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April 2021 April 2021 April 2021 Issue 2929 Issue 29 Issue
FREE toto 9000 Homes Thames FREE to 9000 and Businesses Walton on Thames FREE 9000Homes Homesand andBusinesses Businessesinin inWalton Waltononon Thames
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Welcome!
.Welcome to the April issue. The clocks have gone forward and the evenings are starting to get lighter. More importantly, at the time of writing, lockdown is beginning to be eased. I had my first vaccination on 24th March , second one booked in for June. Let’s look forward to summer. Weather please be kind. I am so looking forward to a pint!! In this issue local resident John Taylor writes about the Walton bridges, we learn of plotlands on the river, and hear from Joanna Gordon about volunteering at the local Covid vaccination centre. Easter is upon us. We hear of some unusual easter traditions from around the world, take a look
April 2021 at the Walton Trail and get an update from local MP Dominic Raab.
Take care and see you next month.
Contents
Published by:
Village Matters Ltd
Walton Bridges Anzac Day Elmbridge Business Boost Affordable River Dwellings The Vaccination Centre Declutter Walton and the launch of ITV Hard Times Unusual Easter Traditions The Walton Trail Recipe of the Month Lay a Little Egg for me Garden View Dominic Raab Index of Advertisers
Walton Director: Paul Chard Telephone : 07946 494288 Email : paul@villagematters.co.uk Website :www.villagematters.co.uk Cover Photo : Pexels
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Bridges Crossing the Thames at Walton The first bridge to be built was known as the Old Walton Bridge, built between 1748- 1750 by White of Weybridge, and paid for by local landowner Samuel Dicker. He obtained permission to collect tolls from travellers using the crossing. Opponents to its construction
included ferry operators who foresaw a loss of trade, and bargees who thought it would make the river unnavigable. The Old Walton Bridge was supported by four central stone piers connected by three arches built of wooden beams and joists. The span of the central arch was 130 feet, at the time the widest unsupported span in England, and although considered an impressive feet of engineering when constructed, a report in 1778 found it unsuitable for use, and it was demolished in 1783. The second bridge, opened in 1788, was made of stone, and was designed by James Paine whose vehicle river crossing at Chertsey still stands. Part of this Walton Bridge collapsed in 1859, and a ferry link was briefly revived until completion of the next one. Between 1863- 64 a succeeding third bridge was built with an iron girder lattice on stone piers, and at the same time a brick viaduct was constructed to span the flood plain to the south of the river. The bridge was damaged during the Second World War, and this led to a permanent weight restriction. To alleviate this a
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fourth temporary link was built in 1953, and the former third bridge was therefore relegated for use by cyclists and pedestrians, until it was finally demolished in 1985. This fourth bridge on the downstream of the previous one is based on a 1930’s design by A M Hamilton. It has been retained for use by pedestrians and cyclists, since the fifth crossing was constructed in 1999.The fifth bridge was another temporary one, and unfortunately it had early roadway problems and was resurfaced on a number of occasions, and the poor architecture of the two co-existing bridges led to demands for a new permanent crossing. The contract for the sixth, present bridge was originally awarded by Surrey County Council in 2005, but was delayed during a government spending review. The contractor Costain, commenced construction in January 2012. It has a thrust arch design, similar to a bowstring arch but instead of using the deck to prevent the ends spreading, it relies on the foundations instead, with a clear span of 90 metres, and a length of 148 metres. It has no piers in the river, thus opening up views, and improving navigation. Building work was completed in the summer of 2013.The cost was £32.4 million, with £28 million from the Department for Transport and Surrey County Council providing the remainder. It is the first new road bridge to be built across the River Thames for 20 years, and it was officially opened on the 22nd July by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, with a flotilla of boats and a parade of classic cars to mark the occasion. It was opened to vehicle traffic later that day. “Bridges are a monument to progress”. Quotation by Joseph Straus. By local resident John Taylor Please mention Walton Matters when responding to adverts
Anzac Day, Mount Felix and Walton “ANZAC” was the name given to a combined force of First Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Army troops who landed on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula at around dawn on Sunday, the 25th day of April, 1915, barely nine months after the outbreak of World War I. Galvanised by the example of courage and sacrifice demonstrated on that bloody battlefield, on the 10th day of January 1916 a public meeting of Brisbane citizens voted unanimously to establish the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee to lay the groundwork for a solemn day of public remembrance on the first anniversary of the landings. On every 25th day of April for the past 100 years, “ANZAC Day” has been observed in Australia and New Zealand, becoming an honoured and sacred institution along the way. Anzac Day has been officially observed in London since 1916, when King George V and Queen Mary attended the first
commemorative service at the Abbey Between 1915 and 1920, 27,000 patients passed through the New Zealand military hospital in Walton. The hospital was based at Mount Felix in New Zealand Avenue, a large mansion set within 18-acre grounds by the River Thames. When the war started, it was commandeered by the War Commission and the building was used to accommodate British soldiers. By 1915, it was offered to the
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New Zealand War Contingent Association as a military hospital. In August that year, the hospital was officially opened by the New Zealand High Commissioner, Sir Thomas MacKenzie. And as the war continued, more pressure on the services in Walton led to another hospital being created in Brockenhurst, leaving the hospital as ‘No 2 New Zealand General Hospital’. They later expanded to use Oatlands Park, now a hotel, as a secondary unit. At its peak, it had as many as 2,000
beds. The chief medical officer was a New Zealander and three-quarters of the staff had connections with the country. The first wounded soldiers there would have been from the Gallipoli campaign, which ended in December 1915 with evacuation. The Anzacs – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – then went on to northern France and Flanders, where they fought with great distinction until the war ended in November 1918.Twenty-one people from New Zealand who died in the military hospital are buried at St Mary’s Church in Walton, and a plaque inside bears their names.
Source : Various
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Sell your property before the stamp duty holiday ends. If you are a homeowner looking to sell – stop scrambling around and secure a sale before the stamp duty holiday deadline. The holiday has been extended for a further three months until 30th June. We have 5 ‘quick wins’ for you to get your house market-ready. First impressions really count – a buyer may make their decision in seconds based on how your property looks. Paint and decorate indoors - A lick of paint can go a long way in your home to make it appear brand new. It’s a great opportunity to touch up blemishes or scuff marks. Focus on high traffic areas such as the hallway and landings to make sure any wear and tear is no longer visible. Paint the exterior of our house - If you’re painting the inside, why not the outside too? It’s the first thing a potential buyer will see. Give your house maximum kerb appeal. Tidy your front and back garden - We’re not saying your garden needs to rival that of The Chelsea Flower Show, but a clean, tidy, well-kept garden will make your property a lot more enticing than if it is overgrown. Finish odd jobs and small repairs - Consider hiring a handyman to come and finish all those odd jobs you never had time to finish. It’s worth getting a list of jobs and get them in to do them all at once across a day. Clean your carpets and upholstery - Nothing quite beats the look, feel and smell of a clean carpet. The chances are that you’re taking your upholstery with you when you move. However, cleaning them will add a little more appeal to the look and feel of your property online. Book your no obligation design visit with Georgina Broadhurst of Just Shutters on 01932 500 270 or visit JustShutters.co.uk
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Elmbridge Business Boost Launched Elmbridge Borough Council has launched a new package of support measures to help boost businesses, support local high streets and plan for the future. During the pandemic the council has helped payout over £30 million in direct support to businesses, awarded over 100 grants to help our independent retailers adapt to social distancing, supported over 25 shops to sell online with our digital high street grant, helped launch over 20 new businesses in the past 12 months and backed our high streets to continue to evolve and adapt in the future with the launch of the Walton Business Improvement District (BID) in March the first step toward a £800,000 investment in the town over the next 5 years. The next phase of support has been developed in partnership with our local business groups is now available with our package of start-up, business, high streets and skills boosts that will help our residents and our town and village centres survive, and be well placed to thrive again in the future. Business boost • Up to £1,500 available in grant support for independent retailers in our town and village centres to help them sell online • Up to £2,000 available in grant support to help our businesses improve the shop front or signage of their property • Free membership of the Elmbridge Business Network to connect you to over 1,200 local businesses, the latest updates and business masterclasses • New discretionary grant scheme launched to help support those impacted by the pandemic who may be working from home or who don’t pay business rates in shared spaces High street boost
• Up to £1,000 available to help residents set up a new business in the borough Skills boost E
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• Over 25 Kickstart Placements (including a placement within the council) agreed inn the borf ough providing a fully funded 6 month job experience for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit or at D risk of long term unemployment o • Support to cover the cost of apprenticeship e training, allowing local businesses to take on and train new staff, boost e skills and o open up new opportunities for residents
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Councillor Christine Elmer, Portfolio Holder for i Community and Corporate Development said: t “Elmbridge Borough Council has always backed our high streets and businesses with over t £1million of investment through our grants programme supD porting over 300 projects with direct support to £ businesses, improvements to the look and feel of y our centres and ideas that drive new footfall to our T high streets. Businesses can find out more about the support on p offer by visiting: www.elmbridge.gov.uk/business/ a support-for-businesses/ h
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• i t • h a • n b c • t w b H
• Up to £2,000 in support available to bring an empty shop back into commercial use • Up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment or sustainability • Funding awarded to Cobham Chamber of Commerce to understand the potential for a Business Improvement District Start-up boost To advertise email paul@villagematters.co.uk
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Affordable River Dwellings From the Beginning of The Last Century Since Since 1900 1900 improved improved road road and and rail rail links links with with LonLondon and and aa growing growing appreciation appreciation of of countryside countryside don values values have have stimulated stimulated the the demand demand for for housing housing on on the the Thames Thames riverbank riverbank (and (and islands) islands) between between Thames Ditton Ditton and and Staines-upon-Thames. Staines-upon-Thames. Two Thames Two background background factors factors produced produced aa supply supply of of riparian riparian building building land, land, sold-on sold-on in in small small parcels, parcels, to to create create aa ‘plotland’ landscape: firstly, the break-up of ‘plotland’ landscape: firstly, the break-up of landed landed estates estates following following aa doubling doubling of of death death duties duties and and the the
slaughter slaughter of of male male heirs heirs during during World World War War I; I; and, and, secondly, secondly, in in the the interwar interwar years, years, the the supply supply of of cheap cheap farmland from bankrupt owners hit by the economfarmland from bankrupt owners hit by the economic ic recession. recession. Active Active websites, websites, political political commentaries commentaries and and planplanning texts texts on on metropolitan metropolitan sprawl sprawl in in the the 1930s 1930s ning confirm confirm the the character character and and scale scale of of self-build self-build activiactivity ty within within the the early early plotlands. plotlands. They They model model selfselfreliant reliant plotlanders plotlanders erecting erecting tarpaulin tarpaulin tents, tents, flimsy flimsy Summer-houses, and makeshift-huts makeshift-huts and Summer-houses, and and sheds sheds using re-cycled re-cycled timber using timber and and metal metal sheets. sheets. Included Included are are imaginative imaginative owners owners occupying occupying redundant redundant railrailway way carriages, carriages, scrapped scrapped buses, buses, disused disused vans, vans, derederelict boats boats and and even even massive massive water water tanks. tanks. SomeSomelict times, times, in in Middlesex, Middlesex, speculative speculative builders builders had had acacquired quired larger larger land land holdings holdings and and built built riverside riverside esestates tates for for more more affluent affluent home home seekers. seekers. Such Such higher higher density density developments developments contrast contrast with with occasional occasional and and well-positioned Victorian well-positioned Victorian houses houses set set in in spacious spacious riverside riverside grounds. grounds. Without Without doubt, doubt, the the demand demand for for plotland plotland housing housing benefited local builders and allied benefited local builders and allied trades. trades. Amongst Amongst these these would would have have been been W.Gardam W.Gardam & & Sons Sons Ltd, Ltd, aa sawmill (founded (founded in in 1860) 1860) operating operating at at Staines Staines sawmill Bridge Gardams Bridge wharf. wharf. Gardams specialised specialised in in prepre-
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fabricated fabricated wooden wooden bungalows bungalows and and sleeping sleeping chalets chalets (‘both plain (‘both plain and and picturesque’) picturesque’) designed designed for for permapermanent adnent or or holiday holiday occupation. occupation. A A fully-illustrated fully-illustrated adth vertisement September vertisement in in Exchange Exchange and and Mart Mart (25 (25th September 1911) added added timber-framed timber-framed portable portable offices, offices, 1911) ‘sanitoria’, sports sports pavilions/club-houses pavilions/club-houses with with veve‘sanitoria’, randahs, billiard billiard rooms, rooms, Japanese Japanese tea tea houses, houses, aviaraviarrandahs, ies and and beach-bathing beach-bathing huts huts to to its its product product range. range. It It ies also built built caravans. caravans. Clients Clients were were invited invited to to discuss discuss also modifications to to standard standard housing housing designs. designs. Three Three modifications straightforward up-grades up-grades were were promoted: promoted: the the subsubstraightforward stitution of of corrugated corrugated iron iron for for weather weather boards boards stitution (surcharge of of 15%); 15%); an an option option to to line line inside inside walls walls (surcharge with poilite poilite fireproof fireproof sheets; sheets; and, and, with with foresight, foresight, aa with plan to to convert convert its its popular popular coach coach house house and and stables stables plan
S d v t T b b ‘ e
into aa garage garage for for two two motor motor cars. cars. Examples Examples from from into the press press give give the the typical typical dimensions dimensions and and costs costs of of the standardised units. units. Since Since World World War War II, II, most most firstfirststandardised phase plotland plotland dwellings dwellings have have been been greatly greatly transtransphase formed. Recently, Recently, the the last last of of the the original original timbertimberformed. framed (and (and bramble-covered) bramble-covered) bungalows bungalows have have framed been demolished and the sites reclaimed. Meanbeen demolished and the sites reclaimed. Meanwhile, Spelthorne Spelthorne Borough Borough Council Council has has tailored tailored while, policies to to guide guide development development and and protect protect the the iconiconpolicies ic character character of of local local plotland plotland landscapes. landscapes. If If you you ic live on on aa plotland, plotland, Molesey Molesey Matters Matters would would love love live to hear hear from from you you to [I acknowledge acknowledge the the assistance assistance of of Chris Chris and and Joan Joan [I Gardam who who provided provided the the catalogue catalogue for for Gardam W.Gardam & Sons Ltd] W.Gardam & Sons Ltd] By Robert Gant
By Robert Gant
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Declutter Declutter
Livewith withless less Live youcan’t can’tlay layyour your IfIfyou hands-on items hands-on items quickly because quickly because they’reburied buriedunder under they’re piles of junk; piles of junk; ifif you’re constantly constantly you’re ‘stuff-shifting’ ‘stuff-shifting’ -moving things from moving things from onepile piletotoa anew new‘temporary’ ‘temporary’pile; pile;ififyou you one find yourself thinking, “I can’t throw this find yourself thinking, “I can’t throw this away, it might come in useful one day,” away, it might come in useful one day,” you’reprobably probablya aclutter cluttervictim. victim. you’re Oneofofthe theside-effects side-effectsofofthe theevents eventsofof2020 2020 One was that many of us had more time and less was that many of us had more time and less money. We embraced a simpler, slower, less money. We embraced a simpler, slower, less covetous lifestyle and many of us feel we’d covetous lifestyle and many of us feel we’d liketotokeep keepsomething somethingofofthat thatasaswe wemove move like towardsa apost-pandemic post-pandemicworld. world.There Therewas wasa a towards collective realisation realisation that that possessions possessions are are collective less important than the people we missed. less important than the people we missed. decade ago, ago, Californian Californian blogger blogger Dave Dave AA decade Bruno set set himself himself the the year-long year-long experiexperiBruno mental task task ofof reducing reducing his his belongings belongings toto mental just 100 items. When his experiment conjust 100 items. When his experiment concluded he found he wanted to keep living by cluded he found he wanted to keep living by his new rules, preferring simplicity to conhis new rules, preferring simplicity to consumerism.His Hisbook bookisisworth worthseeking seekingout. out. sumerism.
Sincethen, then,whole wholemovement movementhas hasdeveloped developed Since around the aim of a simpler, more minimalaround the aim of a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. There are some great blogs istic lifestyle. There are some great blogs andpodcasts podcastsavailable: available:The ThePractical PracticalMiniMiniand malists,and andThe TheMinimalists Minimalistsare aretwo twoworth worth malists, listening to. Listen to them for inspiration listening to. Listen to them for inspiration whileyou youdeclutter. declutter.I’m I’mnot notrecommending recommending while a sparse monastic lifestyle, but mostofofusus a sparse monastic lifestyle, but most put far too much time, effort, and moneyinto into put far too much time, effort, and money acquiring,keeping, keeping,and andstoring storingpossessions. possessions. acquiring, Sometimesit’s it’sgood goodtotolet letgo. go. Sometimes you’reready readytotode-clutter, de-clutter,then thenwe wehave havea a IfIfyou’re few simple tips. If you feel you need help, few simple tips. If you feel you need help, there are experts in de-cluttering who will there are experts in de-cluttering who will guide you through the process of letting go. guide you through the process of letting go.
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Deal with one room at a time The task Deal with one room at a time The task will seem less daunting. Stick with that will seem less daunting. Stick with that room until it’s finished. room until it’s finished. Choose a nice day Take the room conChoose a nice day Take the room contents outside. Psychologically it’s easier tents outside. Psychologically it’s easier to sort and let go if you’re one step reto sort and let go if you’re one step removed. It’s also less likely that the clutter moved. It’s also less likely that the clutter will make it back inside. will make it back inside. Sort everything into three piles Label Sort everything into three piles Label them dump, donate, and keep. Be realisthem dump, donate, and keep. Be realistic: if the item in question hasn’t been tic: if the item in question hasn’t been used for over a year it is unlikely you will used for over a year it is unlikely you will ever use it. ever use it. Deal with the dump and donate piles Do Deal with the dump and donate piles Do this before anything comes back into the this before anything comes back into the house. It’s much harder to mess up your house. It’s much harder to mess up your good work if the stuff is physically gone. good work if the stuff is physically gone. Sort and label Place the remaining items Sort and label Place the remaining items in clearly labelled boxes. Make sure there in clearly labelled boxes. Make sure there is one temporary box to house items is one temporary box to house items which really belong in another room. As which really belong in another room. As each room is sorted those items can be each room is sorted those items can be replaced, and other misplaced items can replaced, and other misplaced items can be housed there while the de-cluttering be housed there while the de-cluttering process continues. process continues. Replace everything that remains The Replace everything that remains The maxim ‘A place for everything and everymaxim ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is a good one. House thing in its place’ is a good one. House small items in clear plastic boxes and small items in clear plastic boxes and store them in cupboards or wardrobes. store them in cupboards or wardrobes. Now you’re done instigate a one thing in: Now you’re done instigate a one thing in: one thing out rule. It will make you think one thing out rule. It will make you think twice about acquiring something if you twice about acquiring something if you know something else has to go. know something else has to go. Finally, once a week, take two bags and Finally, once a week, take two bags and go through your home. One bag is for go through your home. One bag is for rubbish, the other for items in the wrong rubbish, the other for items in the wrong place. When you’ve finished throw the place. When you’ve finished throw the rubbish away and replace the misplaced rubbish away and replace the misplaced items. items.
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Survey asks views on air quality action plan for Elmbridge As part of our commitment to improving air quality in Elmbridge, we have produced a draft Air Quality Action Plan 2021-26 (AQAP) detailing how we aim to improve air quality in Elmbridge over the next five years. From 10 March to May 5, we are seeking views from residents and business owners, as well as partner organisations, on the action plan by way of an online survey. The survey will take around 10-15 minutes to complete. There is also the opportunity for residents and businesses to suggest their own actions and leave general comments on the draft Air Quality Action Plan. Councillor Mary Marshall, Portfolio Holder for Environment would like to encourage all residents to review the draft air quality plan and respond to the survey: “In July 2019, we declared a climate emergency in Elmbridge. We pledged to take local action, with the aim of making Elmbridge
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Borough Council as an organisations, carbon neutral by 2030. “As part of our 10-year action plan to reduce carbon emissions, improving air quality in Elmbridge is key and that involves reducing emissions from transport, from buildings and new developments, as well as raising awareness, lobbying and working with partner organisations. “This survey is an important step along the way, and I would urge our residents to have a look at the Air Quality Action Plan and to complete the survey before May 5.” The draft Air Quality Action Plan and the survey can be found at: www.elmbridge.gov.uk/news/air-qualitysurvey/
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Walton and the Launch of ITV changed all that. It authorised the creation of the first commercial television network in the UK, overseen by the Independent Television Authority. Many people were worried that commercial broadcasting would lead to a dramatic fall in standards. So a requirement to produce quality programmes was included. Six franchises were put out to tender. And at 7:15pm on 22 September, Associated-Rediffusion – which had been awarded the London weekday franchise – began broadcasting. The first thing to air was a fiveminute introductory film, then it was off to London's Guildhall, where viewers were treated to a gala evening of live variety entertainment. Just under an hour later, Britain's first TV advert was aired for Gibbs SR toothpaste.
I managed to get my hands on the April 1955 issue of the Walton Review the other day. That's 66 years ago! The front cover featured an advert for Rogers of Weybridge, who also owned a shop in the High Street. They were preparing for something special. The forthcoming launch of the UK’s first commercial broadcaster, ITV. They were publicizing “Operation Switch”. A plan to convert television sets and their aerials to be able to receive the new service. Until 1955, there wasn't much choice of what to watch on British TV – you got one channel: the BBC. But the Television Act 1954
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Anyone remember their TV sets being converted? I would love to hear from you.
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Hard Times
A water softener might change your life processing the hard water to turn it into soft water. Water enters the softener and passes into the resin or media tank where it goes through a simple process that removes calcium, magnesium carbonate and manganese, leaving only soft water to exit the softener and be used around your home.
You probably know that water can be rated 'hard' or 'soft’, but do you know what those terms actually mean> Water has varying levels of hardness based on calcium carbonate concentration. Water with less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate is considered soft, 61-120 mg/L is moderately hard, 121-180 mg/L is hard, and above 180 mg/L is deemed very hard. The water from your tap is safe to drink whether it's hard or soft. Hard water may even have a few health benefits by fulfilling your dietary needs of essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. But while hard water is safe to ingest, the effect of hard water on hair and skin can be s different story. Hard water can leave behind a slight film making skin and hair feel less clean to the touch. It might cause dandruff in your hair and irritate skin problems such as eczema. Washing clothes with hard water can cause the clothing fabric to break down more quickly over time, leave spots on dishes, and residue on your work surfaces and shower screens. Over time mineral build-up in your pipes may cause them to clog, and you'll likely see build-up on shower heads and taps. A water softener solves these problems by
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Plumbing a good water softener into your household supply is an investment for your home. It will eliminate the limescale caused by minerals which build up and leave that white powdery residue which clogs shower heads and pipework, makes surfaces appear dirty and reduces the efficiency of your appliances. Often, we don’t think about our appliances until they break down. The most common reason for early appliance failure is limescale build-up which corrodes the heating elements of your kettle, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine and heating system. By removing the limescale, you start to protect your appliances, they work better, live longer, and cost you less money over time. Another benefit is no stains and marks on dishes, glasses, and pans. Your bathroom remains clean and shiny too with less scrubbing and harsh chemicals. You need less detergent in your washing machine and less salt in your dishwasher. Shampoo, soap, and conditioners will also last longer. Finally, over a period of time, your softened water will remove scale from the inside of your water pipes, hot water cylinders and shower heads…we all know how expensive an emergency plumber is, so arrange for a non -emergency plumber to fit a water softener instead and start enjoying the benefits. By Kate McCarthy
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Cruse Bereavement Care Surrey North Branch.
We are based in Chertsey but cover the Boroughs of Spelthorne, Runnymede, Elmbridge and Woking. Cruse is a national charity that provides advice, information and support to adults, children and young people who have been bereaved, whenever or however the death occurred. The service is provided by fully trained, experienced volunteers and is confidential and free. During pandemic restrictions we offer support to adults by telephone or zoom sessions and also Group support by zoom with a maximum of 6 people attending plus two group facilitators. We offer support to Children and Young People by telephone or zoom, as discussed and agreed with the parent or carer. If you need support or would like information please call our local support line and leave your name and contact details, speaking clearly or email us, details below. You will receive a call back within 24 hours but please note our volunteer numbers will show as withheld. For more information you could also visit www.cruse.org.uk/publications Local support line 01932 571177 Or email a few details and a phone number to surreynorth@cruse.org.uk Please mention Walton Matters when responding to adverts
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Unusual Easter Traditions By Susan Brookes-Morris How will you celebrate Easter? If you need ideas check out these unusual traditions;-
hard boiled eggs are decorated and rolled down a grassy hill with an ensuing competition to see whose egg can roll fastest and remain unharmed. The exact symbolism of egg rolling isn’t clear, but as eggs have links to the Easter and Spring themes of rebirth, renewal and fertility this seems to provide some reasoning for it. If you are looking for a different type of activity on Easter Monday, then you might like to consider the traditions of Whipping Monday linked to countries such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Pace Egg Plays were once a widespread way of celebrating across rural England. Performed on Good Friday the drama involves a form of a combat between a villain named Old Tosspot and the hero St George. Historically the actors were working class men and women who toured the villages performing in pubs and on the street as a way of earning extra money. In the plays someone is always killed, this may be St George or a Turkish Knight known as Bold Slasher. The poor fellow is however revived by a comic doctor, linking to the Easter themes of death and rebirth
In Slovakia women are doused by men with water and whipped with braided willow branches. This is said to symbolise youth and strength and make women healthy for the Spring. The men then get a reward from the lady in question which is a dyed egg, a ribbon tied around their whip and for adults an invite in for some food and vodka. Some men also receive coins. In the Czech version there is no water. Just the whipping and here the implement is called the pomlazka and the tradition ends at noon. I think I’ll stick with egg-rolling!
Whatever you end up doing, have a Happy Easter!
The use of the word Pace is linked to the Latin word Pacha which translates to Easter. The egging part comes from the fact that performers were given eggs which were wrapped in onion skins and carefully boiled. They’d receive other gifts too, including money as an incentive to perform by the crowd. Some believe the phrase ‘to egg someone on’ originates from when rival groups of performers found themselves in the same village and traded insults, had wooden sword fights or even try to steal each others Pace Eggs. The Pace Eggs were sometimes rolled but the practice of egg rolling has become a tradition all on its own both in the UK and abroad. Usually
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The Walton Trail The name "Walton" is Anglo-Saxon in origin. Before the Romans and the Saxons were present, a Celtic settlement was here. The most common Old English word for the Celtic inhabitants was the "Wealas", originally meaning "foreigners" or "strangers". As we come out of lockdown, when we can start to meet up again, why not explore the Walton Trail Walton appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Waletona". The settlement was held jointly as overlords in the feudal system by Edward de Sarisber (Salisbury) and Richard de Tonbrige. Its Domesday assets were: 6 hides; 1 church (St. Mary's), 2 mills worth £1 5s 0d, 1 fishery worth 5s, 14 ploughs, 40 acres (16 ha) of meadow, supporting 50 hogs. It rendered £28.
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All the historic sites are easy to explore by foot or on two wheels. Why not use our trail maps. You can see them all on one map as well Download at www.wotta.co.uk/walton-trail.html
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Recipe of the Month Spanish Baked Eggs
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Method
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Use a frying pan with an ovenproof handle. Heat the olive oil, then add the onion and chopped chorizo. Soften for 5 minutes. Add the peppers and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until they soften too. Stir in the crushed garlic and sweet smoked paprika, cook for another 1 minute. Pour in the tomatoes and add the capers, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes reduce and thicken a little.
Serves: 2 Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 120g Chorizo, sliced 1 yellow pepper, finely sliced 1 orange or red pepper, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp capers (optional) 2 large eggs (4 if you’re really hungry!) 2 tbsp fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 thick slices of bread
Make two or four wells in the thick sauce and gently crack an egg into each. Place the pan into the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Towards the end of the cooking time, toast the bread. Removes the eggs from the oven, scatter with the parsley and serve with the toasted bread, drizzled with a little olive oil.
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Lay a Little Egg for Me Are eggs good for us?
Easter is all about rebirth which is the reason that eggs feature large. They are pretty amazing things, from the way they’re constructed to the way they taste, and this is doubly true when they are constructed from chocolate! But joking aside, an egg is something that has all the ingredients to grow a chick, so it's nutrient dense. If there was such a thing as a perfect food, the egg would be a candidate. Eggs are readily available, easy to cook, affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. They also have the effect of helping our bodies absorb nutrients from other foods better, so eating an egg with a salad, for instance, increases the vitamin E we absorb from the meal. Eggs have a controversial past because they contain cholesterol. The yolk contains around 185 milligrams of it, which is more than half of the 300mg which until recently was the recommended maximum. Cholesterol is a yellowish fat produced in our liver and intestines and found in every cell in our body. It's actually a crucial building block in cell membranes, and the body needs it to make vitamin D, testosterone, and oestrogen. Humans produce all the cholesterol we need on our own, but it’s also found in animal produce such as beef, prawns, eggs, cheese, and butter. It's transported around our body by lipoprotein molecules in the blood. Every person has a different combination of lipoproteins, which play a role in determining our risk of developing heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. It's responsible for clogging up blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is found in some animal
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products, but the majority of LDL cholesterol in our diets is made artificially and found in foods like margarines, snacks, and some deep -fried and baked foods, such as pastries, doughnuts, and cakes. Meanwhile, along with prawns, eggs are the only high cholesterol food which is correspondingly low in saturated fat. Studies have repeatedly found that saturated fat increases blood cholesterol, and that there is no link between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease. Some cholesterol may actually be good for us. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as 'good' cholesterol) travels to the liver, where it’s broken down and removed from the body. HDL is thought to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease by preventing cholesterol from building up in the blood. Cholesterol circulating in the blood contributes to heart disease but having a higher ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol reduces the risk. Healthy humans regulate their own cholesterol, so if they consume dietary cholesterol, they make less cholesterol themselves. But some people struggle to regulate, and they might be wise to limit their egg intake...as well as their intake of other foods high in LDL. But it’s not all about cholesterol. Eggs have some great health benefits. They contain choline, which may help protect us against Alzheimer’s disease. Egg yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, a pigment that has been linked to a lower risk of developing the eye disease macular degeneration. Lutein acts like a blue light filter, protecting the delicate retinal tissue So do indulge in an egg for Easter, maybe don't eat lots of them every day though...especially the chocolate ones! By Louise Addison Please mention Walton Matters when responding to adverts
Your home. Your care. Your choice. Home care gives you reassurance and helps you stay independent. Our quality care is provided by our trained and compassionate carers. Whether it’s regular visits or a live-in carer, we’re here for you.
Call today: 01932 901222
Email: walton-on-thames@alinahomecare.com
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Garden View
This month - Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Following on from last month’s list of essential garden tools for beginners I thought I’d explain about the humble hoe. When I first started gardening, I didn’t really understand how to use one. There are a couple of varieties of hoe and they are used in different ways, and they really are your friend at this time of year. The hoe is actually one of the most ancient garden tools and came before the plough. It’s mentioned in Egyptian art, the Code of Hammurabi and in the Bible.
By Rachael Leverton
rectly it slices the tops from the weeds. It’s actually simple to use but you do need toF practice your technique. Slice the tops of weeds by t bringing the hoe towards you, altering the angle to accommodate slopes. When youe turn over a Dutch hoe you can use it to make a shallow trench called a seed drill to sow s larger seeds, like peas into. Larger seeds are h better because they need to be covered well.
o
Your hoes need to be kept sharp and well maintained for maximum effectiveness. a I use a metal file to both clean and sharpen, but you y can buy sharpening stones reasonably cheaply and they are easy to use. Happy gardening
The reason spring is a great time to put your hoe to good use is because right now is when the annual weeds (the ones that self-seed freely and pop up all over the place every year) have started to germinate. The aim when hoeing, aim to sever the top growth from the roots, just below the soil surface, then leave it in the sun to dry out and die. Hoeing is best done when the soil is dry as this creates a ‘dust mulch’ which inhibits the germination of new weeds. I prefer a hoe with a long handle because it’s better for preventing back pain. I also have a short-handled hoe known as an ‘onion hoe’ for closely planted areas. A shorted handle gives more control, so you don’t damage your prized plants. It’s important to note that hoeing only kills the annual weeds, not the deep-rooted perennial weeds, those need to be dug up by hand. There is also a tool called a Dutch hoe. This is used by sweeping it smoothly over the soil so that the surface is just ‘brushed’. If used cor-
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Dominic Raab Our Local MP
In the Budget last month, the Chancellor announced several important measures to protect businesses and jobs in Walton. First, the furlough and self-employment schemes have been extended. These schemes have been vital for local residents. The furlough scheme has protected at least 17,500 local jobs, while thousands of residents have received grants through the self-employment scheme. The extension of these measures, and of the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit, will ensure that residents will continue to be supported in the coming months. There was also welcome news for businesses in Walton. The Chancellor announced an extension of the business rates holiday, which is saving Elmbridge businesses almost £31m in 2020/21, until 30 June. Eligible businesses will receive 66% relief from then until April next year, subject to caps on the total relief received. In addition, there will be new cash grants for businesses of up to £18,000, and a new Recovery Loan Scheme launching this month. Local businesses have already received over £26m through various govgrant ernment-funded schemes, and over £100m through the Coronavirus loan schemes. Finally, the Stamp Duty cut – which saves the average local homebuyer £15,000 – has been extended until the end Dom visiting the local vaccination centre in The Heart Centre, of June. These measures will make a real difference Walton in Walton, supporting local businesses, continuing the protection for residents’ jobs and incomes and helping homebuyers. Meanwhile, the vaccination programme continues apace. The latest data shows that 43,788 people have received at least one dose of a vaccine in Elmbridge. This is thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers at our local vaccination centres, which I saw for myself when I visited the centres in Walton and Thames Ditton recently. This progress, and the government’s economic support, is helping Walton to recover from Coronavirus.
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