APRIL 2015 Tatsfield Parish Magazine

The Tatsfield Panotmime – please see pages 34 and 41

Please see page 13 for the contents list of this magazine www.tatsfield.org.uk

£1 – one copy FREE to each household SEPTEMBER 2014

Beechwood Riding School JCG Hillboxes Farm, Marden Park BUILDERS Woldingham, CR3 7JD Brickwork Specialists Tel 01883 342266 Email: [email protected] All aspects of www.beechwoodridingschool.co.uk brickwork undertaken

Beechwood is situated in the beautiful Surrey Hills in the Patios,block paving, North Downs. All our horses and ponies used in the retaining walls school have been carefully chosen for their suitable decorative brickwork and much more temperament to achieve a happy, harmonious relationship between horse and rider resulting in every Reasonable rates rider reaching their own personal goal. Adults and References available children from 4 years old welcome. Clean tidy worker

• Separate Children and Adult Groups Call: Jamie on

• Private and semi-private lessons • Pony Parties 07921 219287

• Corporate Days • Hacks • Pony Days email: [email protected]. • and lots more uk

RB Interiors

Interior Decorating Together with all types of maintenance and flooring inc, wood, laminate, carpet, vinyl & tiling. Fully insured Tatsfield Based References Available Rob - 07870 528254 01959 541109 Email: [email protected] 7 Telephone 01959 577010

A W Carpentry & general building services Alan Waite • Interior & Exterior Carpentry • Kitchens/Bathrooms fitted • Renovations/ Alterations • Guttering & Fascia • City & Guilds qualified • Free estimates Mobile 07984 810966

lingerie

Kim and Jane provide a complete bra fitting service and can help with all your lingerie needs! We stock a variety of quality lingerie to suit every price range.

BEAUTIFUL LINGERIE RANGES

Entre Nous is owned and run by Tatsfield girls and you’ll be assured of a warm welcome.

Opening times Mon –Sat 10.a.m – 5.00p.m

01959 563975

22a Market Square, Westerham, Kent TN16 2AT

Art Classes

Private Lessons Commissions

Watercolour, Oil Pastel, Pencil

12 APRIL 2015 CONTENTS

Advertisers’ Index 68 Letters 16 Aladdin 34 Little Acorns 24 Annual Meeting 30 Monkey Puzzle 55 Art event 48 Music 26 Barn Theatre 60 Nature notes 62 Bletchingly bowls 54 Night sky 59 Bridleway 58 Not So Young 64 Church teas 40 Orpheus Evening 31 Churchyard 65 Police 27 Composting 22 Puzzle page 67 Contacts 14 Ramblers 66 Council Reports 18 School 33,51 Dance 60, 64 Shopping at Linda’s 40 Debater 57 St Mary’s Matters 44 Editorial 15 Tatty Knitters 65 Election Hustings 36,43 TPFA 100 66 Event calendar 46 Trees 50 Fairtrade 25 Vern d’Anjou 38 Football 63 Village Spring Clean 29 Gardening 61 Website 39 Horti Show 35,37 Westerham bounds 53 Horticultural Society 23 WW1 49 In Bloom 28

13 Produced for the Village by the Parish Magazine Committee under the authority of Tatsfield Church. Managing Editor • Gerald South (577598) Treasurer • Madie Langford (577114) Distribution Manager • Terry Cartwright (577749) Advertising Manager • Maureen Perrin (577679) email: [email protected] Production Team Hazel Cartwright • Tom Chorley • Jenny Lewis • Ian Mitchell Sule Morley • Christine Stainer • Carole Swetenham • Margaret Watson CHURCH CONTACTS ST MARY’S CHURCH, Church Lane, Tatsfield Anglican • Team Vicar: Revd Louise Ellis (577289) email: [email protected] The Rectory, Ricketts Hill Road, Tatsfield, TN16 2NA Hon. Curate - Revd Dr Gerald South (577598) Wardens • Mary Smith (577661) and David Eden-Riley (07973 255256) COUNCIL CONTACTS Parish Council - Parish Clerk • Mrs Ana Hughes, 102a Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, TN16 3TT (701820) Chairman • Mrs Sue Smale, 21 Paynesfield Road, Tatsfield, TN16 2AT (577660) Parish Council website www.surreycommunity.info/tatsfield • email [email protected] Tandridge District Councillor • Bob David, The Briars, Ninehams Road, Tatsfield TN16 2AN (577357) Surrey County Councillor • David Hodge, 30 Harestone Valley Road, Caterham CR3 6HD (01883 337881) OTHER CONTACTS St. Mary’s Church Hall - Bookings • Sheila Cook (577443) Village Hall - Bookings Secretary • Helena Garcia ([email protected]) (07983 011028) W.I. Hall - Bookings • Sheila Cook (577443) Parish Room - Bookings • Ana Hughes (701820) Tatsfield Primary School - Head • Kevin Bellinger (577356) Tatsfield Village Club - (577330) Furze Corner Sports Pavilion - Bookings (07533 033325) Doctors • Stock Hill Surgery (580011) • Westerham Surgery (564949) Surrey Police - (101) Tatsfield Helpline - (577524) • Pet Register - Val Moore (574810) Village Website www.tatsfield.org.uk

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTIONS We welcome contributions from village organisations and individual residents but reserve all editorial rights. Copy date for the Magazine is 16th of the preceding month. Ideally contributions should be sent as a Word attachment to an email to: [email protected], Alternatively they may left at Linda’s Stores or posted to: TatsfieldPMag, Clouds, Ricketts Hill, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2NB. Enquiries concerning Advertising or loose Inserts should be made to our Advertising Manager Maureen Perrin (Tel: 577679 Email: [email protected]) Small Ads These are only accepted from Tatsfield or Titsey residents (No Trade) and are free (Max 10 words plus phone number.) We will include them in the next issue space permitting. Calendar Dates Our rolling Calendar usually covers 6 weeks from publication so please give us your dates in good time. If you don’t want your event to clash with others why not check with us early. Ideas/Opinions/Articles We are always looking for items of interest - have a word with the Editor. Correspondence We welcome letters commenting on items in previous issues or on anything else. Advertisements We take no responsibility for the goods and services advertised in the Magazine.

14 EDITORIAL Tatsfield continues to live up to its reputation for friendliness and concern for others. A brief letter in this magazine gives a fine example of help offered at a time of need by an anonymous person who clearly inconvenienced themselves for the sake of another. Equally worthy of note is that the recipient has gone to the trouble of using this magazine as a way of thanking this unknown ‘good neighbour’. We thank you both. It is acts such as these that make a community and give it its sense of identity and values: we are fortunate that our village provides many examples of good neighbourliness and concern for others. We might ask whether such attitudes should extend into the ways in which we use our votes on 7th May? To hear some comments from those seeking our vote, it would seem that they assume we will support the candidate or party who offer us personally the most affluent sounding standard of living. But surely many of the electorate have a wider view of the situation than that and are concerned for the wellbeing of others apart from themselves, wanting to cast their vote in the interests of the common good. In Tatsfield we will we voting for a new District Councillor and Parish Council who, over the next four years, will make important decisions about the future of our village. We hope there will be a good number of candidates: nominations must be in by 9th April, so there is still time for you to be nominated or to encourage someone else you feel may be right for this. We will also be voting for our MP and as you will see elsewhere in this magazine there are several occasions when we have a chance to hear them speak, including in Tatsfield on 22nd April. Some controversy was aroused a few weeks ago when the bishops of the Church of England published their thoughts on attitudes and priorities as we consider the coming election. Perhaps bishops are seen by some as irrelevant and remote from everyday life. However in previous years they will all have worked in local parishes of a very diverse nature and between them, they have a wealth of experience of how life is, on the ground, for the people of our country. Their comments do not tell us who to vote for but rather challenge us to think about the nature of the society we want to create: from that we have the, far from easy, task of deciding which policies may best bring this about. Between now and then we have Good Friday and Easter. Their meaning and message include hope and of great good emerging from apparent evil. In our troubled world that is surely an essential vision for us and the politicians who represent us. Elsewhere in this magazine you will see the local opportunities to engage with the Holy Week and Easter story. We wish you all a very happy Easter. Gerald South

LETTERS Dear Editor, Yes it is me again nagging your readers to please make sure they have registered to vote and are ready to go up to the Village Hall and cast their vote, our hard won democratic right. Reading through the last Village Appraisal there is no doubt that those who responded had very positive views about our local environment, our green belt of protection against over development, and yet surely there is also a need for balanced housing for young and old alike. Can we be certain that those standing for election are clear about what we want for Tatsfield? There was also strong support for a war memorial in the village, but when the Parish Council issued an appeal for volunteers to come forward for a project, there was a very poor response. Maybe a new Parish Council should take a stronger lead on this important subject; it is not too late for Tatsfielders to come forward and make this an election topic? Despite several attempts at redesigning the village centre we still have problems with parking and speeding traffic. The reports by our Speedwatch team indicate irresponsible driving is an ongoing problem; it is a miracle that we have not had more serious accidents. What chance is there that a new team of councillors at Parish and District level will have this as a priority during their term of office? These are just a few of the vitally important topics that will have an effect on our lives in Tatsfield in the future so please make sure you question the candidates about them and more. Whatever your own views are please make sure that you cast your vote on Thursday 7th May! If you are not going to be in the village on that day then contact the Election Office at Tandridge on 01883-722000 or download a postal vote form by going to www.tandridge.gov.uk Jon Allbutt

Dear Editor, Tatsfield Garage Just a word of thanks to Simon at Tatsfield Garage. On a couple of occasions this winter I called in to ask for help with replacement parts and was impressed by the prompt, courteous (and reasonably priced) service. More recently I had booked an MOT but was unable to take the car to the garage as I was unwell. I explained the situation to Simon who, very willingly, collected and delivered my car the same day. There was little work to be done but I was given clear and helpful advisory notes. I very much hope that his business will thrive in Tatsfield. Carol Jordan

16 Dear Editor, Give us back our gate please! I have lived in Tatsfield my entire life and as a child always walked to and from Church, taking the footpath over the fields from the village. Sometimes I still do! The footpath leading from Tatsfield village centre to St Mary’s Church (Footpath 21) starts with a very nice gate as it enters the field off Ship Hill. The next stile however is extremely dangerous. Getting over it is very difficult as there is a much deeper drop to the ground on the far side. And it is completely impossible for older or less agile people to negotiate. A lot of people who might otherwise use this path from the village centre to the church are unable to do so Walking round by the road not only doubles the distance, but also Church Lane is very narrow and without a footpath beyond the old school. Historically, there was always a gate at the site of this stile as this photograph, taken when Ship Hill was still an unmade road, clearly shows. Over 50 people have already joined me in signing a letter to Surrey Country Council to request that they replace the current dangerous stile with another gate enabling all who wish to use the footpath to do so, and in safety. If you would like to lend your support you can do so by contacting Surrey Council by post or email. Please be sure to mention the footpath number, 21. Email: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected] Or by post to: Rights of Way Officer, Surrey County Council, County Hall, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 2DN. Rosemary Brown ‘Then and now’ photographs may be seen on page 41.

Dear Editor, Thank you I would like ot say a very grateful thanks to the lady who helped me when I fell in Paynesfield Road on the afternoon of 6th March, She also very kindly took me to the doctor. I am sorry I do not know you name, so once again, my very grateful thanks. Isabela Edwards

TATSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL

Planning: At our March meeting we approved our ‘Development Statement 2015‘. This is designed to provide us with a valid benchmark for responding to planning applications and the means to influence the District Council when it decides whether to approve or refuse development proposals in Tatsfield.

It updates the statement prepared under the leadership of the late Eileen Pearce nearly a decade ago and tries to build on the views and preferences expressed in the Village Appraisal in 2013. The eight page document will soon be available on the Parish Council’s website.

We hope that if the next Parish Council decides to take advantage of current government policy and start work on a Neighbourhood Plan our updated Development Statement will be a useful foundation for such work.

We also considered one planning application – for a 1st floor extension to April Cottage in Grove Road. We had no objection.

Expenditure: We approved a grant of £200 to St Catherine’s Hospice as well as payments for an improved fire exit door to the Aileen McHugo Building, for new benches for Westmore and Tatsfield Greens as well as the village’s first defibrillator.

Benches: By the time this edition of the magazine is delivered you should have noticed that the new benches mentioned above have been installed to replace the old ones, many of which were in a very poor state. One of the advantages of the new ones is that they are made from recycled materials and need very little maintenance.

Defibrillator: The defibrillator has now been fixed to the right-hand side of the Village Hall as you face it from Westmore Green. More details are on page 21.

Annual Parish Meeting: This will be held in the Village Hall on the evening of Tuesday 28th April. More details are on page 30.

Ian Mitchell (Tel: 577376 Email: [email protected])

The next Parish Council meeting will be held at the Aileen McHugo Building at 8.00pm on Monday 13th April 2015. You can see the agenda at: www.surreycommunity.info/tatsfield/

18 TANDRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Elections 2015: This year we will be able to vote - on 7th May - for our representatives at three levels of government: seven councillors on Tatsfield Parish Council, the Tatsfield and Titsey councillor on Tandridge District Council and the East Surrey’s MP in the General Election. We don’t yet know who the candidates will be because people have until 9th April to put themselves forward. After that, we will learn from various sources who the candidates are in the three elections and there will also be information in the May magazine.

Five candidates have already put themselves forward to be our next MP and you will see from the notice elsewhere in the magazine that I have arranged a meeting in Tatsfield which all five candidates have agreed to attend. This kind of meeting is known as a “hustings” and is where election candidates debate policies and answer questions from the audience. The Tatsfield hustings will take place in the WI Hall at 8 pm on Wednesday, 22nd April and it will give you the chance to see the people wanting to become our next MP, to hear what they have to say and to question them. I hope that a good number of Tatsfielders will want to do this. If there are any additional candidates who put themselves forward after I have written this, I will be inviting them to join us on 22nd April.

If you are unable to come to the Tatsfield hustings, you might want to go to one of the three others which have been arranged in the locality:  7.30 pm on Monday, 13th April at Warlingham Church Hall  7.30 pm on Wednesday, 15th April at Oxted School  7.30 pm on Friday, 24th April at the URC, Caterham To be able to vote, you must be on the Electoral Register. If unsure whether you are on the Register, you can check with Electoral Services at Tandridge on 01883 732716. You have until 20th April to do this. Other key dates are the deadline for applying for a postal vote on 21th April and for a proxy vote on 28th April, and in both cases you should contact Tandridge’s Electoral Services.

I know there is a lot of cynicism about politicians at all levels and it is commonly held that they are all on the make, that they never listen to ordinary people and that it doesn’t make any difference who we vote for. We might as well give up if that’s what we really think and I myself don’t believe it is true of the large majority of politicians. I suggest that, whatever we think, it must be right that we all make a small effort to find out a little about the candidates and then on 7th May go to the Village Hall and vote for those we think will do the best job.

Cllr Bob David (Tel: 577357 Email: [email protected])

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Approach Road Resurfacing: I am pleased to confirm that this road is scheduled to be resurfaced (like Ricketts Hill Road) later this year. This may present some difficult times in accessing the village during the works but I will ask Highways to ensure a clear plan is available so that local residents will be able to plan their journeys.

Tatsfield School admissions - Sept 2015: As no one has approached me I assume that all children from the village who wanted a school place have succeeded in obtaining a place - many of you will be aware that we changed the rules last year and it is so important that local parents support Tatsfield School. It is a great school with a great team under Kevin as the Head Teacher with really excellent support from the teachers and support staff. I remember when we all fought to have the new school built and when one looks back it was a significant local improvement for Tatsfield children.

School Place Funding: Although this issue may not affect Tatsfield I wanted everyone in the village to be aware that after a sustained and important campaign with Government, Surrey County Council has at last received some additional funds so that we can build new school places. SCC currently needs to build an extra 13,000 school places over the next five years because of the rising birth rate and new families coming into Surrey.

Election 2015: Many of you are aware that Bob David is standing down after 12 years as your Tandridge District Councillor. I want to place on record my thanks to Bob for his cooperation in all local matters and his knowledge which has been most helpful as I have developed a sound knowledge of the village over the last ten years. I look forward to working with whoever is elected by you all on 7th May.

Cllr David Hodge (Tel: 020 8541 8003 Email: [email protected])

To Election Candidates for Parish and District Councils

You are invited to send a statement of up to 250 words, possibly with a head and shoulders photo, for publication in the May edition of this magazine.

This should be sent to [email protected] by 16th April at the latest.

20 TATSFIELD’S COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR

You may have noticed this small yellow box on the front right-hand corner of the Village Hall. It contains a public access defibrillator for use by anyone, should the worst happen and someone has a heart-stopping experience.

The British Heart Foundation says: “Public access defibrillators (PADs) can be found in public spaces like your local shopping centre, gym, railway station or village hall. The box on the wall contains a public access defibrillator (PAD). It's there for anyone to use on someone in cardiac arrest.

They are simple and safe. The machine gives clear spoken instructions. You don't need training to use one. Once in position, the defibrillator detects the heart's rhythm. It won't deliver a shock unless one is needed.

After a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent. When you call 999, the operator can tell you if there's a public access defibrillator nearby. Don't delay or interrupt chest compressions to fetch it, send someone else.”

It is important that everyone knows how a defibrillator works and what it can and cannot do. The Parish Council has therefore arranged for an expert to come along and tell us all we need to know.

Sessions will take place in the Village Hall on Sunday, April 19th between 10:30 and 12:30 and on Thursday April 23rd between 18:00 and 19:15.

Everyone is welcome, young and old, to ask questions and listen to the importance of such a unit to a community like ours.

Sue Smale, (Tel: 577660; Email: [email protected])

TATSFIELD COMMUNITY COMPOSTING

The site will open to the public on the first Saturday in April, Saturday 4th for the receipt of green waste from the village. Although you might have seen us up on the site during March this is because we need the additional time to do maintenance, turning and including in the new bins the allotment waste collected over the winter and bin rebuilding and whatever else it needs to prepare the ready for the season.

We will of course have stocked up the bins with Black Gold for your gardens or allotments in readiness for you all to come and collect some of the composted materials to process in to your gardens. See below.

Remember the compost you would have put down last season will have used up all of its goodness in your gardens and allotment so good large dollops of our composted material will help this recover if put down early.

With the THS April show coming early this year Saturday, 11th April you will need to collect the compost on the 4th if it is going to benefit your items for showing.

Remember the site is run by compost volunteers aided by some allotment volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort to make the site work, as well as the THS committee who make up the meet and greet team, along with support from the TPC and SCC without which we could not make this enterprise work.

So please do support it and come along and collect the compost as well as volunteering some of your time towards the running of the site.

“Fred “has been given his first annual service and has already started proving its worth keeping up with the throughout we have already done in March.

Information of what you can bring up to the site and when can be found in the THS Yearbook that you get when join the THS. Details on Page 33 inside back cover.

If you would like to join the society or join the band of volunteers to help on the composting site, then please contact Martin Allen on 01959 577201

Further details of the Composting Group and all other THS events can be found on the THS website: http://tatsfieldhorticulturalsociety.weebly.com.

Martin Allen

22 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

About 20 members joined us at the Third Gardening Club of the Year where our special invited guest and well known grower of top class flowers and vegetables Bryan Everest gave us a presentation on tulips, daffodils, a whole variety of fruit and much more, including tips on how to sow, show and grow to the best effect.

His talk was fascinating borne out of years of experience and the amount of questions he kindly asked along the way should mean that Tatsfield will enjoy a rewarding harvest this growing season and next. See the separate report in the magazine for greater detail of the talk.

Thanks to Bryan for his presentation but also to Barbara and the Fairtrade Group for supplying us with some “cake “surplus to their requirements. Lovely.. and to Angela for opening up and setting up the delicious and rewarding teas and coffees.

Our next Gardening Club will not be until September, further details will be advised, but as usual we will start at 7.30 pm in the WI Hall.

So our next event will be the Spring Show on Saturday 11th April and further details for this show can be found elsewhere in the Magazine, on the website but more importantly in the Yearbook that you receive as members of the THS.

Details for all later events can be found in the magazine, on the posters throughout the village on the THS website, which will be kept up to date with all of the above as well as our monthly email circulation.

When you read this the Yearbooks will have been out in circulation for three months so if we have missed you or just been unable to contact you please do help this worthwhile village society and join us. Please contact any one of the committee members or myself, details below, and we will arrange to come round and enrol you for the sum of just £5 for a family. Free with a small donation from seniors.

We are always looking for volunteers to run the committee to keep the society going so if you are interested in joining us please do let me know.

Martin Allen, Chairman, Tatsfield Horticultural Society (Tel: 577201 or Email: [email protected] Web address http://tatsfieldhorticulturalsociety.weebly.com)

LITTLE ACORNS

March has been a busy month at Little Acorns. On 5 March we embraced World Book Day and the children came dressed as a fantastic array of characters from their favourite books which they shared with their friends.

The following week was Red Nose Day for which we had a jungle theme. The children dressed as jungle animals and enjoyed a range of crafts, songs, games and stories. This was followed by a ‘Chimps Tea Party’ at lunch time with a cake sale too.

Two members of our staff, Karen and Ana, recently completed the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce – well done to them. This means that over 85% of our staff are now Level 3 qualified.

The children will be focusing on Easter themed activities for the rest of term. Hopefully the spring weather will soon be here and the children will be able to enjoy lots of time outside.

We are holding our main fund raising event on 2 May – see the poster in the magazine. Randy and the Rockets are a well established local band who play a range of music from the 1960s to current day. It promises to be a great night so please contact Emma or me if you would like tickets.

If you would like more information about Little Acorns or would like to register your child or have a look round, please contact Julie Barlow on 540775 during pre-school hours. These are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 0900-1500 and Wednesday and Friday 0900 – 1200.

If you have a child attending Tatsfield Primary School, our breakfast club operates every day from 7.15 am and includes school drop-off.

Rebecca Veale Chair of Little Acorns Management Committee (Tel: 573669)

24 TATSFIELD CELEBRATES FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2015

The end of Fairtrade Fortnight was marked in Tatsfield by a celebration in the Village Hall that was attended by over ninety people. This event was organised by Tatsfield Fairtrade Village group and sponsored by Tatsfield Parish Council and we had an interesting and informative evening. The event started with a short film ‘Fairtrade Matters’ about Fairtrade tea growers in Malawi. We saw how the co-operative functions and the benefits that are enjoyed by the community as a result of Fairtrade, giving us a glimpse into their lives. This co-operative has used the Fairtrade Premium to purchase motorbikes to reach more farmers and train them in better farming practices. They have brought a life saving ambulance, invested in building a bridge making transporting the tea crop more efficient and trading easier and are planning to build a school which will be ten minutes’ walk from the village rather that the current hour.

This evening was also an occasion to highlight the disastrous flooding that occurred earlier this year, and since the film was made, which has affected hundreds of thousands of people including the death of six people from this co- operative. A special raffle was organised and thanks to people’s generosity raised a wonderful £350 to go to the Malawi relief fund.

The Chair of Tandridge Council, Elizabeth Parker, expressed her pleasure at the number of people who were present and her thanks for being invited. We then had the opportunity to address questions to a panel, composed of Barbara Crowther, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Fairtrade Foundation; Paul Pirie, who has worked in senior charity management for over 20 years and is the current chair of the Lingfield and Dormansland Fairtrade Village Group and Reverend George Young, who set up Opportunities Through Trade, a local non profit initiative to supply Fairtrade stock to local groups and churches. We learned how co-operatives are formed and how new members join, where there is the opportunity for them to work.

The tea was delicious and copious and served efficiently. We had a range of lovely sandwiches, followed by a delicious selection of cakes, including chocolate brownies and for an extra treat some of Ann Hayes’s famous handmade truffles. There were also bars of Divine Fairtrade chocolate on each table to sample. Apart from the tea there was a chocolate fountain, (a definite favourite of mine!) with marshmallows and fruit to coat in melted chocolate.

There was a happy buzz of conversation as everyone ate their tea or browsed and shopped from Moyna Bridge’s wide selection of Fairtrade goods, food, clothing and presents. It is lovely to see how many people in Tatsfield support Fairtrade.

Tina Rhoda There is a photo of the Fairtrade Group on page 42

NORTH DOWNS SINFONIA

On May 9th, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, North Downs Sinfonia will play one of their most ambitious concerts. It will include Schubert’s Great C Major Symphony, number 9, known to all as the ‘Great Sea Monster’. There have already been rehearsals in January, February and March, and there will be a further two in April and one in May before the concert, under the baton of one of our most popular conductors, Francis Griffin.

With the theme as the Sea, there will also be Elgar’s song cycle ‘Sea Pictures’, which includes the wonderful ‘Where Corals Lie’, to be performed by the mezzo- soprano Nina Alupii-Morton, whose wonderful singing always has the audience clamouring for more.

We will begin our programme with Barry Stronge’s ‘Overture to a Lost Opera’. Barry was principal bassoonist of the NDS when it was first formed, and was a good friend to many of the players. A truly talented person, he not only spoke several languages fluently, but was an excellent musician and composer. He died at Christmas, and this is our tribute to him.

Tickets are available as usual from Linda’s, or by phoning 01959 577659, or by e-mailing [email protected]. Peter Maynard

The next edition of the magazine should be with you by the last weekend of April. Please see page 14 for details of submitting articles.

26 POLICE NEWS Seasonal greetings from your local Police team (this time it’s Easter).

I’ll start with the bad news. For a normally quiet village such as Tatsfield, the past month has suffered a proportionately high amount of crime - seven. Firstly, three non-dwelling burglaries feature, namely garages and sheds. An attempt was made to enter a garage in Paynesfield Road, which failed. Also a shed was broken into and a lawn mower stolen in Gwynedd Close. Lastly a garage and outbuilding were entered in Ship Hill, with nothing taken.

Next, a house burglary in Rag Hill Close resulted in a vehicle being stolen from the driveway. On the vehicle theme, one on Ricketts Hill Road had its number plates stolen from the driveway. In a clear case of fraud, a female resident from Paynesfield Road was convinced to part with a large sum of money for guttering work, which was never completed. Finally, a large consignment of beef steaks was taken from a barn on Barnfield Road.

Sadly, most of the above incidents are difficult to detect or investigate without witnesses, forensics or CCTV coverage. Keep your eyes peeled!!

And the good news is…..the sun is shining more, and the village looks lovely. I had to think of something else, to end on a high note! Cheerio for now, see you around the village.

PCSO Rupert Kelley

CANCELLATIONS FREE UP THE VILLAGE HALL FOR SOME SUMMER WEEKEND DATES

Due to cancellations, the Village Hall has now become available on Saturday 6 June, Saturday 4 July Sunday 5 July.

If you interested in hiring the Hall on these dates,

please email the Bookings Secretary, Helena, on [email protected] or phone her on 07983 011028.

TATSFIELD IN BLOOM 2015

A big thank-you to all those people who have left donations for Tatsfield In Bloom at Linda’s. These will help to fund the plants and other items needed to make the beds, hanging baskets and mangers look magnificent for the summer.

The team have been working hard on the Lusted Hall Lane track shrub bed and have also been weeding and mulching around the Village Hall, Parish Room and the Car Park. The mulch has been very generously provided by Ken Thurgood of Acacia Tree Surgeons. Please see page 42 for the photos.

At the beginning of April we will be transforming the Bakery Lawn bed to look like a vineyard with local vines and some from the Loire region of France. On Saturday 18 April we will be holding our annual Village Spring Clean when we ask everybody to come and help us clean up the village between 10 am and 12 noon.

On the first weekend in May we will be taking delivery of the plants for our displays and we will be planting up the hanging baskets and mangers in the colours of the French flag. The baskets and mangers are then looked after by members of the team ready for displaying in early summer.

If you would still like to help us by donating towards the cost of the project, please put your donation in an envelope or drop your “small change” into the box in Linda’s. Thank you. Jill Hancock, TIB Committee

DONATIONS TO THE MAGAZINE

Thanks to all individuals and Village Organisations who have sent generous donations which enable us to continue to produce the magazine and deliver it free to all households in the village.

It is not too late to make donations so if you would still like to make a contribution you can send a cheque payable to Tatsfield Parish Magazine to me, Mrs M H Langford, at Triple Trees, Ricketts Hill Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2NB.

28 BIG VILLAGE SPRING CLEAN

Saturday 18th April is the date of this year’s big litter pick-up, in and around the village. If you would like to help give Tatsfield that extra sparkle, please come up to the village centre between 10:00 and 10:15am.

You will be able to choose the road, or area, you would be prepared to tidy up and be issued with the necessary equipment. We intend to finish by 12 noon but you don’t need to stay for the whole session - any time that you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

If you possess a litter-picker please bring it along - there will be spares available to those who do not have one - likewise with Hi-Viz jackets (recommended if working on the faster roads). Refuse bags will be provided. The wearing of gardening gloves is recommended so please bring some with you.

As we intend to cover local footpaths, the wearing of boots would probably be advisable if you would like to help out there.

Please come along and help – your efforts will be rewarded with of a well-earned cuppa!

Hope to see you on the day.

Philip Brett

A previous village spring clean day was evidently very necessary and very successful.

Phil may be seen here guarding the collection.

Let’s hope for a good turn out on 18th April to support Phil and his loyal band of litter pickers who work throughout the year.

30 SONG AND VERSE FOR ORPHEUS

Last Saturday was a chilly day. An east wind, straight from the steppes, swept in across the Weald of Kent bringing with it freezing rain. An evening to avoid going out, perhaps.

Not so for some fifty- odd lovers of the arts from all over London, Surrey and Kent. One couple had come all the way from Yorkshire. At 7.30pm they converged on the welcoming portals of St Mary’s Church hall for a concert of song and poetry in aid of the Orpheus Centre, Godstone. This admirable institution helps teenage disabled people to find, through the performing arts, fulfilment and independence.

Ann Lovelace, an author, dramatist, producer and poet has been a leading light at Orpheus for more than 14 years and is also a Tatsfield resident. She read a charming and witty selection of her verse in between songs sung by Angus Morton, a former Orpheus student who now performs regularly all over the country. He possesses a beautiful baritone voice which was at its best in a wide variety of works both familiar and poignant.

Ticket prices were a very reasonable £10, and a selection of wines, soft drinks and snacks at prices roughly half those prevailing in public places. Both before the concert background music was provided by the guitar duo of Chris Lovelace and Denzyl Sequeiria.

It was for me an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable evening in an environment that was both stylish and welcoming. So much nearer than either London’s West End or Brighton – and much easier on the pocket. It was satisfying to reflect that, apart from the considerable enjoyment, the Orpheus Centre had received welcome financial benefit

More of the same please! Martin Edgerton Gill, London SE25

Before reading one of her poems Ann explained that since early childhood she had always loved the beauty and rhythm of words. Even before she was old enough always to understand them, just the sound of them would be enough to engage her. This prompted her to write ‘I wish I had written that’. Although poetry is better heard than read (especially when read by Ann!) we print this poem on the next page.

I wish I could have written that

I was browsing round the card shop We went to the theatre last For something to cheer up Gran. Thursday She’s been feeling pretty desolate To see a Shakespeare play. Since she lost her precious man. I sat entranced by the actors Forty two years they’d been And the words they had to say. married, We’d read it first in English They met just after the War. To help us understand It’s just beginning to hit her Why Romeo wished that he could And she can’t see the point any be more. A glove on Juliet’s hand. I picked up a card at random I cried when it was all over On the front was a tabby cat. The journey home seemed flat I thought when I read its message, I thought as the words danced “I wish I could have written that.” inside me. “I wish I could have written that.” The new vicar came into Assembly To dish out our spiritual diet Today was a day to remember! The teachers all stood on the It came as a complete surprise. sidelines I felt that my head had grown Glaring to make sure we were quiet. To twice its normal size. He read about strong foundations It happened first lesson this morning From the Book he held in his hand, When I read my class work out. Of building a house on solid rock We’d been given the task of writing Instead of on shifting sands. On something we felt strongly There was something that held my about. attention When I finished, the teacher came And for once I wasn’t tempted to over chat. And stood by the place where I sat. I thought as his words resounded, She smiled and said to my “I wish I could have written that.” classmates, “I wish I had written that!”

The Orpheus Centre, pictured here, is between Godstone and Bletchingley. Offers from potential volunteers are welcomed. The centre may be contacted on 01883 744664 or at [email protected]

32 TATSFIELD SCHOOL DURING FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

In preparation for Fairtrade Fortnight and to raise children’s awareness of Fairtrade once again, Kestrel Class (year 4) were set a challenge during half term week. They were asked to spot the Fairtrade logo on as many different products as they could. You can see here two examples of their findings. Well done to Kestrel Class for their interest and enthusiasm and for rising to the challenge! At the start of Fairtrade Fortnight Tatsfield Fairtrade group involved the children in an assembly focusing chocolate! Always a popular subject! We focused on ‘the cocoa bean to chocolate bar’ story and all the connections along the supply chain. You can see the children making a simplified ‘supply chain’ with the farmer, exporter, manufacturer, shopkeeper and finally the consumer. They all have a part to play and ought to get a fair reward for the work they do. Everyone along the chain needs to earn enough to provide for their families. Sadly it is the cocoa farmer who often loses out. By choosing to buy products with the Fairtrade logo ‘the consumer ‘ can be assured that the cocoa farmer will earn enough to provide food and clean water, clothes, schooling, doctors and hospitals. The children seem naturally to have a keen sense of ‘fairness’ and the assembly concluded with the singing a rousing Fairtrade song with the refrain ‘support the farmers of the world and do something good’ something we can all be thinking about when we do our weekly shop. Jennie South

ALADDIN - THE PANTOMIME The Tatsfield Village hall was packed with people on Sunday March 7 attending the pantomime of Aladdin staged by members and friends of St Mary's Church, and what a great show it was.

From the start of Act One, when the curtains opened, it was a joy to see the background superb scenery by Richard Budgen, and then in came the Widow Twanky (Colin Otterwell) who soon warmed the audience up. In no time at all she (he) had everyone hissing, booing, cheering and laughing. As the show really started, we were thrilled with the costumes and the glitter of the resplendent actors.

The soloists, duets and whole ensembles singing was enhanced by the use the best quality radio microphones played through the excellent public address system that we have in the hall. The lighting and continuity was super and as the story unfolded the appreciation of the audience was reflected in the huge glowing applause. In no time at all we had the spooky Act Six, which was "inside the cave". That part featured a lot of hissing and booing along with the "goody" and the "baddie" jockeying for the Aladdin's magic lamp.

During a short interval chocolate ice creams and very nice cakes and nibbles were being sold by nice people and in no time at all we were all looking forward to the second half.

The quality of part two of the show was even better (if that is possible) and from the Act Seven (in the Market Square) we were treated to the colourful full cast highlight of the Royal Wedding of the Princess to Aladdin, "properly" conducted by our own lovely Louise.

All of this was accompanied by excellent music provided by Helen Herd on keyboards, Mark Spanton on drums and Neil Moreland on Fender guitar. The hall's public address amplification sound effects and music, were well mixed by Philip Watts. The lighting team was Nick Ellis, Jasper Caringbull, and Mike Evans. Backstage was organised by Peter and Mary Watts along with Val Otterwell. The whole team of the actors was so good and credit must be paid to Eleanor and Heather Evans, Elisha Gammon, Madeline, Connie, Emily and Bridie Budgen, Lucy and Amy Coop, Jessica Ellis, Natalya Claringbull, Corrine- Rose Holyoake and Ruby Mitchell. Everyone I spoke to afterwards agreed that it is a "must have annually" event and credit must be given to the whole cast and helpers. Especially thanks to the writer and director of this wonderful evening who was of course our own Revd Louise Ellis with help from the associate director James Ellis. Congratulations and well done everyone. Dave Bishop

Please see page 41 for further photos

IT’S SHOWTIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VILLAGE HALL The Village Spring Show – 3 pm – 11th April No charge to enter your exhibits

Enjoy The Great British Bake Off? Try the set recipes for YORKSHIRE BRACK and OATCAKES (classes 58 and 60)

Love The Allotment Challenge?

Have you got some LEEKS or RHUBARB to enter into classes 36 and 38?

Can you arrange some FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN, (class 39) or a piece exploring ELECTION FEVER(41)

Watching The Big Painting Challenge?

Check your paintings for pieces that will fit into the set titles or get your creative juices flowing and produce some pictures

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (class 50)

A fan of THE SEWING BEE?

Have you got a piece of embroidery which you could enter into the craft class 48?

Easter is early this year so we hope that lots of people can enter daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and tulips in the HORTICULTURE sections.

Entering is easy. Use the entry form in the HORTICULTURAL YEARBOOK (pg 19) or go online and enter via http://tatsfieldhorticulturalsociety.weebly.com

ENTER BY APRIL 9TH

Any queries? Contact our show secretary Angela Sawyers on 01959 577434

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW to enjoy exhibits, tea, cakes. th 3pm Saturday 11 April.

REPORT A PROBLEM

Potholes, fallen trees, road signs damaged, street lights not working?

There are lots of issues that can be reported direct to Surrey County Council online.

http://new.surreycc.gov.uk/do- it-online

GENERAL ELECTION HUSTINGS Organised by Churches Together in Oxted and District 7.30 pm Tuesday April 15th at Oxted School Meet the candidates

ROCKING CHAIR

FREE TO COLLECTOR

Phone: 01959 577737

FOR SALE – SET OF 4 ALMARK CROWN BOWLS

Medium Weight in a Botra Case

Used only 5/6 times - £70.00

Phone: 01959 577679

TATSFIELD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING SHOW APRIL 11 2015 JUNIOR SECTIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL 2-17 YEAR OLDS ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM LINDA’S JUNIOR SECTIONS The Peter Hallam Trophy is awarded to the junior exhibitor with the most points from Sections H, I, J, K and L. Section H. JUNIORS 2 to 4 years (inclusive) Please state age on entry form. 63. Decorate a simple card photo frame 64. Make a picture of a bunch of flowers 65. A pot of flowers made from paper or other materials of the crafter’s choice Section I. JUNIORS 5 to 7 years (inclusive) Please state age on entry form. 66. Make a fruit salad. 67. Decorate a simple card photo frame 68. A pot of flowers made from paper or other materials of the crafter’s choice Section J. JUNIORS 8 to 11 years (inclusive) Please state age on entry form. 69. Make a bug hotel 70. Make 4 scones - any flavour 71. A design to celebrate the twinning association between Vern d Anjou and Tatsfield to include the names of the villages and 40 years. Computer use allowed Section K. JUNIORS 12 to 16 years (inclusive) Please state age on entry form. 72. Make 4 bread rolls – any flavour 73. Design a simple poster to persuade people to buy Fairtrade bananas 74. A sculpture or 3D picture which features materials gathered in the garden and promotes the natural environment Section L. Open to all Juniors under 17 years of age Please state age on entry form. 75. Horticulture. Create a garden in a bottle 76. Flower arranging. Spring in a tea cup 77. Photography. Spring in Tatsfield 78. Cookery. Four Chocolate Chip Cookies

38 www.tatsfield.org.uk

Local Business webpage now updated

To coincide with the start of the new advertising year in the Parish Magazine, the local Businesses webpage has now been updated so that all the advertisers which appear in the Parish Magazine are now online. The categories of business are the same and so are the entries. The only difference is that where advertisers have a website, the link is to their own website, otherwise the link is to the same advert that appears in the Magazine.

If you run a business which is looking to grow, and are not a current advertiser, why not advertise in the Parish Magazine and get a free entry on the Village Website? Just contact Maureen Perrin on 01959 577 679 or email her at [email protected]. Trevor Sykes, Sue White [email protected]

MAGAZINE ADVERTISEMENTS

Please look through our advertisements at the front and back of this magazine. We have some new advertisers for the advertising year just started and we are grateful to both them and to our longer standing advertisers for making this important contribution to the magazine.

Not only do these advertisements provide a useful service to our readers, it is the income received from them that enables the magazine to be produced and delivered free of charge to every household in the parish.

There are still a few spaces left and if your business would like to make use of them, or if you know someone who might, then please contact our advertising manager, Maureen Perrin on 577679 or [email protected]

Please support our advertisers whenever possible.

SHOPPING AT LINDA’S STORES IN APRIL When the greengrocers shop closed last summer, Linda began stocking fruit and vegetables. Since then, the range and quantity has grown. Many villagers are finding it very useful to buy fruit and vegetables without having to go outside the village. Have a look when you are next in the shop and see whether there are any fruit or vegetables you would like. The special bargains of grocery items vary from month to month and you will find details of the current bargains in a leaflet in the shop. Some of the bargains available until 14 April are:

 Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons £1  Maltesers, Mars and M&M Chocolate Eggs £2  Lucozade £1 (price marked (£1.99)  Pringles £1.25 (price marked (1.79) Don’t forget – all your Post Office needs can be met here. A reminder – postage costs go up on 30 March: a second class stamp will cost 54p and a first class stamp 63p.

Bob David

TEAS AT TATSFIELD CHURCH Where better to relax and spend a Sunday afternoon than enjoying tea and cake in the spectacular surroundings of St Mary’s Hall and Churchyard. Teas recommence: 3.00 – 5.00 pm from Easter Sunday until the end of September

40 The old gate (1920s?) and present stile mentioned in the letter on page 17

Scenes from the Tatsfield Pantomime–please see page 34

The Tatsfield Fairtrade Group –please see page 25

‘In Bloom’ volunteers prepare to mulch the car park beds

- that’s a lot of mulch! – please see page 28

42 43

ST MARY’S MATTERS

Open The Book (OTB) The all age service in March fell during Fairtrade Fortnight and was the focus of our service. We joined in a lively quiz, heard stories from some of the producers of those things we enjoy but cannot produce here: tea, coffee and cocoa, and thought about the difference it makes to the lives of these producers if we choose to buy Fairtrade goods when we can. Women Day of World Prayer 2015 St Mary’s hosted one of the services from the Women’s World Day of Prayer. This year it was the women of The Bahamas who had prepared the service and we heard about their hopes, concerns and prayers. The ecumenical service was really well attended and it was great to see so many people involved and to welcome people from other churches across the area. The refreshments with a Bahamian flavour following the service were a delicious! Please see page 52 for a photo. Holy Week and Easter (30th March-5th April) In the week leading up to Easter, there will be prayer stations set up around the church. The stations are designed to help us reflect on Christ’s suffering as he journeyed towards the cross and the events of Easter. They will also help us think about our own lives and about people who are suffering in the world today. The church will be open through the day and also between 7 - 8pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings so do just pop in any time. There are many different opportunities to engage with the Easter story throughout Holy Week and of course on Easter Sunday. There are several services at St Mary’s and some services where we will be joining other churches in our Team. All the details are below: Monday 30th March –Thursday 2nd April: Easter Prayer journey at St Mary’s. Church open through the day, also 7 - 8pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Mon 30th Mar 8pm Iona / Taize Service at St Mary’s Tatsfield Tues 31st Mar 8pm Healing Service at St Peter’s Limspfield Wed 1st Apr 8pm Stations of the Cross at St Andrew’s Limpsfield Chart Thur 2nd Apr 8pm Eucharist for Maundy Thursday at St Peter’s Limpsfield Fri 3rd Apr 10.30am Devotional Service at St Mary’s Tatsfield 12.00 Good Friday Walk through Oxted 12 noon at Council Offices at bottom of Station Road East Sat 4th Apr 8.00pm Easter Eve Team Service at St Mary’s Tatsfield. Easter Vigil and Service of Light Sun 5th Apr 10am All age Eucharist for Easter Morning (N.B there will be no 11:30 am service)

44 Pantomime Well done to everyone involved. A fantastic show! And thank you to the two great audiences! See page 34 for full review and page 41 for pictures. Teas The teas season starts again on Sunday 5 April and runs until Sunday 27 September from 3pm to 5pm. Food Bank Update A reminder that there is a food bank collection box in the Narthex at St Mary’s. A big thank you for everyone's continued contributions. We have now been collecting and delivering the food for the last 14 months! The last delivery of food, an amazing 26 shopping bags, was taken to our link Church in Brixton, Christ Church, on Friday the 20th of February. They were once again very grateful for our continued support. Every Thursday the church has up to 40 people who come for coffee and a sandwich and then they are given up to six items of food to take away. Thank you again for your continued contributions. If you have any questions please ask! Hilary Vale

Church flowers Lilies will be used in the church at Easter in memory of loved ones who have died. If you would like to contribute towards the cost of the lilies please send or give your donations in an envelope marked “Easter lily donation” to Revd Louise Ellis, The Rectory, Ricketts Hill or Mary Smith, Beechwood, Old Lane. The church will be decorated for Easter on Saturday, April 4th at 09.30 hrs. If you would like to help with the floral arrangements you will be most welcome. Please let Mary Smith know if you are available. Advance notice On Sunday 12th July The Limpsfield and Tatsfield Team of churches will be having a special joint service to celebrate five years of being a Team. The service will be at 10 am at St Peter’s Limpsfield. There will be no morning service at St Mary’s on this day. 100 Club Results of the March draw are: 24 R. Veale £50 26 N.Skinner £25 85 C. Hancock £15 Records February 15 Baptism of Sophie Paul February 18 Interment of ashes of Catherine Bailey February 28 Interment of ashes of Angela Burlinson March 8 Baptism of George Podd

REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH

These events, weekly unless stated otherwise, normally take place at the times given below, but there can be variations e.g. in school holidays. Please check with the organisers if necessary. Sun 10.00 am Church service – StM Mon 9.00 am PCSO Rupert Kelly Surgery – Linda’s Stores [to 10am] 9.30 am Tots on Top – CH 1.30 pm Bridge Club – WIH 6.00 pm Beavers – SH 7.30 pm Art Group – VH [Term time] 8.15 pm Bingo – TVC Tue 7.00 pm Pilates – TPS 7.00 pm Scouts - SH Wed 10.00 am WI Pop In – WIH 6.00 pm Cubs – SH 8.00 pm Yoga – VH Thu 9.15 am Said Communion Service – StM [3rd Thursday only] 10.00 am Over 50s Yoga – WIH 3.00 pm WI Darts – WIH various Martial Arts 5.30 pm Brownies – CH 7.30 pm Duplicate Bridge – WIH 7.30 pm Tatsfield Singers - TPS 8.00 pm Table Tennis – VH Fri 2.00 pm Short Mat Bowls –VH 5.30 pm Badminton club for Juniors - VH 8.00 pm Badminton Club - VH Sat 11.00 am Parish Council Café -The Bakery [to noon]

ADDITIONAL EVENTS THIS MONTH 3 Fri 10.30 am Good Friday Service - StM 4 Sat 10.00 am Churchyard tidy-up – StM 8.00 pm Easter Vigil and Service of Light - StM 5 Sun 10.00 am Easter Open The Book – StM; 11.30 pm Said Eucharist 11.00 am Ramblers noon Reception for Vern visitors - VH 3.00 pm Church teas start for the summer – StM [to 5pm] 7 Tue 2.30 pm WI - WI 11 Sat 3.00 pm THS Spring Show – VH 12 Sun 10.00 am Family Eucharist 13 Mon Tatsfield School term starts 8.00 pm Tatsfield Parish Council Meeting - AMB

46 14 Tue 7.30 pm General Election Hustings – Oxted School 7.30 pm Tatty Knitters - Bakery 18 Sat 10.00 am Village Spring Clean Morning 19 Sun 10.00 am Family Eucharist – StM 10.30 am Ramblers 10.30 am Defibrillator guidance - VH 20 Mon 7.30 pm Art Group Event - VH 22 Wed 2.15 pm Tea Dance – VH 8.00 pm General election Hustings – WI 23 Thu 6.00 pm Defibrillator guidance - VH 27 Mon 7.30 pm Art Group Event - VH 28 Tue 1.30 pm Whist Drive – WI 7.30 pm Annual Village Meeting – VH [7.30 for 8pm]

ADDITIONAL EVENTS NEXT MONTH 2 Sat 7.00 pm Randy and the Rockets - VH 5 Tue 2.30 pm WI – WI 7 Thu Elections 9 Sat 7.30 pm NDS Concert – VH 10 Sun Skydive – Maidstone (see p. 36) 16 Sat 9.45 am THS Plant Sale – Bakery Lawn 20 Wed 2.15 pm Tea Dance - VH 25 Mon Tatsfield School Half Term starts

FURTHER AHEAD June 14 Sun Tatsfield Gardens Tour 17 Wed 2.15 pm Tea Dance - VH 20 Sat 7.30 pm Tatsfield Hall Quiz Night – VH 24Thu THS Evening Garden Visit 27 Sat Tatsfield Singers Concert

Venues AMB - Aileen McHugo Building • CGA - Community Games Area CH - Church Hall • FC - Furze Corner SH - Scout Hut • StM - St. Mary’s Church • TPS - Tatsfield Primary School TVC - Tatsfield Village Club VH - Village Hall • WIH - Women’s Institute

If you would like your village event included in this diary in future please send details to: [email protected]

Tatsfield Art Group invites you…

To join us for two evenings with Sandi Jane Gray, Professional artist and tutor.

We will be using watercolours to complete a painting of a ‘still life with jug’

Mondays 20th and 27th April - 7.30pm to 10pm Tatsfield Village Hall - cost £20 payable in advance

Please contact me for more details or to book a place (limited places)

Sue 570097 [email protected]

Pictured here is some of the art entered in a village show last year. We have some very talented artists in the village and the event above may encourage even more to participate.

48 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO THIS MONTH

April 1915 brought news of the first serving soldier from Tatsfield to die during the First World War and what is believed to be the village’s first military funeral. He was 32 year old Arthur Martin. Arthur’s parents had moved to Emily (now Westmore) Road in the 1890s. Arthur was born in Westerham in 1883 and was a carpenter. By 1915 he was living with his wife Beatrice and their two children at 4 Grove Villas in the centre of the village. They had been married for just over five years.

Sapper Martin had joined the Royal Engineers at Guildford in February 1915, but he contracted scarlet fever soon afterwards. The Westerham Herald reported that complications followed and although recovery seemed possible and a return home planned, a relapse occurred and he died in the Military Isolation Hospital in Aldershot on 3rd April 1915. This was decades before antibiotics were available to combat such diseases.

Sapper Martin’s body was borne on a gun carriage from his home to the churchyard, where it was transferred to the shoulders of men of his unit. The pathway through the churchyard was lined by troops and local Boy Scouts and at the conclusion of the service a firing party fired volleys over the grave and buglers played the Last Post.

His war grave can be seen in the churchyard next to the path to the Millennium Hall and his death is recorded on the memorial plaque inside St Mary’s Church. Four more men from Tatsfield were to die while serving in the armed forces before the end of the year.

Also in the archives from April 1915 is a postcard sent from ‘The Home for Boys’, run by ‘Sister Curtis’ at the Chestnuts in Ninehams Road. A century ago, the Tatsfield air was believed to be beneficial to sufferers from tuberculosis and other lung complaints. With this card, Miss Curtis confirms that arrangements have been made to pick up parents from Westerham Station for their visit to their son.

Ian Mitchell, Tatsfield History Project: Email: [email protected] Tel: 577376

TREES

Are your trees protected?

The Tandridge District Council Tree Team is reminding residents to make sure any trees on their land are not protected before they start carrying out work, as they may commit a criminal offence if they carry out tree works, or damage a tree which is protected.

Tree Preservation Orders

In the Tandridge district there are over 800 Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) covering thousands of trees. A TPO makes it a criminal offence to carry out any work to the tree without the Council’s permission.

To find out if a tree is protected residents can use the Council’s LocalView mapping service (www.tandridge.gov.uk/localview.asp) or contact Customer Services on 01883 722000, e-mail [email protected]. To make an application to carry out tree works, residents need to complete an application form and submit it to the Council.

Planning conditions are used by the Council to keep trees, hedgerows and other soft landscaping on sites during development and for up to five years following completion. If it is considered essential to keep trees a TPO is often used instead. If valid planning conditions are in place, anyone carrying out work to trees covered by a planning condition must get permission.

Residents can find out if their trees are affected by a planning condition by calling Customer Services on 01883 722000 and asking for the Duty Planning Officer. Trees in Conservation Areas There are 19 Conservation Areas in Tandridge. If a tree in a Conservation Area is not already covered by a TPO, six weeks written notice must be given to the Council about any proposed work. This gives the Council the opportunity to consider protecting the tree. It is a criminal offence to carry out works to trees in a conservation area without giving notice to the Council.

Notice of work on a tree in a conservation area does not need to be given if the tree is less than 7.5 centimetres in diameter, with the measurement taken at 1.5 metres above the ground.

If you do not give the Council notice of your intention to carry out works to trees then the same penalties can apply to those of a TPO offence.

50 TATSFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL Year 5 had a wonderful time on World Book Day. These are a few snippets from their character profiles:

Miss Root is a slim, very slim woman, she is also very very revolting. Kai Wallace-Sahel

The Queen of Hearts has a head as big as the sun, her skinny lips are shaped like a heart. Freya Philip

I have black scruffy hair which I never wash, unless my mum tells me to! Callum Davidson

She has strawberry red hair and dark brown eyes, she has the most interesting dresses with beautiful patterns all over them. One of them even has a colourful pattern of space, with stars and swirling gases. She also wears cherry red welly boots. Chlöe Hilditch

Anne has silky blonde hair that bobs up and down in the wind. Her eyes are a deep blue colour like the sea in summer. Miriam Barry

I am an actress and great at kung fu. I’m on an advert for pot noodles. Zoë Jones

Lilly is quite young, she’s only about 11, she has one over- excited brother and two annoying sisters. Emily Alexander

Women’s World Day of Prayer at St Mary’s – please see page 44

Ritz for the bugs – please see page 62

52 (Photo courtesy of Jim and Ruth Yeeles.) WESTERHAM’S “BEATING THE BOUNDS”

Walking trails, Sunday Market, children’s entertainment and music

Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May 2015 - FREE

The historic town of Westerham is ‘Beating the Bounds’ on Sunday 3rd May 2015, complete with a family trail, market and activities on the Green.

This is a long-standing tradition, which involves walking around the parish boundaries. Westerham offers a choice of scenic routes to entertain walkers – from a gentle 2-mile stroll and family-friendly routes, to a more energetic 13-mile trek.

Gordon Rogers, Chair of the Westerham Society, said: “Starting on a delightful spring morning (hopefully), walkers will be invited to circumnavigate our town, enjoy the wonderful surrounding countryside and afterwards join in the fun on the Green – an ideal picnic spot. As well as our regular Sunday Market, there will be children's entertainment, refreshments and a programme of music to suit all ages and tastes.”

Music on The Green this year will include last year's popular Lucy Kitt, Hobo and the Hippies, and hip hop artist Tierz as well as local newcomers Bramstokers and Roxted - all kindly donating their time and talent. Everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun!

The Family Friendly Trail (section from Westerham Hill to Charman's Farm) will have plenty to interest younger participants, including a nature trail with an "Enchanted Wood". A downloadable quiz sheet invites children to find leaves and flowers and spot animals and local landmarks.

The walk takes in part of the Greensand Way and the North Downs Way and passes through Hosey Common, the Squerryes Estate and High Chart. Walking starts after 8am and more details and maps are available at http://www.visitwesterham.org.uk/whats-on/w-beating-the-bounds

54 SHED SECURITY ADVICE FOR TANDRIDGE RESIDENTS

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Gutierrez, said: "Sheds can be an easy target for the opportunist thief particularly if they contain expensive equipment and are sited away from main properties. I would strongly urge residents to spend some time upgrading garden security and ensure that any sheds or outbuildings are securely locked. Also, please remain vigilant and prevent yourself becoming a victim of crime, we need the community to play a part in deterring this type of criminal activity so please contact us if you see anything suspicious, your information could really make a difference.” Surrey Police recommends the following security tips: • Fit a good quality padlock, which has a hardened steel shackle (the part which opens and passes through the hasp) to all shed doors. The shorter the shackle the better because it prevents the jaw of bolt croppers being able to be placed around it. • Use anti-tamper screws or smear hard setting glue on the screw heads of the door hinges • Lock or permanently fix windows shut and cover them, perhaps with an old curtain, so no one can see what is kept inside • Install a shed alarm and place a sticker in the window or on the door to advertise the fact • Mark valuable property, including lawnmowers, power tool, bikes, and garden furniture by permanently etching on you postcode and house number • Chain up bicycles, lawnmowers and motorbikes and secure them to a fixed point in the shed • Consider storing more expensive electrical goods indoors or in a more secure building such as a brick-built structure • Make sure that fences/gates to you property are secure and remember to put any property away at night or when you go out during the day • Darkness is the perfect cover for burglars and the effective and economic answer to install outside lighting, which comes on only when people are present. For information about securing your property visit https://www.immobilise.com

MONKEY PUZZLE DAY NURSERY TATSFIELD

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Tatsfield is a brand new day nursery offering full time childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years. We are prominently situated on Church Lane. The old Victorian building, previously used as a primary school, is well known by all in the area. It offers ample space indoor and out, impressive high ceilings and superb levels of natural light.

Monkey Puzzle Tatsfield offers a safe and secure environment for your little ones to learn and develop through play. Each child will have their own key person to enable them to feel reassured, safe and cared for within our setting.

Our setting is specifically designed to meet the needs of babies and young children. We have large, bright, open rooms dedicated to our various age ranges and each room reflects the seven areas of learning, as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The creative outdoor play areas and state of the art learning resources provides children with a stimulating environment in which to thrive. - Award winning nursery group established over 30 years ago - We are open Monday to Friday – 51 weeks of the year - Closed for Bank Holidays and during Christmas week - We offer full day sessions from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm - Morning sessions from 7.30 am to 1.00 pm - Afternoon sessions 1.00 pm to 6.30 pm - Highly qualified and experienced staff members - Nutritious, well-balanced hot meals freshly prepared on site - Branded Nappies, wipes and creams all included in the price - Modern security system, including CCTV cameras - Amazing outside play area with impact absorbing safety surfacing - Additional, optional extra mural classes available for children

Our fees are inclusive of freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks and drinks. Daily menus are carefully selected by a professional nutritionist to meet energy requirements of growing children.

Our aim is for every child to be happy and healthy, enjoying their early years at the Nursery and for parents to have peace of mind that their children are in excellent hands

If you would like to book for our Open Day event or require further information, please call our Head Office on 0845 2720898 or 01442 878887 and we will be happy to arrange a time that suits.

Website: www.monkeypuzzletatsfield.co.uk Email: [email protected] Or like us on Facebook: Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Tatsfield

56 DEBATER - A LOVING FAMILY

I was asked to help in the story of four brothers named Lugton who were going to be evicted from their Council house in Oxted where they had lived for 40 years. The Lugton family, who used to live in The Square in Tatsfield, had received notification to quit their premises by February 16 following the death of their mother, Shirley, who had held the Council tenancy. You can imagine that, not only grieving for their mum, with this eviction hanging over their heads they were totally distraught. And that is where I started a lot of letter writing, (and sent first class post) to all of the leading politicians of every party, asking if they could offer some sort of help with their problem.

Well the outcome is that (as you all might have heard by now) the people who have to make such decisions at Oxted council, have kindly agreed that they can stay in the house after all, which is wonderful news.

Just for the record, my letters went (first class post) to all of the leaders of most of the political parties and other "senior" persons. The first to reply to me was Tandridge Councillor Bob David then David Hodge the Surrey Council’s leader. Then the Surrey Mirror newspaper took up the story and followed that with a picture visit to the Lugton's house. The BBC's Radio Surrey then contacted me and I was made "live" in the local programme to explain the sad Lugton story to their listeners, and what had happened, so far. There was more Surrey Mirror newspaper coverage followed by a letter from the Deputy Prime Minister's leader Nick Clegg's office, stating that they would follow up the story with the Housing office people at Oxted. A further letter followed this time from the office of the Prime Minister that pretty well went along the same lines. The final "leader" who made contact first of all with a long telephone conversation and then with a long understanding letter came from the UKIP's Nigel Forage.

And that's what happened fellow Tatsfielders. I'm pleased to relate that my and a whole lot of other people's efforts hopefully managed to help a bit. Now this very nice family of four brothers can relax after all of their worries of being evicted from their house were resolved. Now they can live happily ever after in the house where they have lived in peace for the past 40 years.

Dave Bishop

Editor: The following response to Dave’s article above has been received from the Chief Housing Officer of Tandridge District Council:

When a tenant dies and the right of succession has already been used, the Council has to follow a legal process to bring the tenancy to an end. We need to consider the housing needs of those remaining in the household and whether we can allow them to remain in the home under the law and under our policies. 57

A decision can only be made once all the supporting information from any interested parties has been received and our investigations concluded.

We appreciate this is very worrying at what is a very difficult time, but we also need to bear in mind the needs of other households on our Housing Register. In this particular case, we carefully considered the individual needs of the brothers and the impact separation would have on them and were able to let the brothers remain in the property. We are pleased everyone is delighted with this outcome.

Jayne Godden Miller, Chief Housing Officer

Composting and the new shredder

The arrival of the new shredder last year allowed the composting crew much more time to manage the composting process properly by turning and watering the heaps. As a result, very high temperatures were achieved in all the bins which means that this year’s compost supply should be of very high quality and much more free of weed seeds.

We are always in need of extra help at the site, so if you would like to lend a hand, or would like more details about what’s involved, please come along and see us up there. All our helpers agree that it is a great “work-out” in Tatsfield’s lovely fresh air!

THE COMPOSTING TEAM

PRESS RELEASE – ROUTE UPGRADE CONFIRMED IN SURREY An application to upgrade a footpath in Tatsfield, Surrey to a Bridleway was confirmed on 16th December 2014. Footpath 25, Tatsfield has been used by horse riders since before 1951 and continues to be used now. The application was made by British Horse Society member Ann Hayes and Surrey County Council supported by the application for footpath upgrade. The upgrading of this footpath, between Clarks Lane and BW511, means that riders can now link BW511 with Bridleway 27A, thereby improving the equestrian network in Tatsfield. Tatsfield Bridleways Association

58 THE NIGHT SKY IN TATSFIELD APRIL 2015

If you look towards the west soon after the Sun has set, you can’t fail to notice a brilliant object 25° to 30° above the horizon. This is the planet Venus, often called the “Evening Star” although this is a misnomer as it spends just as much time in the morning sky. Venus is the second “rock” from the Sun and is in fact our nearest planetary neighbour in space. There is a common misconception that Mars is our “twin” but this is not the case as the “Red Planet” is considerably smaller. In fact it is Venus that is the closest in size to the Earth although, apart from both being rocky bodies, that’s where the similarity ends.

Venus has a very dense atmosphere that is 96.5% carbon dioxide, leaving just 3.5 % for all the other components, which includes clouds of sulphur dioxide. The atmospheric pressure at the surface is 92 times that on Earth although there is very little by way of a magnetic field. If you haven’t been put off yet, the average temperature at ground level is around 450°C. In fact the clouds and atmosphere are so dense it is impossible to see what lies beneath them using conventional methods. However, by imaging the planet in ultraviolet light and by using radar it has been possible for astronomers to build up a picture of the Venusian surface. What they saw was a surface littered with large impact craters and huge volcanoes some of which had snow like deposits on their summits.

Most people are aware that the Earth’s axis of rotation is tilted by 23.5° which is why we have seasons. The axis of Venus though is tilted by 177° meaning it’s north pole points south. The effect of this is that Venus spins on its axis in the opposite direction to the other planets.

The other bright planet in the evening skies at the moment is Jupiter, located between the constellations of Cancer and Leo. If you look south during April evenings it’s hard to miss Jupiter around 45° above the horizon. If you do need some help, find the plough area of Ursa Major, which is almost overhead, and use the two stars in the bowl of the plough to point you towards Leo as shown in the diagram. Jupiter is just a little to the west (right).

Brian Mills FRAS

TATSFIELD VILLAGE SCHOOL OF DANCE

There is always something to get excited about at the dance school! Next term the students will be performing in our very first show. ‘It’s Showtime’ to be held on Sunday 12th July at Hazelwood School Theatre in Oxted. This is a fabulous opportunity for all the students to showcase their talent to family and friends in professional theatre surroundings. Needless to say the Summer Term is going to be very busy with rehearsals, costume making and scenery design!

If you have a child that loves to dance it’s not too late for them to be a part of our exciting show, just give me a call and come along for a free taster session. There are plenty of classes to choose from - go to www.dancefirst.co.uk for full details.

Emily Hunt, Principal

BARN THEATRE AT OXTED

BOEING BOEING Presented by the Oxted Players Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 May at 7.45 pm Tickets from from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01883 724852

ALL ENGLAND THEATRE FESTIVAL EASTERN AREA FINAL Saturday 23 May at 2.30 and 7.30 pm (A penultimate round of the All-England Theatre Festival, a national competition of one-act plays, from which the winner will compete to represent England in the British Final at Harrogate in June) Tickets from from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811

THE MAGIC FLUTE Presented by Commedia Productions Friday 29 to Saturday 30 May at 7.45 pm Tickets from from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811

60 GARDENING IN TATSFIELD

Weather lore suggests that rain in April is good for crops later in the year “If it thunders on All Fools Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay” Another saying that interests me is “If the Oak is out before the Ash then we are in for a splash, but if the Ash is out before the Oak we are in for a soak”. It is often the case that our great trees are slower to show flower and leaf in Tatsfield due to our heavy cold soil and our elevation. But is the decision made on the first to show leaf or flower? The Ash flowers first and is often slow to show the first leaves, maybe we should judge the winner on the first to show any growth at all – keep your eyes on these two great trees and then see if we get the weather promised!

Some gardens in Tatsfield still have Primroses and Cowslips growing naturally in lawns but sadly due to enthusiastic mowing and strimming these are becoming a rare feature. Our senior citizens will tell you that these were once common plants in gardens, hedgerows and around Tatsfield and Westmore Green. I was very pleased to see how the Primroses and Snowdrops are thriving in small pockets on Tatsfield Green since we started managing it as meadow. If you want to encourage these plants to spread please make sure that you avoid mowing them until the seed cases have turned light brown and break up easily when gently pinched. If you remove the seed cases carefully when they are ripe, the seed can be scattered in other areas, or sown in a seed tray and planted out in the autumn. Some folk suggest that all Primulas germinate more quickly if they are scattered or sown ‘in the green’, that is before the seed cases turn light brown; another important point about growing these lovely plants from seed is not to cover them after sowing, just lightly press them into the top of the seed compost.

The pruning rules for Clematis can be complicated so make sure you know which plant you have before setting to with the secateurs. Some later flowering hybrids should be pruned now, down to the first hairy shoots and that means taking off everything above. If you have a form of Clematis montana, a very vigorous spring/early summer flowering plant, you must wait until it has finished flowering and then prune it by taking off all the old flowering wood and then tying in the new shoots during the summer that will carry next year’s flowers. If you don’t do this you will end up with a mass of heavy old growth that is great for nesting birds but can be very ugly and can also bring down fences. If you have an overgrown plant to prune make sure to check it for nests before starting.

Jon Allbutt

NIGEL’S NATURE NOTES

Correspondence: Firstly, a report from Mary (Smith) telling us all about the construction of her fantastic new insect ‘hotel’ (13/01/15):

‘I printed off two pictures that I found when googling ‘Kent Wildlife Trust’. The frame was made from a couple of builders’ pallets and was anchored to the concrete wall behind. A small ridge the length of the insect hotel was built on top of the concrete to channel rainwater away. Slate tiles were balanced on the ridge and this provided a sloping roof. The materials used were old bricks with holes in that we Photo by courtesy of Jim and Ruth already had, bamboo stems, that we cut Yeales. Please see page 52 for a to size, flints that went in one section and better view. small logs in another. Large sections of bamboo were also cut to size and filled with reeds from old fencing. This last material has also been stuffed in between the concrete back and the other materials. As we had a small wooden box this was packed with a mixture of sand and clay, bamboo pieces put in the middle and the box placed on its side. We would like to see mining bees, wasps, beetles and ladybirds using their hotel.’

What a stunner, Mary. Any larger and you’d probably need planning permission! Hopefully, this will inspire others to summon up, and use, their construction skills. Do, please, keep us informed of residents as they arrive.

Next, a chain of correspondence from Liz (Armitage)

‘Been down to Sevenoaks today and as we passed through the traffic lights at Sundridge, I swear I saw an Egret paddling in the small pond there - is that possible? Do we even get them in England? Alan also said to tell you he was heartened by a cheeky Robin who kept pinching the maggots from his bait tin whilst he was fishing in Dormansland on Monday....’

I hate to tell you this, Liz, but we have had LOTS of Egret sightings reported between Westerham and Sundridge over the past couple of years. However, not recently, so thanks for the news. As for the Robin - what I want to know is how it got the lid off the tin?

This was followed by a query (with photographs) about a twitchy insect-eater: ‘So what's this one then, clever clogs? And if you tell me it's something common I will spit - because I haven't seen this in my garden before and neither Alan or I can find it in our bird book! White breast, bright yellow bum and yellow 62 on upper body at back. Walked like a Wagtail. Sort of twitchy, walking round my pond wall, eating insects I guess. Mind you, looked at Egret pictures and none of them looked like my little feller in Sundridge either - he had a fat little body, more like a cattle egret, but they stay in southern Spain and North Africa - sensible birds !!!!’

Very nice photos, Liz. Guess what? The bird you describe as a ‘wagtail’ IS a wagtail! A Grey Wagtail - 100% certain. They visit garden ponds and puddles during the winter but don't stay in any one place for long, so make the most of it while it's with you. Feel free to send it down the road! Cattle Egret? I think NOT!

‘Actually, I take back some of what I said - we think we have seen this bird in our garden before - a couple of years ago maybe - and I remember asking you about it at the time. It was flying on and off our holly bush for a day or so and then we never saw it again - so that would fit the pattern you describe. And it says they like running water with exposed stones - which describes our little (fake) river perfectly!’

And finally, this month, an apology to Julie and Martin Allen. I left their name off the list of Bird Survey respondents last month. Unforgiveable!

I currently have a wonderful backlog of correspondence awaiting publication thanks to our merry band of contributors, but it won’t last forever. So, why not share your news or observations? Contact: [email protected] Alternatively, drop a note in to ‘Linda’s Stores’ or to ‘Primrose Ridge’, Greenway.

TATSFIELD ROVERS UPDATE

Rovers picked up their first 3 points of the New Year on Saturday 7 March after coming from behind to defeat R H Athletic 3-1 at Furze Corner, with goals coming from Adam Trott, Luke Allum and Charlie Brown.

Rovers have a tough set of fixtures approaching which include 2nd place Boca, and 3rd place Walton Heath respectively – 6 points would see us seriously challenging for the runners up spot come end of the season – could 3 promotions in 3 years become a reality??!!

With only 8 games left of the 2014/15 season left to play, all support is hugely welcomed – please visit our website shown below for up to date fixture lists, and results.

Mark Cannings, Manager www.clubwebsite.co.uk/tatsfieldroversfc/248081/Home - twitter@tatsfieldfc Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07825336581

TEA DANCE SOCIALS April 22, May 20, June 17

We started running the 4 weekly Tea Dance socials in 2004 and they have been a lot of fun and good exercise for the many people who have supported them over the last eleven years. They are held on a Wednesday afternoon and the start and finish time of 2.15 - 4.50 pm was specially arranged to coincide with the local bus service for those who haven't their own means of transport.

Before we (my wife Jan and me) originally booked the Village hall, we saw a doctor and asked for advice on what should be a practical format. We were told that it would be a good idea to have an hour's dancing and then have a break for some refreshment which ought to include drinks. And so it came about that we have cream tea at 3.15pm with two freshly buttered scones, smothered in strawberry jam and topped with clotted cream. Along with that goes as much fresh tea or coffee as one can drink. We then have a quick twenty question quiz and a raffle, both with very nice prizes. The rest of the afternoon is spent in a mixed session of ballroom dancing to high quality music that is played on the Village hall's excellent public address system. Also the sound is set at a level that everyone can talk to their partner whilst they are dancing. We do not do ‘loud’ music.

The dances have proved so popular that at the last one we had eleven male dancers (plus me!) which gives the ladies a good choice of partners. The price is just £6 each person and we especially welcome beginners. So, it's all there for anyone to come along and have a jolly good time and all we need is, "yourselves!"

Dave Bishop

NOT SO YOUNG CLUB

This month was our AGM and Andy gave a very clear report on the year’s events. We were able to say that the finances are in good shape and, as a result, we suggested taking everyone to lunch at the Bakery, which seemed to be quite favourably received. George favoured us again with his usual joke sheet – good old George!!

At our next meeting on 14 April, at the usual time of 2 pm, we will be having a social afternoon and we will decide what everyone will enjoy doing to pass the time happily

Babs Heffernon (Tel:540602)

64 TATTY KNITTERS

We had a lovely meeting in March, a good catch up. Some of us had been to the Knitting and Stitching show at Olympia and some had spent lots of money!!! You can never have enough yarn.

In April we are going to have a meal. Andrew has agreed a 3 course meal for £25. If you are interested in coming along please either contact myself or Andrew at the Bakery. This will be on the 14th at 7.30 pm.

Don’t forget to enter the craft section of the Tatsfield Horticultural Society Show on the 11th April.

Val Quick (Tel: 576264/07761571071)

PLANS FOR ST MARY’S CHURCHYARD IN 2015

Over the years many people have shown an interest in the churchyard, some expressing appreciation but a number of others being very critical of how it has looked during the summer months. Not everyone has liked the policy to allow fairly unrestricted growth to allow wild flowers to flourish.

The churchyard policy has recently been reviewed by the PCC and it has been decided that the churchyard should be strimmed much more frequently so that it looks orderly all year round. The new strip of land beyond the hedge on the western side of the churchyard can be developed as a wildflower and wildlife habitat as it will be a number of years before this area is fully utilised for graves.

Regular strimming will be done by James Longley but there will still be work for volunteers the first Saturday morning each month from 10am to 12am, beginning in April, and we would welcome anyone who would like to help in keeping the churchyard looking beautiful.

Mary Smith

TATSFIELD RAMBLERS

The upcoming walks in the surrounding area for April 2015 are as follows. Everyone welcome including your dogs.

Sunday 5 April 2015 Leader: Jean Turner Venue: 11.00am Crockham Hill Village Garden. Via Dairy Lane, Hole Lane and Guildables Wood to Marlpit Hill, where we will stop for refreshments at The Swan. Returning via Pootings. One medium hill and one gentle one. Map Ref: TQ442506 Postcode: TN8 6RE Length: 6½ miles. 4 hours

Sunday 19 April 2015 Leader: Jan Shepherd Venue: 10.30am Keston Ponds Car park, on road from Biggin Hill to Bromley Common, halfway between Heathfield Road and Fishponds Road. Map Ref: TQ419639 Postcode: BR2 6BF Length: 6 miles. 3.5 hours. To Farnborough Village and back, via the Wilberforce Oak and High Elms. Refreshment stop at Farnborough, either the pub or the teashop.

Walks can be subject to change at very short notice. Please either telephone or check the website. www.westerhamramblers.org.uk.

The Ramblers do not carry insurance. They started as an informal group, and never felt it necessary, so everyone is responsible for themselves (and their dogs).

Angela and Roger Sawyers (Tel: 577434 Email [email protected])

TPFA 100 CLUB Congratulations to the 100 Club winners for February 2015: 1st prize: Les Eames £43.50 2nd prize: Keith Woolfrey £29.00 3rd prize: Paul Menham £14.50

PUZZLE PAGE F Answers to last month’s puzzle.

School staff car Entrance to field A B park off Ship Hill

Allotments St Mary’s Church C D

Furze Corner WI Hall E Playing Fields F

Hestor DuGal

Index of Advertisers This magazine relies on its advertisers for income. Please respond by making use of them when possible ACCOUNTANTS/FINANCE ESTATE AGENTS PLUMBERS IQ 85 Howard Cundey 5 David Rudd and Son 11 Kempster & Dale 86 James Millard 83 R Thorpe 71 ATTRACTIONS FITNESS PRE SCHOOLS Beaver Water World 73 Moor Energy 89 Honeys Nursery 85 Bouncy Castles 87 Pilates, Emily 4 Kestrel Centre 82 Titsey Place 2 Pilates, Caroline 76 Little Acorns 9 BEAUTICIANS Tai Chi 7 Monkey Puzzle 78 Mobile Chiropodist 87 FUNERAL DIRECTORS RESTAURANTS Summerhouse 12 Alex Jones 74 The Bakery 3 Mobile hairdresser 72 W. Uden & Sons Ltd 77 RIDING BUILDERS GARAGES Beechwood 7 B.H.Plastering 83 Motorist Centre 8 Mayfield 73 A.W.Carpentry 8 J.Panther 92 Saddlery and gun room 6 JCG Builders 7 Sunningvale Services 91 SOFT FURNISHINGS Ling &Sons 74 Tatsfield Garage 81 Accent Furnishing Ltd. 71 Denis.H.Reeves 70 GARDENS Benasa 6 CAR/VAN RENTAL Knights Garden Centre 74 SOLICITORS Practical Rental 88 Heritage Management 87 Thomas Dunton 75 CHARITIES Woodstone 69 TAXIS Chartwell Cancer 81 GOLF A25 5 CHIMNEY SWEEPS Parkwood Golf Club 80 Discovery Cars 79 Bunting 79 HOMECARE Streaky Cars 12 Milborrow 83 Helping Hands 89 THERAPY CHURCHES HOME MAINTENANCE Homeopathy 82 New Life Church 11 Caroline Mee 79 Remedial Massage 71 CLEANERS Mike Cosgrrove 83 TIMBER T & C Ultra 69 DP Bespoke 76 Ryall & Edwards Ltd. 84 CLOCKS Ray Dry 82 Oakland fencing 9 James Marten 90 Jaycy 90 PMJ Fencing 72 COMPUTERS Dave Jeffrey 90 TREE SURGEONS MR Computing 92 RB Interiors 7 Acacia 12 DANCE David Waite 89 TELEVISION Adult Tap 4 INSURANCE Digital Vision 10 Dance First 84 Flexible Health 70 TUTORIAL DISCO INNS Adie's Art 10 Hits Disco 3 The Old Ship 75 Private Tuition 3 DOUBLE GLAZING LINGERIE WINDOW CLEANERS Glass & Glazing 72 Entre Nous 10 Waites Windows 76 DRAINS PETCARE Drain Man Direct 90 Pet watch 6 ELECTRICIANS PICTURE FRAMING David Alexander 86 Tatsfield P Framing 69 H.Lilley & Co, Supplier 78

68 T & C Ultra Cleaning Services

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78 LADY PAINTER AND DECORATOR

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81 KESTRELS CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Would like to say a BIG HELLO To All The Parents OF Under 5’s

Who Live in TATSF IELD (Do you know there are currently 76 of y ou !)

Kestrel is based in Caterham, but our Outreach Team are happy to visit you at home to help with any family hiccups that may be troubling you:

In the past we have helped families to work through issues such as:

· HEALTH: Breast feeding & weaning advice, baby massage, toilet training, child development & individual needs of children, smoking cessation & healthy eating · FINANCE: Including guidance on benefits , tax credits, budgeting & dealing with Loan Sharks · EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT: Including literacy, numeracy, language, access to Job Centre Plus & WEA · RELATIONSHIP ISSUES: Parenting, Separation & Divorce and the effect on the family

We can also be contacted via Tatsfield school or Tots on Top. Join us on Facebook, by typing Kestrels Children’s Centre into the group search facility or alternatively view our web site for more information www.kestrelschildrenscentre.c o.uk

To arrange to speak to us call Tara on: 01883 348641

RAY DRY

ALL TYPES OF MAINTENANCE AND DECORATING

No job too small

01959 577340 07774 651166

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PAINTING DECORATING GARDENING

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or Tel:01959 564081 01959540615 M: 07789 190774

During these difficult times it makes sense to check that you are getting the best value for money from all your financial products, pensions, protection and life assurance.

As Independent Financial Advisers we provide unbiased advice on a wide range of financial options. Our initial 45 minute meeting is free at either our offices or your home, so what do you have to lose, other than a preconception that because we offer financial advice, we’re naturally dull and uninteresting!

To be pleasantly surprised, please call us on: 01959 571300

IQ Wealth Management IQ Wealth Management is a trading name of Philip Clarke who is an appointed representative Aileen McHugo Building of Paradigm Financial Advisers Ltd. Paradigm House, Brooke Court, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND Westmore Green Tatsfield which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. Kent TN16 2AG •The FSA does not regulate tax planning. ‘Equity Release - this is a lifetime mortgage Tel: 01959 571300 to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration’. Fax: 01732 866622 [email protected] k Www.iqwealthmanagement.co.u k “Busy little bees come to Honeys Nursery”

 Centrally located in Church Road, Biggin Hill, Safe secure enclosed building and grounds

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Telephone: 01959 540366 Email: [email protected] Website: www.honeysnursery.co.uk

85 DAVID ALEXANDER

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 01959 542581 M 07082 157971

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Tel: 01959 541083 Mobile: 07949 307906

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Grass Mowed.Tree Work Hedges Cut/Turfing Overgrown Gardens Winter Tidy Ups Snow cleared Patios. Sheds Erected Fencing & Repairs Brickwork Repairs Gutters Cleaned & Repaired External & Internal Painting

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89 DAVE JEFFERY

Complete Decorating and Property Maintenance Service Domestic and Residential Electrical Services Full or part re-wire

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•• FOC quotations and advice •• all work considered •• fully insured••

Tel: 07776 025404 or 01732 863726 ** Email: [email protected]

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