Vol. 7 â—? Issue 7 â—? November 2015
Priceless
Delivered to selected homes in Esher, Claygate, Hinchley Wood, Molesey, Walton on Thames and Hersham
The whole range, from A
to TT.
At Audi, we believe all our cars should combine advanced technology, luxurious features and innovative design. Come to our Centre to experience everything our range has to offer, whether you’re interested in the A1, A4, RS 5, TT or any of our other models.
Walton Audi Station Avenue Walton on Thames Surrey KT12 1NR 01932 220404 www.walton.audi.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi range in mpg (l/100km) from Urban: 12.7 (22.2) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra Urban 26.4 (10.7) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined 19.0 (14.9) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 349 – 99 g/km.
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How many days to go? Novemb already? It can’t November be! B But it is. Summer (ha!) is but a dim and distant memory. Half term has mem come and gone. The com clocks have all fallen backwards. Next stop: bac Christmas! Chr Love it or hate it, Lov Christmas comes round Christ quicker each year. I love it! The planning: what to buy for whom; what to cook for each different batch of guests on which occasions; shall we go visit them or are they coming to us this year? That sort of thing. I am very, very good at buying presents up front. Unfortunately, I am also very, very bad at ‘putting things away safely’ and forgetting all about them. Sometimes for years. Sometimes forever! I still can’t find the fancy (and very expensive) Easter Egg I was given three years ago. Well, I was dieting at the time and wanted to keep away from temptation. And then there was the year I bought my son a fabulous pair of jeans. By the time I found them (hidden under the spare bed) he had grown out of them. By ‘grown out’ I mean he had ‘grown up’ and our loss was the charity shop’s gain.
Inside this month........ What’s On in November
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The Ember Big Band
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On your Plot
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Grass Roots
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No Space? No Problem
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Recipe of the Month
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This Month in History
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Crossword
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Better Sleep Combats Colds
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Notes from Westminster
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Police 5 (Minutes)
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I’m hoping that I’ve a pot of gold (or somesuch) ‘put away safely’ and that I’ll find it before I retire! You never know! See you next month!
Shelley December/January deadline: 18th November February/March deadline: 18th January 2016 Ads & editorial Tel: 0208 941 3569 Email: info@yourelmbridge.co.uk Web: www.yourelmbridge.co.uk Printed by: Evonprint Ltd. Tel: 01273 494 631 Delivered by: 3Colours Ltd. Tel: 020 8965 3339 Š Fleetside Publishing Ltd 2015 -- All rights reserved. We do not take responsibility for the views expressed by contributors of articles or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers within this magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or any other cause.
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Our Christmas party nights offer a totally awesome 80’s themed party. We turn back the clock with 80’s atmosphere, food and dance routines! Tribute act, Michael Buble, will be performing a truly mesmerizing show on 27th November and 31st December.
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Early bird offer now extended: Book by 15th November and receive 10% discount!
Please call to book on 020 8786 6505 or email events@hikingston.co.uk Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5QQ www.hikingston.co.uk
London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kingston South
What’s on in November? A small selection of events in Elmbridge....
THE FOUNTAIN GALLERY 26 Bridge Rd, Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9HA Tel: 020 8941 5865 email info@fountaingallery. co.uk
Bring a friend a have an enjoyable midweek break. Light lunch from 12.30pm concert from 1.10pm Free entry, retiring collection For further information contact the Parish Office Tel: 01372 462282 Email :office @esherparish. org.uk Website: www.esherparish.org.uk
Open Tuesday – Sunday 11.30am - 5.30pm The Fountain Gallery is an artists’ cooperative of artists offering an exciting programme all year round. Visitors to the Gallery will be able to meet the artists showing their work. 27 Oct – 8 Nov Jim Woodman Oil & watercolour paintings from London to the North West of Scotland, plus paintings from a winter sojourn in Spain.
ELMBRIDGE MULTI-FAITH FORUM Presents our
10 – 22 Nov Jill Storey & Beryl Hole Watercolours and pastels inspired by travels and local river life. Porcelain and stoneware ceramics.
Saturday 28th November 2015 at The Joyce Grenfell Centre Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive, Esher, Surrey KT10 9LY
ANNUAL MULTIFAITH GALA EVENING
DELICIOUS BUFFET Enjoy a wide variety of foods inspired by different faiths
24 Nov – 6 Dec Nicky Browne & Nataliya Zozulya The Thames & Sybil Penn local ghost; drawings, prints, cards. Your portrait in around an hour – a present for Christmas!
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT Be fascinated by acts from many cultures
MUSIC ON THE GREEN CHRIST CHURCH, ESHER LUNCHTIME CONCERT Wednesday 18th November 2015 SIMON DESORGHER, flute SALLY MAYS, piano
A TRULY DIFFERENT AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE ONLY £15 PER PERSON Admission by booking in advance only. Please book through Geoff Morris on 01932 868454 0r geoffreymorris@emas-bc. co.uk
Their Esher programme will include two French favourites: Debussy’s Sonata for Flute and piano and Poulenc’s Cello Sonata, ingeniously arranged for bas flute.
ALL VERY WELCOME
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Christmas at Oatlands Park
End 2015 in style this Christmas... th Take the worry out of Christmas and New Year and let us do all the hard work for you. Choose from any of our festive dining options and let our dedicated catering team ensure that everything runs smoothly so you can make this Christmas and New Year one to remember!
Visit our website to download our Christmas brochure or call us for more information.
Book now Quote: YE15Mag
Tel: 01932 847242 | www.oatlandsparkhotel.com
Located on Esher High Street, Castello offers an Italian inspired menu with a fusion of taste and style. Choose from delicious pizzas, home-made pastas, cooked to order steaks or fresh fish from our daily specials - or even try our fixed-price lunch menu at ÂŁ9.95 to include a drink. (Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri) Castello provides Mediterranean staples in a simple, bustling dining room fit for all occasions - we look forward to welcoming you soon. Now taking bookings for Christmas 10 High Street, Esher, KT10 9RT 01372 461789 esher@castellorestaurants.co.uk www.castellorestaurant.co.uk
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Could you help the Ember Big Band blow up a storm?
spots of his career and there is a very modest pause (probably because they are too numerous to mention). Then he recalls playing all over Europe with Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis Jnr.; having a solo specially written for him by Sinatra`s arranger, Nelson Riddle; performing with Henry Mancini at “The Pink Panther” film premiere in Switzerland; playing on the sound track of “Dr. No” and for the theme tune of I.T.V`s “Minder”.
Since making its debut in March, the Ember Big Band has performed throughout Elmbridge and well beyond. It is now looking to recruit new talent in the trombone section. Deputy Musical Director, Lewis McGuinness, explained: “We are a band of committed volunteers – and most of us have families and day jobs. We often need `deps` when regular members are unavailable and also have to deal with a turnover of players when younger members take on new commitments or go off to uni.”
Of the Ember Big Band Bill said: “It`s a 23 piece amateur big band with three terrific singers - but we have a professional approach to everything we do. There`s a difference between being `amateur` and `amateurish`. Everyone involved understands that, otherwise I wouldn`t have taken this on. There are no short cuts to good musicianship. Regular rehearsal is the key, but we have a lot of fun along the way – and so, we hope, will our audiences.”
The band sets a high musical standard – but also believes that music-making should be fun.Guitarist Simon Cushing is its newest recruit: “As a former rocker, the world of EBB has been tremendous fun,” he said. “The band is very welcoming and supportive and there`s a huge range of new music to get my teeth into including big band standards, swing, Latin and covers of recent chart songs. I`ve learned a huge amount and am flexing new musical muscles! To top it all, there are chocolate digestives in rehearsal breaks!”
If you`d like to find out more, please visit www.emberbigband.uk or contact Lewis McGuinness on 07785-370901. You may want to drop in to one of our `open rehearsals` at The Greyhound pub, Weston Green, on the first Monday of most months (do check).
The band`s musical director is trombone legend and renowned arranger Bill Geldard. Born in County Durham, he learned his trade in local brass bands and school orchestras. After demob from National Service in the R.A.F., he joined the George Evans Orchestra as 1st trombone and played as a featured soloist. There followed spells with most of the big bands of the day including the Squadronaires, Ted Heath, John Dankworth and Jack Parnell. Ask him about the high
Picture: The Ember Big Band with their conductor Bill Geldard. Photograph by Roy Morris
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Reliable Local Handymen
“Our vetting process is second to none. All of our handymen are friendly retired police officers with many years working in the community under their belt – they understand peoples’ concerns and fears better than anyone else and they genuinely care.“
Retired police officers in Surrey are pioneers in an ambitious national network of highly vetted handymen launched by ‘Blue Local Handymen’. Helping to combat the ongoing problem of cowboy builders and dodgy tradespeople, local retired police officers with a passion for home maintenance are taking up tools to provide peace of mind to the residents and businesses of Elmbridge, Thames Ditton and surrounding areas.
Handyman Jim Lias states: “I have always had a keen interest in home maintenance and now I have the opportunity to spread the skills I have developed for the benefit of the local community”
Typically police officers retire after 30 years service and a huge number are still eager to continue playing an active and productive role in their communities. All handymen prove themselves capable and experienced in home maintenance works before joining the network and carry recent CRB Checks.
More information can be found on the website www.trustinblue.com and bookings can be made either by calling freephone 0800 255 0 255 or emailing helpdesk@trustinblue.com
Managing Director, Nick Orde-Powlett, hopes that the company’s rigorous selection process will bring security and peace of mind to people in Surrey:
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On your Plot Feeling Fruity Few flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden. Much of the fruit available in the shops (particularly the supermarkets) has been grown for it’s ability to travel well rather than it’s flavour and may have been picked well before it’s arrival on the shelf. If you fancy apples from your own tree, or a bowl of raspberries fresh from the garden, now is the time to act. If you are anything like me you will spend ages drooling over pictures of bushes dripping with blackcurrants or gooseberries, trees laden with apples, or bowls full of luscious raspberries but struggle to get to grips with the realities of production on your own plot! Patience is a virtue that is definitely required for growing your own, and this is particularly so with fruit trees and bushes. I have to confess to having an inclination to move on with anything that requires more than a few months to give a decent crop, but with most fruit you just have to force yourself to take the long term view and now being the proud owner of a 2 year old gooseberry bush
and raspberry canes I can assure you that the waiting is worthwhile! Think carefully about where you will grow your fruit. Trees require lots of space (but are a wonderfully attractive addition to your plot) while bushes may be incorporated in your borders, but will probably need some protection if you aren’t going to loose a lot of fruit to the birds. Late autumn is an ideal time to add fruit to your plot as trees and bushes will be entering their dormant period. It is important to buy healthy plants and to ensure that they are dormant as they will transplant more successfully. If you are ordering from a reputable mail order nursery they are likely to arrange delivery to coincide with the best time for planting. You should also get instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree or bush. Trees such as apple or plum may be grafted onto a variety of different rootstocks - this sounds complicated but all you really need to know is what effect this will have on the final size of the tree. If you have limited space it is possible to buy dwarf varieties
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some of which can even be suitable for container growing. Pollination is also an important consideration, some varieties are self-fertile and do not need a pollinator, while others may require another variety planted close by to act as a pollinator. When planting your tree out it may benefit from staking and protection around the base. One ‘fruit’ that is a little different and very easy to grow is Rhubarb. Rhubarb is actually classified as a vegetable, but certainly tastes good used like a fruit in crumbles and pies. November is the perfect time to plant out dormant crowns. Although these can be bought from nurseries Rhubarb tends to spread well when established and needs to be divided every few years so it is often possible to obtain surplus crowns from friends or neighbours. Plant your crown with the buds just above the soil and water well the first year. Once the plants have become established you can look forward to harvesting a good crop of delicious pink stems from Spring onwards very welcome as the first ‘fruit’ of the year.
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Grass Roots What to do if your garden is out of control by Sally Tierney, www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk
Don’t fool yourself any longer. I gave up on my garden about 3 years ago. Prior to that I had fooled myself that I could keep on top of the weeds and that a few ‘native’ plants were beneficial to the wildlife but then I looked at it one day and just gave up. Couch grass had infested the border, running in out of the plants’ roots and Convolvulus was suffocating anything it could – which was everything. The fence was old and rotting, the boundary hedge was overgrown by many feet, robbing the garden of light and the small pond was dank and overgrown with common sedge. Brambles had invaded the end of the garden and the lawn was more of a moss-fest than anything else. All in all, not a nice place to be in and very depressing to look at. My solution was to do nothing. Unsurprisingly, the situation got worse and the more it did so, the less I felt inclined to do something about it until a friend of mine took pity and offered to help me sort it out.
Don’t beat yourself up. If you and your garden are in the same position I found myself in, the first thing to do is not to spend any energy on being embarrassed about it or blaming yourself for the state it is in. The second thing is to get used to the idea that, if at all possible, that you need to start again, from a clean slate.
Start again. In an ideal situation, the only sensible option you have at this point, for the sake of future sanity, is to take everything out and begin again. It took me at least 6 months to get used to the idea and another couple to actually get started on it so don’t be alarmed at the amount of time it might take you to make the decision. At first I wanted to keep all the plants to use again but it was pointed out that I would also be keeping the couch grass and the convolvulus too, being the very reason I was having to take such drastic action, so with reluctance I put all the plants into the municipal green bin for council to compost.
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Progress brings momentum. Once the project got underway and it was possible to see a little improvement, it didn’t feel too bad to get rid of plants and as the work progressed, it became enjoyable and fulfilling to see how much had been achieved. With the garden cleared of everything, except the trees and mature shrubs, it became much easier to think about it and not to mourn the wastage of the previous plants. I then put a lot of time and energy into cleaning the soil of weeds, roots and other debris and incorporating well-rotted organic matter which gave the soil a much needed fertility boost. Now, instead of being sad about the plants I had got rid of, I now felt excited about the opportunities to try new plants in new combinations. All in all, I found beginning again was very liberating and you will too. This is an extract from my forthcoming book ‘The Garden Equation. How to make your garden be a delightful part of your lifestyle’.
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WALTON & WEYBRIDGE AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY present 4
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Tuesday 1st - Saturday 5th December 2015 Evenings 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm at The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1AU Box Office and Info call 0845 519 6242 or visit www.wwaos.org.uk
For your chance to win a pair of tickets to Aspects of Love, answer the question: Which artist peaked in the charts with Aspects’ signature song “Love Changes Everything”? To enter, visit bit.ly/aspectscompetition to complete the form online. Competition closes November 20th 2015. For more details and T&Cs, visit http://bit.ly/aspectscompetition
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No Space? No Problem! Building a spacious London home on a 4.5m wide plot
With the Government announcing a target of 1 million homes to be built before 2020, a project by NK Architects to build a London home on a plot just 4.5m wide could soon become the norm. That’s according to Nicholas Kirk, Founder and Director or NK Architects. The project, which was recently featured as an inspirational home on the BBC’s “The home that £100k built” is nestled between a Victoria and a Georgian terrace in the borough of Islington, North London. Built on a plot just 4.8 metre wide at ground level, the actual width of the self supporting structure had to be limited to just 4.5 metres due to the older properties either side having bowed walls. The challenges didn’t stop there. The sensitive location of the project meant that it was put under intense scrutiny by the local community requiring not just a need for architectural prowess, but some serious diplomacy skills as well.
right at the beginning and plan your space wisely”. Nicholas also went on to provide 5 top tips to really maximise the amount of internal space your plot delivers. 1. Dig down. Creating a basement level can increase your floor space by up to 33% 2.
Minimise wall construction
3. Use underfloor heating rather than hanging radiators on the walls 4. Embed pipe work and cabling into the building fabric. Cross Laminated Timber is a good method of construction as it allows you to rout out services into the wall structure 5. Carefully orientate the building / windows on the site to maximise views out / daylight and sunlight coming in
Above all the key message for budding self-builders is don’t leave anything to So did Nicholas have any tips for budding self-builders facing serious plot chance. Every millimetre counts on a constraints? “Make sure you accurately small plot and planning meticulously in advance will save you endless survey the site at the start” said headaches, not just with the build itself Nicholas. “It sounds obvious now, but it’s not just about the plot size at ground but with the community that your plot is situated in. level. If you’re building up, you need to take the cubic dimensions into account 16
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Martin
LEWIS Mortgages This is a crucial warning for anyone with a mortgage. Mortgage rates are at historic lows, but the window to take advantage looks to be slamming shut. The Bank of England Governor has said he believes UK interest rates will rise from their six-year slumber at 0.5% before the end of this year. If that happens, today’s rates will look cheap as chips. So everyone with an outstanding home loan should be checking now to see if they can do better – and possibly lock in at a dirt-cheap rate ahead of possible rises. So let me run you through the things you need to know. 1.
Check your current deal.
A mortgage is the biggest expenditure most people have, so I’m always slightly surprised that when asked, not everyone knows their rate and details. Check now that you know… a. The current rate: And monthly repayment and amount outstanding. b. Type: Is it a fix, tracker, discount or SVR (standard variable rate, ie, bog standard bank rate)? c. Deal deadline: If it’s a shortterm deal, such as a two-year
fix, when does it end? d. Term: How long is it, for example, 25 years, and when it must be fully repaid by. e. Penalties: Are there any penalties if you repay or leave early? f. Your loan-to-value (LTV): The proportion of your home’s current value you are borrowing. As an example, £80,000 on a £100,000 property means an 80% LTV. The lower the LTV, the better deal you can get, so if your home’s increased in value you may gain, even without other changes (both Nationwide. co.uk and Halifax.co.uk have tools showing the rough change in prices in your area). If this is all gooblydegook, my free printed www.mse.me/ remortgageguide booklet can take you through it in detail. 2. Benchmark your cheapest deal at speed. Recently we’ve seen two-year fixed deals (for those with low LTVs) plummet to almost one per cent - that’s unthinkably cheap and longer fixes and variable deals are at or near historic lows too. Yet a host of factors affect what your cheapest deal is, the easy route’s using a comparison site. Just plug in your home’s value, the
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amount you want to borrow and other details and it should list what’s likely to be available to you. Some sites only list deals available to brokers, missing out some lenders, including HSBC, Tesco Bank and First Direct. So it’s worth checking a comparison site that includes direct-only deals. These include my own mse. me/mortgagebestbuys, and totallymoney.com’s mortgage tool. 3. Fees can be £1,000s factors them in. The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact fees have, especially for mortgages under £100,000. This can skew which is cheapest for you. So you should always incorporate the fees – do this by spreading them over the fixed or tracker period (as after you may shift again to another deal). Eg, £1,000 of fees over two years is £1,000 / 24 = £42 a month.
(continued over the page)
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MORTGAGES (continued from previous page)
To help, the comparison at www.mse.me/ mortgagebestbuys does this for you, so you can see the real cost of different mortgages side by side. 4. How much can you save? Now you know your rate and what’s out there, work out the potential savings. I’ve eight tools to home in on the right answer for you at mse.me/mortgagecalc, including help comparing two mortgages and estimating if you should ditch your fix. 5. Can you afford a cheaper mortgage? 15 months ago mortgage affordability checks were introduced to stop people borrowing beyond their means – I believe that’s definitely the right move for those getting new borrowing or extending existing debts. Yet, perversely, most lenders (and from March all lenders) are forced to apply these rules to those trying to switch deal too, leading to some being told “you can’t afford to get a cheaper rate”. This is something I’m lobbying to try and get changed. Yet you need to be aware. Lenders will check you can afford your mortgage if rates hit 6-7%. They also want evidence of income, big bills and expenses, even eating out, so be frugal in the
months before applying to make your situation look as good as it can. 6. Should I get a fix or tracker/discount? With a fixed mortgage, the amount you repay is, er, fixed, so it’s like buying an insurance policy against possible rate rises. Variable deals move with UK interest rates – sometimes at the provider’s whim. Currently you only pay a touch more to fix. Predicting future interest rate moves is difficult – though pundits think the general direction’s up, the question’s just how quickly. So instead focus on your finances. The more crucial the security of knowing exactly what you’ll pay, the more you should edge towards fixing - and fixing longer. If a rock-bottom deal’s your driver, edge to short-term trackers if cheaper. 7. Mortgage brokers can help boost acceptance. You can, and often should, use a broker to help you find the right deal. They have info unavailable to consumers, eg, lenders’ credit and affordability criteria. A good broker can ease acceptance by matching you to the right deal - and the mortgage interview’s quicker too. But ask the broker how much using them will cost and if they check all deals available to them, not just a panel of lenders.
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Some phone only brokers like lcplc.co.uk are fee-free, just getting commission from lenders - others charge fees like Which. co.uk (£499), but can cover a wider range of products. If you want face-to-face help, then ask friends for local recommendations or use unbiased.co.uk or vouchedfor.co.uk. 8. Is your credit score good enough? These days it isn’t just about getting the best mortgage, but the best that’ll accept you. Credit scoring plays a huge part of that, and managing your credit worthiness months in advance is part of the task. I’ve 36 tips in my www.mse. me/creditrating guide, but some key ones include a) Ensure you’re on the electoral role, via gov.uk/ register-to-vote b) Never withdraw cash on credit cards. c) Never miss a repayment on anything – even late payments hurt d) Check your credit files at Equifax.co.uk, Experian. co.uk and Callcredit for errors – you have a statutory right to do this for £2 e) Avoid payday loans like the plague (both for your credit score and your financial health). f) Avoid other applications, such as credit cards and contract mobiles, just before applying.
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Successful Dating Online Dating By Sophie Personne www.successful-dating.com
15 to 20 years ago, online dating was frowned upon. It existed, it was secretly popular but it was also a scary world. How could you possibly trust all these weird people that were probably mass-murderers or just after your money? There was quite a lot of social stigma attached with meeting online and we would certainly not freely admit to it... how many hundreds ‘met in the supermarket’? Nowadays, it is pretty much the norm and totally accepted across all age groups. It is a necessary evil, a little bit like having to put your CV online when we are looking for a job as well as telling everyone we know to make us aware of any opportunities. Online dating is here and most probably here to stay. It is far from perfect but definitely has its place and many couples have met through it. However, it needs to come with some warnings as it can very easily get us down so it is important to remember not to take anything personally. Online sites give us access to hundreds of single people who are looking to meet someone special. We can hide behind the computer screen if we are a bit shy and can feel safe from the comfort of our own homes. We can look at people’s pictures, see what they have written about themselves on their profiles, what they like and dislike as well as communicate with them in a safe environment to see if we would like to know more without actually having to give any of our details out. And whilst that’s great, we need to know that a lot of people will not reply to our messages. They will look at our profile then not respond, which can leave us wondering what on earth is
wrong with us... But we must remember that it happens to everyone, we all have different tastes and we don’t always reply ourselves either (especially after a while). Another thing is to always listen to our gut instinct. If we feel something doesn’t add up or it’s just that we can’t put our finger on it, we are probably right and should back off. It is easy to create an online persona and not everyone on online dating sites is as honest as us or has good intentions. The main warning though is that email communication can lead to the perception of a quick romantic attachment. When we meet someone in the flesh and then enter into a regular contact through email or text, we already know the person. We will have picked up whether there is some chemistry or not and will know a little more about them. Therefore, any attachment formed as a result is probably likely to be ‘real’ as we already have a rough idea of what the person is about. When we have never met and enter into an intense email communication, we rapidly feel that we know the person and can easily develop feelings for them. It is important to pay particular attention to this, as we are more likely to feel disappointed or let down when we eventually meet them in the flesh. It won’t always be the case but most of the time it is. The secret to online dating is to take it with a pinch of salt. It is a great way to meet single people but you should know and expect it to be trial and error.
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Cake and Bake Lamingtons These scrumptious small Australian cakes are made with a whisked light and buttery sponge which is coated in a quick chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. They may be a little fiddly to make but it’s well worth the effort!
Ingredients: SPONGE • 4 large eggs • 115g caster sugar • 115g plain flour, sifted • 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled ICING AND COATING • 450g icing sugar • 50g cocoa powder • 70g unsalted butter, melted • 225g desiccated coconut
TIP Pop the sponge squares in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before coating in the icing – they will be a little firmer to handle and the icing will set more quickly.
Makes 9 cakes Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and setting
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease a 23cm square cake tin and line the base with baking paper. 2. To make the sponge, place the eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk together with a hand-held electric whisk until the mixture is very thick and pale and leaves a trail on the surface when the whisk is lifted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan. 3. Sift over the flour and fold in gently then pour over the melted butter and fold in until just incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until risen, golden and springy to the touch. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes then turn the cake out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. Cut the cold cake into 9 squares. 4. To make the icing, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter and 75ml boiling water and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. 5. Spread the coconut on a large flat plate. Take each sponge square and dip in the chocolate icing to coat completely, using two forks to gently turn the sponge square. Lift the coated square out of the icing and shake to allow any excess icing to fall back into the bowl. 6. Roll the iced square in the coconut to coat all over. Place on a board lined with baking paper and leave to set. Repeat with the rest of the sponge squares.
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Festive Family Fun with Santa Princess Alice Hospice
Bring the whole family along to jog, run or walk this year’s Santa Fun Runs to raise sponsorship money for Princess Alice Hospice.
mind. I was just looking to do a good run for a good cause and raise a bit of money so the Hospice can continue to do their fantastic work.”
Fast becoming a fun, festive, family tradition; donning a Santa suit, complete with a big white beard, is guaranteed to make you feel all Christmassy and in the seasonal spirit of giving you’ll be raising money for a fantastic cause.
The first Santa to cross last year’s finish line at Richmond Park was Nick McKay, 36, from Wimbledon who successfully defended his title, winning for the third year in a row. He was running the event in memory of his sister-in-law, Jo Crossfield, who was cared for by the Hospice in 2010.
The first of the Santa Fun Runs will be at Bushy Park on Sunday 29 November at 10.30am. A further two runs will be taking place at Richmond Park on Sunday 13th December at 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Nick said: ““The run has become an annual festive family event for us and my young son was also able to take part too from the comfort of his buggy.”
In previous years Santas have ranged from as young as 10 weeks old in a baby carrier to those in their eighties.
Mia Patterson from the Hospice’s Fundraising Team said: “Taking part in our Santa Fun Runs to raise money for the Hospice has become a tradition now in many households, with families raising huge amounts of money for us.
The event is now in its eighth year and the target is to smash last year’s total of £44,000 which will be used to care for patients and their families during the Festive Season; both in the Hospice and in their own homes.
“They are lots of fun and it really is an incredible sight to see hundreds of Santas running across the Royal Parks.
The first Santa to cross the line at Bushy Park last year was Cameron Gibson, 15, from Horsley. Cameron said: “I did the run last year but I was a lot faster this time. It was really weird being chased by all those Santas.
““Places are limited, so it’s best to register as soon as possible. The cost to enter for over 12’s is £12 and for this you’ll receive a Santa Suit. For the under 12’s it’s £6 and they will receive Reindeer Antlers.”
“I registered for the event because I appreciate the work the Hospice carers do and I wanted to do my bit to support them.”
For further details and to enter please contact the Princess Alice Hospice Fundraising Team on 01372 461808 supportercare@pah.org.uk
Cameron was shortly followed at the finish by his younger brother Joseph Gibson, 11, who was the first under 12 to complete the run.
www.pah.org.uk
Joseph said: “Winning was never really in my
30
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What happened in... ...November 1962? on 5th July 2000. None of the passengers and crew survived. On 29th November a draft treaty between Britain and France was signed. It was for a joint project to build a supersonic airliner. BA’s and Air France’s Concordes made their first commercial flights on 21st January 1976. They had been beaten into the skies by the USSR’s Tupolev TU-144, but this aircraft only ever carried mail and the project was abandoned after a fatal crash at the 1973 Paris Air Show. Concorde could cross the Atlantic in under three and a half hours, enabling BA to boast that you were able to ‘Arrive before you leave’. Its illustrious and all-too-short history was blighted by a crash just after taking off from Charles de Gaulle Airport
In April 2003 it was announced that Concorde would be retired from service. A bid by Richard Branson to buy the BA fleet was unsuccessful and on 24th October that year people in London turned their eyes skywards at the familiar thunder for the last time. And this time their pride was mixed with sadness. 1st: The US resumed its blockade of Russian ships to Cuba, following a twoday suspension during negotiations to halt the stationing of weapons on America’s doorstep. 3rd: The New York Times recorded the first use of the term ‘personal computer’. John W Mauchly, inventor of some of the first room-size computers, predicted that
within a few decades, ‘…there is no reason to suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer.’ I could have told him that - it’s why I go looking for a teenager whenever I have a problem with the blooming things. 4th: The first Mexican Grand Prix was won by Jim Clark and Trevor Taylor. 6th: Saudi Arabia announced the abolition of slavery. 10th: The unfortunately titled ‘Nowhere to Go But Up’ opened at the Winter Gardens Theatre, New York.
Petrol cost about 5/- a gallon The average price of a house was about £2,700
17th: The unfortunately titled ‘Nowhere to Go But Up’ closed at the Winter Gardens Theatre, New York.
Three of the bestselling singles this year were:
20th: The USSR agreed to remove bombers from Cuba and the US lifted its blockade.
Lovesick Blues, Frank Ifield
26th: A group of four musicians made their first recordings under the name of the Beatles.
Telstar, The Tornados Big Girls Don’t Cry, The Four Seasons
Short Shorts by Patrick D Cousins is available from Amazon; you can hear the song from Rainbows, Dreams and Angels on YouTube.
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Nordman fir non drop Christmas trees On sale end of November at APPS COURT FARM Superb quality trees at excellent prices! Apps Court Farm, Hurst Road, Walton on Thames, KT12 2EG enquiries@appscourtfarm.com
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Better Sleep Combats Colds The Sleep Council
Not only does sleep help to prevent colds, it is also useful in recovery.
An effective weapon against coughs and colds this winter is a great night’s sleep according to The Sleep Council, which has been looking at research into sleep and the immune system.
Said Lisa: “Experts suggest that eight hours of uninterrupted sleep when you are suffering from a heavy cold is essential for recovery. Taking to bed to relax can make a real difference to the way the body copes with a heavy cold. “
“Experts agree that those who sleep better have a stronger immune reaction, suggesting that sleep can banish bugs as well as making you feel a lot healthier,” says Lisa Artis, of The Sleep Council.
The Sleep Council offers tips for those suffering with a sniffle to optimise their enforced bed rest to help get well soon:
“A longer night’s sleep - around seven to eight hours for most adults - seems to guard against common winter nasties such as coughs and colds, while scrimping on sleep appears to make you more likely to succumb to the sniffles. This seems to be particularly common in young people.”
• Make sure you have a comfortable bed which allows you to properly relax and get the most health benefits from your sleep. If you are feeling ill, chances are your bed is the only place you want to be. A Sleep Council survey found that 89 per cent of people agree that comfortable sleep is important to aiding recovery from a cold.
Researchers in America have found that burning the candle at both ends increases the chances of coming down with coughs, colds and upset stomachs - especially among students and young adults.
• Choose a supportive pillow, especially if you’re a girl. A Sleep Council survey suggested that four out of 10 women like to sleep propped up to ease congestion, which for many is the worst bit of having a cold. Men however, tend to prefer to sprawl out.
Lisa explained; “The study, by boffins at the Bradley Hospital, Rhode Island, showed that bouts of illness declined when pupils had a longer night’s sleep. Sleeping for longer also guarded against school absences because of illness, especially among boys.
•
Try a comforting hot drink to help sleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature. Experts say around 18C is the best.
“Meanwhile German researchers have suggested that the release of certain hormones during sleep may boost the immune system.
• Clear your bedroom of electronic devices which can inhibit a good night’s sleep.
“This is all useful information for a nation where a third of us are afflicted with a bad cold between and two and three times a year. Better sleep could be the answer, helping to reduce absence at both school and work.” ¹
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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let holiday anxiety or loneliness get the better of you this Christmas
Tinsel and baubles herald that Christmas will soon be upon us. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a time of joy and festivities for some, for others it can be a time of loneliness and anxiety. This time of year brings with it high expectations of happy families and having a good time. Our television screens constantly bombard us with fabulous images. However the reality is often not matched with the ideals portrayed. There are steps that you can take to help you to manage these feelings.
December. Look ahead and have a goal for the New Year. Plan your day in advance. Establish manageable activities for the morning, afternoon and evening. These can be a new walking route, having a go at a practical activity e.g. art, craft, puzzles, cooking all of which can help to establish a sense of achievement within you. If you feel you need a listening ear, make use of the free helplines such as Samaritans, Childline and the new Silver Line for older people.
Firstly, you need to recognise that you are experiencing loneliness and that you have it within you to make positive changes. Take comfort in the knowledge that there are others out there feeling just like you.
If your suffering is severe and you wish to know more about solving this problem, you can reach me directly at theanxietyexpert@gmail.com or visit www.theanxietyexpert.com for more information.
Think beyond the day, normal activity will resume on the 26th
Shaan White The Anxiety Expert 40
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Consumer Champion When deliveries don’t deliver by James Walker, www.resolver.co.uk This week I received an email fromDianeStepney who told me about her order with an extremely well known online retailer. It seems Diane had ordered a present for her son’s 16th birthday and it was not as she expected. She wanted to understand her right to return the product. So I thought I’d share my explanation with you. ---There is a famous scene in Ace Ventura Pet Detective where he pretends to be a courier and delivers a parcel by kicking it along the ground. In recent years, a number of stories have emerged of parcels being damaged, left in the wrong place or couriers alleging no one was at home, when someone had been there all day. Ordering online is quick, easy and often less of a hassle than shopping on the high street. We can shop around without moving around. Online shopping now accounts for at least 10% of retail sales. The downside is we cannot see the products and we have to wait for them to arrive. However, if the goods are not right, 60% of shoppers are less likely to return products purchased online than from a shop. According to the Government, 77% of consumers do not know the difference between their online buying rights and their rights when buying directly in a shop. A lot of the issues experienced have related to couriers either damaging or simply not delivering the goods. If the goods delivered are damaged you can either ask for a refund or request a replacement. The big question is always who pays for the return postage… as it’s not the consumer’s fault that the goods are damaged. Do I have to pay for the cost of returning? There is no simple answer to this question and will depend on the retailer. The current Regulations are unclear on who covers the cost. However, if your purchase was damaged when it arrived then it is reasonable that the firm pays for the return postage cost. If the goods are faulty and you have requested a replacement, the return postage for the faulty goods should also be covered by the retailer. Finally, if there is
an unfair term in the contract you can also argue that you should receive a refund. However, this can be difficult to prove. A good example of an unfair contract term is eBay’s general, no refund policy. But even if the contract states no refunds, if the goods are not as described you are entitled to a refund. Do I have to use the same packaging? You do not need to use the same packaging to return the product. However, your case will be strengthened if you return the damaged goods using the original packaging. When can I get a refund? Under the European Union Distance Selling Act you have 7 days in which to raise an issue, known as Distance Selling Regulations. You must send the products back or the company may collect. By law the retailer must process your refund within 30-days from receipt of the returned goods There are some exceptions where you are not entitled to a refund such as music, DVDs, software where the seal is broken, perishable items, underwear and earrings or a product that has been specially made or adapted for you. Your refund should include the original cost of the product plus any cost of posting. How long do I have to wait? Did the retailer agree a timescale to deliver the goods to you? The goods must be delivered within this agreed timescale, or you have the right to cancel. If you did not agree a timescale, Distance Selling Regulations says you must receive the goods within 30 days or you have the right to cancel. Diane’s results Diane sent the goods back and received a refund for the product, including the postage costs for receiving and returning the product. In the end, Diane lost no money.
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Notes from Westminster By
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provided as close to home in the community. We need to be clear-headed about the nature and volume of demand for specific services in Elmbridge, and tailor what our community hospitals and other NHS sites can offer to meet those priority needs.
At the end of September, a public consultation was announced into the future of the community hospitals in the Surrey Downs area, which covers East Elmbridge. Our community hospital beds typically provide rehabilitation for elderly patients after more serious hospital treatment or falls, or closer medical management and nursing care for those suffering from infections or whose conditions get worse. Over the past year, Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the group of local GPs (and other medical practitioners) in charge of commissioning NHS services for the area, have carried out a thorough review, with the aim of improving the way our community hospitals and wider NHS services offer care for patients in the future. Following the review, the CCG have identified a number of proposals which it believes could improve services and make better use of local sites, including Molesey and Cobham community hospitals.
Before any decisions are taken, the CCG will hold a full public consultation, with a wide range of activities and events, including roadshows, workshops, and surveys. The number of community hospital beds across Surrey Downs will be the same, whichever option is chosen, so people shouldn’t be concerned that this is about cuts. The CCG will also continue to look at the evidence on ways to improve care, including the impact of the recently-launched “Community Hubs”, which bring together GPs and nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and home care services to better manage the care of patients over the age of 75 years who have one or more chronic illness. I would encourage everyone who is interested to engage with the consultation and have their say. With the proportion of people in the Surrey Downs area aged over 65 predicted to grow by 35% in the next ten years alone, care for the elderly is a particular concern. So, this is an important opportunity to make sure we have the right local health services for Elmbridge in the years ahead.
Some may be concerned about the prospect of any changes, but I believe it is important to think long-term and look at the big picture for the borough as a whole. I am regularly in touch with local GPs and recently met with the CCG itself discuss the review. In my view, the most important thing is to have a strategy that ensures we have the services in place to meet the key areas of need across Elmbridge as a whole, with as many services as possible – particularly between GP and A&E levels –
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47
Police 5 (Minutes) Beware of Bogus Callers By Sarah Milligan Elmbridge Neighbourhood Inspector
A recent spate of locksmith cons over the last month in Weybridge, Esher and Hersham has resulted in the arrest of three men. Around 28 people across the county have already been duped into handing over money to conmen asking to borrow money to pay for a locksmith to get into their property, often claiming that their young child is inside alone. Many of the victims who have been targeted are elderly and vulnerable, so we are urging family, friends and neighbours to remain vigilant and report anyone acting suspiciously immediately to police, so that we can trace those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice for these despicable crimes. This type of offending shows just how creative bogus callers can be in their efforts to scam you out of your money or trick their way into your homes with the intention of stealing. They pretend to be someone they are not like a workman, council staff, an official from a utility company or bank and even police officers. Typical scenarios include stories of an emergency gas or water leak, footballs being kicked into your back garden or following up enquiries into fraudulent activity on your bank account.
Be cautious about anyone you don’t know. Representatives from water, gas and electricity companies are unlikely to call at your home without an appointment and police are likely to be present if there is a real emergency. No matter how plausible or heart-rending their story is, never hand over money to people who just show up on your doorstep. Always check who’s at the door before you open it – put a chain on and don’t open it if you feel unsure or anxious. Always ask for their ID and call the customer services department to verify they are who they say they are – all genuine callers won’t mind waiting. Be wary of anyone who appears to be in a hurry to get into your home. Don’t feel pressurised – if in doubt, shut them out! If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam or bogus caller, please contact Surrey Police on 101 or by using the online reporting system found at https://my.surrey.police.uk/ splonlinereportingweb Should you require any home security advice from the local team, please contact them at Elmbridge@surrey.pnn. police.uk or by calling 101 ext 39780. We want the residents of Elmbridge to stay safe in their homes.
Telephone Surrey Police on 101 and ask to speak to a member of the Safer neighbourhood Team for your area. www.surrey.police.uk 48
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ACCOUNTANTS Complete compliance and support services for business and personal clients. Talk to us - weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re friendly, approachable and very, very useful 01932 340492
PESTERS
CAR DEALER We offer our customers competitive prices and the very best value for money. From special offers on new, nearly new and used Audi cars, to discounts on Audi servicing. 01932 22040 www.walton.audi.co.uk
WALTON AUDI
CARE HOME High standard of residential care 24/7; trained & qualified staff; respite care available. For more information contact The Manager Tel: 0208 979 3788 www.royalcambridgehome.org
ROYAL CAMBRIDGE HOME
CLEANING SERVICES The weekend comes and now you have to CLEAN? We know the value of free time so...Make More TIME FOR YOU. We offer a professional and reliable domestic cleaning service. Contact Kristina & James on 0208 144 7663 email: Weybridge@timeforyou.co.uk
TIME FOR YOU
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY Qualified counsellor experienced in many issues such as emotional, physical & childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship issues. The High Street, Walton on Thames. 07716 243847 www.ml-counselling.co.uk.
MARIA LONERGAN COUNSELLING
DENTIST Established 1987, offering friendly, high quality dental care for all ages. Nervous patients are our speciality and children seen free of charge. Call 01932 248348 or visit www.hershamdentalpractice.co.uk
HERSHAM DENTAL PRACTICE
FINANCIAL SERVICES Welcoming firm of Independent Financial Advisers in Weybridge offering clear, personalised solutions to all elements of our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; financial planning needs Tel: 01932 830664 www.wardwilliamsfs.co.uk
WARD WILLIAMS FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD
GARAGE Not just tyres & exhausts! MOTs, clutches and brakes, winter checks, Servicing of all makes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; save up to 50% off main dealer servicing. 0208 398 1727 Hampton Court Way, Thames Ditton
ESHER TYRE & EXHAUST
GARDENING All aspects of garden maintenance - hedge cutting - pruning - grass cutting - weeding - turfing fencing Call us on 07734 789022 www.EdsGardenMaintenance.co.uk
EDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GARDEN MAINTAINENCE
HEALTH AND WELL BEING Breakthrough in Weight Mang, vanilla, 26 gms protein, 23 vits & minerals - Zero Sugar Energy Drink, pina colada, 20 cals, - L-Arginine, for circulation - Alkaline for body pH balance, mint Highest Antioxidant, Acai berry. Call Mei-Mei 07956118291
CHANGING GLOBAL HEALTH
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN the Pink Pages ~ call 0208 941 3569 TODAY ĂŽ
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LEGAL SERVICES/SOLICITOR MEADOWS RYAN SOLICITORS LTD.
Serving businesses and private individuals since 1940. The local Solicitors firm with City and International experience. Professional, competitive service and timely practical advice. 56 Church Street, Weybridge www.meadowsryan.co.uk 01932 852 057
LOCAL ADVERTISING YOUR ELMBRIDGE
Read and retained by readers in 10,000 homes in Elmbridge every issue. Value for money advertising that works! Call us on 0208 941 3569
PET SERVICES HAPPY DOG
At work all day long? Not able to give you dog the long daily walkies they need? Let me do the walking! 1-2-1 dog walking or more from the same family. House sitting service available. Retired Surrey Police. Call 0795 738 3907
THE CAT WHISPERER
Cat sitting service. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll care for your cats and small furry animals while you are away from home. Stress free for your pets as they stay in their own homes. Experienced and reliable. Fully insured. Refs available. Call Ben on 07962 869 465
PRINTING EVONPRINT LTD
For quality printing, delivered on time and on budget , call Stephen on 01273 494 631 www.evonprint.co.uk
Are youâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the Pinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? Put your business in Pink Pages
ÂŁ180
for only + vat per year 42 call 0208 941 3569 for details
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN the Pink Pages ~ call 0208 941 3569 TODAY
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Call us to discus day to s all yo ur window & door require ments
Freephone: 0500 50 36 50 www.novaglass.co.uk