Molesey Matters December 2020 by Village Matters

Molesey Molesey

Matters Matters

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Putting Local Business First

Putting LocalaBusiness First Keeping Community Togethe Putting Local Business Together First Keeping a Community Keeping a Community Together December 2020

December 2020 December 2020 Issue 48 Issue 48 Issue 48

FREE andBusinesses BusinessesininEast Eastand and West Molesey FREEto to9000 9000 Homes Homes and West Molesey FREE to 9000 Homes and Businesses in East and West Molesey

Light Up Elmbridge Festival

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Welcome!

It’s been a weird and stressful year for us all. For many of us 2020 can’t be over quick enough, and at the time of writing we are in the middle of “Lockdown 2” and we can only hope that we will be able to have some sort of family end to the year. So all I can do is wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas. It will be different, but Christmas it will still be. Although we have had no “Winter Wander” or “Magical Molesey” this year, the council together with the RC Sherrff Trust and the Riverhouse Barn are running a virtual festival called “Light Up Elmbridge”. Go to page 12 for details. Do get involved if you can. We all need a bit of cheering up.

December 2020 So take care and look after each other. A fresh new year is just round the corner. A I said, have a happy and safe Christmas. See you in January.

Contents

Published by:

Village Matters Ltd

8 Unique Christmas Traditions A Victorian Christmas The First Christmas Film Why is it called Boxing Day? Robin Redbreast People Need Hope Dominic Raab Friends of Fleetside Molesey Matters Roving Reporter Garden View Recipe of The Month Friendship Fade Light Up Elmbridge Festival Fun in the Time of COVID Index of Advertisers

Molesey Director: Paul Chard Telephone : 07946 494288 Email : paul@villagematters.co.uk Website :www.villagematters.co.uk Cover Photo: Daria Shevtsova

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8 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World Every family has its own holiday traditions. Whether you are celebrating Christmas on December 25 or on January 7, Epiphany, Posadas or any other seasonal holiday, there are special foods, gifts, and customs that accompany them. It doesn't matter if it's winter or summer in your hemisphere, there are traditions from around the world that can be added or modified to enhance your holiday enjoyment. If you have never used an Advent calendar, hit a piñata, or feasted on fish on Christmas Eve, then try out a new tradition and make it your own. 1. Posadas Piñatas The festivities begin in Mexico with the Posada, a series of nine parties from December 16-24. The posada's consist of a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room at the inn. At the party, Christmas carols are sung, and a seven-point starshaped Piñata – made of papier-mâché, decorated and filled with candy and small toys – is broken. All the children get to collect the fillings and they have tons of fun. 2. Gifts from Sinterklaas Children in Holland receive gifts from Sinterklaas on December 5. If the children leave carrots for Sinterklaas's horse in their shoes, they will receive candy and sweets. This is a sweet Christmas preview for the little ones. 3. Réveillon de Noël The Réveillon de Noël is a French tradition. This delicious meal on Christmas Eve can last five hours or more. The menus vary per region but oysters, Smoked Salmon, and Fois Gras are usually on it. The meal consists of several courses and ends with Bûche de Noël, a Christmas Yule log confection so make sure you save room for dessert. 4. Little Candles Day Little Candles’ Day (Día de las Velitas) celebrated on December 7 marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. People place candles and beautiful paper lanterns in their windows, balco-

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nies and front yards in honor of the Virgin Mary and the eve of the immaculate conception. If you are religious or not, candles are beautiful holiday decor. 5. Jolabokaflod Jolabokaflod or Christmas Book flood, is an Icelandic institution. More books are published per capita in Iceland than any other country and most of them are sold around the Christmas season. On Christmas eve people exchange books and then spend the evening reading and eating chocolates; can you think of a better combination? 6. Yule Goat The Yule goat dates back to the 11th century where there are legends of a man-sized goat led by St. Nicholas who had the power to control evil. Today, it is celebrated across Sweden where people hang Christmas ornaments depicting the Yule Goat. In some Swedish cities, giant Yule Goat decorations are made from straw and red ribbons and publicly displayed. Tie one on your tree today! 7. Feast of Seven Fishes This Italian-American Festa dei sette pesci tradition originated in Italy where it is customary to eat fish on the day before a feast day. Today, ItalianAmerican families have made their own tradition and eat a feast of seven fish or seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. Of course, it is not a proper Italian meal without pasta. Mangia! 8. Epiphany Epiphany the feast of the three kings is observed on January 6 for Catholics or January 19 for Orthodox adherents. Traditions vary by country and it is celebrated by special foods and gift gifting. It’s just like a second Christmas, and what can be better?

Source: Various

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A Victorian Christmas For thousands of years people around the world have enjoyed midwinter festivals. With the arrival of Christianity, pagan festivals became mixed with Christmas celebrations. One of the leftovers from these pagan days is the custom of bedecking houses and churches with evergreen plants like mistletoe, holly and ivy. Apparently, as well as their magical connection in protecting us from evil spirits, they also encourage the return of spring. No era in history however, has influenced the way in which we celebrate Christmas, quite as much as the Victorians. Before Victoria‘s reign started in 1837 nobody in Britain had heard of Santa Claus or Christmas Crackers. No Christmas cards were sent and most people did not have holidays from work. The wealth and technologies generated by the industrial revolution of the Victorian era changed the face of Christmas forever. Sentimental dogooders like Charles Dickens wrote books like “Christmas Carol”, published in 1843, which actually encouraged rich Victorians to redistribute their wealth by giving money and gifts to the poor – Humbug! These radical middle class ideals eventually spread to the not-quite-so-poor as well. The holidays – The wealth generated by the new factories and industries of the Victorian age allowed middle class families in England and Wales to take time off work and celebrate over two days, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Boxing Day, December 26th, earned its name as the day servants and working people opened the boxes in which they had collected gifts of money from the “rich folk”. Those new fangled inventions, the railways allowed the country folk who had moved into the towns and cities in search of work to return home for a family Christmas. The Scots have always preferred to postpone the celebrations for a few days to welcome in the New Year, in the style that is Hogmanay. Christmas

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Day itself did not become a holiday in Scotland until many years after Victoria’s reign and it has only been within the last 20-30 years that this has For been extended to include Boxing Day. The Giftshav –At the start of Victoria’s reign, children’s toys tended to be handmade and hence ex-C of pensive, generally restricting availability to those Chr “rich folk” again. With factories however came thes mass production, which brought with it games, es dolls, books and clockwork toys all at a more af- a fordable price. Affordable that is to “middle class” toe, children. mag In a “poor child’s” Christmas stocking, which first became popular from around 1870, its, only an apple, orange and a few nuts could be found. in Father Christmas / Santa Claus – Normally whi associated with the bringer of the above gifts, is Father Christmas or Santa Claus. The two are in fact two entirely separate stories. Father Christmas was originally part of an old English midwinter festival, normally dressed in green, a sign of the returning spring. The stories of St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas in Holland) came via Dutch settlers to America in the 17th Century. From the 1870’s Sinter Klass became known in Britain as Santa Claus and with him came his unique gift and toy distribution system – reindeer and sleigh. Christmas Cards – The “Penny Post” was first introduced in Britain in 1840 by Rowland Hill. The idea was simple, a penny stamp paid for the postage of a letter or card to anywhere in Britain. This simple idea paved the way for the sending of the first Christmas cards. Sir Henry Cole tested the water in 1843 by printing a thousand cards for sale in his art shop in London at one shilling each. The popularity of sending cards was helped along when in 1870 a halfpenny postage rate was introduced as a result of the efficiencies brought about by those Dic new fangled railways. The Treelish – Queen Victoria’s German husband V ic Prince Albert helped to make the Christmas tree as popular inm Britain as they where in his native Geron many, when he brought one to Windsor Castle in radi the 1840’s.

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‘Santa Claus’

The first Christmas film ever made (1898) Santa Claus was made in 1898 by British hypnotist, illusionist and early film pioneer George Albert Smith. The first time Santa Claus appeared in film, it was in a silent British short directed by George Albert Smith, who pioneered the practice of film editing and the usage of close-ups.

He also worked as a stage hypnotist and psychic, which influenced his use of special effects. This British silent film, a little over a minute long, was made in 1898 and was directed by George Albert Smith, a "stage hypnotist, psychic, magic lantern lecturer, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, inventor" and noted film pioneer. It was considered a technical marvel in its time and definitely worth a watch.

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Go to : https://youtu.be/bmSJ5SAXHws In the film, two children eagerly wait for Santa Claus by the fireplace, but are ordered to go to bed. While they sleep, Santa comes down the chimney and leaves presents for them. In the end, the children wake up and discover their presents. Transitions between these scenes are done with jump cuts, superimposition, and double exposure, which were new at the time. Michael Brooke of BFI Screenonline describes Santa Claus (1898) as “a film of con-

siderable technical ambition and accomplishment for the period.” The film shows the children sleeping on one side of the screen while Santa lands on the roof on the other, which Brooke says is “believed to be the cinema's earliest known example of parallel action… [The] result is one of the most visually and conceptually sophisticated British films made up to then.” Source: Various Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts

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Why Is It Called Boxing Day? When Christmas day passes, the celebration continues—at least in some countries. In the United Kingdom, as well as a number of other countries that used to be part of the British Empire—such as Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada—Boxing Day is a bank holiday or public holiday that became official in 1871. Boxing Day is traditionally recognized on December 26, but if that day falls on a Saturday, the celebration moves to the following Monday. If December 26 is a Sunday, Boxing Day is observed on the following Tuesday. Why Is It Called Boxing Day? The term "Boxing Day" was first recorded in 1833, but the official origin of the name has never been determined. There are, however, plenty of theories, which include: The name is a reference to holiday gifts. A "Christmas Box" in Britain is a name for a Christmas present. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants and the day when they received a gift from their employer. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give gifts to their families. The name is a reference to charity drives. A box to collect money for the poor traditionally and placed in Churches on Christmas day and opened the next day, or Boxing Day. The name refers to a nautical tradition. When setting sail, ships would carry a sealed box containing money for good luck. If the voyage was a success, the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas, and the contents then given to the poor. There are competing theories for the origins of the term, none of which is definitive. The European tradition of giving money and other gifts to those in need, or in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown. It is sometimes believed to be in reference to the Alms Box placed in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations to the poor. The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes

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placed in churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which in the Western Christian Churches falls on the W same day as Boxing Day, the second day of Christmastide. On this day, it is customary in some localue ities for the alms boxes to be opened and distributed to the poor. Ki The Oxford English Dictionary gives the earliest th attestations from Britain in the 1830s, defining it as "the first weekday after Christmas day, observed as Sc a holiday on which postmen, errand boys, and servants of various kinds Ca expect to receive a Christmas box". ho The term "Christmas box" dates back to the 17th is century, and among other things meant: A present or gratuity th given at Christmas: in Great Britain, usually confined to gratuities given to to those who are supposed to have a vague claim upon the donor for services rendered to him as one da of the general public by whom they are employed Tu and paid, or as a customer of their legal employer; the undefined theory W being that as they have done offices for this person, for which he has not directly paid them, some direct acknowledgement is becoming at Christmas. In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663.This custom is linked to an older British tradition where the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families since they would have to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food. Until the late 20th century there continued to be a tradition among many in the UK to give a Christmas gift, usually cash, to vendors although not on Boxing Day as many would not work on that day.

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Robin Redbreast Redbreast Robin How the robin came to symbolise Christmas

How the robin came to symbolise Christmas Think of winter in the garden and you'll most Think winter garden andofyou'll most likely ofthink of in a the robin. Think Christmas likely think of a robin. Think of Christmas cards and you'll probably think of the same. cards and you'll probably think of the same. Why do robins have such a strong association Why robins have such a strong association with do winter? with winter?

all things sentimental and charming, so the all things sentimental charming, so day, the trend caught on and and continues to this trend caught on and continues to this day, with the robin adorning everything from with the paper robin toadorning wrapping Christmaseverything jumpers. from wrapping paper to Christmas jumpers. Even before the Victorian era, robins had a Even the Victorian robins Christhad a strongbefore association with the era, traditional strong association with the traditional Christmas story and Christianity. In one tale, it is mas and Christianity. In one tale, is said story that when Mary was giving birth to itbaby said that when Mary was giving birth to baby Jesus in the stable, she noticed the fire Joseph Jesus in was the stable, she of noticed Joseph had lit in danger goingthe out.fire Suddenly, had lit was in danger of goingand out.started Suddenly, a small brown bird appeared flapaping smallitsbrown appeared flapwings bird in front of theand fire,started fanning the ping its wings in frontitoftothe fanning embers, and causing roarfire, back to life.the As embers, causing it totending roar back the birdand flew around to to thelife. fire,Asa the bird flew made aroundits tending to the the fire,tiny a stray ember way towards stray ember made its the Mary tiny creature, scorching its way breasttowards bright red. creature, its breast breast was bright red. Mary declared scorching that the red a sign of the declared that the red breast was a sign of the bird’s kind heart, which would be passed on bird’s kind heart, which be ever passed on to its descendants to wearwould proudly after. to its descendants to wear proudly ever after. There are also Celtic-based tales which link There are also the robin withCeltic-based wintertime. tales One which tells oflink the the with the wintertime. One as tells the feudrobin between wren, known theofHolly feud the wren, as the Kingbetween of Winter, and known the robin whoHolly was King of Winter, and the robin who known as the Oak King of Summer. The was Holknown the driven Oak King of by Summer. Holly Kingaswas away the OakThe King on lytheKing was driven away therobin Oak King Winter Solstice, andbythe took on his the Winter Solstice, and on thethe robin took Solhis rightful place. However, Summer rightful place. Summer Solstice, the HollyHowever, King getsontothe take his revenge, stice, the Holly King getsthe to take hisThis revenge, and the wren replaces robin. story and the wren replaces the robin. This story repeats every year and represents the changrepeats year and the changing of every the seasons. It represents was probably told by ing of the seasons. It was probably by way of explaining why we see moretold robins way of explaining why we see more robins during the winter months. during the winter months. Whatever the truth, the robin is a beautiful Whatever the truth, robin is a and beautiful cheery symbol of thisthe time of year, if you cheery symbol of this time of year, and you can spare a little food, particularlyif meal can spareanda some little water, food, he particularly worms, will rewardmeal you worms, and your somegarden water,daily. he will reward you by visiting by visiting your garden daily. Happy Christmas. Happy Christmas.

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There is actually an increase in robin numbers There actually increaseThey in robin numbers duringisthe winteranmonths. migrate from during the winter months. They migrate from Scandinavia, Russia and Europe swelling the Scandinavia, androbins Europewhen swelling the ranks of ourRussia resident the days ranks of too our cold resident robinsbecomes when the daysin become and food scarce become toocountries. cold and food becomes scarce in their own their own countries. There are several legends relating robins to There legends relating robins to winterare andseveral Christmas in particular. winter and Christmas in particular. The first legend hails from Victorian times, The from Victorian whenfirst the legend traditionhails of sending Christmastimes, cards when theRoyal tradition ofpostmen sending Christmas started. Mail of the timecards wore started. Royal Mail postmen the time wore bright red uniforms, which of earned them the bright red uniforms, earned them the nickname of ‘robin’ which or ‘redbreast’. Victorian nickname of ‘robin’ or ‘redbreast’. Victorian artists usually illustrated Christmas cards with artists usually illustrated Christmas cards with pictures relating to the delivery of letters, pictures to and the postmen. delivery of letters, such as relating post-boxes Eventually such post-boxes artistsasbegan to playand on postmen. this word Eventually association artists began to'robin' play onwas thisexchanged word association and postman for the and postman exchanged forbegan the familiar little 'robin' brown was and red bird, who familiar little brown and red bird, who began to appear in illustrations, sometimes delivertoingappear in illustrations, sometimes deliverthe letters. Middle class Victorians loved ing the letters. Middle class Victorians loved

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People Need Hope in Challenging Times Surrey Adult Learning Offers Support

It’s such a challenging time for everyone right now, with so much uncertainty caused by COVID-19. The latest government figures show the UK’s unemployment rate rising to 4.8% in the three months to September and redundancies rising to a record high of 314,000 in the same period (Office for National Statistics). Surrey County Council’s latest CIA (County Impact Assessment) indicates that 75% of residents say that lockdown has impacted their mental health and wellbeing in some way with 16-25 -year olds and those on lower incomes saying loneliness is a contributing factor. News of a breakthrough in developing a vaccine is hugely exciting and will bring relief to all of us that there is an end in sight. And the extension of the furlough scheme via the Job Support Scheme for six months will be welcome to many, but not all jobs can be protected, and we are likely to see unemployment continue to rise in the short term. During the first lockdown, many people turned to online training or exercise to provide an outlet or activity. Surrey Adult Learning was one such provider that changed its working practices to be able to continue supporting its learners throughout lockdown and social distancing. Across the summer when centres were closed, they trialled delivery of online courses for the first time. “The feedback we had was amazing”, said Service Principal, Anu Chanda. “80% reported that a Surrey Adult Learning course had provided them with a sense of purpose and achievement. About 50% said it

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helped boost their mood or to feel more connected during social distancing. We’re delighted we have been able to adapt our service delivery so we can continue to offer courses either through our traditional seven Adult Learning Centres or online.” They have just launched their Spring term 2021 with a programme delivering hundreds of courses online and in classrooms from 8 January. They have rigorous measures in place at their centres to ensure social distancing and they are COVID-19 secure. Surrey Adult Learning offers a lifeline for many adults and their Passport to Wellbeing programme offers a series of creative courses to develop skills and knowledge and improve mental wellbeing for adults. Participation can help those managing mental health conditions that have a mild-moderate impact on their day to day lives, such as depression, anxiety or sleeping disorders. These free courses are separate from the main course programme and are tailored to support recovery. Surrey Adult Learning also provides a solid response to the jobs crisis. Their courses support workers to learn or upskill and be ready to face a competitive jobs market. Anu Chanda says “Having the right skills and qualifications is more important than ever and we have introduced a new programme to support job seekers. Whether you’re newly unemployed or looking at career prospects, these Skills for Work courses aim to help you explore new horizons, including identifying your personal skills, CV writing, job applications and interview techniques.” They also have a range of courses covering business and accounting skills and computing and IT from beginners to advanced users. You can find out more about all the courses on offer and enrol online on www.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning or call 0300 200 1044.

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Dominic Raab Dominic Our LocalRaab MP Our Local MP

Residents and businesses in Molesey have been showing great resolve in keeping to the Coronavirus restrictions – both under the “high” level,great and resolve (at the time of writing) naResidents and businesses in Molesey havelocal beenalert showing in keeping to theunder Coronational restrictions. virus restrictions – both under the “high” local alert level, and (at the time of writing) under national restrictions. I don’t underestimate the difficulties that the restrictions have caused locally. They are, however, essential to drive down the level ofthat Coronavirus, and the case rate in Elmbridge to I don’t underestimate the difficulties the restrictions have caused locally. They continues are, howevfall steadily. to drive down the level of Coronavirus, and the case rate in Elmbridge continues to er, essential fall steadily. Throughout this challenging time, I’ve been working to ensure that residents and businesses have financialand support they Throughout this challenging time, I’ve been working to ensure thattheresidents businesses need. Under the “high” local have the financial support they alert for the example, was need. level Under “high”it local clear that the alert level forrestrictions example, itwould was impact businesseswould that clear thatlocal the restrictions weren’t close. Thisthat is impact forced local to businesses why certain businesses weren’t forced to close.can Thisstill is receive grants of up tocan £2,100 why certain businesses still per month, the receive grantsbackdated of up to for £2,100 time that Elmbridge wasforunder per month, backdated the the local alert level. time“high” that Elmbridge was under the “high” local alert level. As the restrictions have changed, so too has the support As the restrictions have available. First, thatsupport many changed, so too now has the businesses havenow had that to many close available. First, under the national restrictions, businesses have had to close they eligible for grants of up underarethe national restrictions, to £3,000 per month. This is on they are eligible for grants of up Dom checking in with local businesses in Molesey (before top of other supportThis suchis on as to £3,000 per month. national restrictions were ininplace) Back support Loans, such through Dom checking in with local businesses Molesey (before Bounce top of other as which businesses been national restrictions were in place) Bouncelocal Back Loans,have through offered over businesses £80m so far. which local have been offered over £80m so far. Next, the furlough scheme has been extended until April next year. I’ve visited a lot of high street who have toldApril me how thevisited schemeahas in Next, businesses, the furloughincluding scheme in hasMolesey, been extended until nextvaluable year. I’ve lot been, of high some savingincluding scores ofin jobs, so this who is good news local economy. street cases businesses, Molesey, have toldfor methe how valuable the scheme has been, in some cases saving scores of jobs, so this is good news for the local economy. Finally, to help the large number of local residents who are self-employed, the SelfEmployment Income Scheme has been made morewho generous. The third grant under the Finally, to help theSupport large number of local residents are self-employed, the Selfscheme will now cover 80% of average profits between November and January, up to £7,500. Employment Income Support Scheme has been made more generous. The third grant under the scheme will now cover 80% of average profits between November and January, up to £7,500. While the restrictions are frustrating, this support will help Molesey to get through them. As ever, be contactedare forfrustrating, assistance atthis dominic.raab.mp@parliament.uk. WhileI can the restrictions support will help Molesey to get through them. As ever, I can be contacted for assistance at dominic.raab.mp@parliament.uk.

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The Science of Snowflakes Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Have you ever given any thought to the science behind the snow? The ice crystals that make up snowflakes are patterned symmetrically because frozen water molecules arrange themselves in predetermined spaces known as crystallization, to form a six -sided snowflake. The basic shape of the ice crystal is partly due the temperature at which it forms, and to a lesser extent, partly due to the humidity of the air. Thus, we see long needle-like crystals at -5C and flat plate-like crystals at -15C.

snowflake is determined by the atmospheric conditions experienced by entire ice crystal as it falls. A crystal might begin to grow arms in one manner, and then seconds later, a slight change in the surrounding temperature or humidity causes the crystal to grow in a different way. Although a snowflake is always six-sided and the arms may branch off in new directions, because each arm experiences the same atmospheric conditions, the arms look identical. Individual snowflakes are all unique because they all follow slightly different paths from the sky to the ground and thus encounter slightly different atmospheric conditions along the way. So, they all tend to look different, resembling everything from prisms and needles to tiny lace doilies.

The intricate shape of a single arm of the

By Louise Addison

Sudoku 5 8

8 7 5

6 3 9 5 2 3

8 4

2 9 5 2 4

6 8 2

2 9 1

7 6

Solution on Page 18

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2 4 1 6 7 5 3 8 9

5 8 7 3 9 2 4 6 1

9 3 6 8 4 1 7 2 5

1 6 9 7 5 8 2 4 3

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8 1 3 9 2 4 5 7 6

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Solution to December Sudoku

The Barn Theatre are pleased to announce a Playwriting Showcase in March 2021. Over three nights, we will stage three new works in The Barn Theatre (to a socially distanced audience) and simultaneously live stream these shows via our website. Audience members will be asked to rate each show with the winning production being developed and staged as a full production at a later date. Submission Criteria One Act Plays with a running time of around 50-60 minutes max from all genres. We respectfully decline any submissions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Must be suitable for socially distanced staging on a simple set. Maximum cast size : 5 actors Selection Criteria Entries will be anonymously assessed to

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select a series of 3 plays to be performed in March 2021. Playwrights will not be allowed to direct their own work. Directors will be appointed by The Barn Theatre management committee. How do I submit my play? 12 point font size, one and a half line spacing and preferably in PDF format can be emailed to info@thebarntheatremolesey.co.uk by 31st December 2020. Any submissions received outside of these criteria will be ineligible for review & consideration. The successful playwrights will be informed by mid-January 2021. Questions? Please email : info@thebarntheatremolesey.co.uk The Barn Theatre Club. Good luck! Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts

Friends of Fleetside

the M.R.A . for their continued support with Friends of Fleetside have still been busy do- this project and for supplying our bulbs again ing things to this year. Some of our plans include clearing the pennywort from the Dead River and Mole, enhance the area Frien in and around could you help? Fleetside all a For more detail of how to join us contact bit different this friendsoffleetside@gmail.com year. We have A very big thank been following you to everyone social distancing who has help us guidelines and this year, we have working at a had a lot of safe distance; fun. From 10th managing to December look out plant up and for the hidden place troughs under the road signs, more daf- knitted Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in fodils have been planted along with other the windows of the spring bulbs. houses round Litter picks have Fleetside each has continued not just a letter on if, this makes a message, work it round Fleetside but out what the message is to win a prize send also on Molesey your answer with your name age and address Heath. We have by 18th December to friendrecently carried out soffleetside@gmail.com .Our Christmas tree place some path clearing will be up so any family can sing round it but on Molesey Heath. unfortunately we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to have our fodils The community traditional festive gathering with mince pies sprin garden on Island and mulled wine. We look forward to being Farm Road has been able to do it next year. May we wish you all Litter a merry Christmas and an incredibly hapvery productive conti py and healthy New Year. again this year. Many thanks to our dedicated small team of round helpers. We would love more people to get involved. Could you also do some watering, Heath digging, weeding, planting, or just en- recen joying eating the so me produce, the autumn on M raspberries are particularly good now. T he We would love to garde hear from you if you can help in any way Far m Our thanks again to ver y

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Molesey Matters Roving Reporter Della Reynolds …..and a Zoomimg New Year !

Well, who would have thought that in 2020 we would all be living our lives in virtual reality? If you haven’t had at least one zoom meeting by now, you are falling behind the curve my friend. We are all out here, zooming away - from exercise classes, to quiz nights, open mic performances or serious business meetings (jacket on top, pjs on bottom). During lockdown our connected lives have been facilitated by zoom (other platforms are available). In my personal bubble, I’ve had zoom Tai Chi lessons, zoom ukulele lessons and when the second lockdown hit, I took the plunge and started to deliver my own private tutoring lessons via zoom. A steep learning curve which continues to catch me out. Like the time I made a 6-year-old ‘host’ so he could annotate the shared whiteboard and of course he was totally unable to pass the position back to me. Or the time I lost the waiting room access button and searched the screen high and low to let the student in. (I never did find it, we had to start again) Fortunately, people are patient, as we are all learning together. I must say though, it does seem to me, that with each upgrade, internet software dispenses with ‘intuitive design’. The late Steve

wealth of talent we have here.’ The arts have taken a terrible hit as a result of the pandemic. They were tentatively getting back on their feet when the second lockdown struck. The festival will run from 27th November to the newly extended date of 20th December. So, not too late to tune in by following this link. https://riverhousebarn.co.uk/light-upelmbridge-festival/ I’ve also become involved with a local democracy project organised by ‘Trust the People’. https:// www.trustthepeople.earth/ Their training sessions provide opportunities to develop the skills of online communication to help keep us all connected. On the back of this project, the first Elmbridge Community Assembly took place on 18th November. The zoom facility of ‘breakout rooms’ allowed the larger group to discuss our local issues in small gatherings, before re-joining the main meeting. This was a great way to find common interests. The Elmbridge Community Assembly will run every month, so follow this link if you would like to get involved. https://elmbridgeinsightforum.com/communityassembly/ With nearly every activity involving face time with my computer I can totally understand why so many people are getting dogs. What a relief it is to sling a coat on and go out for a muddy walk, with the wind in your hair and your phone turned off. We all need respite from the ubiquitous machine and I’m now going to share a confession with you. Don’t judge me. But I’ve got through this second lockdown thanks to knitting and Love Island. Every evening I tune in for another episode in paradise, where the beautiful people sing, dance, hug, love and kiss without a single bottle of hand sanitiser in sight. I’ve never watched it before. Honest. But I’ve found that this bubble of islanders offers us hope as I watch them rally together to cope with random, external influences beyond their control. They support each other through every crisis and celebrate together every upturn. We the people -

Well, w would al you have you are f all out he to quiz n business During l facilitate In my p lessons, lockdow liver my steep lea out. Like could an he was t me. Or t ton and s student again) Fo Jobs, founder of Apple once said, if you need to learning write instructions then your programme is flawed. I so agree. But we must all persevereto or be left beme, t hind, so I have signed up to take part in the ‘Light Up Elmbridge Festival’ which isdispense a wonderful initiative run in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council, The R C Sherriff Trust and Riverhouse Arts Centre. They list it as ‘an opportunity for us to highlight the cultural importance of the arts across the Borough, and to celebrate the

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connected by zoom – have got this.

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Garden View

This month - Hardworking This month - DazzlingIvy Dahlias The Holly and the Ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The Holly bears the crown. Holly is much coveted festive greenery but what about ivy, or Hedera to give it the botanical name? It makes up the trio of festive plants, the other being mistletoe, and frankly it's usually seen as a bit of a poor relation, misunderstood and mostly unloved. Yet ivy is a great workhorse in the garden. It’s evergreen, it attracts wildlife and is excellent on those north-facing walls and fences where nothing else seems to grow. It's not just a dark green cloak either; there are many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegated foliage. The variegated varieties are great in those areas that catch just a little sunlight during part of the day as they suddenly seem to illuminate a usually dull spot.

By Rachael Leverton

self-supporting and do not have roots. Unlike mistletoe ivy isn't parasitic so won't harm trees but be careful about letting it grow on the walls of your house as it will damage weak mortar and pebbledash. If growing on a property it needs to be clipped back in spring and summer, so it doesn't do any damage to structure underneath. Don't let it get into gutters because it will clog them then infiltrate under tiles or slates.

Ivy is excellent ground cover. It will scramble over areas of poor soil and brighten the ground between shrubs during the dark winter months. Persian ivy, Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’, is lovely because of its large, yellow-edged leaves. Hedera canariensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ is also good. Its red stems and large leaves with splashes of yellow looks rather splendid. If you need an area covered quickly try Hedera Hibernica, which is a vigorous native ivy.

Holly i what ab ical nam plants, it's usua Hedera helix is the other native ivy and this misunde one has numerous cultivars including Goldheart, which has yellow-centred leaves, Green Ripple, with frilly edged leaves and ‘Buttercup’ which is bright yellow.

Yet ivy It’s eve If you love to support the wildlife in your lent on garden, then ivy is a terrific plant. During autumn and early winter adult ivies produce where n small greenish-yellow flowers. These are esa pecially dark rich in nectar so attract bees, butter- g flies, hoverflies, and other insects, providing tivars them with a place to overwinter. Birds w like thrushes, blackbirds and robins enjoy the pured folia ple black berries which ripen from late winter in those to mid-spring, providing a much-needed winter food source. Ivy is great for disguising an ugly during wall, a bare p fence, or an old tree stump. It’s a reliable and I hope I've made a good case for growing ivy self-clinging climber if you choose the right in your illum to garden. Holly might bear the crown, variety and remember to prune The young climbing stems are flexible with small aerial roots shoot to a surface. Adult stems

it correctly. slender and that fix the are thicker,

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but I reckon ivy deserves a tiara at the very least! Happy gardening and Merry Christmas, Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts

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Recipe of The Month Parmesan Biscuits

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus resting time. Cooking time: 10-20 mins Makes about 24+

into the flour mixture then gradually bring the mixture together to form a dough. Don't add egg or water. Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Lightly flour a work surface and gently roll out the pastry to about 1cm thick. Cut out the biscuits using festive cutters. Lay them out on a greased baking tray about 2cm apart. You might need two trays.

100g cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks 100g plain flour, plus extra for flouring pinch salt pinch cayenne pepper 1 heaped tsp mustard powder 50g finely grated mature cheddar 50g finely grated parmesan, or similar vegetarian hard cheese, plus a little extra 1 egg, beaten

Brush the surface of each biscuit with the beaten egg and sprinkle over a little finely grated parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until they are golden-brown. They smell heavenly! Remove from the oven and carefully lift the biscuits off the tray using a palette knife, then place on a rack to cool. They make lovely gifts and will keep well in a sealed container for a few days.

Method Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Place the butter and flour into a bowl of a food processor with the salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and cheeses. Rub the fat

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Pre tim Co Please mention Molesey Ma Matters when responding to adverts

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Friendship Fade

Maintaining friendships when you can’t meet up is tough we’re drifting apart. However, with a bit of effort we can reconnect.

A quarter of people in Great Britain have noone they can call a 'best friend' and nearly one -in-eight admit to having no friends at all. As the pandemic continues and interactions with friends become more virtual, even those who have never had to worry about friendships are noticing friendship fade. We like to think that our friendships are based on shared interests and personality traits, but mostly they are based on proximity, consistency, and communication. We’re all feeling jaded and lacking in energy right now. It’s no surprise we’re struggling to summon the motivation to interact with others. Friendships falter during sustained periods of radio silence and at the moment we lack the new and shared experiences, the grievances and personal victories that previously we would have dissected at length over a bottle of wine.

Many friendships are based around a hobby. Craft sessions and book clubs moved easily online, but sport and music groups are more difficult to transfer…choirs don’t really work online, and you certainly can’t play badminton remotely. It’s good to try to get together socially though. Try an online quiz or watch a film together. You already have one interest in common so there will probably be other connections, and repeated interactions prime us to be friends with one another. It can feel risky to reach out, but scientists have proven that people who initiate interactions are less likely to be lonely over time, and they’re more likely to be satisfied in their relationships. Many people assume that if their friend doesn’t initiate then they’re not interested, but everybody’s afraid of rejection. We tend to underestimate how much someone we have interacted with likes us, especially if we’re self-critical. It’s called ‘The liking gap’. Also, we tend to think that we have to be cool, fascinating, or smart, but if you treat others well and make them feel valued, they are more likely to want to be friends. If someone doesn’t respond, don’t be despondent; they might suffer with social anxiety, or be overwhelmed with work, or struggling with other problems in their lives. Think of reaching out like exercising a muscle; the more you do it the more likely you’ll make and maintain friendships.

A qu one t In addition, we all have vastly different pan-in-ei demic experiences. Some of us are working Put video chats in your diary, in the same way from quiet well-ordered homes; others are the p jobless, struggling financially, or trying to you would schedule a dinner date. Face time is the closest thing we have to real life face-toarrange near impossible childcare for who friend face connections right now. It’s not perfect kids may be quarantining due to school outbreaks. Some may even have lost family but it will help keep friendships strong. have members. These differences put a strain on the By Louise Addison closest friendships, and it can feel as though notic www.villagematters.co.uk

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Get Involved in the Light Up Elmbridge Festival Elmbridge Borough Council, R C Sherriff Trust and Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre are running a virtual festival called Light Up Elmbridge to keep us all entertained and creative in the run up to the festive season.

window can be found at: https://riverhousebarn.co.uk/elmbridgewindow-wanderland/

Elmbrid For further information, please visit: Trust https://riverhousebarn.co.uk/elmbridge- a window-wanderland/ running For the Light Up Elmbridge Festival proElmbrid gramme, please follow their facebook page at tive in t https://bit.ly/2JRMwqP

As part of the Light Up Elmbridge Festival (LUEF), they are inviting you to take part in a window decorating project called Window Wanderland until 12 December. They are asking all Elmbridge residents, schools and community groups to decorate their street side windows to be viewed by the community. They hope this will bring some cheer to everybody while we are going through lockdown 2 and preparing for the festive season. The theme for the decorations is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Starry Starry Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. There will be a best window/street/ block competition to be announced and broadcast live at the end of the event so make sure you register and upload photos of your creations so the panel can choose the winner. Full information on how to register and to find ideas and templates for decorating your

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Fun in the Time of COVID How on Earth can we celebrate in the midst of all this?

It's been a weird old year. We'd all be forgiv- rist’s wire to secure the ornaments so they en for feeling more flat than festive. What we stay put even in the wind. Then invite a few a socially distanced switch need are some simple ways to find fun in the friends round for It's been time of COVID. The pandemic will mean on, complete with mulled wine. en for fe Christmas won’t look like it usually does, but Make memories - Create an advent calendar with a bit of thought and creativity it's still need are with festive activities for each day. The activipossible to celebrate even if we have to spend ties don’t have to be elaborate; it could just be time o f Christmas away from friends and family: drinking hot chocolates with marshmallows

Christm Prioritize - Which traditions matter most to together, wearing Santa hats, or watching Elf, or taking silly festive photos a you? Which are easiest to maintain? with

You can still set up the Christmas decorations, Start a new tradition - How about a Secret possible make special foods and watch your favourite Santa gift exchange outside round a firepit films. Pantomimes and trips toChristm the ballet are with toasted marshmallows? Or outdoor not possible though so use the family time to games on the decking with blankets and hot set up a games evening with prizes and lots of chocolate? There might be an outdoor cinema Prioritiz shouting. You can play charades with friends near you showing Christmas films. Go with yo u? W take blankets and flasks, and have a and family either outside or via video link. friends, My kids love Nintendo Just Dance, and find it socially distanced outdoor film night! hilarious when my husband andYou I join in. Kids Spread some joy - If 2020can has taught us anymostly want you...in silly festivemake mode. So put sp thing, it’s how much the people in our lives your phone away, just like you would at the actually mean to us, so spread happiness films. P theatre, and get stuck in. where you can. Write down how much the

not peopleposs you love mean to you and send it out to them. Make Christset mas up a cookies and leave some with shouting your friends and neighbours. Drop off some treats at a local nursing and fam home, hospital, or fire department Myto brighten kids the lives of the people there. hilariou Different can be special - You mo stly w probably don't remember exactly yo ur ph what happens at Christmas from year to year, but when something theatre,

Decorate a tree outside - This is the year to deck out your decking, and pretty your patio. Adorn an outdoor tree with LED lights and shatterproof ornaments. Use twist ties or flo-

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out of the ordinary occurs, it sticks in your memory...Christmas disasters often make the best dinner party stories in the years that follow. 2020 has the capacity to give us all enough stories for decades! By Kate McCarthy

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Future Issues January 2021 Issue Deadline

December 11th Care paul@villagematters.co.uk The Bur 13 25 Or call 07946 494288 Promedi 25 29 21 Estate A Or book online 2 www.villagematters.co.uk 25 Harmes Feet 23 FootHel 19 Floor 31 ProFloo 7 Funeral 13 Alan Gr 13 White R Furnish 33 John Mi Health/F One 2 O Heating Surrey H Garage Garolla Kitchen Ashford Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information included in this publication, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, Mobility accident or any other cause. Molesey Matters does not endorse any advertising material included in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Shepper Phar ma Please mention Molesey Matters when Trio www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts 34 Plumbin

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