Community Magazine for Surbiton, Tolworth and Berrylands

Happy New Year Readers

All too soon, here we are in 2023! How did that happen? But what a year to look back on for 2022, history certainly was a feature.

Most people will reflect on the momentous event of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the start of the reign of King Charles III. But there were so many other people that passed away in 2022, both famous and those of loved ones.

We will all be hoping for a Healthy, Prosperous New Year. If you are setting up a new business, remember, Marketing is not a cost, it is an investment in your business. Contact me for details of the various advertising packages that are available, with at least one to suit any budget. There may already be an advertiser with a similar business to yours, but to give readers more choice, why not promote your business?

Have you made any New Year Resolutions? Are you still keeping them? I’ve given up making them, as I seem to be so fickle!

Following my pieces earlier on the sad deaths of cats by speeding cars, there is some news.

As I prepare this edition of the magazine, there will be a debate in Parliament on 9th January at 4.30pm, on ‘Legal Requirement to Report Accidents with Cats’. You can catch it on: https://www.youtube.com/@ukparliament and it will also be reported in Hansard where you can read about it: https://hansard.parliament. uk/commons/23-01-09

Submitted too late for the Dec/January edition, please check out the GASPA advert on page45, as the event is on 27th January. Also there is a Young Carers’ Conference on February 4th, details are on page38.

Let me know if you have any other comments. Here’s to a Happy Healthy, Prosperous New Year.

Best wishes, Karen

Front cover: Vicky Hamilton from Pixabay.com

If you’re going to make a big financial decision, it makes sense to get help from the professionals. But you may worry about getting advice that you can trust and that’s right for you. That’s where an independent financial advisor comes in.

ADVICE vs GUIDANCE

Financial guidance (which anyone can give) is where somebody talks you through the pros and cons of your potential decisions. However, they legally cannot make any recommendations about your best option.

Financial advice is a regulated industry and a financial advisor can make specific recommendations of the best products for your needs. It’s only a suggestion, and you make the final decision, but that decision will be much better informed.

Financial advisors come in two forms. A ‘restricted’ financial advisor may only make recommendations for particular products or particular providers. In some cases, they may know or think there’s a better option elsewhere but don’t have to tell you about it. An independent financial advisor can consider all options.

Using an independent financial advisor also has some legal advantages. It’s a regulated status and the advisor is legally required to take into account several factors when giving advice. These include your budget, how long-term you are thinking, your tax status and the risk level you’ll accept.

If they don’t do so, you can complain to the Financial Services Ombudsman and could even get compensation. Remember, this only covers ‘bad advice’ in the sense that it wasn’t suitable for your specific needs. It doesn’t cover cases

where the product carried a degree of risk that you knew about and that risk didn’t pay off as well as you might have hoped. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme can step in if the financial advisor has gone into liquidation. Always check that an independent financial advisor is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which is a legal requirement. This means they have a particular level of professional financial qualifications, commit to a code of ethics and take part in ongoing professional training.

Another rule of being regulated is that the adviser must tell you up front what they charge and how their costs are calculated, letting you compare advisors before committing to a service. With new clients, advisers can no longer take commission from financial service providers. Instead, they can charge you through models such as an hourly rate, a set fee, an ongoing ‘subscription-style’ retainer, or a percentage of the money you invest.

WHO TO ENGAGE?

You could ask friends and family for a recommendation, but their needs and financial situation may be very different to yours.

There are a range of independent websites including Unbiased and VouchedFor, which can suggest advisors in your area.

Finally, whilst using someone local doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the best person, it’s much more likely you’ll be able to get feedback. And if an advisor has given time and money to advertise their services, their reputation is important to ensure they get the best return.

A Berrylands Based Building Company

We're an in house team of local builders based in Berrylands specialising in all aspects of building including extensions and refurbishments. We have a portfolio of projects stretching across our 10 years of trading. From Landscaping to Luxury Bathroom installations, our team of local trades is here to assist with any project you have planned for 2023

The benefits of travelling are infinite. However, the increase in plane travel and overcrowding of tourist hotspots has undoubtedly had a negative impact on the environment too.

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, but still want to see the world, don’t lose hope.

There are lots of ways to make your trips more sustainable – whether that’s by choosing the right destinations, seeking out eco-experiences or choosing greener modes of transport.

Choose a destination closer to home

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to have an unforgettable holiday. There are plenty of awe-inspiring destinations sitting right on your doorstep here in the UK, or just a short plane or train journey away.

With the pandemic putting a halt to foreign travel for over a year, many of us will be more accustomed to holidaying in the UK. However, if your sights are set on somewhere far-flung, reduce your carbon footprint by taking one longer holiday per year instead of multiple shorter trips.

Use efficient modes of transportation

Too often, we choose the easiest option when it comes to travelling, instead of thinking about the journey as an experience in itself.

Air travel tends to be the easiest but least efficient mode of transportation. When visiting destinations that are close to home – such as cities in Western Europe – why not consider travelling by train or coach? You’ll cut your emissions, while soaking up the scenery along the way. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, avoid renting a car and travel by bus, rail or bike instead.

Take the road less travelled

Nowadays, more and more destinations are becoming victims of overtourism. This is when there are too many visitors at a particular destination, resulting in locals being pushed out, damage to the area and more.

While it’s tempting to visit the bucket-list destinations you see on social media, as a tourist you can make a difference by getting off the beaten path. Do some extra research and look beyond the top attractions in the area you’re staying. You could also ask locals or other travellers for recommendations. By doing so, you’ll be spreading the benefits of tourism to more remote communities!

Seek out local and sustainable experiences

While you’re enjoying yotur holiday, take advantage of every opportunity to give back to the local community. Buying gifts for your family? Snap up locally made souvenirs at smaller independent stores. Fancy a meal out? Avoid big hotel chains and find restaurants run by local residents.

Homestays, local guides and programmes that give back to the community are also good ways to ensure your money is injected back into the local economy.

Pack like a pro

Plastic waste might not be a huge issue in the western world, but developing countries have been suffering from uncontrollable plastic rubbish in oceans and beaches for years. You can avoid single-use plastics on your travels by packing reusables like a water bottle, coffee cup, steel or bamboo straw, collapsible food container and bamboo cutlery.

Škofja Loka, Szlovénia

Cornwall, England

Bone Idyll Distillery & Bar in Kingston upon Thames

The Bar, Spirit & Cocktail Collection

Founded by husband-andwife team Sam and Alex Berry, Bone Idyll opened in June 2022 and is a Kingston-based bar and distillery making small batch spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), packed with passion, attitude, and taste.

Sam and Alex are respected mixologists, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs with a strong track record and wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. They have four other restaurants: No.97, Cento Uno, and The Hideaway, all in Surbiton, and One One Four in Teddington. In 2020, No 97 & One One Four were listed in the top 50 restaurants in the UK.

“The bar and distillery space are about kicking back and relaxing. Contemporary in design, I wanted to create a really stylish vibe, that included an exclusive space for the gin school, that felt like being at home”

The Spirit & Cocktail Collection

The distillery currently produces six speciality spirits, including vodka, a Barrel Aged Gin, Blushing Pink Gin, and London Bone Dry Gin priced

between £30-£40, plus a range of five ready-to-drink cocktails: bottles of Pink Gin Cosmo, Margarita, Barrel Aged Negroni, Passionfruit Daiquiri and Espresso Martini are all £30.

The Gin School

Learn the arts of mixology within the stunning surroundings of the Bone Idyll distillery, featuring 10 x 2 litre copper pot stills. Choose from a variety of premium botanicals and experiment with gin mixology flavours from sweet, to sour, to spicy. Reorder more - all recipes will be kept on file. Your class includes 3 double gin & tonics, Bone Idyll gin tasters, bar snacks (per person), a 700ml bottle of your own gin and a £5 discount to spend at the Bone Idyll shop. The classes are £125 per person.

Private Events

The venue and gin school bar area are available for exclusive private bookings. Simply let us know what your requirements are.

t: 0208 161 0440

www.boneidyll.co.uk

@bone_idyll

Sam Berry

The late winter month of February brings into focus the romantic festival of Valentine. Did you know that a gift of a thornless rose is said to represent ‘love at first sight’, and a single rose of any colour other than red means ‘thank you’? The single red rose doesn’t need any explanation, but if you feel generous and buy a bunch of twelve red roses, it could mean ‘I want to marry you’.

Living roses also make a wonderful gift. They can be planted now, provided the ground is frost-free. You can include a dose of mycorrhizal fungi, which will form a symbiotic relationship with any tree or shrub.

Types of roses

There are dozens of different types of roses and thousands of varieties in each category. New roses are being bred every year, but some of the old favourites include:

• Wild roses such as Rosa rugosa and Rosa canina, which can make wonderful informal hedges.

• Old Garden rose varieties, which are often over 100 years old, such as the pink, perfumed Rosa chinensis – the China rose.

• Hybrid tea roses such as: ‘Compassion’, an apricot pink, scented beauty; ‘Claret’, a red/ crimson variety with lovely fragrance; and ‘Aphrodite’, a pink rose with good disease resistance. Hybrid tea originate from the old tea roses, which smelled of spiced tea. They have strong, single blooms that are good for cutting.

• Floribunda roses have a profusion of smaller flowers, which appear in delightful clusters. These flower repeatedly and it is possible to have floribunda roses all through spring and into late summer.

• Patio roses are smaller than the shrub varieties and suitable for pots and containers. If you have a courtyard garden or even a large window box, this might be the one for you. The Gold Standard, award winning ‘George Best’ is a rather wonderful red, fading to pink. ‘Special Friend’ is the palest of pinks with a delicate fragrance.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Rose bushes can be planted in February

New rose varieties are being bred constantly, some with striped colours

• Ground-cover roses can look wonderful at the front of a border or draping across a low wall. Rosa ‘Kent’ is a white variety that has many excellent attributes, including large clusters of rain-tolerant blooms.

• Shrub roses are the modern equivalent to the Old Garden variety. They have been bred to be generally fairly disease resistant, having fairly large blooms that flower for many weeks. An unusual one is ‘Ferdinand Pichard’, being striped in clashing colours of bold pink, crimson and purple.

• Rambling roses are probably not for the faint-hearted! They grow beautifully through trees but might be too vigorous for a trellis or pergola. They generally flower just once a year, but it’s a show worth waiting for, particularly the white ‘Rambling Rector’.

• Climbing roses are a more orderly bunch of characters that love to grow over pergolas and can usually be trained to obey the chief gardener. They often flower more than once per year. Try ‘Gardener’s Glory’, a yellow rose that is a Gold Standard award winner, or ‘Gloriana’, a striking purple rose that flowers almost all summer long.

Fire Doors Doors

Skirting

Kitchens

Wardrobes Repair

Floribunda roses have clusters of blooms

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

Upgrading your lighting design is one of the easiest ways to transform the way your home looks and feels. While a lighting scheme is generally best planned at the start of a renovation, don’t worry if all you’re looking for is a quick fix – it’s perfectly possible to make a big difference within a short timeframe and on a small budget.

1 Swap your shades

Replacing the shade on a table lamp or pendant is easy and, if you choose bold colour or pattern, will add instant pzazz to a room. Alternatively, opt for fashionable materials such as rattan or smoked glass. Another trick is to buy a plain shade with a warm-coloured, reflective metal lining for an instant and appealing glow.

2 Retrofit a dimmer

Easily turn your lights down for atmosphere by swapping a conventional switch for a dimmer switch. It’s best to ask a qualified electrician to carry out a job such as this – but it should not be expensive. If you’re dimming an LED bulb or fitting, just make sure you choose an LEDappropriate dimmer.

3 Plug in more lamps

Bring light to dark corners by adding table or floor lamps. Simply try to achieve an attractive spread of light, at different heights around the room.

4 Use smart bulbs

Still a relatively new technology, ‘smart’ bulbs can be switched on and off, dimmed or colour-changed via remote control, app or voice command. Some can even be linked to other ‘smart’ systems within the house. A great way to add flexibility to your home.

5 Choose the best CRI

This is where it becomes technical. A bulb’s colour quality, or colour rendering index (CRI), measures how colours appear under its light compared to natural daylight, with 100 being daylight-equivalent. Below 80 and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between similar colours, such as black and dark blue. Aim for above 90 if possible.

6 Get the Kelvins right

The colour temperature of a light bulb (from warm and yellowish to cool blue-white) is measured in Kelvins. Choose 2,700K for ‘architectural’ lighting, while decorative fittings look good at a more atmospheric 2,200-2,400K.

7 Use cordless lamps

Cordless lamps are rechargeable fittings with an integral battery instead of a cord and a plug. Put them anywhere you like, regardless of the nearest socket, and move them around whenever and wherever you want.

8 Add a light strip

LED light strips are easy to use, slender and customisable, are attached with a self-adhesive backing, clips or within an aluminium channel, and can go almost anywhere. If you can’t connect them to an electrical supply, there are battery-powered options. Add them to coving, bookcases or shelves, underneath or inside cabinets, up the stairs, around mirrors and picture frames, and even inside drawers.

By Katherine Sorrell

The design of this pendant was inspired by Art Deco and Modernist hanging lights. Milano pendant light in antique bronze, £139, atkinandthyme.co.uk.

Winner of the UK Gift of the Year 2022, this extraordinary lamp is a decorative feature in itself, and provides a gentle glow with three different light temperatures. Smart Moon Lamp, £139, gingkodesignstore.com.

9

Lower the height of pendants

Create instant ambience by dropping your pendants low over a dining table or breakfast bar. If you have a row or cluster of three or more, you could vary their heights slightly. And why not swap a standard plastic flex for an elegant cotton one, in a colour chosen to match your decor? You’ll need an electrician for the job, but it will provide instant impact.

10

Embellish with string lights

Fairy lights can be employed for added sparkle whenever and wherever you like. Great for children’s rooms, they can also be used in an empty fireplace, around a headboard, wound up a staircase, to highlight a picture or mirror or – more or less – anywhere you feel like.

11

Choose interesting bulbs

No need to hide a bulb beneath a shade – modern bulbs come in an enormous varieties of styles that are decorative in themselves. Iridescent, oversized, in glorious shapes and even with a filament that spells out a word.

12

Add a kinetic light switch

Do you need to move a light switch or dimmer, but don’t want to install wiring? A self-powered, wireless, batteryfree kinetic switch will do the trick (though you will also need to wire a receiver into the fitting or existing switch). They can even be used in bathrooms or outdoors.

Of

This modern, cordless table lamp is charged via a USB port (providing nine hours of light) and can be moved around your home wherever you need it. USB rechargeable table lamp, £125, sparkle.lighting.

Serves 4

Prep time 15 mins

Cook time 12 mins

Ingredients

For the pancakes

• 140g plain flour

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp icing sugar

• 2 medium British Lion eggs

• 125ml milk

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil, for cooking the pancakes

For the filling

• 3 tbsp amaretto

• 2 tsp instant coffee, plus extra to serve

• 3 tbsp icing sugar

• 250g mascarpone

• 300g raspberries

Whether for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, teatime treat or after-dinner dessert, serve up pancakes with panache this Shrove Tuesday (21st February).

Method

1. In a large jug, gently whisk together all the pancake ingredients (except the oil) until smooth. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.

2. Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and brush with oil. Pour in heaped tablespoons of pancake batter, spaced a few centimetres apart, fitting 3-4 in the pan. Cook for about a minute until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip or turn and cook for a further 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make about 20 pancakes in total.

3. In a large bowl mix together the coffee, amaretto and icing sugar. Add the mascarpone and whisk until thick.

4. Spread a heaped teaspoonful of the coffee mixture onto each pancake, and layer to create a small stack, adding a handful of raspberries to 2 layers in each stack. Top with a dollop of the coffee mixture and an extra raspberry, then dust with a little coffee. Serve straightaway.

Egg-cellent choice Eggs are a good source of protein and are packed with essential nutrients. Always use eggs bearing the British Lion mark, which guarantees that they have been produced to the highest food standards. For more inspiration, visit www.egginfo.co.uk/recipes.

Two-time winner of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce’s Award for the Best Leisure and Hospitality Business, Glenmore House is one of Surbiton’s best kept secrets.

Constructed in 1840, Glenmore House is a fine example of late Georgian architecture situated in the exclusive Surbiton conservation area adjacent to the landscaped park of Claremont Gardens, the Edwardian building was one of the first substantial houses to be built in Surbiton, which has adapted to many uses over time, and today functions as a members’ club and wedding and events venue.

£25 PER PERSON inc VAT

Next held: 5th February, 5th March, 2nd April

*Every first Sunday of the month

Next held: 5th January, 2nd February, 1st March

Impressive double gates open on to Glenmore’s free, private car park which can safely accommodate up to 110 cars.

We have acquired an enviable reputation for gourmet cuisine second to none, offering superb value for money, with no compromise on quality.

Come and enjoy the popular Sunday Carvery in the magnificent Elizabethan Suite, Tudor Rooms or Crescent Room.

Our fabulous Elizabethan Suite comprises of a double height ballroom, featuring sparkling chandeliers, minstrel galleries and a sprung dance floor, adjoined by an exclusive bar area.

The Tudor Rooms benefit from stained glass windows and chandeliers, and our light and airy Crescent Room enjoys fabulous views over Claremont Gardens.

Choose from a choice of five starters, five main courses and at least eight desserts, with coffee and complimentary amuse bouche for just £25 per person, all prepared by our brigade of award winning Chefs, using the freshest ingredients.

** The price is £25 incl VAT, (parties over 7 subject to a 10% service charge). Children under 12 half price. Private rooms are also available for a small additional charge.

long time now and we pretty much know what the other one’s thinking, half the time, so it makes our working relationship really easy…and fun too!”

Holly, 41, and husband Dan Baldwin tied the knot in August 2007 in a romantic church ceremony before hosting their reception at Amberley Castle, with Holly designing her own wedding dress – taking inspiration from her mother Linda’s 1977 wedding outfit – before asking a friend to make it. “I knew I wanted it to be very vintage, lace, with long sleeves, a high neck and a beautiful, open back, as that’s what everyone sees when you walk down the aisle. Oh, and a long train…if you can’t do that on your wedding day, when can you?,” Holly told Wylde Moon, her official lifestyle and guidance brand. Speaking previously about the secret to her relationship with TV producer Dan, Holly revealed: “Support is everything in mine and Dan’s relationship. He’s very solid ground; he

She has that girl-next-door persona about her – and became a household name back in 2009 when she replaced Fern Britton as co-host alongside Phillip Schofield on ITV’s flagship daytime show, This Morning.

The award-winning presenters, who were first put together on Dancing on Ice three years prior to Holly landing the This Morning role, have a great chemistry on-screen and have also formed a close friendship off-screen. Says Holly: “I think it’s just the fact that we’ve got a friendship first and foremost. We’ve known each other for a really long time now and we pretty much know what the other one’s thinking, half the time, so it makes our working relationship really easy…and fun too!”

Holly, 41, and husband Dan Baldwin tied the knot in August 2007 in a romantic church ceremony before hosting their reception at Amberley Castle, with Holly designing her own wedding dress – taking inspiration from her mother Linda’s 1977 wedding outfit – before asking a friend to make it. “I knew I wanted it to be very vintage, lace, with long sleeves, a high neck and a beautiful, open back, as that’s what everyone sees when you walk down the aisle. Oh, and a long train…if you can’t do that on your wedding day, when can you?,” Holly told Wylde Moon, her official lifestyle and guidance brand. Speaking previously about the secret to her relationship with TV producer Dan, Holly revealed: “Support is everything in mine and Dan’s relationship. He’s very solid ground; he

Away from our TV screens, Holly is a brand ambassador for Marks & Spencer, while she has also collaborated with Dunelm to create The Holly Willoughby for The Home bedding range. Talking about the inspiration behind the collection, she says: “I’m not an interior designer so whenever I design for the range, all I can do is dress a bed in a way that would make me happy in my own home. For me, your bedroom should be your sanctuary; a place of calm away from the busyness of everyday life.”

With a busy schedule that involves very early mornings, late-night events and caring for her family, being on top form is a priority: “I love the luxury of sinking into a bath before bed and if I’ve got the time, that’s exactly where you’ll find me; soaking in essential oils, listening to Desert Island Discs! I think a bath, followed by climbing into a bed with fresh sheets, is literally the best feeling in the world!”

Images: © Dunelm (www.dunelm.com/info/holly-willoughby)

is where I fall. And he knows when something is wrong – it makes me feel emotional even thinking about it. But of course, he has weaknesses; we both do. The key is holding up each other’s strengths and not poking at each other’s weaknesses.”

The presenter has a closely guarded private life, especially when it comes to her three children, Belle, Harry and Chester. Home for the family – and their pet dog Bailey and cat Bluebell – is a £3 million six-bedroom Edwardian house in southwest London.

Away from our TV screens, Holly is a brand ambassador for Marks & Spencer, while she has also collaborated with Dunelm to create The Holly Willoughby for The Home bedding range. Talking about the inspiration behind the collection, she says: “I’m not an interior designer so whenever I design for the range, all I can do is dress a bed in a way that would make me happy in my own home. For me, your bedroom should be your sanctuary; a place of calm away from the busyness of everyday life.”

With a busy schedule that involves very early mornings, late-night events and caring for her family, being on top form is a priority: “I love the luxury of sinking into a bath before bed and if I’ve got the time, that’s exactly where you’ll find me; soaking in essential oils, listening to Desert Island Discs! I think a bath, followed by climbing into a bed with fresh sheets, is literally the best feeling in the world!”

Holly Willoughby has gone from being the girl from Brighton to a national treasure

All animals need exercise and cats are no different. However, if you are concerned about letting your pet out, you might be thinking about buying a harness and talking your cat for a walk. It may be possible if you start this when they are a kitten, but it’s really not recommended for the following reasons.

• Cats are naturally cautious and want to explore at a pace that feels right and safe for them. They will want to be able to hide, run away or avoid potential threats without restriction.

• Cats are naturally very attached to their home and need to feel they always have access to this. Being taken on a lead takes them into new territory and prevents them from being able to access their own space.

• If the lead is dropped or they escape their harness it is unlikely they will return to you, especially when they are scared. Cats are more likely to bolt in order to reach a place of safety and will be at risk from cars on the road as well as other threats.

• Dogs have a high chase drive and, if they see a cat, may try to run after them. Being on a lead or harness makes your cat vulnerable to all sorts of dangers like this that they would naturally avoid.

Rather than using a harness and leash to provide access to the outdoors, the RSPCA recommends providing your cat an enclosed outdoor space with cat-proof fencing.

Add layers of texture to your bed with a quilted pillowcase, such as this abstract assortment of multicoloured letters on an orange base. Alphabet Soup quilted pillowcase, £42, antipodream.co.uk.

Make getting out of the shower a fancy affair with this vibrant cotton bath mat. Islands in the Stream bath mat, £49, antipodream.co.uk.

Make a statement with this fun home accessory, featuring a bubblegum-pink finish and organic shape. Large amphora vase, £18, sassandbelle.co.uk.

Playful prints, vibrant colours and silly shapes

• Choose bright shades that make you feel good. Yellow is a great choice as it’s so reminiscent of hot, sunny days (they’re on their way!). Team with other warm colours such as red, pink and orange, or add in a melange of everything for a cheerful mix.

• Impactful patterns can be used even in small doses to make a difference to your space. Or you could go the whole hog and cover an entire wall…

• Look for pieces with dramatic or unusual silhouettes – be bold and express your individuality, and you’ll add happy energy to your room.

• More is more! Layer colours and patterns without worrying too much about so-called ‘taste’. If you love it, go for it.

This retro-styled neon lamp emits a bird-shaped luminous glow that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Eleanne Toucan neon light, £13.99, wayfair.co.uk.

The perfect gift for any occasion, this decorative bottle is filled with 125 colourful, 10cm-long, luxury matches. Multicoloured Joy matches, £15, heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk.

The designers liken the style of this bold, digitally printed wallpaper to a samba or a mambo, dancing across the paper with an expressive joy. Squiggle wallpaper in Lapis & Honey, £69, ohpopsi.comi.

These one-of-a-kind baskets are made by the weavers of the Bolgatanga area, Northern Ghana, and finished with sustainable leather. African shopping basket in Joy, £65, lolaandmawu.com.

Bring the groove into your interior with a colourful disco ball for an instant party feeling. Gold & Pink stripy disco ball, £53, rockettstgeorge.co.uk.

By Katherine Sorrell

Fend off the gloom of winter by introducing some happy vibes to your home. Our selection of joyful accessories is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Beat the winter blues – and make the most of the money in your pocket and the everyday ingredients in your cupboard – with this cost-effective yet tasty and satisfying midweek winner.

Serves 4

Costs 95p per person

Prep time 10 mins

Cook time 35 mins

Ingredients

• 300g potatoes, diced

• Olive oil

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 x 340g tin of corned beef, chopped

• 80g bag of watercress, spinach and rocket, chopped

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

© www.watercress.co.uk, with photography

by Lara Jane Thorpe

Method

1. Parboil the potatoes in a pan of lightly salted water for around 7 minutes before draining the water – they should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.

2. In a large, heavy-based pan, fry off the onions in a glug of oil until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and allow to cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Now add the potatoes, corned beef and chopped salad leaves, and apply a little pressure with a spatula or fi sh slice. Occasionally turn the mixture but try not to disturb it too much.

4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and push down on the mixture again. By this point, it should all be nicely browned.

5. Serve with baked beans or some cooked-from-frozen vegetables, if liked.

Codeword

Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number shown in the grid, with the first few entered for you.

If you’ve ever forgotten your shopping list or lost your train of thought, you’re not alone. Memory changes are a normal part of ageing, so symptoms of mild forgetfulness are usually nothing to worry about and aren’t indicative of a serious memory problem.

Poor memory health, on the other hand, can make it harder to do everyday things. Sometimes, memory problems can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or in rarer cases, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s memory, there are a few signs to look out for –some of which include:

• Asking the same questions over and over again.

• Getting lost in places one knows well.

• Having trouble following instructions or directions.

• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places.

Unfortunately, there are no drugs or treatments that prevent or permanently treat dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, although there are several drugs your doctor can prescribe to treat the early and mid-stage symptoms. There are also no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, but there are certain activities that can help.

Keep active – mentally and physically

Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, which can help keep your memory sharp. Keeping your mind active is important too. The best way to keep your brain in good shape is to engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as crossword puzzles or sudoku. You could also try challenging your memory by taking alternate routes when driving, or even learning a new skill.

Stay social

Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that social interaction has been proven to boost our happiness by warding off depression and stress – both of which are known contributors to memory loss.

Look for opportunities to get together with friends and family – especially if you live alone. Or, why not consider volunteering at your local school, church or community centre?

Sleep well

Along with countless other benefits, getting a good night’s sleep has been proven to play an important role in memory consolidation, a process in which short-term memories are strengthened and transformed into long-lasting memories. The NHS advises that adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep a day.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

Studies have shown that both mindfulness and meditation can lower stress and improve concentration and memory. You can incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine by paying more attention to your present situation, concentrating on your breathing and resetting your attention when your mind wanders.

Watch your diet

Cutting out sources of excess sugar, reducing overall caloric intake and limiting your alcohol consumption have all been proven to help protect the brain.

More surprisingly, caffeine from coffee or green tea has also been shown to have a positive effect on memory retention, as has dark chocolate. This is due to cocoa flavonoids, the active compounds in chocolate, improving blood flow to the brain and therefore boosting brain function.

Mini Cryptic Crossword

Across

1. Twisted fir cone provider (7)

7. Beneath sheltering in thundery conditions (5)

8. Fruit grown from a melon (5)

9. Prisoner driven to agree (7)

11. Overweight part to be sent (5)

13. Foodstuff termed a stew (3,4)

17. Unit I constructed for Arctic people (5)

19. Natural habitat in the periodic table (7)

22. The Spanish after very warm place to stay (5)

23. Garment cut in pieces (5)

24. Exploit the power of stable gear? (7)

Down

1. Small room with nothing in the orchestra (5)

2. Quantity men rub the wrong way (6)

3. Enclosed and fought with swords (6)

4. Dash occupied by one wreck (4)

5. Lied about being lazy (4)

6. Trace around a container (5)

10. Bird observed in Botswana (4)

12. Appear to be a join, we hear (4)

14. Choice reply (6)

15. The gospel truth is holding back a swimmer (6)

16. Concavities seen in decadent spot (5)

18. Least organised accounts (5)

20. Nose broken for ages (4)

21. Engrave one hundred in the new style (4)

16 When you hear the phrase ‘exercise class’, you probably think of circuits, aerobics, step or spin. While dance might not be the first thing that comes to mind, it’s actually a fantastic way to keep fit. And a whole lot of fun...

The benefits of dance

Dancing can tone and strengthen your muscles, improve your flexibility and balance, burn calories and give you a full cardiovascular workout.

Dancing is also good for your brain, particularly if you need to memorise routines. Some studies have found that dancing regularly can even help to protect against dementia. And it’s great at relieving stress and boosting your mood. (It’s difficult not to smile in a Zumba class, even if you feel utterly uncoordinated.)

Some classes are aimed at seniors or people with reduced mobility. No one will care if you get the steps wrong. And lots of classes are available online, so you don’t even need to leave your house to join in.

Which dance class to try?

The best class for you depends on a whole range of things, including your exercise goals (e.g. increased flexibility / cardiovascular workout etc.), music tastes and commitment. We’ve included a few of the most popular classes below.

Salsa

Salsa is energetic, sociable and a lot of fun. You don’t need a partner and most salsa schools offer beginners’ courses.

Zumba

Zumba is perfect if you’re looking for an all-body workout. You’ll be dancing to Latino music, and

there’s often a real party atmosphere.

Clubbercise

Miss your clubbing days? Or feel self-conscious dancing in front of people? Clubbercise classes are held in a darkened room. Think disco lights, glow sticks and classic dance tracks from the nineties, noughties and beyond.

Ballet Fusion

Ballet Fusion combines traditional ballet with exercise, so it’s good for improving your posture, flexibility and strength. Alternatively, if you loved ballet as a child or always wanted to learn it, why not try an adult ballet class?

Ballroom and Latin

If you want to master a new skill, then ballroom or Latin dancing could be perfect. You can sign up with a partner, or just join a group class and get paired with different people. It could help to improve your fitness, concentration and coordination. And you’ll be able to show off at the next wedding you go to.

Dance fitness /

dancercise

These classes combine aerobics with dance moves and tend to incorporate a lot of different styles, from street dance to bhangra. They’re upbeat and you’ll work pretty much every muscle group.

Find out more

Ready to get started? Check out what types of classes your local leisure centre offers. You’ll also want to search for classes online, as some instructors hire space in church halls, community centres and other venues.

The Satsuma Complex – Bob Mortimer

Romance, humour and mystery combine to great effect in Bob Mortimer’s first novel. 30-year-old Gary lives a quiet, uneventful life. He’s open to love but hasn’t done too well with it so far. Then he heads out for a drink with his friend Brendan and meets a woman with whom he feels an instant connection. So when Brendan goes missing, Gary has more than one reason to find the mystery woman and get some answers.

A Scatter of Light – Malinda Lo

A coming-out and coming-of-age novel set in California, A Scatter of Light follows Aria as she falls in love for the first time. Aria is spending her last summer before university with her grandmother. It certainly wasn’t the holiday she’d planned, but it turns into a summer of self-discovery as Aria finds herself falling for her grandmother’s gardener, Steph. A slow-burning, bittersweet novel.

The Man I Never Met – Elle Cook

When Davey misdials and ends up calling Hannah, it sets off a string of texts that has them both hoping for something more, despite the fact that they live thousands of miles apart. But when they finally arrange to meet in person, Davey doesn’t show. His reason is one that seems certain to keep them apart, but neither is ready to give up on what might be.

Maame – Jessica George

Maddie has long been called Maame by her Ghanian parents. It’s meant as an endearment and an acknowledgment of how helpful and dependable Maddie is. With Maddie’s mum so often abroad, Maddie becomes her ill father’s carer, giving up much of her own life in the process. Then Maddie gets the chance to move out. She wants to start living for herself and maybe even to find love, but is she ready to break away from being Maame? At times laugh-out-loud funny, at other times poignant or outright shocking, Maame is a powerful debut novel.

The Switch – Beth O’Leary

Eileen and her granddaughter Leena decide to swap homes for two months. While Leena moves up to Yorkshire to de-stress and calm her thoughts, Eileen heads to London to look for love. It’s been four months since her husband left her, and Eileen is more than ready to rejoin the dating scene. And rejoin it she does, with gusto.

We All Want Impossible Things – Catherine Newman

Edi and Ash have been through so many things in their 40-year friendship. Now Edi is dying in a hospice and Ash is, as always, by her side. The two relive their time together, but Ash also has to face up to the fact that her present life is a bit of a mess. And soon, she’ll need to face it alone. While there are sad moments in this book, they’re accompanied by humour and compassion, so it’s surprisingly uplifting.

From first loves to best friends and journeys of self-discovery, this month’s reads are about love in all its many, messy guises.

In case you haven’t heard, it’s a jobseeker’s market at the moment, with many employers saying recruitment has never been more difficult. Lower skilled jobs with a higher turnover of staff are where most of the vacancies are. Waiting staff, retail assistants and general administrators could find other openings easily, although they aren’t necessarily going to see a big increase in salary.

If you are highly qualified in a specialist skill there will be fewer vacancies, so it’s not as easy to find the ideal opportunity.

Job-hunting and going for interviews is timeconsuming though, so it’s worth thinking about what it is you want from a new employer before you start.

More money

You might think wanting a pay rise is a given, but it’s not as high a priority for everybody as you might think. If you are still living with parents, have family commitments, or you are older and have paid off your mortgage, maybe you would be willing to take a lower salary because it’s a better fit with your life goals.

Different hours

If you are looking for full-time work, it could be that full-time-but-flexible is more attractive. A skylark will want to get going early so they can finish early too. If you are a night owl and your job doesn’t need you until the afternoon or evening, that could really appeal to you.

If you need part-time or flexitime, an employer with a bit of sympathy for short-notice time off is

going to be a good option. It’s a lot less stressful to know changes in hours are under your control, especially if you have children to care for.

Location

Commuting for the job of your dreams is something you might put up with. But don’t get lured by a super career and salary, only to find that travel (and travel disruptions) eat into your personal life, and the pay rise is wiped out by fuel or public transport fares.

The buzz

If you are an introvert, a small company where you work in a quiet office with just one or two people will be ideal. But if you are outgoing or young and hoping for a bit of a work-hard, playhard environment, seriously question whether you are going to get that in any opportunities you chase. You spend a lot of time at work, so the business ethos has to suit you.

Benefits

There might be tangible financial benefits such as a bonus, a good pension scheme and private health cover. But equally, extra holiday, workfrom-home days, onsite parking, an early finish on a Friday or an air-conditioned office with a view could be the clincher for you.

It’s a no

Make a list of absolutely-no-way terms before you waste your time and theirs going for an interview. Finally don’t talk yourself into accepting the first offer if it’s not suitable, just because you are unhappy where you are. With plenty of vacancies out there, hold your nerve and find the right fit.

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Target: Excellent: 25 or more words

Good: 20 words Fair: 17 words

Mobile b icycle Service & r epair

• place of work then return to you at your convenience.

I can pick up your bike from your home or

• service, all work and repairs will be quoted prior to commencing.

From a safety check, new build to a full

• defects are spotted so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

Will contact you immediately if any other

Free pick up and drop off within a five mile • radius of Surbiton.

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

3 letters: 10 4 letters: 11 5 letters: 2 6 letters: 1

What do we mean by gender?

We tend to use the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ interchangeably, but they’re actually different things. Sex is about our visible biology: when we’re born the doctor looks at our bits and proclaims “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” That’s our sex.

Gender is different: it is the label you’re given –boy or girl, man or woman – and the rules you’re expected to follow. The rules vary from place to place, from culture to culture and from era to era: boys don’t cry, girls are nurturing, those jobs are for the boys, girls should and shouldn’t do certain things… that’s gender.

Largely the judgement of your gender will be based on what your sex appears to be, based on things like your clothes, your haircuts and other visual cues.

For most of us, our gender matches our biological definition. That’s often called ‘cisgender’, where ‘cis’ means ‘on the same side as’.

However, some people’s gender doesn’t match their birth sex, and those people may be transgender, non-binary or use other terms to describe themselves.

What does transgender mean?

Transgender is when the gender everyone thinks you are – such as man or woman – doesn’t match who you know you are. For example, you might have been born in an apparently female body but your mind strongly disagrees. People who take steps to fix that, for example by changing the clothes they wear or even undergoing surgery, are typically called transgender or trans for short. Trans means ‘across’, and trans people cross from one gender to another.

What does non-binary mean?

For most of us, gender is a binary: there are only two options, man or woman. But not everybody feels they fit into those categories. If you imagine gender not as a binary but as a spectrum, most people are at one end or the other – but some people are much closer to the middle. That’s non-binary. Non-binary people don’t feel they can categorise themselves as either a man or a woman, but somewhere in between the two.

What

about genderfluid and other terms?

Genderfluid is a bit like non-binary but it’s less fixed: genderfluid people may feel closer to male or female at different times. And you might see the terms ‘gender expansive’ or ‘gender non-conforming’. They’re used to describe people who don’t stick to traditional gender roles, so for example someone born male with a very feminine presentation might still feel 100% male but enjoy expressing himself differently from most men.

Here to stay

Society’s oppression – from opinion to the law – meant that these variations were very much hidden in the past, and in many societies still are.

Times have changed though, and younger generations are not only accepting of non-traditional gender definitions, but rail against a world where appearance, behaviour, places and products are meant only for one narrowly defined gender.

Terms such as ‘trans’, ‘genderfluid’ and ‘non-binary’ seem to be everywhere. If you’re a bit baffled by it all, we’re here to help.

NEED TO MOVE HOUSE

Speak to Tracey Cottam | tracey.cottom@lewis-dick.com tracey.cottam@lewis-dick.com

Speak to Julie Wale | julie.wale@lewis-dick.com

NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY OR ADMINISTER AN ESTATE | Speak to James Winfield james.winfield@lewis-dick.com

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Speak to Jonathan Owens jonathan.owens@lewis-dick.com

NEED A DIVORCE, SEPARATION OR HELP WITH CONTACT

Speak to Carol Stevens-Stratten carol.stevens-stratten@lewis-dick.com

WE ARE YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, & PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE

quote 020 8393 0055 ewell@lewis-dick.com or visit our website www.lewis-dick.com

The little buys that can make a really big difference

With the price of gas and electricity currently in orbit, the cost of living seems to be soaring ever upwards – but with a few well-chosen buys you can make a big difference to your energy bills. And you don’t need to spend a fortune either, so these gadgets will pay for themselves very quickly.

The best place to start is your central heating system. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, or worse, if you don’t have a thermostat at all, you’re probably paying to heat empty rooms or to keep the heat on longer than necessary. There are lots of smart thermostats to choose from, but one of the friendliest is the Hive from British Gas. It connects to your heating and you can use its remote control, smart speaker or phone/tablet app to set schedules, and if you use the app it can tell your heating when you’re leaving or coming home and set the heating accordingly. We installed one a couple of years ago and it made a big difference to our gas bill.

Lighting accounts for a lot of our energy use too, so if you haven’t already moved to LED bulbs you really should. For example, if you have a downlighter with halogen GU10 bulbs, swapping them for LEDs would reduce their energy consumption by as much as 90%: a 5W LED emits the same light as a 50W halogen bulb. And if you’ve been thinking about getting smart bulbs, they’re all LED too.

Don’t forget about the kitchen either. Your hob and oven use a lot of energy, and there are often much more efficient options: a 900W microwave uses a fraction of the energy for a fraction of the time. But of course you can’t microwave everything, which is why many of us are buying Instant Pots or air fryers. Air fryers are effectively small ovens with a big fan inside, and they cook faster and at lower temperatures than an oven; Instant Pots and similar devices can slow-cook, stew, pressure-cook and more, while using a fraction of the energy of a hob or oven.

Smart thermostats from the likes of Hive, Tado, Google Nest and Honeywell give you much more control over your heating and can make a real difference to your bills. £119, hivehome.com

You can pick up a small air fryer for under £50, but this Philips is a much better family appliance thanks to its five-portion capacity and Rapid Air technology. £125, Philips.co.uk

A smart thermostat is just the start. Smart radiator valves can ensure you’re not heating empty rooms, saving even more money. £54, hivehome.com

Philips Hue Starter Kit

If you fancy smart, colourchanging, programmable bulbs then Hue is hard to beat: it has tons of indoor and outdoor lights and bulbs, and the starter kit contains everything you need to get up and running. From £90, meethue.com

Instant Pot Pro

Don’t pay full price for any Instant Pot: they’re discounted in every big sales event. They’re all good but our pick is the Instant Pot Pro, a 10in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, soup cooker, rice cooker. £169, Amazon.co.uk

Hive Smart Radiator Valve

Philips Essential Air Fryer XL

Hive Smart Thermostat Mini

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096 email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

It’s easy to underestimate just how important your car’s tyres are. But they’re the single point of contact that your car has with the road, so it’s vital that they’re fit for purpose.

We’ve spoken to Davanti Tyres about what to look out for when choosing tyres.

Size

Getting the right size of tyre for your car is crucial and they should be the same size as the ones recommended by the manufacturer. You’ll find this information in the documentation supplied with your vehicle.

Davanti Tyres general manager, Peter Cross, says: “Your tyre’s sidewall also contains all the information about your tyre that you’ll need.” Make sure the new tyres you’re planning to fit don’t have a lower load-carrying capacity than the originals. This is particularly important when you’re travelling with a fully loaded car.

Grip

One of the main things required from a tyre is grip. There are all manner of tyres designed for a variety of uses – from winter tyres that have been developed to work well in colder climates to performance tyres that promise the best possible grip for high-powered cars.

Cross says you should consider which conditions you experience the most – wet, icy, dry or hot – as well as the road surface that you travel on most frequently. If you’re heading offroad more often, then you might need a more adventure-focused tyre, for instance.

Value for money

Value for money is at the forefront of people’s

minds at the moment, and tyres are usually quite expensive. All-season tyres could be a good option for those who want decent performance in both summer and winter, as they suit a range of driving circumstances.

Plus, with an all-season tyre, there’s no need to change between summer and winter tyres in the UK.

Fuel efficiency

Tyres account for up to 20 per cent of your car’s fuel consumption, so have an impact on how efficiently your car runs. All new tyres in the UK come with an EU tyre label that gives clear information on a tyre’s performance.

These labels also show a tyre’s rolling resistance (lower rolling resistance tyres help boost fuel economy), how well a tyre performs in the wet plus have a grading for noise levels. All elements of the label have a letter rating, with rolling resistance, for instance, rated from A to E.

Being able to assess the labels makes it easier to make an informed choice on which tyres are right for you. All new tyres should have the labels clearly visible.

Cross adds: “Choosing the right tyre doesn’t need to be as overwhelming as it can seem at first. Thinking about these simple elements means that when you take your car to the garage, you can talk clearly about what you want and need, ensuring your garage fits the right tyre for you.

“As a tyre manufacturer, we have spent years developing tyres to make sure drivers get the best experience possible and enjoy driving with confidence whatever the weather or road surface.”

Image: Pirelli

Blue whales are the largest animals on our planet ever (even bigger than dinosaurs) and have hearts the size of small cars.

On these dark, cold mornings, spring still seems a very long way away. Our skin and hair (not to mention our mood) often suffer during the winter months as biting winds and central heating take their toll. Thankfully, a little TLC can make a big difference.

Prefer soap to shower gel? Trii’s Hand & Body

gently remove dry skin as they

When your skin is feeling dry, the temptation is to pile on a super-rich face moisturiser. But dryness often goes hand in hand with sensitivity, and too heavy a product can make things worse. Instead, switch to a gentle balm cleanser. Tea & Tonic’s The Meadow’s Secret Cleaning Balm (£28, www.teaandtonic.co.uk) is a good choice. It’s 100% natural and rich in seed and flower oils to nourish your skin as it cleanses. Massage a small amount of the balm into wet skin, then wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth. The jar may seem small, but you only need a tiny amount of the balm, so it lasts for a surprisingly long time.

Exfoliating Wash Bars (£8, trii.co.uk) gently remove dry skin as they clean. They’re also rich in natural moisturisers, like aloe vera. And they smell amazing. (The lemongrass scent is particularly uplifting.)

Our hands can really suffer during winter. If yours feel dry, cracked and sore, the first thing to do is ditch your liquid hand soap. Liquid soaps usually contain sodium lauryl sulphate and other harsh ingredients that can really irritate skin. Swap to a solid soap bar, like the ones from Faith in Nature (£2.75, www.faithinnature.co.uk).

balm, so it lasts for a surprisingly long time.

Follow your cleanse with a hyaluronic acid serum or a face oil to hydrate without clogging pores.

face

Body scrubs and lotions often go out of the window during winter, when we’re covered up from head to toe, but it’s worth taking the time to treat your skin now and then. Go for a gentle body scrub with added moisturisers. Sanctuary Spa’s

Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub

out of the window during winter, when we’re covered up from head the moisturisers. Sanctuary Spa’s Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub

(£16) uses sea salt to exfoliate away dead skin, and coconut, almond, sunflower, wheat germ and jojoba oils to add moisture.

almond, sunflower, wheat germ to

Your skin will thank you for it. In between uses, the

Does your scalp feel itchy, flaky or sore in winter? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to put up with it. As Anabel Kingsley says, “The scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead, and therefore it should be cared for with the same attention devoted to facial skin.” Philip Kingsley’s award winning Flaky/Itchy

Signature Natural Oils Ultra keep your skin feeling soft and

Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Shower Oil (£8.50) will keep your skin feeling soft and pampered. Both are available at www.boots.co.uk.

Scalp range has gained thousands of five-star reviews. And no wonder. The products work to gently clean your hair and scalp, while soothing irritation, stopping the itchiness and clearing dandruff in a matter of days. From £10.50, at www.philipkingsley.co.uk.

Kingston Young Carers’ Project Party Conference

Kingston Carers’ Network’s Young Carers’ Project (YCP) are delighted to announce Inspiring Young Carers - the first ever Party Conference organised specially for young carers aged 5 to 22 in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

A young carer is a young person who provides emotional, physical or practical care and support to a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. The Young Carers’ Project support nearly 800 young carers from the age of 5 and are the only organisation in the borough dedicated to doing so.

Young carers are among the most disadvantaged children in our society with many experiencing poverty, poor physical and mental health, and lower academic attainment. 23% of young carers say that their caring role stopped them making friends so YCP support is essential with one parent saying “It was wonderful for him to get time away from the house, where what we can do as a family, is severely restricted by the needs of my other son. To be with other children who understand and live those restrictions, was wonderful.”

Young carers show an incredible amount of resilience, maturity, independence, and life skills. By offering the right support we can help young carers shine.

well as free entry to Chessington Zoo afterwards. Professionals are also invited to learn how they can better support young carers in the borough. There will be the opportunity to hear directly from young carers the impact of caring on their lives and the positive impact YCP has had on them and their whole family.

Finally, there is a creative competition for young carers with prizes including an Xbox series X and £150 in Amazon vouchers. You can find out more about this by visiting www.kingstoncarers.org. uk/young-carers/ycp-party-conference

The conference, sponsored by Chessington World of Adventures and Love Kingston, will take place on Saturday 4th February 2023 at Chessington World of Adventures. The event is free and open to all professionals and young carers in Kingston but you must book a space by emailing YCPConference@kingstoncarers.org . uk or calling 020 3031 2757.

To celebrate young carers, the Party Conference will play host to music, magicians, goodie bags, food, prizes, face painting and entertainment as

How to tackle the crisis in our health and care sector

by Sir Edward Davey, M.P

The crisis in Britain's health and care services is rightly dominating the news. And the lack of a credible, long term plan to solve this crisis is causing mounting anger and frustration.

I'm dismayed to hear about the dreadful experiences so many people have suffered –from long delays in getting an ambulance to an inability to get a GP appointment or even an NHS dentist in some areas.

But instead of describing these multiple problems that most readers are already all too aware of, I'd like to put forward some constructive ideas of how to solve this national problem.

Local success – with lessons for elsewhere

And I'd like to start with some good news – about some great innovations and investments locally. Many parts of Kingston's NHS and care system are working well - and improving, with lessons for the rest of the country.

Don’t get me wrong: there is absolutely nothing to be complacent about in our Borough – there are still many problems, especially with health and care staff shortages, an overstretched A&E at Kingston Hospital and many over-worked GPs. But we are fortunate in having some fantastic services.

Kingston Hospital's maternity services, for example, continue to be amongst the best in the country. Yet again this well-managed unit, with brilliant consultant and midwifery teams, were independently rated "good" at the end of last year.

To tackle the local NHS waiting list backlog for operations, Kingston Hospital has been at the forefront of innovation – from increasing its day surgery cases in several areas, to reduce the number of patients who have to stay in hospital, to introducing "high intensity theatre days", where teams of doctors and nurses combine to operate safely on 3 times as many patients on one day.

We should be really proud of our local NHS staff.

More NHS staff and social care investment

So part of the solution to the current crisis is reform of Britain's health and care systems –spreading the sort of best practice and innovation we’re seeing in Kingston, far and wide.

Yet there is no escaping the urgent need for two essential extra measures too: more staff and more social care investment.

I've written several times about my passion for social care reform in the Berrylands Companion – not least, this time last year - and how social care reform is fundamental to improving our NHS. The Government’s ever-changing plans have totally failed to deliver the vital care reforms we need.

Instead today I want to focus on the central cause of today's NHS and care crisis – the shortages of staff.

A cross-party committee just last summer set out the facts: our NHS needs an additional 12,000 hospital doctors and another 50,000 nurses and midwives.

One could add we need at least another 8,000 GPs and far more paramedics. And that the shortages in care professionals for our social care sector are even greater – with 95% of care employers experiencing problems recruiting.

So it's clear: the primary focus for solving the NHS and care crisis must be more staff.

And that's why the Government's stubborn refusal to respond more constructively to the current pay dispute beggars belief.

Paying huge amounts for agency and temporary staff - while not paying decent salaries for professionals in short supply - is bad economics, bad financial management and a shocking approach to health and care policy.

Of course, there is much more that needs to be done. We need more training places for doctors. We need to sort out the crazy system of taxing doctors' pensions, which is currently leading to many highly-experienced medics quitting their jobs. And we need to ensure the visa system for people from overseas who want to work in our NHS and care sectors is fair and efficient.

This Government cannot blame anyone else but themselves for this crisis.

It is time they showed some leadership, adopted the common-sense measures that our NHS and care sector are crying out for and stopped the disaster that is unfolding on their watch.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

3 Letters

4 Letters

WORD LADDER ANSWER

(This is one solution, there may be others) SNOW show shod shed seed feed feel fell FALL

WORDSEARCH ANSWER WORDSEARCH ANSWER

Astrologers that future fates foreshow.

Alexander Pope

6 Letters

REGISTER

WORDWHEEL ANSWER CHILDREN’S PAGE

Sea Maths: 15, 6, 8

Across: 2. Octopus, 6. Shark, 7. Seal, 9. Starfish, 10. Dolphin, 11. Clam

Down: 1.Oyster, 3. Coral, 4. Plankton, 5. Seahorse, 7. Squid, 8. Whale

What’s on in February:-

22nd January: Chinese New Year Celebrations, Year of the Rabbit.

25th January: Burns Night

27-29th January: RSPB Big Bird Watch. Visit: www.rspb/birdwatch to get your pack.

28th-5th February: National Story Telling Week

Events in February:

2nd: Harry Potter Book Night

4th: World Cancer Day

6-12th: Children’s Mental Health Week

7th: Charles Dickens’ Day; Safer Internet Day

8th: Deadline for Submission in March edition of A Berrylands Companion

11th: International Day of Women & Girls in Science

12th: Darwin Day

14th: Valentine’s Day

15th: International Childhood Cancer Day

17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day

21st: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day

22nd: Ash Wednesday

27-12th March: Fair Trade Fortnight

Suggestions for the Half Term: Get a 5 in 1 Merlin Magical London Pass to visit London’s famous attractions Get a London Pass for access to 80 attractions, choose a number of days and travel between attractions

A London Explorer pass gives access to more than 60 attractions. Children travel free (age dependent) on TfL.

Download the Visit London App on your phone before visiting London

Events in March:

1st: St David’s Day; Women’s History Day

2nd: World Book Day

3rd: World Wildlife Day

6th: British Pie Week

6-12th: Food Waste Action Week

8th: International Women’s Day

Deadline for Submission in April edition of A Berrylands Companion

9th: World Kidney Day

14th: Pi Day

17th: St Patrick’s Day; Red Nose Day

18th: Global Recycling Day

19th: Mothers’ Day; World Sleep Day

20th: Spring Equinox

20-26th: Shakespeare Week

21st: World Poetry Day

25th: Tolkein Day; Earth Hour

26th: British Summer Time begins; Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race

What’s On/Local Events

1st Tuesday: NHS Retirement Club, For information call Lorna: 020 8337 4121

Last Sunday of the month: Women on Wheels, 020 8547 5865. E-mail: ccst@ rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Chit Chat Sketch: Meets at Court Farm garden centre, Mondays at 2pm, Thursdays at 10am. Time subject to change, availability space limited. Book your place: 07889 897 017 or email: kkpart@outlook.com. Please bring sketch book & pencils Session £8 plus drink.

Christ Church Surbiton Hill: Midweek Communion, simple service of Holy Communion at 12.30-1pm. Open from 11am for quiet prayer, alternate Wednesdays, www. ccsurbiton.org

Cornerston Church, Tel: 0208 549 0733. info@cornerstonechurchkingston.org

Encore Singing Group: For info: gillyvor@ hotmail.com or call 020 8241 5513. All welcome, contact or pop in.

Fircroft Listening Café: Phone or text: 07598 910797. Email: listeningcafe@thefircrofttrust. org Buses 71, 465, K1, K4.

Free Healing Meditation Workshop for Stress & Anxiety: For more information on what to bring & to sign up, go to: www.georgiemacs. com

Hook Church: If you would like to pray with someone, Hook Church Brook Road, KT6 5DB is open Saturday mornings, 11-12.30pm. You would be most welcome. Info: 0208 391 0335

Hope in Depression: Free course that educates &equips adults & their supporters, with tools & proven tips about how to cope better with depression & anxiety. Every Tuesday hosted by Christ Church, Surbiton Hill via Zoom for 6 weeks starting September from 7:15-9:30pm. Expert speakers explore different aspects of mental health each week. Info & Sign up ccsurbiton.org/hidc or call 07423 144803

Kingston Camera Club: For more information visit: www.kingstoncameraclub.com

Kingston Jazz Society: Every other Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm at The Druids Head, Kingston. Listen with us, to the best of recorded jazz.

New members warmly welcomed. Contact: kingstonjazzsoc@gmail.com

Kingston Pensioners’ Forum: Contact Diane Double, Tel: 07762 663 483/020 8397 5084, email: kingstonpensionersforum@hotmail. co.uk

Kingston Philatelic Society: Info: Brian Sole Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: brian.sole@btinternet.com

Kingston Speakeasy: Contact Alick Munro on alick@munro.com or call 0208 892 9243 for date of next meeting.

Ladies Exercise Club: Keep Moving friendly & fun exercise classes for over 60s Fridays 10.15am. 1st class free, then £6/session. Call Mary, 01483 284 716 or maryedwards77s@ gmail.com

Mind in Kingston:www.mindkingston.org.uk or 020 8255 3939

Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom: At St Mark’s Church Hall, Church Hill Rd. Contact Libby Curzon, 020 8391 1215. Email: curzone@hotmail.com

Oasis: daytime group for over 60s at Emmanuel Church, Grand Avenue, Tolworth. Meetings on Wednesdays at 2.30pm, 1st February for Holy Communion, and 1st and 15th March, 5th April. There will be time for icebreakers, chat, puzzles, a 5 minute bible based talk, relevant to our lives plus refreshments. For details: 020 8390 2372 and leave a message.

Open Door: A friendship group aimed mainly at seniors, meeting in the lounge at Christ Church from 2.15-4.00pm on 2nd & 16th February.Refreshments available, full programme to be finalised. For any further information and updates please check on: www.ccsurbiton.org or call the office: 0208490 7215

St John’s Church: Community Cafe open at St John’s Chursh, Grove Lane KT1 2SU fro 10am-1pm. Come for elevenses, or early lunch with friends. Toasted sandwiches, real coffee and home made cakes to eat or take away Vegetarian & gluten free also. For more info: see website or email: parishhall@ stjohnskingston.co.uk

St Mark’s Bridge Club: Meets in Surbiton on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 - 15.30. Phone our secretary Peter on 020 8398 6811

What’s On/Local Events

to come and give it a go. If you do not already have a playing partner we will endeavour to find you one.

St Marks Church: Weds mornings 10.00-11.30 Stay and Play for Toddlers and Carers at St Mark’s Church Hall, St Mark’s Hill. Friday Mornings Coffee and Cake corner 10-11.30am, drop in for coffee at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, no booking required for any of them.

St. Matthew’s Church: Come along to the Balance Community Cafe every Wednesday 10am -2pm, for tea, coffee, cakes and light lunches, with a Bereavement Cafe meeting each month at 10.30am. Everyone welcome.

Surbiton Chess Club: Now meets every Tuesday evening at Tolworth Reform Church, 90 Elgar Avenue, KT5 9JR from 7.30pm -10pm. New members welcome. Further details & our Covid policy from: www.surbitonchessclub. co.uk/ email: enquiries@surbitonchessclub. co.uk or at twitter@SurbitonChess.co.uk/

Scottish Country Dancing: Check website: www.surbitoncaledonian.co.uk or call: 01932 784 866

Surbiton Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired: We meet every other Tuesday 2-4pm in the Methodist Church next to the fire station. Chat, entertainment and afternoon teas are served. We welcome newcomers readily. Lifts available. Further details

07443643716

Surbiton Floral Club: Tel: 020 8399 8193

Surbiton Women’s Institute: Surbiton Women’s Institute meeting on Tuesday 14th February: A talk on “Great Lovers” by Maty Forlenza. The next meeting Tues 14th March with Margaret Watson entertains us with “Life on a Harpstring”. 2.30-4pm British Legion, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL. All visitors are welcome, guests are asked for a £4 donation. Refreshments provided.

Talking of Trains in Surbiton: Programme of talks at Surbiton Library Hall, each Wednesday evening from Sept 2022, until March 2023. presentations on Railway Subjects by Resident Speaker Dick Crane & Guests. Class fee £50 covering 22 meetings.Details on www. talkingoftrains.co.uk More details on website: www.talkingoftrains.co.uk

The Reading Retreat: Everyone welcome! A free & friendly weekly shared reading group led by a trained Reader Leader volunteer. Nothing to read beforehand, just come along to a session to read & listen to a short written piece such as a story or poem , then join in a discussion. Every Tuesday 10.30-11.30am, Alfriston Day Centre, 3 Berrylands Road, KT5 8RB. Email: libraryvolunteers@kingston.gov. uk for further info.

Tiny Tunes: www.tinytuneslive.com

Tolworth United Reformed Church, please call Roger on 07525 410 083 / 0202 8393 4270 or email jones.ra@btinternet.com for information.

Tolworth World of Dance: Dance for Fun, Fitnes & Friends Wednesday (term time) Mornings: 10.30-12.00. St George’s, Hamilton Avenue, Tolworth KT6 7PT. First time FREE, then £5/week, pay as you go. Contact Phil or Brenda: EM: philip.steventon@btinternet.com

Facebook/Tolworth World of Dance. Tel: 020 8397 9649

Twickenham Jazz Club: Wednesday nights at The Cabbage Patch in Twickenham, from 7.30-10.30pm. World renowned Jazz musicians live! Please visit our website to check upcoming events: www. twickenhamjazzclub.com

Women do Craft: Christ Church, Surbiton Hill. Every 2nd Weds of the month in the lounge, 7.30-9.15pm. Catch up, chat and do craft together. Check website: www. ccsurbiton.org

These pages are for local clubs, societies and groups to have their information available to readers of A Berrylands Companion.

If your club or society is not listed on the Local Events, send in the details!!

Please send in the updated information for your club by the 8th of the month before issue month.

Clubs, Schools, Churches, & Charity events should be submitted to karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Plant - sucking insects (5)

Down:

1. Terminate gradually (5,3)

Remember, you can pick up a copy of A Berrylands Companion magazine at the following:

Surbiton & Tolworth Library, Shan’s Pharmacy, MBE Surbiton, Park Hill Express, Berrylands Post Office, Balaclava Church Hall, Ex-Cellar Wine Bar, Tolworth Recreation Centre, Surbiton Racket Club

Read it whilst you wait at: Aspen Vets, Berrylands Autocare Garage, Confidental Dental Surgery, Emma’s Hair Salon, Kingston Care, Vets4Life, Business Centre Maple Road, Lib Dem Office

If you would like copies at your business please call me on: 020 8274 0096

Surbiton Bird Club

Fully accessible monthly talks at St Matthew’s School, Langley Road, Surbiton, KT6 6LW 7.30pm-9.30pm

Non members always welcome, £2 for tea & cake and donation appreciated!

Membership includes access to Hogsmill Nature Reserve and hides

Tues 21st Feb: Birds & Wildlife of Ancient Woodland, by Andrew Cleave

Field Outings: Friendly walks for beginners to experts. To confirm participation, arrange time and meeting place, and pre-arrange lifts if needed and available: Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

5th Feb: Blashford Lake, Ringwood Hampshire, BH24 3PJ

12th Feb: Warnham NR & Buchan Country Park, Horsham, RH12 2RA

15th: Mid Wek Morning Walk, London Wetland Centre, Barnes, SW13 9WT

26th: Abberton Reservoir, Essex, CO2 0EU

Full details Surbitonbirds.org. 020 8399 9121

Surbiton Historical Society

Meet at CornerHouse, Douglas Road Tuesdays, 7.30pm, bar opens at 7pm.

Tues 24th Jan 2023 Afternoon talk: The Forgotten Boys of the Sea by Dr Caroline Withall

Tues 7th Feb: Talk on Cleaveland Road by Mr Bob Phillips

Tues 7th March: AGM, Local Historical Trees by Mrs Susan Rhodes

Enquiries to Membership Secretary, Mrs Ann Glover

For information onother dates and talks please contact:

Tel 020 8330 0339

Email ann.glover418@outlook.com

COMMUNITY PAGE

HOOK ALLOTMENTS AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION

Our friendly allotment association was founded over 50 years ago and is run by volunteers.

We provide a wide range of composts, fertilisers, seeds; gardening products at not-for-profit club prices to members.

Membership costs £5 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. Sun: 10am-12noon

Email: hooklga@outlook.com

Hook Leisure Gardeners Association

Deadlines for submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion

8th Feb for March issue

8th March for April issue

8th April for May issue

8th May for June issue

June 8th for July/Aug issue

Aug 8th for September issue

Sept 8th for October issue

8th Oct for November issue

8th Nov for Dec/January issue

8th Jan for February issue

For more information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Disclaimer

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.

Any errors, omissions or offers are the resposibilty 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 date of the 8th. To advertise any event, or community activity in the magazine, please call: Karen on 020 8274 0096 or email:

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

Home & Garden

Berrylands Builders Limited

Berrylands Property Maintenance

Carpets4U

Honeybee Roofing Instaservices

KB Design

K. Robinson & Sons

Leverett Electricals

NKM Studios

Richey Brickwork

R.J.Tree Services

Roofs of Esher

Will Lord

William Stallion Electricals

House & Interiors

Home Products

Gardening

Care & Health

Beauty Health

Rest & Relaxation

Emma Parker Travel

King George Field Bowls Club

Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions

Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club

Sport: Dancing

Travel: SustainableTravel

Children & Education

Kids United

Kids Page

Veterinary

Aspen Veterinary Surgery

Cats Protection League

Pet Care

Solicitors

Car Maintenance

Alan Sursham

Berrylands Autocare

K&P Tyres

Motoring: Buying New Tyres

Food & Drink

Bone Idyll

Glenmore House Carvery

Prithi

Recipe

Baking

Articles & Editorials

Useful Telephone Numbers

Finance

Celebrity: Holly Willoughby

Crossword

Book Review

Sir Edward Davey M.P

What’s On/Local Groups

Community Pages

Special 1: Job Hunting

Special 2: Making Sense of Gender

Technology: Slash Your Bills

Young Carers’ Conference

Want

From as little as £58 a month your advert can feature here for a year!

An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured. So