APRIL 2021 ISSUU 157

Month: April Issue No: 157 Independent monthly community news and business directory for KT5 & KT6

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

D NEEO F A RO

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We’re back!!

Happy Easter

U I N G. C O.

FIND US XX 21

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WE’RE BACK

AND READY TO HELP

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We bring 100’s of carpet samples to your home in a variety of colours all at competitive prices.

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Over 1,000 Customer Reviews

FOR SENIOR CITIZENS T&Cs APPLY

WELCOME

mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers FREE2 FITTINGPlease & FURNITURE MOVING - ESTIMATES AND ADVICE

Listen to our advert

I

Hello Readers,

hope that you and your families are safe and well as at the time of writing, preparing for an easing of lockdown restrictions

There was no printed edition of the magazine for February and March, as some of the advertisers were not in a position to provide their usual service, so it was only an online version. But we are back now!!! 36

Advertising on social media and on line, is all very well for the tech savvy! But so many of our readers prefer to see your advert in a magazine that they read and keep for a reference. Please keep all prospective clients and customers in mind. We know that most people do keep a local magazine, like A Berrylands Companion, until the next issue at least. Make sure you are in each issue!

October Crossword As life begins to get back to a form of normality,

Hopefully as businesses begin to open up and Across: Colourless liquid formerly will used ascontinue an resume as before, 6.the magazine to anaesthetic (5) Near or close to (8) be printed. Please7.continue to support all our 10. Very poisonous metallic element (7) 11. Continually repeated over a period of time (7) advertisers and local businesses.

12. Silvery-white radioactive metallic element (7) 13. To go into again (2-5) 14. Slow witted or stupid, particularly following

If you have a local business alcohol (11) and you are trying to Student who studies intensively in a short period let everyone know 19. that you of time (7) are back in business, Convert ordinary language into code (7) contact me to find 21. out how you can set up your 25. Advance beyond the usual limit (7) 25. Of little substance or significance (7) advertising in the magazine.

26. At the right time of year (2,6) Down: Next month’s edition has some interesting articles 1. Terminate gradually (5,3) coming! So I am 2.hoping there some A Sultanate inthat northwestern Borneoare (6) (10) bathroom suppliers3.4.&Horologist fitters, Slightly open (4)tilers; estate agents; 5. Engage somebody to enter the army (6) dentists; car showrooms; travel and 6. Represents or performs as if inagents, a play (6) 8. Come to terms with (7) personal care salons and in fact, anyone starting 9. Shortened term for provocation (5) Returningup to political ce (10) to get their business13. back andoffirunning!!!

Get in 15. Unusually great in size (7) 16. After sunrise and before sunset (8) I may be touch with me as soon as possible and 17. Strong and sharp (5) 18. Having little emotion or sensibility (6) able to help with your advert design.

27. Plant - sucking insects (5)

I can only hope you all stay well and keep safe.

Remember to still wear a face mask, keep a social distance and wash your hands frequently.

Until next month,

Best wishes,

Karen

20. Add to the very end (6) 22. The highest point; culminate (6) 24. Compass point (4)

Useful Numbers October Sudoku

Kingston Council www.kingston.gov.uk Action Fraud (Trading Standards) Refuse Collection Electoral Registration Council Tax Citizens Advice Customs & Excise (VAT) Inland Revenue Helpline Environmental Agency Surbiton Library Kingston Police Non Emergency Police Emergency Services Non EmergencyENHS Page 33-40.indd 36 Transport: National Rail Enquiries Public Transport Traveline Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport

020 8547 5757 020 8547 4654 020 8547 5560 020 8547 4630 020 8547 5196 0870 126 4019 0845 010 9000 08459 000 444 0870 850 6506 020 8547 6444 020 8541 1212 101 999 111 08457 484 950 0870 608 2608 0844 335 1802 0844 335 1801

Emergencies/Utilities: Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency Water Emergency BT Fault Line Virgin Media Crimestoppers Kingston Hospital Childline Samaritans Age Concern Kingston Relate www.relatekh.org Domestic Violence Helpline www.victimsupport.org.uk 22/01/2010 00:22:03 Surbiton Safer Neighbourhood Team based at YMCA

0800 111 999 0800 783 8866 0845 920 0800 0800 800 151 0845 142 0000 0800 555 111 020 8546 7711 0800 1111 116 123 0800 00 99 66 020 8549 3318 020 8547 3202 020 8721 2518

A Berrylands Companion

18 Kingsdowne Road, Surbiton, KT6 6JZ 020 8274 0096 karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk Please mention A Berrylands Companion when responding to adverts

3

By Jackie Brewster

“Leave some for the rest of us,” Joyce called shrilly at the woman outside the rectory gate.

for every house on the street.” The words slipped out before she had chance to stop them.

Joyce had walked past the basket of windfall apples every day that week. How kind of Reverend Tiller to offer the apples for free.

They’d clearly been stored in a shed over winter and looked a little worse for wear but she took the best of the bunch just to display in a bowl.

She was not fond of eating apples, they were too much work.

The woman sighed. “Really?” She gave Joyce a rueful glare before handing her the bucket. “In that case, they’re all yours.”

The young woman paused when she heard Joyce, “They’re not for me,” she laughed. Joyce saw that she’d nearly filled a whole bucket.

“They’re for the alpacas.”

“I beg your pardon?” Joyce had never heard anything like it. These apples were for people, not animals. “But they’ve not been put out for that purpose.”

Joyce took the bucket, confident in her victory.

When she glanced at its contents, she realised most of the apples were only fit for the compost heap.

Reverend Tiller waved as he crunched down the drive towards them. “Hello ladies!” he said heartily. “Nice to see you helping yourselves to the apples.”

“Yes.” The woman grinned. “This lady has volunteered to make crumble for the whole street.” Joyce could have kicked her.

“What a lovely gesture.”

Reverend Tiller smiled. “You’ll have your work cut out for you; these apples are quite bruised.”

“I’m sorry,” the woman blushed. “The sign said “Free apples – help yourself”- I didn’t realise they were yours”.

“They’re not mine; I’m at number 42.”

Joyce felt she could speak for the vicar. “But they’re not for animal consumption.”

“Don’t worry, it won’t do them any harm,” the woman assured her. “Alpacas love apples.”

“That’s not the point.” Joyce felt quite exasperated. “When a sign says help yourself, it means only for people, not animals.”

“But that’s just your interpretation.” The woman continued filling the bucket. “These apples have been here for days, so clearly I’m not taking them away from anyone who wants them.”

“Well, I might want them,” Joyce said. She didn’t, but she couldn’t bear to see them wasted on alpacas. “I’ve decided to make an apple crumble

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“But they’re far too good for animal feed aren’t they?”

Joyce looked slyly at the other woman.

“What animals?”

“Animals?” He shook his head.

“She wanted to feed them to alpacas!” Joyce said. She liked to think that the vicar and her saw eye to eye on most things.

“Alpacas?” the vicar cried. “That will never do.”

“That’s just what I said.” Joyce nodded emphatically.

“I’ve got some far nicer apples for the alpacas.”

He turned and trotted back up the drive. “Come with me, Madam, we’ll fetch the barrow.”

“I’m at number 54,” the woman called back to Joyce, “so you’ll know where to bring my crumble.”

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THIS IS

LOVE Easter

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Luke 24:7

emmanueltolworth.org.uk/whats-on/

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

5

W

Wheelfreedom Comes To Surrey

Mobility Specialists launch striking new showroom in Chessington

heelfreedom, the mobility experts, have launched their industry leading showroom in Barwell Business Park, Chessington. Spacious and welcoming, Wheelfreedom’s new site is akin to the John Lewis’s of department stores. Stunningly laid out, you can enjoy a coffee or tea before trying their extensive collection of mobility products.

Complete with onsite service centre, the showroom holds an extensive selection of mobility scooters, rise & recline chairs, sofas, manual and powered wheelchairs, stairlifts and adjustable beds. Product specialists are on-hand to help you pick the most appropriate product, as well as assessing for a range of made to measure furniture.

CODEWORD Codeword

EachEach letter letterofinthe this puzzle is alphabet has been represented by a number between and 26. The replaced by1 a number codes three letters arethe shown in for the grid, with As you find first shown. few entered forthe you.

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letters enter them in the box below.

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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The Wheelfreedom Showroom is open 6 days a week, and the team would recommend booking an appointment before visiting.

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Wheelfreedom founder Giles Donald says, “Opening a showroom in the midst of a global pandemic has certainly been challenging, but we’ve actively implemented the highest Covid-19 precautions to keep our customers safe. We look forward to welcoming the local community to the showroom!”

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Established back in 2007, Wheelfreedom have grown to become the leading mobility supplier in the region, and their outstanding customer service has been recognised with a number of industry awards.

1 10

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

THE MOBILITY SPECIALISTS OPEN FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM IN CHESSINGTON WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS: ■ Mobility Scooters ■ Rise and recline chairs ■ Wheelchairs ■ Powerchairs ■ Beds ■ Rollators ■ Stairlifts

HOME DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE

FULLY OPEN - COME AND MEET THE TEAM! ■ Industry-leading spacious showroom

■ Product specialists on hand ■ On-site parking ■ Fully equipped service centre ■ Buy, hire or Motability

0203 058 1042 Unit 61 Barwell Business Park, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2NY www.wheelfreedom.com | info@wheelfreedom.com Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm

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7

Should you be taking supplements?

We should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need from the food we eat. However, modern day life is making it increasingly difficult to achieve a balanced diet.

That’s where supplements come in.

Supplements are considered ‘top-ups’ for the vital vitamins and minerals our bodies require to function. They can take the form of vitamins, probiotics, herbal products, powders, drinks – and more.

There is still much debate surrounding their effectiveness, with few studies directly linking supplements to improved health. However, although medical professionals insist that supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, it’s been proven that some could have a positive effect on your health.

For example, many vegetarians and vegans will benefit from iron and vitamin B-12 supplements, while those trying for a baby are advised to take folic acid supplements until twelve weeks into their pregnancy. It’s also recommended that children aged between six months and five years take vitamin A, C and D supplements every day.

Other supplements, however, could be a waste of money. If you’re wondering whether supplements could benefit your diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or nutritionist first. But to start you off, we’ve put together a list of the top five supplements people take in the UK, and what they are taken for.

Vitamin D A vital vitamin for regulating our bodies’ calcium and phosphate content, vitamin D is a key contributor to healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but living in the UK means we have limited daylight hours during the autumn and winter. For this reason, many people in the UK choose to take vitamin D supplements between late September and early April, when the sunlight is weaker.

8

Magnesium Found naturally in foods such as pumpkin, spinach, soy beans and brown rice, magnesium is important for bone health and energy production. It’s a known stress-reliever too, and studies have proven that it can even help sleeping problems.

Zinc Best known for its ability to boost immunity and fight off bacteria and viruses, zinc is another vital mineral our bodies need to function.

Red meat, shellfish and dairy foods all have high levels of zinc, as do chickpeas, lentils and beans. In supplement form, you can top up your zinc levels with over-the-counter capsules, tablets and lozenges.

Omega 3 Swallowing fish oil first thing in the morning might not sound appetising. But, there’s solid evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids can help contribute towards a healthy heart and brain, while also reducing inflammation.

That’s why omega 3 supplements, often in the shape of fish oil capsules, are so popular.

Vegans and vegetarians can also top up their intake with algae oil supplements.

Iron

Iron is responsible for making red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.

It’s particularly important in younger women, but according to the 2018 National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 27% of women are deficient.

It’s predominantly found in red meat, which is why many vegans and vegetarians take iron supplements to make up for any potential deficiencies. However, smaller amounts can be found in beans, nuts and fortified cereals.

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Hidato

Hidato

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

49

34

39

33 30

41 28

19

18

26 3

1

43

24

15

25

13 11

5 SOFT DRINKS AVAILABLE

Deadlines for submitting new artwork for forthcoming issues of A Berrylands Companion £11.95

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

020 8399 0030/3904

285 Ewell Road, Surbiton

©puzzlepress.co.uk

36

Early Night Special Sun, Mon & Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Create your own 4 course meal from our menu only £10.95 Cash payment only * King Prawn & Fish £2 extra

Avoid disappointment, please call to BOOK Early

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O N T B E N 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: 6 5 letters: 1 6 letters: 1

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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 8th Feb for March issue 8th March for April issue For more information call Karen on 020 8274 0096 or send an email to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

9

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Please mention the magazine when contacting Advertisers

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

B pages 9-16.indd 11

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

11

14/03/2021 23:38:44

Look out of your window at your lawn and you’ll probably see that it has suddenly taken off and is growing rapidly. This means that now is the perfect time to get to grips with a bit of spring maintenance. True, your lawn will survive without it, but if you want it to look a good deal better than average, then get your skates on!

In most areas temperatures should have evened up a little and the soil in beds, borders and under your lawn should hopefully not be wet and soggy.

Grass needs regular mowing from now on; in some areas this may mean once a week, so make sure that the mower blades are good and sharp. On so-called utility lawns you will need to cut to about 2.5cm or 1”, while on higher grade smart lawns cut to about 1-1.5cm.

Lawns benefit from a specially formulated spring feed at this time of year to encourage good strong growth and strengthen the grasses up after any winter setbacks. If you use a granular formulation, make sure that you water it in well if you cannot time the job so

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that the rain does this for you!

Give yourself a bit of a workout too and scarify the lawn. This means using a spring-tined rake to pull out any accumulated debris or thatch from the base of the grasses. This allows for a better flow of moisture and air, thus ensuring that the grass grows stronger and more healthily.

If your lawn has developed a lot of moss (especially likely if it has suffered compaction, is shaded or has been particularly wet), then apply a proprietary moss killer before scarifying. Use a combined feed and moss killer to save yourself

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time if you like, but whichever product you choose, make sure that you leave the specified time between applying the treatment and raking the dead moss out. If you don’t, the moss problem could become a lot worse, as you’ll spread the pieces of living moss as you rake.

Worm casts may be there in abundance now too, so if necessary simply use a besom or brush to brush them away or distribute them over the lawn.

It is also worth sorting out any stepping stones that have sunk too low or become uneven. Use a spade to ease them out of the lawn and lift and readjust the level beneath before replacing them.

It may sound as if there’s a lot to do, but remember that every hour spent now will make a huge difference to how the lawn looks for the rest of the year!

Humps and bumps in the lawn or indeed any other sort of uneven surface can be dealt with now, but you will need to get this done promptly, just in case the weather gets hot and dry soon. A minor problem can be dealt with using a sandy top-dressing mixture, but if there are some prominent problems then use a sharp spade to cut an ‘H’ shape over the bump or hollow. Now carefully peel back the turf and then remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the turf flaps, firming well and providing a good drink.

At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

LOCAL CARPENTRY AND GARDEN SERVICES CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED

Fire Doors Doors Skirting Kitchens Wardrobes Repair Work

Maintenance Hedge Trimming Gates Fences Key Code Locks Decking Clearance

Friendly, reliable and tidy service

Will: 020 8399 7872 Mobile: 07961 450 618 To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

07714 592 650

020 8390 7151

Mem.allyourgardenneeds@gmail.com

* Maintenance * Lawn mowing * Hedge pruning * Driveways

* Landscaping * Decking * Fencing * Patios

Or one off garden tidy

For a friendly, reliable service at a competitive rate call Mem For ALL Your Garden Needs email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

13

Practical and attractive, carpets made from natural fibres look great and have strong eco-credentials.

An alternative to conventional carpets, natural fibre floorcoverings are highly sustainable with good insulating and soundproofing qualities. The rougher the surface, the more hard-wearing the flooring, giving a trade-off between durability and comfort (unless the fibres are blended with wool for softness). With an appealing texture, these floorings come in a variety of shades and interesting weaves.

All natural floorings benefit from specialist, professional fitting, with a good quality underlay, and a stain-protection treatment. Regular vacuuming (just suction, no beater bar) will keep them in good shape, though some types can be susceptible to water-staining, so check with your retailer first. Expect slight variations of colour and weave, and a slight lightening in colour over time.

A jute rug makes a gorgeous textural contrast against this concrete-effect kitchen floor. Impressive Concrete Wood Light Grey Laminate, £27.99 per square metre; Jute Natural Circle Rug, from £59.99; both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk.

Sisal Hard-wearing and good looking, sisal is derived from the sustainably farmed succulent Agave Sisalana. It is anti-static, non-toxic and biodegradable, and a popular choice for its combination of durability, broad range of colours and variety of weaves. It can be used in most rooms, whether high or low traffic.

Achieve a rugged, rural look that is practical as well as attractive with a sisal carpet. Country Living at Carpetright Sisal Pentel, £39.99 per square metre, Carpetright, as above.

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Seagrass Seagrass’s shiny surface makes it slightly slippery, so it’s not suitable for use on stairs.

Its hard fibres repel dust and are easy to clean, making it a good choice for pets or allergy sufferers. It is durable, wear-resistant and less susceptible to water-marking than other natural carpets. Colours are natural and textures organic and variable, with weaves including basketweave and herringbone. A seagrass carpet adds character to living rooms, hallways and dining rooms.

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Coir Made from the processed fibres of coconut husks, coir flooring is tough and insulating. It is ideal for high-traffic areas but being coarse is less comfortable, and should not be used in kitchens, bathrooms or other rooms where it is vulnerable to water and humidity. Rustic and hearty in appearance, coir flooring is limited to a range of warm, golden tones, but is available in a few different weaves, and can be used in a hall, staircase or reception room, or made into a durable rug.

Jute Jute flooring is made from the fibrous inner bark of a giant tropical herb that is closely related to hemp; in Europe it’s also called hessian. It can be woven in a variety of styles. Both anti-static and fire-resistant, jute is the softest underfoot of all the natural fibre floorings. Prone to wear, it is ideal for low-traffic bedrooms and snugs and should not be used in moist or humid spaces, where it would mark and deteriorate.

The chevron lines of this herringbone-weave carpet are perfect for a classic/contemporary look. Seagrass Herringbone, £26 per square metre, Alternative Flooring.

Leverett Electrical Ltd

Qualified electrician

Part P registered.

All work certified.

No job too small.

All work considered Quality at the heart of our work

• • • • •

Installation & maintenance Rewires Security lighting Fire alarms Central heating wiring

Stuart Leverett Office: 020 8390 0617 Mobile: 07710 123 628 Email:contact@leverettelectrical.co.uk www.leverettelectrical.co.uk

QPcalladvert To advertise Karen: 1 020 8274 0096

Leverett Electrical Ltd

Qualified electrician

Part P registered.

All work ed.

Painting andcertifi Decorating No job too small.

Roofing and Guttering AllPlastering work considered and Tiling Household Maintenance Quality at the heart of our work

conversions&and extensions • Loft Installation maintenance • Marcus Rewires& Sarah Baines • Security lighting 020 8390 7549 • Fire alarms 07702 603 885 • berrylands-property@blueyonder.co.uk Central heating wiring

Stuart Leverett Office: 020 8390 0617 WWW .CHECKATRADE.COM/BERRYLANDSPROPERTYMAINTENANCE Mobile: 07710 123 628 available.

No obligation quotations.

References All work guaranteed and fully insured.

Email:contact@leverettelectrical.co.uk www.leverettelectrical.co.uk

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk QP advert 2

15

Rhubarb Sponge Slice Makes 12 Ready in 1 hr 10 mins, plus cooling

INGREDIENTS • 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped (see Tips) • 25g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting • 175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 175g caster sugar • 3 large eggs • 175g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 50g ground almonds • 1 tbsp milk

This easy all-in-one almond-flavoured sponge with a sweet and tangy rhubarb topping can be served warm with cream or custard or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.

Toss the rhubarb and icing sugar together in a bowl and set aside.

2. Place the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl.

Sift over the flour and baking powder. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Fold in the ground almonds and milk.

3. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface with a palette knife. Scatter the rhubarb evenly over the top.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

TIP Choose thin stems of pink forced rhubarb for this recipe and chop into small even-sized pieces.

Add 1-2 tbsp drained and chopped stem ginger to the sponge mixture, if liked.

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Est 35 YEARS

ROBINSON & SON

RICHEY BRICKWORK

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS Wallpapering

Experienced professional Tradesman

Brickwork Blockwork Garden Walls Structural Alterations Damaged Walls Repaired No job too small 35 years experience

020 8399 9803

Please call Paul

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A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

EMail: robinsonandson24@talktalk.net

0208 390 0771 07836 200 489

Mini Cryptic Crossword Mini Cryptic Crossword

Across Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 Attack of fury in a pub? (7) 3. Attack a pub?

7 Snake of thatfury finds in maths easy! (5)(7) 7 7. Snake that finds maths easy!(7)(5) 8 Conflagration, or some kind of non-fire 9 Parts needed to make snares (5) 8. Conflagration, or some kind of non8 10 Step with the French foot-lever (7) fire (7) 12 Sexy top making someone rash! (7) 9. Parts needed make snares (5) 16 Canoe around ato body of water (5) 9 10. Step with French foot-lever (7) 17 Good day the across the Channel (7) 19 Picture spotted,someone we hear (5) rash! (7) 12. Sexy topthat’s making 10 11 20 Difficulty when Burt and Leo are agitated (7) 16. Canoe around a body of water (5) 17. Good Down day across the Channel (7) 19. Picture that’s spotted, we (5) hear (5) 1 Sweat about superfluous material 12 13 14 15 2 One trade when is perfectBurt (5) and Leo are 20. Difficulty 3 Short stiff hair to react in an offended manner (7) agitated (7) 16 4 Airmen initially far back (3) 5 Card I find unpleasantly bitter (5) Down 6 Run off seen in level opening (5) 17 18 1. Sweat about superfluous material 11 Seer Don turned back (7) (5) 12 Monk’s dress custom (5) 19 2. One trade perfect 13 Turn brown is in the sun and (5) get out for a dance (5) 14 Verse strangely (5) in an 3. Short stiff hair cut to off react 20 15 Beneath sheltering in thundery conditions (5) offended manner (7) 18 Ball Rob kicked (3) ©puzzlepress.co.uk 4. Airmen initially far back (3) 13. Turn brown in the sun To advertise call Karen:bitter 020 8274 email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk 17 off (5) 5. Card I find unpleasantly (5) 0096 and get out for a dance 15. Beneath sheltering in 6. Run off seen in level opening (5)

By Katherine Sorrell

Working from home may not be all fun and games, but there is no reason why your home office has to be dull. Add some personal touches and transform it into a space in which you actually enjoy spending time.

To take your home office to the next level, add some abstract art, with prints featuring organic shapes and complementary monochrome colours. Selection of framed prints, desenio.com. è

Working from home at least gives you more time to tend to your plant collection. If you haven’t got one, now’s the time to start. Terracotta plant pots, from £2 each, scaramangashop.co.uk. è

Combine support and style with an office chair that raises and lowers to a comfortable position, swivels easily and looks good enough to fit into your overall room scheme.

Calgary office chair in faux leather, £164.99, lakeland-furniture.co.uk. è

ç Add a spot of cheerful colour in the form of an adjustable desk lamp.

Ginaz table lamp, £25, www.diy.com.

A home office need never be drab. Add some colour with well-chosen shades of paint. Shown here: Greek Blue, Louis Blue, Giverny, Napoleonic Blue and Athenian Black, all £5.95 per 120ml, anniesloan. com. è

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A home office ‘glow up’ • Colour is important. If a particular colour makes you feel happy – add it! If you don’t want to go as far as painting the whole room, just refresh the wall behind the desk (that you spend the majority of your time looking at) with a small pot of emulsion.

• You can also add colour in the form of furniture and accessories, from an office chair to the essential adjustable desk lamp, as well as pen holders, clocks or paperweights.

• Personalise the walls with your favourite prints, posters, paintings and photographs.

For a formal look, frame them identically and hang them symmetrically. Alternatively, you could peg small pictures to a string, stick postcards to a corkboard with coloured drawing pins or prop them, facing outwards, on a narrow shelf.

• It’s all about comfort, so make sure you’re working at the right temperature. A small desk fan for the summer may be useful, while in the winter a heater can be an essential. For an even cosier feel, choose a woolly throw that looks pretty and feels soft.

• A few plants dotted here and there go a long way to making an office feel more homely. Increase the sensory experience with a vase of fresh flowers, scented candles or an aromatic diffuser.

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Start with a white background and add dashes of your favourite colour everywhere, from furniture to desk accessories. Milton white 120cm dining table, £149.99, furniturechoice.co.uk. è é Cater to all your senses by adding a scented candle. This one, appropriately enough, smells of cedarwood, patchouli, amber and… pencil sharpenings. Pencil Sharpenings scented candle, £40, loaf.com.

é Hold your papers down or keep your books upright with a glamorous, weighty chunk of glass. Arch amber glass bookend, £62, roseandgrey.co.uk.

Cosy up with a warm, soft throw in a colour that complements your room. Easy Knit throw in yellow, £135, loaf.com. ê

ç Hang it all with a peg board – it will soon become indispensable. Choose one that suits your room – perhaps in a cool, mid-century modern colour. Large wooden peg board (includes 12 large pegs and 6 small pegs), £65, Block Design.

ALL OF YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS. GAS APPLIANCE SERVICING AND REPAIRS, LANDLORD AND SAFETY CERTIFICATES NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL CHRIS MOULD

Phone 07922 246673

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William Stallion

150 Elmbridge Avenue, Surbiton, Surrey, KT5 9HF

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

Tel: 07828 796 702

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CJM Plumbing and Heating To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

DOMESTIC INSTALLER

APPROVED CONTRACTOR

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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The education technology (edtech) sector is booming. Many of the sites and apps are a tad pricey, but if you dig deep enough, there is a ton of free resource to explore.

Don’t forget the oldies It’s easy to forget about the likes of BBC Bitesize in the days of Twinkl and The Maths Factor, but it’s still going strong. In fact, BBC Bitesize now offers online lessons, including videos, games, stories, short cartoons to explain complex subjects and a whole heap more (www.bbc. co.uk/bitesize). Check out CBBC too (www.bbc. co.uk/cbbc) as many of the online games have an educational twist.

Make the most of free printables Your child has probably played an Orchard Toys game before, either at home or school. But you might not know that the brand also has loads of free activities on its website (www.orchardtoys. com), all aimed at younger children. There are simple jigsaw puzzles to print out, along with word games, activity sheets, recipes and so on.

Basically, if you have a child aged three to six and a printer, this site should provide hours of entertainment. Oxford University Press also has lots of free printable activities for primary-aged children at home.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Virtually visit attractions When they were forced to close their doors, many major attractions decided to offer virtual visits. Some also created extra resources for parents to use at home. Paignton Zoo (www. paigntonzoo.org.uk), for example, runs live video lessons covering subjects such as habitats. It also offers almost forty downloadable activities on its website, including ones focusing on science, art, literacy and history.

The National History Museum (www.nhm.ac.uk)

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has numerous resources on offer, including a virtual tour, videos, games, quizzes, science experiments and step-by-step craft activities.

It’s also worth checking out: • The Eden Project: www.edenproject.com • Longleat Safari Park: www.longleat.co.uk/ education/resources/teachers-resources • The Science Museum Group: learning. sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/resources.

(My nine-year-old absolutely loved the Total Darkness game.)

• The V&A: www.vam.ac.uk Look for free incentives Subscription sites often offer a free trial or try to lure you in with sample resources. Make the most of ‘try before you buy’ offers and set a reminder to cancel the subscription before the offer ends. Do check reviews first though – some companies make it as difficult as possible to cancel (presumably in the hope that you’ll give up and start paying). Direct debits and standing orders are usually easiest to manage, as you can cancel them through your bank.

Children’s magazines also tend to have free activities on their websites. National Geographic Kids’ site (www.natgeokids.com/uk/primaryresource) is particularly worth a visit.

Plan lessons If you want to take home-learning to the next level, STEM Learning (www.stem.org.uk/ resources) is a hub for literally tens of thousands of teaching resources linked to the National Curriculum. It’s aimed at teachers rather than parents, but you’ll find downloadable worksheets and activities, videos, games and pretty much everything else you might need.

You can filter by age, subject and the type of resources you’re looking for.

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OF

REPAIR? ND THE WE CAN EXTE ROOFS LIFE OF MOST

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To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

HAND

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

CAMCORDER TAPE TRANSFER TO DVD £12.50 EACH

FOOT

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

PROOF B

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By Kate Duggan

Books to uplift, inspire and help you to move forwards.

The Shift – Sam Baker Whether you’re just approaching the perimenopause or have reached the other side, Shift is a must read. It covers everything from common symptoms to the media’s treatment of ‘invisible women’. You won’t find a list of all the different types of HRT or discover a magic cure-all for hot flushes. Instead, as the subtitle says, it’s the story of how Baker lost (and found) herself after 40 – and how you can too. I loved the author’s wry humour and admission that she doesn’t have all the answers.

Interspersed with her writing are quotes from hundreds of women, revealing differing views to the menopause, ageing and life in general.

Where Hope Comes From – Nikita Gill Nikita Gill’s poems take the reader on a journey through the stages of grief, onwards to hope. Gill is at high risk from Covid-19 and lives thousands of miles away from her family. Her poems helped her to find a way forward. As she explained on Instagram, “When I realised that I needed to honour my grief and anger, I finally began to work my way through them.” The result is a truly beautiful collection of short poems to help the reader “… come away with a little more joy and hope than before.”

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – Marianne Cronin A book about two terminally ill friends may not seem like the most uplifting of reads, yet somehow One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot manages to be just that. seventeen-year-old Lenni and eighty-three-year-old Margot meet in hospital. They set themselves a challenge of painting a hundred pictures, one for every year of their lives. As they grow closer, they reveal the stories behind the paintings. While the original focus in on Lenni, it’s Margot’s life, with all its ups, downs and loves lost, that ends up taking centre stage.

Do Pause – Robert Poynton Poynton discusses how pausing (whether to reconsider, question yourself, appreciate your surroundings or just rest) can help us to take back control, become more creative and, ultimately, be happier. If you’re struggling to find a balance in life, or find your brain is always ‘on’, this little book could be the coffee break read you’re looking for.

The Atlas of Happiness – Helen Russell Helen Russell explores traditions, practices and beliefs from around the world, from the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ (the joy of doing nothing) to Japan’s ‘wabi-sabi’ (appreciating things as they are, with all their imperfections). She also offers advice for embracing some of these practices in everyday life. An enjoyable read to dip in an out of, The Atlas of Happiness might just help you to see life a little differently.

Other books to try…

I’ve covered these before, but in case you missed them, I highly recommend: • Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library • Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse • Brandon Stanton’s Humans

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The return of brighter days means you’ll notice the windows need a good clean, and there are plenty of gadgets to help. We love the Karcher WV5 handheld window washer (£83; other models are cheaper), which sucks up the washing liquid and squeegees the glass clean, while for difficult to reach windows Lakeland has a long Window Trigger Spray Mop for £19.99.

If you really hate cleaning outside windows and have £200 to spare, the Gladwell Gecko Robot Window Cleaner is exactly what it sounds like. It uses suction to attach itself to your window and while it’s fairly slow it’s safer than perching on a ladder.

For tougher cleaning tasks consider a handheld steam cleaner such as Hoover’s Steamjet Handy (£49), which gives you 20 minutes of steam from a single tank. It’s great for cleaning everything from textiles to tiles, and is particularly useful for refreshing metal garden furniture and for gently removing stains from painted surfaces a pressure washer might be too harsh for.

Pressure washers can be handy, of course and are a powerful way to clean everything from muddy bikes to muddy boots. But even those with long cables need to be plugged in, which limits where they can go. Wouldn’t it be great – and better for the environment – to have a pressure washer that didn’t need plugging in at all? The award-winning £45 Mud Daddy does uses water pressure instead of a motor so is silent and portable, and is perfect for bikes, muddy dogs and outdoor cleaning. It uses much less water than a hose or pressure washer too.

What about drying? Things like bikes and motorbikes are fiddly to dry, and car fanatics need a scratch-free way to dry their newly cleaned paintwork. Step forward the £99 BigBoi Buddy, a portable dryer delivering warm air that is twenty-five degrees warmer than the surrounding environment, and it filters the air to prevent blasting any dust or dirt. Sadly it isn’t portable, but with a 1,000W motor it makes quick work of any drying task.

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Window Trigger Mop Lakeland’s clever 2-in-1 enables you to squirt, wipe and squeegee windows that would normally be too high to reach without a ladder. £19.99 from Lakeland.co.uk Mud Daddy Portable Washing Brush With a 5 litre capacity the Mud Daddy is great for even the muddiest pets or bikes.

No motor means no noise and no need to plug it in. £44.99 from Amazon.co.uk

Karcher WV5 Karcher’s window washers are essentially a squeegee and a vacuum cleaner joined together, so as you wipe the window clean it automatically catches the dirty water. £83 from Halfords.com

Gecko Robot Window Cleaner The Gecko sticks to the outside of your window and slowly works its way around the glass, cleaning every inch of it while you do something more interesting. £199 from Amazon.co.uk

BigBoi Buddy Professional valets use air dryers to deliver a perfect finish to washed vehicles, and the Buddy’s powerful motor does a brilliant job of drying bikes and motorbikes. £99 from theultimatefinish.co.uk

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Berrylands Autocare * MOT Testing (while you wait) * Diagnostic Testing * Servicing & Mechanical Repairs * Open until 5.30pm weekdays * Saturdays: 9.00am to 1.00pm

250 yards from main line Berrylands Station Providing a service for our local community

020 8399 4362

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

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

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

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 23 minutes, plus cooling INGREDIENTS • 125g/4½ oz asparagus • 1 handful of frozen peas (30g) • 2 spring onions, chopped • 60g/2¼ oz smoked salmon, cut into small strips • 4 eggs, beaten • Sea salt and ground black pepper

These colourful savoury muffins are easy to make and are delicious served warm for breakfast or cold for lunch with a salad. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy seasonal food to include, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. For a vegetarian option swap the salmon for some feta cheese.

1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6 and grease and line 8 cups of a muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

Blanch the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Drain, then cut into 1 cm/½ in pieces using scissors.

2. Divide the asparagus, peas, spring onions and smoked salmon among the paper cases – they should be threequarters full. Beat the eggs in a jug with some salt and pepper, then pour into the paper cases.

3. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden and just firm in the centre. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray.

Serve hot or cold.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free Nutrition per serving (2 frittatas) 110kcal, fat 6.3g carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 11.2g

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C.D Jennings & Sons Surbiton’s High Class Traditional Family Butchers Meat of the Highest Quality from the Finest Sources

Serving Surbiton Since 1962 .

Easter Specials Call: 020 8399 4870 Scotch Highland Lamb Legs, Shoulders, Loins, Best Ends

Scotch Beef Fore Ribs, Fillets, Sirloin, Topside, Silverside Free Range Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, Geese Follow us on: Facebook: CDJenningsandSons Twitter: @surbitonbutcher Instagram: @jenningsbutchers Visit our shop at 146 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HE (Opposite Sainsbury’s Local) or call us to place an order on 020 8399 4870

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

For more information view our website www.cdjenningsandsons.com

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Spring at last! The start of abundant growth in grass, flowers and delicious and colourful produce.

Spring Onions Although supermarkets sell spring onions throughout the year, the youngest and most tender onions are usually found in spring and early summer. They are natural antihistamines and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Peas With a very short growing season of just a few weeks, fresh peas are a real seasonal treat that makes them all the more special. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and K. They are considered an excellent anti-inflammatory food.

Mint Making a perfect pairing with April’s new potatoes and peas, fresh mint is a freshtasting and easy-to-grow herb. If you are after an early-season cocktail, the lime and rum mojito needs fresh mint every time.

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Asparagus Fresh asparagus will be bright green with no signs of shrivelling. The tender tips may have a purplish cast, but they should be firm and tight, never mushy. Asparagus contains vitamin K, essential for healthy blood clotting and is a rich source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.

Rhubarb The rhubarb season starts in March, so by April the season is well under way. It prefers a cooler climate so is perfect for the UK. Rhubarb is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is an essential vitamin for bone health and blood clotting. Traditionally used in pies and crumbles, rhubarb stalks can also be eaten raw and used in chutneys.

New Potatoes Early season potatoes have thin, flaky skins and don’t need to be peeled. The Jersey Royal variety is considered the best due to the island’s unique microclimate, soil and environment creating the perfect conditions for this special spud to flourish for a threemonth seasonal window every spring.

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ALAN SURSHAM (MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN)

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

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Labour Rate £37.50 per hour Telephone:

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

The best apps for getting things done

Remember The Milk Remember The Milk is one of our favourite organising apps, enabling you to track almost anything from shopping lists to serious projects. It integrates with Siri, Gmail, Google Calendar, Twitter, Evernote and many more apps, and it’s particularly good for scheduling repeated events and setting reminders to keep you focused.

Any.do Any.do is fast, effective and a superb way to stay on top of all of the things you need to do. It’s easy to create lists, track progress and schedule/reschedule tasks, and it makes good use of buttons to automate the most common tasks so it’s really quick to use.

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Streaks Do you need a bit of help achieving your goals? The award-winning Streaks makes it easy to set, track and be motivated to achieve multiple things: you might use it to make sure you drink enough water, or walk enough steps, or eat healthily. It’s very flexible and lots of fun too.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

31

Government announcements mean more EVs will be on our roads, but what do you need to know about them?

Last year’s announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by 2030 means that electric vehicles will become an important part of our driving lives.

To dispel some of the mystery, here are some of the key things to know about making the leap to an EV. How much range do you need?

If you only make short trips around town and do fewer than 100 miles a week, for instance, then a car with a shorter range is fine. Drivers who travel further afield should consider a car with a bigger battery. Note that cars with shorter ranges will still offer more than most people do on average each week, and cars with smaller batteries offer quicker charge times.

How do I add charge when I get home?

Home charging is a crucial aspect of owning and running an electric car and there are incentives in place for charging at home. Government grants and even manufacturer schemes will make installing a home wall box much cheaper.

Will it actually be cheaper to buy and run an electric car?

Although the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more than an equivalent internal combustionengined car, this is becoming less common as the technology progresses. Plus, there are government grants available to help lower the cost.

Charging is where cost savings are really made.

Although prices do vary between chargers, around 100 miles of additional charge will cost about £6-7.

Charging at home depends on your energy tariff and there are companies offering EV-friendly plans that take advantage of lower-priced charging times, such as overnight. For an average EV with around 200 miles of range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around £8.40 for a full charge – good value compared with petrol and diesel.

Are there any benefits that aren’t as obvious?

As well as cost saving, one positive is refinement – EVs are quiet and, therefore, relaxing to drive compared with a petrol or diesel car.

Another positive is performance, with even lowerpowered EVs offering rapid acceleration.

But isn’t the UK lacking in charge points?

The number of charging stations in the UK has grown enormously. According to ZapMap, there are over 35,000 connectors across the country, made up of around 20,000 charge points in about 13,000 locations.

26 per cent are in central London alone, with 13.5 per cent in the south east and 12.3 per cent in Scotland. Government funding will make fast chargers more widespread and improve the country’s charging structure to make charging easier.

Doesn’t the energy for electric cars only come from fossil fuels anyway?

Energy and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure their energy is green. BP Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, all provide renewable energy, while home energy providers like Octopus Energy provide completely green power.

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Many people buy or adopt a cat as company and but forget that it works both ways. If you’d miss your cat if they aren’t there, remember they’ll miss you too. However, unlike dogs you don’t usually take a cat with you, so prepare well in advance for times when you are away from home.

For short breaks – whether a day at work or a weekend away – our feline friends are quite independent, especially when given access to a cat flap and timed feeders. However, some animals will express feeling lonely by behaving out of character. For example, they could start urinating in the house or spending long periods of time away from home.

The easiest way to address this is to find a friendly neighbour to pop in once a day. Even five minutes fussing and attention can be enough to make your pet feel calmer. But if you are often

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

away, a professional pet sitter might be a better option. Either way, do make sure you have introduced them several times before they attend to your cat without you being present.

For longer trips away, it’s more likely you’ll need to opt for a cattery. Cats can be sensitive to the pre-holiday stress though, so rather than dropping them off last minute, build in an extra day to give them chance to settle – plus you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you rush out the door.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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It’s best known for its esteemed university, but Cambridge is also the crown jewel of UK city breaks.

If centuries of history, exquisite architecture, tranquil manicured gardens and beers by the riverside all sound like your type of holiday, the university town of Cambridge could be the perfect base. Not sure where to begin?

Here’s a small snapshot of the top sights and experiences: Go punting They say the best way to experience a city is to live like the locals do. Luckily, Cambridge’s favourite pastime is also one of the best ways to see the city.

Relax, soak up the views and watch some of Cambridge’s most famous sights sail by, including the Bridge of Sighs, Kings College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge. You can steer the boat yourself or simply sit back and let the guides do all the hard work.

Take a university tour Visiting Cambridge without seeing its ancient university buildings is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. After all, dating back to 1209, Cambridge University is the second oldest English-speaking university in the world.

Book a guided tour around Clare, Trinity, Christ’s and King’s Colleges, where Stephen Hawking, David Attenborough, Charles Darwin and Alan Turing once studied. Admire exquisite chapels and libraries, and marvel at the colleges’ perfectly groomed grounds.

It’s impossible not to be in awe of the sheer academic excellence soaked into every inch of the university’s walls.

Visit some museums If all that academic brilliance is making you want to learn a thing or two, you’re in luck; Cambridge is full of fantastic museums.

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Trinkets and treasures from all corners of the globe are at the Fitzwilliam Museum or get a taste for polar adventures at the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum. Then there’s the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, where almost two million rocks and fossils will transport you through 4.5 billion years of history.

Drink and dine in style Cambridge has no shortage of lovely pubs, restaurants and bars to sample. Serious foodies should book a table at the Michelin-starred Midsummer House, or for lighter fare, head out of town slightly to The Orchard Tea Garden.

These tearooms are known for having the best cream teas around.

The Green Man is the place to go for pub grub and a pint, and the Pint Shop is also worth checking out; its Grade II-listed building was once home to EM Forster, but now houses a long list of beers from breweries all over the country.

Rent a bike to see the sights In Cambridge, everyone cycles everywhere.

Dodging book-balancing students on bicycles is part of what makes the city so charming, but it is a great way for tourists to explore the city too.

Swing by the Corpus Clock before meandering slowly through Cambridge’s Botanical Gardens.

Stop off at Market Square to pick up a souvenir and satisfy your inner bookworm at Heffers bookshop. You’ll soon fall in love with how easy it is to explore this city on two wheels.

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Parents and grandparents with cash to spare will often want to help the younger generation. They have plenty of options, but it’s key to consider the tax and risk implications.

FINANCIAL GIFT With a straightforward financial gift, the recipient won’t have to pay any income tax on it but it can affect inheritance tax. The simple principle is that any money you give as a gift will still count towards the value of your estate (and potentially attract inheritance tax) except in specific circumstances.

One exemption is time: if you live more than seven years after making the gift, it’s not counted towards your estate. If you die between three and seven years after the gift, a special lower inheritance tax rate applies depending on the precise time. If you die less than three years after the gift, it’s covered by the normal inheritance tax rate.

You also have an annual exemption that means the first £3,000 you give away each year isn’t counted as part of your estate. A separate oneoff exemption covers a gift for a wedding or civil ceremony: £5,000 for a gift to your child, £2,500 to your grandchild and £1,000 to anyone else.

SCHOOL FEES School fees for a grandchild are also exempt, though this only applies if you make regular payments and it’s clear you can afford them.

Finally you can give up to £250 a year to any individual who isn’t covered by any other exemptions.

SAVINGS PLAN One alternative to an immediate gift is to put money into a savings plan, for example with

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

the aim of helping the child with university costs It comes in both cash and stocks-and-shares when they turn eighteen. A Junior ISA is a way versions Only a parent or guardian Junior ISA, to do this without attractingcan tax open on thea savings or but anyone can put money into thestocks-andJunior ISA growth.

It comes in both cash and once it’s open. Legally the money belongs to the shares versions. child, though they can’t withdraw it until they turn Only a parent or guardian can open a Junior ISA, eighteen.

FIRST HOME but anyone can put money into the Junior ISA Perhaps the most common way to financially once it’s open. Legally the money belongs to the help a child or grandchild is with their first home child, though theyprovide can’t withdraw it until turn purchase.

If you the money for athey deposit, eighteen. it has the same rules regarding inheridance tax as any HOME other gift. You’ll have to confirm you are FIRST not claiming any financial interest and you may Perhaps the most common way tofor financially have to provide bank statements moneyhelp a child or grandchild is with their first home laundering checks.

You can act as aprovide mortgage purchase.

If you theguarantor money forinawhich deposit, responsible for theinheritance payments iftax your ityou hasbecome the same rules regarding as children or grandchildren fall behind. That’s a any other gift. You’ll have to confirm you are not risky proposition and you should never consider claiming financial interest may it withoutany expert advice.

That’sand alsoyou true of ahave famto statements ilyprovide deposit bank mortgage where for youmoney-laundering put the deposit money up front. If the borrower makes all the checks. scheduled payments for a set period (often five You canyou’ll act asget a mortgage in which years), the moneyguarantor back, sometimes you for the payments if your withbecome interest responsible as well.

It’s also or worth exploring afall family offset mortgage. children grandchildren behind.

That’s a This lets you put savings into a special account, risky proposition and you should never consider it temporarily lowering the figure used to calculate without advice. That’s also true of a family interestexpert charges. deposit you put the deposit FAMILYmortgage OFFSET where MORTGAGE It’s alsoup worth a familymakes offset all mortgage. money front.exploring If the borrower the This doesn’t affect theforinitial purscheduled payments a setdeposit period and (often five chase. Instead you can put some of your savings years), you’ll get the money back, sometimes with into a special account. You won’t earn interest, interest as well. but as long as your money is in the account, the lender deducts it fromoffset the outstandIt’s alsoeffectively worth exploring a family mortgage. ing mortgage balance when they are calculating This lets you put savings into a special account, interest costs. That gives the borrower the option temporarily lowering the figure used tothe calculate of paying less each month, or paying same interest amount charges. and clearing the mortgage quicker.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

35

By Kate Duggan

Subscription boxes have really taken off in recent years. Who doesn’t love receiving a goodie bag through the door now and then, even if the person treating yourself is you? But with so many boxes to choose from, how do you decide which one to pick?

Here’s a few things to consider before you hand over your card details…

What are you looking for?

First off, consider your budget and what you want to get out of the subscription. Are you signing up to discover new products, or do you just want a treat delivered to your door every now and then? Do you prefer big brands or would you rather support smaller businesses?

Do you want natural, vegan-friendly products, more skincare than makeup, extra treats like cosmetic bags…and so on.

Browse the boxes Most subscription sites share the contents of previous boxes. It can be difficult to see which products are full-sized and which are mini from a photo, so check the description.

Read reviews Check reviews on different sites. Remember that brands do sometimes pay people to write reviews and they often sponsor influencer content. Look at ratings on Trustpilot, where the brand will likely have thousands of reviews and can’t delete the bad ones, rather than just relying on the comments on a social-media ad.

Don’t get locked in Generally with these boxes, the longer you subscribe for, the lower the price of each box.

However, you don’t want to lock yourself into a commitment that doesn’t work for you. So it might be worth trying one box before you commit, or making sure you can cancel without penalties if you sign up to a monthly payment.

ider...

Boxes to cons Glossybox (www.glossybox.co.uk) is one of the most reasonably priced boxes on the market and scores well on Trustpilot. Each box contains five or more products with a combined value of at least £50. Usually, you’ll get a mix of skincare and makeup, mainly from lesser-known (but good-quality) brands. From £11.75 a box.

FabFitFun’s boxes (www.fabfitfun.com) treat you to a mix of health and beauty and lifestyle products. My first box contained a dressing gown (which I’ve been living in recently), a hair mask, a couple of mugs, a mascara (which is awesome and by a brand I’d never heard of) and various other items. Truthfully, a couple of the products have gone straight in the charity box. However, overall, I’ve been impressed. At $59.99 (approximately £45), it’s not cheap, but you do get to customise the contents and definitely get that ‘ooh’ factor when it arrives at your door.

If you prefer natural, vegan brands, LoveLula (www.lovelula.com) is worth a look. For £14.95 you’ll receive at least four products a month, from brands such as Green People, Balm Balm and Madara.

Other boxes to consider include: Birchbox: www.birchbox.co.uk • Cohorted: www.cohorted.co.uk Little Known Box: www.littleknownbox.com • Look Fantastic: www.lookfantastic.com

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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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

M o b i l e b i c yc l e S e r v i c e & r e pa i r

Yo u r H o m e | Yo u r W o r k | Yo u r r i d e

rebelwaltz-cyclesolutions.co.uk • I can pick up your bike from your home or place of work then return to you at your convenience.

• From a safety check, new build to a full service, all work and repairs will be quoted prior to commencing.

• Will contact you immediately if any other defects are spotted so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

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

Contact: Jon Martin jon@rebelwaltz-cyclesolutions.co.uk | 07514 435855

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Local climate action: Berrylands’ Poo Power to heat Kingston Sir Edward Davey, M.P

n my column last month, I wrote about the exciting regeneration plans for Norbiton’s Cambridge Road Estate, and how Kingston Council now has ambitious plans to build new council homes to tackle local housing needs.

At the end, I briefly referred to the fact that the development will be heated by a district heat network, with renewable heat from the Hogsmill sewage works. Several readers have asked me for more details. So here goes…..

It’s all about poo power.

And how we can use the heat of human waste from Berrylands’ own Hogsmill sewage works for a radical new vision for tackling climate change.

Kingston Council has been in discussions with Thames Water – who own the sewage works - to see if our local water utility would be up for an innovative new approach to producing energy in partnership with the Council.

The plan uses a framework for district heating networks I established when I was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, when I set up the Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) in 2013. It’s an idea I’ve been keen on our Borough using for some time. Indeed, Kingston Council has been developing these heat network plans, using grants from the HNDU.

There are so many positive about the scheme, it’s difficult to know where to start.

But the basic idea is this.

Thames Water currently flushes the clean warm water that remains after it has treated local residents’ sewage back into the River Hogsmill as effluent. It’s regulated by the Environment Agency for this, though it’s fair to say there is active debate

between local environmentalists about the impact on the river and biodiversity of this regulated process.

Under this new renewable heat plan, Thames Water will instead funnel the warm water to an energy centre where the effluent will help heat the water destined to warm local homes. With benefits for local nature at the same time.

This new energy centre will then use heat pumps to boost the temperature of the water higher, and heat exchangers to transfer the heat of the waste water to a separate system of water pipes which will carry hot water to the district heating scheme.

By using renewable poopowered heating in place of fossil fuel gas, the scheme could save 105,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years, according to Thames, the equivalent of 157,000 return flights from London to New York or more than 15,000 car journeys around the world.

While the initial plan would see this heat used for homes in Norbiton’s regeneration scheme, experts say the Hogsmill Sewage Works has the potential to produce and distribute heat to many more buildings in Kingston.

I’m keen, for example, that Kingston Hospital considers connecting to this renewable heat network: the hospital uses more heat than any other major building in Kingston Borough, it needs to renew its current heating system soon and it’s close to Norbiton.

But local poo power could heat still more!

me the district heating scheme could be expanded so that public and commercial buildings in Kingston town centre also feel the warmth of human waste.

Proposals for a new swimming and leisure complex to replace the Kingfisher leisure centre are considering if the new facility could be linked up too. The new secondary school for Kingston – now in an advanced stage of planning - could easily be part of this renewable revolution.

Of course, there’s a long way to go before this fabulous new green vision for Kingston can be implemented.

But the great news is, it can happen. Here.

Alongside building new social housing, refurbishing our NHS hospital and creating major new community assets like a school and pool, Kingston could help lead the way in local climate action.

Several years ago, Berrylands led the way on our local scheme for recycling, when our community held the Borough’s pilot for the green boxes and brown bins that we are all now so used to.

If local poo power does get the green light, Berrylands will be leading the way again, in a rather different form of recycling.

I’m in politics to create a fairer, greener society. By using this renewable heat scheme to heat new council homes, our NHS, schools and leisure buildings, perhaps in Kingston, we could show the way forward.

People close to the thinking tell

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email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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QUIZ SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

HIDATO SOLUTION

TWO M NUTE TR AL

CODEWORD SOLUTION

3 Letters BET BOT EON NET NOB NOT ONE TEN TOE TON

4 Letters BENT BONE NEON NONE NOTE TONE

5 Letters TONNE

6 Letters BONNET

WORDSEARCH ANSWER Honey is sweet, but bees sting.

French proverb

WORDWHEEL ANSWER MORTAL WORD LADDER ANSWER (This is one solution, there may be others) HAND band bond fond food FOOT

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CHILDREN’S PAGE

Crossword Answers: Across: 3. Pepper 5. Tomato 7.

Spinach 9. Carrot 10. Cucumber Down: 1. Beetroot 2. Broccoli 4. Potato 6. Rhubarb 8. Onion

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What’s on in April:March - April 2021 27th: 28th:

Put clocks forward at 2am British Summer Time begins

National Pet Month Stress Awareness Month Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Parkinsons Awareness Month

Covid Restriction Easing from March 29th: • People allowed to mix outside, either one household or the rule of 6 in private gardens.

• Stay at home rule ends, but the Government urges people to stay local.

• Outdoor sports facilities will re-open: golf, tennis and basketball courts.

• Formally organised outdoor sports can re-start.

• Parents and childrens groups capped at 15 only outdoor:- indoor groups for vulnerable children or for parents to go to work.

• Weddings up to 6 people can take place anywhere.

April 1st: 2nd: 4th: 5th: 8th: 11th: 17th: 20th:

21st:

23rd:

Maundy Thursday Good Friday Bank Holiday Easter Day Easter Monday Bank Holiday Deadline for May issue submission Tolworth Street Market 11 am Surbiton Farmers’ Market 9am - 1pm Deadline for application for a postal vote for the Mayor of London & London Assembly elections to be held on 6th May 2021 World’s Biggest Virtual Tea Party National Tea Party for Guide Dogs www.givedogs.org.uk St George’s Day

Covid Restriction Easing from April 12th: • All shops can re-open • Restaurants and pub gardens can serve outdoors, including alcohol • Gyms and Spas can open for individuals and households • Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close contact services can re-open.

• UK domestic holidays away from home is permitted. Self contained accommodation able to re-open for members of the same household.

• Children allowed to attend indoor play activities with up to 15. Parents and guardians allowed to join.

• Zoos, theme parks and drive in cinemas can re-open.

• Libraries and community centres can re-open.

• Weddings up to 15 people can take place.

May

3rd: 6th: 8th: 9th: 31st:

June 8th: 21th: 21st: 26th:

May Day Bank Holiday Mayor of London & London Assemby Elections Deadline for June issue submissions Europe Day Spring Bank Holiday Deadline for July/August issue submissions Fathers’ Day Summer Solstice, Longest Day Armed Forces Day

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

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COMMUNITY PAGE

Surbiton Bowling Club celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2021 having been inaugurated in 1921 and still playing on the same ground in Alexandra Park. We will be producing a special Pennant to celebrate, together with a potted history in booklet form.

Our season opens from 24th April – hopefully with very few restrictions because of Covid. Open Days are planned for Saturday 1st and Saturday 29th May when you are cordially invited to come along and have a try at this fun sport. No equipment required. For more information visit www.surbitonbowlingclub.uk Open Door Club We will be holding an Easter Service for “Open Door” members/ guests at Christ Church on Thursday 1st April at 2.00pm. Everyone who wishes to attend should register via our church website (www.ccsurbiton.org) or call 020 8390 2755, wear a mask and observe Covid distancing restrictions. NB Due to the pandemic sadly at this point in time the congregation is not able to join in singing the hymns in church, nor can we offer folk tea afterwards as we used to do.

Surbiton Bird Watching Society Our website address is surbitonbirds.org, which is kept very much up to date and covers anything and everything that anyone interested in birdwatching in our area or interested in joining us would ever need to know. www.surbitonbirds.org Kingston Philatelic Society is unable to meet until restrictions are lifted. For more information contact: Brian Sole, Tel: 01932 220 677 or email: brian.sole@btinternet.com For gardeners, for information on the groups: Hook Allotments and Gardens Association: contact Mark: 07970 692 395 Chessington Horticultural Society: www.horticultural.moonfruit. co.uk email: chesshort@live.co.uk 42

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What to Say

When Children are Anxious and Scared

Negative news about the virus, global warming and world events can lead to fear, anxiety and confusion for children. Here are some pointers on things to say.

I understand that you feel stions concerned. What are the que e? hav you t tha ts ugh and tho I understand if you find th ou going round and round yo ghts ur head, but sometim es we need to remembe to think abou r t good things too.

helps Worry is quite normal and – like us prepare for real danger r! tige a by d cke getting atta

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

You are allowed to feel disappointed and sad when your fun times are cancelled and you can’t see your friends.

You aren ’t your own on . Your family are here for you a nd w working th e are rou this togeth gh er.

We have to take each da y one at a time and focu s on the thin gs that we can do, like stay ourselves an ing safe, taking care of d being kind and of other peop le who are al forgiving so worried.

email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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O

YMCA St Paul’s Group calls on community to take part in special Sleep Easy event to raise money and awareness in aid of homelessness n the 26th March 2021, YMCA St Paul’s Group will come together with other YMCAs across England, to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event, with the aim of raising vital funds to help tackle the root cause of youth homelessness.

From 7pm on Friday 26th March to 7am on Saturday 27th March, hundreds of people across the country will be sleeping anywhere but their beds, to raise awareness of the thousands of young people who are made homeless each year, and YMCA St Paul’s Group is calling on local residents to join them.

YMCA St Paul’s Group want to get young people off the streets, keep young people off the streets and create opportunities. Money raised from the event will go towards offering hope for our residents and young people, who are affected by homelessness in our communities.

Across the country, YMCA has hosted Sleep Easy events since 2010, and has seen more than 7,000 people sleep rough to raise over £1.5m for local YMCA services that help young people rebuild their lives.

This Sleep Easy will look different to previous years as COVID-19 has not just had an impact on homelessness services, but on fundraising as well.

Traditionally, Sleep Easy is an event that brings lots of the community together in one place, however, this

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year will see people going solo or with their families - swapping the streets for bathtubs, sofas or garden tents. It is hoped that this special collaborative event will help YMCA St Paul’s Group raise more money than ever in aid youth homelessness.

Richard James, Chief Executive of YMCA St Paul’s Group has said: “As a year, 2020 wa more difficult and heart-breaking than anyone could ever have anticipated, but one overwhelming positive that emerged was the power of community and the difference that can make to people’s lives. Even though we have been kept apart physically this year, we have ended up closer than ever.

“We all know from our own experience that without support offered by YMCA St Paul’s Group, many more vulnerable young people would be forced to sleep on the streets with less options and less chance of realising their potential.

“With this in mind, YMCA St Paul’s Group is calling on the community to sleep somewhere other than their beds and help us raise awareness of youth homeless, as well a record sum of money for this special Sleep Easy event. Please participate, donate and nominate to spread the word: one night can make a lifetime of difference”

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Call Karen now to discuss your advert redesign or package or your leaflet delivery 020 8274 0096

To advertise call Karen: 020 8274 0096

Email me for your enquiries: karen@berrylands-companion. co.uk All deadlines by the 8th of the month before issue month email: karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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Please mention the magazine when contacting advertisers Index Home & Garden Car Maintenance

13 15 2 19 21 25 17 15 47 17 30 13 19 12 14 18

All Your Garden Needs Berrylands Property Maintenance Carpets4U Chris Mould Plumber HoneyBee Roofing KB Design Kevin Robinson Decorators Leverett Electricals R.J.Tree Services Richey Brickwork Roofers of Epsom Will Lord William Stallion Electricals Gardening Home & Interiors Home Products

23 5 23 38 48 6/7 5 34

Rest & Relaxation Cine Sanctuary Emmanuel Church King George Field Bowls Club Rebel Waltz Cycle Solutions Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club Wheelfreedom 1-2-1 PC & Web Services Staycation

9 36 8

Care & Health Happy Place Reflexology Beauty Health

20 22

Children & Education Parenting Kids Page

33 33

Veterinary Aspen Veterinary Surgery Pet Care

If your club or society is not listed on the Local Events, send in the details!! Why not send in your events. For the What’s On page: Clubs, Schools, Churches, & Charity events should be submitted to

karen@berrylands-companion.co.uk

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31 27 11 25 32 38

Alan Sursham Berrylands Autocare Community Motors K&P Tyres Motoring Special: Highway Code

29 9 16 28 30

Food & Drink C.D.Jennings Prithi Bake Recipe Seasonal Foods

42 17 3 39 44 35 37

Articles & Editorials Community Pages Crossword Useful Telephone Numbers Sir Edward Davey M.P YMCA Appeal Finance Special: April Anniversaries

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There are so many businesses, trades and services that are not represented in

A Berrylands Companion From as little as £54 a month your advert can feature here for a year!

An email with your artwork will ensure it is featured.

So What is Stopping You? Call now!Contact Karen:

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Magazine printed by Warwick Printing, Warwickshire

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S I N N E !

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Clu triction afety m game return res latest s y your ed, to club the to enjo n allowsports you dy, whe iendly . rea the fr orstep Join our do on y

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