Kingswood Village Voice September 2017

ISSUE 142 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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KINGSWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION R e g i s t e r e d T H E

C h a r i t y

V I L L A G E

L A N E ,

H A L L ,

K I N G S W O O D

N o .

2 7 5 1 8 7

WAT E R H O U S E K T 2 0

6 E B

Chairman

Bob Gunn Kingsdene, Furze Hill, Kingswood KT20 6EP Tel: 01737 360035 Email: bob@gunn.org Secretary Michael Hannah, 1 Lilley Drive, Kingswood KT20 6JA Tel: 01737 830893 Email: mehannah@tiscali.co.uk Treasurer Roger Dring Garden End, Motts Hill Lane, Tadworth KT20 5BE Tel: 01737 813719 Email: rpdring@greenbee.net Committee Members: Rosemary Akerman Tel: 01737 830257 Sally Fish Tel: 01737 832176 George Ferguson Tel: 01737 833329 James Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 Peter Wormald Tel: 01737 832866 KADDS Judy Par nall Tel: 01737 830888 Hall Bookings Penny Chatfield Tel: 01737 353248 (Strictly between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday only) Hall Manager Kay Shah Tel: 01737 351989 Mobile: 07950 899456 Life President KVCA Sir Brian Hill Life President KADDS Lady Janet Hill The Village Voice Editor Richard Milbour n 3 Mount Hill, Mogador, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7HZ Tel: 01737 222307 Email: richard.milbour n@car nah.co.uk The print run for The Village Voice is 1,600 copies and it is delivered free to all households and businesses in Kingswood. The Village Voice is published four times a year: March/September/September/December with copy dates of 31st January, 30th April, 31st July and 31st October.

Statements and opinions in The Village Voice, unless expressly written, are not necessarily those of the Kingswood Village Community Association. Material in The Village Voice may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Editor.

SEPTEMBER 2017 3

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2017 KVCA Contacts Yo u r C h a i r m a n ’s N o t e s Wa l t o n ’s F o r m e r S t a t e l y H o m e Memory Lane Kingswood News From KADDS Review of KADDS Spring Play Sarah Lott - Charity Begins At Home Local Developments Kingswood Residents Association Thirteen Society The Church In Kingswood D e s e r t I s l a n d D i s c s - B r e n d a Wo r m a l d Photograph Competition Kingswood Village WI Probus Club A n n D o b s o n ’s R e c i p e s Flower Arrangement Group Tr a v e l - G r i z z l i e s , E a g l e s A n d O r c a ’s Frith Park K i n g s w o o d L a w n Te n n i s C l u b S a r a h ’s G a r d e n J o t t i n g s Yo u r L o c a l C h a r i t i e s - S a m a r i t a n s N S P C C - T h a n k s To A n g i e Writers’ Corner Charities - Charity Action List Advertisers Index

4 SEPTEMBER 2017

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

3 7 8 14 17 19 20 26 29 31 33 34 37 38 41 42 45 46 50 53 56 58 61 62 65 66

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KINGSWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Y O U R

C H A I R M A N ’ S

N O T E S

O

ur Village Hall has had a significant make-over this summer. It has been re-decorated inside and out, and has a smart new colour scheme. With funding from Surrey County Council plus the audio expertise of Simon Parnall and workmanship of Peter Dell, we have extended the capabilities of the Hall’s audio-visual system.

This has included adding two more speakers (for full, surround-sound), a head-worn microphone, microphone stands, and a walkie-talkie communication system for the

back-stage crew.

Thanks to the generosity of the Dean family in Banstead, we now have a newer, better piano which we are protecting with a proper piano cover. As a small ‘thank you’ we have given them a season ticket to KADDS performances for a year and they have already used it to see Hay Fever. Behind the scenes there have also been a number of repairs and replacements, including a new water heater in the dressing room.

To continue to be a success, of course, the Hall needs to be well used, and we enjoy a good working relationship with our regular users including 13 Society, the Big Band, Carol Anne Dance Academy, the Flower Club, the Kingswood Village WI, the Laird Ballet Academy and Penny Neal’s Pilates Group.

KADDS, our ‘in-house user’, followed the success of Alice the Panto with a very well received production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever in June. Excitement is now building for the autumn play, Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van. Next February half-term they have announced they will present Wind in the Willows.

But we are always looking for new Hall users. Would anyone like to hire the Hall to run a toddler group, another exercise class, a U3A interest group or a film club?

The Hall is well equipped for any of these and our friendly Hall Bookings Secretary Penny Chatfield is waiting to hear from you.

In connection with Hay Fever in June we tried a new initiative, a Gala Night pretheatre meal at the No 12 Restaurant with prosecco, a special menu and reserved seats for the show. Quite a few people took advantage of it. Watch for a similar offer for The Lady in the Van in October.

Finally, I would like to thank my hard-working committee and all of the other people who help in the running of the Village Hall, in the production and distribution of Village Voice and in sustaining a real sense of community in Kingswood. If you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions, please let me know. n Bob Gunn, Chairman KVCA

SEPTEMBER 2017 7

F R I T H

PA R K

FRITH PARK W A LT O N ’ S F O R M E R S TAT E LY H O M E Dr Bruce E Osborne follows the history of Frith Park from stately home to military headquarters to industrial site and now to residential complex.

T

he Frith Park estate lies about a mile south west of Walton on the Hill and is situated on the crest of the North Downs. By 2016 the site included

Frith House, a former 19th century locally listed stately home, together with a number of postwar commercial buildings, four cottages, a former 16th century farmhouse and a group of agricultural buildings. Within the estate there was also a former walled garden which was in a state of disrepair together with other landscaped features including a fine array of trees. With the construction of the M25 in the 1970s, the estate was divided and the east

8 SEPTEMBER 2017

F R I T H

PA R K

Lodge, as a result, lies north of the motorway

Sheila Webb/CRO) It is worth noting that the

whilst all else is south, connected by an access

original front façade comprised three windows

bridge from Sturts Lane.

on the first floor and two windows plus a

The occupants of the estate, originally a farm, can be dated back to the 17th century

central doorway below.

This impressive building was extended and

and various owners/occupants are recorded as

enhanced over the following years as can be

follows:

deduced from the time line based on the

1629 John Barnes gent. For his place called

ground plan shown on the large scale

Frith. / Frith Farm, a 17th-century house with a

Ordnance Survey maps. In particular, by 1896

park, is the seat of Mr. W. Stebbing./ 1803 a

the central facade had been extended forward

conveyance to one Richard Howard./ 1938

thereby doubling the depth of the building. This

Kelly’s Directory, Maj. F B Storey Frith Park

new extended facade had 5 upstairs windows

Farm.

with 4 windows and a central front door below.

The area has many attributes including the

By 2017 the entire building had been

elevations of the North Downs chalk ridge with

demolished apart from the front facade of the

open expanses of heathland. Unsurprisingly

c.1896 front extension with its 5 upstairs

therefore in the mid-19th century the farm

windows.

estate became the location for the construction of a stately home Frith House or Mansion.

The House was built in 1858-66 together with

This disappointing end in 2017 to Walton-onthe-Hill’s stately home caused surprise, shock and in some cases outrage by the local

the park entrance drives, avenues and lodges.

community. It had ended up in a very

Frith House was built as shown on the opposite

dilapidated condition and was designated a

page depicted in its original styling. (source:

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 0

SEPTEMBER 2017 9

F R I T H

PA R K

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 9

There was also the Study, with fireplace and

brown field site. By back tracking the more

windows to the terrace and finally a Morning

recent history we can understand how arguably

Room 15 feet by 14 feet with a fireplace. Of

a general lack of public awareness of its

particular note was the approach to the first

potential as a residential mansion precipitated

floor with a handsome mahogany staircase and

this tragic end.

well-proportioned landing. The house had

The substantial Frith House, before demolition in 2017, was contained within a landscaped area of about 250 acres. The

stood unoccupied for some time since the derequisitioning by the Military.

After the war the estate had become

house, which faced the rising sun to the east,

industrial. The main house was occupied by the

had several notable features. The front facade

South Wales Chemical Company from the

was particularly attractive and inside, the

1950s. It was used for manufacturing, storage

staircase with its decorative timber bannisters

and office accommodation. The company was

was a central feature as was the main open

involved in the printing industry, extending their

fireplace.

activity with new buildings in the 1970s. The

During both world wars Frith Park was

farm buildings were historically used for

occupied by the military. The house was used

agricultural purposes but this use had fallen

as a military hospital in the Great War.

into decline by then. The chemical

During the Second World War the locality

manufacturing company has a history in

was again taken over by the armed forces with

supplying the printing industry for more than a

Canadian contingents taking up residence at

century. The business was founded in Frankfurt

Frith Park. Based on experiences elsewhere,

in 1908 as a supplier of ingredients for Litho

particularly Oaks Park in Carshalton, this

printing inks. In 1939, to escape the threat of

occupation likely resulted in substantial

Nazi persecution, Samuel Kahn brought his

damage being done to the house. Oaks Park

family and business to Britain and established

was subsequently demolished.

himself in South Wales as the South Wales

In 1948 the house and about 153 acres of

Chemical Company. After the Second World

land came up for freehold sale by auction. The

War, under the direction of Samuel's son,

land area included 25 acres of woodland and

Bernard, the company moved to Frith Park,

the agent’s information gives an idea of the

Walton-on-the-Hill, and traded as DEP Ltd.

nature of the estate and the house itself in its

Considerable commercial success was

final format. The mansion was three storeys

achieved through the development of products

high and contained 13 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

for the Offset Litho printing industry.

and a spacious Hall, 4 reception rooms, a

With the eventual demise of the industrial

Billiard Room and Domestic Offices.

interests the location became a brown field site

Outbuildings included garaging for 4 cars, a

and inevitably drew the attention of residential

Chauffeurs Flat, 2 Lodges and greenhouses. In

developers in the 21st century. By the 1990s

addition there was the Home Farm with ample

the ancient farmhouse had been listed. Built of

assorted farm buildings. The 4 reception rooms

brick with stucco rendering and a slate roof,

in the main house comprised a Drawing Room

only the facade of the main house was similarly

43 feet by 17 feet with Adam style fireplace.

listed. This subsequently resulted in the styling

The Dining Room was 30 feet by 19 feet and

of the historic facade being incorporated into a

had an alcove fireplace with oak surround.

10 SEPTEMBER 2017

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 2

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F R I T H

PA R K

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 9

therefore harmful to the Green Belt and its

number of proposed redevelopment schemes.

function. However the proposals, with some

As part of the process of public interaction, in

modifications were approved in due course

2014 the Tadworth and Walton Residents

with specific issues summarised as follows.

Association committee considered a

The conversion of the main house seeks to

redevelopment proposal which subsequently

restore the building to its original form by the

secured approval. This outlined the

removal of the later additions and to retain and

construction of 37 dwellings and proposed the

incorporate the surviving architectural details.

restoration of the facade of the locally listed

The submitted floor plans indicate that the

former mansion with re-construction to form 11

proposed 11 units can be accommodated

two and three bedroom flats. In addition, this

comfortably within the building whilst

proposal included the demolition of existing

maintaining the structure and principal internal

industrial buildings and four cottages and the

features. Work started in 2016 with the

erection of 26 two, three and four bedroom

demolition of the unwanted buildings including

houses. A number of conditions were specified

most of Frith House. The demolition company

within the proposal as follows. The listed and

finished their operations in February 2017.

locally listed buildings will be restored and their

This brings us up to date and all that can be

settings improved. The locally registered

seen now is the remains of the c.1896 facade

historic parkland will be regenerated and the

while the construction engineers proceed with

ancient woodland protected and enhanced.

the necessary groundwork for the

Extensive areas of shrub land, damaged trees

redevelopment. The picture on an earlier page

and woodland will be redesigned into new

shows the remains of the front facade viewed

managed landscaped areas including nearly

from the rear. Like a phoenix from the ashes,

1,000 new trees. The tree-lined carriageway,

there will be a new life for this park, unlike its

built in the 1850s, will be restored to its former

former lives however. From stately home to

glory. Smaller scale, sympathetic and attractive

military headquarters to industrial site and now

residential properties would be constructed,

to residential complex, we await the fourth

ranging from small apartments through to

stage with interest but also not without a little

terraced four bedroom houses.

nostalgia.

The site is located in the Metropolitan Green

Dr Bruce E Osborne

Belt where new residential and employment

On page 50 you can read all about the

development is generally considered to

residential development at Frith Park. Further

constitute inappropriate development and

details at www.frithpark.co.uk

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MEMORY LANE JEAN ELMSLIE

H

aving spent very, very early years in Tadworth, it was at the age of 12 that I first became involved in Kingswood by joining the First Kingwood Guide Company. Meetings were held on the upper floor of a farm building in the grounds of Tadworth Court. This was also used by St Andrew’s Youth Fellowship; we held regular church parades at St Andrew’s – usually at Evensong.

I also joined the Kingswood Tennis Club as a junior, graduating to a senior and playing regularly at weekends. The happiest memories of Kingswood in the 1940s were the junior tennis tournaments organised by Ruth Banks and her band of helpers who decided that they wanted to entertain their children owing to the long summer holidays. The first of these tournaments was/were in September 1947 when children gathered at Beech Coppice in Woodland Way. In those days the autumn term at schools didn’t begin until the middle of September.

There were two groups – the under 13s and the under 18s. We played on privately owned courts in the surrounding area, travelling on our bikes to Beech Drive, Warren Drive, Sandy Lane and such places and there were several in Woodland Way. The tournaments lasted from Monday to Friday and every day a wonderful tea was served by Dorothy Piers and her

14 SEPTEMBER 2017

helpers through the dining room window at Beech Coppice. The finals of the tournaments were a dance at the Golf Club. Happy Days.

My next association with Kingswood was to join the Young Conservatives in 1952. John and Betty Hughes were deeply involved in the organisation.

Carol singing was an annual event and as we progressed along Waterhouse Lane we were always invited in for a liqueur at Pinehurst by Mr Posnanski and his family.

Finally, in 1958 I was married to Ken and our first house was in Forest Drive.

There was a variety of shops to supply our needs and it was always a pleasure to go the village as one always met and chatted with so many locals. Sadly no more.

We remained in Forest Drive until 1969 when we moved to Lilley Drive.

Kingswood really hadn’t seen a development on this scale before.

Nowadays houses seem to be squeezed in everywhere and anywhere that has a space.

While I still enjoy living in Kingswood I often yearn for the old days. n Jean Elmslie What are your memories of Kingswood?

What brought you here? What have you got involved with? And how has Kingswood changed? Please contact me if you would like to follow up Jean’s memories. Bob Gunn

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K A D D S

THE LADY IN THE VAN Diary Dates: 26/27/28 October 8pm 'The Lady in the Van' by Alan Bennett directed by Sally Franklin.

The successful local restaurant pretheatre offer will be run again for ticket holders - more details available nearer the time.

Saturday 9th December 11am Carols in the Cafe - Waterhouse Lane.

14/15 December 7.30pm Crackers 15/16/17 February 2017 - Wind in

the Willows (Auditions 5th November).

We a re a l w a y s l o o k i n g f o r n e w t a l e n t t o b e i n v o l v e d i n f u t u re p ro d u c t i o n s – b e i t o n s t a g e , i n f ro n t o f t a b s o r b a c k s t a g e w i t h c o s t u m e s , m a k e - u p , p ro p s e t c . I f y o u a re i n t e re s t e d , o r w o u l d l i k e to be added to our database to b e k e p t u p t o d a t e w i t h f u t u re performances, please get in touch.

Wishing you all an enjoyable Autumn, and we look forward to welcoming you to future productions!

Best wishes, n Rachel Ruddmore (07771 555044)

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SEPTEMBER 2017 17

R E V I E W

O F

K A D D S

S P R I N G

P L A Y

HAY FEVER BY NOEL COWARD

K

ADDS put on a sparkling and polished

At one point in the play, Mrs Bliss says that

performance, to packed houses,

June had always been an unlucky month for her.

directed by William McKee and

But not for KADDS! It was a tour de force. To

assisted by Rosemary Akerman, of

complete the success, the 1920s atmosphere

Noel Coward’s comedy about the dysfunctional

was complemented by an impressive set and

Bliss family and their weekend visitors who

costumes so meticulously accurately sourced

can’t wait to get away from the mayhem.

by Maggie Kippen that the opening of Act 2

And what enjoyable mayhem it was,

received an audience ovation. Hair and make-

brilliantly acted, particularly by Joy Seymour

up by Suzanne McKee and Judy Kelly were also

as the mother of the family, and effortlessly

true to the period with props produced and set

supported by the other members of the family

by Jenny Alger. The whole

played by Colin Edgerton, Lara Cottrell,

production was

Michael Rahman, and the unhappy and

immaculately produced by

confused visitors played by Alex Culff, Lars

Jill Gunn and stage

Sawyer, Laura Worley and Mike Hill, and not

managed by Angie

forgetting Diana Hearn as the harassed, but

Mathers.

ever so bossy, housekeeper.

James Chatfield

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SEPTEMBER 2017 19

S A R A H

L O T T

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

B

en, Ruth’s eldest

Clare is out front, serving the customers. I’ve

son, came home

got something very important for you to do. Do

from school one

you see that ironing board over there? Do you

Monday

also see that large pile of creased clothes?”

afternoon, clutching a

Ben spent three hours at that ironing board.

crumpled piece of A4

After an hour of rejected attempts, he finally got

paper. He waved it in the

the hang of it. Clare taught him how to iron a

direction of his mother before tossing it onto

man’s shirt and even how to create a centre

the kitchen worktop, vaguely near Ruth’s “I’ll

seam on trousers. Ben worked really hard until

sort it out later” pile of other crumpled sheets

midday when his energy levels started to drop.

of paper.

Louise then sent him off to get a sandwich and

As he disappeared out of the room, tearing

have a break. She had two teenagers of her

open a packet of cheese and onion crisps with

own and recognised the glazed expression of

his teeth, he flung a remark in her direction with

hunger on Ben’s face.

the confident assumption that all responsibility

When he got back Louise saw Ben staring

for this piece of paper lay now entirely with his

at something in the window. His initial

mother. “Duke of Edinburgh Award thing.

expression of confusion was replaced with a

We’re all doing it. I need kit for the walking bit

satisfied smile as he re-entered the shop.

and we need to hand in a cheque by next week.

“What are you so pleased about, Ben?

We’ll also need to find some volunteer work to

Enjoying yourself that much are you? If you

do… What do you reckon Mum? Would

carry on looking so cheerful, I might even let

babysitting for Sarah count?” Ben was out of

you stop ironing and start serving customers!”

earshot before his mother had even taken a breath to speak.

Ruth was irritated by her son’s glib attitude

Ben explained that he’d seen something in the window that he wanted to buy his dad as a birthday present. He also begged Louise to let

and by his suggestion that looking after his

him serve in the shop. Ironing was making his

young sister equated to ‘volunteer work’. She

arm ache and was really, really boring. He

decided to take immediate action and

announced that he was never going to iron his

telephoned her old friend Louise who was the

own clothes. What was wrong with creased

manager of the local Age UK Charity Shop.

shirts anyway?

Early the following Saturday morning, Ruth

Ben spent the rest of the day serving

took not just a bag of unwanted items to the

customers and was surprisingly good at it.

charity shop but also a scruffy, sleepy and

Louise even noticed him giving advice to an old

rather disgruntled son. Louise was there to

lady who couldn’t choose between two

show Ben the ropes and, as soon as her friend

handbags. “I’d get the black one if I were you.

had gone, she turned to face the boy she’d

It’s very smart and will go with everything.”

known since he’d been in nappies.

Louise had to stifle a laugh as she recognised

“Right, I’m going to empty these bags here and sort out potential stock and my colleague

20 SEPTEMBER 2017

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 0

wrapped the cd that Ruth had bought for him

shoes or bags was always that they would ‘go

to give his father and Ben had the gift that he’d

with everything.’

bought from the charity shop.

Ben didn’t want to admit that he’d enjoyed

Sam opened his presents and cards,

his day and returned to his teenage taciturn

expressing the appropriate amount of gratitude

self by the time he got home. When Ruth

and appreciation for each one. Ben’s present

asked him how it had gone, he’d simply

was the last to be opened. It was a lime green

grunted his stock answer – a bit lame but ok.

vase with maroon stripes at the base. A

Ruth had already been on the phone with

genuine look of surprise and pleasure came

Louise and gleaned the details but she kept

over his face. A genuine look of shock and

quiet and used all her will power not to make

embarrassment came over Ruth’s.

any comments about Ben’s new found ironing

“Isn’t it great Dad? It’s exactly the same as

skills. She was also intrigued by the gift he’d

the one that you gave mum last Christmas. I

bought for Sam, whose birthday was only a

saw how upset you were when she told you

few days away.

that she’d broken it!”

On Sam’s birthday, Ruth gave him the leaf

Copyright Sarah Lott September 2017

blower that he’d asked for along with a couple

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of books and some aftershave. Sarah had

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made her dad a card and gave him some

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shower gel and a drinks mat with her

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photograph on it. Daniel had haphazardly

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SEPTEMBER 2017 23

Kingsw wood Amateur Drama Dance and Songg will present:

The Wiind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grah hame, adapted by Gill Morrell

on Thursday 15th tto Saturday 17th February 2018 in King gswood Village Hall

Auditions fo for o Adults and Children Sunday 5th November 2017 2.30pm in Kingsw wood Village Hall If you are interesteed but cannot attend on this date, or for furtther inffoormation contact: Eileen Hannah h (Director) on 01737 830893 email: m mehannah@tiscali.co.uk or Jill Gunn (Pro oducer) on tel: 01737 360035 emaail: jill@gunn.org

24 SEPTEMBER 2017

L O C A L

D E V E L O P M E N T S

DREAMING IN THE DEN

A

den denotes a secret hideaway, somewhere to relax, unwind and forget about the goings on of the world – welcome to the latest 6 bedroom luxury detached home from Octagon.

Set back from the quiet close of Bears Den in Kingswood, behind a secure gated entrance, a row of gorgeous greenery and approaching half an acre of beautifully landscaped gardens, Brockstone is the ultimate retreat.

The classic exterior and pillared entrance opens into the light filled hallway, where a sizeable study and cosy TV den sit on either side. Ahead, the standard Octagon ‘super-room’, with kitchen, living and dining areas, opens onto the back patio and the large garden, as the formal drawing room completes the ground floor layout.

With a large en-suite and open plan dressing room, the first floor master bedroom is accompanied by three further

26 SEPTEMBER 2017

en-suite bedrooms, as the top floor sees two light and bright bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Joe Taylor, Designer at Octagon comments; “At Brockstone, our latest property to be built on the Kingswood Estate, we wanted to pick up on a trend emerging for classic family homes which evoke an aura of refined simplicity, not heavily influenced by period architecture, and with pared down embellishments that make it handsomely understated.

“These clean, reserved features will ensure the house stands the test of time, and be viewed as a genuine Octagon classic in many years to come.”

The large South East backing garden, fully landscaped and lavishly planted, is perfect for summer soirées, sports or sunbathing, and approaches half an acre.

Brockstone is just a short walk from local shops, cafes, restaurants and Kingswood Station, where direct trains to

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SEPTEMBER 2017 27

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WHAT A WASTE

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felt encouraged when I Council of clearing up the resulting mess learned from one of our must be considerable. No doubt there is a Councillors a couple of range of causes for fly tipping, but it does years ago that an invite the question whether it is increasing proportion of increasingly seen as too difficult or costly our refuse was recycled to take commercial waste to the Council profitably and indeed this was proving so tip. successful that the expectation was that Even those delivering household waste our refuse disposal service would soon are also in for a new experience these become entirely self-sufficient. Considering days as I recently discovered when I joined the huge and rising cost of using landfill, a very slow moving queue of cars at a this was excellent news forOnslow anyone barrier Lady with some of her customs patients, atstyle Clandon Parkwhere drivers were concerned about the environment or quizzed at some length by an official with a indeed about Council spending. clip board. He checked the required written The main reason that we have moved evidence of my identity with suspicious towards this happy state is because modern care and then interrogated me about the techniques have developed ways of making nature of the materials I was carrying. I half profitable use of categories of waste which expected him to ask if I had anything to previously would have gone into a land fill declare! site. However revenue is also generated by Previously the Council issued little charging companies who dispose of waste stickers for residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cars and there were at the Council site. It is of course perfectly no such delays. Such is the nature of reasonable that organisations dumping progress it seems, but once again, I fear waste on a commercial scale should be that if it becomes too tedious and time required to pay for using a public waste consuming to go to the waste tip, some facility, but there is a tricky balance between people will simply fly tip instead. generating revenue and making waste I realise of course that the Council disposal discouragingly expensive. continues to be under huge pressure to Obviously if charges drift too high, it must balance the books and so must find increase the temptation of more revenue wherever it can. I just hope that unscrupulous contractors to engage in fly someone is evaluating at what point the tipping. cost of clearing up fly tipping begins to eat In recent times, my own impression at significantly into the least, is that fly tipping is happening more returns from the waste frequently in the countryside and tip, to say nothing of the sometimes even in the heart of residential impact on our areas. Indeed, I have heard of two countryside. examples in our immediate area just in the n Des Camblin last few days. Obviously the cost to the (Chairman KRA)

SEPTEMBER 2017 29

T H I R T E E N

S O C I E T Y

WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS

T

he new season of winter talks begins in the Village Hall on October 9th at 8

pm. This year we have quite a wide range of topics including history, gardens and magic. Our first speaker, Tom Furber, is from the London Metropolitan Museum where many of our earliest documents regarding the

City are held. It was as a result of an interview I heard on Radio 4’s Today programme that I approached the museum. The interview had revealed that they looked after a document signed by William the Conqueror, establishing rights for the

City of London which have made it the financial centre it is today. The question of Brexit was of course raised! In November Colin Jones, a retired BBC film editor, and also an enthusiastic gardener, will give an illustrated talk about the development of the gardens of St Petersburg. Peter the Great wanted to emulate Versailles and Catherine the Great wanted an English garden.

Our December speaker is Caroline Shenton who visited us two years ago and gave a superb lecture on the Great Fire at the Houses of Parliament. She returns to speak about the massive project to rebuild.

Caroline was brought up in Kingswood so it’s a particular pleasure to have her return. The remaining programme will be featured in the December issue of Village Voice and the full programme will shortly be posted on the Village website. We look forward to welcoming previous members back and hope some more will join us this year. The annual subscription is only £16 for 6 talks or £5 per evening at the door.

Further details are available from our Membership Secretary, Adele Hawkins (355653). n Frances Rosbotham, Programme Secretary

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32 SEPTEMBER 2017

T H E

C H U R C H

I N

K I N G S W O O D

FACT OR FICTION?

D

o you have difficulty

a court of law have to affirm an oath that “The

telling fact from

evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole

fiction these days?

truth, and nothing but the truth”. How could justice

Was it always this way or are more people now trying to

be done if all the witnesses lied?

Most of our major decisions in life are based on

deceive us deliberately with

trust. Indeed, we can only lead reasonably

‘fake news’?

sensible lives if we trust others – and that’s why we

For many years we’ve been told, “You can’t

feel so distraught and desolate when trust is

believe all you read in the newspapers” but with

betrayed. But if we can no longer trust our leaders

social media and people’s ability to self-publish

– politicians, people in positions of power, or the

almost anything, trying to sift out the fact from the

press – who can we trust?

fiction is increasingly difficult.

Such deception is not confined to ‘the media’

Well, I don’t believe all I read in the press or on social media. I might check the source of the

of course. It now seems commonplace for

information and seek some evidence of the truth

politicians or civil servants to be ‘economical with

and I trust God’s guidance to help me come to the

the truth’. They put their own ‘spin’ on things and

right conclusions. I do believe that, through the

happily let people come to wrong conclusions.

Holy Spirit, God guides me and helps me and is

But does it matter? Of course, it does! What

with me always. I believe this as a fact, from my

sort of society would it be if nobody trusted

own experience. Some may think it’s fiction but

anyone. What sort of example are we adults

many millions of people, over two millennia, who

setting for our children? Life would be intolerable if

share my Christian faith, have tried and tested it

we didn’t believe that most people were telling the

and found it to be true.

truth most of the time.

n Rev’d Chris Colton, Priest in charge, Parish of

There are very sound reasons why witnesses in

Kingswood

Community Coffee Mornings As there are no plans for any further coffee mornings, we would like to thank all and everyone for the support given to us over the past few years. We have had immense help from so many, the people running the hall, representatives from Kingswood clubs and groups, supplies of cakes from parishioners, plants (involving loads of carrying), massive practical help, in one case from an entire family, display boards borrowed from a friend, a large band of washers up and husbands who were volunteered as furniture movers. With the doors open and the coffee ready, those of you who came to support us and sample our wares were equally appreciated. Thank you everyone.

Members of St Andrews Church

SEPTEMBER 2017 33

D E S E R T

I S L A N D

D I S C S

BRENDA WORMALD Brenda Wormald has lived on Sandy Lane in Kingswood for thirty years. She is an active member of the local tennis and golf clubs. Her years in education included several years teaching at Tadworth Primary, leading to a promotion post for music. With specialisms in Dyslexia, Aspergers Syndrome, Mental Health and other learning needs, Brenda’s career led her eventually to a senior management role at Coulsdon Sixth Form College.

I

magine this. I am on a Sunday school trip, Sixth form outing, Youth Club visit to the zoo (yes, if there was something to join in, I would be there), when someone says, “Let’s sing a song! What shall we sing? There is a deathly hush, our minds go blank, until someone suggests, ‘ten green bottles’.

Everyone groans but it gets us all going.

There is so much music in my head I thought when I was asked to identify the best bits on paper it would be so easy. What to include, what to leave out? Which music so moves me that I would willingly be marooned on a desert island and never tire of listening to it, made me aware that I would be very disappointed if, seeing my article in print, that I discovered that I had missed out something important that I hadn't recalled early enough to be included, but I suppose that is inevitable with being restricted to nine pieces.

I love all musical genres, classical, big band, rock, pop, country and folk (which I did sing for a time in a pub),

34 SEPTEMBER 2017

but the music which I shall take with me will evoke memories of events, people and places and reflect the different stages of my life.

My first awakening to music must have been at church, where I would often go to choir practice with my father and sing with the tenors. He had been a chorister for forty seven years before he died aged fifty three. The tune that first really captured my imagination, was ‘The Swedish Rhapsody’, composed by Hugo Alfven, which I heard on the radio one morning whilst getting ready for junior school. I have always liked it and was delighted when my son bought me a musical box which plays the tune and I enjoy sharing it with my grandchildren I loved visiting my aunt and uncle and cousins at the vicarage in Sheffield where my uncle was the vicar. ‘Magic Moments’ was playing there one day. I can still see the kitchen now with its huge fridge and butler’s pantry. I really wanted a rocking horse like the one that was in the nursery! I have looked up the name of the singer and found it to be Perry Como.

My parents were quite taken aback when I arrived home one day having

bought three records that cost me a £1.

I love all the songs from the 60’s, but The Beatles was my favourite group.

I know almost all the words of all their songs . ‘Shame I can’t say the same about every lesson I attended!

The one I shall choose will be ‘If I Fell’ featuring John Lennon from the film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. I just love the tune.

Tempting though it will be to laze about all day, I shall spend time singing and dancing my way through my chosen music, so I have to include something that will get me moving, perhaps ‘Roll over Beethoven’ again by the Beatles. I never really learned to rock and roll, which I regret. I also have to include ‘Satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones.

THAT holiday in Italy! Not to mention that England had just beaten Germany to win the World Cup. Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club band was all the rage when I spent some time in the North-West as part of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold award. We all worked so hard that week, felling trees, damming rivers, clearing streams - and singing.

I prefer to listen to men sing rather than women and adore ‘The Pearl Fishers Duet’ by Bizet, sung by Andrea Bocelli and Placido Domingo. It fills my soul.They sang this on stage at the amazing Arena in Verona (the biggest amphitheatre outside Rome); which I visited recently to celebrate my Wedding Anniversary. Andrea is so versatile, I could listen to him all day, so I have to include another piece of music which he co wrote, ‘Because we Believe’. I love star gazing which I am sure will be totally mesmerising on a desert island. I might have to leave

sleeping until the daylight hours, somewhere in the shade would do me nicely.

Another male singer, Dean Martin sings ‘Amore’ which really goes with a swing and was the first song to introduce me to Italian dancing. My daughter married into an Italian family so it gets played often at gatherings.

I like to keep up with recent hits and love the energy of ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ by Justin Timberlake - not only a must have to keep me singing and dancing, but as a reminder of the great part of Sultan Pepper, played this Summer by my eldest grandchild and only grandson Leo, in his school production of Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits. All the children were on stage at the Lord Riddell Memorial Hall singing this in the finale.

For my luxury item, I think my first choice would be to take my husband Peter. He would soon have a shelter made, a fire going, logs collected, fish speared hammock installed and would he would also probably have found time to whittle a golf club from some fallen tree trunk, but I don’t expect that I would be allowed to take him.

I‘d love to take my ipad and wifi (and some sort of a generator to keep it charged). I have such an appetite for instant input, I am always studying one thing or another, but the solitude would give me the opportunity to catch up on my family tree which I have neglected recently. If I can’t have all of that, I could probably console myself with an electronic version of the Night Sky App. That will definitely keep me going until I am rescued!

Brenda Wormald

SEPTEMBER 2017 35

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C O M P E T I T I O N

KINGSWOOD THROUGH THE SEASONS

Above: The winner of the September 2017 photography competition is Pat Gibson who took this stunning picture of pink phlox and lillies. Entry deadline for the December issue is 20th October with a theme of autumn in Kingswood. Please email your photograph to richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2017 37

K I N G S W O O D

V I L L A G E

W I

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

A

s has become usual

practice, the May meeting took place on a Friday

afternoon, the Hall being used for local elections on our accustomed meeting day.

About 30 members attended to hear more detail regarding the resolutions going forward to the WI Annual Meeting in Liverpool. The first resolution,

KVWI Summer Lunch in the Village Hall.

Alleviating Loneliness, called on members to join with

thumbs. Of the 400 types of willow only about 60 are

services in their local community, to raise awareness

suitable for basket making. The “Willow lady”

of the causes and impacts of loneliness, to better

entertained us to an unusual and most interesting

identify lonely people and, to take action to support

afternoon.

the chronically lonely. The second resolution

As thunderstorms were forecast for the day of our

concerned Microplastic Fibres which are shed from

summer lunch, the committee had to phone all the

synthetic clothing with every wash, contributing

members to say that lunch would be served in the

greatly to microplastic contamination of the oceans.

Village Hall rather than a member’s garden. As it

As this impacts on aquatic life the WI campaign is to

turned out, there was no thunderstorm but it was an

encourage Government and industry to research and

exceedingly hot day and the delicious lunch and

develop innovative solutions to stop the accumulation

convivial gathering were all the better for the change

of “plastic soup.” Both the resolutions were passed

of venue. It was, however, a pity that we could not

by our branch and our representative at the national

enjoy the hard work that Rosemary Akerman had put

meeting was given discretion in her vote, should

into making her garden beautiful for us.

compelling evidence to the contrary come to light at the Liverpool meeting.

During this past quarter, a few members attended a Surrey at Denman course. Each county has an

June saw Nicki Rowling, giving a talk on “The

opportunity to offer a variety of courses at Denman,

unexpected world of willow.” We heard how willow is

the WI’s lovely college in Oxfordshire. On offer this

grown and coppiced to make it suitable for use,

year were genealogy, silver clay jewellery making,

basket making being Nicki’s particular enthusiasm. Of

daily walking tours finishing up at a National Trust

interest was that basket making and flint knapping

property, watercolour painting and History & Heritage:

are regarded as the two oldest known activities.

the houses of the Rothschilds. So, something there

There were many beautiful baskets on display, of all

for everyone, and, with superb accommodation,

shapes and sizes, evidence of our speaker’s skill. So

cuisine, much fun and friendship, it was a real treat

imaginative, it was easy to see how it could become

for all who went.

a passion. Originally men did the basket making,

If you like the sound of us and our activities, you

strong hands being required for it and women did the

are most welcome to join in on the first Thursday of

bark stripping and boiling. Lady weavers now work

each month at 14.00 in the Village Hall.

with thin willow which does not require such strong

n Nettie Cooper, Press Officer

38 SEPTEMBER 2017

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40 SEPTEMBER 2017

K I N G S W O O D

P R O B U S

C L U B

A VISIT TO SILENT POOL DISTILLERY

O

n a lovely May afternoon a group of members and wives from Kingswood Probus Club drove through the glorious countryside of the Surrey Hills to the Albury estate, where we were taken on a tour of the Silent Pool gin distillery.

Our enthusiastic tour leader began by telling us the history: two years ago a few friends clubbed together to create an artisan distillery using fresh water from the spring-fed Silent Pool.

He talked us through the distilling process, much of which is done by hand, and showed us the ‘botanicals’ which are used to give their gin its unique flavour. It was surprising to learn that, as well as juniper berries, coriander is an ingredient. After only two years of operation they have won several awards and have customers as far afield as China. They are already planning to expand their premises and to begin production of whisky.

After several tastings many were tempted to buy liquid souvenirs of our

visit before we moved on to the Red Lion at Betchworth, where we enjoyed a delicious and convivial evening meal.

Kingswood Probus Club meets for lunch on the first Thursday of each month with guest speakers during the winter, organises walks on the second Thursday and occasional outings such as the above. Retired professional and business men are welcomed as members. If you would like to find out more, please contact Geoff Dobson, email gjdobsonltd@yahoo.co.uk n Geoff Dobson

Editorial and Advertisement Deadlines Please email richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk or post to:Richard Milbourn, 3 Mount Hill, Mogdor, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7HZ. Tel 01737 222307. Deadline for the December 2017 edition is as follows:Editorial deadline: 31st October 2017 Advertising deadline: 20th October 2017 (a colour page only costs £121!)

Please mention the Village Voice when replying to our advertisers.

SEPTEMBER 2017 41

A N N

D O B S O N ’ S

R E C I P E S

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

S

ummer slips gently towards autumn and there’s a hint of chill to the morning air, dew sparkling on the grass. Fresh vegetables are abundant and ready to be harvested. In the hedgerows, golden afternoon sunlight ripens rose hips and polishes blackberries till they

gleam. The sweetness of beetroot contrasts with the sharpness of goat’s cheese in this colourful salad, which makes a tasty lunch or light supper, served with crusty bread. To follow, crisp pastry filled with a soft almond filling and topped with juicy blackberries tastes crunchy and sweet – either warm topped with ice cream, or cold just as it is. n Ann Dobson

BEETROOT AND GOATS’ CHEESE SALAD for 4 8 small beetroot 2 little gem lettuce hearts 1 pack baby spinach 150g soft goat’s cheese 10 baby tomatoes, halved A few mint leaves, chopped Pine kernels, toasted Cook the beetroot, cool and then peel and cut into chunks. Spread the lettuce leaves over a shallow dish, add the spinach and scatter over the beetroot chunks. Add tomatoes, small spoonfuls of goat’s cheese and sprinkle over the mint and pine kernels.

BLACKBERRY AND ALMOND SLICE for 4-6 300g shortcrust pastry Bramble or redcurrant jelly 100g unsalted butter, softened 100g light soft brown sugar Few drops vanilla essence 2 eggs, beaten 150g ground almonds 300g blackberries Flaked almonds Heat oven to 180oC/gas 4. Roll out pastry as thinly as you can and use to line a 20cm round, loosebottomed, flan tin. Prick with a fork and chill for about 30 minutes. Line the tin with baking parchment, fill with baking beans and bake for 15 minutes until turning golden. Remove from the oven and lift off the baking parchment and beans. Paint a little of the beaten egg over the base of the flan case. Now return to the oven for a few minutes to set the egg. This will help to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. Spread the jam over the pastry base and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar, stir in vanilla essence then eggs, a little at a time, and lastly fold in the ground almonds. Spread this mixture carefully over the flan base and top with the blackberries, pushing them gently into the almond filling. Return to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the filling is golden and set. Sprinkle over the flaked almonds and bake for a further 5 minutes to brown the almonds. Serve warm or cold.

42 SEPTEMBER 2017

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KINGSWOOD, TADWORTH AND WALTON FLOWER ARRANGEMENT GROUP Held in the Village Hall Waterhouse Lane Kingswood every second Tuesday in the month at 7.45 pm

P

hyllis Taylor continues with her very interesting programme.

We have had excellent demonstrators in May, June and July. The designs have all been wonderful and would suit anyone’s style. The sales table has also been excellent and our gardens have all benefited from plants that Pat Holmes has provided.

We enjoyed a delicious Strawberry Tea and the proceeds were much appreciated for our funds. We are now busy preparing for our Summer Lunch and I am just hoping the weather holds out!!

I am very glad to report that quite a few new members have joined us this spring.

If you are a newcomer to the Kingswood, Walton and Tadworth area and are looking for opportunities to meet people and participate in local activities or maybe someone who has lived locally for years and would like to try something new, please give a thought to your local flower club.

Why not find out more? Please come along to one of our meetings as a visitor and hopefully you will enjoy it so much you would like to become a member. We have a break for refreshment and a chat and the demonstrator will judge our own competition for that meeting. We raffle the demonstrator’s arrangements each month so you could go home with a beautiful bouquet. n Janet Hill, Chairman branet@home.3b.co.uk Tel: 01737 832424.

Meetings start promptly at 7.45 pm in the Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood.

Tuesday September 12th ‘Vine Romance’ Demonstrator: Kathryn Austin Goddard Competition: Flower arrangement including a piece of wood.

Tuesday November 14th ‘Crackling Christmas’ Demonstrator: Susan Tausig Competition: Arrangement of Leaves and Berries.

Tuesday October 10th ‘Through the Ages’ Demonstrator: Kathy Stangard Competition: Posy in a Tea Cup with Saucer

Tuesday December 12th Start time 2.00 pm Christmas meeting with tea ‘Sparkling Bright’ Demonstrator: Susan Shaw Competition: Decorated Christmas Parcel

SEPTEMBER 2017 45

T R A V E L

GRIZZLIES, EAGLES AND ORCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A

W I L D L I F E

A D V E N T U R E

I N

C A N A D A

I

would like to share the most amazing experience I have ever had, this was in British Columbia Canada this June.

We landed at Vancouver, and were whisked to Stanley Park to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge and walked across up and over, all in the tree canopy, lovely and refreshing as it was a boiling hot day.

We were given a tour around Vancouver, taking in the famous historic Gastown with the steaming mini Big Ben clock, Yaletown and Chinatown all on the way to Canada Place and the Habour Walk to Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest attraction 'Flyover Canada', this is a must experience (tickets purchased in a advance is advisable). It's a virtual audio visual ride across Canada, fabulous, it lasts approximately 30mins.

Next day off to the Harbour and the Seaplane terminal for a flight over to Vancouver Island, Nanaimo where we had a Nanaimo Bar tour, no not alcohol but famous chocolate tasting. Lunch today was at a place called 'Cuckoo', in Coombs a Trattoria and Pizzeria, fantastic food and a lovely atmosphere. On the way to the Comfort Inn Hotel for our one night stay, before the exciting floatplane trip, we stopped en route at Horne Lake and the Caves, popped into Shelter Point Distillery for whisky tasting and a hair raising ride by jeep around the estate, all this on top of very potent whisky. Ooooh!

Just to add, I don't drink the stuff. Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc is my favourite tipple!

Following morning small soft bag packed and off to the floatplane which will take us to Knight Inlet.

I can definitely say I've been to see the

46 SEPTEMBER 2017

bears, Grizzlies and Black, both with their cubs, how cute are they watching them eat mussels from semi submerged jetty posts, sedge grass and berries, all was fascinating, Bald Eagles swooping around and fishing to feed their young ones, which we all witnessed, amazing. Pods of Ocra Whales, awsome. In August when the Salmon start running, apparently this is a must not to be missed, not just the fish fighting to get up stream but the bears trying to catch them and of course the cubs having to learn the technique as well.

We arrived at the very special Knights Inlet Lodge (Harrison Ford eat your heart out) by the 12 seater floatplane; there is no other way in or out it. It takes approximately 25 mins flying over stunning scenery from C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 9

Tadworth_pfw 13/10/2016 10:34 Page 22

G R I Z Z L I E S , C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 6

Tyee Spit, the 'floatplane base', Campbell River. Knight Inlet is a unique floating lodge, located in the region of British Columbia known as the Great Bear Rainforest. You can borrow wellies, binoculars, walking poles, life jackets or vests, windproof jackets all sizes available and all included in the cost. The food is delicious, there is a free bottle of wine on your table every night both red and white, the dining is buffet style and home cooked on the premises there is a choice of three dishes every night and the same for lunch, a quiet room where, on some evenings after dinner there are talks on varying topical wildlife.

On our return to Victoria by coach we stopped at some wonderful properties en route. Butchart Gardens is a must visit, not just for the avid gardener but for the ambiance and the fragrances that fill the air.

The Tea Room for your afternoon tea is

E AG L E S

A N D

O R C Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S

simply lovely.

On leaving Victoria Island we took the car Ferry back to Tsawwassenmain Ferry Terminal on the main land. The scenery is breath takingly beautiful as we pass mountains and inlets, spot Sea Lions popping their heads up, you have to be quick, they are very fast, also birds of prey circling freely to catch a fish.

Last day, going back to the UK now, so sad to be leaving this wonderful country.

Bye, bye British Columbia and thank you.

For more information on this fabulous destination or for some general travel inspiration, please pop into one of our shops or call one of our travel experts. Symphony World Travel, Kingswood 01737 362626 Symphony World Travel, Fetcham 01372 375361.

Jan@symphonyworld travel.com www.symphonyworldtravel.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 49

F R I T H

P A R K

A UNIQUE COUNTRY SETTING

Mansion House.

A

ccessed via private gates and a sweeping tree-lined driveway, Frith Park is a breathtaking collection of 26 new, two & three bedroom mews-style country cottages and four bedroom villas arranged in a courtyard setting together with 11 two and three bedroom apartments behind the retained façade of the locally listed Mansion House and set amongst eight acres of idyllic parkland, formal gardens and ancient woods.

The development is arranged into three distinct areas: Walled Garden (boasting the original retained wall), Stable Mews, Mansion House and Redwood Terrace (with views over the formal gardens, woods and farmland beyond).

Located in Sturts Lane, close to the village of Walton-on-the-Hill, within the Greenbelt and an Area of Great Landscape Value, Frith Park is an exciting regeneration project that includes the planting of nearly 1,000 additional trees, tree management and bio-diversity programme.

50 SEPTEMBER 2017

The exteriors of the homes at Frith Park have been designed to resemble the Mansion House in a traditional finish with cream rendered walls, grey slate roofs and sash windows. Inside, however, the homes couldn’t be more contemporary in layout, design and specification. Rooms are light and airy with the convenience of plenty of storage areas and there’s the added advantage of being low maintenance too.

But that’s not the end of the story as due to the use of low carbon, natural materials, all the homes feature increased levels of energy efficiency. In addition to the unique country setting, residents at Frith Park can look forward to lower energy bills, lower environmental impact and greater living comfort.

Please register in order to join the database to be one of the first to receive further information at www.frithpark.co.uk and follow us on facebook and instagram @frithparkhomes and twitter #frithparkhomes.

LT ELECTRICAL All Electrical Services

Based in Kingswood and serving surrounding areas * Domestic Rewires * Garden Lighting Design Specialists * LED Lighting Upgrades * Repairs * Fault Finding & Rectification * Security Lights & CCTV All work is completed to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (17th Edition ) We will always endeavour to attend Kingswood residents and local homes and businesses on the same day in an emergency!

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Friendly, Local, Professional Service All types of tree work undertaken z Pruning / Felling z Hedgerow Management z Stump Removal z Planting Design and Planting z Logs Supplied

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52 SEPTEMBER 2017

K I N G S W O O D

L A W N

T E N N I S

C L U B

THREE NEW COURTS

Joyce Phipps presents the silver brooch, donated by her, to the winner of the Ladies’ Singles title this year, Cheryl Agius (right), watched by losing finalist, Holly Young (left), and Chairman, Robin Hollington.

he Club has gone from strength to strength since the three new artificial clay courts were laid in May this year with the support of the LTA. There is a record number of members. Valentin our Club Coach leads a very successful coaching programme for all ages and abilities and is well liked and respected. And we have recently made some tweaks to the already expanded Tennis Programme of club social tennis sessions. Copies of the current Tennis Programme can be obtained from the Club’s website and at the Club.

But the changes necessarily mean challenges which need to be addressed.

The main challenge is encouraging attendance at the various club tennis sessions throughout the week. People

T

join tennis clubs to play tennis and it is the job of a club to give them the maximum opportunity to play– at convenient times – and preferably with members of roughly the same standard!

We do not pretend that we have yet achieved our objectives in this respect.

One of the perennial problems at any tennis club, no matter how good its court resources, is the ability of the club to provide members with the space and encouragement to arrange their own games without undermining the communal spirit of club sessions. I personally, and perhaps controversially, would like to think that there was space for both but in the end it will only be goodwill and good manners amongst C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5 5

SEPTEMBER 2017 53

Tadworth_pfw 13/10/2016 10:34 Page 39

K I N G S W O O D

L AW N

T E N N I S

C LU B

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 3

members that will ensure that everybody is reasonably catered for. And I would also like to think that our club can play its small part in creating a community spirit and sense of belonging in our delightful village and surrounding areas.

Part of the challenge is to get members to meet other members and feel part of the club. So we have a wide variety of social functions throughout the year. And we enjoyed spectacularly good weather for our annual Party for all comers on 17th June, and on Finals Day on 9th July, at which the clubhouse was gloriously decked out by Val Knights.

New members took the following titles: • Mens’ Singles: Clifford Stretton • Mixed Doubles: Clifford Stretton and Holly Gale • Ladies’ Doubles: Holly and Leslie Gale • Veteran Mens’ Singles: Paul Hawker And, to name one final out of many others, there was a superb match in the Veteran Mixed Doubles final between new members Peter & Gillian Wyatt and Paul Hawker and Val Lazarus.

The juniors had their finals on 14th July – with pizza for all and drinks for their parents!

I would like to thank my committee for all the work they put in. Gloria Whitwell and Lada Muir are handing over as Treasurer and Secretary to Paul Hawker and Glen Grainger respectively – we owe a considerable debt of gratitude to Gloria and Lada for all their hard work and welcome Paul and Glen to the committee. Pam Armitage will also be standing down as Junior Coordinator, and many thanks to her too. n Robin Hollington, Chairman kltcchair@gmail.com

Above: photos of the Hog Roast Party on 17th June.

SEPTEMBER 2017 55

S A R A H ’ S

G A R D E N

J O T T I N G S

A NEW VOICE IN THE G ARDEN I’m sure that you will be pleased to hear that we can continue to feature a gardening column in Village Voice. Dr Sarah Wilson, who has a wonderful garden at her home, Shieling, in Kingswood, has kindly agreed to carry on the role initiated by Pat Gibson. Sarah, aided by her husband Robin, has transformed their garden since they moved there in 2006, to the extent that in 2013 it was accepted into the National Gardens Scheme. They now open the garden each year for charity.

Bob Gunn

I

am delighted to share my ‘Garden Jottings’ with you in the Village Voice. Our garden at Shieling reflects my most important gardening principles and I hope to share these with you as the years go by.

The first principle is to have a garden with sustainable planting – if you follow the principle of “right plant, right place” you will not have to water or fertilize your plants once they are established – they will thrive in your garden, fight off pests and diseases and look wonderful.

Secondly, I am a keen proponent of neighbourly gardening – stop your invasive weeds and self sown trees from invading your neighbours’ gardens and keep your trees and shrubs well pruned and trimmed so they don’t reduce the light and rainfall in your neighbours’ borders or invade the road verges around Kingswood.

Here are my Jottings for this edition.

Jobs in the garden Many professional gardeners believe that early autumn is the most important and busiest time in the garden. Here are some jobs for you to do.

If you haven’t yet, you must finish

56 SEPTEMBER 2017

pruning Wisteria and any summer flowering shrubs that need reducing in size. You should trim the flower heads from Lavender bushes soon, but I always feel that, as long as the bees are still taking the pollen from the flowers, I will wait until much later before removing the flowers. This doesn’t seem to reduce the flowering next year.

This is the perfect time to move any shrubs or small trees as well as dig up and divide clumps of perennials and replant around the garden. If it is very dry do remember to water these plants to get the roots established. It is a very good time to divide and replant primula and primroses.

Finish planting bulbs of Narcissi, Crocus and Anemone blanda but don’t plant your tulip bulbs yet as they are best planted in November.

If you have a ‘high maintenance’ approach to your lawn now is the time to scarify and spike the lawn – before you apply any autumn fertiliser.

Plants at their best in September and October At this time of year there is still plenty to see in the garden with the long awaited flowering of Rudbeckia, Japanese Anemones, Sedum spectabile and the Michaelmas daisies or Asters – now

A

Rudbeckia fulgida.

Anemone var japonica ‘Bressingham Glow’.

Fruit of the ‘Strawberry’ Tree – Arbutus unedo.

reclassified by the botanists as the unpronounceable species Symphyotrichum.

This is the time of year when the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) really comes to life with beautiful pendulous heather-like flowers and bright orange fruits with a striking rugose surface. Well

N E W

VO I C E

I N

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G A R D E N

worth a place in your garden.

The other surprising autumn-flowering shrub is Clerodendrum bungei – tall purple stems with large dark leaves and deep pink umbels of flowers. Very striking but can be invasive and some people don’t like the strange musty scent. The rather odd scent is attractive to flies who are the main pollinators of this plant.

This is a good time to plan your borders for next year – do you need more colours in spring or in June or September? In my garden July is a potentially quite dull month but there are lots of striking plants which add architectural interest to the borders, especially Hosta, Hydrangeas paniculata, macrophylla and arborescens and summer flowering shrubs such as Itea Ilicifolia, Clethra paniculata or ‘Summer sweet’ and Potentilla.

Somewhere to visit this autumn If you are looking for somewhere to visit this autumn you should try to visit the Winkworth Arboretum – a National Trust arboretum found near Godalming in Hascombe Road, GU8 4AD. Relatively recently planted in the 1930s by Dr Wilfred Fox, a dermatologist and amateur botanist, it has lots of lovely trees with autumn colour and some wonderful vistas. The National Trust was given the Arboretum in 1952 and has recently developed the facilities on site to attract more visitors. You will be inspired to have more interesting trees in your garden.

There are guided walks, which are well worth it, as the guides are very knowledgeable and will really enhance your visit. If you are not a National Trust member the entrance cost is £7.60.

Enjoy your garden! Sarah n Dr Sarah Wilson

SEPTEMBER 2017 57

Y O U R

L O C A L

C H A R I T I E S

SAMARITANS

S

amaritans work is defined by its vision which is that fewer people die by suicide. We do this by being available 24 hours a day to provide emotional support for people who are experiencing emotional distress or despair. The Samaritans wider organisation consists of a network of 201 branches across the United Kingdom supported by a Central Office in Ewell.

Established in 1964, Leatherhead and Mid Surrey is an active branch made up of 90 dedicated volunteers who all play a vital part in supporting our callers whether by phone, email, text, in person at our branch or in the community in Leatherhead, Dorking, Ashtead, Epsom and the surrounding areas.

Our volunteers are trained to be good listeners, to be sensitive to callers’ distress and explore feelings including those which may lead to suicide. We do not tell callers what to do but by listening and talking through their feelings we hope the service enables them to get through difficult times. Anyone can call us free on 116 123 from any UK landline or mobile. Callers can access the service

58 SEPTEMBER 2017

irrespective of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, disability, age, political opinion or family status. The local branch in Leatherhead offers a drop in service from 9:00am-2pm and 8pm-10pm every day.

Each branch is responsible for the recruitment, training and support of all of its volunteers and the branches must also raise the necessary funds to cover their individual operating costs which for Leatherhead branch is approximately £15,000 each year.

We also do work in the local community including: • Emotional wellbeing sessions at 6 local schools in Surrey – in 2016/17, we reached over 1,000 young adults between the ages of 15-18.

• We attend Downview prison in Sutton every week to train and provide support to the Listeners who offer emotional support to their fellow inmates.

• We attend local suicide prevention groups to identify where we can work in collaboration with other agencies or organisations. This has led to partnership work with a local Accident & Emergency department to offer support to patients at risk. We are also involved with Epsom Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival.

More information on how to find us, the work we do and how you can support or volunteer with us can be found at www.samaritans.org/ branches/ samaritans-leatherhead-andmid-surrey-branch n Vicki Craig

Luxury as standard.

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms honestly priced. w "1>?;:-85?10 :; ;.853-@5;: W 01?53: w D<1>@ 5:?@-88-@5;: .E ;A> 4-:0<5/710 =A-85Å&#x2039;10 @1-9 w %<1/5-85?@ <>;0A/@ 7:;C81031 w ->12A88E 9-:-310 2>;9 /;:/1<@ @; /;9<81@5;:

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N S P C C

THANKS TO ANGIE success and all our guests had a wonderful evening. The evening started with a champagne reception followed by a delicious three course meal and live music from Sugar Kube. There was also a raffle, silent auction and live auction and the evening raised a fabulous £16,700. A huge thank you to the Kingswood NSPCC supporters for helping us raise such a fantastic

Above (left to right): Gillian Rae, Bob Gunn (umpire), Hilliary Holder (runner up), Alex Martin and Victoria Powell (winners), Valentin Pusnava (umpire) and Rosie Akerman (organiser).

amount of money.

Stop for Tea A huge thanks to Sarah Wilson, owner of Sheiling, The Warren for hosting our Stop for Tea. Unfortunately the afternoon was rather wet

Annual Tennis Day

but guests managed to look around her

Our recent NSPCC tennis tournament started off

wonderful garden between the showers.

in rather wet conditions which fortunately

Everyone enjoyed tea and homemade cakes and

improved as the day progressed and the

with the proceeds from the raffle, homemade

fantastic sum of £1,100 was raised for the

cake and homemade candle sales we raised the

Charity. The final was played between Hilliary

great sum of £615. Many thanks to all who

Holder and Gillian Rae who were beaten in a

braved the weather and came and supported us.

close match by Alex Martin and Victoria Powell.

Future Events

Bob Gunn and Valentin Pusnava were the

Quiz Night Friday 6th October 2017

umpires. All players enjoyed a delicious lunch

Kingswood Village Hall 7.30pm

prepared by the NSPCC committee. Our thanks

Tables of 8. Tickets £17.50 to include a fish and

must go to Rosie Akerman for all her hard work

chip supper. For more details or to book a table

organising the day, to Bob and Valentin for their

please contact Gill – gilltalpade@hotmail.com

help and acting as Chair Umpires and to

200 Club

Kingswood Tennis Club for the use of their

For just £12 a year you could be the winner of a

facilities.

cash prize whilst supporting the

May Ball

NSPCC/Childline. Please contact Carolyn –

The May Ball at the RAC, Epsom was a huge

carolyn.barke@gmail.com or 832121

NEW CHAIRMAN The Kingswood committee would like to thank Angie for all her hard work and unfailing dedication to the NSPCC during her 30 years as Chairman. Angie has been a great example to all of us on the committee, always encouraging us to raise as much money as possible. We would like to wish her a well-deserved, relaxing retirement from her role as Chairman. I will do my best to follow in her footsteps and ensure that we carry on with the good work, raising much needed funds for the NSPCC. Lori Kerr, Chairman, Kingswood NSPCC NSPCC HELPLINE 0800 800 500 help@NSPCC.org.uk Childline 0800 1111

SEPTEMBER 2017 61

W R I T E R S â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

C O R N E R

For this edition, which covers the 3 months that include Remembrance Day, Phil Gayford has requested a poem by the American poet A. Lawrence Vaincourt. I believe it resonates just as strongly here as in the USA. If there is a piece of writing you would like to appear in Village Voice, written by yourself or by someone else, please let me know. Bob Gunn

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A SOLDIER DIED TODAY)

By A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.

Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way, And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

62 SEPTEMBER 2017

JU S T A CO M M O N SO LD IER A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.

While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago, That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

SEPTEMBER 2017 63

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C H A R I T I E S

CHARITY ACTION LIST Feeling charitable? Or just want to get involved in some interesting local activities? Or both! Here’s what’s coming up in the next 3 months. Bob Gunn Sunday 10 September from 12.30pm TWOAT Lamb Roast TWOAT (the Tadworth & Walton Overseas Aid Trust) invite you to their annual Lamb Spit Roast at Kaprifol, 56 Meadow Walk, Walton-on-the-Hill, the home of supporter Roger Ponsford. Licensed Bar. Tickets £12 per person (children under 12 £6) from John Allinson 01737 213347 or Mike Fox 01737 350452 or Mike.fox2@NTLWorld.com Saturday 16 September 10am to 1pm The Firs, The Hoppety, Tadworth KT20 5RQ Sue Edward’s Open Garden. Admission by donation to Dyscover, the local charity for people with asphasia. Sue’s stunning garden in Autumn is a delight. Tea, coffee & homemade cakes.

Thursday 28 September 7pm for 7.30pm at Riddell Hall, Walton KT20 7UA TWOAT and Friends of Walton Primary School “Travellers Trends” Fashion Show An opportunity to see and buy this season's fashions at greatly reduced prices. Tickets £8 includes free welcome drink. Contact Jill Gunn: 01737 360035 or jill@gunn.org Saturday 7 October 7pm at Kingswood Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane, KT20 6EB ‘A Night at the Races!’ First race is away at 7.30pm. The Friends of the Children’s Trust invite you to an exciting Race Night with the added bonus of a delicious Spaghetti Tree Pizza supper. You’ll enjoy the action, you could go home a winner and you’ll be helping a great local cause.

Licensed bar. Tickets £15 from Bob Gunn bob@gunn.org Thursday 19 October 7.30pm at Tadworth Court Friends of the Children’s Trust Annual General Meeting Support for the work done by the Children’s Trust and the fund-raising efforts of The Friends.

Help them to plan events for the coming year. Free of charge.

Saturday 21 October 7.15pm at St John’s Hall, Tadworth TWOAT Annual Social Meeting and Meal Hear how your donations are helping to improve lives in Africa, Asia and Central/South America. Share a delicious meal! No charge (donations only).

Saturday 28 October 7.30pm at Tadworth Court Mansion, Tadworth Street KT20 5RU Concorde Evening – Talk by Concorde Captain John Tye plus Concorde Exhibition. Hear the story of this amazing aircraft and see a unique aircraft exhibition. Bar and nibbles.

Tickets £12 from Bob Gunn bob@gunn.org If there is a local charity event in the period December to February, not otherwise covered in Village Voice, which you want to tell our readers about, please send brief information to Bob Gunn by 20 October.

SEPTEMBER 2017 65

A D V E R T I S E R S Aberdour A K Gulati and Co Solicitors Balcombe Care Homes Burge and Gunson Capel Tree Surgeons Carpets 4U Cheam Windows Coulsdon Home Hardware Dave Ford Tree Care David Legg Tree Surgeon Derek White and Sons Drift Bridge Volkswagen Duckworth Gardener Fine & Country Estate Ag’ts Frith Park Furze Hill Court George Dyankov GKW Wrought Iron JP Electrical

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L O C A L Surrey Police Crime Stoppers Surrey Police Minicom Victim Support Age Concer n Alzheimer’s Society Banstead Library Banstead Mobility Banstead Day Ctre Benefits Agency Bereavement Support Group Child Guidance Clinic Citizens Advice Bureau

I N D E X

Julian Batcheler Kennedys Kingswood Golf and Country Lester Designs LT Electrical Manor House Memory Book Number 12 Norsat Roseberry Manor Saunders Estate Agents Stoneman Funeral Services Sutton High School Symphony World Travel Taurus Waste Recycling The Copper Sculptor Total Security Systems Ward Property Services Xpert Cars

H E L P

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N U M B E R S Cruse Bereavement Care Help Shop, Banstead Holiday Care Service Hospitals - Epsom General - St Helier - Royal Marsden NSPCC Relate (Marriage Guidance) Reigate & Banstead Council Samaritans SilverLine Social Services Surrey County Council

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Editorial and Advertisement Deadlines Please email richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk or post to:Richard Milbourn, 3 Mount Hill, Mogdor, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7HZ. Tel 01737 222307. Deadline for the December 2017 edition is as follows:Editorial deadline: 31st October 2017 Advertising deadline: 20th October 2017 (a colour page only costs £121!)

Please mention the Village Voice when replying to our advertisers.

66 SEPTEMBER 2017

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Call us for a free market appraisal; The Estate Office, Woodland Way, Kingswood KT20 6HS 01737 361014 | kingswood@fineandcountry.com | fineandcountry.com