October 2012 - Issue 72

Incorporating Your Surbiton October 2012 Issue No. 72 Monthly community news and business directory

Delivered free each month to addresses in Berrylands, & Surbiton or Tolworth

Inside this issue:

* Mark Baker writes about the Granny Tax * Keeping pets safe for firework nights * Remember to put your clock BACK * New Advertisers * Gardening, recipe, puzzles, books * And more.......

“Free Hypoxi and Power Plate Sessions’’ at Hypoxi Therapy Surbiton, call: 0208 399 9281 for more details.

See advert page 41

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View our credentials at

Hello readers,

I

just cannot believe how cold the weather has turned already! Out came the jumpers and thick socks, can’t turn the heating up too early. Like a switch turning off after the Paralympics, the weather has certainly become Autumnal. So it does seem that Christmas will be here sooner than we think. But you still have time to send in details of any Christmas or New Year events. Ideally, send it in sooner rather than last minute please.

It is October already, Halloween will be here soon, so I hope you all remember to turn the clocks back, or you might miss all the fun.

Talking of fun, there is always a good time to be had on Guy Fawkes night for most of us. Whether you are going to an organised evening or holding your own party, please remember your pets. Fireworks are no fun for them. If you can, bring your pets indoors away from all the noise and flashes. Make sure they are comfortable, especially if you are going out and leaving them. Try putting the radio or TV on so they have some normal sounds in the background. Why not check with your vet whether your pet will need any medication? That way you will all have a safe and merry time.

Useful Numbers Kingston Council www.kingston.gov.uk Trading Standards Refuse Collection Electoral Registration Council Tax Citizens Advice Customs & Excise (VAT) Inland Revenue Helpline Environmental Agency Surbiton Library Transport: National Rail Enquiries Public Transport Traveline Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 85474630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 0844 335 1801

One of our advertisers has suggested a possible future series of articles on hobbies, such as collections . He would like to submit one on stamp collecting. So that might be in the next edition.

It would be interesting to find out what other advertisers and readers have as their hobby. If you have a hobby that you think would be interesting to others, send in a short article.

As it is, I hope that you enjoy this October issue of A Berrylands Companion, and remember to mention it when contacting advertisers. If you have any comments, testimonials please let me know.

Best wishes,

Karen

Emergencies/Utilities: 0800 111 999 Gas Emergency 0800 783 8866 Electricity Emergency 0845 920 0800 Water Emergency 0800 800 151 BT Fault Line 0845 142 0000 Virgin Media 020 8541 1212 Kingston Police Non Emergency Police Number 101 Emergency Services Number 999 0800 555 111 Crimestoppers 020 8546 7711 Kingston Hospital 0845 4647 NHS Direct (24/7) 0800 1111 Childline 0845 790 9090 Samaritans 0800 009 966 Age Concern Kingston Relate www.relatekh.org 020 8549 3318 020 8547 3202 Domestic Violence Help Line www.victimsupport.org.uk

A Berrylands Companion

18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylandscompanion.com www.berrylandscompanion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts 3

Great Food, Great Service, Great Location Everyday there is a culinary treat in our Riverview Restaurant… as well as our daily a la carte menu, we have some great specials: Delhvi

Sunday Carvery

Every Friday

Enjoy a traditional carvery – great value unlimited buffet lunch every Sunday.

‘Delhvi’ Curry Night Buffet – traditional and authentic cuisine of Delhi, get the real taste of India! £18.95pp.

Afternoon Tea Enjoy a timeless British tradition of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, Irresistible mini cakes; served with a selection of rich aromatic teas. £19.95 for two people. £34.95 for four people.

Only £15.95 for adults.

Children aged up to 8 years, eat for FREE. 9-12 year olds only pay half-price.

Seasonal Dish of the Month Delicious seasonal dishes, accompanied by selected wines.

Loyalty Card

SkyBar

Get 10 stamps and you will receive a free meal in the Riverview Restaurant …start collecting!

Now open for drinks and snacks every Friday and Saturday from 6pm to midnight

Rewards

Also available for private hire.

PS. Don’t forget….Christmas is just round the corner, it’s not too early to book, call us now to find out details of our ‘Fire & Ice’ themed Christmas parties.

To find out more or to book, please call 020 8786 6565 Holiday Inn London – Kingston South Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5QQ events@hikingston.co.uk 4 www.hikingston.co.uk

TOLWORTH FENCING COMPANY LTD Est. 1960 Supplier's of Quality Fencing Materials at unbelievable prices!

All Closeboard Fencing Materials Timber Posts n Lapped Panels n Palisade Fencing n Concrete Posts & Gravel Boards n Sleepers n Decking n Steel Palisade Fencing n Chainlink Fencing n n

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Both Trade & Domestic Customers Welcome Call us on 020 8330 0865 and see how much you can save!

Unit 16, 193 Garth Road Morden Surrey SM4 4LZ

www.tolworthfencingcompany.com tolworthfencing@hotmail.co.uk

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

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When the time comes to find childcare will you be looking for the high-quality, flexible, professional home based childcare that Ofsted Registered Childminders provide?

Kingston Childminding Association (KCMA) supports parents with advice and information when seeking an Ofsted Registered Childminder within the Royal Borough of Kingston. Contact our Support and Development Worker or visit our website to find out more about how we can help.

Reg Charity 1056333, part funded by the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames

020 8546 6308

KCMA@kingstonchildminding.co.uk

www.kingstonchildminding.co.uk

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT KCMA

Saturday 27th October - ‘MEET A CHILDMINDER’, an informal event

bringing together parents and childminders. Drop in and see how we can help you, 10am ‘til noon, at the United Reformed Church, Eden Street KT1 1HZ. Contact our office for further information.

I Slimming World Jo in

From just a couple of hours a day, to full time care, our service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

aw

arm

and

f ri e n d

l y gro u p n e

...I'm an active mum aga in!

Jackie x

a r yo u to d ay...

WEDNESDAY Surbiton Surbiton Baptist Church 1 Balaclava Road Morning Group: 9.30am Evening Groups: 5.30pm and 7.30pm Tel: Justine 020 8942 6117

Call us on: 020 8942 4137

0844 897 8000 www.slimmingworld.com

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Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

SAVE up to

£5

FREE

online support

FREE MOT WITH EVERY FULL SERVICE • MOT £40 • INTERIM SERVICE £89 • FULL SERVICE WITH MOT £179 Service prices are up to andincluding 2.0 litre vehicles

143 Red Lion Road, Surbiton KT6 7RQ Email: ridgemountautoas@yahoo.co.uk

L’ESPÉRANCE

Tel: 020 8397 5798

L’ESPÉRANCE

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAYOPEN 12 -#1 3PM Handyman CHRISTMAS DAY 12 Services - 3PM Painting & Decorating, Fencing,

CHRISTMAS LUNCH, CHRISTMAS Patios, Decks, Flat Packs, Odd Jobs, LUNCH, Carpet Upholstery Cleaning, 3 courses: £19.95&pp Move in/out cleaning

3 courses: £19.95 pp

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT CHRISTMASMob: PARTY07980 NIGHT 065466 NOW NEWLY REFURBISHED THROUGHOUT DECEMBER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Evenings: 0208 224 0830 £10.95 Booking Essential Available for private parties

Booking Essential www.extremecpm.co.uk Available for private parties

*Please note King Prawn & Fish Dishes are £2 extra

L’ESPÉRANCE

L’ESPÉRANCE

168 6HE Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HE 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6

Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Tel:8399 020 0030/3904 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk 020 Book now for Christmas & New Year Book now for Valentine’s Day Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm &6 - 11pm Sun: 12 - 4pm Open: Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm &6 - 11pm Sun:Open: 12 - 4pm

285 EwellOPEN Road, Surbiton www.prithicuisine.co.uk CHRISTMAS DAY 12 - 3PMOPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY 12 - 3PM

CHRISTMASGiuseppe LUNCH, & Rosa Lina CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Welcome you to: L’ESPÉRANCE

L’ESPÉRANCE 3 courses: £19.95 pp

Ristorante Sorrento

3 courses: £19.95 pp

168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HE

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT THROUGHOUT DECEMBER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Booking Essential Booking Essential DAY 12 - 3PM AuthenticOPEN Italian Cuisine OPENforCHRISTMAS DAY 12 - CHRISTMAS 3PM Available private parties Available for private parties Christmas Set Menus Christmas Day Lunch 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HE 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey,LUNCH, KT6 6HE CHRISTMAS available throughout Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Open from: 12.00pm CHRISTMAS LUNCH, 3 courses: £19.95 pp Open: Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm &6 - 11pm Sun: 12 - 4pm Open: Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm &6 - 11pm Sun: 12 - 4pm December 3 courses: £19.95 pp Special 5 course meal Lunch: £14.95 £55.00 per person CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT Bookings essential Dinner: 16.95 L’ESPÉRANCE L’ESPÉRANCE 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HE Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Open: Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm & 6 - 11pm. Sun: 12 - 4pm Open: Tues - Sat 12 - 3pm & 6 - 11pm. Sun: 12 - 4pm

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT

THROUGHOUT 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HE 168 Ewell Road, Surbiton, DECEMBER Surrey, KT6 6HE Family run business OPENING HOURS Tel: 020THROUGHOUT 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk Tel: 020 8390 7546 www.esperance-restaurant.co.uk DECEMBER Booking Essential Open: Tues Sat 12 3pm & 6 11pm.

Sun: 12 4pm Open: Tues Sat 12 3pm & 6 11pm. Sun: 12 - 4pmLunch Monday-Friday Choice of set menus or à la carte Booking Essential Available for private parties 12.00pm - 2.30pm Large parties welcome OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 12 3PM OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 12 - 3PM Available for private parties Monday-Saturday Evening Private car park CHRISTMAS LUNCH, 3 courses: £19.95 pp

6.30pm-11.00pm

2HP Xmas 10 proof 1.indd 9

CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Sunday 12.00pm - 6.00pm 3 courses: £19.95 pp

10/15/2010 11:23:55 AM

Restaurant can be hired for Parties, Receptions or Private Functions for over 100 people. Call for information: 020 8390 6921 CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT 379 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7DE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

2HP Xmas 10 proof 1.indd 9

10/15/2010 11:23:55 AM

Booking Essential

Tel: 020for8390 Available private6921 parties To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096 2HP Xmas 10 proof 1.indd 9

Booking Essential

www.ristorantesorrento.com Available for private parties email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

2HP Xmas 10 proof 1.indd 9 10/15/2010 11:23:55 AM

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10/15/2010 11:23:55 AM

Granny TaxTax Granny

by Mark Baker

HM Revenue & Customs stands accused of conducting a merciless assault on the weak and vulnerable in its headlong rush to squeeze every last penny out of taxpayers.

Many pensioners will see an end to the agerelated tax allowances, which currently means pensioners start paying tax at a higher income level than workers which was introduced nearly a century ago by Winston Churchill. Currently the over-65s get a tax allowance of £10,500 up to age 74 and £10,650 after that. From 5 April 2013, those allowances, which only benefit pensioners with an income below £29,000, will be frozen and anyone turning 65 after that date will no longer qualify for the relief and only receive the same allowance as everyone else.

The tax changes for pensioners will be followed by a “simplification” in the state pension system. This will see every pensioner receiving a flat-rate payment of about £140 a week. Although this is higher than the current basic state pension, ‘better off’ pensioners could lose their second state pension, actually leaving them hundreds of pounds a year worse off.

There have also been various news articles and programmes with evidence that pensioners and others on low incomes are bearing the brunt of HM Revenue & Customs attempts to recover tax lost through its own errors. Thousands of people who have retired over the past two years may find themselves being sent tax demands due to errors on tax codes. The calculations may themselves be wrong and also sent out without proper calculations so it is important that any demand is checked thoroughly and if you are unsure, to seek professional help.

In some cases, taxpayers exceptional circumstances.

8

can claim Taxpayers

who made all the relevant information available to HMRC can appeal against demands under a clause known as Extra Statutory Concession A19.

This states that where taxpayers believed, or had reasonable belief that their tax code was correct, and HMRC had all the relevant information but failed to act on it, and provided the arrears were notified to the taxpayer more than 12 months after the end of the tax year in which the information was received by HMRC, these tax demands can be written off.

HMRC developed this concession to make sure the tax system is balanced and fair. Part of the problem here is that HMRC appear to believe that taxpayers are (or ought to be) far more attuned to the complexities of the British tax system than is actually the case.

HMRC officers feel that taxpayers should be able to check PAYE coding notices and advise HMRC of any errors. Therefore, it is important that any changes that affect your income situation are notified to HMRC or your employer, as soon as possible in order that any changes can be made quickly. Apart from HMRC themselves, there are various organisations, such as Tax Help for Older People, to support customers who prefer to contact HMRC through a tax adviser.

People should also be aware of various scam emails supposedly from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that have been sent out in an attempt to con us into handing over our bank details. Please never reply to any emails from HMRC as they do not send emails.

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

Taxation advice and guidance to local businesses Taxation advice and sole traders and guidance to for more than local businesses 15 years. and sole traders for more than 15 years.

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

• • • • • •

x Accounts and Taxation Accounts and Taxation x Assessment Self Assessment Tax Self Tax Returns Returns CIS and Payroll x Returns CIS and Payroll VAT x VAT Returns Tax Planning and Advice x Tax Planning and Advice Book Keeping Services

x Book Keeping Services

Contact Mark Baker Contact Mark Baker 020 3044 2747 020 3044 2747 07909 703463 07909 703463 Email: markbaker@mbaccountancy.co.uk Email: markbaker@mbaccountancy.co.uk

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

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Open morning provides the opportunity to meet our specialist staff and see the school at work. successful creating happy family atmosphere which each pupil flourish. successful in creating aahappy family atmosphere ininwhich each pupil cancan flourish. milyFor atmosphere in which each pupil can flourish. more information or to book an appointment please telephone the Secretary on 0208 942 5885.

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WESTBURY ROAD 80 80WESTBURY WESTBURYROAD ROAD EW MALDEN NEWMALDEN MALDEN NEW SURREY SURREY SURREY KT3 5AS KT35AS 5AS KT3

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westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk E-mail: info@westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk info@westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk E-mail: westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk Website: www.westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk www.westburyhouse.surrey.sch.uk Website:

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Mrs Jones EDUCATION 11 PLUS TUITION & Mock Exam Practice West & South West London

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

Music classes for babies and young children! ® time of music Nur turing a life

To book your complimentary class, call: 0208 224 3971 or Email: kingston.surbiton @monkeymusic.co.uk

monkeymusic.com 12

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

New Classes Opening Soon Near You!

Winner of the Best National Pre School Activity Award.

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

Autumn Term - how’s it going?

W

e’re several weeks into the new school year now – how is it going for your child? If your child is happy, settled and doing well , that’s great.

But if you feel that that they’re struggling with the basics or coasting along and not reaching their full potential, then NumberWorks’nWords may be the answer.

From Reception to GCSE, NumberWorks’nWords specialises in giving children the tools to learn and practice the skills they need in maths and English.

What’s more, it’s presented in a way that they really enjoy.

We recognise that every child is different, has different needs and different strengths. We therefore tailor a learning programme to suit every individual child.

Pick up the phone today and book a free assessment – remember it’s a long slog until Christmas if you’re finding it hard!

Call for information:

020 8399 1234 NumberWorks’n’Words after-school tuition succeeds because children get: • Specialist English tutors and maths tutors

• Individualised, tailored instruction • Proven resources matching school curriculum • So much fun it doesn’t feel like learning!

From age 5 to GCSE

Phone today to book a FREE assessment and intro lesson!

Surbiton 020 8399 1234

www.numberworksnwords.com

When calling quote: A Berrylands Companion

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

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Short Story What’s In A Name?

by Eric Godley Wally put his tools away in the van and then went back into the house to collect the bag of off-cuts and rubbish. Some carpet fitters would have left it for the householder to deal with, but that was not his way. The lady paid him by cheque for the work, saying how pleased she was with the fine job he had done.

As he climbed back into his van, it once again crossed his mind that tomorrow was his 65th birthday and the day on which he would be retiring. Thank goodness he had organised a pension all those years ago. He and Mary would be reasonably well provided for and should never be broke.

All the way home, a journey of just under half an hour, thoughts of his long and active working life filled his mind.

He remembered that he had first watched a carpet being fitted when he was only ten years old and had marvelled at what he saw.

He was totally enthralled and decided there and then to take up that profession when he left school.

Having achieved only average grades at school, he was extremely pleased to secure a job with a carpet company at the age of 16 in a local firm. Starting as a general assistant, within a few years Wally had graduated to being a fully-fledged fitter. He had stayed with that outfit for just four more years before starting his own one man company.

He had always thoroughly enjoyed the job; the process of first cutting and fixing the edging strips, fitting the underlay and finally putting down the carpet itself, stretching and trimming it to be a perfect fit. The sense of achievement when he stood back and eyed up a finished job had never left him.

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Astounding!

Arriving home, he completely unloaded the van, all his tools and everything to do with the carpet business, and put them away in the garden shed. The empty van reversed into the garage and the offcuts he’d collected earlier were put to one side to taken to the dump in due course.

“Don’t suppose I’ll ever need you again, old dear. Wonder if I can sell you and make a few quid”, Wally said aloud as he patted the bonnet of his old red Ford Transit.

He went indoors, exchanged greetings and had a cuddle with his wife Mary, who put the kettle on to make a cup of tea. While she was doing that, he changed out of his work clothes for what he sincerely hoped was the very last time. OK, it was not unlikely that he might do some fitting for friends now and again, but not for a living.

When the tea was made he sat down in the kitchen to drink it. He patted Mary’s hand and asked, “are we all packed then, sweetheart?” She, with a mouthful of tea and biscuits, merely nodded and smiled. They would be taking a long flight to South Africa in a couple of days to visit their son and his family. It would be their first flight anywhere and they were both a bit apprehensive.

He breathed out, sat back, relaxed and, as he did so, reflected for the umpteenth time that his parents may well have been under some psychic influence when he was born.

Perhaps they’d predicted what he would do with his life when, at the age of eight months, they had had him christened in the local church and thus he had become, would you believe, Walter Wall!

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

How’s your Computer running?

If you are having trouble maybe we can help.

Jamsuma is a small group of locally based, Microsoft qualified, C.R.B checked support people specialising in:

• Windows Operating Systems Issues • Internet Connections • General Software Issues • General Hardware Issues • Hardware Installation + Maintenance • Office Software • Local Area Network Issues • Wireless Network Issues • Database Setup + Maintenance • Spreadsheet Setup + Maintenance

• Home PC purchase and installation • Data transfer • Disk cleanup • Virus and Spyware removal • Current PC upgrades • PC healthcheck • Home PC networks • Safer home browsing for children • Helping you get the most from the internet • Broadband setup and protection

If you are interested in any of these services please contact foto.surbiton@gmail.com Company tele: 020 8399 7000 Mobile: 07896 070 146

If you require any further details or would like to book an appointment, please contact us on: t: 020 8405 9692 | m: 07563 060 793 e: james@jamsuma.co.uk

CODEWORD

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

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To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

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email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

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15

Winter Wardrobe Blues Well, the last flickers of the Indian summer have finally faded, and bright October days can be chilly, so it’s time to put the shorts and sandals and old tour t-shirts away for a few months and dig out the winter clothes.

Shouldn’t need to buy anything new: I have plenty of stuff left over from previous years.

Which is handy as times are tight, and the more I waste on clothes means the less I can waste on beer. But anyway, who needs to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe every season?

Let’s start by testing that ancient proposition: the cat sat on the mat. No it didn’t. The cat sat on my hat, actually. In fact it’s nested in it. It’s now a dense rug of cat-hair and utterly irredeemable, so I shall start collating the season’s wardrobe by binning the beanie and putting a new one on the shopping list.

Next, gloves. I don’t wear gloves often these days. I only ever used them for snowballing, and at my advanced age I don’t have to do that anymore. Still, you need a pair against the unlikely eventuality of, say, having to dig the car out of a snowdrift. So it’s now that I discover that I have many gloves, but none of them match. So, add new gloves to the list.

Now obviously you need a nice woolly jumper for the winter, and as it happens I have one. I hate it. I hate all jumpers.

They’re cumbersome things, make it impossible to move freely, and the moment you make the transition from freezing street to overheated department store or pub or library you start sweating like an overworked horse. So no new jumper this

year. On the other hand, I don’t want to freeze every time I nip out for a paper. I know I haven’t worn a vest for, oh, 40 years.

I gave them up when I was a teenager as an act of unobtrusive rebellion. But they do keep you warm. OK, some vests, then.

I shouldn’t need a new coat, though. I’ve had the same coat for years and years. It’s lovely and toastie and in excellent nick.

Cost me a few bob, but it’s been worth it.

Rather an odd assortment of buttons by now, mind, but nobody’s ever commented on it. Hang on, though: if I’m going to be wearing a vest from now on, my warm old coat might be a bit too warm. Lots of thin layers, that’s what they recommend nowadays. Better look for a slightly lighter one, then.

I’m definitely all right for dog-walking shoes, though, with a choice of hiking boots or wellies for seasonal snow, slush, or mud. Uh-oh... the boots are fine, but there’s a deficit in the sock department. I like my boots roomy, so I can wear nice thick socks to cuddle my toes. But looking at my rather sad assortment of thermals, I see they’ve all mysteriously developed holes. In olden days my mum would have darned these, but I haven’t seen a darning mushroom in years and even if I had, I wouldn’t know what to do with it. So it’s out with the old, and off to Edinburgh Woollen Mills for the new.

Hang on – that’s new beanie, gloves, vests, coat, and walking socks. This October’s clothes-shop is beginning to look expensive. Think I’ll stay indoors until the January sales...

by Ted Bruning

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Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

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

Your local MOT TESTER AND SERVICE REPAIRER Interim Service - £85 Full Service - £145 (Parts and Labour included) (Cars up to 2000 cc) QUOTES FOR CARS OVER 2000 cc - PLEASE PHONE ALL CARS COLLECTED AND DELIVERED (LOCAL AREAS) Diagnostics Brakes Clutches Bodywork Welding etc.

Labour Rate £37.50 per hour Telephone:

Office - 020 8397 8654 Garage - 07784 716 567 (For instant attention) 17

MOTORING

Model: Mitsubishi Outlander 2012 Price: £24,995 (est) Engine: 2.2-litre, diesel Power: 148bhp, 380Nm Max speed: 125mph (est) 0-60mph: 9.7 (est) Efficiency: 50.4mpg (est) Emissions: 145g/km (est) Availability: On sale

November

Rating: *** (3) New car launches take place pretty frequently. Audi, for example, has delivered no less than 21 new models into showrooms since 2010. In those same two years, niche Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi has launched absolutely nothing. That’s why, as car launches go, this new Outlander is a pretty big deal.

get a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a four-wheel drive powertrain. Mitsubishi has worked hard on the unit’s green credentials. We drove a pre-production model, but by the time the car is launched in November, the maker hopes it will produce under 145g/km (down from 165g/km) and return more than 50mpg.

So has the wait been worth it? Well, in short, yes. No longer a partnership with Peugeot Citroen (who sold versions of the predecessor), the new Outlander is described by Mitsubishi as an ‘engineer’s car’. What it means is efficiency, space and refinement were all high on the agenda – looks, however, appear to have slipped off it.

The 148bhp engine doesn’t lack grunt either. With 380Nm of torque it pulled strongly on the German Autobahns and twisty mountain roads that made up our test route. The 2.2litre is likely to be good for 125mph and will crack the benchmark 60mph sprint in under 10 seconds. What’s really impressive though is the refinement. Inside, the engine is barely audible, while wind and tyre noise are kept to a minimum too.

In fact, it’s worth dealing with our main complaint now. If there’s one thing that lets the new Outlander down, it’s the conservative styling. At a time when design is at the forefront of our lives, the Mitsubishi will be hard pressed to stand out in a class bristling with good-looking alternatives.

However, the new model does make a strong case for itself. Let’s start under the bonnet. In the UK, we’ll only

If we were to be picky, we did find the steering a little numb at the dead ahead, but the manual six speed gearbox was direct and pleasant to use. There was also a noticeable lack of body roll for a 4x4 in corners.

New technology, for Mitsubishi at least, will also make a debut on the

Outlander. There’s a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control and a low-speed anti-collision system which will apply the brakes for drivers if it thinks you’re about to hit the car in front – at a roundabout, for example.

What will come as standard is yet to be finalised, but expect the lot on the topof-the-range model. There’s also a new multimedia system with sat nav, which is far easier to use than before and an electronic tailgate.

But by far the biggest selling point for the Outlander is the two very-usable extra seats in the boot floor. They can be extended in seconds and fold away completely flat. They’re perfect for parents who sometimes need an extra set of chairs for the school run.

Mitsubishi aims to sell 4,000 Outlanders a year in the UK at slightly more than the current model (around £25,000). We think that could be a tough ask with this sole offering. However, when the plug-in hybrid version arrives next year offering real world economy of 140mpg, it could be a very different story indeed.

by James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

18

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MASSIVE DISCOUNTS K&P TYRES (EWELL) TYRE SPECIALISTS HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS • LIGHT COMMERCIALS • FAMILY SALOONS • 4WD VEHICLES •

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Berrylands Autocare * MOT

Testing (while you wait)

* Diagnostic Testing

* Servicing & Mechanical Repairs * Open until 5.30pm weekdays * Saturdays: 10.00am to 1.00pm

020 8399 4362

info@berrylandsautocare.co.uk www.berrylandsautocare.co.uk

167 Surbiton Hill Park, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8EJ 250 yards from main line Berrylands Station Providing a service for our local community email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

19

Seasonal Recipe Try this variation on summer pudding making the most of the early Autumn fruits, such as plums, blackberries and delicious English apples. Serve with softly whipped double cream flavoured with a splash of Calvados for a really indulgent dessert.

Place the sugar and 200ml of cold water in a large pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sliced apples and simmer for 5-10 minutes until just tender. Add the rest of the fruit and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes. Leave to cool.

Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Use a round cookie cutter to stamp out a circle from one slice of bread to fit the base of a 1.2 litre pudding basin. Cut the remaining slices of bread in half.

Carefully strain half of the fruit syrup from the cooled fruit into a shallow dish. Lightly dip most of the slices of bread into the syrup and arrange around the side of the pudding basin, overlapping them slightly to completely line the basin. Dip the bread circle into the syrup and press into the bottom of the basin.

Spoon the fruit into the lined basin, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon. Use the remaining slices of bread to cover the fruit filling completely and spoon over any remaining syrup.

Place a saucer on top of the basin and weigh it down with 2-3 food cans. Chill in the fridge overnight. To serve, carefully turn the pudding out onto a plate and decorate with extra sliced fruit.

20

Autumn Pudding • 175g caster sugar • 3 small English eating apples, peeled, cored and sliced • 4 red plums, halved, stones removed and sliced • 100g raspberries • 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced • 100g blackcurrants or blueberries • 100g blackberries • 10 slices thick-sliced white bread • Extra fruit, to decorate

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour (plus overnight chilling)

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C.D Jennings & Sons

Surbiton’s High Class Family Butchers Serving the Community with Quality Meat for Over 50 Years

Meat of the Highest Quality from the Finest Sources At C.D Jennings & Sons Butchers we have built a reputation over 50 years for friendly, personal service supplying only the highest quality cuts of meat from the finest sources. We have retained the tradititional approach to trading by giving a level of service and knowledge not usually available in today’s supermarkets.

We hang / dry age our Scotch Beef for 3 weeks to ensure maximum taste and tenderness. We cut all of our meat to your requirements and are happy to give advice on the best way to get the most out of our products.

C.D Jennings & Sons Scotch Beef Specials 21 Day Dry Aged Scotch Beef from the finest farms in Scotland Roasting Joints Foreribs, Sirloin, Topside, Silverside Steaks Fillet, Sirloin, Rib Eye, Rump, Centre Cut, Onglet, Flat Iron, Flank Skirt All other cuts available as well

Proud Suppliers of:

Scotch Premier Beef Scotch Highland Lamb & Romney Salt Marsh Lamb Free Range Pork & ‘Rare Breed’ Gloucester Old Spot Pork Balmoral & Royal Deeside Venison Free Range Corn Fed Chicken We hand make all of our sausages & burgers at our shop in Surbiton.

View our website for the complete range: www.cdjenningsandsons.com Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite The Victoria pub) or call us to place an order on 020 8399 4870

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

For more information on the goods we supply view our website www.cdjenningsandsons.com

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

21

The Game Season is here: what a choice! says Alan Jennings

I

f you’re into the finer tastes of food,

this really is an exciting time of year.

The Game Season, as we call it, is now in full swing, and the list of delicacies has been getting longer all the time.

October 1st was one of the high points, when pheasants, the classic game birds, were due to become available.

The traditional way to cook pheasants is to roast them, ideally having brushed them first with oil and several crushed cloves of garlic. The birds need only 2030 minutes in the oven, but the thighs need testing with a skewer. If the juices run clear, they’re done, and just need 15 minutes’ rest before serving. Delicious!

We already had a bountiful choice of game - grouse, partridges, guinea fowl and mallards. Not to mention the humble, but not to be despised, wood pigeon.

But we mustn’t forget venison, which is also in its proper season right now.

At Jennings we’ve been supplying our customers with the finest cuts for some weeks. It’s a truly royal treat for any table. What used to be the preserve of royalty and the nobility can now be relished by all. Our venison is royal in more senses than one, because it all comes from Balmoral on Royal Deeside, where our long-term suppliers have the sole rights to the venison on the Estate.

low in cholesterol and a good source of iron and vitamins. We recommend loin of venison for a roasting joint, and shoulder for long slow cooking in a stew or casserole. Or why not try our very own venison sausages, renowned for their texture and taste?

Another game favourite is the ever-useful, ever-flavourful rabbit.

Preparing it is very simple. Once the carcass is cut into the main joints, the meat can be braised for about two hours in a deep pan with a lid with a bottle of red wine. Yes, a whole bottle! If the meat isn’t completely covered by the wine, you can add some water or stock. Not only is the meat succulent to die for, but the gravy is full of flavour, too!

So there’s plenty of special offerings to whet your appetite at the moment. With so many good things on offer, it’s going to be really difficult choosing!

Best wishes Alan C.D Jennings and Sons Traditional Quality Butchers since 1962 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE 020 8399 4870

If you haven’t tried our venison yet, don’t hold back; the quality of the meat is unsurpassed. It’s naturally lean,

22

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Leverett Electrical Ltd

Leverett LIFESTYLE Electrical Ltd

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lifestyle.building.services@gmail.com email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

23

Take The Floor Katherine Sorrell offers a guide to fabulous flooring, from the traditional to the unconventional

Oak Palazzo Rovere – a Dutch pattern design oak floor with a satin lacquer prefinish, from £50.15 per m², Kährs, 023 9245 3045; www.kahrs.co.uk.

Timber Timber boards are a fabulous choice: available in a range of colours and patterns, they just get more attractive as they age. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to recondition an existing wood floor; otherwise, choose new hardwood from an environmentally friendly source, or perhaps seek out recycled boards in architectural salvage yards. Solid wood floors can be sanded, painted, limed, stained, waxed or varnished. Cheaper, but less longlasting, are either a multi-layered or veneered wood floor, where the surface is a thin layer of hardwood attached to a base of cheaper wood, MDF, cork or plywood; or a woodeffect floor, in which a photograph of wood is bonded to a chipboard base and protected with a high-pressure laminate surface.

Carpet Carpet is another great choice: soft, warm and quiet underfoot. There are two main types: woven, which is harder-wearing and more expensive, and tufted, the durability of which is related to its pile height and density (short, dense pile is the toughest). Natural wool looks beautiful and is long-lasting and fire-resistant, but expensive; while cheaper, man-made fibres may look unattractive or not wear well. A popular solution is a combination of the two (perhaps 80% wool and 20% nylon). Finally, remember that a good quality

24

underlay is essential.

Natural fibres In a wide range of colours and weaves, sisal, coir, seagrass, rush and jute are warm and soundproof and, often, good value for money.

As you’d expect, the rougher the surface, the more hard-wearing it will be – so you may find sisal and coir uncomfortable underfoot at first. Jute has the softest feel, but is the least durable. As with carpet, a stain inhibitor is advisable for natural fibre flooring.

Hard surfaces Sandstone, limestone, granite, marble and terrazzo are expensive floorings that last a lifetime, though they are hard, noisy and cold underfoot. In areas that might get wet, such as kitchens or bathrooms, choose a version that is matt or slightly textured – sanded for a rough finish, or riven for an attractive, handsplit effect. Terracotta and ceramic tiles have similar qualities but are cheaper and offer less of a luxury look. Ceramic tiles are heatand water-resistant, hard-wearing and low maintenance. They vary widely in price and come in a vast array of shapes, sizes and designs, but all are liable to crack if something is dropped on them.

Sheet flooring Softer and warmer than stone or timber, sheet floorcoverings – vinyl, linoleum and cork –

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K B Design

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are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to lay (even on slightly uneven floors), and are easy to clean. Lino is a traditional material made from natural ingredients, and has its own lovely patina, while vinyl is a PVC-based man-made material, which comes in a huge range of textures and patterns, many of them good imitations of stone, wood or ceramic tiles. Cork, often under-rated, is hard-wearing, resilient to water and offers an interesting, natural look.

Rugs With any flooring other than carpet, you will probably want to put down one or more rugs, adding softness, colour and extra interest.

A rug can disguise poor flooring – and can be taken with you when you move. Often a good starting point for a decorative scheme, rugs come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes, textures and colours, patterns and prices. There’s a wonderful range of handmade rugs from around the world, including Indian dhurries, Greek flokatis, Middle Eastern kelims and French aubussons. Modern machine-made rugs can be very attractive, and you can even have a rug woven to your own design.

070 9200 3581

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A leather floor (tiles or sheets) is warm, soft and quiet underfoot, and requires little more than regular buffing and waxing. It wears well, too – scuffs and marks acquired over the years are part of its attraction.

•

Concrete floors, though cold and hard, can be dyed in innumerable colours and given an interesting variety of finishes, from polished to painted.

•

Rubber floors have a cool, stylish look and are great for waterproofing bathrooms. They come in tile or sheet form, and can be solid-coloured or patterned, smooth or studded.

•

Bamboo is thoroughly environmentally friendly, being fast-growing and ever-regenerating. The stems are laminated together to form boards as strong as wood, then coated with lacquer for a durable surface.

by Katherine Sorrell

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

25

A Better Life Man V Slug The late poet Dorothy Frances Gurney wrote that: One is nearer God’s Heart in a garden than anywhere else on Earth. That may be true, but preparing the garden, for growing vegetables, is its own special form of purgatory. Nature conspires to make the task as difficult as possible, so we took it in stages.

Step One – Peat-less pots are go. We chose green bean and mange tout seeds, and filled the little pots from our compost bin. I soon discovered that it’s a fine line between moist and soggy. And that the ‘which plant comes up first’ sweepstake may be subject to tampering. Anne knows who I mean, so we’ll say no more...

Step Two - Mark out the plot, somewhere beyond the cypress tree’s reach to allow for the possibility of direct sunlight. That’s the easy part - it makes you feel like you’re retracing the first, tentative steps of our hunter-gatherer ancestors when they realised that a little porridge might be nice for a change.

Step Three - Dig for Pyrrhic victory, trusting that the veg will subsequently be worthy of your muscles’ sacrifice.

Once the soil has been dug,

it’s time to remove the grass and weeds. The chickens loved some of the grass, but the worms received a reprieve, as they were on active service.

Step Four - A ginger beer and a bag of crisps for me.

Then the soil needs to be turned over and broken up, to help aerate it (a Scrabble word if ever I heard one). I also removed the stones, which is especially important if you’re planting from seeds.

Step Five - Dig in the pots when the little plants look old enough to fend for themselves. Once they were installed, I added enough bamboo canes and netting to deter any opportunistic gastropod-about-garden. Or so I thought.

Within a day of completing our defences we were invaded, in a flagrant act of mollusc aggression. We employed slug pellets; we - that is, I - made random security patrols. Enemy snails were sent to the chickens for summary execution, also known by the chooks as ‘snack time’. I did try and reason with the slugs, principally because the chickens weren’t keen on them, but settled for either eviction into the back lane or incarceration in the

garden waste bin. But still they came.

My vigilance gradually paid off and our plant casualties decreased. Then came that magical day when the first veg flowers appeared. We weren’t out of the woods (or slugs) yet though and you’d be surprised by the amount of slug pellets we used. Honestly, I don’t know where they put it all.

Having freshly picked beans, from garden to plate in a matter of minutes, is one of life’s little pleasures. Having to play nettle roulette, when picking the mange tout, because I couldn’t be bothered to keep up with the weeding, was less of a joy.

The mange tout still tasted great though and it has me thinking about nettle soup.

Next time I’ll let the beanlings grow taller before I plant them in, to give them more of a fighting chance. I’ll also make my own peat-less pots out of old newspaper. It’s the Blue Peter approach to green living.

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

by Derek Thompson

26

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•Extensions BERRYLANDS BERRYLANDS •Conversions Property Maintenance Ltd •All types of Paving

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iPainting and Decorating and Tiling * Extensions *iPlastering Conversions * All types of Paving iHousehold Maintenance and Repairs iBathrooms Fitted and Refurbished Local builders withandover 30 years experience. iCarpentry Plumbing iFlat Packs and Small Jobs

iPainting and Decorating and Tiling Local builders with over 30 years experience. *iPlastering Conversions * All types of Paving Many local customers with excellent references, iHousehold Maintenance and Repairs Marcus &by Sarah Baines viewings appointment Many local customers with excellent020 references, 8390 7549 iBathrooms Fitted and Refurbished viewings by appointment 603a885 Check out 07702 our Check Trade ratings. ders with over 30 years experience. iCarpentry and Plumbing Check out our Check a Trade ratings. iFlat Packs and Small Jobs 71 Chiltern Drive ,Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 8LR berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8399 6276 Mob: 07941 374 324 Marcus &by Sarah Baines viewings appointment Check out our new website: www.berrylandsbuilders.co.uk 020 8390 7549 603a885 k out 07702 our Check Trade ratings. berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

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NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL CHRIS MOULD

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27

Life Begins The Art of Downsizing Neither my husband nor I were intentional hoarders. It just happened that our family house was blessed – some might say, cursed – with handy storage spaces. Built-in cupboards, under-stairs spaces, a loft, a shed and even a garage all served to quietly absorb our superfluous items.

It wasn’t just the effort of cleaning a large house or the rising cost of gas and electricity bills that made us realise that we need to move on: it was those heaving piles of bags, boxes and overstuffed suitcases. Like the chains worn by Jacob Marley’s ghost in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, we felt the weight of our past lives bearing down upon us every time we opened a cupboard door.

Our children had finally flown the nest – with the exception of the odd weekend visit – and we had run out of excuses. It was time to downsize.

We started by selling some of the smaller items on Ebay. This popular online auction site takes a relatively low commission of 10% (although you should be prepared to pay some associated listing fees). All you need is a good camera and a willingness to painstakingly write up each item for sale.

The information required for a listing includes the measurements of the item you are selling, details of any flaws (good sellers always note down any damage) plus make, model number, material, age

28

and any other relevant information.

Then you’ll need to weigh your item and estimate the postage costs before submitting it to the online auction.

Once it’s up on the site, you can expect a nail-biting wait for the bids to come in.

Sometimes you’ll receive multiple bids, sometimes none at all. Often an item will remain unsold all week and then someone will bid in the last few seconds.

As the payment zooms into your PayPal account, be ready to despatch your item. You’ll need to ensure it’s well packed and sent within the timeframe you’ve indicated if you want to keep that essential 100% positive feedback score.

We found online auction sites were great for selling small objects that could be easily posted, but larger items, such as pieces of furniture, proved harder to shift.

You can list your piece for ‘collection only’ but sometimes a buyer will fall in love with your sale item and bid without really considering the transport issues.

More than once I’ve had to re-list a piece of furniture after the successful bidder developed a case of cold feet.

If you haven’t the patience for online auctions, car boot sales can provide a useful alternative. If you’re up for an early start (arrive around 6am to ensure a good place for your stall) and prepared to let your treasured possessions go for a fraction of their value, then the car boot sale is for you. However, it’s not a good way to sell valuable jewellery, antiques

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Painting and Decorating Roofing and Guttering Plastering and Tiling Household Maintenance and Repairs Marcus & Sarah Baines 020 8390 7549 07702 603 885 berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk

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No obligation quotations. References available.

All work guaranteed and fully insured.

Inventions Matches Thanks to the humble matchstick, we aren’t lighting our birthday cake candles, bonfires and gas stoves by striking sparks off a flint with a piece of steel.

As early as A.D. 577 in China, small sticks of pinewood impregnated with sulphur were used to produce instant flame. In Europe, it wasn’t until 1669 that the alchemist Hennig Brandt discovered the flammable nature of phosphorous. In 1680 an Irish physicist, Robert Boyle (of Boyle’s Law fame) coated a small piece of paper with phosphorous and coated a small piece of wood with sulphur to produce a flame however he didn’t develop his idea into a useable match.

In 1827, John Walker, an English chemist and apothecary coated the end of a stick with certain chemicals and let it dry, starting a fire by drawing the stick across

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

rough surfaces. His yard-long sticks were cumbersome however, and he never patented it. A version of Walker’s match was eventually patented by a Samuel Jones, however they also had problems; an initial violent reaction, an unsteady flame and unpleasant smell.

In 1830 a French chemist, Charles Sauria, substituted white phosphorous for the antimony in Walker’s mixture. White phosphorous is poisonous and the new matches made people sick with an ailment dubbed “phossy jaw”. In 1855, Swede Johan Lundstrom used red phosphorous instead of white and for many decades Sweden held a worldwide monopoly in the manufacture of safety matches.

A Philadelphia lawyer named Joshua Pusey invented the matchbook in 1889 developing small paper matches bound into a pocket sized book. His idea was used by the Mendelssohn Opera Company to advertise their New York opening and suddenly paper matchbooks were everywhere, advertising everything. © Leon F. Jones

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

29

Welcome to

PSG SOLAR...

…Generating a brighter future

Headquartered at Tolworth Tower, PSG Solar is an MCS accredited supplier and installer of solar energy solutions, providing expert advice on domestic and commercial installations.

Photovolataic systems, known as “PV”, generate electricity from sunlight and are a clean, green and increasingly affordable source of renewable energy.

Why PV ?

• Energy is a valuable commodity, becoming more and more expensive.

• PV saves you money – a typical PSG Solar installation costs less than £6,000 and the Government estimates that a 4kW system will generate income & savings of up to £890 each year, tax free.

• It will reduce your energy costs and can add value to your home, with Government backed subsidies, inflation proofed for 25 years.

• Even after the cuts, PV can provide an index linked return of over 10%.

Why PSG Solar ?

• We are locally based.

• We specify, design and install the systems ourselves.

• We are NOT “commission driven” salesmen or agents.

• We will direct you to alternative technologies if they can better serve your needs.

Planning any building work ?

Increasingly, Planning Permission requires an element of renewable energy to be included within any plans to construct or alter domestic and commercial buildings… …PSG Solar’s energy solutions are a cost effective means of achieving renewable energy targets, improving EPC performance and, if you involve us in the early stage of your building project, we can suggest integrated systems to help reduce roofing and other construction costs.

Contact us now for a free, no obligation survey or visit our website for more information www.psgsolar.co.uk

T: 0208 144 8687 • E: info@psgsolar.co.uk PSG Solar, Tolworth Tower, Ewell Road, Surrey, KT6 7EL

30

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Windows • Doors • Conservatories Orangeries • Garage Doors • Roofline

Add a New Dimension to Your Home

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

7 Grand Parade, Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7BE www.warmlite.co.uk Tel: 020 8399 3377 To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

31

Autumn Anxieties!

A

s the nights draw in and the weather gets (even) cooler, it can become hard for many owners to maintain their dog’s exercise levels, at just the time when they may be more prone to getting stiff because of the colder, damper weather.

However regular exercise is a must for any dog’s quality of life, so it is important to make time to get out for a walk. Be aware of the risks of walking in the dark though and wear light colours or reflective clothing and collars to avoid accidents.

Other hazards to look out for at this time of year include dogs eating autumn fruits from the ground and developing digestive problems, so take care to prevent access to fallen apples, conkers and the like. Also bear in mind that anti-freeze is highly palatable – and poisonous – to pets and make sure you never leave it lying around when getting the car ready for winter.

Every autumn brings the event that many pet owners dread – bonfire night and the attendant fireworks that seem to start long before November 5th and go on for quite some time afterwards. Make sure you keep your pets in on and around bonfire night and bear in mind that background noise and light from the TV, with curtains well drawn, can be a distraction for those pets that are firework phobic. If this is not enough, medication including some herbal remedies or alternative products can help reduce anxiety, so please contact us for an appointment if you are worried.

Fireworks are not the only phobia.

and are often associated with puppies not being well- socialised or not being exposed to different environments and sounds within the first few weeks of puppyhood.

When puppies are young they easily acclimatise to loud and familiar sounds, this makes them much less likely to develop fears and phobias as they mature. Common phobias include loud noises: fireworks of course, but also thunder, gunshots and cars backfiring for example. Affected dogs show signs of anxiety and restlessness and may even become highly distressed or destructive.

Therapy can be helpful! Dogs can benefit from a desensitisation programme to build up tolerance of their phobias and may cope best if this is carried out together with a course of medication that reduces anxiety.

We can advise you further and can set up medication and/or behavioural therapy as necessary. In addition – at high risk times, many affected dogs benefit from a ‘safe place’ such as an indoor kennel in a quite secluded part of the home.

A calm owner that ignores their fear rather than feeding into it with excessive reassurance is very important.

So, be cool, be calm and give us a call if you want to discuss any of this in further detail.

Aspen Veterinary Surgery 351 Ewell Road, KT6 7BZ 020 8399 6437 www.aspenvets.co.uk

You may not realise it but there are a number of phobias that occur frequently in dogs

32

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Aspen Veterinary Surgery Your pet matters to us

Puppy parties Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm.

Please phone the surgery to book your place.

Open Mon-Fri: 8am-7.30pm Sat: 8.30-11am 24 hour Emergency Service

HOMES NEEDED FOR SHY CATS!

Just like people cats have very different personalities and our job is made much easier by lively, cuddly, chatty cats who jump to attention whenever they see a human. However there are also shy cats, the more discerning cats if you will, who once they get to know you will give you all the love & cuddles & purrs they have but they need to get to know you & trust you first.

Are you a patient & experienced cat owner who would appreciate a discerning kitty? Do you live in an adult only household? Do you have a garden - it may take months for the cat/s to want to venture outside into the big wide world, but we want them to have the opportunity. Do you feel you can offer a forever home to one of our shy cats?

If you feel that you fit the bill please ring Rosemary on 01737 350307 to find your perfect feline friend.

Epsom, Ewell & District Branch ww.cats.org.uk/epsom

www.aspenvets.co.uk 351 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7BZ

020 8399 6437

As we have around 7,000 cats and kittens in our care at any one time, we will find you the perfect feline friend. www.cats.org.uk Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

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33

TECH SPEC

Get your caffeine kick effortlessly with the latest coffee makers and gadgets 34

We’re a nation of coffee lovers, so it’s hardly surprising that there’s a huge range of gadgets that promise to deliver the perfect caffeine fix.

From cheap and cheerful cafetières to massive Costa Coffee-scale machines, there are gadgets to suit all tastes and budgets.

Bean Scene

Coffee purists scoff at instant, saying there’s no substitute for ground coffee. The cheapest and easiest way to experiment with ground coffee is to buy it in a tin and stick it in a cafetière; expect to pay around £10 for a simple one or as much as £60 for Bodum’s Columbia double-walled cafetière, heat insulated to keep your coffee fresh.

If you’d like to turn your coffee into a latte, £7 to £15 pays for a batterypowered milk frother.

Cafetières aren’t the only cheap choice: the Aeropress (around £20 online) comes with rave reviews. It looks like a cross between a cafetière and a pump, and that’s essentially what it is: it uses gentle air pressure to extract more flavour from your coffee. Using it’s just a matter of putting in a few scoops of coffee, pouring in hot water and pressing the plunger. The whole process takes less than 30 seconds.

For years most coffee machines in the high street were filter ones, usually consisting of a

reasonably sized jug, a hot plate and a funnel. They’re still around, but in recent years the focus has shifted to machines that make small espressos rather than huge jugs.

Espresso machines come in two forms: ones that use loose ground coffee, and ones that use pods.

DeLonghi’s EC330S Espresso Coffee Machine (around £85) is a good example of the former, with a removable stainless steel filter and an integrated frother that uses steam to create perfect cappuccinos and lattes. They’re not the quietest or the most convenient - the filter only takes enough coffee for a single cup at a time - but there’s no arguing with the superbly tasty results.

If you’d rather use pre-packed coffee pods than loose grounds, DeLonghi’s Espresso Icona range (from around £99) offers the best of both worlds: it works with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods, or with loose coffee. As with the EC330S, it’s only designed to make one or two drinks at a time.

ESE is the world’s favourite kind of coffee

pod, with versions from big names including Illy, Lavazza and Segafredo, but it isn’t the only one: Nestle has its Nespresso system, while Douwe Egberts has its Senseo. All three systems offer pros and cons: they’re more convenient than loose coffee and less messy, but the coffee isn’t as fresh and in the case of Nespresso and Senseo, you’re locked into one firm’s coffee system.

Senseo pods don’t work in Nespresso machines and vice-versa.

Coffee snobs wouldn’t go near either: for them, the only way to make coffee is to grind the beans yourself. Grinders aren’t as expensive as you might think. Bodum’s Bistro range of electric grinders starts at £79, while Krups’ GVX2 is just £36. It is one more machine to clean however and one more step between waking up and tasting the first coffee of the day. If you’re really serious about your coffee, a coffee machine with its own integrated grinder is a much better idea - but don’t expect to find one going cheap: a good quality bean-to-cup machine such as Gaggia’s R18171 will set you back £699.

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35

Enjoy Some Tulip Mania All those years ago when ‘Tulipmania’ was rife, people were so taken by tulips that it’s said they paid similar to house prices for some especially prized tulip bulbs. Now that might seem crazy, but nowadays we can relax and enjoy tulips without spending a fortune.

horticultural gravel or grit in the base of the hole before planting the bulb. Don’t use grit or gravel left over from the local building site, as this often contains salts and other contaminants which may harm or kill garden plants.

They are amazingly good value, as a visit to your local garden centre will prove and now’s a great time to plant tulip bulbs. In fact it’s better to plant them over the next few weeks than to have planted them in September, so take the plunge and indulge in some tulip bulbs that have the potential to transform your flower beds and tubs next spring with their silken-petalled, strikingly coloured blooms.

Tulips make great plants for containers such as window boxes, tubs and decentsized pots and planters. All types do well, but shorter varieties generally look best (check the front of the pack or the catalogue for heights). Good drainage is essential so make sure that there are plenty of crocks in the base of the container and that it’s well supplied with drainage holes.

Either a loam-free multi-purpose compost or use this mixed 50:50 with a loam-based compost and a bit of added grit.

Late Planting

Tulip bulbs are best planted after you plant most of your other spring flowering bulbs.

Planting from the last half of October and well in to November generally works best.

Plant too early and the bulbs will be far more prone to damage by the fungal ‘tulip fire’ disease which wrecks the leaves and flowers, so you can relax in the knowledge that spring is now packed full of potential.

Gritty Bed

If your garden soil is inclined to be clay and rather heavy, tulips may suffer and are certainly less likely to come back after their first wet winter. A heavy loam works well but anything that isn’t well drained may cause problems. You can solve this to a good extent by digging an extra large planting hole and putting an inch or two of

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Contained Colour

Fantastic Foliage

Tulips are best known for their gorgeous flowers, but don’t forget that many also have good looking foliage which can help to bring colour and texture to your pots and beds. Try the Kaufmanniana types such as ‘Johann Strauss’(dark red flowers with yellow edges and mottled leaves), or even better the Greigii type tulips which all have maroon patterning on the leaves, such as ‘Red Riding Hood’ (richest red with black).

Choosing tulips with fantastic foliage means that they give you something to enjoy both before and after the fantastic floral display.

Tulip Partners

It’s the ultimate classic combination, but

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to my mind it’s still not used often enough – richest red tulips surrounded by a mist of pale blue forget-me-nots. Dreamily pretty, this wonderful combination is easy to achieve; you can sow the forget-menot seed now, as you plant the bulbs, or if you prefer sow them early in the year, just before the bulbs emerge. Either way the display you achieve will be breathtakingly beautiful.

Long-lived Lovelies

In most gardens tulips are not the longest living bulbs, however you can always try growing the so-called species tulips such as Tulipa sprengeri or Tulipa turkestanica.

They have smaller, less-showy flowers and will be considerably more expensive initially but they look gorgeous, tend to last longer and, better still, spread extensively in the right spot. After a few years a carpet of species tulips can be achieved, and will take your breath away.

Good Companions

Tulips look great with each other or with many other plants. Try combining the richly purple-black leaved Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ with any purple tulip such as

‘Passionale’, or for a wackier effect chose one of the frilly petalled parrot-tulips with green streaks on their petals, or the green ‘spring green’ tulip, combined with any low-growing shrub.

So whether your garden is large or small, or you’re restricted to a paved backyard or a balcony, this is the best time of year to think tulips and all they have to offer your garden. Start planting now and transform your garden for spring.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com. While there, visit the new products area for a great selection including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls and lots, lots more! You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and get a free ebook on organic gardening.

by Pippa Greenwood

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37

Eucalyptus Tree Management

T

hese trees have proved to be very popular in our gardens, this article looks at the characteristics of these trees and the necessary management measures to control the rapid growth rates.

The native areas of the world where Eucalyptus trees originate are mainly Australia covering a wide range of species adapted to the contrasting climate from the northern tropics of Queensland to the temperate zone of Tasmania. The tree has a multitude of forms varying from the rounded blue green leaves of a Silver gum to taller Mountain gum

The Eucalyptus tree does have 2 key hazards that require monitoring or management. Firstly, the tree has a tendency to drop limbs at random even in low wind conditions!!.

To assess the potential threat look for the longer limbs on the tree, it is these branches which create the most movement especially if they have a dense foliage cover creating a large “sail� area to the wind. These limbs can be reduced to growth points drastically reducing the threat of breaking. In an

with its blue green slender leaves.

These trees are fast growers so caution is necessary when choosing one for your garden, for example the Mountain gum can reach a height of 30m!, Lesser heights are achieved with the Spinning gum or Urn gum. The attraction of these trees are the lower

ideal scenario it is best to complete a full crown reduction every 4 or 5 years; where the tree is close to a property a more severe pollard may be required to control both rootplate growth and subsequent alterations to the local water table.

Secondly, the stability of the rootplate can create problems especially on clay based soils where a period of persistent rain is followed by windy conditions. Clay based soils create a potential slippage plane between the soil and rootplate base.

Eucalyptus trees are characterised by a surfaced based rootplate whereby an extensive width of roots achieves support to the tree as opposed to other tree species that develop a deep root system to carry the weight of the tree mass. Where the centre of mass of your tree is off centre or where the rootplate surface appears to be lifting on one side of the tree then get a qualified arborist to do a free inspection for you.

density foliage compared to other evergreen trees such as Holly or Bay trees ,in addition the bark of the tree can be very interesting with numerous colour variations possible. The trees do produce a high litter release in the autumn which breaks down very slowly so it is advised to rake up and compost the foliage.

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As with all trees a regular health check is advised, we have a guide page on our website which is a useful first assessment guide. In conclusion despite the concerns over managing these trees they can provide an attractive aesthetic addition to your garden.

Roger Kerr, R.J Tree Services

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Qualified, professional and experienced staff are happy to give advice and information on all your arboricultural queries

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39

A sporty round up!

W you?

hat a summer of sport! Even if you are not sporty, you can’t help but be impressed with Team GB, can

First there was Bradley Wiggens winning the Tour de France, then after the Olympics, the Paralympics carried on with fantastic displays of courage and fortitude to more than double the number of medals awarded in the Olympics. Amazing!

Then Lewis Hamilton wins the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Andy Murray winning the US Grand Slam. But still no Gold Post Box in Surbiton. A shame, as there were several Surbiton representatives in some teams, such as the Hockey.

But going around, as well as to and from the Olympic Events, I was quite surprised by the numbers of Games Makers, all volunteers, travelling from our area. There were students to pensioners, giving up their time. But apart from a few about to go to University, there are many of these young people now looking for work.

Think about it, do you have a business and looking for staff? Consider someone with ‘London 2012 Olympics’ on their CV. If you do have a vacancy, why not send it in?

And if you are looking for a job, send in your details and let’s see if we can match a vacancy with an ex-volunteer.

SE BUILDING & JOINERY SERVICES We are locally based qualified builders

Kitchens Bathrooms Purpose made bedroom & living room furniture Fire doors upgraded Gardens designed & built Experienced, Professional, Reliable Friendly and tidy service Recommendations available For a free estimate contact: Danny Signor: 020 8397 8804 / 07958 461 077 Will Lord: 020 8399 7872 / 07961 450 618 email: sebuildingandjoinery@gmail.com

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Hypoxi Therapy Centre, Surbiton (263 Ewell Road, Surbiton)

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Then be afraid no more as The Hypoxi Therapy Centre, Surbiton can work their magic this Halloween & help you:  Loose a dress size with a course of 12 sessions  Reshape your hips, thighs and buttocks  Target that unwanted spare tyre  Banish the appearance of your cellulite  Long lasting results  Power Plate sessions Hypoxi therapy allows you to achieve the results that you have always wished for! Call now to book a free session!

Hypoxi therapy has recently been shown on the:

For more information on Hypoxi Therapy go to www.hypoxi-therapy-centre.co.uk To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

41

Preparing your body for

Pregnancy If you’re hoping to become pregnant then make sure your body is ready for this exciting time in your life If you’re trying for a baby then you need to ensure that your body is a safe haven so your baby can develop healthily during your pregnancy. The first 12 weeks are particularly important as this is when your baby goes through major developments in a very short period.

By looking after your body from the moment you start thinking about becoming pregnant you will be laying good foundations for the months ahead as your body changes.

Eating healthily

A healthy body weight is important for fertility.

Being too overweight or underweight can affect the hormones needed to stimulate ovulation.

A well-balanced diet will give you the best chance of conceiving. You should eat plenty of potatoes and pasta to provide complex carbohydrates, at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and three portions of dairy, such as yoghurt and cheese. You should also include 2-3 portions of protein in the form of meat, fish or cooked lentils a day, too. You only need a small amount of fatty foods to gain their benefits, such as avocados, nuts and fatty fish.

Drink plenty of fluids - around two litres a day. This should be mainly water, but milk, herbal teas and fruit juices are also good.

Keep your kitchen clean and always cook food well to avoid infections such as Salmonella and Listeria. You should start taking folic acid supplements as soon as you can and check with your GP to see if they recommend any other vitamins.

Foods to avoid: Cut down on salty, sugary and fatty

foods as they provide very little health benefit. Avoid blue cheese such as Stilton and Gorgonzola or those which have a soft rind of mould, such as Camembert, as well as pates as these tend to contain liver and liver products. Avoid eating raw fish, such as Sushi and shellfish such as oysters and make sure all fish is well cooked to kill off bacteria or viruses. Always check that food is well cooked, including eggs. Your GP should be able to give you an extensive list of what to avoid.

Relaxation

Deciding to have a baby is the first step to a major

42

life change. You may not become pregnant as quickly as you hoped, but it’s important to try and remain relaxed. Prioritise your tasks, make sure you give yourself enough ‘downtime’ and pamper yourself. Some people find meditating is a wonderful way to calm the mind and think positively.

Exercise

If you exercise regularly there is no need to stop this until the later months of your pregnancy, unless your GP advises otherwise or you take part in extreme sports.

If you don’t do much exercise, now is a good time to start some gentle activities. Regular, moderate exercise (30 minutes, three times a week) can improve your physical well being and mood and ensure your body is in good shape for pregnancy. It will also help you to build stamina and become supple and flexible, which will help you during labour. Swimming, walking and yoga are all good exercises if you’re just starting out.

By starting early, you are giving your baby the best chance of a healthy time in the womb, leaving you to enjoy your pregnancy.

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43

Tricks of the Trade

Professional Make-Up Looks

So you think you know how to apply your make-up? Then think again. We’ve got the best hints, tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional look, and fix some of those troublesome areas too.

Tools of the Trade No make-up artist would be without a quality brush set. It provides all the tools needed to sculpt, conceal and enhance, whilst ensuring an even application of any product.

Make-up brushes come in many shapes and sizes, and each has its own job. The most essential are: Foundation brush - this ensures that a totally flawless finish is created. It makes liquid foundation easy to apply and guarantees an even covering.

Concealer brush - allows for precision when concealing any blemish, dark circle or imperfection.

Powder brush - foundation should always be set with powder and this brush offers the perfect covering.

Blusher brush - a good blusher brush will effortlessly sculpt the cheekbones and provide a well- blended hint of colour.

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Eyeshadow brushes - recent make-up trends have dictated that the focus is on lips rather than eyes, however eyeshadow shouldn’t be overlooked. Swap dark shades for a neutral and natural palette and use your eye-shadow brushes to create definition.

Always remember to contour the eye by applying the lightest colour to the inner corners and under the brow bone, midcolour to your socket and darkest shade to the outer corners.

Lip brush – after trying a lip brush you won’t ever want to be without one.

Defining the lips is made easy, and colour looks even and natural.

Make-up brushes that are described as ‘natural’ or ‘bristle’ are often made from squirrel, pony, sable or goat hair, so make sure they’re 100% cruelty free before you buy.

‘Synthetic’ brushes are often far cheaper and mimic the feel of natural bristle.

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Problem? No Problem Professional make-up artists have a solution for any problem. Here are a few top tips.

Under-Eye Dark Circles Firstly, prepare the skin under the eyes with an eye gel. Using the correct brush, apply concealer that’s two shades lighter than your foundation - yellow toned versions work well on ivory/beige coloured skin - to the entire area. Use your finger to blend, using a ‘tapping’ motion.

When you apply your foundation over an area that’s just been concealed, be sure to use the same ‘tapping’ motion that you did to conceal it, otherwise you will just be wiping away the product and revealing the dark area.

Under-Eye Puffiness A common mistake that many women make is to try to disguise puffy eyes by using a light coloured concealer. This only draws attention to the problem.

The key is to highlight the shadowy area underneath the puffiness to create balance and even out the look of the under-eye area.

After applying foundation, use a lightreflecting liquid concealer or highlighter and apply just under the puffiness, where the shadowy area is being created, not on the eye-bag itself. Blend by patting the product into the skin.

Over-Plucked Eyebrows Finding the right shape eyebrow for your face is essential, so take care not to overpluck. However, if your eyebrows are a little sparse, there’s no need to worry, as you can create the look of naturally full brows by using either eye-brow pencil or powder.

Mimic your natural brows by using feather-like strokes when you apply, and be sure never to draw a straight or solid line.

Image - ‘Jenna Menard, Clinique Global Colour Artist creating a catwalk look.’

by Helen Jane Taylor

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Wednesday & Thursday

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email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

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Think in Kingston TiK Think-in-Kingston (TiK), an annual series of events in October that used to be organised by the Council but is now done by a group of volunteers with a shoestring budget.

This year’s theme is Money. We have a website and most of the numerous events now have more than bare details there. http://e-voice.org.uk/ thinkinkingston/calendar/view The events are wide ranging, covering philosophical, religious and more political angles, as well as alternatives approaches like people’s budgets. We’re also covering debt, both here and worldwide, and reform of the banking system, alongside a talk about Saxon coins (Kingston connection with Saxon Kings being crowned here) Quite a lot of TiK events are held at the University in Penrhyn Road, so very close to us, and one of the speakers even lives in Berrylands: Tim Leunig (University on Oct 22nd).

There’s a money advice type event at Chessington and Hook library on Oct 19th. More details of all these are on the website http://e-voice.org.uk/ thinkinkingston/calendar/view

The Life List

KING GEORGE FIELD INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Learn to Bowl, Free Coaching, All Ages & Abilities Welcome Bar . Restaurant Social Events Large Car Park FUNCTION ROOM FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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

downstairs who won’t let you do whatever it is you think life won’t be worth living unless you do it.

Reasons to be kind to your parents when you’re a kid

6. They will demand to see your sweetheart and if you think that’s embarrassing, wait until they bring out the photo album with you on a rug, naked, with your bum in the air. (All parents do this – experts believe it’s a pay it forward revenge tactic.)

1. They buy your clothes. And however terrible you think their fashion sense is now, they’re doing that with a sense of care. Just imagine how awful you’d look if they were dressing you with a sense of revenge.

7. They’ll pick your schools and they set your pocket money. Ask any gambler – you can’t beat the house rules indefinitely. It’s the way of the world, so get used to it.

2. They feed you. So indirectly, they’re responsible for deciding whether you grow up with sugar cravings, obesity, sensible eating habits or a perverse fondness for chicken liver smoothies.

3. They could wait until you have a great bunch of friends and then decide to move. You think social services are going to help with your relocation problem? Think again.

4. They tell Father Christmas what presents to leave. Yep, even that awful jumper from your spinster aunt that you had to wear on Christmas Day for the family photos. Trust me, they had a hand in that too.

5. Who do you think will insure your first car – and probably pay for the garage to fix it when you wreck it? That’s right – those mean folks

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8. Bottom line – your inheritance is their scrimping and saving. So, for every penny they don’t give you for the latest computer game, the second it comes out in the shops, a proportion of that saving will one day find its way to you. It’s like a trickle down a mountain, gradually gathering in size.

9. They love you. And the really weird thing is that’s the reason they do all that crazy stuff to you. And the more you learn about their behaviour, the more you can inflict it on your own kids and then say, “Blame granddad and grandma – it’s how they brought me up.” That’s probably what your parents say too. © Derek Thompson “The pen is mightier than the sword and easier to carry in your trouser pocket.” www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.com

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15

20

General Knowledge Crossword 8

21

3

4

5

6

22

9

7

8 9

24 11

10

12

14 12

13

15

14

Across 15

16

1

17

Integers (6) 21

7

18

19

20

8

Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 23

9

Fluid in the mouth (6)

24

24

10

Shared on-line journal 25 (4)

11 Song used to praiseDown the Deity (5) Across

13 1 Integers (6)

Dog of mixed 1 Integers (6)breed (7)

Member of an ancient Jewish sect 15 7 Dogmatism (7)an Member of around the time of Christ (8)

8 (6) Hawaiian Fluid in the mouth

21

Small measure (usually of food such as custard) (6)

resin (5)

garland3 ofCountry, flowers (3) capital Madrid (5)

Organs of locomotion and Principal bullfighter (7) 9journal Fluid mouth Shared on-line (4) in balance in the fishes (4) 4 (6) Song used to praiseShared the Deity (5) 10 on-line

22

11

Dogmatism 23(7)

13

5 Military journal (4)knapsack (6)

Dark brownish-red colour (6) 6 Oil used as fuel in lamps (8)

Dog of mixed breed (7)

Song used to praise the Deity (5)

Sweet potato (3)

12

Curved oriental sword (8)

Dog of mixed breed (7)

Yellow fossil resin (5)

Deep red(8) (7) 24 Ribbon-like intestinal14parasite 15 Dogmatism (7)

Yellow fossil resin (5)

21

Organs of locomotion and 10 balance in fishes (4)

22

23 Dark brownish-red colour (6)

23 13

Sweet potato (3)

24

Ribbon-like intestinal parasite (8)

25 25

Sharpshooter (6) 17

18

19

Down Across: 1 Digits, 7 Pharisee, 8 Lei, 9 Saliva, 10 20 17 Amber, Fins, 22 Maroon, 23 Yam, 24 Tape 1 Small 21 measure (usually of Down: 1 Dollop, 2 Geisha, 3 Spain, 4 Matador, 22 food such as custard) (6) 16 Oyster, 18 Bunyip, 19 Reamer, 20 Proms.

ancient Jewish sect 2 Japanese woman trained around the time of Christ (8)men (6) to entertain

Hawaiian 17 garlandYellow of flowersfossil (3)

17

Solution

Member of an ancient Jewish sect 22 around the time of Christ (8)

21

ss

16

©puzzlepress.co.uk

11

17 18 19 (7) Dog of mixed breed

2

Japanese woman trained 23 to entertain men (6)

3

Country, capital Madrid (5)

4

25 Principal bullfighter (7)

5

Military knapsack (6) Down

6 12 14 16 18 19

©puzzlepress.co.uk

2

13

©puzzlepress.co.uk

1

16

7 General Crossword for Dogmatism October (7) 15

Oil 1 usedSmall as fuelmeasure in lamps (8) (usually of such as (8) custard) (6) Curved food oriental sword 2

Japanese woman trained

Deep red to(7) entertain men (6) Pearl-producing 3 Country,shellfish capital (6) Madrid (5) Mythical monster said to live in 4 Principal bullfighter (7) watery places like swamps (6) 5 Military knapsack (6)

Drill6used shape orfuel enlarge holes (8) (6) Oiltoused as in lamps

20

Formal school ororiental college balls 12 Curved sword (8) Organs of locomotion and 16 Pearl-producing shellfish (6) balance in25 fishes (4)Yellow fossil held at the end of a year (5) (6)resin (5) 17 Sharpshooter 14 Deep red (7) 18 Mythical monster said to live in Dark brownish-red colour (6) watery places like swamps (6) 21 Organs of locomotion and 16 Pearl-producing shellfish (6) Solution Sweet potato (3) balance in fishes19(4)Drill used to shape or enlarge holes (6) Across: Digits, 8 Lei, 9 Saliva, 10 Blog, 11 Psalm, 13 Mongrel, 15 Bigotry, 18 Mythical monster said to live Ribbon-like intestinal1 parasite (8) 7 Pharisee, 20 Formal school or college balls

in Dark brownish-red colour (6) 24 Tapeworm, 25 Sniper.watery places like swamps (6) 21 Fins, 22 Maroon, 23atYam, held the end of a year (5) Down: Dollop,potato 2 Geisha, Kerosene, 12 Scimitar, 14 Crimson, 23 1Sweet (3) 3 Spain, 4 Matador, 5 Kitbag, 6 19 Drill used to shape or enlarge holes tion 1624 Oyster, 18 Bunyip, 10 19Blog, Reamer, 20 Proms.

Ribbon-like parasite (8) 15 Bigotry, ss: 1 Digits, 7 Pharisee, 8 Lei, 9 Saliva,intestinal 11 Psalm, 13 Mongrel, 20 Formal school or college balls 22

17 Amber, Sharpshooter (6)

LEWIS DICK

mber, 21 Fins, 22 Maroon, 23 Yam, 24 Tapeworm, 25 Sniper. n: 1 Dollop, 225 Geisha,Sharpshooter 3 Spain, 4 Matador, 5(6) Kitbag, 6 Kerosene, 12 Scimitar, 14 Crimson, yster, 18 Bunyip, 19 Reamer, 20 Proms.

solicitors

held at the end of a year (5)

Solution Need a Across: 1 Digits, 7 Pharisee, 8 Lei, 9 Saliva, 10 Blog, 11 Psalm, 13 Mongrel, 15 Bigotry, DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP23 Yam, 24 Tapeworm, 25 Sniper.

17 Amber, 21 Fins, 22 Maroon, Down: 1 Dollop, 2 Geisha, 3 Spain, 4 Matador, 5 Kitbag, 6 Kerosene, 12 Scimitar, 14 Crimso WITH CONTACT 16 Oyster, 18 Bunyip, 19 Reamer, 20 Proms.

speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten Need to

MOVE HOUSE OR GET HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS speak to Jonathan Owens Need to MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE speak to James Winfield

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, AND PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE For more information or a no obligation quote

Call: 020 8393 0055

Email: ewell@lewis-dick.com or visit our Website: www.lewis-dick.com Lewis & Dick, 443 Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey, KT19 0DG To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

47

Share the Scare This Halloween why not settle down for some good old-fashioned ghost stories with the youngest members of your family. We’re not suggesting you curl up with the latest Stephen King; our selection of children’s favourites will deliver just the right amount of spooky. From toddlers to teenagers, these tales will ensure Halloween is less of a trick and more of a treat.

Funnybones Janet and Allan Ahlberg What could be more fitting for Halloween than three skeletons on a night out? This classic tale of a somewhat unusual family unit will ease the youngest of readers into Halloween.

Setting out on a walk, ready to scare someone and then settling for frightening themselves, it’s a humorous (or should that be humerus?) story with the best laughs coming when they try to reassemble Dog Skeleton. A definite bone-rattler for your littlies, it’s certain to have you humming ‘Dem bones, dem bones’ up until bedtime.

The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman Nobody Owens or ‘Bod’ is no ordinary boy. It’s not surprising really given that he’s been raised by ghosts and ghouls after his own family was murdered.

Will Bod survive to adulthood given his unusual adopted family? Will his parents’ killers catch up to him? And how do you learn about life, from the dead? This is a strange and compelling tale for older children. Heavily influenced by Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, it’s easy to see why Gaiman

48

has earned himself an army of devoted fans… among the living.

Pure Dead Magic Debi Gliori Move over Mary Poppins, there’s a new nanny in town. Mrs McLachlan’s hired to sort out the strange and mysterious Strega-Borgia family.

She has her work cut out dealing with both the children and the parents, not to mention beasts in the basement. This is a Scottish clan in crisis and only a super nanny can come to their rescue. It’s a strange tale that mixes tradition and new technology into a bizarre brew that could have come straight from a Scottish cauldron.

Little Shop of Hamsters (Goosebumps Horrorland) R.L. Stine The Goosebumps series does exactly what it says on the tin. Here’s one of our favourite titles in which Sam, who’s desperate to have a pet, starts work in a pet shop. He soon discovers that hamsters may be small, but they’re not always cute.

For anyone who enjoyed

‘Bunnicula’, the vampire bunny has nothing on these evil fur-balls. Be careful what you wish for…and don’t forget to check the hamster cage before you go to sleep.

Kiss of Death Malcolm Rose A school trip goes very wrong when twins Kim and Seth and their friend Wes visit Eyam: a community that was wiped out by the Black Death.

Kim and Wes decide to take coins (one of which happens to be cursed) from the bottom of a well in the village only to have the theft come back to haunt them. When the boys are struck down with what looks like the plague, it’s Seth to the rescue. It brings new meaning to the phrase ‘take nothing but photographs’.

The Boy Who Haunted Himself Terry Deary A bizarre story of an experiment that goes somewhat awry, the shy and retiring Peter Stone becomes possessed by a spirit from the past. He faces an epic internal struggle to regain his body and mind. This is a chilling tale, with a sting at the end. Paul McKenna fans: be warned.

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Cheaper Electricity and Gas - Kingston Together?

L

ast month I had the honour of officially launching an amazing project called “Cornwall Together”.

The aim is to help thousands of people across Cornwall save money on their electricity and gas bills, by bringing them together, so they can buy their energy in bulk, together.

Their initial target is to sign up 20,000 people across Cornwall, and they think they can save an average of £185, at least.

This fits in perfectly with an idea for our area that I’ve been discussing with some local people – you might call it “Kingston Together” I’m now keen to explore this idea with more residents from across Kingston Borough.

Would you and your family and neighbours be interested in a similar scheme to help us all save money on our energy bills?

If YOU are interested, please contact my office on 020 8288 0181.

Or you could read more about this idea and fill in my special energy survey “Save money, keep cosy, go green” at http:// www.edwarddavey.co.uk/. I’ve sent a paper copy of the survey to every local household in with my annual report this summer – thanks to those who’ve returned it already.

Cheaper energy bills with“Collective switching” It’s not news that people can save money by switching energy companies. There are many special“switching” websites, for example, that will help people find a better deal for their gas or electricity or both.

Yet only a small number of us actually switch. In fact, despite energy bills going up because of higher world prices for gas and oil, the numbers of people switching has actually fallen. And the people who might benefit the most from switching – those in fuel poverty – are considered even less likely to switch.

There are many theories about why switching numbers are low and falling – including the hassle, less doorstep selling and because people’s trust in energy companies has fallen in recent years, so they are less likely to respond to deals.

So instead of “individual”switching, the new idea is “collective switching”. This seems to have started first in Belgium, but there have been successful schemes in Holland and Germany.

Earlier this year, the Consumers’Association, Which?, ran the first British “collective switch”.Their scheme has switched over 36,000 households, who on average saved over £230 a year.

And it works in two ways. First, it helps more people get the benefits of switching that already exist. Second, the large number of gas and electricity accounts can be“auctioned” – to push energy companies to offer some of the best deals available.

Ministerial push for community purchase Indeed, I’ve been promoting these ideas for the last two years. First, as Consumer Affairs Minister, when I published a strategy called “Better Choices, Better Deals”,which amongst other things launched a new prize with Co-ops UK, to stimulate new collective purchase schemes.

And second, since moving to the Department for Energy and Climate Change, when I’ve focused on how we can get group discounts for people to help them save on gas and electricity bills. Through my work there, we have produced fact sheets to explain how collective switching works, and with Ofgem, the independent regulator, we have clarified the legal issues.

Inevitably, some people question whether this is a good idea. A few in the environmental movement, for example, say if people save money on energy, they will just use more, releasing even more carbon. Yet this argument overlooks many things –for example, that people can switch to a cheaper “green” tariff if they choose, and that when people become convinced big savings are possible on energy bills, then they can be more receptive to savings from energy insulation and energy efficiency.

Cornwall Together – a model to copy?

“Cornwall Together” is taking this idea to the next level – with an impressive partnership including the Eden Project, Cornwall County Council, St Austell Brewery, the local NHS, UNISON South West, Community Buying unlimited, Community Energy Plus, EnergyShare and USwitch.

By acting as a trusted third party, Cornwall Together hopes to convince many Cornish households to join in. All the large employers involved can promote the scheme to their employees – not to mention the unions for their members and the voluntary sector to their clients. So Cornwall Together hopes to get to scale quickly. And as you can see from their website –http:// www.cornwalltogether.com/– they are promoting energy insulation too.

So could we do this in Kingston? I’m keen to try. Over the next few months, I’m keen to explore the level of interest from key organisations across the Borough – but above all, whether people like you are interested. If you are, please let me know.

So it works!

To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096 To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

49

What’s on in October:-

Black Awareness Month; Breast Cancer Awareness Month;International Walk to School Month;World Blindness Month, Stop Smoking Month

1st-7th 1-26th:

Children’s Book Week CornerHouse Theatre, Surbiton: October Project: paintings, prints, photographs & drawings. Admission Free. Gala night 9th Oct 7-9pm

Contact: 0771 809 2818 2nd: Hop Farm: Wedding Fair 10-4pm Entry: £3 adult, £2.10 Child/Seniors, £5.10

Couples. www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events/170/wedding-fair 3rd: London Restaurant Festival www.londonrestaurantfestival.com Jeans for Genes Day 6th: Children’s Good As New Sale, raising funds for cancer Research at Esher

College Gymnasium, Weston Green Road, Thames Ditton. 1.30 - 3.30pm.

Admission: £2 for adults. Everything needed from birth to adolescence.

For details: Pat Farmiloe familoes@aol.com or www.goodasnewsale.tripod.

com/ 7th: Until 7th: Buckingham Palace Summer Opening. Changing of the Guard:

alternate days Aug-March @ 11am; Sun 10am (weather permitting) www.changing-the-guard.com National Poetry Day World Smile Day Royal Parks Half Marathon, takes in 4 of Central London’s Parks, 13.1 miles

Hyde Park Rangers Lodge Hyde Park W2 2UH 8th: World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 8-14th: National Curry Week; Chocolate Week; Back Care Awareness Week; Dyslexia Awareness Week 10th: World Mental Health Day 14th: Kingston Run Challenge Kingston Town Centre: 8.2ml; 16ml; 24ml Relay &

individual . 020 8399 3579 An Evening with Sir Roger Moore, at Rose Theatre, 7.30pm Tkts: £19-£22.

08444 821 556 14-15th: Italia in Piazza’s Real Italian food market in Kingston Market.

www.kingstonfirst.co.uk 16th: Surbiton Farmers’ Market, Maple Road 20th: Kingston Library Reference Room: Saxon Coins & 17th Century Tokens.

2.30-3.30 Free Local author Tim Everson will talk about items in Kingston

Museum, then see them in situ. Museum: 020 8547 5006 21st: Trafalgar Day 28th: British Summer Time ends: Clocks go BACKWARD 31st: Halloween November is Lung Awareness Month, Mouth Cancer month 2nd: Kingston Firework Display at Kingsmeadow Athletics & Fitness Centre Stadium, sponsored by Kingston Round Table & Kingston Rotary Club in aid of local charities. Open 6.30pm, last entry 7.45, fireworks start 8pm. Tickets: £5 Adults, £3 5-11yrs, in advance on line at www.kingstonfireworks.co.uk In person at Kingston Tourist Info Centre, Tolworth Recreation Centre, Malden Centre, Kingsmeadow & Kingfisher Centre. Tickets on the gate: £6 Adults, £4 child Do not bring fireworks or sparklers.

50

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5th:

Guy Fawkes Night

7th: Ladies pamper and shopping evening.

Come along to Christ Church School, Pine Gardens, Surbiton for an exceptional shopping and pamper evening. Enjoy a free glass of bubbly on arrival and some child free ‘me’ time as well a chance to do some early seasonal shopping! Time : from 7.30 pm - tickets £5. Please contact Amanda on 07957 211448 / amanda.baker@tiscali. co.uk for more details.

Sunday 28th October Remember!

Clocks go backward!

What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, 10-12pm at Christ Church Hall, Christ Church Road, Surbiton, KT5 8JJ. For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121 Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, meet outside Clas Ohlson Market Place, 10.00. 020 8547 5865. E-mail: ccst@rbk.kingston.gov.uk St Marks & St Andrew’s Church: Weds mornings, 10.15 -11.30 Stay & Play for Toddlers & Carers.

Note: term time. Friday Morning Coffee & Cake corner 10-11.30am. In addition, we have regular craft group meeting on 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month 7.30pm. We have moved to our new venue St Marks’ Church. Please check the details on the website: www.surbitonchurch.org.uk Kingston Camera Club: Camera enthusiasts welcome. The club meets weekly every Monday evening at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Athelstan Road, off Villiers Ave, KT1 3BE Doors: 7.30 for 8pm start. Ends 10pm, with half time tea & coffee. New members welcome for 2 meetings before joining. Contact: Hon Secretary: Time Morland 020 8541 0126/EM: tim.morland@yahoo.com www.kingstoncameraclub.com Tiny Tunes: Mondays at 10am and 10.50am at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Tuesdays at 10am and 10,50am at St Nicholas Parish Church, Summer Road, Thames Ditton. All sessions are 40 minutes long, feature music, dance, parachutes, bubbles and PomPoms etc. We take a mixed age range 3months - 5 years, pay as you go £5. Sibling comes for £2.50. See our website: www. tinytuneslive.com

Why not send in your event for November & December/January Call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email:karen@berrylandscompanion.com Get your school, church or charity event mentioned in A Berrylands Companion magazine Call Karen on: 020 8274 0096 or email details to: karen@berrylandscompanion.com Next submission deadline is by 16th October for the November edition.

Please Note: The following deadline will be 16th November for December/January issue.

To advertise advertise call call Karen Karen on on 020 020 8274 8274 0096 0096 To

Clocks go backward 1.indd 9

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com karen@berrylandscompanion.com email:

51

COMMUNITY PAGE

TOLWORTH & DISTRICT LEISURE GARDENERS’ SOCIETY

Open to all gardeners & allotment holders.

Established over 90 years Run by members for members, non-profit making & can offer seeds, seed potatoes, fertilisers, composts and other gardening supplies to members at favourable rates.

Alexandra Store, King Charles Road, alongside Travis Perkins Yard Open Wednesday 2.00-4.00pm Saturday 2.30-4.30pm Knollmead Store, by Knollmead School Sunday 10.00-12 midday.

Both open from February to November A newsletter is provided for members four times a year with information, tips and offers.

New members always welcome Annual membership £2.50/ concessions £1.50 To find out more please come and see us at one of the stores during trading hours

SURBITON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tues 2nd Oct: The Tony Cawley Lecture In honour of one of our founder members, the lecture will be an illustrated talk on “Ocean Liner Art - Ships that Shaped Our Lives, 1800 -1950”, by James Taylor.

Tues 6th Nov: Ms Julie F Chandler will give atalk on “The History of the City of London Livery Companies” Meetings start at 7.45pm and are held at Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Surbiton. Visitors are welcome, a £2 contribution is welcome.

For information: Contact the Secretary

020 8399 4473

lenandmarilyn@virginmedia.com

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION Did you know there is an association in Hook which exists to support gardeners and allotment holders?

Are you interested in gardening? If so our association, which was founded over 50 years ago and is run by volunteers, can provide a wide range of composts, fertilisers, seeds and other gardening products at notfor-profit club prices to our members.

Membership costs only £1 a year and our trading facility is situated next to the entrance to the allotment plots, just beyond the rugby club pavilion, at the rear of King Edward’s recreation ground, Hook Road, Chessington.

We are open:Sundays - 10am to 12 noon - February to October 10am to 11am - November to January If you want to make further enquiries come and see us during the above times.

A warm welcome and friendly gardening service awaits you.

52

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

COMMUNITY PAGE

For all gardeners and allotment holders!

If you have missed a copy of A Berrylands Companion you can pick up a copy at: Budgens, Tolworth Library, TRC, YMCA, Surbiton Library, Hypoxi Therapy Centre.

Copies are available to read while you wait at: Aspen Veterinary Surgery, Surbiton Hill Garage and Cornerhouse Dental Practice.

We are a small friendly local society providing gardening supplies at very reasonable prices to our members: 9 Seeds, summer and spring bulbs, onion sets, seed potatoes.

9 Summer bedding plants and other young plants according to season.

9 Traditional and organic fertilizers and soil improvers/conditioners.

9 Lawn and rose treatments, weedkillers, pest controls.

9 Growbags and bagged compost, pots, gloves, trays, canes, netting etc.

Annual membership just £2, senior citizens £1.

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

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

Disclaimer

Season’s Greetings from Your Details Here Address 020 8123 4567 6 to a page £15 each

Whilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in A Berrylands Companion, the publisher takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or for the loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement.

22/01/2010 00:22:03

Yes, I know it is only October, but how about booking your Christmas Greeting Bauble now?

Call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email me on:

Season’s Greetings karen@berrylandscompanion.com from Your Details Here0096 To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 Address

Any errors, omissions or offers are the responsibility of the advertiser. All artwork is accepted on the condition that the advertiser has obtained permission from any copyright holder for its use by A Berrylands Companion. Whilst every care is taken when printing artwork we cannot guarantee an exact colour match due to variations in print processes. Bookings are accepted only on this basis.

It is the advertiser’s responsibility to submit any amendments to adverts by the deadline dates.

To advertise any event, community activity in the magazine, please call

Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

53

Index Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers Home & Garden All Your Garden Needs Auntie Planty Berrylands Building Company Berrylands Property Maintenance Cheam Windows Chris Mould Plumber Dream Doors Extreme Clean/ Handyman Golden Thread James Anthony Decorator KCB Design Kevin Robinson Decorators Leverett Electricals Lifestyle Building Services Malcolm Hoskins Landscape Gardening Oven Cleaners R.J.Tree Services S E Building & Joinery Services Shaun Overy Heating & Plumbing Time for You Domestics Tolworth Fencing Company Warmlite Will Lord Will Stallion Electrical

37 37 27 29 55 27 2 7 29 27 25 33 23 23 39 40 39 40 35 35 5 31 35 35

Rest & Relaxation Annette Self Corner House Dental Practice Emma’s Hair Salon Holiday Inn Kingston South Home Instead Hypoxi Therapy King George Field Bowls Club Paula Maple, Chiropodist Slimming World Yoga Zumba Classes

43 56 45 4 6 41 46 43 6 43 45

Children & Education Gwenda Jones Kingston Child Minders Association Monkey Music Numberworks Rugby Tots Splish’n Splash Westbury House School

12 6 12 13 33 12 11

Accountant Mark Baker

8/9

Computers Foto Jamsuma

15 15

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Want To Advertise Your Business?

Just because there is already an advert for a similar one, please do not think we will not take your advert!

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O U R L AT E S T ‘N E X T G E N E R AT I O N’ S H O W R O O M

NOW OPEN In HAMPTON COURT

0208 941 2466 Visit us today... ...enjoy a coffee whilst you view our

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YEARS

1991-2011

WINDOWS DOORS ORANGERIES CO N S E R VATO R I E S, GLAZED EXTENSIONS BESPOKE SHUT TERS & MUCH MORE

7 Hampton Court Parade, Hampton Court KT8 9HB (t) 0208 941 2466

7 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park (t) 0208 330 2170 48 High Street, Cheam (t) 0208 770 7555 (w) www.cheamwindows.co.uk To advertise call Karen on 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylandscompanion.com

55

Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

After

395 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7DG T: 020 8399 4311 M: 07833 581896 F: 020 8390 0942 E: info@gentlecaringdentist.co.uk

GentleCaringDentist.co.uk

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