June 2020 Connection Magazine by Katie Endeley

CONNECTION

THE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE AND DIRECTORY FOR RESIDENTS OF KT20

june 2020 issue 138

Tarmac Paving Resin Brickwork Landscaping Jetwashing

Light Your Garden Ltd GARDEN LIGHTING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

www.lightyourgarden.co.uk info@lightyourgarden.co.uk 020 8373 2132 07973 259337 Contact for free, no-obligation nightime light demo in your garden

JUNE P6

Legal Matters

The pitfalls of probate.

P10/11 Fun in the Garden How to fill those long lazy summer days.

P16

Eat to be Slim

Sage diet advice from Olivia.

P18

Fit for Life

A fitness coach may help with your home training.

P19 P24

Kingswood Surrey Music Artist Focus

CleanAbility

“We clean so you don’t have to”

Domestic and Commercial cleaning service Carpet Cleaning, Oven Cleaning, Ironing Competitive rates

Call Sherry on 01737 559896/07855 340929

Joe Norris and his painting journey.

P25

KWT Horticultural Society

Details of a virtual open garden.

P26

Keystroke Associates

Latest techology tips from the IT experts

P27

Community News

A Cat’s Protection success story.

Still working in the KT20 area References available on request

Copy deadline for July/August 2020 issue is 12th June.

Fresh Meat & Fish from Smithfield & Billingsgate Market Supplier to top London restaurants now offering FREE LOCKDOWN DELIVERIES in Kingswood and surrounding areas of a 5 mile radius Sirloin steak, lamb chops, chicken breast, sausages, mince, eggs, fresh fish & much more at WHOLESALE PRICES Minimum order of £35 For a price list, please contact Vinny Colairo on 07918 747378 (Whatsapp) or email colairo10@gmail.com Help George say ‘Thank You’ to Surrey Nurses Vincent’s father, George Snr, contracted Covid-19 in early April and was admitted to Epsom Hospital. With the courage and hard work of the medical staff he has now made a full recovery. As he and his family are in the catering trade they have decided to say thank you to the nurses of Surrey by giving them shopping bags of fresh meat and vegetables. Their contacts at Smithfield & Cherryfield Ltd will provide goods at a reduced price and the Colairos plan to visit a different hospital each day of the week. Although they are covering much of the cost of this themselves, if you would like to donate to the cost of the supplies you can do so at

www.gofundme.com/f/nhs-surrey-shopping-basket

CONNECTION: tel: 01737 831498; email: info@ktconnection.co.uk

Legal Matters

Solicitor, Nicola Dudley on the pitfalls of probate

osing someone close to you is tough, no matter how old they were or whether they were in good or ill health. Being responsible for dealing with their estate is also tough and probably not something that emotionally you would feel able to tackle immediately or on your own. Apart from organising the funeral and contacting the insurance company to advise them that any property is unoccupied there is no immediate need to start the administration process.

But when you do, bear in mind… • That you will need an original Death Certificate to produce to each Bank, Building Society etc. Either buy as many as you think you will need when you register the death or enough so that you can use each one more than once. Bear in mind that each Death Certificate costs £11 and you may not be able to be reimbursed until after the Grant of Probate has been obtained. • You will need the deceased’s original Will. If this is stored with Solicitors all Executors will need to write to request the Will and send an original Death Certificate and identification documentation for each Executor. • If you cannot find a Will it is advisable to contact local Solicitors, will writers or banks to check if one has been made. You can also check with the Probate Registry or Certainty (the national Wills register) both of whom offer a storage service, or place an advertisement asking if anyone holds a Will for the deceased. • It is possible to use the deceased’s money to pay the funeral account. The deceased’s bank will need the original funeral account and will issue a cheque in favour of the funeral directors. They will not, however, reimburse you if you pay the funeral account yourself. • A Personal Representative is under a

duty to maximise an estate and you should, therefore, take all steps to identify all the assets. A search of the Unclaimed Assets Register checks for dormant accounts with insurers, pension providers, financial institutions and listed companies. • Keep a record and receipts for anything that you spend in the course of the administration as you can be reimbursed from the estate in due course. • The ‘Tell Us Once’ service will report a death to all Government Departments who will then be able to confirm whether any state pension or benefits are due or have been overpaid and need to be reimbursed. If you have been appointed as an Executor of a Will you may want to instruct a Solicitor to guide you through the administration process, prepare any Inland Revenue account that may be required and apply for the Grant of Probate. If there is no Will it is advisable to seek legal advice as the process can be complicated and more onerous for the Personal Representative. Next steps? If you would like to discuss Deeds of Trust, Lasting Powers of Attorney, your Will, how to mitigate Inheritance Tax or obtain Probate and administer a deceased’s estate then please do not hesitate to contact Nicola Dudley at PWT Advice LLP on 0345 833 9025 or 07900 931478 ndudley@pwtadvice.co.uk.

Inheritance Tax Planning Wills, Trusts, Probate, Powers of Attorney Please call Nicola Dudley on: 0345 833 9025 or 07900 931478 ndudley@pwtadvice.co.uk

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p7june20

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Our studio may currently be closed to our clients, but we are still here to help and we can still achieve an awful lot by phone and email. We are able to offer a free fabric and wallpaper sampling service, so if you tell us what you have in mind we can arrange delivery of samples direct to your home. We can then get the wallpapaers, fabrics and paints you have chosen delivered straight to you too. Our curtain and blind-makers are working safely in their homes, so we can still make your soft furnishings to your specifications. Our popular sourcing service means that we can help you find almost anything interiors-related, so all you need to do is get in touch to let us know what you are looking for and we will help you find it. Please get in touch to arrange a free consultation. Telephone: 07768 396332 E: studio@ruthmarshallinteriors.com

Image courtesy of Romo

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Accessories Hampers

Fun in the Garden Make bird feeders & bird watch You can make a simple bird feeder with a clean empty yoghurt pot, string, scissors, a mixing bowl, lard, grated cheese, peanuts, raisins and bird seed. Simply cut a hole in the bottom of the yoghurt pot, thread through the string and tie a knot in it so the yoghurt pot hangs upside down from the string. Next, warm the lard to room temperature but don't melt it and cut it into cubes and add to a mixing bowl with the grated cheese, peanuts, raisins and bird seed, mixing it together with your fingertips until the fat holds it all together. Then fill the pots with the bird cake mixture and put them in the fridge to set for an hour or so. When they are set hang them from a bird table or tree branch. Build a bug hotel Kids love to study bugs and the best way to do this is to create an environment where they can live happily. By creating a multi-storey hotel you can help shelter not just ladybirds, beetles, woodlice and bees but small animals too like hedgehogs and toads. You will need to use materials which will provide natural hiding holes, like old bricks, pipes or old wooden pallets. First, find some level ground to build your hotel and gradually build up the levels starting with larger objects on the bottom like bricks and as you stack the layers further up, you can add pinecones, bamboo canes, straw, bark and logs or wood with drilled holes. Plant some flowers If you've been putting off planting up

your borders or plant pots, then now's the time to do it. Let the kids have a go digging a hole with a trowel to place the plant in. Then teach them how to press the plant down and cover with soil or compost. Water your plant and you're all done - now you just have watch them grow. Leaf drawing This is another simple activity that just requires paper and pencils or pens. Find a leaf and sketch it on to your paper, you can colour it in or you can even do a rubbing of it to capture all the fine veins and details of it. The kids can even see how many different shaped leaves they can find and see if they can identify which tree they are from. Grow your own We all remember growing cress or mustard from seeds as a child in school and you can do the same at home or in the garden. You can sow fruit or vegetable seeds into small pots or even plant up a little herb garden. If you look online there are grow your own starter kits to get you going. Colour a rainbow on your garden patio While you've got the chalk out, why not draw a rainbow on your garden path. The patio can provide a huge canvas for the kids to colour on and the great thing about using chalk is that it will easily wash off. So let them create until their heart's content, you could even play noughts and crosses or draw a giant chalk hopscotch. Bury a time capsule This is another great activity to do and

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all you need is a waterproof container like a tin and what you want to put in it. You could get the children to write a letter to their future self including their age, who their friends are and their favourite things. Cut out articles from a newspaper that they think would be important to look back on or get them to do a drawing of the family. You could even take some pictures and print them out and put them in too. When you've packed everything in seal it all up and find a place in the garden to bury it. Make mud pies in your mud kitchen If the kids have a mud kitchen, you can let them run riot with this idea. Fill some old pans with mud and soil and anything else they would

like to add to their "recipe". If they don't have a mud kitchen to work in then simply use some empty buckets and spades and fill them up to make your mud pies. Have a Teddy Bears picnic The oldies are the best! You can't beat a good old teddy bear picnic. So if you've got a warm sunny day coming up, roll out that picnic blanket and get all those favourite soft toys out to join you for lunch. Have a sports day/ do an obstacle course There's nothing like a bit of competitive spirit so why not have your own sports day. You can have a 10m sprint or longer, depending on how big your garden is, and an egg and spoon race or even a three-legged race. The kids can even make their own medals or trophies ahead of the activity to hand out to the winners.

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INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATING

* EXTERIOR FOCUS FOR YOUR 2020 * * Taking bookings now for this Summer & Autumn * * Don’t miss out, CALL TODAY and give your home the look it deserves *

Please visit:

www.paintwisedecorators.co.uk

and take a look at our gallery of current and past work, along with out glowing testimonials. There is also an easy contact form for any questions or queries, or to book an appointment.

All work guaranteed with the “Paintwise Guarantee”

. Fully Qualified . Fully Insured . References and Portfolio available on request. Paintwise – see our videos

Find us on

For a polite, professional service, please contact Mr Neil Jackson

Tel:

020 8668 8025 Mobile: 07886 485632 Email: paintwisedecorators@msn.com

TURNING HOUSES INTO BEAUTIFUL HOMES

aintwise have been offering a professional and caring service in the local area since 1997. In the last 22 years we have built an excellent reputation with a large and growing list of clients. In fact nearly all of our work is through word of mouth and recommendations. Our testimonials and Google reviews are indeed testament to our dedication and reliability. What stands out more than anything else is our attitude to our client’s home - always polite, trustworthy, punctual and reliable the key to our success. We care about your home and garden, taking care to tidy up at the end of every day. A Paintwise guarantee is provided with every piece of work, including a two-year guarantee on all external work.

Callum Jackson joined Paintwise Decorators in 2014 under the tuition of Neil Jackson, and now has a full 5 years of experience in decorating. He brings the same considerate attitude for your home. Callum cares about his work, giving a quality finish to all projects he is involved in. Paintwise are proud to have him as a part of their team. The Paintwise Team believe that colour plays a very important part in people’s lives and strive to give you the very best advice for your home ideas. From cool to warm neutrals to harmonising shades. From a dash of interest to a vividly bold wall; a papered feature wall perhaps? Whatever your feelings evoke, we aim to create for you, both inside and out.

Paintwise Decorators have a very close working relationship with local stockists; Brewers, Purley Way. They are always keen to help with wall papering expertise, selecting the right paint finish, supplying paint pot samples for our clients or just general good advice. Brewers not only stock top quality trade paints but also a beautiful wall coverings range from Sanderson’s, Zoffany, Harlequin, Anaglypta and much more...

Paintwise use several professional trade paints; a personal favourite of theirs is The Little Greene range - the high end quality products leave a beautiful finish to walls, and the sheer richness and opacity of their colour is outstanding. You can find out more about paintwisedecorators on:

For a free no obligation quotation please call Neil Jackson on 020 8668 8025 or 07886 485 632. Alternatively, contact Neil via email at info@paintwisedecorators.co.uk

Advertising in CONNECTION MAGAZINE could be the best decision you ever make for your business! Many local businesses think so.... “I’ve tried several different ways of advertising and leaflet distribution and without any doubt Connection is the most effective way. It hits my exact target market – local people. Each advert increases my revenue by 15% per week – or an increase of about £500 – that’s a great return on investment on an £88 advert!” Grant Hardy, Hardys Fish & Chips, Burgh Heath

“Since featuring in your magazine we have noticed an incredible rise in visits to our website – in fact they have doubled! As the web address only really features in our cat of the month ads we are confident that awareness has been raised through your incredible generosity by featuring us monthly – huge thanks!” Pamela Green Cats Protection, Epsom & Ewell

“Advertising with Connection Magazine has made a real boost to the number of enquiries we are now receiving – they are up by 35%! It has raised local awareness of our business and brought in local custom. If you are considering advertising with Connection I would strongly suggest you do. It has made a huge difference to us.” Karl and Nicole, Bodyworks Practice, Banstead

C O N N E C T I O N

“I have recently purchased a database package that allows me to enter customer details and compile a report of where the work comes from, website, referrals etc. I have been in your magazine for over 2 years now and I have won jobs, directly from that advert, which amount to £20,000 of profit, not turnover, profit! Steve Barnett, Carpet care plus, Walton on the Hill

“Connection Magazine has been a great find for me. I find the response has been far better than the previous ads via yell.com and the Local Guardian free sheet and all the leads are local cutting costs. Keep up the good work.” Doug Muldoon, High Trees Carpentry, Burgh Heath

M A G A Z I N E

“I started advertising in Connection Magazine in April 2011 and the response has been tremendous! The phone calls have risen month on month and I now get on average 5 calls a week. This has made a big difference to my business. I could safely say that 20% of my work comes from the adverts with Connection.“ Kevin Butterfield, Motor Vehicle Services, Lower Kingswood

To see how Connection Magazine can grow YOUR Business contact Katie on 01737 831498 or email: info@ktconnection.co.uk www.ktconnection.co.uk

eat to be slim Advice from Olivia on how to reduce your chances of contracting Covid-19

study of all critically ill patients in UK intensive care units found nearly 73% were overweight. If you want to improve your chances of survival it’s important to be a healthy weight.

life-threatening over-reaction of the body’s own immune response leading to long-term damage. Being diabetic (which can be reversed by diet and lifestyle – check out Dr David Unwin, Norwood Surgery) is another risk factor.

Have you noticed the images on TV of those poor people in ICU struggling to breathe, or even those who have survived against all odds, even the young ones. Almost all are overweight.

Don’t worry, if you are overweight there is help available. The worry of catching an invisible virus that may kill is stressful enough. Stress impacts your hormones and nearly always leads to weight gain, the opposite of what we want. Cortisol is the main stress hormone and just one of fifty hormones in our bodies that control us. Cortisol engages our parasympathetic nervous system – our ‘fight or flight’ reaction. It causes unbearable cravings for carbs and sweets (and often alcohol) which can lead to overeating and constant hunger.

It’s no coincidence. The more overweight people are, the more demand there is for oxygen. The system is under more pressure, according to Glasgow University Prof Sattar. ‘Eventually the obese body becomes overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen getting to the major organs’. Prof Sellayah of Reading University also said. ‘A lack of oxygen is just one of the important factors why overweight people need help with their breathing and kidney support in Intensive Care.’ Having more fat cells also pushes up your risk of catching Covid19 due to the increase of an enzyme in cells known as ACE2 which allows free entry into the body. ACE2 is found in fat tissue which overweight people have more of. So, there is not only a higher risk of catching Covid19, there is also a higher risk of being critically ill or worse, dying. Fighting the virus is harder for overweight people due to inflammation because their immune function goes into overdrive. Inflammation can be a

There are many hormones that control weight, and specific things you can do right now to put a plan in place to take action, track and get a slim body for life. Here are my top tips for reducing your stress (hormone cortisol): 1. Meditate – OK so I’m not suggesting you sit in a yurt cross-legged and go all woo-woo! Seriously though, top execs and many successful CEOs meditate! According to Forbes magazine, Steve Jobs was a fan. So too are Ariana Huffington of The Huffington Post, Bob Shapiro Venture Capitalist, Billionaire Marc Benioff CEO of Salesforce, Oprah

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DO YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Are you worried? Is your life in danger? Improve your chances of surviving any critical illness I am a weight loss coach with a good track record helping a number of people lose weight when they have been unable to do so before. If you would like to get results that last forever, get in touch for a free discovery session. Don’t put off what you know you need.

www.eatslim.co.uk © olivia@eatslim.co.uk 07702 779019 Winfrey, and Bill Gates. 2. Listen to music – Find what works for you. Classic FM or calming classics definitely improves mood whilst driving. Playing binaural beats helps increase concentration and motivation. Another benefit is reduced stress and anxiety. 3. Eat whole (not processed) foods Fatty fish, like sardines, wild salmon, plus eggs, green vegetables and salads are all excellent choices. 4. Supplement with fish oils and fibre. It’s tough to eat fatty fish every day so a good quality supplement can be helpful, and for those who dislike the taste of fish it is an easy alternative. Fibre helps satiety and combats cravings.

5. Sleep Highly addictive Netflix box sets may be entertaining but can lead to a loss of sleep. A study on German helicopter pilots showed that those who lost just 15 hours of sleep over a week increased their cortisol levels by 50-80%. Set an alarm at 9.30pm to start winding down for bed. Lights out at 10pm. 6. Gentle exercise reduces stress and produces happy hormones to counteract cortisol. Think mild or moderate levels at 40-60% of max effort. High intensity training can increase cortisol shortly after activity, though it does lead to lower levels of cortisol at night. For further information on how Olivia can help you achieve your weight loss goals, please call 07702 779019 or email: olivia@eatslim.co.uk

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Get Fit For Life! How a virtual fitness coach can help with your home workouts

ife has changed. Most of us are at home more but you still need to move more. Have you found yourself stuck for exercise ideas? It is hard to push yourself everyday to exercise especially when times are hard.

Online personal training might be the way to help you. In many ways, it's exactly like being trained in a gym. The crucial difference, of course, is that the trainer isn't next to you when you workout. So yes they can’t pass you weights and tidy up after you but not being there doesn’t mean they are not watching they are there to guide and correct you just like before! Remember to look at the bigger picture and get a coach rather than a gym trainer. Having a coach is fantastic. A coach isn’t just about putting you through a workout once a week. They can be used in so many aspects of life. They are there to guide you, a port of call and there to motivate you when you're struggling. They can coach you with workout sessions, workout plans, working through pain barriers and confidence, building skill in the areas needed, getting you back on track for a sport or event. A coach can be there for nutrition and diet plans.

coach can be there for nutrition and diet plans. Don’t just look for a trainer look and the reason you need the help in the first place and think of the goal. Another benefit of online coaching is some people find it a time-efficient way to workout. You can get home from work or finish for lunch and there they are on your screen ready and waiting. No extra travel and you're in the comfort or your own home. Having an online coach deliver a workout program to you electronically also means that you can access your workout at any time and in any location. Remember you have to want a coach and understand they are here to help and guide you, not do it for you. That will never work. One of the main benefits of working with a coach is that they get you through your workouts even when you don't want to be there. That extra motivation to actually turn up at the gym, and to push through tough workouts just isn't available through an online programme, so if you can’t follow a plan and find you don’t stick to, it try a COACH! Think about if it's time for you to get a coach and hit those goals.

This can all be done online. All of us have been turning more to speaking to family online and using different ways of communicating. This can also be the same with training, our clients are loving online coaching.

CALL SIMMONS FITNESS FOR COACHING ON 07545240945

Remember a coach can help with workout sessions, workout plans, working through pain barriers and confidence, building skill in the areas needed, getting you back on track for a sport or event. A

simmonsfitness@hotmail.com www.simmonsfit.co.uk SIMMONS FITNESS BOOTCAMPS AND LBT ONLINE NOW ASK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bespoke Coaching, online personal training, 1-2-1 personal training, online nutrition.

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Kingswood Surrey Music Services (online classes only) “We believe that every child’s education should have a destination” Film Music Composition 4 kids New class starting 4th June 2020. Does your child have a keen interest in music? Do they want to be a pop star? Join our new music class tailored to aspiring little musicians for just £10. Age 7-11 years old: KSM created the Film Music Composition class 4 kids, bringing a creative once in a lifetime opportunity in music for children when they grow up. Taught by professionals with an insight into a working composer's life in the Music Industry. Newcomers welcome, beginner, intermediate, any instrument & singers too! Each class will be small and consist of 4 children. In the 1st program of these classes the children will learn how to compose an ensemble piece of music for a long scene split up of different music genres in an animation film. The teachers will then produce the music for the film so the music is synchronised perfectly to the film. The

PIANO & KEYBOARD LESSONS ONLINE Ideal system for mature players to learn new popular songs and pieces. Patient teacher with many years experience of teaching adults takes lessons at your pace for your enjoyment.

Ring Peter

final film will be published free to watch online on our YouTube channel. Your child’s music will then be internet famous! Choice of 1 hour class times @ 11am, 1pm, 3pm Thursdays & includes FREE Music Theory 1-1 lessons Fridays (book by appointment). Children will learn how to play instruments or sing, Music Theory, the ins and outs of composing in the Music Industry & finally how to compose music. Every week like other classes by KSM, the children will be expected to complete their homework. We are looking for 12 creative children who are passionate about music. At the end of the class we guarantee your child will know how to play music, read music and create their own masterpieces. Contact Emma Clark 07950 118992 or email: kingswoodsurreymusic@gmail.com

Kingswood Surrey Music Services Free Lockdown Music lessons online School music curriculum Key Stages delivered via Skype in a virtual classroom environment. 1-1 singing, piano and music theory lessons also available. Please contact Emma for further information on: 07950 118992 kingswoodsurreymusic@gmail.com www.kingswoodsurreymusic.co.uk

for more details on

01737 242359 To advertise in CONNECTION please call 01737 831498

I am Your HR Consultant, a Chartered HR professional and I provide reassurance to business owners by taking some of the stress out of managing their people. I also support individuals through periods of change or difficulties during their career, working with them as a career coach. A sample of HR services provided: • Recruitment • Contracts, Handbook & Policies • Employee Relations

Michelle Giles, Director of Your HR Consultant Providing reassurance when it matters

• Psychometric analysis Career coaching • Outplacement and Redundancy Support

No obligation and no fee to have a chat! Whether you are a business or an employee, contact me and we can discuss how I may be able to help and support you. Email: michelle@yourhrconsultant.co.uk Phone: 01737 910628 / 07809 117634 www.yourhrconsultant.co.uk

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Unit 1, 205 St Andrews Road, West Coulsdon CR5 3HN info@getconnectedelec.co.uk 07778 427231/07917 196861

01737 370 869 Get Connected Electrical Contractors Ltd is a professional, friendly company based in Surrey, covering London and the South East. With 40 years experience in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Installations, we pride ourselves in providing a fully comprehensive service. All our work is carried out in accordance to the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) and on completion is tested and certified by one of our qualified technicians.

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HOMES & GARDENS

ALAN SMITH

GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Bathrooms – Kitchens – Ceramic Tiling

All Building, Decorating & Refurbishment Work.

Small Jobs and Handyman Tasks also Undertaken.

Tel: 07801 560738 01737 833448

email: smithalan17@aol.com www.alansmithgpm.co.uk.

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My Painting Journey Profile of Tadworth Art Group artist, Joe Norris ‘I have to thank my mother for encouraging me to journey into art,’ begins Joe. ‘She gave me her Rowney watercolour paint box and her cherished sable brush when I was ten and showed me how to paint simple washes. Previously, I had only ever used felt pens and powder paints. Watercolours seemed so much more sophisticated and I felt very grown up using them.’ However, it was a visit to Amsterdam that really inspired Joe, marvelling at paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Later, he took inspiration from Van Gogh, Dali, Duchamp and Picasso. ‘I am fascinated by eccentricity, seeing it as a sign of genius and something to be admired.’ At the age of eleven, his grandpa, also a keen amateur painter, gave him a book by Rowland Hilder. ‘Growing up in Kent meant many of Hilder’s Kentish landscapes, with his ‘easy’ style and expert handling of light, felt very familiar to me’. During those early days, Joe recalls painting a snow scene of a family friend’s house. ‘I remember feeling pleased with my efforts but was amazed when I’d learnt that she had liked it enough to hang it on her wall!’ At the age of fifteen, Joe made his first sale – a pastel, ‘Kent hop poles in the snow’. More sales soon followed. ‘I was

really proud to be asked, and paid, to paint pictures for people I’d never met, who had seen my work displayed in local pubs and restaurants.’ Several years of formal art education followed, although Joe admits to often finding art gallery visits intimidating, ‘…but to actually see the brushstrokes close up and feel the energy and passion of some of my favourite artists, like Rembrandt, Monet and Turner, with their impressionistic styles, was a real joy. I have always been as interested in the process and the inspiration behind the work as I have in the final piece. I learnt early on that I can be easily distracted by outside influences and opinions (I’ve have since found that it’s far more rewarding to trust and follow my own instincts). I now firmly believe that every failure is a step towards your next success,’ he reflects. Joe concludes, ‘I never stop learning and the most important thing for me is to continue painting and to develop my own style. I have often found the journey more rewarding than the destination itself.’ Joe is a member of Tadworth Art Group. www.tadworthartgroup.com www.joenorrispaintspictures.co.uk

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The Kingswood Walton and Tadworth Horticultural Society

www.kwthortsoc.co.uk

The Kingswood Walton and Tadworth Horticultural Society proudly present their VIRTUAL GARDENERS DELIGHT Open Gardens which will be live on the website www.kwthortsoc.co.uk from Saturday 20th June. All your usual favourites will be on show plus one new opener. We are hoping to hold an Autumn event if restrictions are lifted in time and to be able to welcome you back into our Gardens. For more details contact: suehortsoc@btinternet.com

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Computer Tips

from Keystroke Associates

Latest IT news from the experts, Keystroke Associates

am delighted to announce that Keystroke Associates have helped many of our customers stay in touch in virtual land as I call it, using a variety of platforms: Skype, Facetime, Zoom, Houseparty & WhatsApp. We have been forced into this isolation situation with some of us not having seen family or friends for 2 months, however through the magic of these programmes it has helped people stay in touch with society, friendship groups, playing bridge online with friends and participate in choirs. Many people have been a bit frightened of this technology which is

understandable but through Keystroke they have discovered the joy they can experience on these platforms. If you would like help in this new world we find ourselves in, then please call us on 01883 346 516. And we will change the way you now have to communicate and help you become confident and be part of our new world. Call Judy on 01883 346516.

Domestic and Commercial Cleaning, Ironing, Carpet Cleaning

Let us take control of your domestic chores! We will leave your house spotless and in perfect order. Reliable and professional service tailored to your lifestyle needs and budget. For further information or to book a no-obligation free quote, please call: 07811 138766 www.starscleaningcompany.com 26

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Community Noticeboard info@ktconnection.co.uk

A Cat’s Protection Success Story – Romeo

n anticipation of Romeo coming to his new forever home , James and Katie set up a room for him with a scratching post, litter tray and food bowls, and there was palpable excitement at the imminent arrival of the main man. Upon arrival, Romeo, being a big fan of attention, was quick

to exit his cat carrier and began to explore the room, eventually settling behind a chair. His foster carer was a great help in settling Romeo, ensuring he had a familiar presence to start feeling confident in his new environment. By the evening of that first day, Romeo felt comfortable enough sit on jmaes & Katies laps, and they began to see his true personality appearing; Romeo loves attention!

Unfortunately, they had to tear themselves away from Romeo each morning as they both work full time, but over the course of the next week, he was slowly allowed to explore further rooms in the flat and began to overcome anxieties about new areas. He was very excited to explore the new rooms - however there was the frightening incident of the cat in the mirror (he saw himself) which led to hiding under a wardrobe for the best part of a day! But he was soon able to have free run of the entire flat. They found he was particularly partial to a spot of Radio 4 whilst they were out during the day. As James & Katie have got to know Romeo better, they have found that tuna, cat sticks and belly rubs are the way to his heart. He is demanding of attention and has learnt how to manipulate his humans very well to get them to sit on the sofa at any time (even if they are incredibly late for work!). James & Katie are still noticing changes in his behaviour as his confidence develops and he becomes more comfortable with his forever home. He now has his own Instagram account – magnificentromeo!

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