The
Spire North Holmwood’s Parish Magazine www.stjnh.org.uk
St John the Evangelist Church, North Holmwood Vicar ........................................ The Revd Stuart Tanswell vicar@stjohns-northholmwood.info 01306 882135 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 PCC Treasurer Lynn Jennings ................. ................................................................ 01306 882614 Baptisms Jill Spence ...................... ................................................................ 01306 876901 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 Caroline Lazenby ........... caroline.lazenby254@gmail.com ..... 01306 640208 Junior Church and C4yourself Jane Schofield ................ janeschofield@hotmail.co.uk ........... 07771 591457 Organist Magazine Jim Edwards…….the.spire@stjohns-northholmwood.info........ 01306 879902 Readings Gordon Bates ................ ................................................................ 01306 884154 Sacristans Natalie Tanswell and Kirsten Wightwick Servers Steve Harris ...................... ................................................................ 01306 710162 Mothers’ Union Gill Collins......................... ................................................................ 01306 500157
2
St John the Evangelist Church, Inholms Lane, North Holmwood, DORKING, RH5 4JH Sunday services: 8am Holy Communion 10am First Sunday each month: Family Service 10am Other Sundays: Parish Eucharist Monday 10.30am Morning Prayer Tuesday 4.30pm Evening Prayer Friday 8.30am Eucharist: vicar available until 10.30am The Church is normally open daily for private prayer from 9.00am. 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 Community Building bookings 01306 868441 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 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 Scouting enquiries .................. 07769 222218 Bridge Club ............................. 01306 882849 Chart Downs Social Club ...... 01306 500310 Drama Group ......................... 01306 887416 Surrey Hills Dance Centre ...... 01306 883808 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 Community Building bookings01306 868441 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
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 April 2017. Material should be with the editor by 19th March 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 (or text) 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, 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, Since some time last year I have followed on Facebook the socalled “Southend News Network”. It is a website created specifically to give joke news about the area. One classic example was when it was announced that a way to avoid the Dartford Crossing charges had been found – reversing the route, complete with alleged police reports of the delays caused by so many vehicles reversing. Another was “news” that the M25 was to be closed for an endurance marathon. To me, at least, these stories are clearly fake, clearly intended as a joke, and there is no intention to deceive anyone. A bit like April Fools’ Day throughout the year! More recently, however, the “fake news” issue has changed. Fake, or exaggerated, news is created and circulated by either politicians or parts of the media to boost their own agenda (or increase their profits through increased sales). This sort of “fake news” differs from Southend News Network (and the Suffolk Gazette, and the…) because there is an intention to deceive, a desire to be believed. Another name for such fake news is, simply, “lies” (although “alternative facts” seems popular at the moment). Whether it is the promise of increased NHS funding on the side of a bus, or a nonexistent “massacre” used as justification for banning immigrants, lies like this are increasingly common. They are not told as a joke, they are told to deceive. It’s bad enough when people get fooled by those lies; but it is even worse when people make decisions based on those lies, because the lies will inevitably lead to bad decisions – with the liars being the only ones to benefit. But, aware of the concerns about fake news, the liars then cry “fake news” when presented with the truth – causing further confusion, and making it much harder to discover what is real news, and what is simply a lie. In the Gospels, it is Pontius Pilate, the cruel and cynical Roman politician, who asks Jesus, “What is truth?”, just before making the politically expedient, but wrong, decision to have Jesus executed. 5
Pontius Pilate may have thought that the truth could be distorted, hidden, or killed, but God had other ideas. Jesus said of himself, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” His life conquered death: Jesus rose from the dead, and the truth was revealed – Good News, not fake news. We have a choice: fake news, or the Good News; lies or truth. It’s a choice we need to make all the time: will we continue to buy and read ‘newspapers’, or support politicians, who peddle lies and hate, or will we make strenuous effort to seek the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable? Jesus also said, “The truth will make you free”, so to choose truth is to choose life and freedom. To turn a blind eye to ‘fake news’ is to choose death, and enslavement to those who peddle the lies. So what will you have: fake news, or the Good News? The choice is yours.
Wishing you every blessing,
Stuart
Bible Readings 1st March Joel 2:1-2,12-17
Ash Wednesday (8.00 pm) 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 John 8:1-11
5th March 1st Sunday of Lent Readings to be arranged 12th March Genesis 12:1-4a
2nd Sunday of Lent Romans 4:1-5,13-17
John 3:1-17
19th March Exodus 17:1-7
3rd Sunday of Lent Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Mothering Sunday 26th March Readings to be arranged 6
Ordinands’ Offering Jane Schofield and Caroline Lazenby are training to become ordained ministers in the Church of England. They write: We are currently working on our first year’s portfolio, which is around Ministry and Mission, within the context of our local church and parish. This involves understanding different leadership styles and researching what the role of Ordained Local Minister might mean for us in the future. We are pulling together into one large report all of the statistics we gleaned from past census data, we have reflected theologically on mission projects and now, having interviewed other priests within the OLM category, we are gaining a real insight into the priestly roles we may hold one day. We have attended a residential weekend on preaching and after half term will be continuing with an in-depth introduction to the Bible. We will be looking at the different stances of the writers at the time of writing, translations and interpretations since and realising that our own backgrounds, personalities and perspectives, along with cultural influences all affect the way Bible passages are understood. We are continuing to really enjoy the training but have to admit sometimes the reading and individual study, along with our other commitments, can be quite challenging. This is an incredibly busy time as on top of the study we have to organise and lead worship during Holy Week and take a turn leading evening worship on the course. We are hanging in there though and are really grateful for your support and interest.
Caroline and Jane
7
Churches Together in Dorking
QUAKER DAY OF PRAYER FOR HEALING 11.00am to 4.00pm Saturday 18th March FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE South Street (almost opposite Waitrose) On Saturday 18th March, Dorking Quaker Meeting is taking part in a National Quaker Day of Prayer for Healing. In the Meeting House (in South Street, almost opposite Waitrose) there will be a continuous Meeting for Worship for Healing from 11.00am to 4.00pm, which everyone is very welcome to attend for as long as they wish, at any time during that period. The suggestion is that people come and pray for healing for any or all of the following as they feel led: family and friends, our local community, the human race with all its current conflicts and stress, the environment and all life on our fragile planet. Perhaps, as never before, what the world needs is healing. Everywhere we look we see sadness, sickness, tragedy, starvation, homelessness and conflict - add to that the damage to the environment and it would be impossible to deny that the world indeed needs healing. We are all blessed with the gift of healing ... let’s make it clear we are talking about putting ‘love into action’, and creating a means of increasing the loving acts of kindness in our lives, which can impact on others, either directly or through ‘distant healing’, by asking to be used as channels for God’s healing. For further information please contact: Eleanor Campbell (01306 882627)
8
COMPUTER TROUBLE? LOOK NO FURTHER - CALL US!
01306 740137 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 740137 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
News from Mothers’ Union 6th February was a new beginning as we met in the new and beautiful North Holmwood Community Building. St Martin’s MU had made the sad decision to merge with Holmwood. This made a very encouraging number for our AGM to review the last year and plan 2017. Last year Gillie had excelled herself in masterminding four splendid meals, two specially for fund raising for the MU work in prisons, and as a result we were able to send £200. We thanked her, sadly in her absence, and we also thanked Iris, Eileen, Gill and Joan for hospitality in their homes and garden when we were not able to meet in North Holmwood Parish Room. We had a busy year joining in Cathedral services and the Deanery Day of Reflection. There were two communion services at South Holmwood, by invitation of Barbara, followed by talks and lunch: the first about AWFIA, Away From It All holidays, an MU project and the second by Sue Tanton, entitled Listening in Prison. We also had a talk from East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services. We shall begin the new programme at North Holmwood at 12 noon on Monday, 6th March with communion led by The Revd Stuart Tanswell, when the theme will be Faith in Action. We hope to take a turn doing Teas on the Lawn at North Holmwood in the summer, have a Day of Reflection in August and talks by MU speakers. St Martin’s will continue to have a Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion on the second Wednesday of each month at 11.00am in the Lady Chapel to which we are all invited. It will be another interesting year.
Elizabeth 01306 711994
11
BEGINNERS PLEASE The St John's play-reading group We have changed our meeting time for the next few months. The March and April meetings will take place as usual on the first Monday in the month in the new Community Building but during the AFTERNOON between 1.30pm - 3.30pm, rather than in the evening. We hope that more might be able to join us. Our next play-reading meeting will be on Monday 6th March. Once again we shall meet at 1.30pm. Tea and biscuits will be provided. All are welcome. If you would like further information please email Jackie on jaxrance@gmail.com .
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2017 The 2017 Festival will take place on the 8th, 9th and 10th December, so please put it in your diary now. We'd love more people to visit next time so please let your friends and family know too. As was announced last month this year's knitted tree will be royal blue and white. Here are the instructions once again: Double knit Aran knit Chunky knit
Size 8 or 4 mm needles Size 6 or 5 mm needles Size 4 or 6mm needles
40 stitches 36 stitches 28 stitches
These are the instructions for an 8" square so please check your tension and adjust the number of stitches accordingly. As we say every year - Keeep Knitting..... Jackie on jaxrance@gmail.com 12
CHRIS OLIVER HAIRDRESSING Professional Home Hairdressing a friendly service with 10 years’ experience.
Red Chilli Restaurant offers the authentic Flavours of India Horsham Road (A24) Mid Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4EH Tel: 01306 644816/644817 Fax: 01306 644870
10% off for new customers on first appointment.
Open 7 days a week (including Bank Holidays) Lunch 12 - 2.30pm Evening (Sunday - Thursday) 5.30-11pm Evening (Friday & Saturday) 5.30-11.30pm
Call for an appointment on 07887 811311
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: 07909 608303
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
THE WAY I SEE IT – The Strange Rise of ‘Post-Truth’ The strange phrase ‘Post-truth’ emerged, the media tell us, as ‘the Word’ of 2016. But as Post-truth, put crudely, is the assumption that nothing we read, see or hear is reliably factual, we may presumably take that claim, too, as unproven. Thirty years working in the media convinced me, long ago, that quite a lot of what passes for ‘news’ is in fact either fiction or highly decorated fact. Try looking at the newspaper headlines this morning, and then read the story below them carefully. Very frequently the eye-catching headline (‘Fish and chips postpones dementia’) is only true in the sense that someone has said it. The full story (in a responsible paper) finally sets it in context. It’s based on a small piece of research by a group of students in California and professional medical sources have ridiculed the suggestion. Post-truth takes us further, however. It implies that the ‘truth’ is less important than the impression. This apparently follows from the dominating influence, certainly with people under 50, of the ‘social media’ – Facebook, Twitter and so on. A great deal of what people post there, to be read often by a huge number of people, is simply fabrication. It is read and passed on not because people think it is true, but because it is interesting, amusing or shocking. Somehow it then becomes part of the social climate. ‘Have you seen the post in Twitter about the lady who sent her dog to school instead of her daughter?’ Post-truth is a menace because it devalues the currency of debate, distorts our decision-making and in the end turns us all into sceptics. Whatever happened to the ‘honest truth’?
Canon David Winter former Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC written for the Parish Pump 15
The man who brought us Thomas the Tank Engine A reluctant author who created characters loved by millions of children died 20 years ago this month, on 21st March 1997, aged 85. The Revd Wilbert V. Awdry is best known as the writer of Thomas the Tank Engine and 25 other railway books, which at the time of his death had sold an estimated 50 million copies. They have also given birth to toys, games, videos and a television film series. He invented the stories initially to tell his son Christopher, when he was ill with measles, and had to be persuaded by his wife, Margaret, to get them published. Mr Awdry, who was made an OBE shortly before his death, was a clergyman who ministered in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Birmingham and Cambridgeshire. He was also a pacifist who once lost his curacy as a result. He was always interested in railways, having been fascinated, as a child in Wiltshire, by listening to steam trains ascending the grade into the nearby Box Tunnel. The Fat Controller in the stories is sometimes thought to be a Godlike figure but he was intended as a satire on bureaucracy. For Mr Awdry, the morality of the stories was clearly Christian, and analogies between the Christian faith and the ways of the railway were obvious: the engines are meant to stay on the right track, and they pay the price if they go off the rails. But they are always forgiven, and never scrapped. Asked how he hoped to be remembered, he said he would like his epitaph to say that “he helped people see God in the ordinary things of life, and he made children laugh�.
Tim Lenton, community reporter for the Parish Pump
16
PAUL’S PLUMBING 01306 500219
07751 538694
- NO JOB TOO SMALL 24 HOUR CALL OUT RELIABLE LOCAL PLUMBER ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN • • • • • •
Complete bathroom installation Hot and cold water systems Radiators Dripping taps Guttering General plumbing
COMPLETE IT SUPPORT Computer Problem? Solved! Call us today Professional, Cost Effective Computer Support for Businesses and Home users. Sales, Support, Installations, Virus Problems, PC and Network Setup, Virtual Servers and Cloud Computing. We Offer a one stop shop for all your Computer needs.
FREE LOCAL CALLOUT T: 01306 880346 Support@complete-itsupport.co.uk www.complete-itsupport.co.uk
DORKING BOWLING CLUB OPEN DAY Saturday 29th April 10.30 to 12.30 & 2pm to 4pm Contact Peter 01306 640553 Or Lynne 01306 883689
A kitchen company that offers you a complete service at a great price.
We are situated in Drill Hall Road. If on Vincent Lane go straight ahead at the lights into Drill Hall Road. Postcode RH4 1DD
We offer a free design and quotation service.
Look on our website www.dorkingbowlingclub.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you to our green and clubhouse
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
Daphne Smith BA Hyp Hypnotherapist & Holistic Therapist Tel: 07979 571069 Email: daphne@holisticharmony.org
Hypnotic Gastric Band 01306 712850 07767 478638
Hypnotherapy - Reiki
Laurence Crow
Indian Head Massage
Woodland Management Consultant
Hopi Ear Candling
laurencefcrow@btinternet.com
Relaxation
supporting the restoration of local woodland
www.holisticharmony.org
LENT AND TRUE SELF-DENIAL The whole of the month of March this year is Lent – bad news for smokers desperately waiting for Easter so that they can get at the fags again; but for those who take self-discipline seriously, it’s a reminder that Christianity isn’t a short-term option. Among the harder sayings of Jesus was this one: ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’. The phrase ‘deny themselves’ is the challenge of Lent and the origin of the idea that for those six weeks we ‘give up’ something. Once upon a time it was meat; nowadays it’s more often something that we know is damaging to our health or well-being. Neither option really meets the demands of ‘self-denial’. Jesus was certainly not thinking of dieting or giving up luxuries. For one thing He and His followers were known to enjoy their food and drink (and were criticised for it!). They knew about fasting as a religious discipline, because at specified times it was part of their Jewish faith – a discipline, but not ‘self-denial’. For Jesus, self-denial is a total mental attitude. It’s not self-loathing or seeing ourselves as valueless. We are made in God’s image and of infinite value to Him. Jesus demonstrated true self-denial in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He simply prayed ‘Not my will, but yours, be done’. ‘Me first’, ‘looking after Number One’, is selfindulgence. Self-denial is its precise opposite. Oddly enough, putting God’s will before our own seems to make for happiness, not misery – even in Lent.
Canon David Winter written for the Parish Pump St John’s Church members are very grateful to Tony Pernet for the wonderful repair that he has made to the altar rail.
19
The Harvest Community Church Stubs Hill, Goodwyns Estate, Dorking, RH4 2QD www.harvestchurchdorking.org.uk Contact: Rev Nelson Porter 01306 500116 / 07941 176412 nelson_porter372002@yahoo.co.uk
SERVICES, ACTIVITIES, GROUPS, ETC Sunday service 10.30am – very relaxed and informal with contemporary worship / Bible teaching and sharing / followed by drinks & nibbles. Monthly children’s & family services (3rd Sunday of the month) – even more informal!! Sunday 6.30-7.30pm Prayer @ the church – not every week though; call for details… Wednesdays 10.00am Little Ones Parent & Toddler group (free!) Wednesdays 7.30-9.00pm Bible study group @ the church – all welcome! (other groups too) Community use In addition to the church activities, the hall is also used by other local groups and organisations and also for children’s parties and other events. If you are interested in hiring the facilities, please contact Nelson.
Little Ones The Harvest Community Church
Wednesdays 10.00am – 12 noon Free Group for babies and toddlers with parents/carers All welcome
20
Lent Groups 2017 Now that we have the new Community Building at St John’s Church we are starting to make good use of it for our Lent Groups. This year there will be the following groups meeting there: Thursday evenings at 7.30pm (coffee from 7.15pm) starting on 2nd March and running for 6 weeks. Friday mornings at 10.30am (coffee from 10am) starting on 3rd March and also running for 6 weeks. The topic for these 6 weeks is getting to know better the people who met Christ at the cross, so the Centurion, the Criminal, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary, Thaddaeus and Martha will all be introduced to us. Everyone is very welcome. The sessions will be relaxed but informative. Come and join us and if you just like to listen that is fine too. Any queries for the Thursday evening sessions please get in touch with Caroline at caroline.lazenby254@gmail.com and for the Friday morning sessions, contact Jane Schofield at janeschofield@hotmail.co.uk .
Mid-week services at St John’s Mondays: Morning Prayer at 10.30am Tuesdays: Evening Prayer at 4.30pm Fridays: Eucharist 8.30am, followed by breakfast. After this service Stuart will usually remain in the church until 10.30am for anyone who wants an informal chat with the vicar.
Funerals 10th February
Gordon Charles Street
21
FRIDAY LENTEN LUNCHES On Fridays during Lent you are invited to share a frugal meal of soup, bread and cheese, and give what you might have spent – more if you wish! – towards the work of Christian Aid. 10th March at St Joseph’s Church, Falkland Grove 12.00–1.30 17th March at St Paul’s Church 12.00–1.30 24th March at the Christian Centre (St Martin’s) 12.15–1.30 31st March at St John’s Church, North Holmwood 12.00–1.30 7th April at the Friends’ Meeting House, Butter Hill 12.00–1.30 Sponsored by Churches Together in Dorking Christian Aid UK registered charity number 1105851 Company number 5171525 www.christianaid.org.uk
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, NORTH HOLMWOOD
INVITES YOU TO COME TO LUNCH 12.00 – 1.30 FRIDAY 31st MARCH LENT LUNCHES WILL BE SERVED FEATURING HOME MADE SOUP PLEASE COME AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS EXPECT A WARM WELCOME IN OUR NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING ALL PROCEEDS TO CHRISTIAN AID 22
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
Brockham Choral Society Concert St Martin's Church, Dorking at 7.30pm on Saturday 18th March Brockham Choral Society will be holding a Concert featuring Opera Choruses and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria at St Martin’s Church, Dorking on Saturday 18th March at 7.30pm. The choir will be accompanied by soloists and orchestra, conducted by our musical director, Patrick Barrett. Tickets £15 (£12 in advance) £5 for under 25s in full time education. Tickets available from Pauline Whitehead 01306 881821: Maria Chadwick c/o Michael Frith, 40 South St, Dorking 01306 882728: online www.brockhamchoral.org/tickets .
A Celebration of Weddings in Words and Music 7.30pm on Saturday 22nd April St Michael's Church, Betchworth, Surrey The concert will consist of familiar music played at weddings together with some poems and readings suitable for weddings. There will also be some choir items. So if you are planning a wedding or would like to hear again the music that might have been played at your wedding and to hear some old, some new and some humorous readings, then this is the evening for you. Tickets £12.00 to include a glass of wine Full details call: 01737 832806
25
MUSIC IN DORKING - MARCH 2017 by Ian Codd 4th at 12.00, lunchtime recital at St Martin’s, free, 01306 884229 5th at 3.00pm, Piatti string quartet at Dorking Halls, £20, 01306 740619 7th 14th 21st 28th at 8.30, Watermill Jazz at Betchworth Park golf club, 07415 815784 12th at 7.00pm, Bach St Matthew Passion at Dorking Halls, £9-17, 01403 240093 18th at 9.00am, LHMF Youth choirs competition at Dorking Halls 18th at 7.30pm, Brockham Choral Society at St Martin’s, £15, 01306 881821 19th at 3.00pm, ballet screening at Dorking Halls, £17.50, 01306 881717 25th at 7.30pm, Kammerphilharmonie Europa at Dorking Halls, £12-25, 01306 740619 30th at 7.15pm, opera screening at Dorking Halls, £17.50, 01306 881717 The Leith Hill Musical Festival has its first concert this month under its new conductor, Jonathan Willcocks - a performance of Bach’s great choral masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion. Then comes the youth choirs’ day, in which some thirty school choirs and other young singers perform and compete - a veritable feast of young talent. The main festival competitions and concerts will follow in April. Further choral music is provided by Brockham Choral Society. Under their musical director Patrick Barrett, and supported by soloists and orchestra, the choir will perform Puccini’s Messa di Gloria along with some well-known opera choruses. If bought in advance, the tickets are only £12. The Dorking Concertgoers present the second concert by the Piatti string quartet. Their series of three concerts is featuring all the quartets of Brahms, and in this concert it is the turn of quartet no 2, a light and graceful work. Also on the programme are a short piece by Webern, Britten’s Three Divertimenti and an early Haydn quartet. 26
The final concert of the series will follow in April. The Concertgoers also have a concert by the Kammerphilharmonie Europa, a chamber orchestra of talented young musicians from across Europe. Their programme has several concert favourites - including Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Holst’s St Paul’s Suite - and it will also feature a performance of Hummel’s brilliant and virtuosic trumpet concerto. This month’s lunchtime concert at St Martin’s Church will be given by soprano, Alison Bishop, plus pianist. Watermill Jazz meets every Tuesday evening with a different line-up of performers each week details will be on the website. Finally there are two screenings at the Dorking Halls. Live from the Bolshoi in Moscow comes a programme of contemporary ballet and from the Royal Opera House in London comes a live relay of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, a tragic story of love and self-sacrifice in an exotic Japanese setting.
KnitOne PurlOne SaveOne Knitting Group First Tuesday of every month 2.00pm – 4.00pm St John’s knitting group meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Community Building adjacent to the church. 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. We knit for the Romanian Aid Foundation, The Premature Baby Unit at East Surrey Hospital, SANDS, The Midwives of Ethiopia, The Princess Alice Hospice and our local Nursing Homes. Margaret 01306 252004 Margaret_teale@sky.com Margaret Teale
27
“In Harmony” : More than just another choral group If I were to be ask what “In Harmony” actually is, I would perhaps describe it in a nutshell as a local “Ladies Only” Community Choir based in Beare Green… Unfortunately this misses the point on so many levels, as the group means so much more to the members than just another choral group. It is much better described as a local group of friends who just happen to meet, to sing together…… and sing together is what they do well, making a really great sound. The group actually started some years back as a handful of likeminded ladies who met in one of their homes with no more than a piano and a couple of sheets of their favourite music. The idea was to meet mainly as a social group sharing a love of music and a desire to sing. As the group gained popularity it needed to look for a new home and eventually settled on Beare Green Village Hall. We have a good, classically trained pianist who is seldom fazed by whatever we ask him to do and we sing a very wide range of music including pop, showtime, jazz, classical, gospel, etc, etc. As noted above we are a ladies only choir so not only do we have a very strong support network but we also like a natter at half time. The emphasis is as much as a social group as it is a choir. Technically we sing top and middle soprano, together with alto. We do not require anyone to audition nor do you need to be able to read music to sing – just come and sing with us – everyone has the capacity to make music and you never know your own capabilities unless you try. We are a self-funding group (not for profit) and we rehearse every Thursday evening during term time from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. We would like to issue a standing invitation to anyone who would like to hear us sing, to come and join us for coffee during our break period (which happens at about 8.15pm). We have free coffee/tea and biscuits so why not come and see us, have a chat and a drink, with no obligation, then listen to us sing a couple of numbers… You never know it may be something you always wanted to do but were always afraid to ask. For more information please contact Linda and David Popple, 01306 883087. 28
ST JOHN’S WALSINGHAM GROUP WEEKENDER 23rd to 25th JUNE We invite you to a relaxing weekend in North Norfolk at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. A residential weekend stay at the Shrine, spending time as you wish, join in the worship of the services available, and join the group for a time of reflection and retreat. There is plenty of time to gather socially and relax in the beautiful gardens nearby and local countryside. Accommodation and meals are included and transport can be arranged. We have reserved accommodation so please let me know if you would like to join us. Walsingham Group Members will be happy to provide you with more information, or if you wish visit the official Walsingham website: www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk Steve Harris Tel no. 01306 710162 Email : steveharris958@btinternet.com
Loud and Proud Community Choir Dorking Loud and Proud Community Choir welcomes new members of all ages and abilities to join the choir on Wednesday evenings, during term time, at St John's C of E Community Primary School, Goodwyns Road, from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. The choir is fun, friendly and sociable and is a great way of meeting new people. For more information go to: www.dorkingloudandproudcommunitychoir.org.uk or call 07552 555942
29
St John’s March dates Mon
6 10.30am Morning Prayer 12 noon Mothers’ Union 1.30pm Beginners Please
1 Ash Wednesday 8pm Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
8
2
9
3 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am
10 8.30am Eucharist – Vicar available until 10.30am
4
11
5 1st in Lent 8am BCP Holy Communion 10am Family Service
12 2nd in Lent 8am BCP Holy Communion 10am Parish Eucharist
Sun
Sat
Fri
Thu
Wed
Tue
7 10am Coffee morning at Café Rouge 2pm Knit One, Purl One, Save One 4.30pm Evening Prayer
30
This is a provisional listing of What’s On. For extra information please check the weekly notice sheet in the church. 13 10.30am Morning 20 10.30am Morning 27 10.30am Morning Prayer Prayer Prayer
14 4.30pm Evening Prayer 7pm PCC meeting
21 4.30pm Evening Prayer
28 4.30pm Evening Prayer
15
22
29
16
23
30
17 8.30am EucharistVicar available until 10.30am
24 8.30am Eucharist
31 8.30am Eucharist
18
25
19 3rd in Lent 8am BCP HC 10am Parish Eucharist 11.30am APCM 6pm Healing service
26 Mothering Sunday 8am BCP HC 10am Parish Eucharist
31
COMMUNITY BUILDING The Community Building is now in use. We are beginning to get different groups meeting there: residents associations, children’s birthday parties, baptism parties, walkers and other groups. We are open Monday to Friday (but with some breaks during school holidays) from 10.00am to midday for anyone to drop in for tea or coffee or just to look around. We are very pleased that we have volunteers to run this, who are also looking after the building, but if you would like to join them please get in touch. Jim Edwards
Booking enquiries for the new Community Building should be e-mailed to bookings@stjnh.org.uk or leave a message on 01306 868441
COMMUNITY BUILDING at St JOHN’S CHURCH TEA AND COFFEE or just drop in for a chat MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10.00am to 12.00 noon (except during some school holiday periods) 32
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
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
DORKING MUSEUM IN MARCH Our current exhibition: Since Dorking Museum’s spring exhibition opened, visitors have been intrigued by its portrayal of everyday life in a small medieval village in the 13th-15th centuries. ‘Medieval Betchworth’, mounted in association with the Betchworth Village Archives team, tells of the manor, the mill, the church and the villagers working on the land. Not just the sleepy rural life though, as more dramatic national and international events also impacted on the villagers. Half fell victim to the Black Death, which swept Europe in the 14th century and contributed to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. At least three English kings passed through or stayed in the village, as well as the French Crown Prince Louis, whilst Thomas Morsted of Betchworth served as Henry V’s chief surgeon at the Battle of Agincourt. There is much drama and surprise in this neglected period of history. In April, Betchworth Archivist, Jane Le Cluse, will be giving one of our popular evening Gallery Talks, when she speaks on ‘A Sense of Place: Medieval Betchworth’: watch out for details next month. English Tourism Week (25th March-2nd April), organised by Visit England, is a clear sign that the better weather is coming. It showcases places to revisit or new places to find and enjoy. We hope that you might take this opportunity to visit the Museum. But we also have Open Days for three of our increasingly popular outside attractions and encourage early booking. Individual bookings are being taken for Guided Walks around historic Dorking (Saturday 1st April, 11.00am), Tours of Dorking’s South Street Caves (Saturday 1st April, 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm) and Guided Walks on the Deepdene Trail, including entry 35
to the 19th century Hope family mausoleum (Sunday 2nd April, 2.00pm). Walks take 90 minutes and cave tours 45 minutes. See the website for details and bookings (Dorking walks £3, Deepdene Trail £4, Cave tours £6 per person). Groups can also book Dorking or Deepdene Trail walks, Cave tours or group Museum visits by appointment on a date to suit you. Details, prices and bookings through the Museum website. From strength to strength! Visitors to the Museum were up by nearly a third in 2016 – to well over 4,000. But that is not all – more than 1,000 toured the caves, over 400 joined our guided walks, over 100 came to our new programme of Gallery Talks, our education team reached out to over 550 children and our care homes team to more than 150 care home residents. Not just a collection of historical artefacts and documents, Dorking Museum is playing an increasingly important role in the life of Dorking and the villages. But we do rely on our enthusiastic team of volunteers to be able to maintain and build on these activities. Maybe you have a few hours to help out and would like to get involved. We have opportunities for visitor assistants to welcome visitors to the Museum and volunteers for our team visiting care homes with reminiscence boxes that stimulate residents’ memories. Or there are many other varied roles that may interest you, whether in the Museum, out in the community or working from home. Look at the Volunteer Opportunities page of our website or e-mail, write or phone to find out more. The Museum is at 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk. Enquiries to admin@dorkingmuseum.org.uk or phone 01306 876591.
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. 36
All aspects of Interior & Exterior Property Refurbishment info@artisancompany.co.uk
Find us at
01306 640366 | 07956 845835
ROYAL OAK CHART LANE SOUTH STONEBRIDGE • • • •
Lunch served daily 12-2.30pm Evening Meals (Wed-Sat) 6-9.30pm SUNDAY Lunch 12noon-5pm Open all Day
NORTH HOLMWOOD RH5 4DJ 01306 885420
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 887633 E-mail: martinspeek@gmail.com 1 Shellwood Drive, North Holmwood, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 4TA
HOLMWOOD WI It was an early start for members of Holmwood WI as February was our Fish and Chip lunch. The hall was looking very inviting as everyone including our guest Mark Davison, community editor of the Dorking Advertiser, gathered to enjoy our meal delivered by Superdish in Dorking High Street. “As usual the fish and chips were lovely, hot and tasty. All our members tucked in with bread and butter supplied by our tea hostesses, Violet, Lorna and Shirley,” said secretary, Maureen Lewington. During a short business meeting, president Gill Mansell reminded us that our Spring Fair and Coffee Morning takes place on Saturday 25th March from 10.00am to noon in the village hall, Warwick Road, South Holmwood. Everyone is very welcome; there’ll be all the usual stalls and games, tombola, raffle, Easter crafts, cakes, produce and refreshments. “We look forward to seeing lots of our friends from the Holmwoods,” continued Gill. Then we sat down to enjoy a lively Beetle Drive courtesy of Vic Mansell who provided the equipment and ran through the rules. The village hall was full of laughter as we tried, usually unsuccessfully, to complete twelve beetles. Pat Christmas was our winner, closely followed by Pam Mayne and Gill Mansell. “What an entertaining hour we spent, trying our best but usually just happy to see friends enjoying themselves as much as ourselves,” said Maureen Lewington. The meeting ended with a refreshing cup of tea and biscuits, as we looked forward to next month when we will be learning the art of Belly Dancing! If you would like to join us please contact our secretary Maureen Lewington on 01306 882057 or email maureen.lewington@btinternet.com, we’d love to hear from you.
39
CROSSWORD Across 1 These letters come between Romans and Galatians (11) 9 ‘You will not — me to the grave’ (Psalm 16:10) (7) 10 King of Moab to whom the Israelites were subject for 18 years (Judges 3:14) (5) 11 Town possessing mineral spring (3) 13 Mede (anag.) (4) 16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4) 17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6) 18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) (4) 20 Controversial religious book of the 1970s, The — of God Incarnate (4) 21 ‘He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you — — and hear’ (Acts 2:33) (3,3) 22 ‘You — me together in my mother’s womb’ (Psalm 139:13) (4) 23 Edit (anag.) (4) 25 ‘Who has believed our message and to whom has the — of the Lord been revealed?’ (Isaiah 53:1) (3) 28 Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5)
29 ‘When Mordecai learned of — that had been — , he tore his clothes’ (Esther 4:1) (3,4) 30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4-7) Down 2 ‘That was why his parents said, “He is — —; ask him”’ (John 9:23) (2,3) 3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4 ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his — of thousands’ (1 Samuel 18:7) (4) 5 Concept (John 8:14) (4) 6 ‘Do we, then, — the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law’ (Romans 3:31) (7) 40
7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11) 8 ‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be — in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:18) (11) 12 ‘Out of the same mouth come — and cursing’ (James 3:10) (6) 14 This was how many of the Jewish leaders described Jesus (John 10:20) (3) 15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6) 19 He urged David to kill Saul at Hakilah (1 Samuel 26:8) (7)
20 ‘So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul — with the church and taught great numbers of people’ (Acts 11:26) (3) 24 ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord — — ’ (Deuteronomy 6:4) (2,3) 25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4) 26 ‘In the image of God he created him; — and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27) (4) 27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (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.
North Holmwood Pre-School A little late, but thank you for supporting the raffle at the end of last term. The raffle raised £123 for the Pre-school to put towards the end of term Christmas party, entertainer and presents from Father Christmas. Many thanks to the local businesses and parents who donated the prizes. This term we welcome twelve new children. We will be settling 41
these new children into the setting. Our theme is “shapes and sizes” which will give rise to measuring, naming 2D and 3D shapes and many other adult led activities. We will be organising many activities around stories such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs and The Gingerbread Man. During the term, we will mark Burn’s Night (tasting haggis and oat cakes), Chinese New Year (tasting noodles and prawn crackers), St David’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Mothering Sunday and Easter. When the weather has allowed, the children have been out playing with the bikes and trikes, balls and other outdoor equipment. We provide a lunch club every day for children whose parents need a little extra time before picking them up, for a small charge. We also provide a sports activity, Kids @ Sports, run by Rupert Thorne on Tuesdays, where the children take part in a variety of sports and games, which they absolutely love. We are collecting the Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers which allow us to obtain free sports equipment for the setting. If you are interested in our Pre-school, please feel free to call in and see us at the Village Hall. Children can join us from the start of the term after they are two years old. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm. If you would like an information pack or would like to arrange a visit, please contact the Pre-school leader, Julia Woollard, on 07931 212006. North Holmwood Pre-school, Village Hall, Spook Holmwood, Surrey, RH5 4EG Registered Charity Number: 1023910
42
Hill, North
AN ARMCHAIR DUFFER’S VIEW OF SPORT January/ February French sailor, Armel Le Cle’ach, won the Vendee Globe Yacht race after sailing 24,500 miles single handed. British sailor, Alex Thompson, claimed second place. The race started from Les Sablesd’Olonne in France on 8th November and circled the world. In a valiant effort to overtake the leader in the final stages Alex Thompson set a new record for sailing the greatest distance in a day. How do they do it? Sam Sunderland became the first British rider to finish the 12 day, 5482 mile motor bike classification of the Dakar Rally. He secured victory after safely navigating the final, special stage, a 40 mile race into the Argentine town of Rio Cuarto. On Thursday 19th January, Novak Djokovic was defeated by world number 117 Denis Istomin in the second round of the Australian Tennis Open. Explanations for this perplexing decline of the former number one player of the world include lack of motivation, personal problems or lack of training. British tennis player, Dan Evans, progressed well, beating M. Cilic in round two and world number 27 Bernard Tomic in round three. In his first Grand Slam Tournament since being knighted and achieving the world number one spot, Andy Murray was beaten in the fourth round by Mischa Zverev, as big a shock as the defeat of Djokovic. Dan Evans lost to French player J-W Tsonga. A fired up 35-year-old Roger Federer won the final defeating Rafael Nadal after a thrilling five sets. It was his eighteenth Grand Slam win and he said it was perhaps his greatest achievement. In the women’s Australian Open final Serena Williams beat her sister Venus to win her 23rd Grand Slam title, overtaking Steffi Graf’s record. It seems that the only hope her opponents have for the future is that her age is now 35 years The golden boy of Paralympic sport, David Weir, has retired 43
following a fallout with British Athletics. Weir’s complaint that in Rio a female coach had hurled his custom built racing chair across a room in anger had not been upheld. However, he will remain a wheelchair racing legend because of the number of gold medals he won at London 2012. The FA Cup matches always manage to produce some surprises every year. This year there have been two shock results so far. In the last round, non-league Sutton United beat Coventry and Lincoln beat Championship side Ipswich by a goal in stoppage time. The Six Nations Rugby Football tournament started over the weekend 4th / 5th February. Though it was an awful performance by England they managed to beat a revitalised French team 19 points to 16. With the dominance they had in so many aspects of the game the French should have won. Scotland had a shock win over Ireland and Wales beat Italy 33 points to 7. Great Britain won their tennis Davis Cup tie against Canada in an unusual way when in the deciding game Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, playing Kyle Edmunds, was defaulted for striking a ball in disgust which hit the umpire in the face. Alistair Cook resigned as captain of the England cricket team on Monday 6th February. Perhaps his greatest achievement was the way he led the England side from the low of the 5-0 defeat in Australia three years ago to regaining the Ashes 18 months later. Team director, Andrew Strauss, said Cook has been drained by the job, and Cook himself admits he no longer has the drive and energy to take the team forward in the future.
North Holmwood Book Group Would you like to join our local friendly group? (We discuss all sorts of books chosen by the members.) If so, we meet at 6.00pm every 4-6 weeks on Tuesdays at The Royal Oak, Chart Lane South For more details contact Penny 885876/Gill 500157 44
ARTHRITIS CARE 18 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD Tel: 020 7380 6500
For more information, please contact the above address or look for the leaflet on the church notice board.
Having a baby is an incredibly rewarding experience but sometimes it can be lonely and scary. One way of gaining confidence in getting to know your baby and in responding to your baby’s needs is through gentle relaxing baby massage. Lesley Crunden has worked with babies and their parents for over 10 years whilst working in a Health Visiting team and in Children Centres’ in Dorking. Lesley qualified as a practitioner to teach baby massage in 2008. Lesley’s 4 week courses cost £20 and £5 vouchers can be purchased as a gift. You can contact Lesley at Lesley@babymassage.uk, or on Facebook @babymassagesurrey or on 07833 640111 or via her website at www.baby-massage.uk
SOFT INTERIORS BY JOSEPHINE Peter Smith Electrical Ltd High quality Curtains and soft furnishings Hand finished and made to your specification Helpful advice on design And colour matching if required Please telephone 01306 644802 or 07767 771777 or email softinteriors@fsmail.net For a free estimate
Company No. 08455608 Qualified Electrician and Handyman. Friendly Reliable Service. Fully Insured and Part P Approved. 6 Clockhouse Cottages, Horsham Rd, CAPEL, Surrey, RH5 5JJ Tel 01306 710588 / 07885 444395 Email pngsmith@btopenworld.com
ST JOHN'S COFFEE MORNINGS
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
The next coffee mornings will be on Tuesdays: 7th March 4th April Café Rouge from 10.00am – all are welcome.
LOCAL PAINTING AND DECORATING COMPANY House Painting
Windows
Doors
Ceilings
Walls
Frames
SURREY TRADING STANDARDS APPROVED FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS FULL LIABILITY INSURANCE
07876 130 016 jhnsmthrs@aol.com jspaintingandbuildingservices.co.uk
Paper Hanging
DIGGING OUT THE TREASURES OF NIMRUD AND NINEVEH The British archaeologist, traveller, author and politician, Sir Austen Henry Layard, was born in Paris 200 years ago, on 5th March 1817. He is perhaps best known for excavating the ancient Mesopotamian cities of Nimrud and Nineveh and especially for discovering the ruins of the library of the great Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal. The library was perhaps the most significant of his discoveries: what survived of it after more than 2500 years revealed what had been a sophisticated recording system. The subjects etched in the 30,000 or so clay tablets covered history and government, religion and magic, geography, science, poetry and even classified government materials. The most famous cuneiform text caused a sensation when its content was first read. This was the 11th tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, which contains a story with remarkable similarities to the biblical description of Noah’s Flood in Genesis. Sir Austen sent back to England – sometimes with great difficulty – the amazing specimens which now form the greater part of the collection of Assyrian antiquities in the British Museum. He believed that the Syriac Christian communities living throughout the Near East were descended from the ancient Assyrians. Sir Austen, who was of Huguenot descent, later served in Parliament. He became a privy councillor in 1868 and was ambassador in Istanbul between 1877 and 1880. He was knighted in 1878 and died in London in 1894.
Tim Lenton written for the Parish Pump
47
HOLMWOOD VILLAGE PRODUCE ASSOCIATION www.holmwoodvpa.co.uk It’s getting nearer. Tantalisingly so in fact. Spring is edging ever closer. The snowdrops and daffodils are starting to appear, although if I was them I would probably stay hidden for a while yet. It has been rather chilly to say the least! But we need the frosts so I can’t complain. The evenings are starting to draw out too. It’s so nice to actually be able to do more outside before someone switches the sun off. A bit of extra time to accumulate some more mud on our boots….. The polytunnel is in for a shock; there is a new batch of plastic on its’ way to re-cover it. It’s supposed to last for up to eight years. Nobody told the old, original cover that. It’s been on for the best part of twenty-five. Oops….. That probably explains why it’s disintegrated somewhat. It finally gave up the ghost a couple of weeks ago and split dutifully down the middle. The only thing it was keeping warm is the rather large pile of empty flower pots, so no harm done. So now, in readiness, we need to clean up round the outside, tidy up inside, dig out the old cover, remove the old hoop tapes, dig the trenches again, apply new tape, stretch the new plastic over, dig it in, make new doors…..whose idea was this exactly? It’s like the new shed. It seemed a great idea at the beginning, exhausting in the middle and worth it in the end. If there’s not a prize-winning tomato or ten in that tunnel by the Summer Show weekend then I’m giving up and growing mushrooms instead. They can’t be that difficult; they seem to pop up in various forms all over the place with no help from me. I did try one of those grow-your-own kits once. Didn’t grow anything. Not even a pinhead. Maybe I need to re-think this idea. One of the nice things about this time of year is those evenings in, with the open fire blazing and a glass of something in your hand. A nice raspberry vodka, or a sloe gin, perhaps. There are some bags of fruit in the freezer that would do nicely. Blackberry vodka is a 48
nice one; I found a bottle at the back of a cupboard the other day and had some that evening. It was a bit potent but very drinkable. So was the blueberry gin. Oh, and the strawberry……apparently, I spent the evening smiling. I wonder why? Now is the time to make some more; it will be ready for the summer and the show, with regular quality control checks, of course. What will you be making? While you enjoy a cosy evening in, why not renew your VPA membership? Kate Fryer, Membership Secretary (01306 741476) would be delighted to hear from you. Or you could renew at the AGM, on Wednesday 15th March. Surrey Wildlife Trust are coming along to talk about bees, a subject very apt for all us gardeners. Our hard working winged friends need as much help as we can give them, so do come along and learn how we can all help save these vital insects. See you there, at South Holmwood Village Hall, 7.30pm. It should be the bees knees. If it’s really cold, you might want to bring a hip flask of sloe gin with you…….or strawberry….or raspberry….
Sarah Jackson
Friends of Holmwood Common and the National Trust March 2017 News from the Common
Spring Meeting & AGM Thursday 9th March, South Holmwood Village Hall There can't be many people in Mole Valley that have not heard or read about the fantastic work undertaken by the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead. Perhaps you have even been to visit? We will never forget the evening when we made a mad dash to their 'hospital' with four young jackdaws that had fallen down our chimney after their nest collapsed! So it is with great anticipation of a nest-full of interesting stories that we will be welcoming Dr Mike Berwick to speak at our Spring Meeting on Thursday 9th March. 49
The evening will start with the Friends' AGM (see box below) but the formal business should not last more than fifteen minutes. Rob Adam, our local NT Ranger, will then update us on plans for the next twelve months and we hope that you will use the opportunity to share your ideas and any concerns about the Common.
Friends of Holmwood Common Annual General Meeting Thursday 9th March, South Holmwood Village Hall Doors open: 7:30pm; Meeting: 7:45 until 10:00 (approx) ... followed by “Rescue; Rehabilitation; Release” ... an illustrated talk by Dr Mike Berwick of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, Leatherhead. Members: no charge. Non-members: £5 ... or join the Friends on arrival. Refreshments; Bar; Raffle
Saturday 1st April – Friends' Working Day Can you spare a few hours for this once-a-year event when Friends' members join with the regular National Trust Volunteers to carry out some of the essential maintenance work that keeps Holmwood Common in good shape for the benefit of the wider community. No special skills are required; all essential tools will be provided; tea and cake is also provided ... you just need to wear strong footwear and old clothing and bring a packed lunch. We normally work from 10:00 until 15:00 ... but even if you can only work until lunchtime then we would still love to have you join us. Please let us know that you are coming or perhaps you would like to know more ... in either case, send an email to FOHC.info@gmail.com or a text message to 07768 318124.
Members ... are you one of the few? We know that most of you will find it hard to believe but, in spite of our repeated requests, there are still a few members that have not yet renewed their membership for 2017. How do YOU think we might persuade them to save us the time and effort that goes into chasing renewals? 50
Fly-Tipping In the first month of the New Year we had an alarming five incidents of fly-tipping on the Common: two loads of building rubble; furniture; garden waste; and a television! Sadly, none of these incidents provided any evidence of the origin of the waste that could be shared with the Council Enforcement Officer. But if and when the perpetrators, or in some cases the client for whom they were working, are identified then they can expect a visit from the authorities and perhaps a hefty penalty.
Ranger Rob's Report I’m pleased to say that the work at Fourwents Pond is progressing well even though at the time of writing, there is only a large, muddy depression where the pond used to be. The fish have all been removed and all the digging work should have been completed by the end of February at which point new vegetation will be planted. The islands will have low fences on them to help protect the plants that we hope to grow. Goat willow or Pussy willow (Salix caprea) is in flower now, displaying its furry catkins and is associated with Spring. Although it’s a bit of a weed, it does have its uses: the catkins provide an early source of pollen and nectar, several species of moths use it as a food plant for their young; and traditionally willows were used to relieve pain, with the painkiller Aspirin being derived from salicin, a compound found in the bark of all Salix species. But, most relevant to the Common, the caterpillars of the Purple Emperor butterfly also lay their bright green eggs on it so that their caterpillars can eat the leaves. We have small numbers of this butterfly but they are hard to spot because they are normally found high in the tree canopy feeding on aphid honeydew. Occasionally, however, they can be seen at ground level feeding on the salts found in dog poo!
Rob Adam, Ranger, Holmwood Common Coming soon … to a Common near you Saturday 1st April – Friends' Working Day See above ... and then contact FOHC.info@gmail.com for further details or to let us know that you will be joining us. If you want to know more about regular volunteering then please call either Rob 51
Adam (NT) or David Lloyd (FOHC & NT Volunteer) ... contact details below.
Saturday 15th April – Easter Egg Trail** … North Holmwood Join us any time between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Hunt for clues around the self-guided trail on Holmwood Common ... and every child that takes part wins an Easter Egg. Approximately one mile of easy walking, starting at St John’s Church, North Holmwood. Children must be accompanied by an adult and sensible footwear, such as welly-boots, is advised. £3 per entry. There will be refreshments at the Church. We are hoping that a number of local organisations will be joining us this year to provide some additional entertainment. More details on the Friends' Facebook page. **Organised by the National Trust and sponsored by Cadbury’s Ltd.
Contact us … and visit us on Facebook 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 . The Friends of Holmwood Common can be contacted via FOHC.info@gmail.com or by calling 07768 318124. Visit our Facebook page to see what your friends and neighbours have posted about their visits to the Common. Suspicious activity on the Common, such as suspected poaching or fly-tipping, should be reported to the Surrey Police by dialling 101 without delay.
Join the Friends today ... Membership of the Friends of Holmwood Common is open to everyone. Please send your annual subscription (through to end2017) – just £7 per household, plus a donation if you are feeling generous, to: Friends of Holmwood Common, c/o Jane Coombes, 3 Marley Rise, Dorking, RH4 3BP. Cheques should be made payable to “Friends of Holmwood Common” and, if you have one, please include your email address in order to receive our monthly e-newsletter. 52
J & T Services Home Tuition 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
Fully qualified teacher 16 years tutoring experience An experienced Examiner Can help with: Science at KS3 Chemistry and Biology at GCSE Chemistry at A levels Contact Sandy on: 07901 955438 Email: hometuitions143@gmail.com http://bit.ly/2dLpLoe
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”
NORTH HOLMWOOD SPORTS CLUB INHOLMS LANE, NORTH HOLMWOOD www.northholmwood.com The North Holmwood Sports and Social Club is open to all ages and new members are always welcome with their families and children of all ages. To enquire about membership email us at nhscmembership@gmail.com . New membership prices are £24 Family; £18 Single; £11 OAP (per person). Membership application forms can be downloaded from our website http://www.northholmwood.com/membership.html . For existing members, a gentle reminder that subscriptions are now due and can be paid by cash, cheque or card. Please write your membership number on the envelope with your payment. Renewal prices are shown on our website: www.northholmwood.com/membership.html As well as regular bingo nights on a Thursday at 7.30pm and a Meat Raffle every Friday (tickets can be bought by members before the night so you do not lose the chance to win) the club hosts a range of other events which can be found in notices at the club; on our website http://www.northholmwood.com, our Facebook page as well as being advertised in The Spire. Join family and friends to watch major League football matches, Grand Prix, golf and many other sporting events or just sit outside and relax (weather permitting!) enjoying the stunning views across the hills. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Whatever sport you follow the Club will be showing all the important football matches and other major sporting events during weekends and evenings. The Stoolball season will be starting again in a couple of months. The fixtures will be available on our website for the next season. If you are interested in playing Stoolball, or wish to find out more please contact Shirley Overton at overton4@waitrose.com for more information. New players are always welcome, aged 11 to 111!! 55
It’s never too early to consider playing cricket in the summer and new players are always welcome so please contact Ian Elliott at wellie2266@gmail.com for more information. More and more people are taking advantage of the Club as their first choice for a venue to hold a party. We cater for christenings, birthdays (except for 18ths as, unfortunately, the risk is too great), engagements, even weddings – whatever the occasion, your club is here to ensure you, your family and friends, have a great time! We also cater for wakes and do everything possible to tailor the event to respect your wishes. Here are a few of the benefits we can offer you: A venue that is local; friendly; family friendly; safe; spacious (inside and out) and informal; with stunning panoramic views in the summer, including a private patio area Professional and attentive support in helping you to organise your event Extremely competitive bar prices Ample, free car parking Low venue hire rates Complete flexibility to suit your personal entertainment and catering requirements Free bar extension until midnight Bookings are definitely on the increase; so, if you are interested in holding a party, please contact our party co-ordinator and General Manager, Mark Bessent m.bessent@sky.com or call into the club to find out more. A booking form can be downloaded from our website http://www.northholmwood.com/hire.html and the club will always do their best to accommodate your needs.
56
SAFELY HOME Can you find your way home through the maze of streets?
MAD MARCH GALES The month of March has a reputation for a wild and blustery start but usually changes to much milder weather before it ends … as the old saying goes ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’. People’s homes are flooded or big trees uprooted in high winds. Even if it doesn’t happen to us we see the pictures of other people’s suffering in the media. There was a time when Jesus’ friends were frightened because a fierce storm blew up while they were fishing. The disciples thought their boat was going to sink and they were very frightened. You can read about it in St Mark’s Gospel, chapter 4, verses 35-39.
What did the north wind say to the east wind? Let’s play draughts
How easy is it for wind gusts to talk to each other? It is a breeze.
I get frightened when the wind blows so hard that the trees bend and the lights flicker but then I remember that Jesus is with us all the time. Just as He was with the disciples in the boat, He is with us when we are afraid. Jesus gives us hope, courage and strength.
What does a cloud wear under her raincoat? Thunderwear!
57
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; Salaried GPs: Drs Elizabeth Craggs, Natalie Moore, Allison Wong, Sarah Wells, Kate Heppenstall, Hilary Sindall, Andrew Brett; GP Registrars, Dr Thiviya Selvarajah, Dr Gabriella Fabrizi and all the staff are always pleased to welcome new and existing residents to our Practice. We offer appointments across our three sites at North Holmwood, Brockham and Newdigate. 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.
OUT OF HOURS SERVICE – NHS 111 Brockwood Medical Practice has a contract with the NHS to provide services Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. We are not open on bank holidays. Patients who require medical advice or treatment when we are closed should ring the national NHS 111 line. That’s 1 1 1 from any mobile phone or landline, calls are free. This service provides advice, information and treatment for NHS patients who become unwell when the practice is closed. The NHS 111 team will assess the patient’s condition over the phone and if clinically appropriate will refer to the local Out of Hours service. The Surrey Out of Hours service is provided by Care UK, Monday to Friday from 6:30pm to 8:00am and 24hours at weekends and during bank holidays.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS We have recently had to review our dispensing arrangements for North Holmwood residents. The dispensary prescription request telephone line is no longer available. Patients can still order repeat prescriptions via our website or drop a request into Reception. Please ring reception on 01306 885802 for any other queries.
Chronic Disease Management We regularly send out letters and texts to remind you when your annual reviews are due (eg for asthma, COPD, diabetes). We are trying to make these reviews coincide with your month of birth to make it easier for you to remember when they are due.