The community has been overwhelming with its dedication and support in thanking the NHS, Front Line and Key Workers every week. Residents in Warlingham have been treated weekly to Mick from the local band ‘Randy and The Rockets’ sing once the hand clapping has finished. Recent weeks have seen him treat neighbours to renditions of ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’. Last month he also led the way with singing Happy Birthday to Captain Tom!
At the 17th Purley we enjoy camping and fun. We were inspired to be part of the big camp at home in order to be part of a record breaking camp and make our time in lockdown worthwhile. Although we couldn't be together over 50 members from the group including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts built dens and put up tents at home. The leaders set camp challenges including learning knots, cooking and preparing menus. The first night of camp culminated in a group game of bingo...all virtually of course. We have since found out that there were over 82,000 people camping worldwide and we broke the record.
Stuart Nicholson is a London Scottish Regiment Piper in ‘The Pipes and Drums of The London Scottish Regiment’ and lives in Warlingham, Surrey.
Amidst the VE Day celebrations, Stuarts’ band were due to participate in a large musical parade along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace to celebrate the occasion, but along with so many others the plan had to be cancelled due to the Corona Virus Pandemic and of course the Lockdown.
On VE Day Stuart has now planned to dress in his uniform and (while adhering to government guidelines) play a few pieces at the Warlingham War Memorial before observing the minutes silence at 3:00 PM.
So, we find ourselves in the strangest of times and I know I'm not alone when I talk of the comfort I've taken in the outdoors and especially as I am lucky enough to have my own garden.
Mother Nature certainly knew what she was doing during April – she gave us a balmy Spring to boost morale and the wet, stormy Winter has all but been forgotten!
May is a busy time in the garden with lawn cutting and weeding starting in earnest. We had some well-needed rain at the end of April and that will have given all plants a little of what they need to burst forth and grow and this includes the weeds. The easiest ways to weed are either getting down on your knees with a hand trowel or use by using a hoe to decapitate the weeds. You may use both techniques but be aware of your back and bending over for too long.
If you've been growing any plants from seed or have vegetable plants or Summer bedding to go out into the ground, baskets or pots – HOLD FIRE! Don't be tempted until the threat of a frost has gone otherwise all your tender plants will be at threat from the cold nights that can still be around well into May.
Structural change: strained a muscle? Something out of alignment? Slipped a disc? If you are experiencing a lot of “new” pain, speak to an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or GP. They may be able to diagnose you via Zoom and help alleviate symptoms so you can move forward with recovery.
Stress: Will we return to work? Workload higher? Juggling kids, partner or confused pets? These can all add to muscular tension we’re not aware of. Find 5 minutes in the day for you to be still and clear your mind. Take a long bath, read a book, listen to music or try meditation.
Changes in lifestyle:sitting more? Trying new exercise or longer sessions? New desk? Looking at screens more? Laying in longer? All of these are changes for your back.
Nearly all of us suffer from over-used upper trapezius muscles in the neck rather than using the larger muscle groups in the back whilst all sorts of muscles support your spine, not just the obvious abdominals and back extensors but pelvic floor and even feet could be contributing to your discomfort.
Ask yourself the questions above then seek help from a movement professional. A qualified instructor, with experience and qualifications of dealing with injuries, will teach you targeted exercises and monitor how you’re performing them. Most lifestyle, stress, muscular and posture issues can be improved with good movement instruction.
Local businesses Sarah Olivia Photography and Gillett Training Services have teamed up to raise money for East Surrey Hospital and Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
The project, ‘Capturing a Community’, aims to document the people of Tandridge during lockdown. It involves taking pictures of local residents on their doorsteps, in return for a donation to their Just Giving fund. Participants will receive a high resolution digital copy of the best image: we’ve featured a few here and you can look out for more on our website next month!
Email contact@saraholiviaphotography.com to take part. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/capturingacommunity
Chaldon Cares has certainly brought the Chaldon community together making it an even more sought after village. Chaldon Cares has revealed the generosity and compassion from its’ residents. Whether it be collecting shopping, a conversation with a neighbour, donating to the newly created hardship fund or helping cook and deliver 180 portions of fish and chips, Chaldon Cares now has over 50 volunteers planning, organising and supporting the village group.
Local pub Landlords Becky & Dave Cox (The Harrow) have been cooking Fish and Chips at their premises every Friday. Volunteers then deliver these to local homes. Becky and Dave have done an amazing job and thank you to Shauna and Sarah who box the food ready for delivery and of course the delivery drivers too.
Lorraine’s little Jam and Chutney Company has been running for over 7 years from Caterham on the Hill. Starting out as a hobbie from her home, Lorraine Hewitt has quickly grown this into a thriving business as demand for her homemade products are welcomed by local residents. Some of you may have tried her delicious products at local fairs and events , under normal circumstances her diary would be ‘jam-packed’ this summer!
Lorraine is best known for creating bold and unusual flavours, alongside more traditional fayre such as strawberry jam, orange marmalade and caramalised onion chutney.
During these challenging times, Lorraine has seen her sales rocket as local consumers are avoiding supermarket queues and preferring to shop local. As a result, lots of new customers are enjoying her delicious range as well as repeat customers.
Lorraine is offering a delivery service within a 2 mile radius, or you can collect from her direct. Please call her on 07933 152796.
The Caterham & District Horticultural Society is appealing to local residents to help bring colour to Caterham after lockdown. The group, believed to have been founded in 1886, have several social initiatives underway that will be revived once restrictions are lifted.
The Community Garden and Caterham in Bloom projects aim to unite Caterham through gardening, exercise and companionship; giving people the chance to share their experience, knowledge and skills. The Society encourages people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors: pupils from Hillcroft School were about to help install new planters, bought with donations from Caterham Rotary Club and Sutton & East Surrey Water, in the High Street before lockdown postponed the activity.
Janet Manning, Chairman: “We’ve welcomed three new members since lockdown and we’d love our wonderful Society to grow even more!”
To find out more visit their website: https://caterhamdistricthorticulturalsoc.weebly.com
