out&about Sutton - March/April 2017

FREE BANSTEAD, CHEAM AND SUTTON

MARCH-APRIL 2017

ALL

Wrapped up Gift shopping at Crimson Tiger

APPETITE FOR

Learning Pencil & Fork

BUSINESS MATTERS with Sutton Chamber

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NOT OUT

Banstead Cricket Club

Flower club in bloom for diamond jubilee • Prize-winning photograph’s nod to summer Cheam Hop • Schoolchildren going the extra mile to fitness • Hungry Teddy author Health Awareness with Chiltern Health Centre • Sutton Voice

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Sparkle add some

to your next event

Vintage Prosecco Van Available for weddings, parties, corporate events and festivals

For more information visit www.londonprosecco.co.uk 020 3858 0084 @ProseccoVan

ŠThe London Prosecco Company Ltd 2017. Company Registration 10367516. All Rights Reserved E&OE.

10 CONTENTS Regulars

Features

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Editor’s Tips Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity Health Awareness Self-help tips for treating heel pain Guest Writer Covent Garden by Sasha Storman Sutton Voice Remembering heroes of First World War Schools Going the extra mile to help pupils get fit Coffee Page Chamber News

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Diamond Jubilee Banstead Flower Club's anniversary year Treasure trove of art The Corner Gallery Spring into Action Get started in the garden All wrapped up Find the perfect gift at Crimson Tiger Summer days Vibrant image wins photo competition Trust in blue National network of vetted handymen Appetite for learning Pencil & Fork serves up unique courses Sutton rocks Musical hub in the heart of town

13 17 Care at home Home Counties Carers 18 Teddy’s adventures Author Jo Gumb’s inspiration for children’s book 18 Cheam Hop Cracking Easter fun guaranteed on egg trail 19 175 not out Cricket club celebrates record innings 23 Holistic approach Finding a tutor for your child 25 Learning journey Sutton High School

8 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

SUTTON CHAMBER

EDITOR

FHW Events & Marketing Ltd 1 Times Square, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1LF www.fhwem.com Tel: 0203 858 0084

Sutton Chamber of Commerce 1 Times Square, Sutton, SM1 1LF www.suttonchamber.co.uk

Gerry Devine | gerry@fhwem.com Tel: 0203 858 0084 Mob: 07710 574 479 Teresa Whitfield | teresa@fhwem.com

Published by: FHW Events & Marketing | Printed by Direct Colour | ©2017 FHW & out&about magazine.

While we endeavour to make sure that all published information is accurate, the publishers cannot be held responsible for mistakes or omissions or any loss resulting from non-publication of an advertisement. While all reasonable care is made to ensure accuracy of information, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the views or claims made by any of the contributors, advertising or editorial content included. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of ‘out&about’ or the editor. Terms and conditions apply. Please recycle your magazine.

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Cover Image

WELCOME

Nature at its most colourful: A butterfly rests on a flower.

Image: Shutterstock

Dare to dream was the rallying call as Sutton United took on Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup. And for 90 minutes we did just that; dream that a little bit of the Cup magic would prevail, dream that the fairytale would not end.

EDITOR’S TIPS Twelfth Night

Watch a special live screening of the National Theatre Live production of Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity, Twelfth Night.

A ship is wrecked on the rocks.

Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost.

Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land.

So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love.

Tamsin Grieg, star of Episodes and Green Wing, plays the upright housekeeper Malvolia in a new twist on the comedy.

NT Live - Twelfth Night, Empire Cinema Sutton, April 6, 7pm. Visit www.empirecinemas.co.uk

Spring programme

Beddington Park’s spring lecture series kicks off on March 20 with a bat talk by London Wildlife Trust warden Derek Coleman.

Future events include a tour of the geological history of Beddington Park and, looking to the future, there will be a lecture on the Heritage Lottery Fund project that will help to shape the park.

All talks are free and take place at St Mary’s Church Centre, Church Road, Beddington Park, at 7.30pm.

Booking required, call 020 8770 6060 or visit www.sutton.gov.uk/parks

When the final whistle blew the result was not the one fans had dared to dream of, but that did not matter. What the team and fans had accomplished was perhaps even greater — a reignited sense of pride in our community and the belief that dedication, resilience and hard work can help you achieve more than you think.

Buoyed by that sense of optimism and community pride, we meet the entrepreneurs who have dreamed big and turned an idea from a scribble on a piece of paper into a viable business.

We chat to Nerissa Buckley, founder of online gift store Crimson Tiger, about starting out, juggling work and family and her top picks for gifts to spoil mums everywhere this Mother’s Day. And if you ever dreamt about learning a new language but were put off by the idea of a traditional classroom then step into the kitchen with David Sanchez, of Pencil & Fork, where food plays a starring role in each and every lesson.

Plus there’s plenty of ideas for things to see and do as we welcome the arrival of spring.

Have a great Easter.

Teresa teresa@fhwem.com

Piano concerto

Soloist Andrew Yiangou will perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto at Sutton Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert on March 18. Works by Sibelius and Nielsen are also on the programme.

Sutton Symphony Orchestra, St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam, £10, under 18s free. www.suttonsymphonyorchestra.org

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HEALTH AWARENESS

CHILTERN HEALTH CENTRES Sutton • Crawley • Leatherhead • Carshalton

Chiltern Health Centre Sutton Chiropractic Clinic 137 Brighton Rd, Sutton Surrey, SM2 5SW

HEEL & ARCH PAIN DIY! Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It occurs when the flat band of tissue called the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot, becomes inflamed and irritated. There are a number of reasons why the plantar fascia can become irritated, such as poor fitting shoes, jobs involving prolonged walking or standing, having tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, and weight gain.

Mark Newell is a chiropodist at the Chiltern Health Centre and gives the following self-help advice on managing heel and arch pain: • Avoid wearing unsupportive flat shoes. A shoe with a small heel of about ½ inch takes the tension off the Achilles and plantar fascia, giving it some slack. Ideally the heel should be rubber as it will give better shock absorption. The rule is the 2:1 ratio; the heel should be two times the height of the front of the shoe where your toes sit. Ideally a walking shoe with laces or Velcro fasteners, or a trainer type shoe would fit this description.

• If you have a high arch that is tight or inflexible purchase a soft cushioned arch support insole for you shoes. This will help to create better shock absorbing capabilities.

• If your foot is too flexible and the arch flattens out when you stand, you may benefit from an insole that is more rigid which will help to limit the hypermobility in the joints of your foot.

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• Self-massage can help to release the tight and irritated plantar fascia. Try rolling your foot over a tennis ball from heel to toe applying a fair amount of pressure for about five minutes a day for seven to 10 days. This simulates deep soft tissue massage thus increasing blood flow and giving a bit of increased elasticity to the tight structures.

• When the discomfort decreases, usually after two weeks, some gentle stretching is advised. For example, sit with the leg straight out in front of you, use a belt or a towel placed over the ball of your foot and hold each end of the belt in your hands. Stretch the foot towards you making sure the top of the foot is facing you evenly. Hold the stretch for 30 to 45 seconds and repeat three times on each foot. You should feel some resistance in the back of knee, mid-calf, back of heel, or arch of the foot.

Chiropody and podiatry can also help to manage plantar fasciitis as well as many other foot complaints.

Call 020 8661 1613 for further information or to book an appointment.

Chiltern Health Centre, Sutton Chiropractic Clinic, 137 Brighton Road, Sutton, SM2 5SW

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NEWS

IN FULL BLOOM Banstead Flower Club marks diamond jubilee year A shared love of creating colourful floral arrangements has helped a flower club to blossom for the past six decades.

March sees the 60th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of Banstead Flower Club, which was formed as a standalone club by a group of ladies from Banstead Horticultural Society.

It also kicks off a year of celebrations with a programme of demonstrations, many by national demonstrators, club competitions, and a Diamond Jubilee flower show.

wonderful flowers and other plant materials. Everyone is welcome, and we are always keen to attract new members, whatever their level of experience or interest.”

The club meets monthly at Banstead Community Hall, often with a guest speaker or demonstrator. It also holds flower arranging classes for beginners and those progressing to more advanced work, as well monthly competitions.

This month’s meeting will include a demonstration by Susan Phillips, which will be followed by a tea party.

Helen Andrew, club chairman, said: “Some members like to compete, others take a more relaxed approach to flower arranging and watch from the sidelines – over a social chat and refreshments with like-minded friends who share an appreciation of what is achievable through working with

www.surreynafas.org.uk/banstead-flower-club

The club’s Diamond Jubilee show, on July 29, will be a celebration of 60 years in flowers.

ALADDIN’S CAVE Pick up unique art work without breaking the bank at The Corner Gallery Billed as the smallest art gallery in Surrey, what The Corner Gallery in Carshalton Beeches lacks in size it makes up for in stature.

Its rolling programme of exhibitions features homegrown talent as well as artists from further afield, and this spring is no exception with works by Tori Ratcliffe and printmaker Vicky Oldfield on display.

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One of Tori’s first solo shows was at The Corner Gallery in 2015. She returns with an exhibition featuring some special original works and new limited edition prints. The exhibition runs until March 28.

It will be followed by the gallery’s affordable art show, which opens on March 29, and will showcase stunning art works available to buy for £150 and under.

Currently, the gallery is hosting an exhibition by wildlife painter and conservationist Tori Ratcliffe.

The Corner Gallery and Gifts, 11a Beeches Avenue, Carshalton

Having been taught how to use watercolours by her aunt at the age of 21, Ratcliffe developed her own unique style; applying the paint first in a loose expressive manner and then drawing the fine details afterwards in pen.

www.corner-gallery.com

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GARDENING

Spring

INTO ACTION

As winter gives way to spring now is the perfect time to get busy in the garden March is upon us and there are early signs of spring emerging, which makes it the ideal time to show your garden a little TLC. No matter how big or small your garden plot, a few hours spent weeding and pruning can help nurture it back to health ready for the new season.

Here are some tips for getting your garden in shape.

Spring clean

Just as with household chores, the onset of spring is a good time to have a general clean up in the garden. Remove leaves, branches and debris from flower beds and pots and spend some time weeding. It is also a good time to tidy up the greenhouse ready for any early planting and to give paths and patios a good scrub.

Tend your soil

Wet winter weather washes away nutrients in your soil, leaving it dry and packed. Restoring moisture is the key to improving the health and quality of the soil ready for future planting. Adding organic material will help to feed the soil.

Spring is also a good time to mulch the soil which will help to suppress weeds, protect plant roots and retain moisture.

Sow your veg patch

If you are thinking of growing your own vegetables now is the time to get your patch in order. Rake up any weeds, then fork the soil over, ready to sprinkle on some general fertiliser and sow your crops.

Don’t neglect your lawn

After the cold, wet winter months most lawns will be in need of some care. You should aim to mow the lawn once a week, choosing a dry day. Getting the cutting height right can make a difference to the health of the grass. Spring is also a good time to remove any moss and look at over-seeding any areas where grass is sparse.

Add a splash of colour

Once you have completed the hard work preparing the soil you can turn your attention to planting. Small hanging baskets and pots filled with hardy flowers like can bring an immediate dash of colour to the garden. Early spring is also an ideal time to plant summer-flowering bulbs in borders and containers.

Prune plants

Shrubs and plants that have survived the winter now need to be cut back to encourage new growth. Aim to prune blooming plants after they have flowered. Summer plants should be pruned in early spring.

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LOCAL BUSINESS - CRIMSON TIGER

All WRAPPED UP

Nerissa Buckell, founder of online gift shop Crimson Tiger, talks business, juggling work and family, and shares her top Mother’s Day gift ideas Tell us about your background

I was born and bred in Cheam and after my education I worked locally in between travelling. I am so glad I got to see some of the world before settling down. Now, I am a mum of four boys aged 10 to 16 years, who keep life wonderfully hectic and erratic.

What inspired you to start Crimson Tiger?

How has the business developed since its launch in 2013?

We have grown our range and have found more of our own style. When we first started our stock was from large suppliers, now we are developing our range of Made in the UK crafted products and more personalised made to order items. We are constantly growing and expanding.

When my husband became ill we were not quite sure how things were going to pan out so his friend suggested I started my own jewellery-selling business, which I did for about 18 months. During that time a friend that I had met when we served on a preschool committee together approached me about starting up a joint venture.

We spent many an hour in the local coffee shops of Cheam working out what we were going to do and how.

How did you choose your business name?

It took us months, it was so much easier naming our children than it was choosing our company name. At least with baby naming you have a stack of books and film credits to read through for inspiration. With a company name you only know what you cannot call yourself as someone else is using that name. Eventually, after going through random names, a poem, The Paint Box

by E V Rieu, provided our inspiration.

It was such a relief to find a name as we could then progress with registering the company with Companies House, opening bank accounts and so forth.

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Has starting your own business been a steep learning curve? What have you learnt along the way?

I am proof that you can learn new skills if you are only willing to try. I had studied business studies after A-levels but so much of marketing has changed, especially with the advent of social media. At the beginning of 2016, we had a disastrous moment when I had paid someone to make changes to the website and they subcontracted it out.

They managed to completely wipe everything that was on the website and our back-up. It was the moment where I had to decide to continue or give up. Being slightly stubborn I chose to continue, I rebuilt the website myself.

It did mean the website was down

for two months and we did lose some of our regular customers, a big step backwards but we are stronger for it.

What makes Crimson Tiger unique?

We are approachable and flexible. If you want something a bit different to what is online, say a particular picture and message on a mug, you can email us and describe what you want and we will create it. Last month, among our usual orders, we created a mirror, coaster and mug set to a design requested by a customer, and a range of merchandise for a student who is releasing an EP for her Popular Music degree. We also offer a gift wrapping service. If you want to send the gift direct to someone we will hand write your chosen card, wrap the gift and post it without any extra cost. This is really useful for those with friends and family spread across the country and for expats buying for family in the UK who want the gift to feel like it has come from them.

How do you juggle work around family life?

My husband’s work sometimes requires him to be abroad, and as a family of six life can be hectic. With Crimson Tiger I can do the school runs and meetings and catch up with work in the evenings. It is not always easy. It is not unknown to find me by the side of a swimming pool writing a blog or planning the next day while one of the boys have their lesson. I have to be disciplined and I live by notebooks and lists. There is no 9-5 but that benefits our customers. They can contact us by email on a Saturday and get a

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LOCAL BUSINESS - CRIMSON TIGER reply, there is no waiting till Monday morning.

How do you source the range of gifts, homeware and accessories that you sell online?

Some of our suppliers we have found from trade shows but others we have found from craft fairs and school fairs in the area. One of our suppliers that I met at a school fair turned out to be the daughter-in-law of a neighbour from when I was growing up. We also have our own range of made-to-order items, personalised range of jewellery, ceramics, mirrors, bags and tea towels, which is expanding each month. We are hoping to introduce a new range of cards from a local lady who we were introduced to by a mutual friend.

Never say you are a crafter within our earshot as we soon pester you to show us what you are making.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS Searching for the perfect present to tell Mum how much you love her? Here’s Nerissa’s top picks from the site Photo 3 coasters

Turn your child’s drawing or photos into a coaster, from £2.60 each, £9.99 for a set of four.

Coasters

Green Mirror

Clair and Angela long again

Personalised Plant Pot – Your child’s or your image on a plant pot ready to grow a serious head of herbs, £12.99.

With Mother’s Day coming up, will you be dropping any hints for a gift you would like to receive?

If only hints would work on my husband! He is getting better with his gifts but he still doesn’t get the idea of thinking in advance and not panic buying on the day or even the day after.

He once gave me a grapefruit knife for my birthday: I don’t like grapefruits!

He gave me a slanket for our 10th wedding anniversary, it became known as slanketgate. I have trained the boys to be better gift-givers through getting them to choose gifts for teachers. I know some people frown upon the practice of gifting teachers, it is the Marmite of gifting, but from guiding the children, getting them to think about what their teacher likes and looking to see what they can find, has resulted in me getting some rather great gifts in the last couple of years from them. If only my husband would trust their suggestions!

Mirror

Tell your mum how gorgeous or beautiful she is with our personalised mirror. From £10.99

Plant

Pots

Hand finished Wildflowers

These laser-cut birch plywood flowers will never wither and are in a selection of beautiful summery colours. £15.50 a stem.

Wildflowers

Gemstone Bracelet

Personalised gemstone bracelet. Choose the gemstones, the silver charms and it will be made to order. Bracelets also made to size or to a chosen pattern of gemstones, from £18.

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acele

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Prosecco 2

A shopping bag for the bubble-loving mamma, £10.50

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Shopping B ags

9

NEWS

Summer DAYS

Stunning image of lavender field wins photographic competition

It is an image that sends us straight back to summer with its colour, vibrancy and sheer feel-good factor.

And it has beaten hundreds of entries to the top prize in Mayfield Lavender Farm’s annual photographic competition.

Postman Ed Hurley won with his first-class photograph of an Airstream trailer, a new feature at the Banstead lavender farm.

Ed, 40, from Worcester Park, has been a keen photographer for about 10 years.

He captured his winning shot, using a Nikon D60 camera, during his first visit to the farm with his wife and children.

Mayfield Lavender Farm is owned and run by Brendan and Lorna Maye.

Brendan said: “We loved the composition of this shot. It captures the dreamy feel of our lavender on a summer’s day and was an unusual take on a unique feature of our farm.

“As usual, any of the finalists could have been winners and choosing the one photo to receive top place was extremely difficult when the overall quality was so high.”

Ed received the winning prize of £200. The winner of the video category was Raymond Fu. To see the runners-up in the competition and the best of the rest visit www.mayfieldlavender.com/2016-photo-competition-results

Mayfield Lavender Farm reopens in June for the summer season.

PIANO MASTERCLASS

favourite pieces and work on it in public with Driver.

A versatile pianist, Driver has performed worldwide both as a soloist and a chamber musician. He was recently appointed Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music, London.

Critically acclaimed pianist Danny Driver will lead a masterclass for a group of talented young players.

The masterclass will be held at the Sandison Room, Trinity School, Shirley Park, Croydon, from 2.30pm-5pm on March 5, tickets from £2 to £8.

The youngsters, who all took part in the 2016 Sutton Music Festival, were selected to perform one of their

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For further details visit www.suttonmusicfestival.org.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

TRUSTED HANDYMAN Retired police officers are pioneers in an ambitious national network of highly vetted handymen launched by ‘Blue Handymen’ Helping to combat the ongoing problem of cowboy builders and dodgy tradespeople, local retired police officers with a passion for home maintenance are taking up tools to provide peace of mind to residents and businesses in Surrey.

Typically police officers retire after 30 years’ service and a huge number are still eager to continue playing an active and productive role in their communities. All handymen prove themselves capable and experienced in home maintenance works before joining the agency and carry recent CRB checks.

Managing director Nick Orde-Powlett hopes that the company’s rigorous selection process will bring security and peace of mind to people in the area.

“Our vetting process is second to none. All our handymen are friendly, retired police officers with many years working in the community under their belt – they understand people’s concerns and fears better than anyone else and they genuinely care.”

Blue Handyman Jim states: “I have always had a keen interest in home maintenance and now I have the opportunity to spread the skills I have

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Roy Bishop has used the service: “The service I received was extremely good.

The handyman was very punctual, fast working and polite. I would recommend him to anyone.”

You can book a free quote online at www.trustinblue.com or by calling freephone 0800 255 0255.

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THE TAX YEAR IS ABOUT TO END Has your accountant discussed with you how to take advantage of tax planning opportunities before 5th April?

If not, contact us for Rothmans’ FREE Strategy Booklet and a FREE consultation.

To see how we can help with Tax Planning, speak with Graham at our Sutton office.

Call: 020 8642 1048

Email: Sutton@rothmansllp.com

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06/02/2017 09:55

LOCAL BUSINESS - PENCIL & FORK

Cooking Up

NEW SKILLS

Learn, eat, enjoy is the motto at Pencil & Fork where food and learning go hand in hand They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where families swap stories about their day while enjoying a bite to eat and if ever there is a lunch, dinner or party it is the room people gravitate towards.

That idea resonated with David Sanchez when he was looking to set up his own business. With a background in education, having worked in America developing and delivering bilingual programmes for two universities, he wanted to offer something different from a traditional classroom setting to teach languages and steer away from the busy online market.

“When we invite people for lunch and dinner normally they come and they want to be in the kitchen,” he said. “They feel more comfortable there, talking to you and watching you cook.

“So I thought: let’s offer something that an online course cannot offer yet. Let’s teach Spanish language and culture, providing delicious tapas that our students will learn how to make. And also, let’s change the perception about an ordinary classroom and recreate a friendly kitchen environment.

“The kitchen is that magic place where conversations flow, no matter the subject, meanwhile you grab a glass of wine and prepare your favourite dish. So it is the perfect place to learn in a relaxing atmosphere.”

In 2013 Cooking Your Spanish was born. Initially, it started with a pilot with five students of different ages. The result was so positive that David took the plunge and rented premises in Worcester Park.

completed a rebrand to Pencil & Fork.

“Our classes have been designed to be unique,” said David.

“We are not an academy nor a cookery school, we provide a culinary experience as a vehicle to learn a topic.

“Our aim is to offer a learning experience, creating an environment where participants feel comfortable and eager to talk, share and learn.”

To that end you don’t have to be a culinary whizz to take part. Each session focuses on a topic and students prepare two dishes, either tapas, amuse bouche or antipasti, depending on the language, while practising their conversational skills. Instead of simply following a recipe, participants are encouraged to experiment with ingredients and combinations they have never tried before.

“If you don’t cook, Pencil & Fork is going to change your mind about how to use a room in your home called the ‘kitchen’ to have fun every day.”

Pencil & Fork are offering a 10% discount off all language courses starting in March for out&about readers. Mention the magazine at time of booking.

Pencil & Fork, Fitzroy House, Suite 12, Lynwood Drive, Worcester Park

www.pencilandfork.co.uk

Since then more than 500 students have passed through the ‘kitchen’ and the company has expanded its range of subjects and now runs Spanish, French and Italian classes as well as science, nutrition and molecular gastronomy workshops in addition to team-building exercises and its annual gastronomy trip to Spain. At the end of last year it

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GUEST WRITER

COVENT GARDEN An excerpt from a short story by Sasha Storman There was no darkness when she closed her eyes. Instead the accident replayed itself on a constant loop behind her eyelids. It was shaky, as if it had been recorded on a Steadicam. It was as if she hadn’t witnessed it herself, but had merely watched a recording of it. She couldn’t remember what the man had looked like who had thrust a hand out to prevent her from crossing the road. When she tried to picture him in her mind it was as if she was looking through a thick pane of glass. She didn’t know whether she was glad he had done what he had done or whether she hated him because he had stopped her from following them. Christmas shopping in Covent Garden was a family tradition or rather it had been.

There was no family now. There was only her. She didn’t know how she had found herself on that familiar thoroughfare. The train journey there had become a blur.

Wilted flowers still marked the spot where she had lost her husband and her only child. The people milling around her, weighed down with their shopping bags, probably didn’t remember if they had known at all. A flurry of snow drifted from the sky and settled on the ground around her. She remembered Alice, her daughter, poking her tongue out and tasting a snowflake. The memories were painful, but they were all she had.

Her first date with John, who would become her husband and the father of her child, had been in Covent Garden.

They hadn’t known each other long. He had always said that there was a magic that hung about Covent Garden.

That magic was especially strong at Christmas time. It was nothing about the towering tree or the enormous silver stag rearing on its back legs. It didn’t come from the buskers singing Christmas carols or even from the children with the shining faces staring at the lights strung from streetlamp to streetlamp.

Street where you could find anything if you looked hard and long enough. As she walked arm in arm with John she felt some of Covent Garden’s magic becoming instilled in her.

She remembered pressing her face up against the window of the Carat jewellery shop. There it sat on a bed of blue velvet, the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Set in the gold band was an enormous yellow-tinged diamond. She hadn’t known he had even noticed.

The next Christmas they were married and she wore that ring on her finger. People said that as time progressed the marriage would become stilted, that they would run out of things to say and would grow to resent each other. That never happened to John and her. Their happiness seemed to become more abundant. When Alice was born their joy simply increased. She told herself she should have known that such happiness couldn’t last forever.

University student Sasha Storman, 28, penned Covent Garden as part of her Creative and Professional Writing degree course at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

The story was developed as an assessment for a module called Writing London. Sasha has always loved Covent Garden and thinks it has its own magic and charm.

While she has have never been in the position of her lead character Sally, she imagined the sort of situation that could test that magic and charm to the extreme.

Sasha lives in Ickenham and hopes to forge a career in writing.

When she had been a child she had pictured the man she would fall in love with. John didn’t look like the man she had imagined all those years ago, but even though they had known each other only a few weeks she couldn’t envision herself with anyone else. It was the small things. It was the way he had draped his coat around her shoulders as they had walked even though he was probably cold himself. It was the manner in which he forced himself to laugh at her lame jokes. It was the crooked smile that stretched across his face and the way that smile reached his hazel eyes. They had walked from the station past the restaurants and the shops to the market. It was her first time in Covent Garden. She had always preferred the idea of quirky Camden and Oxford

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orman Sasha St

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LOCAL BUSINESS - SUTTON MUSIC CENTRE

Rocks

SUTTON

Music hub in the heart of town

Sutton Music Centre has been a part of local musicians' lives for more than 50 years. In 2009, the store moved to larger premises and now provides even more services and products.

a great range to choose from there has never been a better time to own one. Try out the latest models and get local setup and delivery for free.

Since then Sutton Music Academy has grown from strength to strength teaching piano, guitar, drums and bass. With group lessons starting from just £13 for 50 minutes, the purpose-built studios are always busy after school times and at weekends. With adult lessons during the daytime and evenings there have been many ‘lapsed’ musicians inspired to take up an instrument again or start something new. The emphasis is on enjoying making music and creating a strong foundation to allow technique and musicianship to develop.

For more details on products and services visit www.suttonmusic.co.uk or call 020 8642 2838

Sutton Music is also home to a ukulele club and Rock & Pop choir on Wednesday evenings and people can come along and join in without having to commit to the whole term.

The range of music instruments, sheet music and accessories is fantastic and there is always expert advice on hand from the friendly staff. With the developments in instrument technology you will be guided through the range to find the perfect instrument for you. Some of the biggest developments have been in the digital piano world and with

www.suttonmusic.co.uk

Your local hub

for music

Musical Instruments, sheet music, tuition, repairs, instrument & PA hire, live events * Great range of products * Friendly and knowledgeable staff * Music courses for children & adults *Group lessons for guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele & recording * Lessons from only £12 per 50 mins. * Workshops & master-classes * Rock and Pop choir * Live events * Rehearsal space * FREE customer parking

Tel: 020 8642 2838 Email: info@suttonmusiccentre.co.uk www.suttonmusiccentre.co.uk Opening times: Tues-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Sundays 11am-4pm

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15

SUTTON VOICE

SUTTON’S LIVING MEMORY Project will remember the heroes of the First World War, writes Roger Mills The project, which is being sponsored by the Friends of Sutton Life Centre, will receive £9,100 from the HLF. The Friends are running this initiative in conjunction with the London Borough of Sutton’s World War One Forum.

It is a key aim of the group to get people talking about their endeavours and their exploits. They want as many groups or individuals to get involved so that we can “hear” their stories.

Sutton Voice, through its bespoke channel Sutton Remembers, has been used to publish many of the past events and is now happy to be used to heavily promote this new initiative.

A video of what is trying to be achieved is also available.

There was an advertising slogan back in the day which extolled the virtues of conversation – it’s good to talk.

To get more information on this initiative go to:

Now in its fourth year, Sutton Voice, through its many different social media outlets, is allowing residents across the borough to meet and talk to each other on a range of issues every week.

With more than 3,000 Twitter (@suttonvoice) and 600 Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Sutton-Voice) followers, Sutton Voice is approached every week with information and opinions on the widest range of subjects.

It is also a rallying point for others who share a common interest. The website, along with the other channels, is there to encourage every resident to “talk” about what they are doing in our borough whether as an individual or part of a group.

SVTV: suttonvoice.co.uk/sv-tv-special-sutton-livingmemory Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sutton-Living-Memory1515156141847881/?ref=bookmarks To register your interest write to: suttonremembers@gmail.com Remember if you want to talk to the borough then contact yoursuttonvoice@gmail.com and allow Sutton Voice to get your “voice” heard.

www.suttonvoice.co.uk

One such group are those who have been asked to ensure that the borough’s activities through the First World War is remembered. This group, led by Lord Graham Tope, has commissioned and chronicled a wide range of events over the past three years, but this year has announced with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, an initiative called Sutton’s Living Memory.

This exciting project will pay tribute to 130 men and one woman of the Great War who are buried in Sutton borough cemeteries and it has received major backing thanks to National Lottery players. Sutton’s Living Memory will embark on a range of events over the next year involving the widest possible cross section of residents in the borough.

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LOCAL BUSINESS - HOME COUNTIES CARERS

Q&A WITH MATTHEW KALUPKA Owner of Home Counties Carers What does Home Counties Carers provide?

Home Counties Carers is a local family-run home care business that provides friendly, reliable, trustworthy and competent carers to older people in their own homes.

This sounds easy, is it?

It’s the way we choose to deliver our care that makes us different.

Not easy, no, but very achievable. By offering potential carers a comprehensive pay package, a flexible rota built using common sense, a good work-life balance, a tailored training and development package to meet their needs, career progression and a friendly, professional and consistent management team to work with makes Home Counties Carers a very attractive place to work.

Why does Home Counties Carers do it differently?

Where can people find out more?

What makes Home Counties Carers different?

We want all of our clients, and their families, to be consistently happy with the care experience that they receive.

How does Home Counties Carers achieve this?

We go above and beyond to find, recruit and support the best carers from the local area.

I prefer chatting so do call me on 01483 224 985 or visit

www.homecountiescarers.co.uk

NEWS

JOIN TEDDY ON HIS ADVENTURES Incident in charity shop inspires heartwarming children’s story Former local newspaper editor, Jo Gumb, has written her first book for children, with profits going to The Children’s Trust at Tadworth Court.

in time for Christmas 2017 with profits again going to The Trust.”

The Children’s Trust provides expert rehabilitation, education, therapy and care for children with brain injury at its specialist centre in Tadworth, supporting children and families across the UK.

The Hungry Teddy is available, priced £12.99 on Amazon and at www.hungryteddy.co.uk

Now managing director of marketing and events company, White Label Creative, Jo discovered The Children’s Trust during her time working on local newspapers and The Hungry Teddy was inspired by an incident in one of its charity shops near where she lives.

Beautifully illustrated by talented artist Kerry PattisonChristie, The Hungry Teddy is a heart-warming adventure aimed at pre-school and nursery children.

Jo Gumb

“Kerry and I have done a few readings with nursery children and been amazed by the response so far,” said Jo. “Our ambition is to raise several thousand for The Children’s Trust this year, and, if it is successful, to publish the sequel

CHEAM HOP

The event has been organised by Cheam Life, Stitches Haberdashery and Tasha’s Tearoom. Any profits from the day will be donated to local good causes.

Cracking Easter fun guaranteed on egg hunt

Cheam Hop, April 12, 11am-3pm, visit www.facebook.com/CheamLife/

Hop down to Cheam this Easter and put your detective skills to the test in the search for chocolate treats.

Follow the Easter egg trail around Cheam Village on April 12 and enjoy face painting, stories, art and crafts activities and a basket-load of fun along the way.

Head to The Harrow pub from 2pm and hop about to some disco tunes before taking part in the ‘best dressed’ competition.

Handmade treat bags will be available from Stitches Haberdashery, in Upper Mulgrave Road, or Cheam Park Cafe from April 3, for a suggested donation of £2. Wrist bands, which all children will be required to wear on the day, will also be available to collect.

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NEWS

175 NOT OUT

Cricket club celebrates record innings When Banstead Cricket Club’s founding members set out to create a team they might not have imagined it would still be going strong nearly two centuries later.

As the club marks its 175th anniversary, making it one of the oldest in Surrey, it has a thriving membership of 750 adult members and 300 juniors, and a string of successes to its name.

on a number of occasions in the early 1900s.

Cricket ceased at Banstead during World War 1. On August 4, 1914, the day Britain declared war on Germany, the club had been due to play a Navy team from HMS Excellent. The match never took place. Fourteen playing members died in the conflict.

Cricket re-commenced in 1919, partly thanks to the efforts of groundsman George Muggeridge, who devoted his 28 days of demobilisation leave from the Army to prepare the ground.

George played for the club for 50 years having being elected to membership in 1904 at 18.

In its earliest days the club had just enough members to field one team. As numbers increased so have the teams, with seven sides now playing over a weekend.

Banstead’s first recorded game was against Twickenham on July 25, 1842, which it won by 35 runs.

Over the next decade the club grew considerably and was fielding four teams by 1932, which meant it needed a second ground. It took a lease at the Garratts Lane ground, now Priory School playing fields, which ran until 1966 when it was able to buy the field behind its main pitch.

Neil Bowman, Banstead’s U14 NEC Manager, says not much has changed about the game since those early days: “The equipment is different. The bats were more curved then.

“Over the course of the next 50 years or so overarm bowling came in. The pitches improved significantly, partly because of overarm bowling, which meant the speed of delivery became quicker. The bats became straighter and there is more protective equipment today.”

In 1857, the Avenue Road ground, where the club still plays today, came into use. Some 30 years later it was saved from housing development and its future as a cricket ground protected.

Banstead has a rich history as a club and deep ties to the community. It welcomed the legendary batsman WG Grace

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As the game the club has invested in coaching and developing its junior squad, producing a number players including Surrey vice captain and opening batsman, Rory Burns. “That is where the future of the game is coming from,” said Neil. “We want to continue to grow to support the game and local community.”

If you are interested in joining as a player, junior or social member contact Ray Watson at bccmemsec@gmail.com.

The club is also actively seeking sponsors in its anniversary year

www.banstead.play-cricket.com

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19

SCHOOLS

fitness

HEAD START TO Primary school pupils going the extra mile to a healthy lifestyle and improved concentration

For 15 minutes every school day pupils across Sutton are downing books and pencils and heading outside to run a mile.

The initiative, in which children walk, jog or run a mile a day, is reaping rewards with teachers noting increased levels of fitness, general well-being and better concentration and behaviour in class.

The Daily Mile was the brainchild of former headteacher Elaine Wyllie. She introduced the concept while at St Ninian’s School, Stirling, in 2012, encouraging all children to run outside for 15 minutes, each day. There was no competition or times and all children took part.

Since then the initiative has expanded nationwide and a recent study conducted in Waltham Forest has found that children who ran a mile a day performed up to 25 per cent higher than expected in reading, writing and maths.

More than half of Sutton’s 44 primary schools have so far signed up to the Daily Mile challenge.

Sam Birch, PE coordinator and year 3 teacher at Dorchester Primary School, Worcester Park, said: “Children seem a lot more attentive when they have run. If they miss a day, you certainly notice the difference.

“I know of at least one pupil who has started running at the weekends with her mum.”

Councillor Colin Stears, chairman of Sutton Council’s adult social services and health committee, encouraged more schools to get involved.

“Daily physical activity has a broad range of health and educational benefits, including a healthy weight, improved emotional well-being, concentration, and behaviour. The Daily Mile is a great initiative that we fully support and we would ask all primary schools to get involved.”

The Daily Mile was implemented through the Sutton School Sport Partnership.

www.thedailymile.co.uk

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INSPIRE | NURTURE | ACHIEVE An independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18

Ewell Castle School With an ethos in which each child’s achievements are acknowledged, valued and celebrated, pupils thrive academically as a result of a varied curriculum, an extensive extra-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care

Whole School Open Mornings Tuesday 25th April 2017 9am - 10.30am Wednesday 14th June 9am - 10.30am

Senior School Open Morning Tuesday 7th March 2017 9am - 10.30am Wednesday 14th June 6pm - 8pm For further details and to pre-register please visit our website ewellcastle.co.uk 020 8394 3576 admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk

There’s no such thing as the average child (That’s why we outperform the national average)

At Downsend we nurture young minds with an individualised approach to learning.

No two children are the same. Which is why we keep a high ratio of teaching staff to children in order to develop their natural talents.

Open Day Saturday 6 May Pre-Preps 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Prep School 9:15 am - 12 noon (Headmaster’s Talk at 9:30 am) Personal Tours available anytime T: 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk

Leatherhead • Ashtead • Epsom

An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 2-13

cond proof of 3

1 free proof remaining Additional proofs will be charged at £25

HOLISTIC APPROACH Preparation for grammar and independent schools’ tests at 11+.

Common Entrance at 11+ and 13+ Summer Intensive Course Selected subjects to GCSE Small group sessions, providing a caring learning environment with a focus on individual needs and aspirations.

M 07824 643 184 T 020 8642 8047 E hello@milliewhizz.com Based in Cheam, Surrey w w w. m i l l i e w h i z z . c o m

When it comes to our children’s education, most of us take the responsibility seriously: we want the best for them and we will do whatever it takes.

Tutoring no longer has the negative association with ‘being no good’ at a subject, but is increasingly seen as a positive enhancement to a child’s learning. Moreover, a personalised approach helps develop skills in individuals to enable them to overcome difficulties in their learning, so that they achieve great results in their schoolwork, exams and life.

What should I look for in a tutor?

The first thing to establish is compatibility. Are you, your child and the tutor on the same wavelength? Do you have common goals? Does the tutor provide a service that is tailored to your child’s style of learning?

There are many tutors and tutoring agencies that simply work with pupils in fairly large groups, doing paper after paper without actually teaching.

Millie Whizz was set up to provide an individual, holistic approach, to complement the work done in schools, because sometimes this is not enough.

www.milliewhizz.com

An Outstanding Independent Education for Girls from Nursery to Sixth Form Scholarships available at 11+ and 16+ See our website for new minibus routes

Next Open Events: Junior School: 9am on 16 May Senior School: 6pm on 22 June

Telephone: 020 8642 0594 Email: admissions@sut.gdst.net www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

Junior School - 86 Grove Road Sutton Surrey SM1 2AL Senior School - 55 Cheam Road Sutton Surrey SM1 2AX

SCHOOLS

LEARNING JOURNEY From first curious steps to A-levels, Sutton High School enriches pupils’ education

Sutton High Junior School is a warm and vibrant part of the local community. Due to our central location parents can drop their daughters off in our playground, decorated with a beautiful mosaic and exciting play equipment, and walk to the station or town centre with ease. Early birds can make use of Tops & Tails, our before and after school wrap-around care.

Girls can join our Junior School just before they become an inquisitive three-year-old, and our expectation is that they stay with us right through our Senior School, to the Sixth Form. We carefully guide and enrich their learning from their first curious steps to the challenge of A-levels and beyond, keeping parents involved and informed every step of the way. It means that parents feel very much part of their

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daughter’s education, visiting classrooms to explore their work in our Learning Reviews, or attending talks for parents.

We very much value the support of our local community too. Recently the girls were delighted to welcome PC Peek, PC Patel and Sergeant Eames to the school. Our youngest girls were thrilled to dress up in the police uniform, and to hear their advice about staying safe.

For more details please contact admissions@sut.gdst.net and we look forward to welcoming you to our school.

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25

Nonsuch News

www.facebook.com/CheamLife

Do you want to know all about life in Cheam? Follow this new Facebook page (and I’m on Twitter @Cheam_Life ) Find out about all Events, News and Local Information.

This is a community page, and does not have adverts on it. Just local information.

Please ‘like’ and follow Cheam Life If you have an event you are running, please contact Lucy Duckworth at cheamlife@yahoo.com

WSIgotWebSolutions.com 0845 345 2592

Let’s make Cheam Life all about the great things that happen in Cheam!

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUT&ABOUT

out&about is the local community magazine for Banstead, Cheam and Sutton. It is distributed to 8,000 homes and businesses. Promote your business throughout 2017 by advertising in out&about at affordable rates.

Get in touch via 0203 858 0084 or sales@fhwem.com

www.outandabout.media out&about magazine is published by FHW Events & Marketing Ltd. FHW Events & Marketing Ltd All Rights Reserved E&OE

S CALL U

ON

084 0 8 5 8 E 0203 ERTIS V D A TO

COFFEE BREAK

COFFEE BREAK

Š KEVIN STONE WWW.BRAINBASHERS.COM

Across

Down

1 Slice of bacon (6) 5 Packet (6) 8 Private feud (8) 9 Defence organisation (1,1,1,1) 10 Unfavourably (3) 11 Malady (8) 13 Forgiveness (6) 16 Worn on a necklace (6) 19 Adolescent (8) 23 Quick-fire talk music (3) 24 Increase in size (4) 25 Gesture of approval (6,2) 26 Die from lack of food (6) 27 Make more intense (6)

2 The New World (7) 3 Nestled together (7) 4 Charges (5) 5 Space surrounding an altar (7) 6 Argument (3-2) 7 Vows (5) 12 North American deer (3) 14 Cereal grass (3) 15 Bedtime lingerie (7) 17 Responsive to drugs (7) 18 Marry (7) 20 White heron (5) 21 More recent (5) 22 Circular (5)

EASTER QUIZ 1. How many days does Lent last for?

2. The term Maundy, describing the Thursday that commemorates the Last Supper and celebrated the day before Good Friday, is derived from the Latin word mandatum. What does it mean?

3. Which famous annual festival of classical and opera music takes place in Austria during Easter week?

4. Signed on Good Friday – April 10, 1998 – what other name is the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ know as?

5. In the Easter song, Lord of the Dance, on which day did the ‘world turn black’?

6. In which ocean is Easter Island?

7. In what street in New York does the city’s famous Easter parade take place?

8. Easter day fell on April 6 many times in the 20th century, but what else begins on that date in the UK each year?

9. Which is the only Shakespeare play that mentions Easter?

10. In which year was the word ‘chocolate’ first recorded in English?

Turn to Pg 32 for the answers L@outandabout_mag

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27

SUTTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ON THE MAP Sutton is thriving, says David Duncan of Sutton Chamber of Commerce. Now businesses need to innovate to grow In uncertain times, establishing your brand is essential in order to broadcast the confidence and optimism customers respond to, boosting lead generation. It is about being well prepared for whatever happens to do the best business we can. Companies that are innovating, exploring new markets, and raising capital are thriving.

We have a number of great networking opportunities coming up, detailed in the Forthcoming Events section, and I encourage you to get involved. We provide a variety of opportunities for our members to market their business and, whether you are a member of Sutton Chamber, or thinking of joining, why not come along and find out more.

www.suttonchamber.co.uk Sutton United’s success in the FA Cup has put Sutton firmly on the map. It has helped to publicise the area, and our business community.

(There was a great article about Sutton in the Evening Standard Homes & Property section, you can read the full article online here if you missed it http://bit.ly/SuttonGuide).

We can see more development being undertaken and with the completion of Sainsbury’s new superstore, it is clear that Sutton is a thriving place to do business.

Despite recent business uncertainty – the news has been full of stories about Brexit and President Trump – small businesses need to focus their energy on growing their business. By doing so they will help to grow the local economy.

Membership from £72.00 per year

Benefits of Joining: Make and meet new clients Promotion and marketing opportunities Share Business best practice to ensure success Access to training and workshop opportunities Access to Local Authority officials and elected members Discounted rates of advertising in new

magazine

If we look at companies that have thrived in past periods of uncertainty, all exhibit similar traits. They know their customers and understand what they are doing that keeps them coming back; they are ready to protect their core competency.

Safeguarding the return on investment of your business activity has never been more important. It is time to spot the areas where you can reduce costs, and those areas where cash flow can be accelerated.

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Building Local Business | Networking | Opportunities To find out more information call 020 8770 3173 or visit: www.suttonchamber.co.uk

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SUTTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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29

BUSINESS TIPS

GET SOCIAL Integrating your social media and email marketing can reap benefits for your business.

David Duncan, of WSI Waverley Solutions, shares his tips for success Email marketing is alive and well and works better with social media

Case in point: reading emails continues to rank as the number one activity performed on mobile devices. I know I probably read more emails on my phone than on my laptop.

At my age, I don’t have the eyesight or the patience to try and write or read reports via my phone, but handling emails is a great use of my time when I’m out of the office or in between appointments. Some 75% of Gmail’s 900 million users access their accounts on a mobile device, so I am certainly not alone!

Interesting then, that so many of us think that email marketing is an outdated strategy. By learning how to engage your customers through a well-developed email marketing campaign, you will continue to grow your brand awareness and very likely see an increase in conversions. In many instances, you already have great content that was created for blog posts or social media that can be repurposed for your email campaigns. Successful businesses can integrate all their marketing initiatives and understand the synergies from using them together.

Email marketing and social media work well together

You might ask, which is better for my business, email marketing or social media?

According to MailMunch, about 60% of marketers surveyed said they believe email marketing outperforms social media. The other 40% said that they are just different. In general, email marketing is better at driving conversions and social media is better at engaging with your audience.

Like all marketing strategies, both have their strengths and weaknesses. But the real value is in using them both.

Together.

Social media is an effective strategy for targeting and gaining visibility among potential customers who are actively looking

for relevant content. Email marketing can then be used to communicate directly with individuals who are interested in your business and have opted to receive content on a regular basis.

Integrate your social media and email marketing

There are lots of ways to cross promote to your social and email audiences. So that would be a great place to start.

Here’s a few for your to-do list: • Encourage your social followers to sign up for a specific email list. Of course, you need to create an engaging callto-action that is backed up with great content. Twitter, through the use of Twitter Cards, allows subscribers to sign up for an email list without ever leaving the Twitter platform. You can also add a subscribe call to action on your Facebook page by using customisable tabs.

• Be sure to add your social icons to outgoing emails.

Sounds obvious, but most people are not doing this or have at least one device that is not set up. Do it today.

And do not just include your social icons – tell them exactly what you would like them to do, or what benefit they will receive from taking action. If you have tried this without a great deal of success, try again and focus on promoting one social network instead, in order to make it easy for your audience to take an action.

• You can use your email list to promote a contest on a social platform. Your audience will clearly understand the benefit from participating in another channel – free stuff ! And most people love contests and giveaways.

• Use Share-With-Your-Network (SWYN) links in your emails to easily allow subscribers to share email content with their followers. This feature allows them to share with a single click.

• One of the best ways to integrate your email and social strategies is to upload your email subscriber lists to Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These lists can then be used to follow your subscribers on social media. One of the key benefits of this strategy is to help you learn more about your audience. Knowing more about them will assist you in creating more effective emails and posts.

30

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BUSINESS TIPS Getting really interactive

In addition to cross promoting email and social media, you should consider integrating social media content into your emails in order to give your followers and fans a voice.

The result will be a more personal and more interesting subscriber experience. For example, you could ask your subscribers to go to Twitter and share tweets containing a specific hashtag. These tweets would then appear in the Twitter feed directly within your email. This could be a hashtag about a conference, a product or service, feedback on an idea, you name it.

It’s all about integrating your strategies

information readily available to take that risk. If you are spending all your time and budget on a single channel, chances are you are missing out on touching people during different stages of the buying cycle. Implementing an integrated social and email marketing strategy will yield increased benefits for you as well as your audience.

For more social media and online marketing insight follow WSI Waverley Solutions on Facebook www.facebook.com/WaverleySolutions

Most people no longer make buying decisions based on information from a single source. There’s just too much

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Members and non-members are welcome to join us at any or all of our forthcoming events: 14th Mar

8am-9.30am

Networking with NatWest £10

4th Apr

8am

Breakfast Networking £10

25th Apr

12noon-2pm

Chamber Social Lunch £18

Do you have you the right payment solutions for your business? Join us for a business breakfast at Brasserie Vacherin, 12 High Street, Sutton, with NatWest, and guest speaker Toni Flatt from Worldpay.

Venue tbc

Enjoy tasty tapas, bring friends and colleagues and network with like-minded business people at our Chamber lunch at Uno Tapas, High Street, Sutton.

For more details about any of the events visit www.suttonchamber.co.uk

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31

Tailor made events with a personal touch

FHW is a boutique events and marketing agency working with corporate and private clients in London and the South East. Our highly experienced team can help plan and deliver your next event or marketing campaign. Our team has over 30 years expertise in delivering high profile, high quality events and marketing activities: Corporate events Private dinners Charity fundraisers Marketing campaigns Social media

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For an informal chat, call us on 0203 858 0084

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COFFEE BREAK ANSWERS Kingswood cattery is a small family run business which opened in September 2009.

We are fully insured and licensed by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

The cattery has been totally refurbished to the Feline Advisory Bureau standards. It has very generous size pens, including a double pen which can accommodate a larger family group. • Each pen has a window with a shelf for your cat to sit on and look out into the garden • Heated pens to keep them comfortable and cosy • Bed and scratch post and for our younger guests activity centres and toys

FESTIVE QUIZ Š KEVIN STONE WWW.BRAINBASHERS.COM

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• Indoor accommodation perfect for older or nervous cats • Current vaccination certiďŹ cate required

Tel: 01737 212297

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1. 40 days.

2. Command.

3. The Salzburg Easter Festival.

4. The Belfast Agreement.

5. Friday.

6. Pacific Ocean.

7. 5th Avenue.

8. Tax year.

9. Romeo and Juliet.

10. 1604.

SJL PAVING

SJL Paving provide a vast range of paving and patio services. We use all types of manufactured & natural stone paving. All of our staff have many years of experience. To ensure the highest standard of improvement to your property we make sure that the ground is properly prepared to ensure a long and lasting flawless finish.

• Driveways • Patios • Brickwork • Repointing • Fencing • Decking • Turfing • Hedge Trimming / Removal • Jet Washing & Patio Cleaning • All Tree Work Undertaken • Garden Tidy Ups Ring now for a FREE no obligation quotation

T: 020 8183 0156 M: 07857 858486 E: sjlservices1010@gmail.com

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ASHTEAD

Based in the heart of The Street, Ceramica Tiles Ashtead is the perfect choice for stunning wall and floor tiles. Working alongside home owners, builders, developers, architects and designers from across Surrey to create beautifully inspired tiled areas. We chatted with Director Darren Sheen, about transforming your home, getting his inside tips and hints for what’s going to look great for 2017...

The Kitchen Extension: Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home we are working with an increasing number of homeowners to create openplan-kitchen and living spaces. We think that the use of tiles across the whole area gives a real sense of space and clean lines, as well as being hard-wearing for busy homes.

Hygge: A Danish word which is used to describe the feeling of being warm and cosy, which has been adopted as an interior design style that is very popular right now. Adding wood effect porcelain into your homes will add a sense of the natural without the upkeep of a real wood floor. Mix with an array of textures from soft furnishings to give your home that ‘hygge’ feel while the weather outside is still grey and drab!

Copper: Incorporating metallics, especially copper, into your home, has been a big seller for interiors for the last couple of years, and it is set to continue being popular into 2017. Many people have opted to include these tones through light fittings or small accessories, but why not make a real statement with a copper mosaic?

Heritage Style: One of the big bathroom trends for 2017 is a throwback to the Victorian and Edwardian era, giving bathrooms a sense of character as well as functionality. Using Victorian Floor Tiles in the space will really give your bathroom that authentic look, mix with heritage paint colours and metro tiles, for the walls, to really tie the look together.

If you would like to discuss these design ideas, or any others you might have, with the team at Ceramica Tiles Ashtead, please pop into the showroom or give us a call to book a design appointment.

ceramica tiles ashtead www.ceramicatilesashtead.com 01372 277 727 ashtead@ceramicatiles.com 61 The Street, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1AA

Bringing your tile ideas to life, whatever your budget

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