Love Local Spelthorne - Autumn 2022

Welcome to the Autumn Edition.

September can be a great time to set new goals for Christmas, ever thought about pilates? The Reformer Room is a brand new pilates studio based in Staines at The Thames Club, read all about it inside, they are also offering a 2 class intro session for just £30.

Save The Date, on Saturday 24th September Stanwell Events will hold their annual Fun Day and Fun Run. Not only is this a great family day out for all but also an opportunity for local fundraisers to get involved too and raise funds for their chosen charities. See their page for all details.

Love chili? The Surrey Chilli Festival is happening over the weekend of 17th/18th of September at Walton Cricket Club, no doubt it will be another great event. Keep a lookout on our Facebook page for a last-minute ticket giveaway!

Shrek The Musical brought to you by Zodiac Musical Society will be showing from 5th - 8th October, again, keep a lookout for a chance to win tickets on our Facebook page. We love a good musical!

Our Magazine is now available to pick up and more local pick-up points - if you are a local business and would like to be a pick-up point, please get in touch.

We hope you enjoy this Autumn edition and we shall be back again in November.

Until Winter Carley and The Love Local Spelthorne ToCarley@lovelocalspelthorne.comTeamincludeyourbusinessorevent in the November edition, get in touch today.

TheDisclaimerContentsLoveLocalSpelthorneisproduced

by Leaflets2go. No parts of the production can be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission from the publisher. While all reasonable care has been taken in the production of this magazine we do not accept any liability for inaccuracy. © The Love Local Spelthorne 2022

Here at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, our philosophy is to improve our customers’ lives through interior design. We provide a comprehensive design, supply and installation service, and pride ourselves on being with you the whole way through from start to finish, making your experience with us friendly, efficient and professional.

We are passionate about creating spaces that meet our customers’ individual needs, giving them a home they can enjoy with family and friends for many years to come. With every project we complete, we love seeing how renovating important rooms like the kitchen, bedroom and home office has improved our customers’ lifestyles and our vast range of collections can transform day-to-day life.

After many years in the industry, we remain a truly local, friendly, family-run business. Our dedicated team of designers, project coordinators, installers and specialist tradespeople will go above and beyond to ensure you’re satisfied with the service you receive from quotation to completion. Our dedicated team has expanded over the years, but we stay true to our philosophy, and we will always endeavour to ensure you receive the best possible service throughout your home improvement project.

We have completed several thousand installations in and around the local area over the last four decades and a large amount of our work is thanks to word of mouth and recommendations – a fact that we are very proud of.

We truly care about our customers and the outcomes of our projects. Our team can offer a fully project co-ordinated service from start to finish. In addition to assisting homeowners with renovation projects, we can also provide design consultations based on architect plans if you are embarking on a new build or extension. We would be delighted to guide you through your dream kitchen, bedroom or home office project, helping you bring your vision to life.

Our two large showrooms are full of inspiration where we proudly display the very best of our Kitchen, Bedroom and Home Office furniture which is all made here in England.

We invite you to come and visit us in Ashford or Farnham Common. You can view our beautiful products and speak to our team about your upcoming home improvement plans. Since opening in 1984, we have welcomed many customers into our showrooms and we will be delighted to welcome you too.

For more information find us; On socials @AshfordKitchens On our website www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk

If you would like to enquire about a free design consultation or to visit a showroom please call; Farnham Common - 01753 642362 Ashford Showroom - 01784 245964

Let Us Help Design Your Perfect Bespoke Kitchen, Bedroom or Home OfficeThe for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

Hi, I’m Radhika, the Instructor of the Kumon Ashford Study Centre.

The Kumon maths and English study programmes are designed to help children think and problem-solve for themselves.

With an individually tailored programme, students start with familiar calculations and reading and progress on through the levels at their own pace. We gradually build their study programme based on their ability rather than age and as a result they can achieve advanced academic results. Through daily study and regular classes, we aim to help students progress to at least a year above their school level within the first 8-10 months.

We believe that educational success is not always about academic development; children often need to build their selfconfidence and motivation too.

I aim for every student to enjoy their learning experience with my team and leave class with a smile. I achieve this by closely working with every child, continually assessing and individualising the Kumon programme according to their needs.

Kumon is an investment in your child’s education. I provide many local families with the opportunity to experience the benefits of the Kumon programmes, so that together we can create bright, confident individuals who can pursue their full potential.

CLASS TIMES

MONDAY 15:15 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY 15:15 - 19:00

THURSDAY 15:15 - 19:00

AT HOME | IN CENTRE | ONLINE

For research findings on Kumon study, please visit kumon.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

FRIDAY 16:00 - 18:30 SATURDAY 09:00 - 13:00

SpacesChanging

Nine small changes that can transform any room.

We’d all love to splash the cash on home renovations, but in the current climate our ability to transform a space with a big budget may find itself hampered by the perpetual rising cost of Thegoods.good

news is there is another way though, because affecting simple changes and additions to your current living spaces, with a personal touch, can breathe life, energy and happiness into the place we call home.

1. theFollowlight

Lamps are the easiest way to positively alter the entire mood and vibe of a room.

cheap,usuallyThey’reprettycomein

a range of styles and looks to suit your interior, and the transformation is quick!

2. Go green

Plants will bring life and colour to an otherwise drab space. They also improve your air quality, making them well worth the extra care and attention they require. And breathe…

3. Hang out

Art is a great way to really personalise your home, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a unique look. Whether it’s a favourite record, childhood photo or quirky cartoon that made you smile once, it belongs on your wall.

And of course, if you’re feeling really ambitious, get the canvas and paints out!

4. Shelve it

As well as providing an excellent way to maximise storage in a room, shelves have the ability to become a feature in their own right if you fill them with interesting books and mementos.

5. Make statementa

A really unique piece of furniture can bring to life an whyspace,unremarkableotherwisewhichisyouneedto

hunt down that vintage cocktail globe or shabby chic chaise longue, pronto!

6. Go throw

Is your sofa looking a little tired? Has your bed seen better days? Then throw a throw on it - the bold and brighter, the better.

7. Bells and whistles

From vintage doorknobs to bespoke light switches, the attention to detail we put into fixings, handles and the like can give furniture or cupboards an invigorated new image.

8. Rug doctor

A decent rug can really tie a room together, with the chance to complement colour, texture and the type of look you’re going for. And as an added bonus, of course, it can also hide that wine stain from last Christmas!

9. Reflect

Mirrors aren’t just for gazing at yourself adoringly, they can also bring light and space to an otherwise gloomy room, if positioned towards windows and given the occasional wipe!

Temple Spa

Hi! I’m Keri.

A Temple Spa Lifestyle Consultant who has 20+ years of beauty experience under my (slightly larger than I would like) belt.

I live in Sunbury and am very excited to share this Multi Award Winning, Luxury Beauty brand with the Love Local Spelthorne community!

Let me support your well-being with a ‘Spa Boutique’ pamper event at home, work or online These events are the ultimate ‘try before you buy’ experience, a pop-up-spa that feels like a mini vacation!

All products purchased are directly to your or

Gift packs available for a range of budgets and skin types. Take a look at my website for further details or contact me today.

TheEducation:HigherFuture

The pandemic brought into sharp focus the strengths and weaknesses of our Higher Education system in the UK. As a result, our universities and colleges have been forced to assess and evolve what they do, and as a result we may see some profound changes in the way they operate going forward. Here are seven ways they may evolve over the next

1.decade.Increase in overseas students

The UK government’s refusal to increase the tuition fee cap, which currently stands at £9,000 per year, could mean greater numbers of overseas students filling courses.

The Retail Price Index means £9,000 in 2012 is worth only £6,350 in today’s prices, yet the tuition fee cap does not apply to those coming from abroad, meaning universities may lean towards higher-paying candidates.

2. Bigger courses

Over the past two decades most universities have moved away from the concept of colossal halls packed with hundreds of students for a single lecture. It’s been accepted that smaller, more intense study groups produce better results; but the current funding shortfall may necessitate a move back to larger-scale learning environments.

3. Fewer staff

In much the same way, universities driven to cut costs may lean towards fewer staff being asked to specialise across greater subject matters.

4. Blended courses and learning

Whereas in the past those earning degrees would focus on a subject, using that as a base for greater

learning once out in the world, an expected trend is that degrees in future would factor in blended learning. This would be both in terms of less rigid subject matter and in how subjects are taught - for instance, a mixture of in-person, location-based programmes, experiential teaching, and virtual learning. Indeed, Cambridge University announced last year that they were making a number of their courses available online.

5. Digital assessment

One positive that came out of the pandemic was the drive towards achieving educational aims across digital means. While this was a process forced on teachers and students, the outcome has been a revelation, with technological solutions aiding both learning and assessment.

6. An increase in public/private partnerships

Universities will have to continue to look outside of traditional funding means. Certainly, on the private side, there may be greater sponsorship and corporate funding options, whereby organisations may also have a stronger contribution towards provision of resources and materials.

7. Evolve or die

The current batch of GCSE graduates achieved the highest set of grades ever across the board. To that end, the expectation of that group, and those that follow it, will be a university environment that reflects their talent.

The FoodLocalFestival

Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th September

A huge choice of food & drink stalls with hot and spicy chillies rearing their heads for a guest appearance. Live music, a hearty helping of entertainment and a fun filled kids zone make the Surrey Chilli Festival a great destination for the whole family.

The Surrey Chilli Festival Entertainment Acts

From young guys getting their first taste of public performance to established bands, we have it all. Take the weight off your feet and listen to some sounds while you cool down.' Entertainment on fire' at the Surrey Chilli Festival.

From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking that The Reformer Room looks a little bit sinister. Looks can be deceiving and it’s what’s on the inside that counts! If you’re not familiar with The Reformer Room, it’s a brand new Reformer Pilates studio in Staines. Although Reformer Pilates has grown in popularity as a go-to celebrity workout, it is still quite alien to most people.

Yarna Dibden, Studio Coordinator at The Reformer Room explains the ins and outs and how to learn the ropes, the pulleys and the levers!

“The great thing about a reformer class is you’ll feel that your whole body has had a workout, so don't be surprised if the class is harder than you initially thought. The Reformer bed is set on a moving frame which enables you to use the machine’s springs and ropes to create resistance by your own body weight and strength. With the support of the frame, it allows for equal focus on the concentric and eccentric contractions to help create long lean and toned muscles.

strength and proper muscle engagement which improves athletic performance, helps reduce back pain, promotes injury recovery, supports weight loss, and improves balance, bone density and posture to name a few. It is a movement system designed to better our everyday life and wellbeing.”

There are so many great benefits to doing reformer. Adaptable for all fitness levels, it helps to improve overall body alignment focusing on core

How to get started with our 2 Week Intro Offer

For more information about Reformer Pilates and why it’s so good for you visit thethamesclub.co.uk/ reformer or call us on 01784 463100. You can read more here about reformer, view our full class timetable and find out about our teachers. ReformerTheRoom

You don’t need any experience to try it. Each class is a 60-minute session and with just 5 people in a class at The Reformer Room you can enjoy a highly personalised experience. If you’re new to reformer then we recommend you start with our 2 Class Intro offer for £30. It’s a great chance for you to get to know the machine and how it works. You’ll get to grips with the basics, learn in a safe environment and begin to understand the importance of correct breathing, alignment and how each exercise performed benefits the body. It’s also a chance to ask questions as you go, rest when needed and have some fun!

theFuellingdivide

Is premium fuel really worth the extra investment?

Provoked by the confl ict in Ukraine, price variances at the pumps have become a sick joke; yet perhaps the oneconstant we’ve come to accept is that while we seem trapped in a lack of choice, there is still one we make at the pumps – it usually falls under the guise of ‘Super,’ ‘V-Power,’ ‘Nitro+,’ or ‘Ultimate’. Whatever the buzzword, the premise is to lure you into an upgraded fuel

Foroption.many

of us, whether petrol or diesel, filling up is enough of a financial chore, without voluntarily spending more on jazzed up fuel. For others, even in this climate, premium denotes performance and longevity; but does the added investment pay back?

Premium vehicle? Premium fuel

The truth is, if you own a highspec vehicle then filling up fromthe premium pump could be a sound move.

The reason for this is that premium fuel’s higher-octane rating means it works better with engines of a higher compression.

Subsequently, that leads to increased performance and more efficient maintenance of your system.

The downside is, of course, cost – on average, performance fuel will cost you around 10p per litre more. Spin that out over the course of a year’s motoring and you’ve added on a sizeable amount to your road bills, but on the plus-side your car will be running more effi ciently, and for longer.

Doing the maths

Essentially it depends on whether you want to invest more in the short-term to keep your motor running more efficiently over the long-term; or perhaps you’re willing to swallow those higher repair bills further down the line.

There’s also the prevention of ‘engine knock’ to consider – that’s where unburned fuel pre-ignites in a vehicle’s engine, damaging interior components.

Premium fuel has components that prevent this.

Size Matters

In reality though, all this largely only applies to premium vehicles where higher octane motors mean higher octane fuel. For what you might describe as ‘everyday cars’ – your runaround that takes you to the shops and back or drops the kids to school – the better bet is to opt for the cheaper option when you venture to the pump.

Your little set of wheels will have a standard octane rating of 95, meaning that the electronics are configured so that the vehicle will run in a satisfactory way on the regular fuel.

Put another way, there’s a good chance upgrading your fuel will make little noticeable difference… except to your wallet, and we’ve all encountered enough damage to that this year!

One of our favourite and most inspirational chefs goes back to basics with a treat that appeals to adults and kids in equal measure.

You’d think this was designed to keep the children happy, and while that’s okay with me, it is the adults who seem to find this baked treat particularly irresistible. If I can fi nd a tub of edible disco glitter in one of my cupboards, I sprinkle some on while the marshmallow is still sticky, but it has a certain pearly, luminescent appeal as it is.

It’s also beautiful cut into squares. Alternatively, you could turn this into more of a pickable pud, by cutting the slab into teeny-tiny squares so that people can pop one straight into their mouth.

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over a low heat.

2. Add the marshmallows and cook gently until they are completely melted and blended, stirring constantly.

3. Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the cereal, mixing lightly until well coated.

4. Press the mixture into a greased 32cmx23cm tin /13x9” pan; you may have to put on vinyl CSI gloves and press it down into the corners, as it will be very sticky. Flatten the top and then scatter over the edible glitter or sprinkles, if so inclined.

5. Let the marshmallow crispy squares cool completely in the tin and then cut them into 24 squares.

for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

Money on my mind...the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers. In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at whether it’s possible to still be green at times of real economic restraint.

None of us need reminding how tough this year has been. In fact, add in the recovery year of 2021, and the lockdown anguish and economic torture of 2020, and we haven’t had conditions this tough since wartime when, let’s face it, most of us weren’t about anyway.

What we’re all looking for right now are the green shoots of recovery, although that greenness has become another sticking point of late, with environmental campaigners looking to keep their own eco priorities live and real.

As consumers, we’re all pretty aware that products and services that are more organic, or better ethically sourced, or that contain a strong environmental edge, are typically more expensive, so that leads us to a potential conflict of choice – do we look after our planet, or do we prioritise the money in our pockets?

The answer – from research I have been doing on part of on my website, and a collection of other polls that pool data on this subject – is very much that green issues take a massive backseat when our backs are against the wall. And let me just say, the evidence is unequivocal.

Now that’s not to say I don’t have a green conscience, or the average Joe in the street doesn’t work hard to preserve the planet, but as far as the individual goes, but the absolute truth is that in the vast, vast majority of cases – both at times of struggle and even when things are less chaotic –they are not willing to make big sacrifices.

Now while I respect and admire the green agenda, and like everyone else, would love us to do even more all of the time, when it comes to the actual choices individuals are making there is a clear path that says, ‘money before the environment’.

Why does this matter? Well, in the short-term it doesn’t. Many of us are living month by month and that’s the only priority for us, and rightly so.

What I think is important though is that, in future, it would be nice if people are being incentivised to go green, and doing so means we are given all the support we expect from government.

We expect tax cuts on fuel and a decrease in oil price tobe reflected at the pump; we expect utility providers to play by the rules with clear billing and fair price schemes; we expect home insulation initiatives to really add up in the short-term, not 25 years down the line; and we expect new customer incentives to be accompanied by rewards for existing ones.

My point is green charities, businesses and government are soon going to fi nd they face an additional challenge – not just preserving the health of the world around us, but keeping customers and contributors happy too.

What’s more, the days of us feeling guilttripped into buying a green product over one that isn’t, are probably and hopefully over; because our conscience to feed our families has been proven, time and again, to be stronger than anything else.

For over 240 years, seven generations of the Lodge Family have been proud to help local families in their time of need. all whether modern, traditional, green

“The at time and are and will be forever grateful for

Mr Robinson

Robert, Chris, Andrew & Michael Lodge

Bin your Gum!

Spelthorne and Runnymede Borough Councils have been jointly awarded £64,000 from the Chewing Gum Task Force grant scheme, a new fund established to help tackle the issue of unsightly discarded chewing gum.

The Chewing Gum Task Force was established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The funding announced is the first tranche of a package worth up to £10 million over five years from major gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle to tackle dropped chewing gum.

The funding awarded will enable Spelthorne to carry out deep cleaning to remove chewing gum from pavements in areas identified as ‘chewing gum hotspots’ and install new signage to prompt people to change their behaviour and dispose of their gum in the right way. Previous pilots run by Mars Wrigley and not-for-profit company, Behaviour Change, using this signage saw gum littering reduce by up to 64%.

Chewing gum is a very difficult type of litter to deal with because it is so sticky and hard to clean. Normal cleaning methods like street sweeping and litter picking do not work, so councils have to resort to more extreme methods like jet washing to remove it. On average, a piece of chewing gum costs about 3p but the cost of removal is about 10p per piece, and it can take up to 5 years to

Cllrbiodegrade.JoanneSexton,

Chair of Spelthorne’s Neighbourhood Services and Enforcement Committee, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force which will help us improve the appearance of our towns and public spaces. However, we need people to support us by respecting their

neighbourhoods and putting chewing in the bin so the streets continue to remain clean well into the future. We are dedicated to keeping Spelthorne clean, and together we can make the change.”

The cleaning operation began on the 22nd August and is being supported by an awareness campaign with clear bright signage to encourage people to bin their gum.

Around 87% of England’s streets are marked with gum, according to Keep Britain Tidy, and the estimated cost to councils is around £7million each year. The Chewing Gum Task Force grant fund represents a commitment from the Government and major gum manufacturers to work together to find long-term solutions to this issue.

Littering is a criminal offence and carries on-the-spot penalties of £150 in England. If you see someone dropping chewing gum, you can report it to Spelthorne Borough Council by emailing neighbourhoodservices@spelthorne.gov.uk or calling 01784 446411.

Hooray Hedgehogsfor

With their bristly bodies and snuffling snouts, hedgehogs are one of the nation’s favourite garden visitors.

Yet despite pleas for urban and rural gardeners to take better care of these cute animals, hedgehog numbers continue to decline at an alarming rate.

For anyone who’s ever chanced upon these little wonders, the plight of the hedgehog - in the last decade numbers have fallen by 30% - will feel like a real shame. After all, they are charming, nervous and largely harmless animals.

However, there are some things you can do to help our hog friends survive their current plight.

Hog heaven

Create a nesting place for any expected hedgehogs by curating log and leaf piles, plus wilderness areas. In addition, buy a purpose-built hedgehog home to provide a safe haven. Fallen leaves also offer perfect nesting material, so make sure to leave some when you next clear your garden.

Put away the pellets

There is no need for slug pellets when you have a thriving hedgehog population, as these hungry little hogs can hoover up over 100 snails, slugs and worms every night!

Create hedgehog highways

If you live in a terraced plot and have gardens that are side by side in a row behind the houses – and providing your neighbours agree! – make little tunnels through the garden fences so hedgehogsthatcan have a corridor between Thisgardens.transforms your garden from an isolated nature reserve into a spiny mammal thoroughfare, which is fun for all concerned.

Looking after hedgehog health

If you find an underweight sickly-lookingorhedgehog,oralternativelyahedgehogactiveinwinter, put out tinned cat or dog

food and fresh water.

While hedgehogs are excellent at finding their own food, a helping hand in a time of need goes a long way.

Of course, if you see a really poorly hedgehog who appears to be in need of treatment,medical your first step should be contactto your local advice.centrerescuefor

Protection

A vital feature for hedgehogs in your garden is long grass, where they might hide away and feel safe from the gaze of predators. This grass and surrounding plants will encourage a mass of snails and slugs which, as above, are a hedgehog delicacy!

Pick me up! Finally, while we may consider hedgehogs to be some of the most visually scary animals out there given they are covered in a blanket of prickly spikes, they are actually very friendly and will respond well to being held.