40 minute read
Neighbourhood Watch
NEW CODE OF PRACTICE
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Both Surrey Police and Neighbourhood Watch are looking to increase their interactions with the public by means of Social Media. The Police crime reporting 101 line is to be augmented with additional facilities for contacting the Police including links via Police Facebook pages and online chat facilities. These new facilities are currently being live trialled and so are partially available. They are expected to be launched formally shortly.
Surrey Neighbourhood Watch has recently introduced a Code of Practice for the use of Social Media by Neighbourhood Watches. The Code is mainly concerned with Social Media Watches that span a whole community such as a village or a housing estate. It addresses two main issues – firstly how intelligence relating to crimes provided in posts onto NhW social media sites should be passed to the Police especially when this intelligence is provided by several different posters addressing the same or related incidents. The answer to this is that the NhW site administrator should obtain a Police reference number via the 101 mechanism so that posters can use that reference to pass their own aspects of the intelligence to the Police also using 101. The second issue addressed by the code is to set out mechanisms to describe how a new community-based Watch should interact with street-based Watches that already exist in that area. You can find details of the Code and a list of currently approved community based Watches in Surrey by visiting www.SurreyNhW.org.uk
Surrey Neighbourhood Watch obtained a grant from the Tesco Bags of Hope Scheme in June 2019 to help it develop the use of Social Media by Watches in Surrey. In view of the COVID restrictions on public gatherings and meetings, part of this grant was used to acquire Zoom licences to be used by the NhW organisations in each of the three Surrey Police Divisions, to help train NhW Coordinators in the use of Social Media and to spread best practices from the early adopters. If you are involved with a group which is playing a part in improving community cohesion and you would like to take advantage of the NhW Zoom licenses available to Reigate & Banstead please contact me using the email address below.
Sadly the levels of crime across Surrey have risen back to pre-COVID levels and in particular there has been a considerable increase in burglaries perpetrated locally. If you do not already receive Neighbourhood Watch or Police Alerts and Bulletins which give details of these via email please contact me.
Mike Fox
Chair Surrey Neighbourhood Watch 01737 350452 Mike.Fox2@ntllworld.com
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The renowned and highly regarded Laird Academy, under the personal direction of its Principal Deirdre Laird, offers classes in all disciplines of performance training - RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern & Tap and a full Weekend course which includes Vocal Coaching, Drama, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Commercial and Contemporary. The Academy’s exam results record is outstanding with over 100 students gaining distinctions in recent RAD and ISTD examinations with the option of Senior students being taught up to RAD teaching certificate level and coached for entry into full-time dance college.
Classes held in Banstead, Tadworth and Kingswood Contact: Miss Deirdre on 07816 008969 / 01737 831138
POETRY AND PROSE
In this edition Writers’ Corner brings you two very different pieces by two very different contributors. Anna Brown is a poet who has delighted Village Voice readers with her imaginative poems since the column began over 10 years ago. Gillian Hutt is making her debut in this edition with a prose piece that will interest all would-be writers. She spills the beans on how to be published more widely, a feat which she has recently achieved. If she sparks your writing imagination then contact me and you could feature in the next Writers’ Corner. Bob Gunn
HALLOWEEN
She stood in the shadow, well out of sight She watched as they danced and played Her bright eyes sparkled green in the night She knew she should go, but she stayed!
They laughed out loud enjoying the night This night they call Halloween In the sky high above, the moon shone bright As she hid and watched them unseen
The children were dressed as witches They had broomsticks and black pointed hats Their long black cloaks billowed out in the night As they happily played in the dark
She wished she could come out of hiding Let them see all witches don’t dress like that She wished they could see how pretty she looked But she hid well away in the dark Her cat was impatient beside her And she knew she really should go The ‘Ball’ would already have started As the moon was now full and aglow
Oh’ how she wished she could show them A real ‘witch’ pretty and young Wearing a dress that shimmered like gold Silken hair as bright as the sun
With her cat she flew off in the moonlight To the ‘ball’ where she’d dance all night long She would dance every dance until morning But one thought still lingered on
Maybe next year I will come back again Have some fun, might even be SEEN I will dress all in black, wear a tall pointed hat Join the children and play HALLOWEEN!
Anna Brown
WANT TO BE A WRITER?
If you are a current or aspiring blogger, diarist, poet, novelist, short story writer, playwright, or screenwriter, lockdown hasn’t really been a problem. As all that’s needed is pen and paper, or computer, and time.
I took long walks through the spring months and discovered the local countryside highlights. It was government prescribed exercise. But as a (newly) published writer, the walks were also good for inspiration. If I wasn’t meeting a friend to show them the views, they were a useful opportunity for working out plot and characters.
My favourite route in spring for thinking out plot was taking the path at the top of Buckland Road, Lower Kingswood, through fields of horses and ponies, into the spread of bluebells in Margery Wood. Then over the M25 on the narrow footbridge (scary), or the wider road bridge, for the wide distant views from Colley Hill; circling on through woods listening to birdsong; past the closed Sportsman pub; onto the nearly empty heathland expanses of Banstead Common; finally, back to Lower Kingswood through farmland fields, with black and white cows on one side and barleycorn on the other. I saw the barley grow from small green shoots to tall waving golden heads, shorn down to stubble in the August harvest. Social distancing has never been a problem, there’s plenty of space for everyone - walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders.
For company of like-minded people, and encouragement, there is Sutton Writers. Sutton Writers is a community of all ages that meets once a month in the Thomas Wall Lounge in Sutton (online since March). The sessions with outside speakers have worked well on Zoom, with large groups joining in. Recent speakers have talked on ‘Creating Mood and Atmosphere’, and ‘Finding an Agent’. The community gives advice on all aspects of marketing and selling fiction.
There is a yearly short story competition, and opportunities to perform and read out work. Plus, there are regular workshops. The workshop I attend has up to fifteen members. Four people are chosen to put their writing beforehand on the messaging platform Slack. It can take some courage to put work out there for blunt criticism, but it’s worth it. On the evening of the workshop half an hour is allowed for discussion and criticism of each of the four pieces. Everyone present can have their say, and they do. Currently I’m trying to write short stories for publication in the women’s magazines. So, my work can seem a little tame and upbeat beside the horror stories, fantasy tales, thrillers, and domestic noir pieces that others present. But certain rules apply to all writing, and others can see errors in work that you cannot see yourself. If several people mention the same thing, then a serious unnoticed flaw has been uncovered, so these sessions are very helpful.
Thanks to the help of Sutton Writers, plus a specialist FaceTime group, I’ve been delighted to have three stories published during lockdown, in ’The People’s Friend’ a commercial women’s magazine with a weekly readership of 200,000. I’m waiting to hear on three further submissions. So, if you are a writer in any genre, give Sutton Writers a try. www.suttonwriters.co.uk
A TASTE OF WINTER
As the glory of autumn’s gold fades to the stark brown of winter and the pace of change slows, it’s time to look ahead to the hope that a new year brings and the first snowdrop of spring. Some days glowering skies threaten rain, storms and gales, but others bring sunshine glittering on frosty grass or sparkly snowflakes dancing through the icy air.
Spicy fruit salad made with dried fruits ripened by summer warmth will cheer up a winter breakfast with yoghurt and muesli, or make a juicy pudding with a dollop of crème fraiche or cream.
Egg and bacon canapés make an unusual addition to a New Year brunch, the crisp bacon topping contrasting with the softness of the egg, all sitting on a crunchy base.
WINTER FRUIT SALAD - FOR 4
EGG AND BACON CANAPES - MAKES 36
200g dried apricots 200g pitted prunes (or remove stones after cooking) A pinch of mixed spice 2 oranges 1 banana
Put the apricots and prunes in a saucepan and cover with water, adding a sliver or two of peel from one of the oranges and the mixed spice to taste. Cook for about 20 minutes until the fruit is tender. Discard the peel. Allow to cool. Put the fruit and any cooking juices in a bowl. Peel the oranges, allowing any juice to drip over the fruit. Segment and add to the bowl. Peel and slice the banana and add this to the fruit and mix it all up. If you chill it overnight the flavours 6 slices from a large sliced loaf 2 eggs, hard-boiled 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 4 rashers of streaky bacon
Heat the oven to 180oC/gas 4. Oil a baking sheet. Run a rolling pin over the bread to make it a little will improve. Serve with yoghurt or crème fraiche.
thinner and, using a 3.5 cm cutter, cut out 6 little circles from each slice. Put the bread circles on the baking sheet and brush with a little oil, then bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until just turning golden. Cool. Peel the eggs and mash, stirring in the mayonnaise to make a paste. Cut the bacon into shards and fry until very crisp. Spread a little egg mayonnaise onto each croustade and top with a shard of crisp bacon.
Traditional Family Butchers
LOOKING AFTER THE BIRDS AND BEES
Abelia grandiflora
Arbutus unedo
As I write this, in late October, it feels like the days are getting shorter and the weather is already colder and wetter. As I venture out to tidy up and rearrange my garden, I am very aware of how the birds and bees are still very active and will be around all winter. It’s easy enough providing food and shelter for birds and bees in the summer but the trick is to have food sources for them in the winter and early spring. To ensure your garden attracts both birds and bees here are few planting suggestions.
Birds are especially attracted to red and orange berries so plant some of the following shrubs and small trees: • Cotoneaster • Pyracantha • Rowan • Crab Apple • Holly • Honeysuckle • Yew All these have red or orange berries and some also have evergreen leaves and scented flowers in spring to provide food and shelter for bees as well.
Bees, especially the bumble bees and solitary bees which overwinter in the ground or old trees, quite often come out during a warm spell looking for pollen or nectar. There are quite a few ‘easy to grow’ plants which will provide nectar and pollen in the winter and early spring. Here are a few shrubs to consider: Abelia grandiflora, Ivy – the flowers are nectar-rich in winter, Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), Winter Heather, Sarcococca.
Also remember next year in autumn to plant some early bulbs for bees such as: Snowdrops, Crocus, Cyclamen coum, Anemone blanda.
There are also some very early flowering flowers such as Primroses, Pulmonaria and Iris unguicularis which may even flower in November and December.
If there is one tree that really shines in autumn it is the ‘Strawberry Tree’ – lovely glossy evergreen leaves, nectar-rich panicles of flowers and dear little strawberry-like fruits as well as stunning red bark.
On a nice day in winter you can still get on with some important garden jobs. Finish pruning roses and cut back all your Hydrangea and Fuchsia by February at the latest. Cut off the old leaves from your Hellebore and evergreen ferns and then you will get lovely new growth in the late winter.
It’s also a good time to tackle those plants which have overgrown their space and are blocking a view or overshadowing your or your neighbour’s borders. Never be afraid of hard pruning – cut a straggly shrub back to about 30 cm from the ground – it will probably re-grow into a nice
A&A Accountants Page 51 Inspired Villages Page 5 Roxley Models Page 29 shape and if it dies then what have you lost? Plant
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Cannon Gardens Page 35
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Churchill Exec Page 45
Dave Ford Tree Care Page 9
David W Legg Page 4
Drift Bridge VW Page 2Cotoneaster horizontalis
Fine & Country Page 60
Garden Lightcraft Page 23 JP Electrical Page 33 Saunders Estate Ag’ts Page 37 something more suitable in its place! Similarly, with overgrown trees, you can cut the bottom branches Kennedys Page 49 Sleeping Beauty Page 41 away to give more light and take out any dead Kingswood Lawn Tennis Page 51 Stoneman Funeral S’s Page 33 or crossing branches so that the tree assumes a ‘goblet’ shape. Don’t just cut off the top of the Kingswood Village StorePage 17 Taurus Waste Page 54 tree as it will look most unnatural – better to cut it Kingswood Wines Page 47 The Memory Book Page 57down and start again. If you are interested in helping tidy up the No. 12/Waterhouse Page 11 The New Kyhber Page 31 gardens at Kingswood Station please let me know Paintwise Page 39 Total Security Systems Page 7 as we are having a working group over autumn and winter to get to grips with the weeds and try Palmerston AccountantsPage 29 VSL Nail & Beauty Salon Page 55 to plant something attractive for next spring and Remedial Roofing Page 53summer (Sarahwilson@doctors.org.uk) Finally, this year we are opening our garden at
THE KINGSWOOD Shieling on the 21st February so you can enjoy the sfii^dbslf`b Please contact Juliet Quartermain snowdrops, Hellebore and other early spring plants – look out for the yellow posters around the village Editorial & Advertisement on 07775 901719 or email:and do try to come and visit us. Next Deadline: 31st October jqemail@icloud.com Enjoy your garden in winter
Sarah
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FROM FAR HORIZONS TO CHRISTMAS
We had a very successful Covid-compliant meeting in the Village Hall in September, and it was lovely to see 22 members again, after so long.
The demonstrator, Claire Bryant, transported us to Jaipur, India, to the WAFA, World Association of Flower Arrangers, World Show at the beginning of the year. Claire’s demonstration entitled ”Beyond The Far Horizon” with 6 Indian themed colourful arrangements showed us why she won third place in landscape at the World Show. As she worked, she entertained us with stories of her adventures in India. Afterwards, six lucky winners each went home with one of the stunning arrangements.
Visitors are always welcome to our meetings. You can also subscribe to the UK’s biggest-selling floral design magazine “The Flower Arranger” and enjoy four seasonal issues per year, and learn about world-leading floral design. Please contact us by email for more details.
Christmas table decoration, are you looking for inspiration? The photograph above is a design for beginners, and what could be more Christmassy than this classic all-round design with its seasonal foliage, frosted pine cones and candle. Either copy this as you wish, or for the full instructions of how to complete the table decoration, send us an email, and we will send the instructions to you.
Despite the pandemic, we wish you all the best Christmas possible, and a very happy and healthy 2021. Stay safe.
Jane Hollington and Chris Harris
All Electrical Services All Electrical Services
Based in Kingswood and serving surrounding areas Based in Kingswood and serving surrounding areas l l l l l l l l l l l l Garden Lighting Design Specialists Domestic Rewires LED Ligting Upgrades Repairs Fault Finding & Rectification Security Lights & CCTV Garden Lighting Design Specialists Domestic Rewires LED Ligting Upgrades Repairs Fault Finding & Rectification Security Lights & CCTV All work completed to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) We will always endeavour to attend Kingswood residents and local All work completed to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) homes and businesses on the same day in an emergency We will always endeavour to attend Kingswood residents and local homes and businesses on the same day in an emergency Contact 0793 9087 7097 or 01737 370310 Email: liam@gardenlightcraft.co.uk www.gardenlightcraft.co.uk Contact 0793 9087 7097 or 01737 370310 Email: liam@gardenlightcraft.co.uk www.gardenlightcraft.co.uk
COVID MARK II
I now realise I was being naive when I called my September KVWI news, The Covid Period. It is true, we were starting to feel a little freer, hopeful that our purdah might be “all over by Christmas”.
At the time of writing that article we were planning a super, socially-distanced garden tea and plant sale in our President’s garden. Full of enthusiasm at the thought of seeing each other and optimistic that things were looking up. The military precision with which the event was organised (permitted numbers, seating, refreshments and how toilet facilities were going to work) was a joy to behold. KVWI went to war in its protection of members against the virus! The weather, always a hazard when planning something out of doors, held out and a really happy afternoon was had by all. I was thrilled with my “loot”, taking home a larger variety of plants than planned – some were not familiar to me and will, I hope, surprise and delight me when flowering time comes. For once we forgot to photograph the happy scene, and have no pictures of our ladies all dressed up for the occasion. Instead, I am submitting a photo of the most unpromising of my purchases, (no one else wanted it), now flourishing in my kitchen.
It will soon be time for our AGM and that of many other branches. According to the Charity Commission these AGM’s must be held so, three KVWI committee members attended a Surrey Federation zoom meeting with more than 100 attendees, to discuss ways and means. As our AGM involves electing a new president and not all members have access to the internet, it will be conducted by post. This is going to be an interesting new venture.
We learned with sadness that the jewel in the WI crown, our flagship Denman College, was to be sold. This may already have happened, we just haven’t heard about it yet. Those of us who over the years have attended courses there, learned many useful skills, and much else, chosen from the extensive repertoire of courses. Our days of “Surrey at Denman” saw us enjoying the well-appointed rooms (you knew they had to have been designed by women, for women), also the excellent meals and the friendly atmosphere. What a pity that the pandemic put the final nail in the coffin of this splendid Oxfordshire institution which was already in financial difficulty.
On the whole and to the best of my knowledge, KVWI has fared well as far as the virus is concerned. One of our members had to have the test before undergoing a hospital procedure and reported back that it was not a pleasant experience. Don’t do it unless you have to! Sadly, since the last WI newsletter appeared, yet another friend has been widowed. It seems so much more poignant in these distanced times that one cannot console with a warm, enveloping hug.
I usually finish by inviting anyone who may be interested in joining this very worthwhile organisation to come to the Village Hall at 14.00 on the first Thursday of each month. Friendship, interesting talks and fun await you, but not at the moment. We live in hope!
Nettie Cooper
Opening Hours: Weds - Sat 9.30 – 17.30 | Mon & Tue – Click & Collect | Weekday time slots available
VSL URBAN RETREAT SPA DAYS
VSL Urban Retreat Spa Days and VSL Nail & Beauty Salon is owned by Vanessa. This is a small family run business based on Waterhouse Lane in Kingswood
From left to right, Kasia (Lash Expert/Therapist) Vanessa (Owner/Therapist) Alice (Massage Therapist)
The Spa is in a peaceful, serene, private setting and is normally booked exclusively for groups of 6-8 people, however to keep within government guidelines it is only possible to book groups of 6. We are following strict Covid guidelines, taking the temperature of our clients whilst they remain in their car parked within our private grounds. All packages and prices are listed on our website: www.vslbeauty.com
We offer Dermalogica Facials, Hot Stone Massage, Lava Shell Massage, Pregnancy Massage, and a delicious Afternoon Tea on our Spa Day Experience.
As part of our normal salon services we are still able to offer Russian Lashes, LVL Lashes, Gelish Manicure, Gelish Pedicure, Parafin Wax Pedicure/ Manicure, HD Brows, HD Brow Sculpt, FakeBake Spray Tanning and Initmate Waxing using only the finest hot wax from Paris.
During lockdown all close contact services had to be closed, so instead of sitting back Vanessa embarked on a building project with Xspan Group Building Contractors which could have only been completed whilst the Salon & Spa were closed. During this period “Willow Terrace” was created which is south facing and overlooks the beautiful Surrey countryside.
“ Our vision is to create the perfect spot for our clients to catch some well deserved rays whilst on a Spa Day Experience, remain Pool Side and use our Heated Indoor Pool, but be comfortable to sunbathe outside and still maintain the high level of privacy that we offer” said Vanessa.
Vanessa and her team offer a personal, individual service tailored to the client’s requirements. Visit our website www.vslbeauty.com yourself and check out our reviews.
From left to right, Yve (Lava Shell Massage Therapist) Vanessa (Owner/ Therapist) Kasia (Lash Expert/ Therapist)
COPING WITH COVID-19
Lockdown and subsequent restrictions have had a huge impact on children’s mental and emotional health, which is why services like NSPCC’s Childline are more vital than ever.
Since the start of lockdown Childline has delivered over 21,000 counselling sessions to support mental health alone and are delivering between 4,500 and 5,000 other counselling sessions a week. These sessions have dealt with family relationships, self-harm and all forms of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional and neglect).
Many volunteers have been affected by the pandemic too and have had to self-isolate and numbers of counsellors were severely reduced so the night service had to stop from 12 midnight to 9am. Childline counsellors are recognised as key workers and some have been able to work from home. Childline has introduced an automated switchboard which signposts young people to online support whilst allowing them to speak to counsellors if needed. Schools Service staff have been trained to respond to children on email as young people are using emails rather than online chat during closed hours.
90% of NSPCC/Childline funding comes from supporters.
Sadly home is not a safe place for every child and we need your support to make sure we can still be there for children at risk of all types of abuse and mental health issues.
Fundraisers have had to think of new and innovative ways to hold their fund-raising events. From socially distanced plant sales and cake sales to online fashion shows, wine and cheese tastings, even a virtual dog show, to the most popular – online quiz nights!
RECENT FUNDRAISERS
FACE MASKS - £2,000 raised!
Thanks to everyone who has purchased the beautifully handmade face masks.
ZOOM QUIZ - £1,900 raised!
Many thanks also to everyone who participated in our first Zoom quiz. It was a great success and we must pass on our grateful thanks to Richard and Adrienne Lewis for once again being our excellent quizmasters.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KINGSWOOD DISTRICT NSPCC
The Kingswood District was founded in 1935 and subsequently joined the South and East Surrey Branch.
The Kingswood Committee really became more active after World War II when Norris McWhirter (Guinness Book of Records) was Branch Chairman and his wife was Kingswood Secretary. Angie Peters became Chairman in 1986 and then Branch Chairman in 2003 and during this time Kingswood have raised over £1 million. Over the course of 130 years South East Surrey has raised in the region of £2.5 million, making us the third biggest fundraising area in the UK.
The Committee consists of, Lori Kerr (Chairman), Jackie Ross (Treasurer), Janine Yianakis (Secretary), Angie Peters, Carolyn Barke, Gill Talpade and Susan Morris. Kingswood is very lucky to have a committed and enthusiastic committee who organise many fund-raising events each year including Quiz nights, Tennis Tournaments, Ladies Lunches and Bi-Annual Balls.
Kingswood is blessed with a large number of very generous supporters who over the last few difficult months have helped us to raise much needed funds for the NSPCC.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
LETTER FROM SANTA A quick reminder that Santa’s mailroom is open! Our popular letter from Santa allows you to create a bespoke letter which will help raise much needed funds.
www.letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk
Check out the NSPCC online Christmas shop for Christmas cards, Christmas books and gifts. Shop.nspcc.org.uk
Wear your crazy hats and Christmas jumpers! (optional!)
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020
At host’s home - Max 6 people (in accordance with government guidelines)
8pm start
£20 per person, donations welcome, No raffle If you would like to participate contact Lori
lori.nspcc@btinternet.com
We wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and a huge thank you to all our supporters for your continued support helping us raise funds for the NSPCC/Childline during these unprecedented times.
Gill Talpade
EVERY CHILD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR NSPCC HELPLINE 0800 800 500 HELP@NSPCC.ORG.UK CHILDLINE 0800 1111
CONTENTS
Dine with George Christmas Dinner delivered to your door!
Our Christmas dinner box includes all the food you need for a Christmas feast. Using all the best fresh ingredients and sourcing our Turkey from pbmqbj_bo=OMOM London’s Smithfield Market, our Christmas box removes the need for the 3 dreaded “big shop” and brings joy directly to your doorstep.KVCA Contacts 38 Anne Dobson’s Recipes
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Box includes Stuffed Free-Range Turkey crown with all the trimmings.Your Chairman’s Notes 40 Sarah’s Garden Jottings
Everything is prepped and ready to go, all you need to do is watch our step by step guide to create the perfect Christmas feast.Kingswood In Lockdown - 42 Kingswood & The Environment £60 (serves up to 6 people) incl Bottle of Prosecco Business Heroes of Kingswood 44 Kingswood Village WI Appreciation - Ken Astell Delivery meals46 Inspired Villages Dine with George also provides adelivery News From KADDS mealservice, where freshly cooked meals are 48 NSPCC delivered straight to your door. Local History Food Bank Scheme Our menus change every week, you can find them on our Facebook & Instagram page. We focus on using seasonal and fresh Follow us 50 Kingswood Lawn Tennis Club 52 The Church in Kingswood Flower Arrangement Group ingredients. 54 Thirteen Society Starting from £8ppCouncillors’ Column dinewithgeorge@hotmail.com 56 Sarah Lott Story
Writers’ Corner
Kingswood Residents Association
07984742187 58
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COMPETITION RETURNS
How lucky we are to play Tennis! It’s an outdoor sport, non-contact (in principle and usually in practice), while two metres distancing between players and even partners is not only possible but highly recommended for good play.
Neil and James Beaven
Hence, we were able to resume fairly quickly after the first lockdown ended. Many restrictions were in place of course, but the nature of the game was unchanged. Handshakes and hugging were gone, thank goodness in some cases, but forehands, backhands and the rest remained. We started with many friendly games but in September and October competition returned. Now, writing in early November, the second lockdown has just been announced.
Prior to this announcement Inter-Club games had been allowed in the Surrey league with the first fixtures starting in October. Kingswood has entered 15 teams in this league; nine men’s and six women’s teams spread across open age events and veterans. We are always on the lookout for team players so if interested please contact us, details on our website. www.kingswoodltc.com
Our Senior Club Championships began in August and culminated in a Finals Day on Sunday 20th September. Although we would usually focus on the finalists first, tributes must be paid to the organisers, umpires and marshals who made the day run smoothly. Covid rules meant that spectator numbers were severely limited, but despite this there was a tremendous atmosphere.
The open events were obviously the biggest draw, with the finals played on our artificial grass courts. The young guns largely held sway with 15-year-old James Beaven comfortably defending his Men’s Singles title, losing only a handful of games. James is playing at a very high level and he continues to work hard to improve. Talent is hard work in disguise, they say and James continues to get the rewards from his efforts. James and father Neil won a fantastic and very close Men’s Doubles match against Clifford Stretton and Simon Mortimer. Clifford was however, able to get revenge on James by winning the Mixed Doubles. His partner was another star of the day; 18-yearold, Holly Gale, the only player to win all three of her events – Kingswood’s own “Gale Force”. Holly wasn’t our youngest female champion though, as she helped 16-year-old Niamh Hyde triumph over the more experienced pair of Cheryl Agius and Ruth Eppey who have been champions on many previous occasions.
OPEN RESULTS
James Beaven vs Hefin Bowen
Holly Gale vs Cheryl Agius
6-1, 6-2
6-4,6-3
Neil/James Beaven vs Clifford Stretton / Simon Mortimer 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
Holly Gale / Niamh Hyde vs Cheryl Agius / Ruth Eppey Holly Gale / Clifford Stretton vs Niamh Hyde / James Beaven
3-6, 6-3, 6-3
Holly Gale and Cheryl Agius
The Veterans’ finals were played on our more
The Club’s youngsters would have been next to take centre stage at our Junior Club Championships, a one-day affair on the afternoon of November 22nd with all ages involved from 6 to 18. New plans for this will now need to be made. Coaching had continued across all age groups and the coaches are on the lookout for the next recipient of the Kennedy Cup which is kindly donated by the club’s main sponsor, Kennedys’ IPA for the Most Improved Junior. Camps were run during October half term with, on average,
Finally, many members were saddened by the forgiving artificial clay courts and were dominated by four families: Catlows, Gales, Hydes and Paynes. They were joined by two other artists; big hitters Paul Hawker and Mike Smith. Titles were shared around between three of four families with only the Hydes unlucky to miss out this time. A titanic battle in the mixed saw Lesley Gale and Chris Hyde narrowly defeated 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 by the Catlows. This result denied Lesley the chance to match her daughter and be a triple champion. The Gales, however, were clearly the day’s top family with five titles from six as Lesley joined forces with new member Shula Payne to win the Ladies’ Vets’ Doubles. The two ladies then took to opposite sides of the net for the Ladies’ Vets’ Singles with Lesley getting the upper hand on this occasion. Shula’s husband Victor won the Vets’ Doubles with partner Mike Smith. Guile and experience were on power and speed.
25 juniors per day using the courts.
recent death of longstanding member Joyce Phipps.
Joyce Phipps at the Club in 2017
VETERANS’ RESULTS
Nigel Catlow vs Victor Payne
Lesley Gale vs Shula Payne
Shula Payne / Lesley Gale vs
Janet Catlow / Didi Hyde show everywhere compensating for any decline in
Nigel Catlow / Paul Hawker
Janet / Nigel Catlow vs
Lesley Gale / Chris Hyde
6-1, 6-2
6-4, 6-0
6-3, 6-4
7-6, 6-2
Joyce played regularly into her late eighties and was last seen on court at her 90th birthday tea party, some eight years ago. Joyce will be remembered as a lovely lady and very good player, skilled enough to have played in open club finals. Her friends have commented on how delightful she was to play with, always sparky and positive, with a wicked sense of humour. Joyce loved the club not just for the tennis but as a social hub. Fondly remembered by many, she certainly left her mark. Victor Payne / Mike Smith vs
Nigel Catlow KLTC Committee Member
www.kingswoodltc.com
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS
Making preparations for this Christmas has been difficult for us all. Knowing that government regulations could change at any time for us has meant that, as a Parish, we’ve had to make provision for both services in church and online. Details of these can be found in the Parish Christmas Card.
Each year we pack our churches for the Choir Concert, the Crib and Christingle services and the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols but this year there will be an online version of each. Due to the limitations of our buildings, under current regulations, we’re having to ask people to book in advance for the live version of our Advent service and Nine Lessons and Carols in church. Neither of these services, sadly, will include congregational carols but will be led by the Parish Choir with additional organ pieces. Booking can be done through our new Parish Administrator, Alexia Hartman, who can be contacted on 01737 210785 or 07979 788601 or you can email her at administrator@parishofkingswood.org.uk This reminds me to express my very grateful thanks to Lindsay Cole who for the past 15 years has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into looking after the Parish of Kingswood administration. Lindsay has now stepped down from this role and will be presented with a book of memories compiled by parishioners and a fruit tree for her garden as a reminder of the high esteem in which we hold her. I’m happy that Lindsay will remain a member or our congregation and of the Parish Choir. I pray that the coming year will develop into a more relaxed and peaceful time for us all as the ‘new normal’ becomes apparent.
Rev’d. Chris Colton.
CALENDAR
Parish Diary for November and December
Sunday 29 November – Advent Service at St Andrew’s with Choir 6.30pm. Please book seats in advance. 01737 210785 or 07979 788601
Wednesday 2 December – Wisdom Stories at Tea Time on Zoom 4pm Saturday 12 December – Zoom Concert ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ Entry min. £5 donation. Please notify Parish Office for Zoom link.
Sunday 20 December – Nine Lessons & Carols at St Andrew’s with Choir 6.30pm. Please book seats in advance. 01737 210785 or 07979 788601 ONLINE Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols with congregational singing Thursday 24 December – - Crib Service Online from 5pm - Evening Communion at Wisdom of God 9pm - Midnight Communion at St Andrew’s 11pm
Friday 25 December – 10.30am Family Communion at St Andrew’s
Sunday 27 December – 9.30am Holy Communion at Wisdom of God. NO SERVICE at St Andrew’s
HERE’S TO AUTUMN 2021!
As a consequence of the continuing effect of the corona virus, the Committee has decided, with considerable regret, to completely cancel the programme we planned for our current 2020/2021 series of talks. So many of our members are in a vulnerable category it seemed sensible to delay meeting again until October next year.
This is certainly not the way we wished to celebrate our 75th year. We had planned a special day in late summer with an afternoon tea and a talk which would have reflected upon the history of the Society. This was not to be!
Several of the speakers we had reserved for this season have agreed to postpone their talks until next season so we are ahead in organising the 2021/2022 series of talks.
Finally, we all send you our heartfelt wishes for a Happy and Safe Christmas and a Peaceful and Covid-free New Year.
Robert Rosbotham
Chairman
CASHMERE AT CHRISTMAS
This year, Christmas is going to be very different but I thought you might like to read about the stresses of a normal Christmas!
I’m developing a life story project to help older people and their families who can’t be together this year because of the pandemic. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch. My contact details are below, I’d love to hear from you.
As Ruth and Sam stood at the door, their smiles were genuine enough. They loved their family and they loved Christmas but the prospect of normality fuelled their enthusiastic waving as their last guest drove out of sight. They closed the front door, turned to each other and breathed a sigh of relief. The house was a mess and the carpet was embedded with pine needles. Empty bottles and black bags of detritus lined the garage waiting for absent bin men. An exhausted Ruth collapsed onto the sofa. Christmas was over.
All things considered, they had enjoyed the festivities. Their presents had been well received, the turkey was moist and the bread sauce had been a success. The children hadn’t fought too much and Sam had been surprisingly helpful.
Two presents heading straight to the charity shop were a bizarre wine bottle ‘cosy’ and a 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle depicting a plate of baked beans. Ruth’s friend Clare delighted in buying her clothes that were several sizes too small and Ruth still couldn’t decide whether being given a size eight jumper was a compliment or a pointed statement from her ‘size eight’ friend. Ruth’s tomboy daughter, Sarah, had been sent a delicate, pink party dress, which was greeted with the contempt of a child who had to be bribed to wear a denim skirt.
Ruth’s mother-in-law always considered her gifts very carefully. She thrived on appreciation and price tags were often left on display to illustrate her generosity. Barbara was an exacting house guest and her ‘well meaning’ household and catering tips followed Ruth around the house.
This year, Barbara gave Ruth a cashmere jumper. It came from a well-known store and should have been perfect. Unfortunately, it was a rather unpleasant shade of sage green. Ruth hated the colour and planned a gracious thank you letter and a prompt visit to exchange the gift. This was a risky strategy as presents from Barbara were always closely monitored. However, Ruth had no intention of wearing sage green and couldn’t bear the thought of the beautifully soft fabric taunting her from her sweater drawer.
Early the following day, she drove to Epsom and joined the queue of ‘present returners’. After half an hour, she reached an exhausted sales assistant and optimistically tried to get a refund without a receipt. This of course wasn’t possible but there were several of the jumpers left in the sale section of the store and if Ruth could find a colour she preferred, she could make a direct exchange.
Ruth raced to join the scrum of cashmere bargain hunters and fought her way to a raspberry pink V-neck in a size twelve. Just as she was about to pounce, a ‘larger than size twelve’ lady grabbed
the jumper and added it to the heap of cashmere in her basket. Ruth tried to protest but was greeted by the nonnegotiable determination of a seasoned hunter. Ruth managed to locate one in royal blue but, as it was a size twenty, she reluctantly returned it to the scrum. She rummaged through all the sage green jumpers that littered the table and suddenly spotted the edge of a powder blue sleeve. She grabbed it and weaved the jumper through a row of shoppers as she pulled it towards her. It was V necked and a size twelve. Perfect.
Ruth returned to customer services and after another long wait, finally exchanged her sage green jumper for the blue one.
Sam had been very nervous of her decision to swap his mother’s present, but acknowledged that its replacement suited her far better. However, just as Ruth was admiring herself in the bedroom mirror, the phone rang. It was Barbara.
“Hello, dear. Thank you so much for having me yesterday. I think we put on quite a good spread, don’t you? It was my pleasure to help you so much, dear. I know you struggle. Now, the real reason for my telephone call is to talk about that beautiful jumper I bought you. I did actually buy one for myself, in a lovely shade of beige. However, I think the sage green colour would suit me much better and I’m sure the beige would look better on you. The green colour made you look a bit ‘shadow eyed’, don’t you think? Anyway, I thought I would pop over this afternoon and swap the jumpers over. I’ll be with you at about four o’clock, in time for tea and one of those lovely mince pies we made. Bye dear, see you then.”
As Ruth grabbed her coat and headed for the door, she called out to Sam. “Just going back to Epsom! I’ll be back by three thirty. You better tidy up, your mother’s coming...”
Copyright Sarah Lott December 2020 Website: www.thememorybook.co.uk Email: sarah@thememorybook.co.uk Facebook: The Memory Book
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