The Spire December 2014 January 2015

Page 1

The

Spire North Holmwood’s Parish Magazine www.stjnh.org.uk


St John the Evangelist Church, North Holmwood Vicar (day off – Saturday) The Revd Stuart Tanswell .. vicar@stjohns-northholmwood.info ......... 01306 882135 Assistant Priest The Revd Leah Kearns ...... ....................................................................... 01306 886858 Pastoral Assistant Margaret Teale .................. ....................................................................... 01306 252004 Churchwardens: Mary Membrillera .............. mjmembrillera@hotmail.com ................... 01306 877021 Jim Edwards ....................... jimandjane@talktalk.net............................ 01306 879902 Reader Gordon Bates .................... ....................................................................... 01306 884154 PCC Secretary Caroline Lazenby .............. caroline.lazenby254@gmail.com ............ 01306 640208 PCC Treasurer Lynn Jennings..................... ....................................................................... 01306 882614 Baptisms Jill Spence .......................... ....................................................................... 01306 876901 Junior Choir Sandy Newton ................... ....................................................................... 01306 889384 Flowers Hazel Gibson ..................... ....................................................................... 01306 886538 Gift Aid and Electoral Roll Jane Collard ..................... j.collard@btinternet.com .......................... 01306 876652 Intercessions Janet Chipps ..................... ....................................................................... 01306 881548 Prayer Chain Sandy Newton ................... ....................................................................... 01306 889384 Homegroup Co-ordinator Penny Newstead ............... ....................................................................... 01306 885876 Junior Church and C4yourself Jane Schofield ................... janeschofield@hotmail.co.uk .................. 07771 591457 Organist Magazine Jim Edwards ....................... the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info ... 01306 879902 Parish Room Iris Edser ............................... ....................................................................... 01306 740757 Readings Gordon Bates .................... ....................................................................... 01306 884154 Sacristans Steve & Hilary Harris .......... ....................................................................... 01306 710162 Servers Steve Harris ......................... ....................................................................... 01306 710162 Mothers’ Union Gill Collins............................ ....................................................................... 01306 500157

2


St John the Evangelist Church, North Holmwood Sunday services: 8am 10am 10am

Holy Communion First Sunday each month: Family Service Other Sundays: Parish Eucharist

Friday 8.30am Eucharist and vicar available in church until 10.30am The Church is normally open daily for private prayer from 9am. Please see the Church notice board for details of other services.

St John’s Church contact details: Parish Office 01306-868441 Pastoral Line 01306-868941 Church Text Message 0770-673-2222

COMMUNION AT HOME If you are housebound and unable to get to church at St John’s, we can arrange for communion to be brought to you at home by a member of our authorised team of communion assistants. Please contact Stuart 01306 882135.

North Holmwood Community Goodwyns Social Club ......... 01306 500614 Karate ...................................... 07970 408260 Circuit training ........................ 01306 711920 Tumble Tots ............................. 07739 517627 Village Hall (Chairman) ......... 01306 883808 Village Hall (Bookings) ........... 07712 224681 Village Hall (Caretaker) ........ 01306 740757 Parish Room (Bookings) ......... 01306 740757 North Holmwood Sports Club 01306 889764 Dorking Golf Club .................. 01306 886917 Ballet classes ........................... 01737 247795 Norfolk Court .......................... 01306 876474 Stanecroft ............................... 01306 876567 Dorking Volunteer Centre ..... 01306 640369

Police ....................................... 101 Mole Valley District Council .. 01306 885001 National Trust Warden ........... 01306 712711 Brockwood GP Surgery .......... 01306 885802 Community Playlink ................ 01306 740095 North Holmwood Pre-School . 07931 212006 St John’s C of E School ........... 01306 884506 Guiding: Brownies .................. 01306 876428 Rainbows ................ 01306 882796 Scouting enquiries .................. 07769 222218 Bridge Club ............................. 01306 882849 Chart Downs Social Club ...... 01306 500310 Drama Group ......................... 01306 887416 Surrey Hills Dance Centre ...... 01306 883808

3


The

Spire

is produced by St John’s Church for North Holmwood. There are ten issues each year and we make no charge. We deliver around the parish. If you would like a copy delivered please e-mail the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info or phone John Daulman 01306 885943. The next issue of The Spire covers February 2015. Material should be with the editor by 18th January please. Jim Edwards 01306 879902 4 Chartwell Court Grange, 35 Highacre, Dorking RH4 3BF e-mail the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info

Editor:

We welcome articles of general or local interest. Ideally these should be e-mailed in Word format, with illustrations as jpegs or pngs. The editor may amend or shorten material submitted. Articles represent the views of the individual contributors. Some articles and illustrations come from “The Parish Pump”, a national web-site that provides magazine material for churches. We are very grateful to all those who advertise in this magazine and allow us to produce it without charge to our readers; however publication does not necessarily imply an endorsement of the product. Advertising manager: Margaret Teale, ‘Talanta’, 12 Ridgeway Drive, Dorking RH4 3AN Telephone 01306 252004 or email margaret_teale@sky.com Advertising copy: the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info or telephone Jim Edwards 01306 879902 Proof reading: Jane Coombes Printing: John Daulman, Eileen Daulman, Ann Phillips Distribution: John Daulman 01306 885943 4


Dear friends, In the last few weeks, as always happens at this time of year, shops and adverts invariably move our thoughts towards Christmas. It is frustrating, appearing to see Christmas celebrated before we have even reached Advent, or even reached Remembrance. It is so easy to get caught up in what we want – not thinking about Christmas until we’re ready, not worrying about the concerns of anyone or anything else – at the expense of noticing what is else going on. It seems to be the case in so much of the world, worrying about our own concerns at the expense of all others. This became apparent to me recently while watching, of all things, the X-Factor. I don’t usually watch it but I wanted to see and hear the new version of the Band Aid song. The interview with Sir Bob Geldof, speaking about the Ebola outbreak, really caught my attention. He pointed out that while at the moment it was a problem thousands of miles away in Sierra Leone, it was only one plane journey away from being a problem here. It hit home – we hear about problems for other people, in other places, while not realising how closely linked they are to us. Their concerns are our concerns, too. Whatever you might think of Geldof we have to acknowledge that, rather than simply sitting back and complaining about the problem, he decided to do something. In a world where celebrities – whether pop star or otherwise – appear so detached from reality, how reassuring it is to see them coming together and uniting under a common cause. That is a challenge for us, too. We can end up so concerned with what is happening here and now that we forget about what might be happening in other parts of the world. We forget what might be happening to people we don’t generally have contact with. In the Christmas accounts we will hear later this month and into early January there are shepherds, outcasts, visiting the baby Jesus. Then there are the wise men travelling some significant distance 5


when they receive the news of Jesus’ birth. The shepherds and the wise men recognised something important happening away from their normal concerns – and did something about it. Likewise, Sir Bob Geldof recognised something significant affecting people in another part of the world and tried to do something about it – reminding people of the seriousness of the situation and inviting them to join him in doing something about it. How much are we concerned about what is going on outside our normal situations? How concerned are we about people suffering in other parts of the world? Or how about those in need in our local area? And, of course, are we concerned and engaged with those appearing to celebrate Christmas already, or do we avoid them because they’re doing things differently? As we journey through Advent, getting ready to greet the newborn Messiah, how do we relate to those who might be different? As Jesus said, “Love your neighbour”. Wishing you every blessing,

Stuart

ST JOHN’S HOME GROUP Our Home Group meets twice monthly in members’ homes on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm. Set subjects are discussed in an informal setting with the aim of developing our understanding of Christianity and developing friendship networks for mutual support and encouragement. Please contact Penny 885876 if you would like more information.

6


COMPUTER TROUBLE? LOOK NO FURTHER - CALL US!

(01306) 877841 Offering friendly, understandable service including: • Repairs, upgrades and health checks • File recovery - Get back lost photos or other files • Equipment setup and training • What to buy and where to buy it • Removing viruses and unwanted info • Internet Parental Controls • Much more - Just ask! Phone: 01306 877841 Mobile: 07771 798808 E-mail: enquiries@holmpc.co.uk


DO YOU NEED AN ACCOUNTANT OR HELP WITH TAX? ARE YOU THINKING OF CHANGING YOUR ACCOUNTANT?

Treeline Services Limited

Contact Claire or Danny for a FREE initial consultation from a friendly, family firm on

01306 880082

C&D Wiltshire Chartered Certified Accountants • PERSONAL TAX • ACCOUNTANCY • • BUSINESS TAX • BOOKKEEPING • • VAT • PAYROLL • • CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (CIS) • Claire Wiltshire FCCA Danny Wiltshire FMAAT

Tree Health Care Specialists Chadhurst Farm, Coldharbour Lane, Dorking, Surrey.RH4 3JH Tel: 01306 741800 Email: treeline@atlas.co.uk Fax: 01306 885150


Bible Readings for December and January 7th December 2nd Sunday of Advent Family Christingle Service Readings to be arranged 14th December Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

3rd Sunday of Advent 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28

21st December 4th Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 6pm Carols by candlelight 24th December Isaiah 52:7-10

Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass Hebrews 1:1-4 John 1:1-14

25th December Isaiah 9:2-7

Christmas Day Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

28th December 1st Sunday of Christmas 10.15am Joint Service with the Harvest Church at St John’s Church Readings to be arranged 4th January 2105 Family Service

The Epiphany Readings to be arranged

11th January Genesis 1:1-5

The Baptism of Christ Acts19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

18th January 1 Samuel 3:1-10

2nd Sunday of Epiphany Revelation 5:1-10 John 1:43-51

25th January Jeremiah 1:4-10

Conversion of St Paul Acts 9:1-22 Matthew 19:27-30

Flowers in Church If you would like to help to arrange flowers at St John’s, so that we can have a display (large or small) more often, please contact Hazel 01306 886538. 9


JUNIOR CHURCH and C4YOURSELF The family service at St John’s is held on the first Sunday of each month. The children and young people play a major part in this service. Sunday 7th December 10am Family Service and Christingle – all those who have been baptised this year are invited, with their families, to collect their baptism shells. Saturday 20th December 10.30am Childrens’ Christmas craft workshop Christmassy crafts and activities for children and young people. Do come along, and bring your friends!!!!! Suggested donation £2.50. Children need to be accompanied. Calling all angels and shepherds!!!!!! Crib Service – Christmas Eve 24th December at 4 pm By now you will have finished shopping, maybe the sprouts will be already peeled, the gifts wrapped. Come along and take some time to reflect on the real reason for the season!! Sunday 4th January 10am Family Service We are currently seeking people to become part of the very valuable team doing children’s work at St John’s. Please contact Jane on janeschofield@hotmail.co.uk or 07771591457 if you are interested.

Baptism 2nd November

Ava Mae Smith

10


CHRIS OLIVER HAIRDRESSING

Red Chilli Restaurant offers the authentic Flavours of India

Horsham Road (A24) Professional Home Hairdressing, Mid Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4EH a friendly service with 10 years’ Tel: 01306 644816/644817 experience. Fax: 01306 644870

10% off for new customers on first appointment.

Open 7 days a week (including Bank Holidays) Lunch 12 - 2.30 Evening (Sunday - Thursday) 5.30-11pm Evening (Friday & Saturday) 5.30-11.30pm

Call for an appointment on 07887811311

Booking is advised for lunchtimes and early evening. www.redchillidorking.com

For Ladies, Gents and Children. NVQ Qualifications and Diplomas in Colour.

DAVID TOBITT CARPETS FINE CARPETS SUPPLIED AND FITTED We are a local firm which operates in Dorking and the surrounding areas A comprehensive range of carpets available We can bring samples to your home Advice given on all types of carpet work We have over 30 years experience working in Dorking and the local area

WE TAKE A PRIDE IN WHAT WE DO

TEL 01306 885032 · or www.davidtobittcarpets.co.uk


Carpet and Vinyl Fitter Supply and fit all types of Carpet and Vinyl

A reliable, professional and competitive service for

Commercial and Domestic Carpet and

Upholstery Cleaning (including stain removal and deodorizing)

Rug and Hard Floor cleaning Special Cleans Over 30 years experience

Contact J Stevens Telephone 01306 883215

AR

A

ALL ASPECTS ROOFING www.aardorking.co.uk

External Pressure Washing to Patios and Paths For a free, no obligation, quotation

Call Mervyn Overton Tel: 01306 500387 Mobile: 07909608303

Beare Green Court, Beare Green, Surrey

Rosie Brown Hairdressing Our salon is relaxed and friendly and we are open Monday to Saturday

01306 500454 07786 850921

Telephone 01306 712855


COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT web: mail:

www.cbp-northholmwood.info info@cbp-northholmwood.info

Graham Phillips very recently chaired the inaugural meeting of the Community Building action team.

It is recognised that there is a real need to press on with revised plans for a smaller building than originally proposed that is within budget. As a result the drawings were looked at in detail and costs were considered, in light of a recent estimate from a local builder. Graham will go back to the architect to ask him to come up with revised plans within three weeks so that the cost is within the range of the money the parish has raised to date. These new plans will be shown in the church and then go to Mole Valley Planning Department for approval but as none of the main facilities are affected by the reduction in size of the overall building, it is very hopeful that they will agree. Watch this page and the church website for regular updates. More detail on the next pages: 13


North Holmwood Community Building at St John’s Church Our publicly approved original design which had passed planning, and building regulations and had also been granted a faculty, fell at the last fence – that of cost, even though as a new build it was rated at 0% VAT. As many of you know the tenders for the hall were £175,000 more than the net £285,000 to hand. We had all helped, by so much hard work over six years, to raise a magnificent total of £315,000 (exceeding the original target of £300,000). From this the £30,000 design fees, in line with that advised by diocese, had already been paid out over the years. These included architect’s fees, structural consultant fees, topological, arborealogical and asbestos survey fees, and the fees for planning and building regulations plus the cost of tender documents. Fortunately, the Building Services Consultant fees which were associated with thermal modelling and compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations were kindly waived. Unfortunately the costs of materials and labour have soared in the last year and a half, as we have come out of recession into boom and builders have full order books. We are unfortunately the victims of circumstance. So what can we get for our £285,000? Preface If a building of this type and location is a free standing new build it attracts a 0% VAT rating. If the project incorporates a part of an existing building the whole project attracts VAT at 20%. An exception to this is if the old building is demolished to the ground floor slab but this has cost implications for rebuilding the walls and roof. The Building Sub-Committee Meeting on 18th November considered a number of suggestions: 1 A scheme to incorporate part of the old hall structure and trim part of the floor area whilst still providing 90% of the original design floor area was presented to the PCC meeting on 11th November. Two indicative prices were given for this according to specification. These were referred to as Budget 1 or Budget 2. Taking the lower Budget 2 price and including a basket of essentials such as an air-sourced heat pump, heat distribution system, photo-voltaic panels, new planning and building 14


regulation fees, then produced a cost in the region of £300,000. However on examination of the VAT regulations it was discovered that the whole scheme would then be liable to VAT at 20% i.e. an unacceptable £60,000 penalty on top of the £300,000 (new build is 0% VAT rated). 2 On 18th November the Building Sub-Committee discussed a variety of ways of trimming the building costs still further, such as: 2.1 Removing the “link” between the two halls. 2.2 Trimming 2.5 m off the length of the main hall. 2.3 Cost difference in demolishing the old hall to ground slab level – and then rebuilding the walls and roof. The whole project would be 0% VAT rated, as it would all be classed as new build. 2.4 Cost of demolishing old hall completely and rebuilding foundations and walls and roof – again 0% VAT rated. This would have the advantage of being able to excavate and then cast a slab at the level of the church for ease of access. 2.5 Re-examine the original design to see where significant savings could be made – by changes in the specification or by size reductions. The advice of the architect is being sought as to the cost implications of these suggestions. Other lines of enquiry are also being pursued: 1 Is the work, to include some of the fabric of the old hall, VAT zero-rated if the hall is attached/linked to the church? 2 Or alternatively is it VAT zero-rated if it is free standing but falls within the curtilage of a Grade 2 listed church? So here is the crunch – how much more money are we prepared to try to raise? 1 Nothing - trim the building until it can be built for £285,000 including a £47,500 VAT penalty. 2 Pursue other options. This might mean raising anything from £15,000 up to £95,000 more. All measures are being pursued with the utmost urgency as the Building Sub-Committee is striving for construction to start in the spring of 2015, with a nine month contract period. Our lovely church deserves a lovely hall – help make it happen. Graham Phillips Chair: Building Sub-Committee 15


BRICKS Let’s get our Community Building built You can help by buying ‘BRICKS’. They cost £5.00 each and your chosen name will be put on the ‘wall’ at the back of the church and then placed in the Commemorative Book which will be kept in the new hall. Buy one for yourself, your friends, family, neighbours or in memory of a loved one. They make great presents. Please fill in the form attached and pass it to Ann in the church or phone 01306 885787.

Loud and Proud Community Choir The choir launched in April 2009 and has been going from strength to strength. People of all ages are really enjoying singing all sorts of different songs! Come along any Wednesday during school term. We meet at St John’s School, Goodwyns Road from 7.30pm to 9pm. It’s free, fun and friendly!

Used Postage Stamps Anne Lucas collects used postage stamps for various charities and has recently sent them to: Great Ormond Street Hospital - Help for Heroes British Kidney Association - Alzheimers Association Stamps can be given to Anne or left in the box at the back of St John’s Church. She is grateful to all those who contribute.

16


J & T Services Providing a reliable & friendly service for the professional cleaning of:• • • • •

Carpets & rugs Upholstery & curtains Leather Hard floors Builders/Spring cleans & more including hot pressure washing – suitable for patios, paths, decking, brickwork etc

For a free quotation call Tracey on 07770 436639

Daphne Smith BA Hyp Hypnotherapist & Holistic Therapist Tel:07979 571069 Email: holistic.harmony@btinternet.com

Hypnotherapy Reiki Indian Head Massage Hopi Ear Candling Thai Foot Massage Relaxation


A kitchen company that offers you a complete service at a great price. We offer a free design and quotation service. Why not revamp your existing kitchen with new doors and worktops at a fraction of the cost?

Visit our showroom in South Street, Dorking.

01306 882366

ECO LOGS cut, split & seasoned hardwood logs Delivered in bulk grab bags Oak boards, Chopping Blocks, Fencing & Building Timber

01306 712850 07767 478638 Laurence Crow

Woodland Management Consultant laurencefcrow@btinternet.com supporting the restoration of local woodland

DORI VANA PLUMBING YOUR LOCAL PLUMBER EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN FROM CHANGING WASHERS TO FITTING BATHROOMS

CALL DORI 07977 220465/01306 887282


Regular events in St John’s Parish Room, North Holmwood: JIGSAW A group for Mums/Dads/Carers and their pre-school children – from babies to 4 ½ yrs An opportunity for Mums/Dads/Carers to talk to another grown-up! Meet new friends and enjoy breakfast whilst the children play.* 10.00am – 11.30am: Wednesdays No charge Please let us know if you can help with setting up or clearing away *Please remember, the care and safety of the children you bring remain your responsibility at all times – Thank you

KnitOne PurlOne SaveOne Knitting Group First Tuesday of every month 2.00pm – 4.00pm in the Parish Room St John’s knitting group meets on the first Tuesday in every month in the Parish Room at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to pop in for a cup of tea. If you can’t knit we will show you …. we have everything required to start you off.

Our knitting is now being taken to Romanian Aid Foundation in Horley. Margaret 01306 252004 Margaret_teale@sky.com Margaret Teale

19


TENTH BISHOP OF GUILDFORD The inauguration of the Right Reverend Andrew Watson as the tenth Bishop of Guildford will take place at 11am on Saturday 28th February 2015 in Guildford Cathedral. Due to the expected demand to attend this service, it will be a ticketed occasion to ensure that representatives from the widest range of parishes and communities are able to attend. Bishop Andrew will also preach at both the 9.45am Eucharist and 6.30pm Evensong services in Guildford Cathedral the following day, Sunday 1st March, allowing those who are unable to attend previously to share in worship with the new bishop and to hear him preach during his inaugural weekend.

St John's Church Calendar The St John’s Church calendar for 2015 is now on sale after the 10.00am Sunday services. They cost £7 each and all profits from the sales will go towards the Community Building Project, so please think of buying one and perhaps a few additional copies to give to your friends. For further details or to order copies, please contact Roger Coombes on 01306 876571.

World War 1 Memorial The memorial for those from North Holmwood killed in the Great War is in St John’s Church. We now have a leaflet giving some of the background of those whose names are recorded. They came from all sorts of backgrounds - regular soldiers and officers, reservists, war time volunteers and conscripts. Some had been brought up in North Holmwood and emigrated to South Africa or New Zealand before the war. Please take a leaflet if you are interested – a donation of 20p would cover the printing costs. If you can add to the information please contact the editor: the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info 20


Sherlock & Sons Funeral Service Trellis House, South Street, Dorking Tel: 01306 882266 Monumental Masons Memorials supplied in British Stones and Granite Sherlock & Sons is an independent Family Business established in Dorking for over 100 years Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans are available on request

PIERCE AND STREET MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERS LOW COST SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES LOCAL COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE MOT TESTING HOLMWOOD VIEW ROAD MID HOLMWOOD DORKING, SURREY RH5 4HG (01306) 888701


Dorking Good Neighbours Transport to surgeries and local hospitals for those without access to other means of transport Telephone

07948 568906 If no reply leave your name and number At least 48 hours in advance unless urgent

Passengers make a modest donation to cover drivers’ expenses and administration Any interested volunteer drivers please contact: 01306 875392 or 01306 888256


CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St John’s Church 13th & 14th December 2014 ‘Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat Please put a penny in the old man’s hat…’ Thank you all for your generous response to our Christmas Tree Festival. As I write there are still a couple of trees available for you to decorate so please contact Jackie, Margaret or Hazel if you would like to decorate one. If you wish to have an information sheet please ask for one. You can have a hard copy or it can be emailed to you if that is more convenient. If you represent a group or are a family or an individual and feel that you would like to decorate a tree in your own special way we look forward to hearing from you. You will also be able to decorate the area around the base of your tree should you wish to do so. Think about a title for your tree and let me know what it is. The title and your name/group will be placed in the programme. Please ring Jackie on 887416 on or before 6th December with this information. The knitted tree has really captured your imaginations and we are doing extremely well. Thank you all for your knitted squares; we are not there yet and, as they (almost) say on ‘Strictly come Dancing’: Keep Knitting. We will be accepting knitted squares up to and including 10th December. We are also looking for volunteers to run the refreshments on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We can organise a rota if you are only able to help for an hour or so. Please contact Hazel or Jackie regarding this. Margaret 01306 252004, Hazel 01306 886538 Jackie: 01306 887416 and 07770885003. Alternatively you can email Jackie on mole.end@virgin.net All the monies collected at The Christmas Tree Festival will go to the St John’s Church Fund. 23


St John’s Church 1st Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 13th December & Sunday 14th December The church will be open 2pm to 5pm Come and vote for your favourite tree Take part in the knitted tree competition

ENTRANCE FREE - Refreshments available CHRISTMAS CONCERT Dorking Choral Society (DCS) with St Joseph’s School Choir invite you to their celebration of carols and Christmas music directed by Hilary Campbell with organ accompaniment by Benedict LewisSmith. Join us at the URC Church, West St, Dorking RH4 1BS at 7pm on Sunday 14th December The choirs will each sing a number of carols and they will join to sing ‘On Christmas Night’ by Bob Chilcott. Bob, described by the ‘Observer’ as “a contemporary hero of British Choral Music”, works tirelessly as a composer and choral conductor around the world. This is his musical celebration of the Christmas story in which he presents a sequence of eight original carols using several familiar carol melodies within his own settings. It results in an impressive array of styles and moods from comforting and reflective to jubilant, swinging and folksy. The audience will also be invited to join in singing a number of traditional well known carols. The price is £7 payable on the door. Children under 16 are free. Included in the price is mulled wine and mince pies which will be served in the church hall after the concert. Come along, bring your friends and get the season off to a good start. 24


C. J. UDEN & CO Drainage Consultants & Surveyors C.C.T.V. INSPECTIONS

ARTHRITIS CARE

PRESSURE CLEANING REPAIRS UNBLOCKING

18 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD Tel: 020 7380 6500

PRIVATE TREATMENT SYSTEMS Approved by Surrey Trading Standards and members of their “Buy with Confidence” scheme

For more information, please contact the above address or look for the leaflet on the church notice board.

01306 882495 www.cjuden.co.uk C.J.Uden & Co., Drainage Consultants & Surveyors The Old Builders Yard, 52-53 Dene Street, Dorking, RH4 2DP

ADVANCE Domestic Electricians Polite, Friendly and Reliable Service Fully Qualified and Insured

Part P Registered No Job too Small

Call Graham on

07825325449 www.wes.vpweb.co.uk

TAXI SERVICE (Dorking/Mole Valley Hackney Licensed)

07834 371946 Local : Long Distance Airports : London Email: advancejm@btinternet.com


ADV (UK) Ltd Building Preservation and Construction

Extensions & Conversions Refurbishment & New Build Kitchens & Bathrooms Property Maintenance - General Repairs Approved by Surrey Trading Standards and members of their “Buy with Confidence� scheme

Professional, Reliable, Insured and Guaranteed www.advuk.com

01306 882577 INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES AVAILABLE

ADV (UK) Ltd The Old Builders Yard 52 - 53 Dene Street Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2DP

Start to Finish gb ltd

Start to Finish for a complete tailormade design and construction service. Whatever you want we will co-ordinate and manage to the level and extent that you require.

GARDEN AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

From design, feasibility, Planning Permission and consents, Building Regulations, Cost Planning, Project and Building Management, co-ordination of specialist Design and subcontractors through to COMPLETION.

Complete lawn care service Border maintenance Hedge trimming Fruit trees pruned - Garden clearance Regular or one off jobs welcome

Please contact Graham Clark to arrange a free meeting to discuss your requirements. Telephone: 01306 882230, 07920 774480

email starttofinish.gb@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.starttofinish.gb.com

Fully insured and references provided on request. - NCH Qualified. David Keating 01306 898917 Mobile 07887 511515 www.premiergardensdorking.co.uk


This is an updated version of the guide we print each year. We make no apologies for repeating it and hope that it will prove useful in planning for Christmas at St John’s. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Christmas Planning …… What, When and How! Any of us knows the feeling of slight panic when looking at the list of ‘what’s coming up’ at Church. Faced with so many dates and such variety, the temptation to do nothing suddenly seems very inviting. So here is a guide to the services themselves, so that you can make your own decisions about which ones to attend or bring your friends to, or miss! No-one could make all these services and there’s nothing to be gained by pretending otherwise. However, there is a considerable amount to be gained by attending some! When you look at the programme of events, though, please bear these things in mind…. If you’ve thought a service wasn’t for you, try it and see – God has a strange habit of getting through to us when we least expect it. If you are away for Christmas, see if you can find out in advance which services are available where you are staying (try www.achurchnearyou.org). If you are living in a home where most people aren’t involved in Church, it helps them to know your plans. Don’t just dash off to a service at a critical moment in the preparations. If, despite all your intentions, you just can’t make a service, try to have a quiet time by yourself to read the first few chapters of Luke’s gospel – and then to reflect on what they mean for you. Now for the guide to December and Christmas special events: Sunday 7th December 10am: ALL AGE SERVICE – BAPTISM SHELLS and CHRISTINGLE All who have been baptised during the last year at St John’s are invited to come to this service, with their families, to be “officially” welcomed and to receive their baptism shells. This year we will also have Christingles at this service. 27


Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th 2pm – 5pm: NORTH HOLMWOOD CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Full details are on pages 23 and 24 in this magazine. Saturday 20th December 10am: CHILDREN’S CRAFT WORKSHOP and DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE Lots of craft activities for children and young people in the run up to Christmas! A happy, messy, sticky and creative time is guaranteed. Activities will include decoration making and helping to put up the church Christmas tree. This is a very popular event, so come early. Suggested donation £2.50 per child, to include all resources. Children need to be accompanied. Sunday 21st December 6pm: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT If you are looking for an authentic and atmospheric carol service, this is it! We sing favourite carols and hear again the story of the first Christmas. The service is about an hour long, with traditional eats afterwards. All ages are very welcome. This year again we welcome the Loud and Proud Community Choir to take part in the service. Monday 22nd December 10am: DECORATING THE CHURCH This is not a service as such, but it is a Christmas activity. If you would like to help we will be in church on Monday morning. Please join us for some of the time and bring either scissors or secateurs with you. All welcome. If you don’t want to arrange the flowers we can always find you cleaning to do! More details from Hazel on 886538. Monday 22nd December 6pm: FATHER CHRISTMAS and CAROL SINGING Again St John’s have been invited to take carol sheets and “lead” the singing at the Royal Oak in an informal setting. Please do come along and bring friends and family!!! We hope that Father Christmas will arrive at 6pm and the carols will start at 6.30pm.

28


Wednesday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE 4pm: CRIB SERVICE The Crib Service is a perfect way of giving young children a Christmas service geared for them. It has everything that children respond to – lots to see (a nativity scene) and lots to sing. It is short – no more than half an hour – but full of meaning. Children love it and adults likewise. Shepherds and angels are particularly welcome. Help bring the true meaning of Christmas to the final countdown! Wednesday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE 11.30pm: MIDNIGHT MASS For many people, this service speaks of the beauty and mystery of Christmas like no other. There is something indescribable about going out to church in starlight, and then leaving in the knowledge that Christmas morning has arrived. Everyone is welcome – you don’t have to be “Church of England” or an established churchgoer. The service lasts an hour and a half; its message (we hope) lasts longer. Thursday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY 8am: HOLY COMMUNION (PRAYER BOOK) If you want a quiet start to Christmas – or if you were brought up on the familiar words of the 1662 service – or if you’re about to set out for the rest of the day – you might like to come to this service. It is a gentle and reflective service using the traditional Holy Communion service of the Prayer Book. The service lasts about 40 minutes. Thursday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY 10am: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION EUCHARIST Children especially welcome. Carols and a real chance to celebrate Christmas! The service is less formal and is designed to be fairly short (about an hour) but still allows time for Christmas praise and worship. Sunday 28th December 10.15am: JOINT CHRISTMAS SERVICE at St John’s Church A chance for the members of St John’s and the Harvest Community Church to meet together and continue the celebration of Christmas. 29


St John’s December dates 1 11am Music and Movement, Mon

Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

12.30pm Mothers’ Union 7.30pm Beginners Please 2 12.30pm Knit One, Purl One Christmas lunch

9

3 10am Jigsaw

10 10am Jigsaw

4

11 10am Chart Downs Coffee Morning

5 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

12 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

6 3.30pm Memorial Service Josephine Higgins

13 2pm Christmas Tree festival

7 2nd Sunday of Advent 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Family Service with Christingle World Vision Stall

14 3rd Sunday of Advent 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Parish Eucharist 11.45am Baptism 2pm Christmas Tree festival

Sun

Sat

Fri

Thu

Wed

Tue

8 11am Music and Movement,

30


This is a provisional listing of What’s On. For extra information please check the posters on the notice boards at the back of the church and outside.

15 11am Music and Movement, Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

22 10am Christmas Flowers 6pm Carols at the Royal Oak

29

16 9.30am School service

23

30

17 10am Jigsaw Christmas party

24 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass

31

18

25 8am HC BCP 10am All age Christmas celebration

19 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

26 8.30am Eucharist

20 10.30am Children’s Activity morning

27 10am Holy Communion for St John’s Day

21 4th Sunday of Advent 8am HC BCP

28 1st Sunday of Christmas 8am HC BCP

10am Parish Eucharist

6pm Carols by Candlelight

10.15am Joint Eucharist with Harvest Church

31


St John’s January 2015 dates 5 11am Music and Movement, Mon

Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

12.30pm Mothers’ Union 7.30pm Beginners Please

Tue

6 2pm Knit One, Purl One

Wed

7 10am Jigsaw

8 10am Chart Downs Coffee Morning

2 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

9 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

3

10

4 Epiphany 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Family Eucharist World Vision Stall

11 Baptism of Christ 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Parish Eucharist

Sun

Sat

Fri

Thu

1

32


This is a provisional listing of What’s On. For extra information please check the posters on the notice boards at the back of the church and outside.

12 11am Music and Movement, Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

19 11am Music and Movement, Soup and rolls: Harvest Church

26 11am Music and

13

20

27

14 10am Jigsaw

21 10am Jigsaw

28 10am Jigsaw

15

22

29

16 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

23 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

30 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am

17

24

31

18 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 8am HC BCP 10am Parish Eucharist

25 Conversion of St Paul 8am HC BCP 10am Parish Eucharist

33

Movement, Soup and rolls: Harvest Church


‘BEGINNERS PLEASE’ DECEMBER MEETING ‘We wish you A Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.’ The December Meeting of ‘Beginners Please’ will be held at 7.30pm on Monday, 1st December, at 32 Claygate Road, Dorking. All are welcome. For the first half of the evening we will finish reading the script we began in November, ‘Mrs Warren’s Profession’ by G. Bernard Shaw. There will be some Festive Nibbles and possibly also a glass or cup or two of something warming. As a ‘Curtain-Up’ to the Christmas Season please bring a poem or paragraph which you can read to the group during the second half of the evening. The theme of our group’s Christmas Tree is pantomime. If you have any suitable ornaments/baubles, etc please bring them with you and we can practise our tree–decorating skills! Thank you all for your enthusiasm over the past year. It’s been great fun. Jackie Rance

Mid-week Eucharist at St John’s Friday Mornings 8.30am Followed by breakfast. After the service Stuart will remain in the church until 10.30am for anyone who wants an informal chat with the vicar.

34


Hart Scales and Hodges have been serving the Dorking community since 1782 and are proud to support our local parishes.

Our services include: • Buying and selling your home • Extending your lease • Commercial Property • Inheritance Tax Planning • Care Fees and Asset Protection Planning • Setting up a Trust • Wills and Probate • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Divorce, Separation and Children • Employment for employer and employee • Litigation and dispute resolution • Business advice

Please call us on 01306 884432 for a FREE initial consultation to discuss your requirements. www.hartscales.co.uk


Tel No: 01306 640 366 e-mail: info@artisancompany.co.uk All Aspects of Property Refurbishment & Maintenance

Interior / Exterior Bathroom & Kitchen Installation Carpentry Plumbing Tiling Painting & Decorating Landscaping Flooring Electrical Work Plastering & Rendering General Building Work Garage Conversions

Full Project Design & Management Service Visit us at www.artisancompany.co.uk

Hair by Emma The Studio, Chart Downs. Dorking. Hair by Emma is a small home run freelance hairdressing business that is fully insured. I offer most ladies hairdressing services including children at very competitive rates. I am a member of FHBF (Freelance Hair & Beauty Federation). I attend training throughout the year as I feel this is important for keeping up to date with what’s new and going on in the world of hairdressing. For full details see my website www.hairbyemma.org or call for an appointment on 07919 488507.


New courses from WEA East Surrey WEA East Surrey has several courses to keep you sharp in body and mind this winter. Adult Tap & Ballet classes run every Wednesday evening at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Falkland Grove in Dorking. Tap is at 7pm, followed by Ballet at 8pm. If you would like to have a go – please call the Freephone number to book your place or visit www.southern.wea.org.uk. Classes cost £5 per hour and are payable on a termly basis. No previous dance experience required. For the new year we have several new courses running including, dressmaking and making the most out of your tablet! So just in case you have received an iPad, a Nexus or an Amazon Fire and are not sure how best to make use of it – then this course is for you. Please email Anne Andrews for more information, aandrews@wea.org.uk . If you would like to have a chat about Adult Learning in the area, please get in touch with one of the East Surrey team. We are available Monday – Friday on 01737 225100 or you can email us at eastsurrey@wea.org.uk. To book on a course please call 0800 328 1060 or visit www.southern.wea.org.uk. In East Surrey, the WEA works in association with East Surrey College delivering a wide range of provision.

NEED ADVICE? We’re here to help - whoever you are - whatever the problem Citizens Advice Bureau at:

St John’s School, Goodwyns Road, Dorking 1.30pm - 3.30pm Every Thursday (term-time) Drop in or ring Janet on: 07757

734381 Open to all local residents 37


HOLMWOOD VILLAGE PRODUCE ASSOCIATION www.holmwoodvpa.co.uk Autumn Evening When X Factor contestants start wittering on about what an amazing journey they’ve been on to get where they are, it’s generally time to go and make a cup of tea. However, in the case of Matthew Childs, the charming and entertaining speaker at this year’s Autumn Evening, it would in fact be an accurate description of how he has arrived at the top of the garden design tree. Finding himself just a single carriage away from the exploding bomb on the Edgware Road tube on 7th July 2005, he took stock of his life. Was his career in advertising really what he wanted? Whilst still pondering his options, he paid his first visit to the Chelsea Flower Show and was awestruck by the Show Gardens he saw. The decision was made: he would embark on a new path as a garden designer. His first show garden, at Hampton Court Flower Show in 2012, was an attempt to tell his story. Although he knew what he wanted to say, it wasn’t until a few days before the submission deadline for proposals that the actual design clarified itself in a dream. His proposal was accepted and a £6,000 bursary granted. But in the world of the show garden, this amount was just a drop in the proverbial tranquil water feature. So taking a leap he decided to fund the rest of the project himself and was rewarded with a Gold Medal and “Best Conceptual Garden in Show”. Having been unable to secure a sponsor for that first garden, he now had corporate clients beating a path to his door, asking him to design show gardens on their behalf. In 2014 the Queen, the Hairy Bikers, Mary Berry and even Benedict Cumberbatch were among those offering congratulations to him as he stood next to his Silver-Gilt winning garden on Main Avenue at Chelsea. Here we paused and a cup of tea was pressed on all the members of the captivated audience. 38


After the break Matthew spoke about some of the domestic projects he has been involved with, as well as larger designs such as the creation of beach volleyball courts in a public park in Wimbledon, the re-landscaping of the grounds of The Royal Ballet School in Richmond and the creation of a Memory Lane Garden at a day centre for dementia sufferers near Kingston. The evening was a huge success and Matthew was allowed to leave only after he’d promised to enter some vegetables from his own garden in Reigate in next year’s VPA Summer Show. Don’t worry though – I’m sure his entries won’t be challenging for a medal.

VPA Dates for 2015 Spring Evening and AGM – Wednesday 11th February Spring Show - Saturday 28th March Summer Show Weekend – Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July Autumn Evening – Wednesday 11th November Happy Christmas from the Holmwood VPA!

Ros Treliving

Holmwood Mothers’ Union Monday 1st December, 12.30pm, at Arnolds, Beare Green Lunch, followed by a Christmas Meditation with Elizabeth Cotton. Monday 5th January Post-Christmas lunch at the Six Bells, Newdigate. Contact Gill Collins, 01306 500157, for further details.

39


CROSSWORD Across 1 ‘How long will you — your face from me?’ (Psalm 13:1) (4) 3 ‘Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the — he bore’(Hebrews 13:13) (8) 9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 8:15) (7) 10 Solemn pledges (Matthew 5:33) (5) 11 Italian term for full orchestra (5) 12 ‘For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not — the cry of the afflicted’ (Psalm 9:12) (6) 14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13) 17 Where a Hindu holy man lives (6) 19 ‘If he found any... who belonged to the Way, whether — — women, he might take them as prisoners’ (Acts 9:3) (3,2) 22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) (5) 23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7) 24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8) 25 ‘ Will you keep to the old

path that evil men have — ?’ (Job 22:15) (4) Down 1 ‘Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with — — ’ (Numbers 20:11) (3,5) 2 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “ — — murder”’ (Matthew 5:21) (2,3) 4 One of Paul’s many hardships endured as a servant of God (2 Corinthians 6:5) (13) 5 ‘We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, — inwardly’ (Romans 8:23) (5) 6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7) 7 ‘My yoke is — and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:30) (4) 40


8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6) 13 ‘O Lord, you have — me and you know me’ (Psalm 139:1) (8) 15 ‘ — to me the joy of your salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) (7) 16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6) 18 ‘Then he said to Thomas, “ — out your hand and put it into

my side”’ (John 20:27) (5) 20 ‘God has said, “ — will I leave you; — will I forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5) (5) 21 Son of Onam and brother of Shammai (1 Chronicles 2:28) (4)

This crossword, reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, was originally published in Three Down, Nine Across, by John Capon (£6.99 BRF). The Bible version used is NIV.

MUSIC IN DORKING - DECEMBER 2014 by Ian Codd 4th 18th at 1.00, lunchtime recitals at St Martin’s, free, 01306 742629 4th at 7.30, Russian state ballet at Dorking Halls, £30-32, 01306 881717 6th 7th at 11.30 & 2.00, Christmas concerts at Leith Hill Place, £10, 07795 256657 7th & 21st at 3.00, Bolshoi Ballet screening at Dorking Halls, £17, 01306 881717 11th at 8.00, Ukulele Orchestra at Dorking Halls, £23, 01306 881717 13th at 3.00, Ladybirds choir at United Reformed Church Hall, £7.50, 01737 843662 14th at 7.00, Dorking Choral Society at United Reformed Church 16th & 23rd at 7.15, Royal Ballet screening at Dorking Halls, £17, 01306 881717 The Christmas celebrations are led by Dorking Choral Society under its dynamic new conductor Hilary Campbell, who is proving such a success with the choir. The concert will include a performance of On Christmas Night by Bob Chilcott, one of the most renowned choral composers in Britain today. His piece is a musical celebration of the Christmas story presented in the form of eight original carols. There will be further carols sung by the choir and also by the children of St Joseph’s School, plus some well-known carols for the audience to join in. 41


Further Christmas music comes from the Ladybirds choir, directed by Helena Twentyman. There will be carols ranging from traditional favourites to a beautiful Indian carol, plus some light-hearted Christmas songs, a raffle, tea and mince pies. Profits will go to the Leatherhead Swans Club, supporting sport and recreation for disabled people. You can also celebrate Christmas at Leith Hill Place, the childhood home of Ralph Vaughan Williams and now in the care of the National Trust. Music will be provided by Apollo 5, a group of young singers, and there will be mulled wine and mince pies available. That favourite of Christmas ballets, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, will be performed by the Russian State Ballet and Opera House, with a cast of highly talented dancers and a large orchestra. When a little girl’s godfather gives her a nutcracker doll as a Christmas present, it turns into a prince and the magical story begins to unfold, to the accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s delicious music. You can see The Nutcracker again in a broadcast from the Bolshoi Ballet on 21st. Also from the Bolshoi on 7th comes La Bayadere, a beautiful love story set in India. The Royal Ballet’s version of Alice in Wonderland is screened twice, first live from the Royal Opera House and then as an encore screening. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain returns to Dorking with a highspirited romp through all kinds of music styles, from classical to pop, and with instruments ranging from the tiny sopranino ukulele to the large contrabass. The lunchtime recital at St Martin’s church on 4th is given by organist James Stanton. There is no recital on 11th but there will be a carol service on 18th. Watermill Jazz takes a rest as usual in December and will resume its weekly concerts in January. The Philharmonia Orchestra visit on 10th January, playing Grieg, Schumann and Beethoven. In the meantime I wish you a happy and very musical Christmas!

42


Pristine Property Maintenance

Martin Peek City & Guilds qualified Fully Insured Specialists in: Bathrooms Kitchens Wet Rooms Bespoke Showers Tiling Decorating Plastering Carpentry and General Property Maintenance Tel 07831 250036 – 01306 887 633 E-mail: martinspeek@gmail.com 1 Shellwood Drive, North Holmwood, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 4TA


Holmwood Marketplace

Martin O’

For local goods and services

North Holmwood Village Hall

Painter and Decorator

With

Seasonal Nutrition Cafe Light lunches and afternoon teas - with gluten free options

13 December 2014 12:30-4:00pm Garden and Farm Gate Produce - Cakes - Preserves - Crafts Plants - Trades - Health and Wellbeing Therapists - Business Consultants - Other Local Services

jacqui@communityrealm.org.uk 01306 741545/07973 207087

http://holmwoodmarketplace.wordpress.com/

No Job Too Big or Too Small Telephone 01306 741627

SOFT INTERIORS BY JOSEPHINE High quality Curtains and soft furnishings

Peter Smith Electrical Ltd Qualified Electrician and Handyman

Hand finished and made to your specification

Friendly Reliable Service Fully insured and Part P Approved

Helpful advice on design And colour matching if required Please telephone 01306 644802 or 0776 7771777 or email softinteriors@fsmail.net For a free estimate

6 Clockhouse Cottages Horsham Road CAPEL Surrey RH5 5JJ Tel 01306 710588 / 07885 444395 Email pngsmith@btopenworld.com


www.thepitstop.org.uk Local charity The Pitstop launches urgent ‘Forever Home’ appeal The Pitstop day centre – a charity established for the homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated people of Mole Valley – is launching an urgent ‘Forever Home’ appeal to acquire, refit and furnish a building ready for use. “The floods last Christmas literally washed away our old premises which was devastating for the charity and a real upheaval for the clients who rely on us,” explains Richard Langtry, Chairman of the trustees. “But since then we’ve seen a renewed spirit and real commitment to continuing this vital support and providing a welcoming base for our clients. We were lucky to be offered temporary accommodation at Fetcham Village Hall and thereafter at the URC in Leatherhead but we knew that this would only be available to us until Christmas and that we’d have to put a hold on any of the additional services we want to offer.” “The great news is we are ready to secure and refit our own building in the heart of Mole Valley. It’s a huge challenge but if we succeed we’ll be able to offer a safe, warm and practical ‘forever’ home for Pitstop – kitted out to provide a fully-staffed day centre facility. And as soon as possible!” he added. The charity wants to offer an extended range of practical and counselling services, a daily hot lunch, showers, refreshments, IT services, space for its clients to relax and socialise, a food bank, a second-hand clothes wardrobe and a furniture recycling project. The fundraising campaign will focus on raising a much-needed £70,000 within the next two months to allow work to begin. The Pitstop team are asking local businesses, Foundations, Charitable Trusts, organisations and individual friends of the charity to help. “We know it’s a financially difficult time for many but we’re urging everyone to think about those in their own community who are 45


homeless, who have no friends or family, who are suffering from mental health or addiction problems or who are poverty-stricken,” says Richard. “The Pitstop is a lifeline for them and we are desperate to make this permanent Pitstop home a reality while the opportunity is there. If we can raise the funds to adapt a building to make it our long term home we will be able to ensure our clients feel supported, make friends, get good advice, recharge their batteries, learn new skills and generally feel more confident and better equipped, both practically and emotionally, to improve their lives for many years to come.” The Pitstop needs to raise £70,000 and relies entirely on donations from its local community and supporters. Any individual, company, charitable trust or organisation willing to help or donate should contact The Pitstop team on 01372 363003 (please leave a message), via email appeal@thepitstop.org.uk or go to The Pitstop website www.thepitstop.org.uk to donate or find out more. Registered charity number: 1115825

JOY IN A BOX 2014 A huge thankyou to everyone who contributed to our Christmas Shoe Box Appeal this year. A grand total of 55 were blessed by Stuart prior to being delivered to The Romanian Aid Foundation collection point which meets in Horley every Friday afternoon. The generosity of so many people is heart warming and apart from the congregation of St John’s we had boxes from the ladies of Dorking Golf Club (thanks to Sue Goodenough for organizing that), Knit One Purl One Save One and so many more. So, on behalf of 55 happy little children/teenagers/families..... THANK YOU. Margaret Teale

46


Holmwood WI QUIZ questions tested the brains of Holmwood WI members at their November get-together. Vic Mansell had set a challenging, but fun, brain teaser as light entertainment after our annual meeting. It was “thank you� to so many people who have helped the smooth running of this afternoon WI in 2014. Viv Kay and Maureen Woollett have retired from the committee after so many years of sterling service, Vic and Gill Mansell have set up the hall throughout the year and supplied jams and produce for our sales table, Eric and Iris Edser once again hosted our July Garden Party and many members have given their time at meetings and as fundraisers. A new committee was elected with the help of WI Advisor Ann Heward and tellers Margaret Russell and Sylvia Lyon from Newdigate WI. Wendy Lloyd kindly agreed to be our President again for 2015, and Lyne Ford and Maureen Lewington are treasurer and secretary. Preparations are well underway for a Coffee Morning and our Christmas Fair and members are looking forward to greeting the festive season with entertainment and Christmas tea followed by a lunch in Reigate and skittles and pub lunch in Newdigate. Lots to enjoy in the run up to Christmas. If you would like to make new friends, enjoy interesting speakers and meet regularly for meetings, crafts and pub lunches, contact our secretary, Maureen Lewington, on 01306 882057, (email maureen.lewington@btinternet.com ) for all the details.

Carols at the Royal Oak 6pm Monday 22nd December All Welcome 47


POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL MEETINGS Panel meetings are an opportunity for the local community to identify the priorities they would like the local neighbourhood team to focus upon. They also allow the neighbourhood team to feedback progress reports to residents. NORTH HOLMWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL MEETING North Holmwood Parish Room at St John’s Church GOODWYNS NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL MEETING The Harvest Church, Stubbs Hill PC Matt Hall, PCSO Lisa Cobby

Goodwyns Community Group are Going to Go for Music, Movement and Meal For all capabilities, including disabled or unsteady. Sit down to exercise, stand or do a bit more. Easy pace. Light lunch or soup - All free - Keep fit and meet people for a chat 11am to 1pm Mondays at the Harvest Church 5 week batches. Term time only. Room for a few more. Contact Fran 07969 396431

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

48


Oven and Kitchen Appliance cleaning company

Little Oaks Play Café For children aged 5 and under Infants under 1 - free Children over 1 - £3.50 Teas/ coffee and light lunches available

We offer a complete Oven and Kitchen appliance valet service Friendly, reliable and professional service Competitive and affordable prices Fully Insured

At North Holmwood Sports Club Inholms Lane www.littleoaksplaycafe.co.uk

ROYAL OAK CHART LANE SOUTH STONEBRIDGE NORTH HOLMWOOD RH5 4DJ 01306 885420 • • • •

Lunch served daily 12-2.30pm Evening Meals (Wed-Sat) 6-9.30pm SUNDAY Lunch 12noon-5pm Open all Day

WEDNESDAY NIGHT STEAK NIGHT 2 Steaks and a Bottle House Wine £28.00


GCS ELECTRICS Domestic Electrician STEVE ALEXANDER 07990 578127 Stevealexander73@googlemail.com Professional Reliable Competitive 9 Wheelers Lane Brockham RH3 7LA


Friends of Holmwood Common and the National Trust December 2014

News from the Common Ranger’s Report Another year is almost gone and we are looking forward to and planning for the next. Let’s hope it won’t start, as did 2014, with us spending thousands of pounds on emergency tree surgery and ditching works (see below). We have just completed another week’s worth of maintenance as part of a regular programme for Holmwood with ditches being cleared at Willow Green and Mid Holmwood. Further ditching will be carried out on a regular cycle and although we can’t mitigate against the exceptional flooding experienced last Winter, a regular programme should ensure that “ordinary” rain shouldn’t unduly affect residents. The views around Fourwents Pond were gradually disappearing as a result of willow and other scrub species shrouding the banks. You may have seen the Tuesday and Wednesday volunteer groups when they paid a couple of visits last month and removed much of the growth and pollarded some of the trees. We hope to complete the final few trees in time for the Friends of Holmwood Common New Year Walk (see Forthcoming Events, below). All that remains is to wish everyone Happy Christmas holidays … enjoy the Common. Rob Adam, Ranger, Holmwood Common. New Maps on the Noticeboards Following on from the introduction of new Holmwood Common brochures (now available from a car park near you) are the Visitor Information Maps that will be displayed on each of the six noticeboards around the Common. The Friends are pleased to have funded the design and production of these new maps that will add fresh interest to a visit to the Common … and maybe help with route-finding! 51


Looking after the Common ... An important function of the Friends is to ensure good communication between the local community and the National Trust. We are grateful, therefore, to everyone that has kept us informed of maintenance issues: overgrown paths and fallen trees. We now have a list of around twenty such problems and we are working with Rob to assign priorities according to urgency and the availability of manpower. We are also still hopeful that one or two groups of volunteers will step forward to assist in addressing the problems in their “local” areas around the Common. … and what it costs! Sam Bayley, Head Ranger for Holmwood Common and Leith Hill, joined our most recent committee meeting and brought a note of the amounts spent on various elements of the works on the Common including that which is undertaken by contractors. Sam will be presenting a complete breakdown at the AGM in February but, as an example, we learnt that over £25,000 has been spent this year on ditch clearance and culvert repairs. The total expenditure for 2014 is around £80,000! We live in an AONB … learn what it means for you Another date for your diary. The Friends' Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 26th February. The formal business will be completed quickly and we are pleased to announce that Ken Bare of the Surrey Hills Society will be explaining how we can all make the most of living in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Membership Renewals Members of the Friends will soon be receiving reminders that it is time to renew for 2015. Not a member, yet? Join now – just £7 per household – and enjoy a full year of news and events. If you enjoy the Common then please help us to look after this precious place. Contact us ... If you have any questions about the National Trust’s work on Holmwood Common then please get in touch with Rob Adam, NT Ranger for Holmwood Common: phone 01306 712711; mobile 07901 511359; or email to rob.adam@nationaltrust.org.uk .

52


The Friends of Holmwood Common can be contacted via FOHC.info@gmail.com or by calling 07768 318124. Suspicious activity on the Common, such as suspected poaching or fly-tipping, should be reported to the Surrey Police by dialling 101 without delay. Forthcoming Events Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December – Christmas at Leith Hill Place Festive fun, music and a last chance to visit the house before winter closing. Apollo5, a vibrant 'a cappella' vocal group, will be providing a musical treat with their imaginative arrangements of Christmas favourites. Booking essential … visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/ and look under events for further details and to book. Thursday 1st January, 2015 – New Year's Day Walk 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Invigorating walk on Holmwood Common to burn off those Christmas calories ... followed by tea & cake to put them back on again! Meet at Fourwents Pond (Blackbrook Road) Car Park ... no need to book ... no charge for FOHC Members (you can join on the day for just £7 per household). Thursday 26th February, 2015 – Friends' AGM & Spring Meeting 7:30pm in South Holmwood Village Hall. See above for preliminary details. Everyone is welcome … no charge for members … renew or join on the evening. Other events are scheduled for various NT properties throughout the region. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events for more information. Join the Friends today ... Membership of the Friends of Holmwood Common is open to everyone. Please send your annual subscription – just £7 per household for 2015 (plus a donation, if you are feeling generous!) – to: Friends of Holmwood Common, c/o 21 St John's, North Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4JG. Cheques should be made payable to “Friends of Holmwood Common” and, if you have one, please include your email address.

53


AN ARMCHAIR DUFFER’S VIEW OF SPORT October / November The autumn Rugby Union football internationals started on Saturday November 8th when the might of the Southern Hemisphere, ie New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Samoa and Argentina arrived on these shores. England played New Zealand and once again it was the same old story, England suffering a narrow, loss 24 points to 21, after starting well but what a great game it was. Wales lost to Australia, but Ireland beat South Africa and Scotland won against Argentina. Almost one million tickets have been sold for the Rugby Football World Cup which will be held in this country in September 2015. Such a high demand means many English fans will be disappointed when they try to buy tickets. England beat Samoa, 32 points to 26, in the opening match of the 2014 Rugby League Four Nations series. Meanwhile Australia lost to New Zealand. The following week Australia managed a win over England after a last gasp try by England was denied. Later England’s 16 points to 14 defeat by New Zealand cost them a place in the final. The series was played in Australia and in what was a cracker of a game New Zealand narrowly beat the hosts in the final. It has been an interesting month for Rugby fans. Mark Ramprakash is to become England’s new batting coach following the controversial dismissal of Graham Gooch earlier this year. Ramprakash retired in 2012 after an 11-year international career which fell short of expectations but he was highly regarded on the county circuit when he played for Surrey. He became well known nationally when he won BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ competition in 2006. Andy Murray collapsed in relief after he won the Valencia Tennis Open in what was an epic battle against world number 16, Tommy Robredo. This win ensured Murray qualified to play in the prestigious Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in the O2 arena in London. The top 54


eight ranked players in the world qualify for the finals which mark the end of the tennis season and took place during the week beginning 10th November. Rafael Nadal had to withdraw because of illness. Despite all the resolve Murray had shown playing for six consecutive weeks in Asia and Europe to earn his place in the finals, he lost to Japanese Kei Nishikori in the opening match. In the quarter finals 18,000 people watched Federer demolish him 6-0, 6-1 in less than an hour, ending his season. It is hard to believe he was once ranked alongside Federer in the so called Big Four Wayne Rooney was presented with his 100th England cap by Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley on Saturday 15th November. The presentation was carried out ahead of England’s European Championship qualifier against Slovenia. Sir Bobby said he was so proud that the FA had asked him to make the presentation even though Rooney, with 43 goals, is just six shy of his own all time record. England won three goals to one which keeps them top of their group.

NORTH HOLMWOOD SPORTS CLUB INHOLMS LANE, NORTH HOLMWOOD www.northholmwood.com

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The Christmas Meat Raffle will be drawn on Friday 12 December: tickets 50p per square, on sale at the bar.

55


On Saturday 13th December we have another evening of Jack’s Karaoke, the perfect opportunity to sing some Christmas favourites. We will also be drawing the Christmas Raffle. Top prize £200, last prize £100, with lots of other prizes too. Tickets are on sale at the bar at 50p per square. The Club will be open on Christmas Day from 12noon - 2pm so come along for a pre-lunch festive drink. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Club – Theme is Black & White £8 Adults, £3 children (5-16) Disco with Buffet Supper and Raffle, 8pm onwards. Open to all. January 2015 is membership renewal month – Renew your membership by 31 January 2015. Memberships not renewed by 31 January will incur a £3 administration charge. Cheques made payable to North Holmwood Sports Club. Renewal prices are shown on our website www.northholmwood.com/membership.html To enquire about membership email us at nhscmembership@gmail.com or visit our website www.northholmwood.com/membership.html for details. If you are interested in joining the Stoolball team please contact Shirley Overton at overton4@waitrose.com for more information. New players are always welcome, aged 11 to 111 !! It’s never too early to consider playing cricket next summer and new players are always welcome so please contact Ian Elliott at wellie22@hotmail.co.uk for more information. Don’t forget that the Club is available for hire for private parties. Please phone 01306 889764 or download a booking form from our website:http://www.northholmwood.com/hire.html If you are not a member then we will ask you to join our Club to enjoy our facilities. This still works out more cost effective than local venues. 56


South Street Pharmacy 130 South Street Dorking RH4 2EU 01306 884987 southstpharmacy@outlook.com FREE OF CHARGE:

• Collection and delivery service to all local surgeries including: North Holmwood − South Holmwood New House − Medwyn − River Bank • Prescription requests accepted in person, via telephone or email • Text message service to mobile phones when prescriptions ready • Expert advice

“Personal service we are proud of”


• Draw a circle on the paper and cut it out. Mark the centre of the circle (lightly fold it into quarters to find the centre). • Copy the face and features on to the circle and colour them in. • Mark the dotted lines and cut around them and around the halo and hair as marked. • Fold the angel into a cone by putting one wing over the other and slotting them together. A little piece of sellotape will hold it firmly.

ANGELS We hear a lot about angels at Christmas. A lot of the carols we sing have angels in them – like ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night’. Angels are God’s messengers and you can read about the good news they brought to the shepherds in Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, verses 8-20. MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS ANGEL You can make a whole host of angels, one for the top of the tree and a row of them, all different sizes, to go on a windowsill. To alter the size simply draw a bigger or smaller circle, you could use a dinner plate or a small tin to draw round. You could even make a giant angel using a dustbin lid! You will need: Scissors, thick white paper or thin white card, some felt tip pens and something circular to draw round (use a small plate or saucer to start with).

How do angels greet each other? They say, Halo. What do fish sing at Christmas? Shark, the herald angels sing.

58


59


Brockwood Medical Practice

1 Bentsbrook Close, North Holmwood, Dorking. Tel: 01306 885802 www.brockwoodmedicalpractice.nhs.uk

The Partners, Jonathan Richards, Justin Thompson, Lucy Rawson, Tamsin Sevenoaks, Robin Gupta; Drs Elizabeth Craggs, Natalie Moore, Katie Carter, Sarah Wells, Kate Heppenstall, Justyna Nowakand all the staff are always pleased to welcome new and existing residents to our Practice. Following the merger of the 3 surgeries at North Holmwood, Brockham & Newdigate, we would like to thank all our patients for their understanding over this difficult transition. We now have a number of new GPs and can now offer appointments across all 3 sites.

We offer: Personal Medical Services, Dispensary services for all eligible patients, District Nursing, Health Visitors, General Nursing Clinics with our Practice Nurses, Minor Surgery Clinics, Midwife Clinics, Travel Vaccination Clinics, Baby Clinic, Asthma and COPD clinics, Counselling sessions, INR testing with our HCA, Smoking Cessation sessions, and much more.

Blood Pressure Monitoring We have recently installed a blood pressure monitoring machine in our waiting room. You can now take your own blood pressure.

Arrival/Check In Also installed in our waiting room is a touch screen so you can check in electronically. Please use this if you are able or ask one of our receptionists if you need some help.

REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS

FLU CLINICS

Please telephone the dispensary on 01306 878509 Monday to Friday between the hours of 11.00am and 14.00pm to order your repeat prescriptions. You can also order your repeat prescriptions on our website. Our Dispensers currently need 72 hours to dispense repeat medication instead of the normal 48 hour turnaround. Please ring reception 01306 885802 for any other queries.

Don’t forget to book your appointment You are entitled for a flu vaccine if you are aged 65 or over, have a chronic illness or are at risk. Children aged 2, 3 and 4 on the 1st September who are not in an 'at risk' category are also eligible.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.