DECEMBER 2016 Tatsfield Parish Magazine
The customers must be served. See pages 18 and 51
Photo taken by Dave Bishop
Please see page 16 for the contents list of this magazine. £1 – one copy FREE to each household www.tatsfield.org.uk
Material for the next magazine should be sent to [email protected] by 5th January.
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! YOUR SUPPORT REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
FOR THE CHARTWELL CANCER & LEUKAEMIA UNIT AT THE PRINCESS ROYAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, FARNBOROUGH, KENT
We are a local charity that raises money through donations and fundraising events to pay for additional staff at the Unit, and support for patients, ensuring they receive the best level of treatment and care possible.
Find out how you can support us Contact 01959 570322 www.chartwellcancertrust.co.uk Email: [email protected]
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Village Hall, Tatsfield BREAKFAST CLUB Monday to Friday ~7.15 am to 8.45 am for 2 to 11 year olds (includes walking school children to Tatsfield School) PRE-SCHOOL Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Wednesday & Friday 9.00 am to 12.00 pm Two years to school age have fun and learn through play Individual attention with a broad curriculum in a caring, fun and supportive environment Funding for 3 & 4 year olds and some 2 year olds For more information see our website www.littleacornstatsfield.co.uk To register your interest contact Julie Barlow on 541103 Registered Charity No. 1024480 Pre-school Learning Alliance Member
8 During these difficult times it makes sense to check that you are getting the best value for money from all your financial products, pensions, protection and life assurance.
As Independent Financial Advisers we provide unbiased advice on a wide range of financial options. Our initial 45 minute meeting is free at either our offices or your home, so what do you have to lose, other than a preconception that because we offer financial advice, we’re naturally dull and uninteresting!
To be pleasantly surprised, please call us on: 01959 571300
IQ Wealth Management IQ Wealth Management is a trading name of Philip Clarke who is an appointed representative Aileen McHugo Building of Paradigm Financial Advisers Ltd. Paradigm House, Brooke Court, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND Westmore Green Tatsfield which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Kent TN16 2AG Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. •The FSA does not regulate tax planning. ‘Equity Release - this is a lifetime mortgage Tel: 01959 571300 to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration’. Fax: 01732 866622 [email protected]
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14 Produced for the Village by the Parish Magazine Committee under the authority of Tatsfield Church. Managing Editor • Gerald South (577598) Treasurer • Madie Langford (577114) Distribution Manager • Terry Cartwright (577749) Advertising Manager • Maureen Perrin (577679) Production Team Hazel Cartwright • Ian Mitchell • Sule Morley Christine Stainer • Carole Swetenham • Margaret Watson CHURCH CONTACTS ST MARY’S CHURCH, Church Lane, Tatsfield Anglican • Team Vicar: Vince Short The Rectory, Ricketts Hill Road, Tatsfield, TN16 2NA Assistant Priest - Revd Dr Gerald South (577598) Wardens • Marjory Broughton (541059), Chris Hancock (577622) COUNCIL CONTACTS Parish Council Clerk • Mrs Ana Hughes • email [email protected] Chairman • Nichola Stokoe - Meadowside, Paynesfield Road, Tatsfield TN16 2BG (576443) Parish Council website www.surreycommunity.info/tatsfield • email [email protected]
Tandridge District Councillor • Martin Allen, 38 Paynesfield Road, Tatsfield TN16 2BG (577201) Surrey County Councillor • David Hodge, 30 Harestone Valley Road, Caterham CR3 6HD (01883 337881) OTHER CONTACTS St. Mary’s Church Hall - Bookings • Sheila Cook (577443) Village Hall - Bookings Secretary • Helena Garcia ([email protected]) (07983 011028) W.I. Hall - Bookings • Sheila Cook (577443) Parish Room - Bookings • [email protected] Tatsfield Primary School - Head • Kevin Bellinger (577356) Tatsfield Village Club - (577330) Furze Corner Sports Pavilion - Bookings (07533 033325) Doctors • Stock Hill Surgery (580011) • Westerham Surgery (564949) Surrey Police - (101) Tatsfield Helpline - (577749) • Pet Register - Val Moore (574810) Village Website www.tatsfield.org.uk MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTIONS We welcome contributions from village organisations and individual residents but reserve all editorial rights. Copy date for the Magazine is 16th of the preceding month. Ideally contributions should be sent as a Word attachment to an email to: [email protected], alternatively they may left at Linda’s Stores or posted to: TatsfieldPMag, Clouds, Ricketts Hill, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2NB. Enquiries concerning Advertising or loose Inserts should be made to our Advertising Manager Maureen Perrin (Tel: 577679 Email: [email protected] ) Small Ads These are accepted only from Tatsfield or Titsey residents (No Trade) and are free (Max 10 words plus phone number.) We will include them in the next issue space permitting. Calendar Dates Our rolling Calendar usually covers six weeks from publication so please give us your dates in good time. If you don’t want your event to clash with others why not check with us early. Ideas/Opinions/Articles We are always looking for items of interest - have a word with the Editor. Correspondence We welcome letters commenting on items in previous issues or on anything else. Advertisements We take no responsibility for the goods and services advertised in the Magazine
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CONTENTS
Advertisers 64 Letters 18 Bulky rubbish 50 Magazine matters Carol Singalong 38 Malawi 27 Carol singing for Shelter 48 Martial Arts 63 Cats 65 Maths challenge 52 Christingles 53 Music 35,40,60 Christmas refuse 50 Nature notes 58 Composting 36 Night sky 56 Contacts 15 Not So Young 49 Council Reports 21 Police 25 Curzon cinema 39,57,60 Poppies 31 Dementia 29 Ramblers 64 Editorial 17 School 30 Event calendar 46 Shopping at Linda’s 51 Fair trade 34,48 St Mary’s 42 Football 62 Tatty Knitters 50 For sale 68 Theatre 67 Gardening 66 TPFA 100 50 Hear Here 60 WI 49 Herbs 54 WW1 52 Horticultural Society 37 In Bloom 61
16 EDITORIAL
Christmas is almost upon us once again. Perhaps we didn’t see it coming, following the extended good weather we enjoyed this past summer and the protracted media coverage of the recently completed US Presidential race. However, we’ll soon hear mention of the number of shopping days that remain as we prepare for the annual celebration of Christmas.
Before continuing with my theme for this month, I am very conscious that many have been shocked and saddened by the Croydon tram crash on 9th November just ten miles from here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the loss of loved ones, injuries sustained and painful memories of this traumatic accident.
Reflecting for a moment on the election of Donald Trump to be President of the United States, the attention has now turned to question of ‘What kind of president he will be when he takes office in the New Year.’ Will the role and its responsibilities shape the man or will the man bring something very different to the presidency? To what extent will the hopes and fears of the preceding election campaign be realised?
Christmas, and all that surrounds it, can be filled with childlike awe and wonder for some but pressures, fears or even disinterest for others. But what is at the heart of it? And with “Christmas almost upon us,” what might it do for us as we look ahead and on into the New Year?
If we break it down, then the word ‘Christmas’ refers firstly to Jesus Christ, where Christ is a title (rather than a surname) pointing to Christian belief that Jesus comes from God to the world with the special role of Saviour. “Mas” is normally understood to speak of His birth but if it relates to the word “Mass” (or Holy Communion) then it also speaks of what He came to do for all people.
I believe that at the heart of Christmas, with all its enjoyable festivities, lies the truth that God lives among us in the person of Jesus Christ with the offer of a relationship with Him. Indeed, another name sometimes attributed to Jesus is Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’. This is potentially very good news, as it presents the opportunity to bring Him thanks for our joys and to seek His help with our challenges and difficulties.
I’m looking forward to celebrating my first Christmas in Tatsfield, as I meet some of you at events at St Mary’s and in the Village, that are advertised in this edition of the Tatsfield Parish Magazine.
With my best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year.
Vince Short
17 LETTERS Dear Editor, What a fantastic community spirit! I am writing to say how impressed I was with Linda's Stores last Thursday 3rd November when the security barrier failed to activate and Linda, and her daughter Louise, were unable to lift it manually. This meant that the barrier was stuck down and the door to the shop could only be opened a fraction and customers were unable to enter the store. However, Linda and Louise did not let this deter them from serving customers with Louise taking orders and delivering change through the crack in the door and the bought goods being delivered via a basket lowered down by Linda from an upstairs window! I am a new resident to Tatsfield and was so impressed by this fantastic community spirit as I am sure most people would simply have put up a sign saying 'shop closed' and left it at that but the desire to keep on serving the community to the best of their ability was a credit to them both and I just wanted to write and say Thank You to both of them on behalf of myself and all the other customers who so appreciated this act of decent community spirit. Sherida Burgess Please see page 51 for more on this story.
The following two letters have been received in response to the article in last month’s magazine arising from a report in the Surrey Mirror about The Ship. The content of these letters has been sent to Red Oak Taverns and their response includes: “We are currently discussing re-opening the pub with a number of parties. We hope to be able to update you further in the near future.” Dear Editor,
I have just read Mr Paul Brazier's comments on our support of the village pub! Well this is what I think! I tried the Ship on various occasions, the staff did not appear to be trained on how to serve a drink, or to know much about the wine list, although I will say they tried hard to please, they just didn't have the knowledge. The food generally wasn't good; Sunday lunches weren't bad at times, but ‘at times’ isn't good enough in this day and age, they never took advantage of traditions like Christmas, Easter, no mulled wine or mince pies, maybe an Easter egg hunt in the garden, followed by lunch? The competition out there is ferocious, they never upped their game! Last New Year's Eve they closed for the night, unbelievable! As for Mr Brazier, whenever he was in residence he seemed to me to be pre-occupied with his mobile phone, completely unaware of his customers, only aware of himself, not really the attitude? How dare he blame the village, I remember
18 when that pub was bursting at the seams, a great little boozer!! We went to Botley Hill on a recent Sunday, and it was perfect in every way, ambience, food, staff, a great couple of hours. If they can do it why couldn't he? It's a terrible shame, here's hoping someone with real foresight will come along and put our pub back on the map! The Club and the Bakery are doing well, I believe, so he's only got himself to blame! So that's what I think, and I'm sure I'm not on my own, this is a great village, full of good people, who I'm sure, would frequent our pub on a regular basis, as was the case a few years ago! Wendy Collett
Dear Editor, I would not want comments about The Ship to deteriorate in to a slanging match, but I do have some sympathy with some that I have heard. The tenants were invited to a Tatsfield Horticultural Society Lunch and I was disappointed they did not take the opportunity to follow this up or of using the Parish Mag for promotion. On a personal note Paul made very little effort or acknowledgement of me when I was in the pub. It did seem like he " managed" the pub from afar and even when present in the pub did not circulate to the clientele but was content to ‘stay with his own’ at the end of or behind the bar. I was disturbed at times when people seemed to be in and out of the rear of the premises and walking through the bar, even to a point of a young puppy dog being "shown off" on the pub counter. Hygiene?? As far as the service, drinks and food were concerned they had a particularly good, helpful cheery barmaid and - early on - barman but it was totally different when they were not working. Food was OK but near on Bakery prices when what you wanted was an alternative to the Bakery prices. I do not think the food warranted the prices asked for it. The Old Ship seemed to be set up more as a restaurant rather than a pub. The beer was served flat a few times. I know it is the case these days but noisy children running around the pub does put you off. I was sorry that it did not work out for them but do feel they could have done a lot more to integrate themselves in to the village. Whether doing so would have improved things for them I do not know. I and the Compost Group will give any new owner/manager the same opportunity in the future. Martin Allen (01959 577201, 07515 923826)
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A Thank You We would like to thank the many friends and villagers who kindly sent get well wishes for our son, Ben, who recently had a paramotoring accident. The support from our local community and work colleagues was overwhelmingly kind and we are delighted to report that Ben has made a full recovery. Thank you to everyone who showed care and concern. It was so very much appreciated. Jan and Aslam Akhtar
Dear Editor, Remembrance at St Mary’s We are writing to express our gratitude for a very memorable Service of Remembrance for all held at St Mary's Church on Remembrance Sunday. It was a pleasure to see the scouts and cubs parading and taking part in the service with such dignity and respect. The Church as always was beautifully decorated with poppies by the flower-arranging group with the addition of a ceramic poppy ---- one of many from the excellent display previously held at The Tower of London. In our minds this can represent just one person or everyone who perished, including those from Tatsfield whose names were as always read aloud. The link to the Cenotaph with the two minutes silence observed and the Last Post played were as expected very moving. Our thanks once again, Sheila and Brian Cook & family
Tatsfield Parish Magazine
wishes all its readers
Very Happy Christmas
20 TATSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
Firstly, we are very pleased to welcome Mike Pendleton whom we have co-opted onto the council. Mike, Fiona and their family have lived in the village for more than 23 years and been involved with a wide variety of village clubs and groups. Mike has variously been Treasurer and Chairman of the PFA, cricket captain, treasurer of the Young People's Group and has also had stints on the committee of a local rugby club. His daughter and family live in the village and his grandchildren have just started at Tatsfield School and the Little Acorns playgroup - so his interests cover a wide span of age groups and activities around the village. We will now be easing him in gently and Mike has already agreed to join the Finance and Neighbourhood Planning committees and will be taking on other responsibilities in due course.
Having spent some time with a number of providers we have selected a consultant to work with us on our Neighbourhood Plan. The whole council will be meeting him very soon to agree how to structure and progress this exciting initiative. We need a lot of involvement from the village to ensure we reflect everyone's input and views. Members of the Council have attended local meetings to understand more about how our Neighbourhood Plan will relate to Tandridge’s Local Plan process. This will be a large and important project for us. Rest assured we will be publishing our outline plans for consultation with the village and requesting input from everyone in the New Year.
We hope everybody appreciated the display of poppies around the centre of the village as an appropriate act of remembrance. We are also very excited to announce that the Christmas lights will be put in trees in the centre of the village during the first week in December. We do hope this will add to the festive feel in the village and our thanks to Niall and a number of local providers for all their efforts in making this happen.
At the end of November work was due to start on the Little Acorns outdoor play area – we have worked hard to provide the group with a safe and enjoyable outdoor play area and look forward to seeing the children benefit from this.
We have had feedback from visitors that Tatsfield is hard to find. At our request, Bromley Council has agreed to erect a signpost to Tatsfield at the junction of Sunningvale Avenue and Stock Hill.
There were no new planning applications last month, but a decision on the Moorhouse Tile Works site is due before Christmas.
The next meetings of the Parish Council will be held at the Aileen McHugo Building at on Monday 12th December 2016. and on Mondays 9th and 23rd January 2017- all at 8.00 pm. As always, the agendas will be made available at: www.surreycommunity.info/tatsfield/ and on village notice boards.
Althea Davies, Vice-Chairman (Tel: 541060; Email: [email protected])
21 TANDRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Local Plan - Drop in sessions: You will have received a leaflet dropped through every door regarding the dates for you to attend a drop in session about the local plan sites consultation, where you can talk to planning staff about the consultation: See further details later in the magazine.
I have also arranged a drop in session in the village for December 12th at the Aileen McHugo Building between 5pm and 7pm where I and your Parish Council members will be present. I have asked for a member of the TDC Planning department to be available to speak with about anything to do with the Local Plan that may be troubling for you.
The Sites Consultation documents can be viewed on the TDC website www.tandridge.gov.uk/localplan. Anyone can make comments by: Registering online and making your comments using the consultation portal http://consult.tandridge.gov.uk/portal/ , by e-mail to [email protected] or by post to Planning Policy, Council Offices, 8 Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT.
Visit of Chief Inspector, Neighbourhoods - Major Crime Team, Surrey and Sussex Police, UK – Mark Preston: I have invited Surrey Police at Reigate, who are responsible for policing Tatsfield, to come to Tatsfield to meet some of the residents and to see for themselves what “policing” may be needed in rural areas such as Tatsfield. I am pleased to say that they have accepted the invitation and that Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston will visit us on their behalf and - subject of course to any emergency happening at that time - will join us on: Thursday 8th December 2016 between 10.00a.m. and 12 noon.
Mark is the Chief Inspector Operations for the East Surrey division. He manages the teams covering Tandridge amongst others. Mark spent has most of his career as a detective, having served a number of years as one of Surrey's senior investigating officers within the Major Crime Team. So he will be able to advise us exactly how Tatsfield fits in to the work that is done and especially the new emphasis on tackling rural crime. Mark says he is not against having the “questions thrown at him" but if you wanted to know something specific relative to policing in Tatsfield then please let me know so that he can get the facts and figures together for you.
I will take him on a tour of the village and then will return to the Aileen McHugo Building around 11.00am where we will hold a sort of open surgery where he can meet villagers and give you the opportunity to discuss anything that may affect the village or policing in general. I would really like you to come along to the meeting to show Tatsfield does care about the policing of our village so please email me on the address below to confirm your attendance so I have an idea of numbers.
22 Obviously our previous visitor, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, deals with the "overview and scrutiny of the Police Force" in conjunction with the Chief Constable but Mark will have more front line experience. It will good to hear from him about modern policing on the ground and he will be able to follow up on some of the points raised by the PCC.
Surrey Fire and Rescue - Safe and Well Visit: Safe And Well Visits are carried out by Surrey Fire and Rescue officers and in some instances, their volunteers. They combine home safety checks, reducing the risk of fire in your home and, where appropriate, you will also be offered information to help you improve your wellbeing, allowing you to live safer and more independent lives. You can arrange a free Safe and Well Visit by phoning 01737 242444 or free phone number 0800 085 0767 and they will supply free smoke detectors where they deem it appropriate.
Tandridge Magazine winter issue 2016: Full of news and information, the latest Tandridge Magazine is currently being delivered to residents and businesses in the district. Inside there is lots of useful information about preparing for bad weather this winter and the latest flood advice and contacts. There’s information about the Local Plan Sites Consultation, The Oxted Christmas Festival and the Wellbeing Prescription service. There is a section devoted to community safety, including how to stay safe on a night out and keeping your home and belongings secure over the Christmas period, as well as many useful contact numbers. There are also details about the recycling and waste service, including Christmas holiday collection dates. In addition, residents can find out what leisure activities are on offer at Tandridge Trust clubs this winter.
If you have not received a copy of the magazine please contact Customer Services on 01883 722000, or e-mail [email protected]. But please let me know as well. Thanks.
Roadside stop and check carried out on commercial waste carriers: A joint vehicle stop and check operation recently took place, run by officers from Tandridge District Council and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, working with Surrey Police. The stop check was held on the A22 at Whyteleafe and concentrated on commercial vehicles to ensure they were registered to dispose of waste. Waste carriers are also required to carry a completed waste transfer note. In total 55 vehicles were stopped and following checks with the Environment Agency, five companies received written advice to ensure they meet all regulations.
More successful prosecutions for fly tipping: In October at Redhill Magistrates’ Court, a man from Waddon pleaded guilty to fly tipping. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £30 to the victim support fund, as well as the Council’s costs of £200. He transported a large quantity of building waste from an address in Warlingham, which was tipped on Ledgers Road, Warlingham. Tandridge District Council cleared the waste and found paperwork in it relating to a nearby property. The Council wrote to the 23 owner who confirmed she had paid to have the waste removed from her property. The accused admitted to transporting controlled waste without a licence and being unable to produce paperwork showing how he had disposed of it.
Moorhouse Tile Works planning application: This matter was to be decided at the Planning Meeting on the 24th November but Surrey Highways have still been conducting investigations regarding the traffic assessment. It is now hoped to have this matter before the Planning Committee of the 15th December.
If you think I can help you with anything to do with the Tandridge District Council or anything else for that matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cllr Martin Allen (01959 577201 [email protected] or [email protected])
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL 2017/18 County Council Budget: As Leader of your County Council I am writing to advise that because of continual government cuts (over many years) and the creation of new models of how funding is allocated to local government across the country (which disadvantages Surrey), we are facing a very serious challenge in creating a sustainable budget for 2017/18. Part of my duties as leader is to present a budget and a Council Tax strategy to the Council on 7th Feb 2017. I fear this year the continual cuts and redrawing of new models over the years by government will, I regret, catch up with us. This is creating significant challenges as the Cabinet at SCC works to establish a sustainable budget. The law is very clear, local authorities cannot run a deficit nor can they create a budget that is not sustainable. My Cabinet and I are working very hard to find savings but the picture is not looking good and I have written to every MP in Surrey to take our case up with the government, requesting their action for a fairer deal for the county. SCC already is aware that every year the demand from older people requiring social care services is rising at 5,000 annually and thus creating a £24m budget pressure. The 2% Council Tax brings in £12m, so every year the budget gap will increase by £12m so by 2020 the gap will be £60m. In addition we have growing numbers of children requiring care services and school places. Surrey has built 13,000 school places over the last six years. The government grant does not cover the full costs and therefore the bill is costing the equivalent of 1.5% Council Tax for the next 30+ years. On top of this we will need to find a further 11,000 new school places and this will also add a long- term cost to Council Tax bills. Notwithstanding the immediate challenges for next year, we are also facing significant cuts of £40m in 2019/20 when the government has decided that Surrey CC will pay
24 £17.3m from Surrey Business Rates back to the government – this means that every year SCC will have £17.3m less for services for residents. This £17.3m is equal to a 3% Council Tax levy on you all. In addition the government has assessed the SCC needs formula” as 1.66% of the English total. This is reasonable and fair. This is critical as this then determines what funding SCC should receive for the Better Care Fund, starting next year. 1.66% of the total £1.5bn equals £25m which is what SCC should receive. This would then mean that SCC should receive £2m in 17/18, £14m in 18/19 and £25m in 19/20. It is with significant disappointment we hear that the government has ignored the formula and used a different methodology to distribute this £1.5bn and has allocated funding to SCC of only £1.5m from 19/20. So this means Surrey CC will lose £2m next year, £14m in 18/19 and £23.5m every year starting on 1st April 2019. I have made repeated representations to government ministers over these unfair costs being shunted onto Surrey residents. I will continue to do all I can to deliver a sustainable budget on 7th February. I will provide an update later once the Autumn Statement has been delivered and the Local Government settlement has been received – we expect this by 7th Dec. Then we will know if our representations have been listened to. Tatsfield Community Volunteers: I met up with Bob David and the team of Tatsfield Community Volunteers on Sat 19th November as they set about the task of clearing the autumn leaf drop to make Tatsfield bright and lovely in the autumn sunshine. Mind you, the previous Saturday they got soaked doing this important community work. If only every community in Surrey did that volume of volunteering, Surrey would be an even better place. That’s why I love representing Tatsfield Village. Cllr David Hodge (Tel: 020 8541 8003 Email: [email protected])
POLICE REPORT Season’s Greetings to Tatsfield, from your local PCSO (Police Chappie, Sort-Of). Firstly, sincere apologies for missing you in November. I have the genuine excuse of ‘brain not getting any younger’. Apparently, the luckiest number for the Chinese is eight. Unfortunately, this number is not so lucky for us in Tatsfield. You know where I’m going with this. Yes, that’s how many crimes the village has experienced in the last two months. Two per month sounds slightly better……..slightly. 1…Shipfield Close, car was damaged on driveway. Sadly no lines of enquiry. 2…Old Lane, car set alight. The investigation is still ongoing, involving the Met Police, with a known suspect. 3…Ship Hill, car rear window broken, not entered, nothing stolen. No lines of enquiry.
25 4…Westmore Green (Linda’s), theft of mobile phone from counter. Known suspect, investigation ongoing, watch this space…. 5…Goatsfield Road, motorbike stolen from driveway. No lines of enquiry. Linked with below. 6…Paynesfield Road, motorbike stolen from driveway, locked/chained/alarmed. That’s a determined thief. No lines of enquiry, as above. 7…Ricketts Hill Road, works vehicle stolen from driveway, including tools/laptop. Owner left keys in ignition….. No lines of enquiry. 8…Wedgwoods, car bodywork damaged. No lines of enquiry, no clues as to cause/suspect. Have you detected a running theme with all these? All involving vehicles. Now, following a truly hideous week in October, where numerous vehicles in Woldingham and Warlingham were targeted for either catapult damage or being entered (all unlocked), can I offer some useful words of advice? Needless to say, bearing in mind the above, please do the following three things to avoid being a victim of vehicle crime in the future……. a) Do not leave anything of value on show, b) lock vehicles as a priority, and c) never leave keys in the ignition unattended, even for a moment I know, it all sounds obvious……but to some people recently in north Tandridge, it hasn’t been obvious, leading to the inevitable. Thanks in advance for following my advice. Also, anyone notice from the list above, they all occur in different roads. At least no one road in the village can claim they are being specifically targeted. And, to ‘accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative’ (apparently a line from an old song), there have been NO burglaries in two months (Rupe’s kiss of death, hello). Lastly, have a very merry Christmas everyone (but not TOO merry…....and kids, don’t even go there, ok). Goodwill and (will pray for) peace to you all for the New Year. God Bless……..see you around the village, Rupert, PCSO 12599 KELLEY The next magazine will be a January/February edition and should reach you during the weekend of 21st/22nd January.
Please send material in to [email protected] th by 5 January at the latest.
26 TINA AND LYNNE PLAN FOR MALAWI Last year I gave a book called ‘The boy who harnessed the Wind’ to my translator Shann, aged 28 years. It was the first book that he had ever read! I cannot imagine a life without books, so in May/Jun 2017 Lynne and I are planning to return to Malawi to establish an adult reading room at the local community centre. And we hope to establish some reading circles, so that the joy of books can be shared with many. The picture below shows Shann reading Galimoto (by Karen Williams) to some enthusiastic Ntayamwana Primary School children. I was very pleased to learn that the reading room at Ntayamwana that we set up last year is being used on a daily basis, by pupils and staff. Two librarians from Fisherman’s Rest (our base) have been visiting the school and reported that the children use the library when they do not have a teacher, which is often, sadly there were only four teachers for seven classes last year. We have several projects planned for our return. Revisiting Ntayamwana Primary School to extend the book selection in the reading room; it will be a joy to see the children and teachers again. Establishing another reading room in a different school. Running some individual English revision lessons to improve the end of primary education exam pass rate; if children do not pass these exams, they cannot go to secondary school. Last year we were privileged to support the ‘Project My Girl’ at Ntayamwana, which provides education for pubescent girls (and boys) about their bodies, sexual reproduction, menstruation and hygiene management - taboo subjects in Malawi. The primary objectives are to help promote active sexual health choices, dispel myths and provide reusable sanitary packs. We plan to support the roll-out of the project at another school. There is a relevant BBC Radio 4 ‘Crossing Continents’ programme, called ‘Stealing innocence in Malawi’ that is still available on the website. If you have a chance to listen to this, you will be interested to know that the ‘hyena’ was arrested a week after the broadcast. We have also been busy fundraising. Tina has been doing some talks at various WI meetings and a few authors have made book donations including Karen Williams and Alexander McCall-Smith, who has sent more than twenty books and a donation. And on the 15th March 2017 a fundraising meal has been organised at the Bakery, including an auction of promises. We already have some great promises - would you like to offer a promise or make a donation? Information about all the projects and an account of our last visit to Malawi can be found on fishermansrest.net. Tina Rhoda and Lynne Bevan (576354)
27 LITTLE ACORNS The children and staff are very excited about the forthcoming festive season and this half term we have exploring Celebrations! The children have been sharing their own family traditions and celebrations and talked about Eid, Diwali, Hanukah, birthdays and Christmas. The children enjoyed the fireworks crafts and cake making for fireworks night and for Halloween they were treated with a visit from Meg the Witch and her creepy crawlies to learn about and even touch. The children met Cyril the tarantula, Cindy the sloe worm as well as cockroaches, guinea pigs and a rat! The Little Acorns Preschool Nativity will soon be rehearsed and polished for the last day of term and the children are very very excited about the visit from Father Christmas – if they’re on his nice list of course! We have some fabulous fundraising events coming up – Our Christmas Hamper is starting to take shape full of festive goodies and treats and a gorgeous Christmas wreath for your front door. Tickets are on sale now from Liz Kelleher and winners will be drawn on the last day of term.
The committee are working hard towards our annual Crafty Christmas Party for all the children of the village, taking place on the Sunday 11th December in the Village Hall. Children can make crafts to take home for the tree, enjoy a snack, face painting, glitter tattoos and much more. Tickets are £7 per child and available from Liz. (Bacon butties and cakes will be on sale for the grown-ups!) After Christmas, we are hosting our first Little Acorns NEW YEAR Ball! A chance for all grown-ups to dance the night away, enjoy a cocktail fountain, canapés and more on Saturday 14th January. Please see preschool staff for tickets, £12 per person, all friends, villagers and relatives welcome! Funding – as you all know Little Acorns Preschool is a registered charity and after receiving government funding we try to raise the money to make improvements to the setting and activities we offer. We are working towards renovating the outdoor area for the children to introduce a ‘free flow’ system to every session at the preschool so if
28 you can help or know of any organisations who would be interested in ‘match funding’ then please let us know. Breakfast Club - Don’t forget about our Breakfast Club which operates every day from 7.15am and includes school drop-off to Tatsfield Primary School. Please contact us for more information. If you would like more information about Little Acorns or would like to register your child or have a look round, please contact Julie Barlow on 540775 during pre-school hours. These are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 0900-1500 and Wednesday and Friday 0900 – 1200. Thank you for reading! Natalie Ruggins, Chair of Little Acorns Management Committee ([email protected])
Can we make Tatsfield a more dementia- friendly community?
Thank you very much to all those who have responded in various ways to help us as we explore, with a broad cross section of our village community, ways in which we can become a more dementia-friendly village. Nationally two thirds of those with dementia live in their community. We think that much of what we could do here in Tatsfield might indeed be ’friendly’ not only to those with dementia and those who are supporting them to live well but to others, indeed to all of us as we grow older. Keeping active and engaged with others, carrying on enjoying what we want to do for as long as we can, is known to be a key factor in keeping well physically and mentally. Tatsfield is already a strong supportive community but there is always more we could we do. A small group of us are actively engaged in planning where we go next. Our heads are buzzing with all sorts of possibilities! If you have any ideas and suggestions to feed in at this planning stage please get in touch. There are a number of ways you can do this: phone Jennie South (577598) or email [email protected] or jot down your thoughts and ideas and leave in an envelope addressed to Jennie South at Linda’s Stores. Jennie South
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30 DAVE MITCHELL ATTENDS INTERNATIONAL POPPY CENOTAPH EVENT IN YPRES, BELGIUM - by Sue White
When the city of Ypres in Flanders, Belgium recently hosted an international blacksmithing event as part of its commemorations of the centenary of the First World War, local man Dave Mitchell was fortunate to be invited to attend. He joined blacksmiths from around the world to create a new cenotaph to remember all who suffered during World War One.
Dave is a member of the Guild of Wrought Ironwork Craftsmen of Wessex. He started forging in 1969 as an apprentice tool maker and now continues as a hobby. Prior to the event Dave attended a forge day in Guildford where 200 poppies were made and he then accompanied master blacksmith Merv Allen, his teacher from the outset, to Ypres in September.
The centre piece of the cenotaph is a 7m high slab of steel, donated by a German steel company and weighing 12 tonnes, featuring a single Flanders Field poppy. During the 31 event 2016 handcrafted poppies were forged, to honour all the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives, and a single white poppy to represent the soldiers who were shot for cowardice. Children were invited to take part and the poppies they produced were assembled in a wreath. Over 50 blacksmiths worked together to produce 25 individually designed railing panels depicting their designers’ personal responses to the First World War – these will surround the finished cenotaph echoing the meandering form of the trenches.
By the time you read this, the striking Poppy Cenotaph will have been transported to the neighbouring town of Langemark- Poelkapelle, near the entrance to the German war cemetery, where the poppies will be arranged at its base. It was being inaugurated on Armistice Day, November 11th.
Dave continues to forge poppies and has a few remaining that can be purchased for a donation to the creation of the Poppy Cenotaph and its future upkeep.
Please contact him if you are interested: telephone 577298 or email: [email protected]
Sue White
THE NATIVITY TABLEAU
Once again Sauro Gabelli will be constructing this in the lobby area of St Mary’s Church. This follows a well established Italian tradition. It is slightly different every year and is always a work of art with painstaking detail.
Do call in from 12th December and have a look. You can also take the opportunity to make a donation to The Children’s Society.
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Little Acorns Tatsfield Village Hall, Westmore Green, Tatsfield, Surrey TN16 2AG www.littleacornstatsfield.co.uk Tel: 01959 540775
Your Local Preschool needs YOU!!
We at Little Acorns Preschool are working hard to introduce a ‘free flow’ system into our setting. We need to create an outdoor area for the children to access when they wish throughout their session to explore, play and discover the outside world. But we need help to fund this area which will hugely benefit the children’s development to make sure this area is safe, secure and fun. If you know of anyone who may be able to help, or a company who would be interested in ‘match funding’ – Little Acorns Preschool committee, staff and children would be hugely grateful.
Please contact Natalie Ruggins for more information: 07814589547/littleacornschair@outlook. com
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“Christmas is coming and I don’t know what to give anyone”
Here are a few suggestions which might help … Available in Linda’s, Zaytoun Palestinian olive oil satisfies discerning palates. For chocoholics, Divine chocolate can always be bought in Oxfam. At Christmas, stirring spoons make an excellent stocking filler. If you’re falling back on wine, Morrisons currently has a third off Fair Exchange Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Shiraz, whilst Sainsbury’s offers 25% off six bottles of its own Fairtrade wines. Or if you’d like to make up a hamper, Waitrose has a range of Fairtrade groceries (including an interesting new line in soft drinks with a cola free from the usual tooth-dissolving phosphoric acid). Bala footballs for children can be ordered through the Tatsfield Fairtrade Group. Hand stitched Team high performance training balls are on special offer until 4th December, reduced from £20 to £14, and the softer machine stitched Play balls are still £12. Please email [email protected]. If you’ll be shopping online, instead of just resorting to Amazon why not consider some more imaginative alternatives? The Tatsfield Fairtrade website has 100 ideas and 85 website links. Favourites are …..
elegant or interesting jewellery …
self-indulgent chocolates …
cheerful children’s toys …
and creative African crafts
Happy Christmas shopping!
Carol Jordan www.tatsfieldfairtradevillage.weebly.com or go to the Village website and click on Fairtrade
34 35 TATSFIELD COMMUNITY COMPOSTING
I know I said we were closed and that October would be the last report of the year but I wanted to share two things that have happened since “we closed”.
On Monday 7th we finally received our orange shredder back from Godfrey’s and this time it had the green waste grid and the safety box fitted. Hurray. So we now have an option to improve our “green waste“throughout next year, as we can swap between large and small grid size. The bad news is that despite working on it for weeks the shredder came back still in need of some minor adjustments before we could use it. So we still wait as I write. If you see the attached picture this is not Eddy pushing Russ in to the shredder, even though this is what we all felt like doing, but it does show you what sometimes needs to be done to repair “Fred”.
Secondly and please accept my apologies to those that were not aware (as I missed the magazine deadline for asking for all your help), the composting section has won a grant from the Skipton Building Society. You can see more details and our grant application by going on the Skipton web site and clicking on Grassroots giving 2016 to see Grassroots Giving 2016: Winners announced, where you can find us in the South East section.
I was pleased to receive the email on the 7th November:
“Thank you so much for getting involved in Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving initiative and congratulations on reaching the shortlisted stage; we’re delighted you and your community group took the time to apply and take part. In order to fairly allocate the 163 pots of £500 we asked the public to tell us who they wanted to receive the funding. We profiled you and all the other shortlisted applicants on our website, www.skiptongrg.co.uk, to help raise awareness of the work that you do, along with promoting your group on our social media channels too. It’s with great delight that we’re contacting you today to let you know that your group has received enough public votes to make it into our top 163 winners. We had over 38,000 votes cast amongst the shortlisted groups and competition was really tough. We’d like to take this time to congratulate your group and for being part of our Grassroots Giving initiative, for sharing with us the fantastic work that you do, and for being so active in supporting your local community. A huge congratulations again, you really are a worthy winner! “ 36 So thanks to everyone that the team did manage to contact, we received votes from all over the world as well as locally and from villager’s friends and families in the UK. The funds will enable us to continue the grow work at the Compost Site.
Martin Allen (Tel: 577201) or Phil Brett (Tel: 577420) Tatsfield Community Composting
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Annual General Meeting – and BIG TALK, 8th November We held the Annual General Meeting and the Big Talk on the 8th November and close to 50 members and guests attended both. I outlined both the activities that we had run in 2016, very successfully, I might add, and our suggested programme for 2017, details of which will start appearing in the next couple of months. We remain healthy in terms of membership and funds and look forward to 2017. On your behalf I thanked all of the committee and their plus 1’s who have made the 2016 programme so enjoyable. We are pleased that both Gerald South and Alan Armitage have agreed to be Vice Presidents of the Society. Both have put in many years to the Society and this is due reward to their commitment. After our AGM Rhoderick Jones, the Head Gardener at the Titsey Estate gave an illustrated and enthralling talk of his time at Ashburnham Place where the kitchen garden was practically rebuilt from scratch through to his time working for the last few years at Titsey Estate. Much has been done in maintaining the Victorian kitchen garden and it seems much more still to be done. We will have the opportunity also to see the work that Rhod and his team do at Titsey Place and gardens as this is in our programme for the evening garden visit in 2017. NEW FOR 2017 As well as our connection with Knights for the 10% discount we are also now able to offer, with our membership next year: 50% of ALL SUTTON SEEDS and 15% off other Sutton Catalogue items As a 2017 member of the Tatsfield Horticultural Society, you will be entitled to 50% off all seeds purchased and 15% of all other items (except gift vouchers) by using our special discount code, which will be supplied upon renewing your membership. You can order from a catalogue or online – www.suttons.co.uk – which apparently has a lot more than the catalogue. You may also order by phone. Details from your “rounds” person or, failing that, any committee member. This has been organised by Peter Maynard, so well done and thanks to Peter.
37 The rest of the year will be spent sorting the 2017 programme and the Yearbook, so if you have any ideas or suggestions please let us know. We will probably go to press during December and will start knocking on your doors from mid January onwards. So this is my last report to you as Chairman of the Tatsfield Horticultural Society. That role will pass to Sue Warren from our next meeting. Sue has been a member of the Society since 1984, being the Secretary from 1993 to 2015. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as your Chairman and have appreciated all of the support that you have given and ask that the same commitment be given to Sue during her tenure. I will now assume the role of Vice Chairman and Treasurer and will also use the freed time to get to grips with our web site - as a committee we are fully aware it needs attention. Nonetheless I look forward to seeing you all in 2017’s programme of events. Martin Allen (Tel: 577201 or email: [email protected]) Web address http://tatsfieldhorticulturalsociety.weebly.com.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG The 12th annual Christmas Carol Singalong sponsored by the Parish Council will take place at the same venue which is outside the Ship pub on Friday December 16th from 7 to 7.55pm. As you all know, the Ship is presently closed but we are still going ahead with the 15 Carols Singalong, whatever the weather. We have been kindly promised that the pub’s two outside floodlights will be switched on but it would be a good idea if you could bring along any lanterns so that you can read the provided songbooks. Father Christmas and his elves are already booked to come and give all of the children a present at 7.45. Our Parish Council chairman, Nichola Stokoe, will give us a message from the Council and our new vicar, Revd Vince Short, will give us a Christmas blessing. The team of marquee erectors and taker downers, the technical team, and the safety and barrier fitters will be on hand, plus of course the usual wonderful band, the renamed “Tatsfield Saints”, will be playing all of the music under their conductor Leslie Crane. Certain people are doing their best to make available the usual hot mulled wine and mince pies. So it’s all looking good so far and all we need is you, complete with warm coats, hats, gloves and lanterns. As a visitor to the village said last year “the Christmas Carol Singalong always sets me up for Christmas”. If anyone can offer any form of help it would be very much appreciated please. Here’s looking forward to seeing you and all the best, Dave Bishop. (01959 577550, 07813 472633, [email protected]) 38
FILMS IN TATSFIELD IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY In the next two months, you will have the chance to see here in the Village Hall three of the most popular films released in 2016 and one older film which is many people’s all- time favourite comedy. The films are being shown by Curzon Country Cinema and details can be seen on pages 55 and 58. You can find out more on the Village Hall website – tatsfieldvillagehall.weebly.com. On Saturday 3rd December, showing in the afternoon is The BFG (short for Big Friendly Giant), Stephen Spielberg’s latest blockbuster which is based on the children’s book written by Roald Dahl and which stars Mark Rylance. One critic described the film as making “it possible for audiences of all ages to wrap their heads around the unlikeliest of friendships in cinema history”. In the evening is The Ladykillers, the Ealing Version made in 1955, loved by all who have seen it. Who can forget the characters played by Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Katie Johnson (“Miss Lopsided” to the Danny Green character) and many others. As a bonus, included in the programme is a short British comedy, Miss MacTaggart Won’t Lie Down. In the afternoon of Saturday 21st January is the computer-animated film Finding Dory, a sequel to Finding Nemo about a forgetful fish searching for her son. With help from her friends Dory embarks on an epic adventure. It should appeal to adults as well as children. In the evening we shall see Bridget Jones’s third outing in Bridget Jones’s Baby starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey. Bridget is now over 40 and single again. One critic said “it had broad gags, choice turns and some terrific slapstick involving a hospital revolving door”. It is a bouncing bundle of joy. Bob David
39 NORTH DOWNS SINFONIA The Autumn Concert 2016
On Saturday 12th November, I had the pleasure of attending my first ever North Downs Sinfonia concert. It was a very special event, as it was their Tenth Year Anniversary Gala Concert. Held in our very own Tatsfield Village Hall, it was an evening filled with music written by some of the greatest composers that ever lived, and performed by talented and enthusiastic amateur musicians from not only Tatsfield, but also neighbouring villages, and a couple from as far flung as Birmingham! This wonderful orchestra and its composers have entertained audiences with twenty concerts, playing to a packed house every single time. What was all the fuss about? Well, I soon found out…
The concert got off to a great start with Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” overture. This apparently was a piece that was played in the first ever NDS concert, and it was not to be the only piece of music which would have a particular significance in the evening. The humour and the “madness” of the opera was brought to the fore with enthusiastic playing from the orchestra, and led by a vibrant and physically dynamic Jonathan Maynard as conductor. The energy of the ensemble and its leader was enough to get the audience in the mood for an evening of beautiful concerti and symphonies.
After this excellent “warm up”, our very own village maestro gave an introductory speech about the origins of the NDS, its founders, and his personal involvement and journey from being a young flautist, to his position as conductor. He spoke emotionally about his mentor David Preston, who taught and inspired him throughout his musical career, leading up to the point of literally passing the baton on to his young protégé.
40 This heartfelt introduction led beautifully on to a tribute to David Preston in the form of Faure’s Pavane. The tender beginnings of the piece were delicately handled, as Maynard conducted the strings’ pizzicato and a lone flute in a melancholic melody, before building and being joined by the other instruments as the music swelled and developed. It was a moving rendition, and one that I’m sure did justice to the memory of a much loved man.
After the Pavane, Maynard again addressed the audience, this time taking the opportunity to thank family, friends and the village for years of support, encouragement and excellent tea making! It firmly established the NDS as a well-loved, local treasure. We were then informed that the next piece of music was actually the Orchestra Members’ Choice Piece; The 4th Movement of Dvorak’s mighty 9th Symphony. Listening to the company going to town with the score, it was no surprise that this was their choice. Each section of the orchestra played their hearts out, and had a chance to shine. I particularly enjoyed the brass section playing with vim and vigour!
The 9th is a tremendous symphony, and the 4th movement is particularly energetic and dynamic, which gave the players a chance to showcase exactly why they enjoy being together on stage so much, and why some members, like Orchestra Leader Sylvia Seaton has been with the NDS from the start, and still going strong, playing her violin magnificently. I feel a special mention here must go to Simon Heydecker-Dent on timpani, who always seemed to be smiling, whilst keeping an eye on his conductor, as he played his set with great skill. The movement ended with real strength, and a smile on the faces of everyone in the Village Hall!
41 Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 was next in the evening’s repertoire, with Mariela Cingo taking on the concerto on the Village Hall piano! She played the piece entirely from memory with no score sheet in front of her, and as her fingers flew over the keys, it was apparent that she loved playing it. It is a technically challenging score which the orchestra played well, especially at the climax where the strings swept us along to the romantic conclusion, ending with a flourish. This was the Audience Choice, and was clearly a huge hit.
At this point, the musicians took a well-deserved break, and the audience drifted off for the refreshments which were served during the interval. Whilst sitting down with my son and discussing the music (which we were both thoroughly enjoying), we overheard several snatches of conversation from happy and satisfied members of the audience, many of whom had attended several previous NDS concerts, and all seemed to be having a great time.
After the interval, the beautiful Cello Concerto in E Minor by Elgar was offered up to us, and it was this which was my personal highlight of the evening. Unfortunately, the original cello soloist was unable to perform, so the incredibly talented Samara Ginsberg was drafted in at the eleventh hour. For me, this cello concerto is synonymous with the
extraordinary Jacqueline du Pre, and her outstanding recording and interpretation of the piece, and that is an exceptionally high standard to live up to. However, Ginsberg played beautifully, with confidence and great feeling. I was also pleased to see her connect with her fellow cellists, thus including them and the rest of the orchestra in the music. The concerto was punctuated by tumultuous applause, and rightly so.
42 By way of ending the evening, Maynard addressed the audience, saying that he needed to play percussion, and wondered whether anyone would like to conduct Strauss’ Emperor Waltz! After offering his baton to his Granny and a small girl, (both of whom politely declined), Maynard alighted on a gentleman who said that he would “give it a go” - cue a couple of well-received “which way up should I hold the baton” gags! Of course, it transpired that this fine bearded and well-placed fellow knew exactly what he was doing, and led a superbly rousing rendition of the waltz, much to the amusement of the audience.
Johann Strauss II is a composer whose music never fails to bring a smile to my face and a lightness in my heart. Hearing this wonderful piece of music brought to life by a “random” member of the audience who was clearly having a whale of a time, and seeing how the orchestra responded was an absolute joy, and a perfect way to round off an enchanting evening.
I left the hall with a feeling of gratitude towards all of the people involved, from Jonathan Maynard and his talented musicians, to those behind the scenes, and to the villagers who support the orchestra. I wonder how many other small villages can boast that they have their own Sinfonia? I for one am glad that we can!
One final point, I missed the opportunity to cast my vote for the Audience Choice, so I would like to request the vibrant and dazzling Danzon No 2 by Arturo Marquez. I think the NDS would have great fun playing it, and it would suit them down to the ground. Just saying…
Lexy Parker
New Year approaching for Tatsfield Allotments
Have you ever considered growing your own fresh vegetables and fruit? Do you enjoy spending some time out doors with great views? Prefer to get some exercise breathing fresh air rather than watching day time TV? If the answer is yes, why not take on an allotment? We have some small and large plots available and the cost is less than a pound per week.
If you would like more information, come along to our Annual meeting which will be on Tuesday 10th January at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, or call Alan Armitage on 575117
43 ST MARY’S MATTERS Remembrance Sunday, November 13th Tatsfield Scouts and Cubs joined many other villagers for this Act of Remembrance. We listened to part of the broadcast from the Cenotaph and joined the nation for the two minutes silence. We also named the fallen from Tatsfield and prayed for all those affected by war and for the future of this and all nations. We thank Tina Boys and her team for the decoration of the church which included one of the poppies from the Tower of London display a couple of years ago. All Soul’s Service, 30th October A full church gathered for this service to remember and give thanks for the lives of loved ones no longer with us. Over 80 names were read and candles were lit in their memory. It was good to see some children present and fully engaged with the service. Open the Book, 6th November At the November service we enjoyed some indoor fireworks and marvelled at their beauty and that so much comes out of something so small. We were reminded that we have more within us that we might think and can sparkle in the world when we use the ‘fire’ of God within us. Our December service (Sunday 4th at 10am) will include a collection of toys and other seasonal food products which will be taken to our link church in Brixton by Hilary and David Vale. Carol Singing in the village for Shelter. Saturday 12th December 10.00 am Everyone welcome! As well as carol singers we need people to hold collecting boxes- the more the merrier! Please meet outside the shops at 10.20am or just join us when you can and please give generously. This Christmas 100,000 children will be homeless so every penny we raise is desperately needed. To find out more about the work of Shelter go to www.england.shelter.org.uk Further details from Jennie South 577598. Food Bank Christmas Delivery Thank you to everyone who have continued to support the St Mary's Church Food Bank with their donations. Hilary and David Vale are planning on doing a Christmas delivery to Christ Church Brixton on Friday the 16th of December. It would be great to be able to deliver a good quantity of food with our Christmas wishes. So please donate non- perishable food for this trip into the box provided located in the narthex (at the back of the church). Some possibilities are: Rice, pasta, noodles; Baked Beans, tinned tomatoes, soup; Tinned meats, Tinned fish, i.e tuna; Jam; Sponge puddings, tinned fruit; Long life milk; Cereal, porridge; Tea, coffee, Sugar; Biscuits or snack bars; Fruit juice.
44 Posada The figures of Mary and Joseph are making their way around the village during Advent seeking shelter in Tatsfield homes as they travel to ‘Bethlehem’. Their journey ends on Christmas Eve as they arrive at the Christingle service. Christingle Making, 23rd December, 10:00 am at Tatsfield School Come and help turn oranges, sweets, fruit and candles into these symbols of the Christmas festival in preparation for our Christingle service on Christmas Eve – fun for all the family. Christmas services These are listed on the Christmas card accompanying this magazine and we hope to see you at one or more of them. At the candlelit carol service (4pm on 20th) we will be joined by The Tatsfield Singers, our community choir. Mince pies and mulled wine will follow. The Christmas Eve Christingle service held at 4.30 pm will be at Tatsfield Primary School. Children are invited to come dressed as shepherds, angels or wise men. The crib figures of Mary and Joseph will be welcomed back at the end of their journey round homes in the village. This service marks the real start of our celebration of Christmas and is always enjoyed by all, from the eldest to the very youngest. There will also be our traditional ‘midnight’ celebration of Holy Communion at 11.30 pm and a service for all the family on Christmas morning at 10 am. As usual, collections taken at all services over the Christmas period will go to The Children’s Society: this organisation does much across the country to support children who have been badly treated by adults and by society, and to turn their lives around. Nativity Tableau Once again Sauro Gabelli is planning to build a nativity tableau in the entrance area of the church. This is a well-established Italian tradition and Sauro’s creations, different every year, are always much admired. The tableau should be in the church from about 14th December – do pop into the church, spend a few quiet moments and enjoy! The church is usually open in daylight hours. Donations to the Children’s Society are invited. Flowers There will be no flowers in church during Advent however this year we will be decorating the church on 17th December please do join us if you would like to. 100 Club The result of the November 100 club draw. 66. A. Hopkins. £23.25. 93. G. Shaw £14.25 77. B Heffernon £9.50 We have given £600.00 to St Mary’s for the year ending November 2016. Records 23rd October Baptism of Max Merron
45 REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH These events, weekly unless stated otherwise, normally take place at the times given below, but there can be variations e.g. in school holidays. Please check with the organisers if necessary. Sun 10.00 am Church service – StM Mon 9.00 am PCSO Rupert Kelley Surgery – Linda’s Stores [to 10am] 9.30 am Tots on Top – CH 10.00 am WI Exercises - WIH 1.30 pm Bridge Club – WIH 6.00 pm Beavers – SH 7.15 pm Adult Ballet - TPS 7.30 pm Art Group – VH [Term time] 8.15 pm Bingo – TVC Tue 7.00 pm Pilates – TPS 7.00 pm Scouts - SH Wed 10.00 am WI Pop In – WIH 1.30 pm Short Mat Bowls –VH 6.00 pm Cubs – SH 8.00 pm Yoga – VH Thu 9.15 am Said Communion Service – StM [3rd Thursday only] 10.00 am Over 50s Yoga – WIH 3.00 pm WI Darts – WIH various Martial Arts 7.30 pm Duplicate Bridge – WIH 7.30 pm Tatsfield Singers - TPS 8.00 pm Table Tennis – VH Fri 10.00 am Pilates – WIH 11.15 am Pilates – WIH 1.30 pm Short Mat Bowls –VH 5.30 pm Badminton club for Juniors - VH 8.00 pm Badminton Club - VH Sat 11.00 am Parish Council Café -The Bakery [to noon]
ADDITIONAL EVENTS THIS MONTH 1 Thu 1.30 pm Hear Here – AMB (to 3.00 pm) 2.00 pm Scrabble - Scrumdoone, Greenway 3 Sat 3.30 pm, 7.30 pm Curzon Country Cinema – VH 4 Sun 10.00 am Open the Book – StM 11.30 am Said Eucharist – StM 6 Tue 7.30 pm Tatty Knitters Dinner – Bakery 8 Thu 10.00 am Visit of Chief Inspector Mark Preston - AMB 10 Sat 7.30 am Bulky rubbish collection – VH [tp 10.45] 10.30 am Carol singing for Shelter – outside Linda’s Stores
46 11 Sun 10.00 am Sung Eucharist – StM 10.30 am Ramblers 12 Mon 8.00 pm Parish Council Meeting - AMB 13 Tue 1.30 am WI - WIH 16 Fri 7.00 pm Carol Singalong – outside The Ship 17 Sat 7.00 pm Christmas Cheers - VH 18 Sun 4.00 pm Carol Service – StM 23 Fri 10.00 am Christingle making - TPS 24 Sat 4.30 pm Christingle Service – TPS 11.30 pm Midnight Eucharist – StM 25 Sun 10..00 am Christmas Service for all – StM 26 Mon 10.30 am Ramblers 28 Wed Refuse collection [not Tuesday this week]
ADDITIONAL EVENTS NEXT MONTH 1 Sun 10.00 am Sung Eucharist – StM (nb change to usual pattern) 5 Tue 1.30 pm Hear Here - AMB 8 Sun 10.00 am Open the Book – StM (nb change to usual pattern) 11.30 am Said Eucharist – StM (nb change to usual pattern) 9 Mon 8.00 pm Parish Council Meeting – AMB 10 Tue 11.00 am WI – WIH 12.30 pm NSYC and WI – WIH 7.30 pm Tatty Knitters – Bakery 21 Sat 3.30 and 7.30 pm Curzon Cinema - VH 23 Mon 8.00 pm Parish Council Meeting - AMB
FURTHER AHEAD February 5 Sun 10.00 am Open the Book – StM 11.30 am Said Eucharist - StM March 4 Sat 9.00 am Fairtrade Breakfast – VH [ to 11.00]
Venues AMB - Aileen McHugo Building • CGA - Community Games Area CH - Church Hall • FC - Furze Corner • SH - Scout Hut StM - St. Mary’s Church • TACG – Tatsfield Allotments and Community Garden TPS - Tatsfield Primary School • TVC - Tatsfield Village Club VH - Village Hall • WIH - Women’s Institute
If you would like your village event included in this diary in future please send details to: [email protected]
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CAROL SINGING FOR SHELTER St Mary’s Church and Tatsfield Singers, Saturday 10th December 10.30 am outside Linda’s Everyone welcome! As well as carol singers we need people to hold collecting boxes - the more the merrier! Please meet outside the shops at 10.20am or just join us when you can and please give generously. This Christmas 100,000 children will be homeless so every penny we raise is desperately needed. To find out more about the work of Shelter go to www.england.shelter.org.uk and - hot Fairtrade drinks supplied by Tatsfield Fairtrade Group! Further details from Jennie South on 577598.
48 W.I. There can be no better way to spend an afternoon than sharing skills and saving money! At our November meeting Pat Walsh explained the steps to create fascinators and hats for that special occasion - or to make you feel special at any occasion. Pat brought a range of materials and finished pieces to show us and explained the techniques, tips and tricks to create the finishing touch to any outfit. Pat attended a short course at the W.I. Denman College near Oxford last year and came away with a skill that she has used to advantage many times since. Denman offers a fantastic range of courses including arts, crafts, needlecraft skills, cookery, music, history, world affairs, exercise, health and wellbeing. Our December meeting will feature another of our favourite activities ‘eating good food’! We will be enjoying a Christmas meal at our local Bakery restaurant. On January 10th we share our meeting date with the Not So Young Club. Our business will be covered from 11 in the morning and we will be joined by our friends at 12.30 for a warming lunch and entertainment afterwards. Sue Smale (577660)
NSYC Our meeting on 8th November was a very sociable afternoon. We had a desk quiz, provided by Enid, and it got everyone's brain cells working and much good humour. Great fun! At our next meeting on the 13th December, we will be having our Christmas tea. Members, please be there at 1.30, as we have entertainment at 2 o'clock. The January meeting is on the 10th January and is, as usual, joined with the W.I. and we always enjoy that. MEMBERS PLEASE BE THERE AT 12.30 FOR ONE O'CLOCK. We will be having another desk quiz then. May I wish everyone a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Babs Heffernon (540602)
49 TATTY KNITTERS Its panic time in my house, all the things I thought were a good idea to make for Christmas are lying around all unfinished. The trouble being, I’m only able to knit various items when their recipients aren’t around. It makes life very complicated. This leads to many more unfinished knits in my “works in progress“ bags, (ok, boxes) for next year. Memo to self ….next year start earlier, or, don’t knit anything for anyone. December is Christmas dinner time - .on the 6th at 7.30. £25 per head plus drinks, in the Bakery. Please let me know if you’re coming. January’s get together is on the 10th. Back to my knitting. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Val Quick (07761 571071)
TATSFIELD PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION 100 CLUB Congratulations to the winners of the Tatsfield PFA 100 Club for October 2016. 1st prize: Chris Maynard £45 2nd prize: Stuart Hendry £30 3rd prize: Mary Wiggins £15 Thank you for supporting sport in Tatsfield. Les Eames
WASTE SERVICES & RECYCLING Bulky Rubbish Clearance Weekend for Tatsfield is on Saturday 10th December - 7.30 am to 10.45 am in the Village Hall Car Park. Change of Collection days over Christmas Recycling and waste collection days will change as follows over the Christmas Holiday: Usual Collection Day Holiday Collection Day Tuesday 27th December Wednesday 28th December Wednesday 28th December Thursday 29th December Thursday 29th December Friday 30th December Friday 30th December Saturday 31st December Please check your Garden Waste Calendar for scheduled collections as there will be NO Garden Waste Collections in weeks beginning 26th December 2016 and 2nd Jan 2017.
50 SHOPPING AT LINDA’S STORES AND THE POST OFFICE IN DECEMBER
577152
Last posting dates are coming up fast. A reminder about some overseas destinations:
Saturday 3rd December Africa and the Middle East Wednesday 7th December Asia and the Far East Saturday 10th December Australia and New Zealand Thursday 15th December USA and Canada Friday 16th December Much of Europe And for inland mail: Tuesday 20th December Second class Wednesday 21st December First class
The shop and the Post Office will be open as usual and notices will be put up in the shop about closing times for the shop and the Post Office during the Christmas and New Year periods.
There will be leaflets in the shop giving details of the special bargains in the period leading up to Christmas and there will be a good stock of Christmas cards, wrapping paper and everything else you need.
There was a bit of excitement in the shop one day last month when Linda discovered that the steel shutters in the front had jammed, resulting in the front door being able to open just a tiny bit. So for the rest of the day until the shutters were fixed, daughter Louise stood outside calling out through the small opening the items wanted by customers and Linda was inside getting the items together, taking them upstairs and then shooting them down to Louise, as captured in the photo taken by Dave Bishop. I think that’s what we call devotion to duty!
Bob David
51 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO The third winter of the First World War ended what, for Tatsfield families, was a less difficult phase, but the first few days of 1917 were to herald a change. Since the start of the war more than two years earlier, ten Tatsfield men had lost their lives. In 1917 alone, a further nine were to die. In the early years of the last century, the rector, the Rev B.G. Popham, organised an annual social for parishioners. At an evening of musical entertainments in 1916 – held at ‘the Institute’ possibly then in Borough Road – he wished everyone happiness for the New Year. He recalled that the first thing on their minds would be the soldiers. There was applause when he announced that the number of names on Tatsfield’s Roll of Honour had reached 101. These were young men who had gone from their parish, or whose fathers and mothers lived in their midst. They were all proud of them. Many had left their wives and families behind, and they had been helped with their finances pending receipt from the War Office of the allowances to which they were entitled. A committee had been set up to look after soldiers and their families, with power to act through the War Office. Volunteers had come forward to cultivate soldiers’ allotments during their absence. More volunteers were needed. It was soon afterwards that news came to Tatsfield of the death of Richard Ambler, a 40 year old mechanic in the Royal Naval Air Service. His widow’s address was given as Old Lane at the time of his death. He died in Malta, where hospitals and convalescent homes had been established to accommodate well over one hundred thousand casualties from the campaigns in Gallipoli and Salonika. He is buried at the Capuccini Naval Cemetery in Malta. Ian Mitchell, Tatsfield History Project: Email: [email protected] Tel: 577376 PRIMARY MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE 2016 Once again the Year 6 pupils at Tatsfield School recently stretched their grey cells by entering the National Primary Maths Challenge, a competition of 25 questions taken by many thousands of pupils of primary school age across the country. Here are some of the more taxing questions, from which many correct answers were derived by our local youngsters. A £5 token to be exchanged at Linda’s Stores will be awarded to the reader who provides the best 52 reasoned solutions. Please leave your entry at Linda’s in an envelope labelled ‘Maths Challenge’ or post to Clouds, Ricketts Hill, Tatsfield TN16 2NB by January 3rd. A Jane has collected 123 stamps and Kevin has collected 321 stamps. How many of his stamps should Kevin give to Jane so that she has half as many as he does? B A while ago, two Mondays and two Wednesdays in the same month fell on dates where the number of the day in the month was a perfect square number, like 9 June or 25 July. On which day did the first day of the month fall? C Grandpa is getting slightly faster at knitting socks. In the 13 days from 1 November to 13 November he knitted 1001 socks in total, and on each day after the first day one more sock than on the previous day. How many socks did he knit on 11 November? D The number 6666……666 has n digits and each digit is a 6. When this number is multiplied by 6, the sum of the digits in the answer is 2016. What is the value of n? This question was the final question on the paper and was answered correctly by a Tatsfield pupil – a remarkable achievement under examination conditions against the clock. No use guessing! Gerald South
MAKE A CHRISTINGLE School Hall, 10am on 23rd December RECEIVE A CHRISTINGLE AT NATIVITY SERVICE School Hall, 4.30 pm Christmas Eve
The orange .. the red Dried fruit and The lit candle represents the ribbon the love sweets symbolises world .. of Christ symbolise Jesus the light God’s creation of the world and the four bringing hope seasons to those in darkness
53 THE HERBER CELEBRATING A FESTIVE HERBAL CHRISTMAS Herbs and spices are an important part of Christmas festivities, used more now than at any other time of the year. So perhaps some of the following ideas will become firm Christmas favourites in the future, just as they have been in my own home for some time. Take the Yule Log, for instance. This began life not as today’s chocolate confection, but was a rather charming tradition of bringing good luck to the household by burning a real log in the hearth. Here in the UK the log was huge, dragged into the hall of a country house and set into the fireplace to burn throughout the Christmas Season. Not having a huge fireplace but a small grate I prefer to follow the traditions of southern France, and prepare a herbal Yule Log every year for use on Christmas Day. The log is chosen to fit the size of the grate, and seasoned throughout December with regular applications of salt, olive oil and red wine, with lavender oil as a scented addition. Every time the log is seasoned in this way a wish or prayer is made. Before sitting down to the traditional Christmas Feast (held in southern France on Christmas Eve) this log is brought in with great ceremony, to crackle away on the fire and scent the room during the meal. In earlier days it was thought unlucky to leave the table with the Yule Log still burning. With thirteen desserts ending the meal the log must have been a large one! We have kept this tradition for years but burn our log on Christmas Day instead, with some personal additions to the mixture. For instance, the salt, olive oil and red wine combine with lavender flowers and oil, or I sprinkle cinnamon over, adding Calvados liqueur, orange oil and spices (which looks and smells like our edible Yule Log!). Alternatives can include rosemary branches and pine cones as decorations, using pine essential oil on log and cones. All smell wonderfully festive on the fire, and this really starts our Christmas meal with a smile! Making personalised “Yule Logs” for friends and family is good fun – for instance, a hairdresser friend receives an annual gift of one liberally basted with whisky – and anyone who knows her will know who I mean! Taking an age-old Christmas tradition like this and making it your own is a lovely thing to do, eventually becoming as much a part of your family festivities as unwrapping all those old, much loved and somewhat battered Christmas baubles to hang on the tree each year. The photo shows one of my cinnamon and orange Yule logs outside our front door, when Tatsfield used to have snow during the Christmas season, unlike recent years!
54 As all carol singers readily know, the Magi, those “Kings from Persian Lands afar”, travelling probably from Oman and safely following the constellations overhead, were carrying two herb-based gifts – Frankincense and Myrrh. Their royal gifts are still harvested as resin, or “tears” tapped from tree bark. Creamy- white Frankincense is taken from the Boswellia Sacra tree, whilst Myrrh is a relative of Myrtle grown in the UK and is a red-coloured resin obtained in the same way. In the Middle-East Frankincense has been used for over ten thousand years to anoint new-born babies, mixed with oil of the Olive tree, probably gathered and pressed from ancient trees standing nearby. So you can see that Frankincense was a very thoughtful offering from a royal stranger to the One newly-born in Bethlehem. During autumn walks I collect cones, interesting seed heads, beech masts etc. and start my Christmas by gold-spraying some of my finds, then put everything into a large bowl with scented myrtle leaves, rose hips, whole cloves, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and olive leaves, finally sprinkling essential oil of Frankincense over the mix. After a few days these get put into a bell jar with some large bay leaves and whole spiced oranges. This is a lovely hallway decoration with a subtle scent of Christmas, which lasts right through the season and far beyond Twelfth Night. Bay leaves with their subtle scent decorate my Christmas pudding rather than spiky holly, and are also an essential with sprigs of rosemary, sage and thyme to fill the turkey cavity if, like me, you serve your Christmas stuffing separately. Don’t forget the “use-ups”; add bunches of bouquet garni to forthcoming stock from your feast, and as an alternative to ubiquitous turkey curry try my middle- eastern style turkey meatballs. Mince cooked turkey and add ground cumin, cinnamon, lots of freshly chopped mint, some raisins, finely chopped dried apricots and salt and black pepper to taste. Add an egg or two to bind, shape into small meatballs and put in the fridge to chill. After an hour or so fry the meatballs until they are golden and serve with couscous scattered over with jewel-like pomegranate seeds. Alternatively, make a rich tomato sauce incorporating a red onion and cumin, and serve on a bed of rice with the sauce spooned over, and more mint leaves as a garnish. Herbs and spices can make such a difference to any celebration, so I hope you will enjoy adding some of these ideas to your own Christmas festivities this year. Have a great time! Lin Saines (Kitchen illustration by the late Brenda David) 55 THE NIGHT SKY IN TATSFIELD – DECEMBER 2016 As dusk falls in early December look just a little to the west of due south and see if you can spot the brilliant planet Venus low down in the evening twilight. On the third of the month a slim crescent Moon will be a few degrees above it. As the month progresses Venus will become higher in the sky and therefore much easier to find due to the planet, in its orbit, apparently moving away from the Sun. Of course, the further that it appears to be from the Sun, the easier it is to locate as it will be seen in a dark sky with the Sun having set. Mercury, which is also classed as an evening object this month, lies much closer to the Sun and can be a difficult object to find, even when conditions are ideal. Please remember that you must never scan the skies for the inner planets before the Sun has set. You are risking your eyesight if you accidentally look at the Sun even briefly. At one time it was suggested that Venus may have been the celestial object that was later to become known as the “Star of Bethlehem”. Having studied and lectured on this subject for some years, I can say it is unlikely in the extreme as Venus had been recognised as a “wandering star” since at least 1700 BC. As the late Sir Patrick Moore once said “If the wise men were fooled by Venus, they weren’t very wise!” Other suggestions have been made but one difficulty is that evidence is especially thin on the ground. There are no contemporaneous accounts because those that we do have are all (according to theological scholars) written some decades after the event and even then not by people who themselves witnessed it. Other candidates that have been put forward are a comet, meteors, planetary conjunctions and a supernova. Whatever it was, it had to be something far out of the ordinary. Bright comets appear on average every 25 years which, if we agreed one of them was the culprit, would have sent the Magi to Jerusalem four times each century. Meteors are surely far too transient although they were the object of choice for Patrick Moore. Planetary conjunctions were certainly important in foretelling the future but the movements of planets had been studied for centuries. No, none of these fits the bill like a supernova does! These occur at the end of the life of a giant star when it jettisons all its material into space in what can be an extremely bright event. It had to be an iconic event for the Magi to prepare a trek of possibly months from Babylonia, which is where it is believed they came from, to Jerusalem. Bear in mind though that the phrase “and lo the star, they saw in the east, went before them” does not refer to them following the star on their journey to Jerusalem, but refers instead to the much shorter trip from Jerusalem to Bethlehem after visiting Herod. The “Star of Bethlehem” is a complex mystery and one that may never be solved. It is however ironic that a supernova has just been reported in the constellation of Sagittarius in late October. Brian Mills FRAS
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57 NIGEL’S NATURE NOTES Correspondence: Just the one report this month, but it’s a good one. Delene (Kerry) emailed to tell me about an exciting observation made from her back garden (08.11.16): ‘This may be something you have already heard about but was new and quite exciting for us. At the weekend we were sitting looking out of the back doors (along Greenway) when we saw a lone red kite flying around Lusted Hall Lane, the fields beyond and the one we can see opposite our house. We watched it for about ten minutes, then it flew up our garden towards the house and just veered as it reached the house to go down (the road), possibly to the field at the bottom.’ Well, believe it or not, Delene, I saw what must have been the same kite as I was eating dinner that weekend, gliding across the back garden towards Crossways. This is my third sighting in our locality and each time I have been amazed, so I know exactly how you felt! Thanks for the report. An end-of-year ramble: Do you remember when a red kite observation was a rarity in our village? Nowadays, although still cause for excitement, kite sightings are more common than that of swifts or house martins! In fact, looking back over 2016, the only ‘new’ excitement has been over the couple of sightings of a merlin. It will be interesting to see if it (or ‘they’ – should there be a pair) reappears next year. But, of course, we don’t need to wait for the extraordinary to be excited by what we see. Just this lunchtime, looking out onto a mature (and oversized!) ash tree in a neighbour’s garden I watched a flock of 60+ starlings congregate in the upper branches. And just a few days ago, in the mature lime trees opposite our house, I initially heard and then saw a charm of 30-40 goldfinches. They seem to arrive at roughly the same time each year. It was John (Moore), my next door neighbour, who reminded me that the collective noun for goldfinches is a ‘charm’, presumably reflecting the charming sound of their constant twittering. Despite my best intentions, I don’t seem to have got out and about quite so much this year. Nevertheless, my most recent outing was a cracker: Monday morning, October 31st, Beddlestead Lane to the village via the North Downs Way, the church and the school. What a joy! The sun shone down and it was warm enough to sit on the dry 58 grass. I was about to write that none of my sightings were spectacular, but it would be wrong to say that. Spectacle is in the eye of the beholder. It’s too simple to let everyday observances pass us by without giving thought to (or indeed giving thanks for) their presence. To begin with, I saw a pair of magpies, disliked by many (and for good reason) but what magnificent birds they are. Their plumage is simply stunning. If anyone thinks that a magpie is simply black and white, well, look again. What appears to be black, when seen in the sunlight, is a magical combination of purple, blue and green – metallic sheens to fill anyone with a sense of awe and wonder. And then, startled by my approach, a couple of male pheasants noisily flew up and off, leaving me with an impression of gold, purple, green and red. A little further on, although not colourful, a small flock of jackdaws proved equally impressive with their grey and black plumage and their playful behaviour. woodpigeons and carrion crows will be seen on almost any local walk as well as in our gardens. I love the way the pigeons strut around, slowly wobbling from side to side, seemingly without a care in the world, and the way the crows nervously approach food thrown out on the lawn, seeming to forget that it is they who are of a size to create fear in others. Walking across White Lane, although not seen, I could hear a buzzard calling from across the Titsey Estate. By closing my eyes I was transported to those weekly ‘western’ films of my childhood! But, for melodiousness, what can possibly surpass the skylark, two of which filled my ears with joyous sound as I crossed the field to Beddlestead. Benjamin Britten made a good attempt to transpose the song of an ascending lark but, compared to the original, I know which I would choose, should I have to. But, I guess, the sighting that surprised me the most was that of two house martins. Both were flying south; presumably this year’s hatchlings making the most of the final days of summer, feeding on insects before leaving our shores. There were, indeed, a lot of insects about that day. No butterflies, but spiders galore, spinning their webs across the footpaths in order to catch a lift on any passing animal, humans included! It wasn’t until I sat down to make a few notes above Pilgrims Farm that I realised how many of these little friends had attached themselves to my clothing. It was here also that my blue denim trousers proved attractive to a surprising number of ladybirds; harlequin axyridis f. succinea and f. spectabilis being two that I have subsequently been able to identify. But where was my hand lens when I needed it? Note to self: ‘Binoculars are not much use when attempting to observe ladybirds!’ Bye the time you read this, Christmas and a new year will be just around the corner. Whatever your plans, I wish you all a happy holiday and look forward to receiving your notes, views and observations in the coming months. Please remember to send in your annual Bird Observation form !! Any news, views or observations? Contact: ([email protected]). Alternatively, drop a note in to ‘Linda’s Stores’, or to ‘Primrose Ridge’, Greenway. Nigel Shaw
59 A free aftercare service for NHS Hearing Aids in Tatsfield run by St Mary’s Church This drop-in Hearing Aid Clinic is held on the first Thursday of each month between 1.30pm and 3.00pm in the Parish Room in the Aileen McHugo Building behind the village hall. Here are the dates to not in the coming months: Thursdays Dec 1st, Jan 5th, Feb 2nd and Mar 2nd The service is free and available to anyone with a “behind the ear” NHS hearing aid. We can provide help with the following: Checking the hearing is working properly Re-tubing, ear mould cleaning and battery replacement Checking the fitting of the hearing aid in the ear Advice on maintenance and cleaning of hearing aids Advice and support on making the most of the hearing aids Information and signposting to other services and useful equipment So if you think this is something you would find helpful we look forward to seeing you. Jennie South
60 TATSFIELD IN BLOOM 2016 Now that the Autumn planting has been completed, the volunteers have been busy over the past month trying to keep the fallen leaves under control around the village centre. This helps to protect the grass and also keeps the gutters and drains clear so that rainwater can clear away. However, on 26th November we hope to be able to plant 5,000 crocus bulbs on Tatsfield Green around the Milennium Oak to support the worldwide Rotary project called Purple4Polio. By raising funds, Rotary are hoping to eradicate polio in the two countries remaining in the world where this disease is still maiming children, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Posters have been placed around the village and we hope that as many volunteers as possible, adults and children, will have turned up to get the bulbs planted.
We have also purchased another 5,000 crocus bulbs to be planted by the children at the school. Six years ago we planted some bulbs under the same project in a design of “Three Ships on a Hill” to illustrate our address. This year we asked the children for a design and some children in Year 6 suggested a heart which we are going to plant on the hill opposite the Hall with further bulbs in the grass to the side of the building. Discussions are well advanced to decide on our theme for next year. A Welsh theme to celebrate the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd has been suggested but there are also anniversaries next year for Ella Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana and even the Russian Revolution – so watch this space and hopefully by next month a decision will have been made so that plants can be ordered. We are always looking for new volunteers to give up an hour of their time on a Saturday morning to come and help us. Please just turn up at 10.00am by the Bakery and we will greet you warmly! Jill Hancock
61 TATSFIELD ROVERS U11 The winning streak continues with this talented team of boys remaining unbeaten this season. The last three games have been cup games and the team is now through to the semi final of the autumn shield, to be played on the 27th November. The team train twice a week with games on a Sunday. There have only been four goals conceded all season, with some amazing saves from goalie, Aiden. Hoping the winning streak continues and we can win the cup. From left to right: Arron Hamilton (Manager) Bahram (Ref) George, Louis, Freddie, Harry, Aiden, Callum, Tristran, Ben, Harley, Louis, Simon Foley (Manager) (Ashton is missing from picture)
Pictured on the left are Harry and Joseph. These Tatsfield boys are great friends. Harry playing for Tatsfield and Joe playing for Westerham Tigers. The boys found themselves playing against each other in a cup game two weeks ago. It was a win for Tatsfield but both boys scored for their respective teams.
Cath Medhurst
62 TATSFIELD MARTIAL ARTS On Sunday 13th November our under 8 judoka’s took part in a judo grading held at the Coulsdon Martial Arts centre. In total 20 children from Tatsfield Martial Arts entered the grading and all passed, gaining their shiny new belts! Following the children’s grading, an adults grading took place in the afternoon, club coach Andy Mumford was awarded with his 1st kyu brown belt. This is the highest non black belt grade possible and hopefully 2017 will see Andy gain his 1st Dan (black belt). Later in November we have our first Tatsfield Martial Arts judo competition, then in December our over 8 judoka’s and adult jujitsu members will be taking part in their next gradings. Updates to follow in due course. Finally, from Saturday 7th January we will offer additional classes to our Thursday schedule: Under 8’s judo: 9:00 to 10:00 Over 8’’s judo: 10:15 to 11:15 Adult judo: 11:30 to 12:45
Adam Plinston ([email protected])
63 TATSFIELD RAMBLERS
Details of walks in the surrounding area for December 2016 are as follows. Everyone welcome including your dogs.
Sunday 11th December 2016 Leader: Mary Hayward Time and 10.30am at Cudham Recreation Ground Venue: Map Ref: TQ446596 Postcode: TN14 7QB Length From Cudham to Downe via High Elms. Some quite steep hills. Return route back from Downe much shorter than the outward leg. Mixture of open fields and woodland. Refreshments in Downe will be at The Queens Head, The George and Dragon or the Teashop (your choice). Total distance approx 7 miles.
Monday 26th December 2016 – Boxing Day Leader: Richard Gadd Time and 10.30am at Biggin Hill Recreation Ground Venue: Map Ref: TQ420590 Postcode: TN16 3LB Length: Blow away the cobwebs on Boxing Day. This is a 5 mile walk to Downe. There will be a stop at either The Queens Head or the George and Dragon in Downe (I don't know for sure at the moment but I suspect that the Teashop will be closed this day). There is one short steep hill on the way out, and another on the way back. Potential for quite a lot of mud in one section.
Walks can be subject to change at very short notice. Please either telephone or check the website. www.westerhamramblers.org.uk. The Ramblers do not carry insurance. They started as an informal group and never felt it necessary, so everyone is responsible for themselves (and their dogs).
Angela and Roger Sawyers (Tel: 577434 Email [email protected])
64 HELLO CAT LOVERS! DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT YOUR CAT IS THINKING?
For the next few months I will be conducting research into cat- human communication of emotion, as my final year research for my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am working under the fantastic Professor Karen McComb, who has conducted some fascinating research into animal behaviour and cats big and small, and worked on the TV show ‘The Secret Life of Cats,’ demonstrating how cats use purrs to manipulate their owners!
My research is looking into whether cats’ hemisphere dominance (i.e. whether they are left-pawed, right-pawed, or ambidextrous) effects how they communicate emotions with humans. In particular I am studying slow-blinks, which I’m sure many of you cat owners will know about. For those who don’t, this is the closing of a cat’s eyes partially or wholly, very slowly. It shows that the cat is comfortable in your company enough to let their guard down, similar to when a cat shows you their belly - it is a sign of trust and potentially friendship.
Previous research has found differences in personality between right/left pawed cats and ambidextrous cats. I will therefore be observing cats’ paw-preference and then seeing how often they respond to a human slow-blink with one of their own. Previously very little research has been published on this topic so I am very excited for my research to hopefully shed light on cat-human communication! This area of research is important for cat welfare and should help cat owners to understand their cat’s behaviour. I will share my findings with you here once I have come to some conclusions!
CAN YOU HELP?
If you or anyone you know has a cat (or cats!) and would like to become a part of psychological research, please contact me, Hollie Panther. Testing would ideally take place between the 12th and 22nd of December, or the 11th to 19th of January, though if there are not any dates then that you can do, we can arrange another time. Weekdays, weekends and evenings work well for me so hopefully we can figure out a time that suits you! I would like to allocate 1 hour for each cat, allowing time to set up video recording equipment and for your cat to get used to me being around! Me with my inspiration, Sam!
Contact Hollie on: [email protected] / 07886 393584 Or speak to Jonnie Panther for an information sheet on: 01959 577518 65 THE TATSFIELD GARDENER IN DECEMBER As we get out first taste of winter in November it is time to reflect on another gardening year with tales of woe from the fruit and vegetable garden! Our heavy clay soil can be very difficult particularly if we don’t get the chance to prepare the ground during the winter, when conditions allow. The spring was very difficult and early sowings were not possible, or failed altogether. Browsing the various long term forecasts it is clear that we are going to have a changeable month or so with some cold spells, but as usual they are cautious about just how cold could be. If the local forecast is for dry and cold frosty weather try and turn over the soil and leave it rough and hope the frost will help break it down. Get your cropping plan ready so you know which areas to add plenty of manure or compost. I noticed that some of our allotmenteers have adopted some clever ideas for protecting parts of their plots from getting too wet and increasing the chances of working up a good tilth in the spring Overall it was a good year for flowers and fruit with some long flowering periods but pollination was a bit hit and miss – my Bramley apple was very poor after some excellent flowers but where were the bees? Shrubs, roses and bedding plants thrived. I thought our village displays were some of our best yet, especially later in August and September; it was also due to the hard work of the Tatsfield Volunteers who trimmed and dead headed plus two liquid feeds! If we get a few dry days make sure to wrap up tender plants; if they are in containers wrap the containers too and move them nearer a wall, preferably West or South facing. I was asked recently about leaving Cannas and Dahlias in the ground over winter; yes they may survive a frost or two and grow next year – that is if the slugs don’t get them! My advice is always to lift them, dry them off, clean off dead leaves and roots, dust with powdered Sulphur, cover with dryish compost and store them somewhere that is frost free. Check them now and then and remove any casualties, dust with more Sulphur. Start them off again in late March/April with some light, moisture, but avoid over watering as this will result in rotting of young shoots. If you are stuck for a Christmas present for a gardener who seems to have everything why not buy them some summer/autumn flowering bulbs such as Lilium candidum or regale; Nerine, Colchicum, Sternbergeia, Amaryllis belladonna and many more. Don’t be surprised if there is only one or two bulbs per packet, they are well worth it to see the delight of the recipient! Don’t forget that these plants will grow very well in containers so why not plant them up ready to grow, properly labelled of course! Best wishes for a successful gardening year in 2017 Jon Allbutt
66 BARN THEATRE, BLUEHOUSE LANE, OXTED, RH8 0AA DECEMBER Glow Theatre Group – Spotlight (A youthful medley of song and dance). Wednesday 7th – Friday 9th (7.30) (Tickets (£9.00) available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 07813 916105) Really Happy Company - Jingle Barn Rock (Variety fundraiser by local school children brings Christmas to the Barn). Saturday 10th (2.30 & 7.30) (Tickets (£12) available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811) The Dreamers (Formerly ‘Freddie and The Dreamers’, The Dreamers remain one of the best known named bands on the sixties music circuit). Sunday 11th (7.45) (Tickets (£16.00) available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811 JANUARY The Oxted Players – Once Upon a Time by Paul Barron and Sarah Dyson (A traditional family pantomime featuring well-loved fairy tale characters). Friday 13th (7.30), Saturday 14th (1.30 & 5.30), Sunday 15th (1.30 & 5.30), Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th (7.30), Saturday 21st (2.30 & 7.30) (Tickets (£9.00 - £10.00) available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01883 724852) Information pertaining to all the above shows can be obtained from: www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 15a High Street, Westerham. Kent. TN16 1RA. 01959 561811
Large stackable crates £5 each Medium stackable containers £4 each 6-seater garden table, rectangular £10 8-seater garden table, rectangular £10 Large dog cage £10 Camp bed (single) £10 Top box for car £50 Book case (3’ wide, 4’10” high) Free! Enquiries to Mary or Barry Bull on 577649
67 Advertiser Index Accent Furnishing Ltd. 86 Oakland fencing 89 Alexander Electrician 89 PMJ Fencing 85 ARTS B.H.Plastering 90 Reeves 86
A Moore Photography 14 Benasa 68 Westerham Heights 6 James Marten Clocks 6 Bunting Chimney Sweep 4 Woodstone 86 Lesley's Flowers 7 Caroline Mee 88 LEISURE
Picture Framing 86 Dave Jeffrey 74 Beechwood 89 EDUCATION David Waite 83 Botley Hill Farmhouse 8
Flute, Saxaphone 3 Denis.H.Reeves Builders 87 Dance First 69 Honeys Nursery 74 DP Bespoke 84 Hits Disco 87 Kestrel Centre 76 Drain Man Direct 90 Martial Arts 14 Little Acorns 8 Glass & Glazing 13 Mayfield 12 Monkey Puzzle 10 H.Lilley & Co, Supplier 71 Parkwood Golf Club 78 Private Tuition 84 Jaycy 90 Saddlery & Gun Room 87 Spanish 6 Ling & Sons Builders 85 The Bakery 3 ESTATE AGENTS Milborrow Chimney Sweep 88 OTHER
Howard Cundey 70 Monks Removals 83 Beaver Water World 12 Ibbett Mosely 88 R Thorpe Plumbing 76 Bigginwords 5 James Millard 75 Ray Dry 4 Bounce Away 72 FITNESS/HEALTH Rudd Plumbing 79 Carer 3
First Aid 7 Ryall & Edwards Ltd. 80 Chartwell Cancer 4 Homeopathy 5 Waites Window Cleaning 11 Digital Vision 6 Mobile Chiropodist 84 MOTORING Entre Nous 73
Mobile hairdresser 85 A25 5 Flexible Health 90 Moor Energy 77 Discovery Cars 4 IQ Wealth Management 9 Remedial Massage 7 J.Panther 92 Kempster & Dale 13 Specology 88 Motorist Centre 73 Lakes Rental 5 Summerhouse 83 Practical Rental 82 MR Computing 92 FUNERALS Streaky Cars 87 New Life Church 75
Alex Jones 85 Sunningvale Services 91 Pet watch 83 W. Uden & Sons Ltd 81 Tatsfield Garage 9 Rudd dogs/pets 7 HOUSE/HOME GARDEN T Dunton Solicitors 71
A.W.Carpentry 70 Heritage Management 84 Titsey Place 2 Acacia Tree Surgeon 10 Knights Garden Centre 11
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Telephone
A W Carpentry 01959 577010 & general building services Alan Waite • Interior & Exterior Carpentry • Kitchens/Bathrooms fitted • Renovations/ Alterations • Guttering & Fascia • City & Guilds qualified • Free estimates Mobile 07984 810966
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DAVE JEFFERY
Complete Decorating and Property Maintenance Service Domestic and Residential Electrical Services Full or part re-wire
(NAPIT Registered and Part P approved)
UPVC/Aluminium Windows, Doors & replacement glass units supplied, fitted and serviced
•• FOC quotations and advice •• all work considered •• fully insured••
Tel: 07776 025404 or 01732 863726 ** Email: [email protected]
“Busy little bees come to Honeys Nursery”
Centrally located in Church Road, Biggin Hill, Safe secure enclosed building and grounds
Established in 1995, Accredited and Ofsted rated “Outstanding”
Flexible hours between 7.30 am and 5.55pm
From Birth to 11 years in our Nursery, Pre School and Kids club settings
Term time or all year options, 15 hours free government funding for 3 year olds
Small friendly, long standing fully qualified and CRB checked staff team
Freshly cooked lunches. Traditional values, stimulating environment
Large outdoor play area and its very own Forest School sessions
Telephone: 01959 540366 Email: [email protected] Website: www.honeysnursery.co.uk
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WOODSTONE LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE
All aspects of hard landscaping and garden maintenance provided.
07879 028 988 01883 722 589 [email protected] www.woodstonelandscaping.co.uk
GARDEN'MAINTENANCE'
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Printed by Evonprint. 01273 494631 |Email: [email protected], www.evonprint.co.uk Units 80-84, Mackley Industrial Estate, Small Dole, West Sussex, BN5 9XR 92