & Vintage Buses Running for the day - more next month

Sunday 19th

Gardens of Bookham Open Day - more info next month If there’s an event in June that you’d like mentioned, please contact Zen (details p.6) before Thursday 12th May. All entries appear on a first come, first served basis.

Details of the above events70are correct at time of print.

What’s On?

Music on Thursdays

Leatherhead Methodist Church, Church Rd, KT22 8AY &

Music on Wednesdays Christ Church United Reformed, Epsom Rd, KT22 8ST

12.30pm lunchtime concerts Featuring international students of the Royal Academy of Music, recent graduates, professional musicians, local musicians of similar standard and organists from around London, SE England and France

Concert admission is free with a retiring collection to cover costs Thursday 5th May - LMC Jacqueline Phillips, cello Bach’s Cello Suites No 1 & No 5 (First of three concerts) John Sharples, Organist of Charlwood Parish Church Thursday 12th May - LMC Leyla Cemiloglu, piano

Student of Yehudi Menuhin School

Wednesday 18th May Christ Church Mark Brafield, Concert Organist Thursday 26th May - LMC Musical Theatre with West End actor & singer Martin Dickinson, Nathan Lubbock-Smith, accompanist Thursday 2nd June - LMC Brigitte Furze, violin Lynda Chang, piano www.musiconthursdays.org 71

What’s On?

WHAT’S ON IN MAY? - REGULAR EVENTS Sunday 1st (weekly)

Leatherhead Parish Church welcomes you to all its services. For full details of May services and events - check out www.leatherheadparish.co.uk (Sunday 15th United Pentecost Service at United Reformed Church.)

Sunday 1st (weekly)

St Giles’ and St George’s Churches, Ashtead — 7 worship services held across our two churches every Sunday. From lively gospel songs to quiet, reflective Communion. All welcome. Details on www.sgsgashtead.com.

Sundays 1st, 15th & 29th

Charity Car Boot Sales in aid of Epsom Medical Equipment Fund, at Epsom General Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, KT18 7EG. Sellers 8am Buyers 9am until 12.30pm. Cars £10, Small Vans, MPV and 4WD £12, Trailers £3 extra. Larger vans from £15.

Tuesday 3rd (1st Tues monthly)

Topic of Cancer is a support group for those with a cancer diagnosis and/or their supporters and meets every first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, Thatcher’s Hotel, Guildford Road, East Horsley KT24 6TB. Contact details on the website or just come along to a meeting. www.topicofcancer.org.uk/

Wed 4th (monthly

Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 1.45pm-4.30pm.

Demo by Gill McGregor - The Power of Flower. Visitors welcome. Info from Di Stirling 01372 279501

Wed 4th (monthly)

Ashtead WI, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. May is our Resolution Meeting. Info from Sandra Brown 01372 276736

Wed 4th (weekly)

10am - 12noon The Parish Church Parent & Toddler Group for all under 5s with a carer lots of toys and coffee too. Parish Church Hall, Church Rd, Leatherhead (termtime)

Wed 4th (weekly)

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

Thurs 5th (weekly)

The Rotary Club of Ashtead meets 7.30 for 8.00 pm for dinner at The Cock Inn, Church Lane, Headley, KT18 6LE. Visitors welcome. Contact Brian 01372 275860

Thurs 5th (weekly)

Sequence dancing, Leatherhead Parish Church Hall, Church Rd. 7.45pm-10.15pm. More info from Mrs Gibson, 01372 374160

Thurs 5th (weekly)

Ashtead over 60s Lunch Club meets every Thursday in the Ralli Room APMH, for a freshly prepared hot lunch and dessert. Doors open at 10.30am for a cup of tea or coffee. More information call Brenda (chairman) on 01372 813276.

Thurs 5th

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

Friday 6th (weekly)

Martha’s Market (formerly Leatherhead Community Market), 10.30am-11.30am, Leatherhead Parish Church Hall, Church Rd. Come and join us for coffee and buy a range of goods which are often hand-made, home-grown or home-baked, including plants, cakes, savouries, eggs, cards, Fair Trade goods, crafts, personalised candles and haberdashery to name but a few. Contact Janine 01372 374914 to reserve a table to sell your produce (just 10% of sales)

Friday 6th (weekly)

Morning coffee and scones served in the Ralli Room, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall.

Prepared and served by volunteers to raise money to help run the Hall.

Friday 6th (monthly)

Soup Lunch held in St. Michael's Church Hall, the Marld, Ashtead. Homemade soup, bread and pudding served with tea/coffee, between 12pm and 1.30pm, all for £5. In aid of Princess Alice Hospice and CAFOD (CAtholic Fund for Overseas Development). Enjoy a good meal and raise funds for two charities.

(1st Thurs mthly)

72

What’s On?

REGULAR EVENTS ctd Friday 6th Tuesday 10th (2nd Tues mth)

Ashtead Friday Market, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 9am-12.30pm, free entry. Lots of stalls, cakes, jewellery, plants, collectables, bric-a-brac and much more, for the RNLI Mole Valley WI, Fetcham Village Hall, The Street, KT22 9QS, 7.45pm. May will be our Resolutions meeting to also include a Beetle Drive. Non members very welcome. More details on www.molevalleywi.btck.co.uk

Leatherhead branch, Royal British Legion, Women’s Section, Leatherhead Community Tuesday 10th Centre, Kingston Rd, 8pm, 2nd Tuesday of the month. Interesting speakers and events.

(2nd Tues mth) For more info and to book please contact Jane on 01372 811422 Wed 11th

2nd Wed mth

Wed 11th (monthly)

Tilney Lunch Club for ladies, meet at 1pm for 3 course meal and speaker, £14.50 for lunch (annual sub £10), Leatherhead Leisure Centre. Call Pat Date info on 01372 454879 Leatherhead DFAS illustrated lecture on the Shakers: their beliefs, architecture and artefacts. 7.15 pm in Leatherhead Parish Church Hall, KT22 8BD. Guests welcome: please contact info@ledfas.org.uk or John Andrews on 01372 373083.

(Usually first & third Mondays), Bookham Folk Dance Club, Harrison Room, Rear of Old Barn Hall, Church Road, Bookham, 8pm–10pm, £3. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 01306 889329 for more info.

Ashtead Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture, 10.30am, Mr Anton Gabsziewwicz - 18th century Worcester porcelain, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, coffee from 9.45am. Anyone Tuesday 17th on the waiting list for membership is welcome to attend, £5 payable on door. More (monthly) details from Pat Anderson, Membership Secretary, email pat@junct9.demon.co.uk, or mobile 07958 560707 Monday 16th

Wed 18th Thurs 19th (3rd Thurs) mthly)

Ashtead Friendship Centre, 2pm, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. May’s meeting is the AGM. Info from Don Butt 01372 274288 ‘Stepping Stones’ Club, meets at Ashtead Baptist Church, Barnett Wood Lane at 2.15pm.

Varied programme of events, £2, over 55’s welcome. Brian Chandler 01372 275206.

Friday 20th

Leatherhead & District Local History Society lecture, “Protecting our Built Heritage” by Peter Mills who is Mole Valley District Council’s Historic Environment Officer. Letherhead Institute, 8pm, coffee from 7.30pm. £2, non-members heartily welcome. (No lectures in June, July or August.)

Wed 25th

Ashtead Townswomen’s Guild, Ralli Room, Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7.15 for 7.30pm. Eileen Reynolds and Icarus ‘Canine Partners’. For info contact Di James on 01372 273948

Wed 25th

Ashtead Bridge for Charity (this month’s charity - ‘Family Line’), Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm start. £6 refreshments included. Bridge prizes and raffle.

More info from Maureen and Peter Cox, prwcox@btinternet.com, 01372 275855 (No Drive in June, July or August).

Thurs 26th (4th Thurs)

Leatherhead Morning WI, Leatherhead Parish Church Hall, Church Road. 10.15am. May is our Resolution meeting. For info contact Betty on 01372 374570

Friday 27th

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS: Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall: SESSION TIMINGS: 1.30PM-4PM & 5PM-7.30PM

Friday 27th

2.30 & 7.30 pm: The Foreigners who painted the Tudor Royals. Why did so many foreign artists come to England in the 16th century & what is their legacy. We shall explore their influence & legacy. £10 inc refreshments: ashteadartlovers@gmail.com/01372 272235 to book, numbers limited.

73

House & Garden Mark Cooper

Painter and Decorator All Interior and Exterior work undertaken Fully Insured For a free estimate contact

Mark Cooper

01372 360998 34 Cressall Close, Leatherhead, KT22 7DZ

Brilliant young people of Surrey Every year around Easter, 40 or so young people (teens and twenties) from all over Surrey meet at High Ashurst at the top of Box Hill. It is our premier Outdoor Centre. Two young men were sponsored this year by the Rotary Club of Ashtead to participate in the Rotary Young Leadership Awards (RYLA). It is something akin to 'Outward Bound' where young men and women are encouraged to develop their skills in cooperation, team management, stress management, leadership, communication and Harry Bennion & Jamie McNamara who were sponsored conflict management. by the Rotary Club of Ashtead Participants learn water skills (such as raft building and piloting), climbing wall and abseiling, high wire, night expedition, stage craft, cooking and catering and whatever else the leaders dream up.

The week-long course ends with all the participants making a presentation to a large adult audience of all the activities they have undertaken and describing what they have learnt and how they personally have benefited. The participants elect from their number those who are most improved, showed the greatest leadership within their teams and contributed the most fun (joker of the week). All received a certificate of successful completion of a tough and demanding week.

This (somewhat elderly) reviewer was highly impressed with the skills, confidence and selfesteem they had developed. Our future will be in their hands and we can be reassured. We have nothing to fear there. They will be great assets to our community.

Len Wood

74

House & Garden

Tel/fax. 01372 200583, Mobile 0777 444 1991

Tel/fax. 01372 200583, Mobile 0777 444 1991

75

House & Garden General Knowledge Crossword Down 2. Large body of salt water (5) 3. Medical instrument used to inject (7) 4. The smallest quantity (4) 5. Medicated lozenge used to soothe the throat (8) 6. Salmon-like fish (5) 7. Hard cheese originating in Switzerland (7) 12. Italian painter and sculptor, ___ da Vinci (8) 14. Horizontal plant stem with shoots above and roots below (7) 16. Preparation of food for eating (7) 18. Time of life between the ages of 13 and 19 (5) 20.

Organic compound (5) 21.

One of five siblings born at the same time (4) Solution in next month’s edition

Across 1. Sets of things offered at auction (4) 4. Contagious infection of the skin (8) 8. Inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain (8) 9. Musical work (4) 10. Complacently foolish (5) 11. Wine merchant (7) 13. Light wind (6) 15. Male servant (especially a footman) (6) 17. Fingerless gloves (7) 19. Assembly of witches (5) 22. What remained in Pandora's box after she let out all the evils (4) 23. Gambling game with a revolving wheel and a small ball (8) 24. Small item of cutlery (8) 25. Measure of 36 inches (4) 76

From just a broken tile to an entire new roof...

FR EE Ca & a qu ll dv ot us ic e to e s da y

we cover all aspects of roofing

New Roofs - Repairs - Flat Roofs Including GRP Fibreglass & EPDM Rubber Roofing

All minor and major repairs undertaken uPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering Main office - Leatherhead: 01372 889698 Mobile: 07511 704 252 (24 hr emergency service) Email: roofcraftofsurrey@gmail.com 77

Leatherhead & District Local History Society Potted Histories No 87

Leatherhead Rose Football Club

A

meeting in November 1886 was held at the Rose Coffee Tavern for the purpose of forming a football club. The meeting was preceded over by Mr. Albert Warren who pointed out the benefits to be derived from this winter recreation.

About 20 men gave their names in as members. A committee was formed and officers elected. An entrance fee of 3d and that the annual subtraction is one shilling was agreed.

After some consideration the name Leatherhead Rose was adopted, stemming from where the meeting had taken place. The establishment was run by one of the players Thomas Hersey. The Tavern served as the clubs headquarters and the Kingston Road Recreation Ground opposite was the obvious choice as their home ground. In 1892 after many successful seasons as Leatherhead Rose the name Rose was dropped to identify the team more closely with the town as a whole, also, that the team were now playing at Fetcham Grove, leaving the old Rose ground available.

In 1907 Mr. Roy Watson who lived in Kingston Road challenged Headley FC by saying that he could find a team from the Leatherhead Common (Now known as North Leatherhead) area to beat them. A team lead by Phil Peters who also lived in Kingston Road travelled to Headley on November 9th 1907 and won. After the game the players decided to form a club. A meeting was held at All Saints School and that the name Leatherhead Rose FC be resurrected, meaning that the old ground was once more be put to use. However, the club did play at Barnett Wood Lane from 1932 until the outbreak of WWII, when the ground was commandeered for Allotments. In 1946 this Leatherhead Rose and local rivals Leatherhead United went on to form the present Leatherhead FC. For a more detailed history of football in the Leatherhead, I suggest you read ‘How Green in Mole Valley’ The History of Leatherhead Football Club and Its Predecessors by David Johnston and Graham Mitchell.

Goff Powell

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 78

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 Fully Insured for your peace of mind Project managed by us from design to completion Kitchen facelifts also undertaken, Choose from large range of bespoke 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.

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

Tel: 01372 450677 79

Changes afoot at our Community Recycling Centres From April 2016 changes were introduced at Surrey’s 15 Community Recycling Centres (CRC’s). These were once known as rubbish tips or dumps, but as the majority of waste is now recycled, the name has changed.

ALL CRC’s will operate slightly reduced opening hours which will be the same all year round, except Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day.

Weekdays: Weekends:

8am - 4pm 9am - 4pm

Ten centres will continue to operate seven days a week, the remaining five will close on the following days: CRC

Day(s) closed

Dorking - Ranmore Road

Tuesday

Warlingham - Bond Road

Sunday & Monday

Caterham - Chaldon Road

Wednesday

Cranleigh - Elmbridge Road

Wednesday

Farnham - Bourne Mill

Thursday

Non-household waste: Plasterboard, refillable gas bottles, tyres and rubble over 25kg will only be accepted at eight CRC’s:

Leatherhead - Randalls Road, KT22 0BA Epsom - Blenheim Road, KT19 9DL Guildford - Slyfield Industrial Estate, GU1 1RU Woking - Martyrs Lane, GU21 5NJ Camberley - Wilton Road, GU15 2QW Witley - Petworth Road, GU8 5QW Shepperton - Charlton Lane, TW17 8QA Earlswood - Horley Road, RH1 6PN Charges are also being introduced for this type of waste, but there will be a free allowance of 1 x 25kg bag of rubble per day. You can only bring construction waste in vans, pick-ups or trailers to the CRC’s at Leatherhead, Epsom, Guildford or Shepperton where it will be weighed and paid for.

If you drive a van, pick-up or pull a trailer you will need to apply for a van permit to bring your vehicle into any CRC in Surrey to ensure sites are only used for household and not commercial waste. The current scheme is being updated and you will need to reapply for a permit.

You may be asked to prove you are a Surrey resident at some CRC’s because these are provided for and paid for by Surrey residents.

For further info and updates go to: www.surreycc.gov.uk/recycling or call 03456 009 009 80

For a beautiful new kitchen...

just change the doors

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

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

Less cost, less time, less mess...

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

For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit telephone 020 8399 1226

Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF Email kt@dreamdoorsltd.co.uk

View our credentials at

Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Grown up incorrect (5) 4. Confront a watch dial (4) 6. Bird seen in the hibiscus bush? (4) 10. A dose of mixed shellfish (7) 11. Cameron's kind of love story (7) 12. Type of tree that's always the same colour (9) 13. It's about to take a seat (3) 14. Powder found in a digital camera (4) 16. Island Peter Carl Faberge held back (5) 17. Little girl seen on the line (3) 19. Bird seen in the lowlands (3) 20. Airmen initially far back (3) 22. Mistaken belief held by terrorists (5) 24. Send round the outer points (4) 28. They're holding crop back (3) 29. Sweet plant a gnu cares about (5,4) 31. A mature sort, lacking professional skill (7) 32. Long and formal letter split badly between two points (7) 33. Knotted when the tide turned (4) 34. Tows back to study (4)

35. Glide around, extremely cold (5) Down 1. Cleaned dishes deposited by the tide (62) 2. Orange mutant wild ass (6) 3. Country girl? (7) 4. Chewy sweet to obscure or cover up (5) 5. Story devised by Cecil Horn (9) 7. Stair rail badly set in bar (8) 8. Afternoon nap in Rosie's tavern (6) 9. Impure type of referee (6) 82

15. Irish county's side providing an opener (9) 18. Teenager making produce (8) 21. Flat expanse near temples (8) 23. Loud and disturbing sports implement? (6) 25. Beloved girl Dan turned to (7) 26. Barest part of the chest?

(6) 27. Colour of the palest form (6) 30. Massive fireplace, we hear (5)

Solution in next month’s edition

House & Garden Bathroom Fitting Kitchen Fitting Painting & Decorating

Reliable Fetcham based plumber

(Interior & Exterior)

Plastering Tiling Fencing Small Extensions Roofing

• • • •

Bathroom installations Tiling Radiators Tap & shower repairs/ replacements • All the small jobs other plumbers don’t like!

Fully insured. Prompt Service.

Family business est. 20 yrs.

Howard Davies on 07967 199343 Wayne Davies on 07969 981662 OR 01293 430187 (evenings)

Contact Simon on 01372 374326 07889 219453

howard@dpm1.co.uk

srlplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

EAN: 962265

Ashtead based building company offering: Loft conversions Extensions Renovations Planning Service Liaison with Building Control throughout Fixed price quotations Workmanship guaranteed Please contact us to discuss your project

01372 276328

info@simplyhomebuild.co.uk 83

Transition Ashtead Working towards a sustainable Ashtead

Nuclear Power and Climate Change Nuclear power-generated electricity has been a contentious issue in this country for the last thirty years or more – even before the last nuclear station at Sizewell was completed in the 1990’s. The main issues against the new nuclear power plant proposed for Hinkley Point promoted by the Government and EDF are: cost of construction (£16 -25 Billion depending on who you believe) and eventual decommissioning, safety (including keeping radioactive material out of the hands of terrorists), radioactive waste treatment, and the inordinately long time for construction and commissioning (8-10 years even with a favourable wind).

The positive points include: low greenhouse gas emissions, relative independence from volatile world energy prices and security of fuel supplies.

The anti-nuclear lobby have been historically more vociferous and successful in the past with the phase-out of nuclear in a number of European countries. In the UK we currently generate about 18% of our electricity from nuclear (down from a peak of about 25% in 2000) and import some more nuclear-generated electricity from France. Half of UK’s existing nuclear capacity will have closed by 2025, so how should we generate electricity as demand rises and CO2 emissions need to fall?

A 2013 UK survey found that 24% of people considered nuclear power to offer the greatest potential for new climate change-friendly electricity generation, alongside solar (23%) and ahead of wind power (18%). 35% considered the Hinkley proposals to be positive step, 21% felt it was negative and 28% were indifferent.

The UK wholesale electricity price is about £50/MWh. EDF negotiated a guaranteed price for Hinkley of £92.50/MWh, inflation proofed during construction and for 35 years thereafter.

Compare this with the cost of photovoltaic generation (£50-£80/MWh), onshore wind (£80/MWh) , and offshore wind (£115/MWh) , So although the Hinkley deal looks expensive, it’s not that different from other things that are promoted as low carbon electricity sources to address climate change.

So how should we go forward? It’s a national question rather than a local one, but one I think that will be largely ignored in the EU referendum debate, even though an enormous amount of the legislation that controls our environmental and safety standards, our electricity market, and climate change targets, comes from the EU. So what can we as individuals add to the debate and actually do? On the issue of pro or anti-nuclear, or pro or anti the EDF Hinkley proposal (there are significantly cheaper nuclear options being offered now and in the medium term future which some pro-nuclear campaigns prefer), there is the usual need to lobby to make your views heard.

On the issue of doing something, the answer is to reduce your households electricity consumption by careful management (apply for one of the new smart meters from your electricity supplier) and to invest in more energy efficient appliances. Sound familiar? The Transition Ashtead team can help you with some advice if required.

Barrie Mould For more information about Transition Ashtead, see our website at www.TransitionAshtead.org.uk or email info@transitionashtead.org.uk 84

House & Garden

85

The Land Awakening - Teazle Wood 2016

D

uring the darkest days of winter, committed volunteers have been out in the Surrey countryside performing vital conservation tasks. The health of many of the region’s green spaces and river networks depends on the goodwill of amateurs and experts willing to give their time and skills. Watching a large group working away in communityowned nature reserve Teazle Wood, it is striking to observe the extraordinary teamwork and camaraderie.

Before

A storm kettle threatens tea, a bonfire is alight, and snippets of fascinating conversations are interwoven with birdsong. There are discussions about nearby medieval sites, an abandoned Victorian house and brickyard, an unsolved murder in 1834, King Alfred’s missing minster church.

The atmosphere is magical – as tortured hawthorns, neglected for more than a century, are gently freed by hand and bow saw, it is easy to drift into thoughts of Tolkien and Beowulf. People have worked this land for millennia, and here we are, people, working this land today. We are probably not so different from our ancestors.

As we stop for a break, we are joined by a robin, and a heron flies low and slowly over our heads. Wildlife is all around, and it seems grateful, as if it knows that help is here. This winter work is about sensitively letting light back in to dank and choked woodland, encouraging greater biodiversity and enhancing habitats. It is crucial to do this kind of work outside bird nesting season, and no-one seems to be complaining about the odd cloudburst or the heavy clay underfoot. They are a resourceful lot – up goes a tarpaulin between trees, and everyone stays warm and dry. continues overleaf...

86

After

House & Garden

87

The Land Awakening - Teazle Wood 2016 A new awareness of each tree is gained as we clear away the dead brushwood. Guesses are made at the age of some, and questions are asked about why one species dominates a particular area, and why most of the trees in this part of the Wild Garlic wood lean away from the light.

Ivy strangles one tree quite dramatically, like the mace round a nutmeg. The whole life cycle becomes evident – for every vast dead tree rotting down, there are new saplings vying for the light.

It still feels like winter, but spring is in evidence. With last year’s crab apples still carpeting the ground, the first shoots of Allium ursinum (the stunning and pungent wild garlic) are nonetheless pushing through, and a vast bank of emerging primroses delights those volunteers who cleared this neighbouring patch from its black tangle of overgrowth last year.

No-one wants to leave, but once the embers are made safe, and the white sun casts its last light over the newly-exposed ground, we head for home, already turning our thoughts to the botanical surveys of spring flowers and the summer’s work with butterflies...

To volunteer or find out more about the work of the Teazle Wood Trust and its partners, such as the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project, email lucyquinnell@aol.com, visit www.teazlewood.org.uk or follow the story on facebook: Friends of Teazle Wood.

88

House & Garden

Help at Hand

Your Professional Handyman Service Ashtead – Leatherhead – Bookham and Surrounding areas

• Decorating • Repairs • Odd Jobs Help at Hand is here for you

Call Ben or Graham Sheargold on 07846 639324 Or email us: help-at-hand-surrey@outlook.com

Free Advice, Experienced and Trustworthy

All work undertaken is fully guaranteed and insured Help@Hand Help at Hand

89

The Grass Can Be Greener

By Pippa Greenwood Your garden should now be starting to look lush and green, with beds and borders beginning to come into their own. But if your lawn spoils it all, or you want to install one, now is the perfect time to get started.

Preparing the site

Remove all weeds, large stones, debris and any old grass, then dig or fork over thoroughly to remove all taproots of weeds.

Kill off an old lawn or a weed infested site with weedkiller based on glyphosate, then strip it off or dig it in once it all dies off. Incorporate organic matter to improve moisture retention on sandy soils; on heavy soils dig in grit and organic matter for drainage.

Next, firm the whole area by treading it over evenly in flat-soled boots, then rake thoroughly and remove stones or other debris from the surface, treading gently down again if necessary.

Buying turf

Buy turf from a reputable supplier which is suitable for your requirements – some, especially those including lots of dwarf ryegrass, are much tougher, while some contain a seed mixture for use in shade. A ‘bowling green’ effect may look superb but will need more maintenance and be less hardwearing. Avoid cheaper turf as it can contain weeds, pests or diseases, or is simply not a good grass mixture.

Arrange delivery of turf when you need it and never store for more than two days. It can remain rolled up for up to 24 hours, but for any longer unroll immediately, lay out flat on paving or plastic sheeting and water regularly.

Laying the turf

work to. Roll out each turf carefully so that the edge abuts onto its neighbour.

Lay the next row, again ensuring that the long edges of each abut onto the long edges of the last row. To avoid damage, kneel on a plank placed over the previous row and continue until your new lawn is in position.

If you need a small section of turf to complete a row, add this in the middle of a row rather than at the end so it is less likely to be dislodged or dry out. For a curved edge lay the turves so that they overlap the new lawn edge and cut to shape.

When finished, gently tamp the area over using the back of a rake and if any turves sink place some extra soil underneath until they are level. Finally, brush in a mixture of horticultural sand and finely sieved soil over the surface, ensuring that gaps between the turves are filled in.

Care and maintenance

Gently water the new lawn using a sprinkler, ensuring that the water penetrates right down to the root level.

Water regularly in dry weather, particularly for the first couple of months whilst the roots establish and avoid walking on it during this time. You will soon have a gorgeous lawn to be proud of.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers and lots more besides.

Lay turves closely together and do not allow the edges to overlap. For an even finish, joins on each row should be staggered, like bricks in a wall.

Lay the first row of turf using the adjacent path or lawn edging to form a straight line to 90

House & Garden

JB Landscapes

Over 10 years’ landscape construction experience, Fetcham based JB Landscapes offers a local, affordable and reliable service for all those projects from the simplest to the most complicated. We specialise in:

• • •

Patios Driveways Decking

• • •

Brickwork Fencing Tree Surgery

Fully qualified & insured for your peace of mind

Please call James for a free quotation on:

07786 938029

E: info@jblandscapessurrey.co.uk W: www.jblandscapessurrey.co.uk 91

Ashtead Handyman No Job Too Small Free Estimates, Fully Insured Decorating, Gardening, General Maintenance

Contact Steve Jenkins

07734 005741 / 01372 273832 ashteadhandyman@gmail.com

Simple Crossword Solution Across: 7 Mediterranean, 8 Revealed, 9 Anti, 10 Advance, 12 Refer, 14 Study, 16 Warmest, 19 Zinc, 20 Lemonade, 22 Demonstration.

Down: 1 Here, 2 Cinema, 3 Reflect, 4 Crude, 5 Inhale, 6 Tactless, 11 Detailed, 13 Hammers, 15 Doctor, 17 Minute, 18 Blush, 21 Drop.

Quiz - Days of the Week

April Crossword Solutions

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Thursday Monday (an anagram of dynamo) Sunday Maundy Thursday Wednesday Monday (Blue Monday, New Moon On Monday, Manic Monday) 7.

Wednesday Addams (from The Addams family") 8.

Sunday 9.

Fat Tuesday 10. Thank Four It's

Across: 1 Reservoir, 6 Place, 9 Start, 10 Aftermath, 11 Bowel, 12 Grandeur, 16 Identical, 17 Paper, 20 Grass, 22 Checks out, 24 Anteater, 26 Level, 29 Orangeade, 31 Plain, 32 Tinge, 33 Headdress.

Down: 1 Rest, 2 Soap opera, 3 Retreat, 4 Okay, 5 Rot, 6 Parsnip, 7 Agate, 8 Ether, 13 Roller, 14 Ling, 15 Icicle, 18 Promenade, 19 Rate, 21 Spangle, 23 Kneepad, 24 Afoot, 25 Train, 27 Beta, 28 Onus, 30 Ash.

Quiz - Literary Siblings 1. Biff, Happy - Death Of A Salesman 2. Celie, Nettie - The Color Purple 3. Edmund, Lucy, Peter, Susan - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 4. Elinor, Marianne - Sense And Sensibility 5. Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Catherine, Lydia - Pride And Prejudice 6. Eric, Sam - Lord Of The Flies 7. Jem, Scout - To Kill A Mockingbird 8. John, Michael, Wendy - Peter Pan 9. Maggie, Tom - The Mill On The Floss 10. Michael, Jane - Mary Poppins

Across: 7 Wheeler dealer, 8 Eclectic, 9 Avon, 10 Sputnik, 12 Lyric, 14 La Paz, 16 Poitier, 19 Beat, 20 Lollipop, 22 Venetian blind.

Down: 1 Chic, 2 Regent, 3 Certain, 4 Educe, 5 Canary, 6 Genocide, 11 Platelet, 13 Holland, 15 Antler, 17 Trifle, 18 Blair, 21 Oink.

92

House & Garden

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

YOUR LOCAL FULLY INSURED HEATING & P LUMBING SERVICE

• ALL plumbing work carried out • ALL work compliant with water regulations • Certified to install, service & repair boilers & un-vented hot water systems • Five year parts and labour warranty on all gas boilers that we fit • Call us for FREE advice

T R E E

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

T: 01372 802803 M: 07976 814032

R O O T

Possible solution overleaf

E: i_plumb@btinternet.com 93

518486

@PlumbLTD

USEFUL NUMBERS Ashtead Art Group 01372 272987 (Jan Cheeseman - Mem Sec) Ashtead Bowling Club 01372 278538 (Anne Wallace) Ashtead Chess Club 01372 813487 (Richard Jones) Ashtead Choral Society 01372 272835 / 278359 Ashtead Community Vision 07530 373975 (Andy Ellis) Ashtead Cricket Club 01372 276286 (Sarah Culhane) Ashtead Day Centre Over 60s Lunch Club 01372 813276 or 375640 Ashtead Decorative & Fine Arts Society 01372 813994 (Membership Secretary) Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group 01372 279501 (Di Stirling) Ashtead Friendship Centre 01372 274288 (Don Butt) Ashtead Good Neighbours 07752 665066 Ashtead Horticultural Society 01372 373348 (Jennie Pilfold) Ashtead Library 0300 200 1001 Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall 01372 272921 Ashtead Players/Young Players 01372 279614 Ashtead Residents’ Association 07442 103473 (Glynis Peterkin) Ashtead Squash & Tennis Club 01372 272215 Ashtead Tennis Players Club 01372 721104 Ashtead Townswomen’s Guild 01372 273948 (Di James) Ashtead Women’s Institute 01372 276736 (Sandra Brown) Carers’ Support Mole Valley 01306 640212 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 08444 111444 Cruse Bereavement Care 020 8393 7238 Electricity (UK Power Networks) 0800 783 8866 (powercut information line) Epsom General Hospital 01372 735735 Fetcham Residents’ Association 01372 375212 (Marion Doherty) Fetcham Singers (ladies choir) 01372 276736 (Sandra Brown) Gas (Transco) 0800 111999

(minicom/textphone for deaf/hard of hearing 0800 371787) Leatherhead Choral Society 01372 372553 (Cathy Smith, Secretary) Leatherhead & District Angling Society 01372 377654 Leatherhead Helpshop 01372 363385 Leatherhead Community Association 01372 360508 Leatherhead Horticultural Society 01372 373493 (David Wells) Leatherhead Leisure Centre 01372 377674 Leatherhead Library 0300 200 1001 Leatherhead Lions Club 01372 274618 (Jim Malynn) Leatherhead Museum 01372 386348 Leatherhead Residents’ Association 01372 370091 Leatherhead Theatre 01372 365141 Mid Surrey Community Mediation 07513 524241 Mole Valley District Council 01306 885001 Police - Non-emergency 101 Probus Club of Ashtead 01372 272595 (Peter Waterhouse) 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 Surrey County Council 03456 009 009 (8am-6pm weekdays) Surrey Trading Standards 01372 371717 U3A: Leatherhead & District 01372 375756 Ashtead 01372 274388 Volunteer Centre Mole Valley (based in Dorking) 01306 640369 (10am-1pm, answerphone) Water (Sutton & E Surrey Water) Emergencies/general 01737 772000 Wildlife Aid 09061 800132 (24 hr helpline) 94

House & Garden Main agents for:

Established 1952

• Large selection of new and second hand machines • Part exchange service offered • Comprehensive hire fleet • Manufacturer trained mechanics • Collection and delivery service • Large spares department

ff ers... o ur o ut o ab sk a d w an Tel: 01372 453411 Ca ll Ja m ie or A ndre

Email: enquiries@mpsgardenmachinery.co.uk

www.mpsgardenmachinery.co.uk

Here is one possible solution (others may exist): TREE

free

flee

floe

sloe

slot

soot

ROOT

The Old Forge, Church Street Effingham, Surrey, KT24 5LY

Tree Surgery STump grinding HeDgeCuTTing Fencing HarD anD SofT lanDSCaping garden Tidy up regular garDen mainTenanCe graSScuTTing HarDWooD logS anD WooDCHip SupplieD Established 1985

Call David for your complete garden service and receive a free no obligation quote.

t:01372 453333

Qualified Tree Surgeons We are fully insured and approved

by Surrey Trading Standards

enquiries@dbgardenservices.co.uk www.dbgardenservices.co.uk 95

Thinking of selling?

Thinking of letting?

We make moving simple.

Contact us today 01372 271504 www.jackiequinn.co.uk