WITH Properties from the area’s IN top sales & lettings agents A Bigger, Better, Brighter Read LIVING From Page 18 Vol. 10 Issue 4 December 2014 www.livingwithin.com HAPPY CHRISTMAS Murray and Henman at Reed’s

The future of tennis looks to be in good Photo courtesy Catchlight35.com hands, especially when Tim Henman and Andy Murray turn up to the opening of Reed’s School’s new Indoor Tennis Centre partially funded by a grant from the LTA. Reed’s School Tennis Academy (RSTA) became an LTA official High Performance Centre in 2012 and the three new heated courts have an acrylic surface akin to those at the LTA’s National Training Centre in Roehampton. They will be used for training by the LTA supported Tennis Scholars at Reed’s with the anticipation of producing another success like Tim Henman OBE, who was a Slater Tennis Scholar at Reed’s from 1985 to 1991. RSTA is a flagship scheme offering an Andy Murray, Jack Molloy, Jack Draper, Tim Henman at the Reed's School Indoor Tennis Centre opening. elite performance programme set within saying, "I’m very excited to be playing President of the LTA, told guests at the a school that is arguably the best in the on the same type of indoor surface as event in her speech, "I was delighted to world. It is one of only 21 LTA-approved the professionals and partnering Andy be asked to come to Reed’s School today. High Performance Tennis Centres in Murray in an exhibition match has got to I have followed many of their players the UK and is comprised of nationally be the best thing that’s ever happened to both nationally and internationally at and internationally ranked players. me!" tournaments and the boys are wonderful These players receive a tailored, daily Tim Henman commented, "Reed’s role models for the school. " SPECIAL programme of three hours of tennis and School Tennis Academy and indeed, The new Headmaster at Reed’s School, one hour of strength and conditioning, Reed’s School High Performance Sport, Mark Hoskins, thanked all involved EDITION built around a strong academic has made great strides over the last in bringing the new Tennis Centre to curriculum. ten years. This is self evident from the fruition and commented that tennis at Tim Henman kindly came back to national successes achieved, not only in Reed’s had encouraged many students Reed’s to officially open the Indoor Tennis tennis but also in skiing, golf, hockey, to aspire to excellence in their chosen The team at Living Within wishes readers Centre at an event attended by well over cricket and swimming. I am delighted field. "Tim Henman has been a wonderful 150 friends and supporters of tennis at that the Tennis Academy has pioneered ambassador not only for sport but also everywhere a great Christmas and a very Reed’s. He played in a Pro Exhibition these achievements and that in all these as a former pupil he embodies the values prosperous New Year match with local resident, Andy Murray, sports those on Foundation bursary and qualities we hold so dear at Reed’s: who came along to try out the new courts! awards at Reed’s School have the same excellence, determination, resistance and Partnering 15-year-old Jack Molloy, a opportunities to excel as others. I am humility. I particularly wish to encourage current tennis scholar at Reed’s, he played truly proud of the charitable ethos of the a love of learning and I want the School to See you all again in 2015 in a doubles exhibition match against Tim School, its sense of setting standards, and grow its reputation for unique initiatives Henman who partnered Jack Draper, 12. investing in high quality programmes associated with high performance Jack Molloy spoke about playing at allowing talent to be fully nurtured." and charity, working with partner the opening of the new Tennis Centre Cathie Sabin, the first ever woman organisations." INSIDE THIS ISSUE

13 12 14 - 15 23 17 Travel Christmas Reindeer Food & Drink Jenny Marks Gardening

WWW.LIVINGWITHIN.COM – Email [email protected] – Telephone 01276 858750 2 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Mayor supports Uncertain future for Esher employees Pet dog rescued from Santa Fun Runs at Dairy Crest’s UK HQ in Esher busy A3 carriageway

Employees working at Dairy Crest's UK headquaters in Littleworth Road, Esher have been told that their future within the company is uncertain. Dairy Crest announced that it has agreed to sell the assets of its Dairies operations to Müller UK & Ireland Group for a consideration of £80 million The Mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Barry Fairbank, payable in cash on completion. wants more people than ever to “Ho-Ho-Ho” and Mark Allen, Chief Executive of Dairy Crest Uncertain future: Dairy Crest's UK HQ in Littleworth Road, Esher. have fun supporting Princess Alice Hospice Santa said: "In the months ahead we will do all we can will create efficiencies and economies of scale that Fun Runs this year. to minimise the uncertainty that we know today's will help to create a more sustainable UK dairy The Mayor is calling on the local community to take news will bring for the many people associated sector that is better placed to compete on the part in the events, which will see hundreds of Santas with our business. I want to thank everyone who global stage," Mr Allen said. of all ages walking, jogging or running their way has been involved in Dairy Crest’s dairies business "The disposal will allow Dairy Crest to focus on around London’s Royal Parks in their red suits with over the years." continuing to grow our successful and innovative big white beards flapping. The sale is conditional on the approval of the branded cheese and spreads operations. We will The first of the 5km Santa Fun Runs will be at Bushy relevant competition authorities. This process is also deliver additional added value sales through Park on Sunday 30 November at 10.30am. A further expected to take several months, during which time our whey investment. We are confident that this Surrey Police tweeted a photograph of a dog that two runs will be taking place at Richmond Park on Dairy Crest will continue deliveries throughout focus will deliver further medium term profit ran onto the A3 near Painshill, Cobham on a recent Sunday 14 December at 10.30am and 12.30pm. the supply chain. The deal is also conditional on growth for our shareholders." Monday afternoon. The traffic was held up for a Councillor Fairbank said: "These are tremendously the approval of Dairy Crest’s shareholders and Dairy Crest's brands include Cathedral City, short time while the poor animal was rescued from fun festive events for all the family in aid of a very employee consultation. Country Life and Clover. the carriageway. Later that day the police said the important local charity. "Completing this transaction would be a positive The company's head office in Esher deals mainly dog was doing well. It was at the vets with mild "I wholeheartedly wish to add my support and development for Dairy Crest and for the UK with marketing and financial administration bruising and awaiting collection by its owner. The would encourage the generous people of Elmbridge dairy industry. The combination of our Dairies personnel as well as purchasing, company dog was safely removed from the road and taken to to take part. operations with those of Müller Wiseman Dairies secretarial and human resource functions. a vets in Cobham while the owner was contacted. "The Hospice cares for many people in our community and the money raised by the Santa Fun Runs will provide support for patients and their families throughout the Season of Goodwill." The cost to enter for over 12s is £12; which For more local news Traffic nightmare as Surrey includes a Santa Suit. For the under 12s the cost is just £4 and they will receive Reindeer Antlers. as it happens visit For further details and to enter please see section of M25 sinks into mud www.pah.org.uk/santafunrun or contact the www.livingwithin.com our Fundraising Team on 01372 461808. Emal [email protected]

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D3B Fairoaks • Chobham • Surrey GU24 8HU

Early morning chaos on M25: Photo courtesy Surrey Roads Police Motorists in Surrey were left facing a traffic the main road leading into Weybridge was closed nightmare in November as a section of the M25 for road maintenance. Road closures were also collapsed in heavy rain. put in place at Ashley Road and Silverdale Avenue Surrey Police said sections of the road had sunk in Walton on Thames whilst emergency services Police called to maintain order into the mud beneath, leaving motorists with the were at the scene of an accident involving a cyclist challenge of driving into massive potholes in the and a car. pouring rain, severely damaging their tyres as they at council meeting in Esher went on their way. Overnight maintenance work had been carried Reports have emerged that the police were called out on the anti-clockwise carriageway between to an Elmbridge Borough Council licensing Junctions 10 and Nine. But fresh concrete failed to committee meeting on Monday after two people in set in heavy rain and disintegrated leaving 12 inch the public gallery were given a verbal warning for deep potholes that were 16ft long in places. interjecting during proceedings. The Highways Agency closed three lanes of Proposals for a three-bay taxi rank outside 77 the motorway creating early morning chaos for to 81 High Street, Esher was being discussed by motorists who sat in tailbacks that stretched back councillors at the meeting. more than 15 miles at one point. Two local residents started airing their objections Two people in the public gallery at Elmbridge Civic Centre were Drivers who were not caught up in the traffic jam from the public gallery. given a verbal warning for interjecting during proceedings. were advised to find an alternative route. But that They were warned that they would be removed When two police officers arrived at the Civic wasn't easy either. from the committee room if the disturbance Centre the pair had calmed down following a Reports reached Living Within of heavy traffic continued. private discussion with Esher Councillor Tim throughout the day in and around the Sunbury/ The police were then called in by security officers Oliver. Staines area adding as much as two hours to after the committee chairman adjourned the After the meeting got back underway Cllr Oliver journey times. Drivers heading towards Junction meeting. made representations to the committee outlining 10 of the M25 later in the day were faced with Members of the public can be given permission the concerns from the public gallery. closure of the southbound carriageways of the A3 to speak by the committee chairman, but he chose Finally, after further debate, Councillors turned due to a three car pile up. And drivers attempting not to allow them to do so at this meeting. the taxi rank proposal down. to escape the chaos at Junction 11 discovered that December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 3 Police search for clues after thieves blow open cashpoint in Claygate

Claygate was in shock last month when a well used cashpoint outside Johnstons Newsagent in The Parade was blown open by thieves. The incident took place at 3.50am on Friday 14 November when the thieves are believed to have accessed the machine using explosive force and may have taken as much as £80,000. The suspects were seen to be leaving the location in a vehicle at speed. Commuters on their way to the railway picture of the cash box please contact police station at the end of The Parade were stunned without touching the item. to see police tape and debris spread across the "We are particularly keen to hear from anyone pavement as they passed by a little later in the who knows anything about any vehicles seen morning. in the area of Claygate at around 3.50am or Residents in the village asked for the vehicles acting suspiciously near this location. cashpoint to be installed after Barclays pulled It may be that the manner of their driving out of Claygate back in February 2012. caught your attention at that hour in the A Week earlier, Living Within Weekend Guide morning. If anyone locates any items matching reported that three men had failed in their the picture of the cash box please contact police attempts to steal money from a cash machine without touching the item." in Ewell using gas canisters. Anyone with any information should contact That incident happened at around 4.55am on Surrey Police by calling 101 quoting the Tuesday 4 November at the ATM on Kingston reference number 45140096109. Road. Two men were seen acting suspiciously around the machine while it appears that a third man was waiting in a car nearby. The offenders were in the process of filling the cash machine with gas to gain access when they were disturbed by a member of the public and fled empty handed. Commenting on the Claygate robbery, investigating officer L/Detective Constable Ellen Smith said: "I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in relation to this incident to get in touch. If anyone locates any items matching the Free parking at Christmas in Elmbridge Councillor Dorothy Mitchell has announced free parking at all Elmbridge Borough Council car parks from Monday 22 to Friday 26 December 2014. The Cabinet Member for Parking is hoping that free parking will attract residents to the borough's high streets. "Our villages and town centres are filled with Claremont Fan Court School unique boutique gift shops and fine food and drink traders. There is no need to travel afar for your last An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years minute shopping, it is all on our doorstep," she said. Extra 210 places at Hinchley Wood Primary Open Mornings Plans to create an extra 210 places at Hinchley council facing a £215 million funding gap and Wood Primary School have been signed off by with the county’s taxpayers contributing £6 Whole School - 10.00am-12.30pm Surrey County Council. billion to the national coffers every year and Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, getting less than a billion back in funding for Linda Kemeny said: “This will provide much- services, it’s time Whitehall gave Surrey’s Introductory talk at 10.00am needed classroom space as part of our efforts to residents a fairer deal.” find 13,000 extra places over the next five years. As part of both planned expansion, temporary “Such unprecedented demand has left the ‘bulge’ classes will be made permanent. Saturday 7 February Saturday 14 March

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[email protected] Matthew Kallenberg-Pierce Peter Roberts [email protected] FNAEA MARLA MNAEA MARLA

Telephone: 01372 463100 Thinking of selling, buying, renting or letting? 5 & 6 High Street, Claygate Talk to the people with the knowledge. www.claremont-school.co.uk

Living Within-MASTER.indd 3 14/07/2014 22:43 4 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Boris backs high speed trains into Surbiton and Kingston

The Mayor of London has set out the case for Crossrail contribute well over half the cost of Crossrail 2, 2, bringing the prospect of high speed trains arriving at reducing the demand on the UK taxpayer as a whole. Surbiton and Kingston one step closer. And, if the pattern of Crossrail 1 were followed, over The high frequency, high capacity rail line would link 60% of the contracts would be with suppliers outside local passengers with station in north east London via London, many of them small and medium-sized the centre of the city. businesses. With the new rail line a journey from Kingston to A recent consultation to finesse the route showed Tottenham Court Road could be completed in just 29 strong support for the scheme with over 80 per cent minutes - 17 minutes faster than today. expressing support. On the options consulted, the Passengers on mainline trains travelling in majority of respondents support an extension from to Waterloo from as far afield as Portsmouth, Alexandra Palace to New Southgate. There was also Southampton and Basingstoke will also benefit from strong support for a station at Kings Road, Chelsea, the new rail line, which will relieve congestion at as well as support for two potential station options in Waterloo by diverting suburban services into a new Hackney – Hackney Central and Dalston Junction. tunnel under London. Based on the consultation responses, TfL and In a keynote speech at the City Age conference, Network Rail have now identified a preferred route for the Mayor argued that even with the current Tube safeguarding, with a north-east alignment via Dalston, modernisation programme and the delivery of but with a safeguarded spur to Hackney Central that Crossrail 1, Crossrail 2 is needed to provide vital could be extended further eastwards at a later date. new capacity on the transport network to cope with The plans are to be lodged with Government. This With the new rail line a journey from Kingston to Tottenham Court Road could be completed in just 29 minutes - 17 minutes faster than today. London’s forecast population growth, which is ‘regional route’ would travel down into Surrey and up new rail link. We need to continue to move forward vital new capacity and allowing new residential expected to reach 10 million by 2030 and 11.3m by into Hertfordshire. with this scheme to identify funding options and suburbs and districts to be created. It will transport 2050. By 2050 the demand for public transport will The Mayor said: “Crossrail 2 is a vital project not safeguard the route, which will benefit London and up to 90,000 people into central London in the have increased by 60 per cent on the Underground just for the capital, but also for the regions from which beyond. Working collaboratively with Network morning peak, supporting the growth of the central and 80 per cent on the national rail network compared people travel in to London on packed trains each day of Rail the next stage of work will look at the route and London economy. As with Crossrail 1, which to current levels. the week. With London’s population soon to surpass stations in more detail, engaging further with the local will generate 75,000 business opportunities and The arrival of High Speed 2 in the early 2030s its previous 1939 peak of 8.6m, and with more people authorities, communities and other key stakeholders support the equivalent of 55,000 full time jobs, will result in particular pressure on the London travelling by Tube and rail than ever before, we need along the route.” the project will also help to boost the wider UK Underground network, with potential for 30 minutes additional rail capacity to support future growth. For Network Rail’s strategy and planning director, Paul economy. of queues at Euston to access the Victoria Line in the the capital to remain globally competitive there needs Harwood, said: “London’s railways are already the The project is estimated to cost around £20bn. morning peak without Crossrail 2. Crossrail 2 is also to be continued investment in our transport network busiest and most congested in the country, with many Working jointly to TfL and DfT consultants designed to address rail capacity constraints in the and that’s why we have to get cracking on planning for main lines operating at, or close to, capacity. Working PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are undertaking south-west, as well as providing vital new connections Crossrail 2. It’s an essential infrastructure project that jointly with TfL we must press on with schemes such a funding and finance feasibility study. PwC’s across the capital to help to support economic growth, will deliver thousands of new homes and jobs, as well as Crossrail 2 so that public transport continues to report examines a range of funding options, and providing opportunities for thousands of new jobs and as helping to keep our great city moving.” support and drive economic growth in the capital and will be published before the Autumn Statement. homes. Michele Dix, TfL’s Managing Director for Planning, across the south east.” The Mayor and TfL believe the wider UK economic The Mayor said he was confident that, as with said: “The results of the second consultation held Crossrail 2 will support the delivery of up to and transport benefits also support the case for a Crossrail 1, London could in the right circumstances earlier this year showed widespread support for the 200,000 new homes across London by introducing Government contribution to the cost. mewes MENSWEAR LANVIN • POLO RALPH LAUREN CHURCH TIMBERLAND LACOSTE • BARBOUR

CHRISTMAS for the

GANT • ETON • BAUMLER • PAUL & SHARK • HILFIGER • PAL ZILERI & SHARK • HILFIGER PAL • BAUMLER PAUL GANT • ETON Well Dressed Man

London Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0ER Telephone 01344 621333 December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 5 Annual Christmas concert fundraiser returns to The Rose Theatre

Rose Theatre Kingston hosts their annual Christmas Concert for the fourth year on Thursday 11 December in order to help raise funds for the theatre’s community projects. Last year the Christmas Concert raised close to £10,000. Local choirs join together to present classic festive music and well-known carols for a beautiful evening of music and singing. The concert sees the return of Tiffin Boys’ School Choir, Kingston University’s choirs; KU Chamber Choir and KU Twist and community choir Singing It Back. The Rose will also be showcasing the talents of Kingston based community opera group Riverside Opera who performed Romeo and Juliet at the Rose last May. VIP tickets are on sale and include a drinks Adam Hope, Artistic Director of Kingston reception with mince pies, cheese and biscuits as University Choirs, said: "The Rose's Christmas well as mulled wine and carol singers. Concert is vibrant, exciting and unique. The singers The funds raised at the concert go towards (and myself!) find that being a part of something helping the Rose provide the local community with so original and spectacular is an extraordinary a diverse range of cultural activities and innovative experience which makes their time at university learning and participation opportunities. something really special. These young people will carry the magic of the concert with them for years to come." The night also presents a range of stalls selling gifts and jewellery, plus the Christmas raffle Young film makers returns with top prizes on offer including meals at Jamie’s, Cote and Comptoir, a Red Letter return to Brooklands Days experience, hampers from John Lewis and Carluccio’s, two tickets to Rose Fashion Show and much more. Robert O’Dowd, Chief Executive of the Rose, said: "The Christmas Concert is becoming a firm Rose tradition. It’s fantastic to get our talented local choirs together and great to see the Rose being used by and for the community. There is always the chance to sing along to some of your Makin' Movies: Ryan Burnham (West Molesey) and Luke favourite carols and this year you might even spot Robson (Walton) a song specifically written about Kingston." Luke Robson and Ryan Burnham, founders of Berry Cinema and Ex-Brooklands College BTEC Media Studies students, were invited back to College this week to give an inspiring talk to Kingston current students about their rise to success in the film making industry. Hospital asks Both Luke from Walton and Ryan from West Molesey had a passion for all things media before they joined the college and found the course they for Christmas studied at Brooklands exposed them to a variety of media formats, such as T.V, Radio, Film and decorations Journalism. This helped to crystallise their passion for film making and, whilst still studying for their BTEC, they founded their company Berry Cinema. Full of Surprises The business partners continued to produce work for their newly founded company throughout their three year degree at Ravensbourne University and www.notredame.co.uk found that their reputation within the industry was beginning to snowball, Ryan reflected: "At first we were producing a lot of our work for free, we found this really helped us build important contacts within industry. We built a slick website Kingston Hospital has issued a call for Christmas to showcase all our work and suddenly instead decorations. Local people are asked to donate new of chasing business we were beginning to get or nearly new decorations such as trees, lights, commissioned for jobs. This is when it really took baubles, bells and stockings. These will then be off, now we have worked with big names such as used to decorate parts of the hospital and try make Thomas Cook, MTV, Jamie Oliver and have even it a Christmas to remember. won a Vimeo Star Pick Award." The campaign is being organised by Oliver Luke Robson added "Brooklands College Averty, Manager of Access Self Storage Kingston. provided a good start to our career, the tutors "We have created a special drop-off point in our were great and the facilities really helped us get to stores," Oliver said. grips with industry standard equipment. We were "All the donations will be sorted and delivered to pushed to work hard and this work ethic hasn’t left A cracking start to your child’s education Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where us. We’re constantly practising and networking they will be used to bring some Christmas magic and this is now paying off." Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 for everyone who is there during the holidays." Giulio Vaccaro, media lecturer at Brooklands The campaign also ran last year and achieved College, commented "The students have been amazing public support. encouraged by Luke and Ryan’s visit, it’s helped People are being asked to start donating now at them see that success really is achievable. Our Coombe Road, Kingston KT2 7AZ. Telephone current students are also very keen to take up their 0845 279 8368 offer of work experience at Berry Cinema." 6 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Drug smugglers jailed for 157 years

Seven members of a drug smuggling ring responsible seen to come out of an address in Tenby Road, for the importation into the UK of tens of millions of Walthamstow E17 with a bag and hand it to Arben pounds worth of heroin and cocaine have been jailed Oruci who drove off. When Arben Oruci was for 77 years. stopped by police two boxes of ‘Cookies’ and a Eight of their co-conspirators were previously ‘Smooth Espresso’ box, each containing 1kg heroin, jailed for a total of 80 years for their part in the were found in the car. conspiracy, which saw in excess of £40m worth of Police raided the address in Tenby Road, finding Class A drugs smuggled in from mainland Europe Armando Oruci in the hallway. Qerkini was in the before being sold on throughout London and the small kitchen of the premises and was in the process south east and south coast of England. All eight had of mixing quantities of heroin powder. Both were pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. wearing latex gloves and face masks. The successful prosecutions are the culmination of In total approximately 8kg of Heroin was seized a protracted and complex investigation by Detectives from the address and around £2,000 in cash. from the Met’s Central Task Force, codenamed A warrant was then executed in Mildmay Grove Operation Ninjask, which focused on the activities South, Islington N1, a further safe house, and of a sophisticated criminal network involved in the another 2kgs of heroin was recovered. supply of Class A drugs. Bardhi Lleshi was arrested near his home address One of the men, Sami Qerkini was a significant of Thurlow Park Road, Southwark SE21 and a and leading member of an Albanian Organised search of it revealed 20,500 Euros. Lleshi was still on Criminal Group for over 20 years and had developed license, having been released early from a six and a a sophisticated and extensive network of associates half year prison sentence imposed in February 2008 to source, import and supply drugs into the UK and for Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. convey the proceeds of his business abroad. Officers then attended another safe house in Bride Operating from a number of safe houses and Street, Islington N7. There they found Gjergji Lleshi, using a fleet of vehicles, Qerkini and his associates the younger brother of Bardhi LLeshi, and recovered attempted to remain beneath the radar of the around £40,000 that was concealed within the flat. investigators by leading what appeared a regular All were arrested and charged with conspiracy to daily life running cafes. However, they were all supply Class A drugs. involved in the preparation and mixing process of Qerkini had fled the UK in 2010 following the the drugs. arrest of over 20 of his associates over the preceding Safehouse-keepers, couriers and mixers – and two years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs identical twins - Almir and Altin Gocaj were and money laundering. This was in relation to the arrested together at safe houses / drugs factories discovery of two Drugs Factories and the associated as police raided two addresses in the Crystal interception of the Destiny Express vessel containing Palace area, Osprey House in Mowbray Road and a tonne of high grade cocaine, worth an estimated Belvedere Road on 19 June 2013. They were found street value of £375 million. in possession 2 kgs of heroin and the addresses Due to the evidence gathered, Qerkini was charged contained a drug press and mixing agents. A large and pleaded guilty to two separate conspiracies, amount of cash was also recovered - £133,205 in one stretching from 2008-2010 and the other from sterling and £77,880 Euros. 2012-2013. The defence accepted that the Network Qerkini, Head of the Network; his right hand man headed by Qerkini had supplied between 400kgs - Bardhi Lleshi; safehouse-keeper, courier & mixer 500kgs of Class A drugs between September 2012 Altin Gocaj; courier & mixer Gjergji Lleshi (Cousin/ and September 2013. nephew of Bardhi Lleshi); safehouse-keeper, courier Qerkini was sentenced to 22 years for the & mixers – and brothers - Armando Oruci & Arben conspiracy that ran between 2012 and 2013 and 12 Oruci were all arrested in September 2013. years for the conspiracy that ran between 2008 and On 12 September 2013 Armando Oruci was 2010, with the sentences to run concurrently. Local law firm Taylor Fordyce has since its start in 2010 always aimed to provide a first class legal service to its range of clients from private individuals and small businesses to large enterprises, developers, government institutions, international corporations and investors.

Taylor Fordyce are now pleased to announce the appointment of Family Law and Mediator Martin Chambers at the Sunningdale office. Directors Peter Taylor and Rory Fordyce see the Attack in Kingston Nightclub further development of the Family Law department as a natural addition to the firm’s existing company commercial, commercial property, litigation, employment, residential conveyancing and general private client work. Detectives from Kingston are appealing for help Living locally, Martin has in excess of 30 years’ post after a man was attacked in a nightclub. qualification experience. Martin is a member of the Law • Commercial Society Family Law Panel and of Resolution, the organisation The 25 year-old victim was at McClusky's of family lawyers and other professionals who are committed in Riverside Walk on Friday 12 September at to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Martin • Property trained with Resolution as a Family Mediator. approximately 2.00am when he was punched in • Conveyancing the face. Martin’s legal specialisms include divorce, judicial separation, nullity, civil partnership breakdown and dissolution; other At the time of the attack the victim didn't realise relationship breakdown; financial, property and pension • Construction the extent of his injuries and it was only when he issues following relationship breakdown; Children Act matters; Inheritance Act and Trusts of Land Act Claims • Planning woke up later that day and went to hospital he together with the drafting of pre/post nuptial, pre/post civil discovered his jaw was broken in three places and partnership, cohabitation and separation agreements. • Corporate that he required surgery. Prior to joining Taylor Fordyce Martin worked for a number DC Becca Hubbard, from Kingston CID of firms in Surrey, Hampshire, the City and the West End of • Civil & Commercial London, establishing family law departments at two London said: "The victim arrived at the nightclub with practices. Litigation a friend just after midnight. At 2am he was Martin describes himself as an extremely experienced and punched in the face. Despite extensive enquiries client focused family lawyer, committed to operating in an • Wills and Probate we have not been able to identify the suspect. We approachable and down to earth manner, always to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. He utilises are looking to anyone who may have been in the up to date technology and methods in providing legal • Trusts club on the Thursday night which was the 11th services and fosters links with many other professionals to ensure high quality and efficiency. • Matrimonial September or the early hours of Friday 12th to help us identify him. Martin is married with two teenage children. He is a member of the RG Blue Sox Softball Club. He also enjoys running. He • Family Law "This was a very nasty attack and the force of the is a supporter of and volunteer collector for Help for Heroes punch broke the victims jaw in three places which and a member of the Help for Heroes Running Team. He will be running the London 10k 2014 in order to raise funds for • Employment left him needing surgery." Help for Heroes. He is also a supporter of Helen & Douglas The suspect is a white male, early to mid twenties, House and of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. • International about 5ft 10", slim to medium build. He has short www.taylorfordyce.co.uk • email: [email protected] dark-coloured hair and was wearing a white top. 61 Chobham Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire SL5 0DT Tel: 01344 637960 Please contact DC Becca Hubbard at Kingston 1 & 2, City Business Centre, Hyde Street, Winchester SO23 7TA Tel: 01962 841041 CID on 020 8721 5897 or if you wish to remain Police have released an image of a man they would like to 24 Upton Lovell, Warminster, Wilts BA12 0JW Tel: 01985 851206 anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. speak to in relation to an attack in a Kingston nightclub December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 7 Con artists use petrol scam to cheat Prison term for dangerous driver who motorists in Esher and Cobham police found hiding in a wheelie bin

A man who the police caught hiding in a wheelie driver of the van about his driving. However when Motorists have been advised to remain vigilant a smart appearance and of similar ethnicity to the bin has been convicted of dangerous driving, no they signalled the driver to stop he accelerated following a recent spate of people being conned into suspect. insurance and failing to provide a specimen of away at high speed. giving money for petrol, with several men of Arabic The other victim, a 58 year old man from breath. The officers began to follow the car and called for and Asian origin pretending to be drivers in need. Farnborough, was flagged down by two men who At Kingston Crown Court, Scott Stockbridge, 36 the police helicopter. When the helicopter arrived The first incident was reported to police on also stated that no money to get to Glasgow and of Elmswood Avenue, Feltham was sentenced to overhead it kept watch on the fleeing vehicle. Thursday 6 November. The victim, a 64-year-old offered to sell him gold jewellery for £250. The 18 months in prison. In an effort to get away the van was driven man from Walton on Thames, had been driving incident took place on the A316. He was also disqualified from driving for five through residential streets at speeds approaching along Lammas Lane, Esher, at around 2.15pm The thieves have been described as being Asian years. 90mph. The van was followed for over six miles when he was flagged down by two men stating or Eastern European and having foreign accents. The court heard how on the 15 March 2014 at before it eventually crashed into a brick wall in a they needed cash for fuel. He gave them £20 cash It is believed they were driving a dark blue Saab. 4.00am officers were driving to an emergency call residential street in Teddington. in exchange for three gold rings and the men They followed the victim to the BP petrol on blue lights. They were travelling along the A316 The helicopter saw the driver run off and hide promised to repay the money and gave the victim station on Staines Road East,which is adjacent in Richmond when the saw a Volkswagen van pull nearby. The helicopter was able to direct officers to a business card. to Kempton Park in Sunbury, where the victim across three lanes of traffic and onto a slip road. the nearby driveway of a house, where the driver The rings have since been established as being withdrew £250 for the criminals. At that moment the emergency they were called was found hiding in a wheelie bin. worthless and the business card fake. Investigating officerPolice Constable Dave to was cancelled, so they decided to speak to the The man in the bin was Stockbridge and he The two conmen have been described as being Atkinson, said: "These are despicable offences was arrested for failing to stop for police. It was smartly dressed, dark skinned, possibly of Arabic where innocent people have had their goodwill noted that his breath smelt of alcohol, but when origin, having a large build and being around 40 to taken advantage and they have been conned out of requested, he refused to take a breath test. It was 50 years old. Their vehicle is believed to be a black money by bogus motorists in need when stopping also found that he was not insured. Mercedes saloon car. to help. Stockbridge denied being the driver of the van, Two further incidents took place on Saturday 15 "I urge anyone who comes across people acting but was found guilty after a four-day trial. November between 9.45am and 10.10am. suspiciously at the roadside or trying to flag Acting Detective Sergeant Kieran Fenech of One victim, a 54-year-old man from Byfleet, passing motorists down for assistance to call 101. Richmond CID said: “This man’s driving was stopped to assist a man who flagged him down at "Similarly, there is a strong possibility that these dangerous and reckless and could have had the slip road of the A3 by the Cobham roundabout. crimes may be linked and other incidents may have tragic consequences. Police drivers are trained The con artist said he needed petrol to get to taken place in other parts of the county. Anyone to carefully assess these situations in order to Glasgow and offered the victim some rings. who has been offered jewellery in exchange for minimise the risk to the public. In this case the The victim declined the rings but drove to the money for petrol should contact Surrey Police. Any use of the police helicopter was instrumental in Sainsbury's petrol station in Cobham whilst the information, no matter how small it may seem, following and finding Stockbridge. His refuge in fraudster followed in his car. He may have been could prove vital to the investigation and bring Scott Stockbridge: Convicted of dangerous driving, no insur- a rubbish bin proved a forlorn attempt at escape.” carrying four passengers in his vehicle. those responsible to justice." ance and failing to provide a specimen of breath. Having arrived at the petrol station the victim Anyone who has information is urged to contact handed the suspect £240 for fuel. The crook took Surrey Police either by using our online reporting the victim's mobile phone number, gave him a system found at http://www.surrey.police.uk/ business card which was later established as fake, or calling 101 quoting reference 45140096483. Burka wearing duo jailed and promised to contact the victim to repay the Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted money when he reached his destination. He then anonymously on 0800 555 111. got back in his vehicle and left the scene. for phone shop robbery The con merchant has been described as having an Asian appearance, being around 40 to 45 years Two men who carried out a robbery at a ‘Phones 4 U’ who was serving a customer at the time, threatened old and having a stocky build. He had a moustache store wearing burkas have been jailed for a combined him with a meat cleaver and instructed him to close and short, dark well-kept hair. He was wearing a total of 10 years. the front door. They then demanded to see the white shirt and dark coloured trousers and tie. It is The men, both ex-employees of ‘Phones 4 U’ manager and requested the keys to the store room. possible that he understood Arabic. had been under investigation by the store for The sales assistant, customer and the manager of the The other men in the thief's car, which is believed alleged misconduct matters. Sabek had resigned store were then forced into a locked cage area in the to be a Mitsubishi, have been described as being of Rings: Worthless two months before and Khan a month before they basement where they were tied up. carried out the robbery.They were both sentenced at Sabek and Khan then loaded over £40,000 worth of Kingston Crown Court. phones, tablets, accessories and cash into suitcases. Rusting drums containing toxic Aneel Khan, 28 of Gloucester Road, Kingston has They threatened one of the victims to give a false been jailed for five years.Mohammed Sabek, 27 of statement to the police before stealing his ID card Grosvenor Road, W4 has also been jailed for five with his home address and left the store in a taxi back chemicals found in suburban garage years. to Hounslow. No one was injured during the robbery. They were each convicted of one count of Officers from Wandsworth CID established that Elmbridge Borough Council officers were recently area in Elmbridge was quite a surprise," Cllr conspiracy to rob on Thursday 16 October, following an earlier attempt to rob the same store had been called upon to coordinate the removal of 28 rusting Dearlove said. a trial at the same court. planned two days before. On this occasion, Khan and drums containing a mixture of sodium cyanide from "There was no threat to surrounding residents Detective Constable John Baldwin, from Sabek decided not to go through with the robbery a suburban garage in the north Elmbridge area. while the hazardous chemicals were in a stable Wandsworth CID, said: “Both Sabek and Khan are and they were caught on CCTV sitting inside a coffee The Council's Environment Services team environment, however, it was imperative that the now facing a long jail sentence because they thought shop with their disguises removed. managed the removal of the hazardous waste in close Council and Police worked hand in hand in this joint by wearing clothing to conceal their face and body Following a lengthy and complex investigation, consultation with Surrey Police. The Council were operation to ensure the waste was removed quickly, they could commit crime and not be caught. What Sabek was arrested on Wednesday 19 February. alerted to the existence of the hazardous material and more importantly, safely. both of them failed to realise is that the Met will Khan was arrested the same day. which was stored illegally in a house garage in "The removal and disposal of waste is the use specialist teams and equipment to catch and Elmbridge. The area was placed under 24 hour police responsibility of the land owner and they will meet the prosecute those responsible for such acts. I hope guard until the waste was safely removed. cost of this removal, however the Council was able to that these sentences serve as a reminder to anybody The one-and-a-half tonnes of toxic chemical take the lead in coordinating the exercise due to our thinking of committing serious crimes, that sooner mixture can become explosive when wet and officers' knowledge of environmental guidelines and or later they will be serving a lengthy custodial it was carefully removed and disposed of by a to ensure all safety measures were met." sentence.” specialist hazardous waste company under strict The court heard how on 2 October 2012 at environmental conditions supervised by Council approximately 6.50pm Sabek and Khan entered the officers. ‘Phones 4 U’ store on Putney High Street, SW15 The council has not said how the drums were wearing burkas. They approached a sales assistant Aneel Khan and Mohammed Sabek discovered or where they were. Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Glenn Dearlove said the coordinated removal of the chemicals was a significant task due to the number of Three cars stolen from two Weybridge homes containers located, nature of the waste and the age of the drums. Surrey police have published reports via Facebook of stolen cars in Weybridge. A Mercedes was stolen "Suburban backyard garages are often home from Regency Gardens and a Jaguar and Mercedes were taken from a driveway near Egerton Road. The to piles of old newspapers or boxes of childhood thefts took place from around 6.10pm on Tuesday 28 and 9.30am on Wednesday 29 October. Anyone memories, however this discovery in a busy urban Discovery: 28 rusting drums containing sodium cyanide with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101. 8 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Mary Berry draws a crowd to New digital archive reveals stories hospice charity lunch at Epsom behind WWI Red Cross volunteering

More than 400 women were at Epsom Racecourse in November to hear baking icon Mary Berry talking about her life, career and inspirations. The event was organised by the Friends of Princess Alice Hospice and visitors were given the chance to have their cookery books signed by the much loved television presenter. Moira McKenna Chair of the Friends said: "We are delighted and extremely grateful that Mary Berry gave her time so generously to speak at the Women of Our Time Luncheon. process for selecting the participants in The Great "This event is the Friends’ largest annual British Bake-Off. fundraiser and to have Mary’s support on the "She also put us straight about the stories day was tremendous. All the money raised will that have appeared in the tabloids and gave us go directly to Princess Alice Hospice and be used a fascinating insight into the background of the to provide free care and support to patients, their filming process." loved ones and carers." The Women of Our Time Lunch has been Jane Formby Hospice Trustee and Founder running for more than 30 years and previous Chairman of the Friends added: "Mary Berry was speakers have included singer Elaine Paige, a hugely popular speaker and she kept everyone actress Virginia McKenna and the Head of MI5 enthralled telling us of the lengthy and meticulous Dame Stella Rimington. 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge - British Red Cross Museum and Archives One hundred years ago, the Red Cross and the information. Order of St John joined forces to care for sick Jemma Lee, archivist at the Red Cross says: Essence nightclub to remain closed and wounded soldiers as the WW1 Joint War "People regularly contact us saying that they know a Committee. To mark this milestone, the Red Cross relative worked for the Red Cross during the war but The doors at Essence Nightclub in Kingston involved in triggering the Summary Review of the has worked with Kingston University's Centre they have no idea what they did - the first place we will remained closed following a hearing at premises was not of sufficient rank to do so, but for the Historical Record to create a unique online look for further information are these cards, which, Wimbledon Magistrates Court. this was dismissed by the High Court. archive that will make nearly a quarter of a million for example, can tell us whether an individual Essence has been closed since Monday 6 January At the preliminary hearing held in Wimbledon records of WW1 volunteers readily available for the worked as a pharmacist, laundrette, ambulance 2014 following a decision by the Royal Borough last month, it was found that the legal action by first time. driver or nurse. By digitising these records we are of Kingston's Licensing Sub-Committee to revoke the club had been launched by a company which Nursing dying soldiers, driving ambulances making them instantaneously accessible for the first the venue's licence after serious disturbances had no right to appeal as it was not the premises' through the trenches and searching for the missing time, as well as preserving them for years to come." outside the venue in previous weeks, culminating Licence Holder. The District Judge agreed and are just some of the ways in which British Red Cross The Kingston University team has recruited more in a major brawl. dismissed the appeal by the lawyers acting for voluntary aid detachments (VADs) helped to care than 300 volunteers to work on the Red Cross The club initially appealed the decision made by Essence Night Club, so the premises remains for the sick and wounded on the home front and archive project and they transcribe nearly 500 of the Council in June, saying that the police officer closed. overseas. The new digital archive, created with Dr these cards a day online. Sue Hawkins and Dr Helen Goepel at the Centre "Our volunteers are the backbone of our project," for the Historical Record, located in Kingston says Dr Hawkins. "They give up their spare time University's School of Economics, History and and, in some cases, a huge number of hours each Politics, is unearthing new information about these week to help us. Many are family historians and are civilians who contributed so much to the war effort. going 'off-piste' to research interesting individuals "The ethos of volunteering resonates throughout they come across, and we are encouraging them to this project," says Dr Hawkins. "From the men, do so. I hope that what they discover will be useful in women and children who cooked and cleaned for gaining a more detailed understanding of the types the war effort all those years ago, who nursed and of people who volunteered for the war effort." drove ambulances; to our amazing band of modern- A total of 90,000 civilians served as Joint War day volunteers, who give up their time to make this Committee VADs during the war. Volunteers tremendous resource available to the world. included everyone from wealthy young ladies to "The information they are recording is truly authors Agatha Christie, E.M. Forster and Vera wonderful in its detail - from collectors of the Brittain, who wrote of her work as a Red Cross sphagnum moss used to dress wounds, to the parish nurse in Testament of Youth. hall knitting circles, a new picture of early 20th The archive is available to the public free of charge century British community is being constructed." on the Red Cross website and can be searched by The archive draws on a collection of 236,000 relatives of VADs and historians alike. It currently personnel index cards held by the Red Cross. The only includes records for names A-B; more will cards include volunteers' names and details such be added each month as the transcription project as where they worked and what tasks they did proceeds. The project has been funded by a £80,000 and provide an irreplaceable source of historical grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

We supply and fit both commercial & domestic: vertical • roller • pleated • wooden venetian aluminium venetian • Roman blinds • shutters curtains • fabric tub chairs All our blinds are custom made • • • Free measuring service • • • 01784 471122 191 High Street, Egham, Surrey TW20 9ED www.bellevueblinds.co.uk December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 9 Painshill’s crystal grotto wins award Leap into Narnia The Historic Houses Association (HHA) and Sotheby’s Restoration Award has commended the Crystal Grotto at Painshill 18th century landscape garden in Cobham, Surrey. The award this Christmas... recognises and celebrates the restoration work undertaken by HHA members throughout the UK. Painshill Park Trust entered the Crystal Grotto for this prestigious award earlier this year having completed the restoration in 2013. Re-creation of unique undertaking. The technical skill required this important historic folly combined extensive to work with such unusual materials and return research of archive material and archaeological the grotto to its former glory make this an data, with landscaping and expert craftsmanship. exceptional achievement. Visitors to Painshill The project was funded by private donations and will once again be able to experience the beauty the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). of one of the great 18th century follies." During the restoration 100s of 1000s of crystals The Crystal Grotto is one of three restoration – calcite, gypsum, quartz and fluorite – including projects which have been commended – others originals recovered from archaeological works, include the Orangery, Weston Park, Shropshire were skilfully embedded with lime mortar onto a and Encombe House, Dorset. Norton Conyers, framework of inverted wooden cones, to re-create a 17th Century Manor House in North Yorkshire the dazzling stalactite effect of the original folly. was the overall winner. The Crystal Grotto, which is once again Mike Gove, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We a sparkling centrepiece within the historic were thrilled to hear that the Crystal Grotto was landscape garden created by the Honourable chosen as one of the commended properties Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1773, for this award. The Trust and everyone who was visited by the judges as a result of being was involved with the project are extremely shortlisted. proud that the folly, which historically has been Harry Dalmeny, Chairman, Sotheby’s UK, who recognised as the finest stalactite Grotto in visited Painshill was extremely impressed by the Europe, continues to impress its audience." restoration project. Painshill will be presented with a certificate at a "Restoration of this magical grotto was a truly special award ceremony in 2015. Cumberland Art Gallery opens doors at Hampton Court Palace

After two years of meticulous research, Kent’s Cumberland Suite has been returned as closely as possible to his original scheme. The great architect created a suite of rooms for a young prince which embraced the latest Palladian fashions, but also took inspiration from the palace’s Tudor past. One of the rooms, the Duke’s large light closet, will be opened to the public for the first time in 25 years, to display the 12 smaller ‘Grand Canal’ views of A stunning new art gallery has opened at Hampton Venice painted by Canaletto at the zenith of his Court Palace, occupying a newly restored suite of career. rooms designed by William Kent for a Georgian Hampton Court Palace has a long history of prince. The Cumberland Suite – one of the earliest displaying great works of art. Over the centuries, surviving examples of the Gothic Revival style – is successive monarchs filled the state apartments situated at the heart of the palace, where Tudor with splendid works of art for the private enjoyment meets Baroque, and will now house changing of the royal family, or as imposing statements of displays of artworks, principally from the Royal regal authority. Although the palace’s life as a Collection, reflecting the palace’s long history as a royal residence came to an end in the eighteenth destination for the work of renowned artists. century, thousands of artworks, now part of the The rooms designed by William Kent for William Royal Collection, are still in their original locations Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland, the youngest and form part of the story of the palace today. son of King George II, were the last major royal The Cumberland Art Gallery is a new dedicated commission undertaken at Hampton Court. They space for artworks from the Royal Collection, will become a fitting backdrop for a display of and will enable visitors to view and explore them treasures from the other legacy of Hampton Court’s in a gallery setting. The selection of paintings in royal residents: the Royal Collection. To mark the opening display broadly reflects the period of the opening of the gallery, visitors will discover royal residency at Hampton Court, from the Tudor a selection of the Collection’s finest paintings: period to the middle years of the 1700s, when masterpieces by Holbein, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, great royal collectors and connoisseurs, like King Caravaggio, Bassano and Gainsborough, and other Charles I and Frederick Prince of Wales, assembled By C S Lewis artists who worked for, or were collected by, four one of the largest and finest art collections of its Adapted for the stage by Theresa Heskins centuries of royal patrons. kind in the world.

Sun 30 Nov – Sun 4 Jan (bkg fee) Sponsored by For more local news as it happens visit rosetheatrekingston.org Wahid Samady & 020 8174 0090 (bkg fee) www.livingwithin.com World class theatre on your doorstep Rose Theatre Kingston @Rosetheatre #LWW 10 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 good time to get the whole family participating, so use the holiday period to get the boots out and go for a walk or even something else more adventurous. You Sports stars gather at Danes Hill TOBY’S could buy outdoor gifts for everyone which then need Fitness Forum to be road-tested. Walking after lunch aids digestion School to celebrate award winners a lot more than nodding off in an armchair! Studies Get Fit Not Fat This Christmas show that exercising after you have eaten reduces blood sugar spikes. This means that you’re much If your fitness takes a back seat at this time of year, less likely to reach for those mince pies or crisps and you’ll probably identify with some of the following dip later in the evening. If you can’t get out for you problems: normal session, you could just suggest going for a walk with the people you’ve eaten with. I’m too busy with Christmas preparations to fit exercise into my day. A CELEBRATION EXCUSE? When the whole season is an excuse for celebration, I get invited to loads of indulgent Christmas those alcohol units can really mount up. The biggest parties. reason people gain weight over the festive period is from the consumption of alcohol. Many people seem I love Christmas but I know I overdo the to think fluid doesn’t count!! eating and drinking. Unfortunately, alcohol is very high in calories - in fact almost as many as pure fat! In January, I always have to try and make Calories from alcohol are ‘empty calories’ – they amends for the effects of the festivities. have no nutritional value but by changing what you drink you can go a good way to reducing the impact The festive season is upon us. The cupboards, fridge of the festive bulge! Try and keep track of how much and freezer have all been stocked and you have been you are drinking and intersperse alcoholic drinks invited to all those corporate lunches! With just a with soft ones together with plenty of water. little bit of self-discipline it is perfectly possible to Drink spritzers if you like wine or pints of shandy if Sam and Sophie Mace with Edward Rutherford GB Canoeist enjoy a Happy Christmas and enter the New Year you are a lager drinker. You will get a large drink but Members from the local sporting community got staggering impact by progressing unbeaten through feeling fit, not fat. You don’t need to forgo all treats one that contains less alcohol. together last week at Danes Hill School in Oxshott to the National finals in June. They narrowly lost as you can limit the damage by selecting foods more Opt for half pints if you prefer higher strength lager for the Elmbridge Sports Personality Awards 2014. to the eventual finalists from Scotland, in a tense carefully. There are always healthy alternatives to or try lower strength beer. The event celebrated the achievements of local quarter final. any meal or nibbles so if you choose the less calorific - Toby athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers who had been option you will avoid piling on excess pounds which If you need any advice or to book a personal nominated as some of the best in the Borough. The Schools Awards 13-18yrs: Reed?s School 1st you then have the hard job removing in the New Year. training session please email [email protected] Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Barry Fairbank and the Team Tennis. The team won the National U18 Mayoress were in attendance. Championships for the 7th consecutive year, going DON’T BE A CHRISTMAS PUDDING! Ed Rutherford, member of the Great Britain on to represent England at the World Schools One of the biggest barriers to exercise is lack of canoeing team in both sprint and marathon Championships where they finished as runners up. time so having a long Christmas break is a great Toby Garbett is an Olympian and distances, was special guest for the evening. opportunity to begin or maintain some physical two-time World Champion rower. He Young Volunteer Award: George Holland of activity. It reduces the chances of gaining weight, combines his own training regime with The winners were as follows: Elmbridge Eagles Bike Club. George shows helps energise you and also reduces stress that providing leading edge fitness training outstanding dedication to the club and attends sometimes accompanies long vacations. It’s also a to private clients. Junior Sports Personality: Sam Mace. Sam is from weekly sessions both as a participant and as an Walton Athletics Club and is ranked No1 in the UK in assistant coach. He has recently achieved his British his age group for Javelin, Hammer and Shot (indoor Cycling Young Leaders Award. and outdoor) and ranked No 2 for Discus. Volunteer Award: Dave Cullen of Oxshott Royals Youth Sports Personality: Sophie Mace. Sophie is Football Club. Dave is the manager of one of the ranked No1 in the UK for her age group for Discus U12 teams. He leads weekly coaching sessions and and Shot and became the UK All time U17 record manages the team at their matches. He is also Club holder in Ladies Throws Pentathlon. Secretary and has watched carefully over the club development in recent years to a point where they Senior Sports Personality: Louisa Sawers. Louisa has now have 40 teams (girls and boys) playing in 3 This year we’re full of been a member of the GB Kayak Squad for several leagues. years and was in the K4 that came 7th at the recent World Championships in Moscow. She also took Coach Award: Brett Garrard of Surbiton Hockey gold in the K1 5000m, becoming the first British Club. Brett retired from international competition great gift ideas women to become World Champion in a sprint event. after the Beijing Olympics as the most capped GB and England player of all time. Last season, Brett led Junior Sports Team: Surbiton Hockey Club U12 Surbiton Ladies 1st XI to the IWHL Championships Girls. Surbiton Hockey Club U12 Girls won a third and Investec Women?s Cup Double. successive national championship to top a fantastic season. Mick Burgess Award: Surbiton Hockey Club. The club is boasting one of the biggest junior sections in Youth Sports Team: Walton Athletic Club Youth the country. At elite level both the men?s and ladies? Development Lower Age Group. The team ended the 1st XI compete in the National Premier League season by winning its division in the league, beating with Surbiton players featuring in both the Beijing out of 15 clubs from two divisions. and London Olympics. The club takes enormous pride in providing players of all standards with the Senior Sports Team: Surbiton Hockey Club opportunity and the means to enrich their lives Ladies 1st XI. They became the first team to win through sport. the IWHL (Investec Women?s Hockey League) Championships and Investec Women?s Cup double The Mayor?s Award: Fred Moore. Fred Moore after a convincing 7-1 win which qualified them to has played an instrumental role in the growth and compete in Europe. achievements of Surbiton Hockey Club (most notably within the Colts section) for many years. Fred Inclusive Sports Award: Mikael Undrom. Mikael has overseen the growth of the Club?s junior section Undrom trains with Special Olympics in Surrey; to become the largest in the country. Athletics, Golf and Skiing. In Athletics, Mikael VISIT was selected to represent GB in Down Syndrome The Chairman?s Special Award: Heathside OUR European Championship in Portugal where he won Hellcats. The Heathside Hellcats Cheerleading WEBSITE www.cliffroesports.com a silver medal in Triathlon. In Golf, he was selected to Club started out 2 years ago and has shown great play in Special Olympics National Championships commitment and attitude towards cheerleading. where he finished 5th. They train extremely hard and are determined to High Street Ascot SL5 7JF T: 01344 621639 learn new skills. They are now a level two competitive Daniels Dept. Store Windsor SL4 1DP T: 01753 842666 Schools Awards up to 13yrs: St Charles Borromeo cheer squad and have entered 2 competitions in the Lacrosse Team. The team of boys and girls made a last year picking up a fourth and first place trophy. December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 11 Kingston University awards Honorary Notre Dame Cobham netball players Doctorate to Paralympion David Weir return home from tour of Tobago

Paralympian David Weir has been awarded with an honorary degree at a graduation ceremony staged by Kingston University’s faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing. Speaking after being named an Honorary Doctor of Science by Kingston University, the 35-year-old wheelchair athlete said the phenomenal international attention the Paralympics had attracted had helped banish much of the misunderstanding that had surrounded disability. “The best thing London 2012 did was to stop people being scared of disability,” the six-time gold- medallist, dubbed the Weir Wolf, explained. “That means people aren’t ashamed to ask about it and people with disabilities don’t have to feel embarrassed. We’ve grown up with it - it’s part of our lives and we can talk about it. Children aren’t afraid to ask things like ‘Why don’t your legs work?’. They’re not being rude, they’re just being curious - and in terms of understanding and acceptance, that’s no bad thing.” Born without the use of his legs because of a spinal cord transection, Weir grew up in a sports-mad family. “My brothers were boxers and I used to go and watch them in the gym and fighting at places like London’s York Hall Bethnal Green,” Weir explained. “My brothers were “I loved sports and played all I could. I think if I’d been able-bodied I would have followed them into A squad of Notre Dame Netball players from Years allowed the players to reflect both on the strengths the ring.” boxers and I used to 10, 11 and 12 recently embarked on their seventh and possible areas to work on for the second match. Instead, wheelchair racing became Weir’s forte Caribbean Netball Tour. The first tour was in 2002 A contributing factor to the school's success was and has seen him smash four world records, collect go and watch them in when the school travelled to Grenada, but after the support of Sandra Beckham (mother of David a haul of medals and notch up six London Marathon Hurricane Ivan struck the island in September 2004 Beckham) and her friends who were staying at victories. A clean sweep of four events, ranging from the gym and fighting a new destination was found and the successful the same hotel! She had made a point of making 800m track to the marathon, at the London 2012 biannual tour to Tobago was established. enquiries about the tour and was keen to watch the Paralympics saw him add four gold medals to the There are several important purposes for this team play. Notre Dame's opposition was equally two golds, one silver and bronze he had carried off in at places like London’s Netball tour. The experience for the players to bowled over by the celebrity guest supporter. Beijing in 2008. compete against a strong, athletic style of play has After a day to recover with light beach training, The unprecedented level of media coverage York Hall Bethnal Green. great value in developing their skills and aids their swimming and stretching the Notre Dame squad and public enthusiasm for the 2012 Paralympics GCSE and AS PE coursework through the video were ready to face Scarborough Secondary School. propelled Weir to a level of fame and publicity he had analysis of their performance and comparisons The second match was against a stronger team and never imagined. “There’s definitely been a case of life I loved sports and in tactics and styles of play. It also strengthens Notre Dame had to draw on all their skills and a before 2012 and life after it,” he said. “Beijing 2008 their understanding of the physiological and variety of tactics in order to keep level. It was 3-3 was frustrating because my achievements didn’t get played all I could. I think psychological qualities required by players on after 8 minutes and 11-11 at half time. Scarborough anything close to the recognition I felt they deserved. international tours. pulled ahead by 6 goals, however, Mrs Marsh had Paralympians train just as hard as Olympians and if I’d been able-bodied The cultural experience of meeting the players prepared Notre Dame for this possibility and they we’re just as dedicated but I’d become resigned to the after the games as well as exchanging gifts and were not giving up. They won the 5th period 9-3 fact we weren’t seen in the same light.” The London contact details enables long term friendships to and pulled back to lead 21-20 with 8 minutes to go. Games were always destined to be different though, I would have followed be forged. Notre Dame takes every opportunity to The final period was hard fought and drawn, thus Weir added. “From the outset, the chairman of the ‘lend a helping hand’ and over the years they have giving Notre Dame the victory 23-22. organising committee, Lord Coe, was determined them into the ring.” carried out fundraising prior to the tour in order It was an excellent example of determined that the Paralympics would be on a par with the to take gifts for the players, officials, organisers teamwork, every player contributing to the overall Olympics. I still had a few doubts but when I went out and equipment is presented which will aid the result. In the usual way after the match, certain for my first heat and saw 80,000 people cheering me you’re at an age where you’ve stopped growing it’s development of netball in schools on the island of players were recognised and awards were given. on it was incredible - I had the biggest smile you’ve not an issue. But, for youngsters who are changing Tobago. Their third and final match was against the ever seen,” he said. shape, it can be extremely expensive as racing chairs A school spokesperson said it is rewarding to Tobago All Stars, a team made up of the best players The Paralympics have recently returned to the can cost up to £3,000,” Weir explained. “We’re trying see the gifts from previous trips being used: Notre from five different schools on the island. public consciousness as a result of the high-profile to make chairs that are easier to adapt to a growing Dame old style PE skirts, bibs, balls, PE bags and Notre Dame knew this would be a tough match case of South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius, currently child, which is another aspect of the 2012 legacy. We score board were in evidence this year. In fact the but they went into it knowing that they had won serving a prison term after shooting his girlfriend, want to encourage youngsters to stay in the sport and Tobago All Stars looked very like the Notre Dame the series known as the "Good Will Games" and Reeva Steenkamp. It is unclear if the man known as this work is incredibly valuable in helping keep them team in their royal blue and white, we're told. therefore the pressure was off in certain ways. They Blade Runner will ever compete again but Weir said engaged and involved.” The acclimatisation training session on the first started well and took an early lead 5-4, then 7-7 the movement would survive without him. “To the Despite his association with the University, being day was slightly hampered by heavy rain, although after 16 minutes. public Oscar may have been the best because he was named an Honorary Doctor of Science in a ceremony after energetic mopping of the courts by the Notre Then the Tobago All Stars stormed ahead to lead the best known, but there were plenty of others who at Kingston’s Rose Theatre this month had been Dame staff, the court was fit to practise on. 13-8 at half time and despite Notre Dame winning outperformed him both before and during London completely unexpected, Weir said. “I don’t think I The first match against Signal Hill School was the second half by 3 goals they finished 2 goals 2012,” Weir said. “The Paralympics have never been was ever the greatest scientist at school so I should surprisingly comfortable for the Notre Dame squad, behind the All Stars with the final score at 19-21. A about one man - it’s an international movement with take this back to my teachers who would be very who took charge of the match leading 9-1 after very good final match and awards were given. thousands of people taking part.” impressed,” he quipped. 8 minutes. Every girl played at least half a match, There were television interviews and discussions Since London 2012, Weir and coach Jenny Archer Interim Dean Dr Lucy Jones said the Faculty of which was divided into 6 periods of 8 minutes. The with the Minister of Sport for Tobago before have set up the Weir Archer Academy to encourage Science, Engineering and Computing was proud final score was 41-5 to Notre Dame. returning to the hotel for a final Awards Dinner. future Paralympians. Kingston University’s to recognise such an accomplished athlete for his Awards were given for "most valuable contribution The week was a great success and for each player it Roehampton Vale campus is close to Weir’s regular outstanding work as an ambassador for disabled to the team". Post-match analysis of the game was rated as the "best school trip ever"! training ground of Richmond Park and staff and sport. “We are truly honoured to be able to work students from the Faculty of Science, Engineering with David Weir and the Weir Academy, not only on and Computing have been working with the Academy technical advances but also to nurture and support to help improve the technology of racing chairs and the next generation of athletes,” she said. “We look For more local news as it happens visit accessories used for the sport. The work being done forward to this relationship growing even stronger on chair technology at the University is set to have a and hope it will be a source of inspiration for our www.livingwithin.com real impact on the lives of disabled athletes. “Once students, graduates and staff.” 12 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Special reindeer fly into Garsons Hinchley Wood Brownies take charge in Esher just in time for Christmas of Elmbridge Museum exhibition

As part of a recent "Taking Over Museums Day", themselves. They have also learned a lot about the 2nd Hinchley Wood Brownies rolled up their their local history with the Elmbridge Museum sleeves and gave a hand to help put together Team who have found them to be enthusiastic Elmbridge Museum's latest exhibition at the Civic and a delight to work with. We look forward to Centre in Esher. involve more children in Museum projects in the Fittingly, the exhibition is celebrating 100 years future and support Kids in Museum, which is a of Brownie Guides. wonderful initiative." The Brownies played an active part in 100 years of Brownie Guides Exhibition runs researching the collection and helped to put until Tuesday 31 March 2015. together a selection of artefacts to feature in the If you would like to get further information Two reindeer are bringing Christmas to life at and they have a large enclosure built specially exhibition. They took great pride in displaying the on Elmbridge Museum services, visit Garsons Garden Centre, Winterdown Road, for them. Santa has asked a snow prince and artefacts in the showcases and thoroughly enjoyed elmbridgemuseum.org.uk or telephone 01932 Esher. They will be meeting customers from now princess to care for them, who are also on hand to being in charge for the day. 843573. until 1.00pm on Christmas Eve, when they will be share facts about the reindeer. Sue Rodgers, from 2nd Hinchley Wood Brownie called away on important business. You can see the reindeer free of charge from 10am Unit, said the girls had been hands-on in the Ben Thompson from Garsons commented, to 5pm Monday to Saturday, 11.00am to 4.30pm development of the Museum display. "The Brownies Pledge signed to "The reindeer were so popular last year, we asked on Sundays and until 1.00pm on Christmas Eve. have learnt about how museum labels are written, them back. There’s no better opportunity to Children can also post their letter to Santa and how to look after artefacts and what they tell us see real reindeer up close, and it’s a privilege to enter the Christmas colouring competition – and about our history. Through the Brownie exhibition work for better have them here. We’ve fallen in love with them it’s all free, including parking. Follow Garsons on they are working on their collectors and hostess already." Facebook and Twitter to find out more about the badges. It is important to celebrate the centenary as Thames defences The reindeer are exercised on Garsons Farm, reindeer, or visit garsons.co.uk. Brownies is a movement that has always been about girls having fun in a girl only environment." Cllr Mary Sheldon, Portfolio Holder for Leisure Seven councils whose residents and businesses and Culture, said, "It was a real pleasure to have were affected by floods have signed a pledge to press For more local news as it happens visit our local Brownies on board for this very special for a £300 million river defence scheme from the exhibition to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. It government. www.livingwithin.com has been a fun project to which they have shown a Surrey, Elmbridge, Kingston, Runnymede, Windsor high degree of dedication. It was good to see them and Maidenhead, Richmond and Spelthorne councils take on responsibilities and thoroughly enjoy signed the agreement alongside Thames Water, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and the Environment Agency to push for the River Thames Scheme. The signing at Surrey's County Hall cemented their Household Cavalry stand on ceremony with early commitment to reduce the flood risk for more than 15,000 households and firms in the Lower River years children from Claremont Fan Court School Thames region through the scheme, which would involve building a flood channel and improving three weirs. Infrastructure, including access to the M25, rail links and power supplies, would also be protected. Chancellor George Osborne is expected to make an announcement about flood defence funding in the Autumn Statement on 3 December, after which the councils will draw up plans to work with other agencies, local enterprise partnerships and the business community to seek to close any funding gap. In addition, the local authorities will seek to work with the Environment Agency to explore the possibility of the scheme being dealt with via the fast-track system for decision-making on projects of national significance. If that is not possible, Surrey County Council proposes to look at how it can be taken forward as quickly as possible through the planning system, ideally avoiding the need for separate applications in each borough. Surrey leader David Hodge, who chaired the signing The Reception children at Claremont Fan Court Pre-Prep and Nursery into School to speak with the children about the need for peace and to meeting, said: "We’re all determined to protect our School were invited to meet the soldiers of the Household Cavalry remember the bravery of soldiers. On Remembrance Day all the children residents and local economy from floods and this at Knightsbridge Barracks. The visit provided a unique learning aged 2½ to 7, took part in a 2 minute silence. Parents were delighted that signals our commitment to develop this vital scheme experience beyond the classroom where they not only watched the the nursery children had been included and were able to participate. and secure the Government support to make it happen. changing of the guard but groomed the horses, swept the stables One parent wrote: “I think that it is a wonderful thing to have done and "Our priority is to identify the fastest sound planning and dressed up in the armour and uniform worn by the regiment. On a very important thing to have taken part in.” route for a scheme of national importance so we can returning to School, they proudly exclaimed they had met soldiers and It is tempting to assume children are too young for some occasions but ensure the many thousands of homes and businesses had been knights for the day! everyone at Claremont felt it was something everyone should share, with along the Thames between Datchet and Teddington Claremont returned the invitation by welcoming Major Simon Lukas varying degrees of understanding, naturally! are given greater protection." December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 13

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Kuoni handpick the best hotels for your money and have found boutique retreats to make you feel like romantic fine dining when you book one of their family rather than one of the masses. They have exclusive room types. discovered hidden gems such as Keyonna beach in Antigua which is exclusive to Kuoni guests in The secret is out- talk to Greenstar Travel about the the UK; and Kuoni will treat you to complimentary great holidays that Kuoni have to offer you in the extras such as soothing spa treatments and Caribbean. Greenstar Travel has been in Claygate for over 25 years and assists its clients in making their perfect holiday choice. Contact Greenstar Travel for full details of the Kuoni Caribbean programme, or for information about any of their other fabulous destinations around the world. 14 LIVING WITHIN December 2014

Thanksgiving is all over the US as this goes to print, and, honestly, it looks exhausting! We may worry at a Christmas table with an unfeasibly large bird as centrepiece but we don’t have to mix, match, and weigh up the relative merits salt, depending on whether we are talking chicken of culinary traditions and produce in a nation or turkey (I have used chicken in the pictures), and as diverse in climate and historical settlement use sea salt for preference. You can mix it with as exists Stateside. I’m not knocking it, it’s a ground pepper and, for a high day or holiday, some wonderful mix, and being different in America grated citrus peel too, but the fundamental thing very much a part of what it is to be united and is to rub salt all over the outside of the bird and American. wherever you can get it inside as well (in the cavity, The Thanksgiving table looks a little like a dress on any exposed bits of flesh around the edges). rehearsal for Christmas, one that contains oddities, Make sure your bird is untrussed. marvels and seductions. The complexities and Wrap the bird in cling film or waxed paper or sheer volume of dishes: corn breads and puddings; place in a plastic bag, and leave it to “brine” in the whipped white, and candied sweet, potatoes; fridge for as long as you’ve got - a day or two (max) chutneys; sauces; dressings; stuffings; salads, for a chicken, a day or three (max) for a turkey, and sweet and savoury mixes, may leave our feast although an hour or two, if that is all you have, will a little in the shade, relatively speaking, but then still make a difference. About an hour before you we are not “behooved” (as one might say in the are ready to put the bird in the oven, take it out of States) to demonstrate “plenty” either. the fridge, unwrap it, pat the skin dry with some What I believe we can learn best from the kitchen paper, put it in a roasting tin, and when it Satisfaction Thanksgiving table, is how to power up the is at more or less at room temperature, oil up the flavour. Nothing at the US feast is planning to be bird, put a little moisture in the bottom of the tin (a bland, even if sometimes it sounds like a challenge glass of white wine, a ladelful or more of stock) and Guaranteed (sweet pecan pie with turkey gravy anyone?), and cook as normal, in a moderately hot oven (180ºC). Your local provider of the bird is where I am going to follow their lead It is better not to stuff the bird with anything other Fruit, Veg, Salad, Herbs and Flowers for Christmas. Poultry in general lacks the stuff than a few aromatics (herbs, onions, garlic, a that carries flavour; it lacks fat, and it is the fat in lemon or a clementine) for more than one reason, a joint of meat that, generally speaking, makes it too much salt in the resulting stuffing only one of taste good. The USians have kept a trick from the them. “Stuffing” can be cooked in a dish alongside. 1 - 3 The Parade, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0PD olden days, the salting of meat, to help change The bird needs to reach an internal temperature 01372 461123 the way that the proteins behave and that enables of no more than 75ºC (about an hour for a 1.5kg not only the flavour from the salt to penetrate the chicken, nearer 3 hours for a 7kg turkey will get meat but also locks in moisture as the meat cooks. you there). With practice, you can normally tell Thanksgiving turkeys are often brined, and it from the look of the bird whether it is cooked, but makes all the difference to the cooking of the bird the traditional un-thermometered method is to and the taste and texture of it afterward. pierce the thickest part of the bird’s flesh (between Brining is a science, there are reasons behind thigh and breast) and check that the juices are why it works, but I haven’t got the space to explain clear (not pink or bloody) and make sure that it them all here so you are going to have to take my is hot. Once you are sure that it is, leave to rest in word for it that it does. It is not uncommon to a warm place, for at least 20 minutes, and then submerge the bird in a brine containing salt, sugar, carve and serve when you are ready with whatever spice, herbs, aromatics of whatever kind take your trimmings and fixings you choose. fancy, and to leave it there for a day or two. All you Happy Holidays, whatever they are! will need is a capacious fridge, a container large enough to hold the bird and its brine, and the “Most of you … worrying over the ability to strong-arm said (filled) container as and bird are … a few cupfuls of salt when you need to, without slopping brine all over away from dazzling your family yourself and your kitchen. Easier by far is the more with the finest turkey they have user friendly “dry” brine (a misnomer of course, ever eaten”~ John Currence but it serves our purpose) and this couldn’t be Erica x simpler. Two or three teaspoons or tablespoons of www.acooksblog.com December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 15

A dining experience combining Christmas Amaretti Trifle ambiance, decor, service and, of course, good food to tantalise and test your taste buds.

FFine Indian Cuisinee The Green, Claygate Tel:Finest 01372 468996 Indian Cuisine

20% Discount on Food Jolshiri‘A is La ranked Carte by Menu online only Tripadvisor: #1 out of offered6 Indian torestaurant all in Claygate & Esher #3 out Membersof 50 restaurants and Staff in Claygate & Esher #8 outof of Surbiton295 Indian Golf restaurants Club in Surrey Advise Restaurant staff when booking & present yourThe Member Green, Bar Card Claygate KT10 0JQ 01372on arrival 468996 • www.jolshiri.co.uk

CASA NOVA RESTAURANT ItalianExcellent Cuisine

This is a very quickly put together recipe, Delia Place two thirds of the Amaretti biscuits lightly Christmas Season would be proud of me! bashed (you want some to retain their shape) into 2014 your glass bowl. Then the sliced trifle sponges. This will serve at least 6 people Now pour the sherry over. Drizzle the warmed YOU WILL NEED jam over sponges, and then the raspberries.

1 pack of Doria Amaretti biscuits lightly bashed Next mix the two cartons of custard together and whilst still in the bag. pour over the raspberries. Cover carefully with cling film and place into the fridge. About 4 Trifle sponges cut into 4 strips each. The Trifle is ready to serve in a couple of hours if 1 pack raspberries frozen needed. Our special festive menus are now available. Casa Nova extends a warm welcome to any 2 tablespoons any berry conserve you like warmed Bring the trifle out about half an hour before you discerning diner, be it business or pleasure. so that you can drizzle it. require. Pre Christmas Menu Whip the cream with about a tbsp of sifted icing Served Monday to Friday Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the restaurant caters 1 Carton of fresh custard and 1 carton of fresh sugar and the zest of a lemon. Be careful the 2 Course Lunch £19.95 for all with its superb Italian cuisine. vanilla custard (certainly available from Waitrose) cream should only be whipped to soft peaks, so be 3 Course Lunch £23.95 3 Course Dinner £25.95 The ambience created together with the fine service and attention to very vigilant – over whipped cream is ghastly!! detail, makes any occasion a time to remember. Half a pack of flaked toasted almonds Christmas Day Lunch Spoon the cream over the Trifle and sprinkle with £86.50 To reserve your table or to request our special festive menus please stop by the restaurant or telephone 01344 843407. Medium dry sherry to soak the sponges, so about the almonds and the remaining amaretti biscuits, Boxing Day Lunch 1 wine glass or more ! which again should only be lightly bashed, not £40.50 crumbs. Double cream for whipping – 1 large carton Spaces are limited & Enjoy! always sell quickly so Icing sugar and zest of 1 lemon. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• book early to avoid disappointment. When she’s not writing, Elizabeth runs her own catering business. She has also set up an initiative This is quite a long list of ingredients but it will with volunteers who help feed patients at Kingston 10 Station Approach, Virginia Water, GU25 4DW come together very quickly. Hospital at meal times. For reservations please telephone 01344 843407 16 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 Market Place Kingston wins national high street award

This competition celebrates the excellent work that is reinvigorating many of our High Streets and highlights ideas that other places can use. "High Streets are an important part of our long- term economic plan to help communities reach their full potential, create new opportunities and secure a brighter future for people across Britain. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered the competition." Retailers from Market Place, Kingston have been High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt said: Make a statement this festive season celebrating having this month picked up an award "We were really impressed with how people have with our stunning selection of gorgeous gemstone rings in a national competition to find Britain's best high thrown down the gauntlet for the Great British streets. High Street and shown what’s possible on the The national competition, launched by the Future nation’s shopping streets. Communities, traders High Street Forum, celebrates the achievements and businesses are absolutely fizzing with bright of local people in making their high streets great ideas and initiatives to make our high streets great places to live, work and shop. places to work, shop and live. I want to extend my The winners were selected across a range of congratulations to all of them. categories for their ability to innovate, collaborate "It’s fantastic to see the team-work and energy and adapt to changing consumer habits. that people are putting in to our high streets and The contest received more than 135 entries from this commitment to innovation and collaboration across the UK. really shone through in all the finalists." Judges visited twenty-one shortlisted areas and The winners will receive a share of prize money the London category winner was Market Place, and support from a fund worth £50,000 as well as Kingston. dedicated support and mentoring from industry A Cluster of Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Britain's experts. This could range from one to one coaching Christmas High Streets have a long and proud history - and or advice on creating business plans, to workshops Colour a special place at the heart of many communities. on digital marketing.

68 HIGH STREET | CHOBHAM | SURREY GU24 8LZ For more local news as it happens visit 01276 857492 www.boshersofchobham.co.uk [email protected] www.livingwithin.com White Christmas at The Fox & Hounds For those choosing to celebrate pub on Christmas Eve, Christmas Bishopsgate pub - that was Christmas at the Fox and Hounds Day and Boxing Day – to really get refurbished in 2011 and re-opened pub in Englefield Green this year, customers into the Christmas spirit! by The Duke of York - is aiming to there is not only a guarantee of make this Christmas their biggest and delicious food, seasonal drinks and Decorated in mistletoe, with great best so far. festive snacks, but also snowfall. wines and an array of Christmassy Snow will be falling at the cosy food to choose from the popular The pub has created not only a Christmas Day and Boxing Day menu, but a nostalgic ‘Christmas Past’ feast, and a modern ‘Christmas Present’ menu – which remains festive but with a twist.

Opening Hours 9am - 11pm Monday to Saturday and 9am - 8pm Sunday

Please see website for Christmas Opening Hours www.thefoxandhoundsrestaurant.com

The Fox & Hounds • Bishopsgate Rd, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey TW20 0XU www.thefoxandhoundsrestaurant.com • 01784 433098 December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 17 it may well make sense for you to have a company car once again. Taxing Take, for example, a director (or employee) paying tax at 40 per cent who drives a car with a Times list price of £10,000 and a very low carbon dioxide Good Gardening emissions figure (75g/km or less) – the taxable benefit in kind figure can be as low as £500 (five per cent of £10,000) and the annual tax cost as with Alison Jones little as £200 for a higher rate taxpayer. If the director can manage with an electric car, this can be provided tax-free until 5 April 2015. Given that your company is bearing the cost of the depreciating value of the car, as well as the costs of insurance, road tax, servicing and repairs, that is an extremely good tax outcome. However, you comment that you prefer ‘fairly big cars’ and so I suspect the type of low emission car you can get for £10,000 is probably not what with Graham Jennings you have in mind. Without wishing to promote a particular car I did notice recently that the Porsche Q: I have been running my own business (Limited Cayenne S E-Hybrid has a CO2 emissions of 79g/ company) since the mid-1980’s. Back then there km and that attracts a fairly low rate of tax – for a was no issue running my car through the company higher rate tax payer that would be £2,704 for this as a benefit in kind as it made financial sense to do year rising to £3,197 for 2015/16. You will need so. That changed when company cars got hit for a fairly deep pockets at a list price of over £61,000 lot of tax in the late 1990’s and ever since I have run but it shows that there are more prestige cars my own car. I would rather have a company car but around that do fall in to the low emissions bracket as I do like to drive fairly big cars these days is there and therefore lower rates of tax. any sense in doing this? Any reader interested in discussing this topic further A: You are quite right that once upon a time can telephone Graham Jennings on 01344 875000. directors would not think twice about having a Send your taxation and accounting queries to company car. This all changed when the labour Graham Jennings, Kirk Rice LLP, The Courtyard, Take a break from the Christmas rush and government introduced changes to the way in High Street, Ascot SL5 7HP spend some time in the garden. Add a layer which company cars are taxed. These changes Email [email protected]. of mulch when the soil is moist, before frost lead to a significant increase in the amount of gets into the ground. Mulching provides tax payable which meant that the provision of a Please note: answers are given a protective winter layer and prevents soil company car was no longer the tax-efficient perk for general guidance only and erosion. Landscape bark, leaf mould and that it once was. The tax system for cars is now specific advice should be taken farmyard manure are great soil improvers – designed to encourage people to choose vehicles before acting on any of the stock up on some bags from the garden centre. with low or zero-emissions as these give rise to suggestions made. You can prune fruit trees, except stone fruit, much lower tax charges. Accordingly, if the sort of as the sap is being drawn back into the trees. car you are interested in falls in this bracket then Established roses can be reduced in height by a third to prevent the wind catching them. Leave the pruning of buddleia, clematis, wisteria and anything tender until the end of winter. December is a good time for planting shrubs, so long as it’s not frosty. Our shrub of the month is the mahonia, which is an impressive winter-flowering evergreen. Its yellow flowers open from the centre of the plants and are lily-of-the-valley scented, so position it where you can enjoy the fragrance. The long-lasting flowers are often followed by small, plum- coloured fruits, which birds love. Mahonia is closely related to the berberis, but with larger, bolder leaves. The leaves are glossy and often take on red or purple tints when the weather turns cold. Mahonias are hardy and their glossy leaves means they generally aren’t such exotic flowers. Colours include white, affected by pests. They are happiest in partial green, yellowish-green, cream, yellow, brown, or full shade so long as there are good light pink, red and orange. The flowers last about levels. Apart from that, they’re a versatile, low ten weeks. They bloom during the winter, maintenance plant. and each plant can have up to fifteen or more Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ has bright flowers. yellow flowers in large clusters. Other Cymbidiums are tolerant of the cold to as low cultivated varieties in the same family are as 7˚C. There are fragrant varieties as well, quite similar, including ‘Charity’, ‘Underway’ notably the Chinese cymbidium. They make and ‘Lionel Fortescue’. Any of these will look lovely Christmas gifts for flower lovers. striking in your winter garden. Talking of Christmas presents, Garsons has Potted hyacinths bring gorgeous flowers and many gift ideas for the gardeners in your life, sweet lingering fragrance to your home and from bird tables, gardening gloves, books and garden. They make lovely gifts this time of year. tools, through to indoor and outdoor plants We have a wide selection of decorative planted and pots. containers at Garsons. They’re perfect for a window sill, conservatory, doorstep, patio or Until next month, happy gardening and balcony. merry Christmas! Once the hyacinths have finished flowering cut back the flowers so they don’t waste energy on seeds, but keep the foliage as this helps build the bulb for next year. Although intended Alison Jones is Plant for indoors, they can grow perfectly well Buyer for Garsons Call today on: outside, flowering in March and early April, Farm in West End, Telephone: 01483 820226 Mobile: 07939 688597 reappearing year after year. Esher Cymbidiums are one of the easiest orchids to email: [email protected] grow, which can be surprising when they have 18 LIVING WITHIN December 2014

Wentworth Estate £3,950,000 A uniquely designed brand new residence enjoying exceptional open plan living accommodation & stunning views over the 16th fairway and green of the Championship Golf Course. Cloakroom, Stunning Kitchen/Breakfast Family Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Study, Utility Room, Four Full Bedroom Suites, Fifth Bedroom/Leisure Room with Steam Room, Sauna & Shower, Double Garage. EPC awaited.

Wentworth Estate £3,350,000 A beautifully presented Tudor style home enjoying private, landscaped South facing grounds approaching two thirds of an acre, close to the village centre. Study, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Games/Family Room, Two Cloakrooms, Utility Room, Exceptional Master Bedroom Suit, Four Further Full Bedroom Suites, Double Garage with Workshop Area. EPC– D66.

Englefield Green £2,500,000 A truly stunning townhouse providing the best of contemporary living on an exclusive gated community enjoying approximately ten acres of grounds adjacent to Windsor Great Park. Cloakroom, Living Room open to Dining/Breakfast Room and Kitchen, Morning Room, Utility Room with lift, Master Bedroom with Dressing Room and Bath, Spa & Shower Room, Two Further Bedroom Suites, Double Garage. EPC– C71. 01344 845050 6 Station Approach, Virginia Water Surrey GU25 4DL buckinghams.com December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 19 Boyce Thornton Cobham 01932 868 448 Oxshott 01372 844 200 The local property experts Claygate 01372 470 123

Oaken Lane, Claygate £975,000 Woodstock Lane South, Claygate £1,155,000

NEW NEW

INSTRUCTION INSTRUCTION

A well presented five bedroom family home situated just a short walk from the local This well presented, semi-detached, period, family home has been sympathetically shops and station. This property offers well proportioned accommodation, a flexible extended and offers flexible accommodation. The property has four bedrooms, three floorplan and potential to extend (STP). reception rooms and a vaulted ceiling family room with galleried area. Further benefits include a secluded garden and double garage. EPC Rating C. EPC Rating E.

Torrington Close, Claygate £895,000 Red Lane, Claygate £799,950 Gordon Road, Claygate £720,000

NEW PRICE

A beautiful four bedroom character, detached family home An exciting opportunity to purchase a beautiful three A well-presented three bedroom semi-detached property located in one of Claygate’s highly sought after private bedroom detached property with potential to create a situated in an extremely convenient and desirable road. roads. This property offers great potential (STP) to create a larger family home (STP). Situated in an ideal position, Located moments from the local schools, shops and station substantial family home and is located just moments from the within walking distance of the local station and amenities. with the potential to enlarge and reconfigure the existing local schools, shops and station. EPC Rating F. EPC Rating F. floorplan under permitted development. EPC Rating D.

Telegraph Lane, Claygate £665,000 Telegraph Lane, Claygate £630,000 Milbourne Lane, Esher £550,000

A conveniently located three bedroom semi detached family A well presented three bedroom semi detached family home A well presented three bedroom family home located in an home benefitting from off street parking and the potential benefitting from off street parking, potential to extend (STP) ideal position just moments from the local schooling and to extend (STC). Situated in a sought after semi-rural lane and no onward chain. This property is situated conveniently a short distance from Claygate station and shops. This leading to the open spaces of Telegraph Lane with Claygate for the local amenities and station with the open spaces of property benefits from open plan living to the rear, a South shops and station within walking distance. EPC Rating D. Telegraph Hill just a short walk away. EPC Rating D. facing rear garden and no onward chain. EPC Rating C.

www.boycethornton.co.uk 20 LIVING WITHIN December 2014

Wentworth Estate £4,950,000 A brand new house set in private wooded grounds at the end of a cul de sac, on the main island of Wentworth. This modern home amounts to approximately 8,374 sq ft and is finished to a very high standard. EPC rating B.

6 6 6 beds baths receptions

3 1 annexe garage acre Wentworth Estate £4,250,000 A brand new family home recently completed to a magnificent level of specification and finish with a highly sophisticated level of design and flair from Alexander James Interiors. EPC Rating: C80

6 6 6 beds baths receptions

2 0.45 annexe garage acre Wentworth Estate £2,650,000 A classical Wentworth family home built by WG Tarrant in1936 situated in outstanding gardens of approximately one acre with a delightful outdoor swimming pool and a large garage with a one bedroom apartment over. EPC Rating: E45

4 2 4 beds baths receptions

2 1 annexe garage acre The Estate Office - Wentworth - Virginia Water - Surrey - GU25 4DL. UK T: +44(0)1344 843000 - W: bartonwyatt.co.uk December 2014 LIVING WITHIN 21

Situated in one of the most popular roads in Claygate is this beautiful detached family SOLD home of approximately 2788 sq ft. This fantastic home is ideally situated for local schools, the village centre, and Claygate train station giving access to London Waterloo. EPC rating C.

Guide Price: £1,350,000

Old Point is an attractive and substantial, five bedroom, two bathroom, traditional tile hung detached family home enviably located in the heart of the Ruxley Heights estate providing well balanced family accommodation over two floors. Ruxley Heights is perfectly located in the charming Surrey village of Claygate with its fine variety of local shops and main line station offering fast and frequent links to London Waterloo. EPC rating D.

Guide Price: £1,350,000

There is a lack of property currently available and we have applicants looking across all price ranges. Call us now for a confidential market appraisal to discuss this further.

Doug Parks Branch Manager ESHER 01372 462211 [email protected] www.johndwood.co.uk 22 LIVING WITHIN December 2014 at 40%. Money Matters As an alternative to the cash sum she could opt for a ‘Nominees Flexi-Access Drawdown with Peter Sharratt Account’. If you die prior to age 75 she could take any withdrawals from the Nominees Flexi-Access Drawdown Account Tax Free. If you die age 75 or after the withdrawals are taxed at her marginal income tax rate, but she would be able to plan withdrawals to minimise this, which is likely to be more tax efficient than taking it as a lump sum. Your wife would also be able to complete a nomination of who she would like to benefit upon her death, presumably your children and grandchildren; you can nominate more than one person. When your wife dies the beneficiaries will have the same options she did: take it as a cash sum or pay it to a Nominees Flexi-Access Drawdown Account. Once again the tax treatment depends on age but it is now HER age at death not yours; Drawdown Pension Death Benefits if she is under 75 it is tax free if taken as a cash sum or if taken via the Nominees Flex-Access Q. I read with interest your recent article about Drawdown Account. pensions and the changes to how benefits can be paid If death is after age 75 both would be taxable at upon death. I am 72 and have a drawdown pension the beneficiaries marginal income tax rate. which I have nominated my wife to be the beneficiary Three key points: the Nominees Flex-Access of on my death. What then happens to the fund when Drawdown Account allows you and future she dies? We have two grown up children and three beneficiaries to pass on your pension funds grandchildren. without paying Inheritance Tax; the investment fund benefits from virtually tax free growth A. The new rules start on 6 April 2015 but in and finally the tax treatment of withdrawals is effect they could apply from now, because it is dependent on the age of the last Nominee Flexi- possible to delay the payment of any benefits Access Drawdown Account holder. after death until then. If you die before age 75 your wife could take the Send your queries to Peter Sharratt, Kirk Rice LLP, The entire fund as a tax free cash sum. If you are 75 Courtyard, High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HP or older at death she can still take the entire fund Email [email protected] but it will be taxed as income at her marginal rate. When she dies, any money left would be Please note: answers are given for general included in her estate and distributed as per her guidance only and specific advice should be taken will, but may then be subject to Inheritance Tax before acting on any of the suggestions made. Sunninghill Carpets & Flooring Ltd

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churches, a palace , walked over 4 miles and been up and down in a cable-car, (which continually played Phil Collins ‘One More Night’ as we ‘swayed’ across the countryside). I can’t tell you how much I needed a glass or 3 of Cava. The next day I found myself on an open top bus by 10am with a slightly sore head, courtesy of the aforementioned Cava. After another packed day with no chance whatsoever of shopping, and the boy winging about visiting the famous football stadium, my sense of humour was wearing thin. Seasonal greetings dear reader – Yes, Christmas is Luckily I met the rather charming (and rather upon us and it’s my favourite time of year. good looking mature student) Paulo , who had Anyway, this month has been crazy with a number overheard my boy banging on. Joy of Joys, he of 50th Birthday parties. There’s something rather was also super keen to visit the stadium and after lovely and magical about a really warm marquee, a quick chat in Spanglish , they happily went off, filled with party people, singing and dancing, leaving me in a cafe with a glass of fizz – Perfect! whilst it’s all icy and foggy outside. By the time we arrived back in England I was One of the above parties was slightly special completely exhausted and in need of a holiday. to me, as it turned out that my client had also I also took part in supporting one of my favourite worked in the record industry in the 80’s for a rival charities, African Revival. This took the form of company! When the night of her party arrived, I a sponsored walk. Yes, me walking... Obviously felt like it was my own – I knew so many people and I couldn’t possibly survive this experience on my we all ended up talking about ‘the good old days’. own, so dragged along The Angel and The Queen What a hoot! (delightful daughters). Other than working, I was invited to Sandown Everyone met in Bushy Park accompanied by Park to celebrate the lovely Colins ‘big birthday’. their dogs and we set off. My ideas of a gentle, (Check out the pici!) Sam (his fantastic wife) had relaxing strole, were quickly knocked on the head. organised a box with oodles of champagne and Trying to walk, in a group, with dogs sniffing nosh and it was superb. Turns out that 4 of the anything and everything, then growling at each gang had their ‘big birthdays’ within a month of other and then pulling you over, whilst attempting each other so we just had to celebrate big time... to chase a deer, is really not quite what I had Order carpet Boy Wonder (youngest child) was invited along in mind. Thank goodness for Costa coffee and and what a brilliant tipster! I managed to make chocolate (and a hip flask!). Well done to all of you and underlay together £20 on the horses. I say this with great excitement that turned up and thanks for keeping me going. before 20th December, because usually my horse is the one tanking around Well on that note, I’m off to pack another If you’re the course without a rider or it ends up with a suitcase, as I’m jetting over to the Philippines to and get broken bone and is ‘put down’! Unfortunately the see the family before the Christmas parties begin thinking about * boy seemed to think he deserved half of this huge in earnest! I was supposed to take one of those sum and I therefore ended up with £10. hypnotherapy courses to help with the flight, but new fl oorcoverings FREE The noise and atmosphere was heightened by that didn’t happen. My chums husband (who is over 30 guys in the next box, celebrating a 30th a pilot for Cathay ) even tried to change his shift before Christmas … FITTING birthday (amongst other things). My ,oh, my, so he could fly me, but now can’t, so I guess it,s … you’d be crackers did they have a good time – I think they drank down to Kalms pills and a drink or 10. Great... Sandown dry. They were great fun, but I don’t Hey at least I’ll come back with a great tan (lobster to miss our great think by the end of the afternoon, they noticed red with prickly heat bumps) – super with my deals! where they were. Yes, a day at the races is definitely Christmas party frock! a superb way to celebrate anything! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Earlier in the month Boy Wonder and I went off Happy and peaceful New Year to Madrid for a long weekend – bless him for his Cheers! ComeCome iinn andand patience travelling with me on the plane, but boy did he make me pay for it later! ccheckheck ooutut oourur mmassiveassive From the moment we touched down, my dear son was raring to go and didn’t seem to notice his rrangeange aandnd ffree,ree ffriendlyriendly aadvicedvice rather dishevelled mother staggering behind him. As I attempted to join the taxi rank at the airport, CARPETS • RUGS • VINYLS • WOODS • LAMINATESS he grabbed my arm and told me we were catching the train. ‘I don’t do trains’ I wailed as he shoved ALDERSHOT ASCOT ORING EXPE LO RT F S IN IN S S me into the carriage. After a short train journey E North Lane, Aldershot, T 3A Rise Road, Sunningdale, R R E V P I C X E and a mega walk to the hotel, we checked in and Hampshire, GU12 4TD Ascot, Berkshire SL5 0BH E dumped the cases in the room. Seconds later Mr Tel: 01252 322 254 or 01252 320 375 Tel: 01344 870015 Enthusiastic was half-way down the corridor shouting at me to get moving as we were going Visit us to fi nd out more www.worldwidecarpets.co.ukuk to ‘walk’ Madrid. Within hours of arriving in this beautiful city, I had been round the markets, 2 - Jenny * Free fi tting when you buy carpet and underlay together offer ends 20th December 2014.14. 24 LIVING WITHIN December 2014