Love Local Spelthorne - July 2022

love local

July/August Edition

S P E LT H O R N E

Your FREE Local Community Magazine

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

S P E LT H O R N E

Welcome to the Summer Edition

Contents

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, what a wonderful long weekend it was and Spelthorne certainly played its part in the national celebrations. There were a variety of events all over the borough, you can find a picture gallery on the SBC website at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/jubilee

Page 10 - Remembering Staines Air Disaster

Page 8 - Spelthorne Youth Hub

Page 18 - Holmes and Family Page 20 - Money on My Mind

The Local Plan and Staines Development Framework 3-month online consultation began on Wednesday 15 June 2022.

See inside for more detailed information on the plans. You have until Monday 5th September to have your say and share your feedback.

Bocketts Farm is a firm favorite and we know many of our local families agree, be sure to check out our kids word search, you could be the lucky winner of a family ticket to the farm, a perfect summer holiday day out. Keep an eye on our Facebook page too where we are giving away 6 tickets to the local Beer Festival taking place at Spelthorne Sports Club over the weeknd of the 16th and 17th of July.

We hope you enjoy the Summer and we will be back again in September.

Until then

Page 23 - Jubilee Celebrations Update Page 27 - The Kitchen Spa Page 28 - Spelthorne Local Plan Page 30 - Bocketts Farm Competition

Our next edition is Autumn and will be out early in September. Contact us today to find out more about including your business.

Get In Touch

Carley@lovelocalspelthorne.com Whatsapp - 07903 787371

Carley, Lisa and Love Local Team Carley@lovelocalspelthorne.com Lisa@lovelocalspelthorne.com

Disclaimer The Love Local Spelthorne is produced by Leaflets2go. No parts of the production can be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission from the publisher. While all reasonable care has been taken in the production of this magazine we do not accept any liability for inaccuracy. © The Love Local Spelthorne 2022

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Supporting your Local Kitchen & Interiors Specialist – Ashford Kitchens & Interiors As you’re probably aware, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been detrimental on lots of smaller businesses and many have struggled to stay afloat this past year. Shopping local and turning to the high street is more important than ever before, and this is certainly one of the best ways you can support businesses as life starts to return to ‘normal’ once again.

If you’re planning a big kitchen renovation and you’re wondering why local kitchen experts should be your first port of call for a home improvement of this kind, keep reading today for how Ashford Kitchens & Interiors can help you with your project.

You will receive uncompromising customer service Here at Ashford Kitchens we will provide you with the customer service you’re deserving of.

We will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and ensure that you’re happy with your experience with our friendly team.

You can trust that we genuinely care about you and your kitchen project, and will provide the best possible service from the moment you step into the showroom. We are a true family run business,

going for 37 years now so our reputation is very important to us.

They will support you from beginning to end By turning to Ashford Kitchens, you will have support from the very initial design stages all the way through to the completion of the installation. You will be dealing with the same people throughout and you will never have to worry about the capabilities of the team helping you, with many years in the industry. The installation will be timely, efficient and completed to the highest standard too, so you’ll always be delighted with the end result.

They will use the highest quality products We will always supply homeowners with products that are of the highest quality. We provide kitchens, bedrooms and offices that are built to last for years to come.

We use leading British manufacturers where possible and have a wide range of incredible products for you to choose from. We will ensure that every element of your kitchen design is up to standard, from the worktops and the splashbacks to the appliances and the lighting, so that nothing lets you down.

Working with us When you’re searching for a local company that can help you with the design and installation of your perfect kitchen, be sure to contact us here at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors. Since being founded back in 1984 we have helped so many homeowners with their home improvement projects and we will gladly assist you in any way that we’re able to. Why not pop into one of our showrooms on the high street of Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire or Ashford, Middlesex.

We are proud to be a local, friendly, family-run business with high standards and you can trust that we are the best people to turn to for help with your kitchen, bedroom or home office renovation.

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

Local Specialists since 1984 Let us help you find your perfect kitchen, bedroom or home office.

www.ashfordkitchensandinteriors.co.uk Farnham Common Showroom 1-2 The Parade, Farnham Common, Bucks SL2 3QJ 01753 642362 Ashford Showroom 85 Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2PE 01784 245964

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Stagecoach Staines Stagecoach Staines has been run by Principal, Natasha Clarke for 16 years.

Natasha, having been an actress and singer in the past, loves to share her vast knowledge of the industry with the students.

appropriate groups), attend for 3 hours per week.

Classes are run on a Friday after school, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. We also offer holiday camps at Easter, Christmas and summer.

This summer, the theme is the fabulous We Will Rock You for the 6+ aged group and A Monsters Extravaganza for the 4-6 year olds.

Over the years, students have performed at Disneyland Paris, Shaftesbury Theatre, Her Majesty's theatre in the West End, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and most recently, were part of the celebrations for the Queen's Jubilee. We have had some very memorable guests come to watch our talent shows including Amanda Holden, Keeley Hawes and last term we had Matt Lapinskas form Eastenders. Stagecoach Staines is a nurturing environment where we believe every child can shine. Each week, students are taken through their paces learning Singing, Dance and Drama. Children aged 4-6 attend for 1.5 hours per week and children aged 6-18 (split into age

Stagecoach Staines is a place for all children, whether it is to boost confidence or develop the next West End star. Our teachers all have DBS and degrees in their discipline, as such, the students are taught to a very high standard.

Stagecoach Staines

It's a place for all children to shine, become more self-assured and express themselves.

Stagecoach Staines is based at Thomas Knyvett College, in Ashford, Staines. For further information, please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/staines email: staines@stagecoach.co.uk

Thomas Knyvett College Stanwell Road, Ashford TW15 3DU

“We Will Rock You” Summer camp for children aged 6-18 years 10-4 pm daily

We accept all childcare vouchers

Monsters Extravaganza

for children aged 4-6 years. 9.45-12.45 (longer hours available if required)

A week when more than the sun will shine!

Students will explore the exciting world of Stagecoach Staines learning Singing, Dance and Drama. The week will culminate with a fabulous show for family.

July 25th-29th & August 22nd-26th No Stagecoach experience necessary

Autumn term classes start back in September, Friday and Saturdays

STAGECOACH STAINES

www.stagecoach.co.uk/staines 07802 800633 | staines@stagecoach.co.uk 6

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

WORDSEARCH – BIRDS Albatross Budgie Crow Cuckoo Falcon Finch Ducks Goldfinch Grebes Heron Hornbill Hummingbird Kingfisher

Ostrich Owl Parrot Robin Shorebird Songbird Sparrow Stork Swallow Thrush Tit Woodpecker

Excellent rated Prep School for pupils from Nursery to Year 6 September 2022 places remaining Book your personal tour today Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 2BT

Every Step of the Way www.stainesprep.co.uk

admissions@stainesprep.co.uk

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Spelthorne Youth Hub opens office in the Elmsleigh Centre The Spelthorne Youth Hub which offers careers and education advice for young people is opening in the Elmsleigh Centre in Stainesupon-Thames on Monday 13 June.

Located in the unit formally occupied by Decathlon, the Youth Hub helps young people aged 16 – 24 to access work, training and education by offering a range of support, including: • one-to-one coaching from experienced staff • support from business mentors • opportunities for work experience and work tasters • volunteer opportunities • CV writing • exploring career opportunities • support to raise confidence and self-belief • employment matching services • funding for training Cllr Colin Barnard, Chair of Spelthorne Borough Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “We know that young people experienced a loss of confidence during the Covid pandemic and do not always feel well supported when it comes to finding work or starting further education. The Youth Hub team can give tailored advice based on the individual’s circumstances, identifying gaps in skills and training, helping with things

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like drafting a CV, as well as linking young people to local businesses offering work experience or permanent employment.”

Kam Purewal, Marketing Manager at the Elmsleigh Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Spelthorne Youth Hub to the Elmsleigh Centre, it will be a great addition offering help and advice to the youth of today.”

The Youth Hub will be open Monday – Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Just dropin or call 07770 481773 or email info@spelthorneyouthhub.com to make an appointment.

For more information, visit www.spelthorneyouthhub.com The Spelthorne Youth Hub is supported by Spelthorne Borough Council, A2Dominion, I Choose Local, Brooklands College, Staines Rotary, Job Centre Plus and the Spelthorne Business Forum.

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Remembering the 118 victims of the Staines Air Disaster The flag at Spelthorne Borough Council’s Offices will be flown at half-mast in memory of the 118 people who lost their lives in the Staines Air Disaster on 18 June 1972.

Cllr Susan Doran, the Mayor of Spelthorne, said: “The thoughts of this Council are with the families of the 118 people who lost their lives in the worst aviation accident this country has ever seen. We also pay thanks to the emergency services at the scene who dealt with the sheer horror of the tragedy. 18 June will remain a dark day in Spelthorne’s history and today is a day to reflect and remember.”

The aircraft, a Hawker Siddeley Trident referred to as Papa India, took off from Heathrow at 16:08 but, after entering a deep stall, crashed just 150 seconds later. The crash remains the deadliest air accident to have taken place in the United Kingdom; the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 that killed 270 people was a result of terrorist action. Among the dead were 29 Americans, 29 Belgians, 28 Brits, 12 Irish, four South Africans, three Canadians and one from French West Africa, India, Jamaica, Latin America, Nigeria and Thailand respectively.

The public inquiry made several recommendations to improve aviation safety.

These included the installation of cockpit voice recorders and, today, regulations state no unnecessary activities or conversations in the cockpit should take place below 10,000 feet.

which depicts a dove at St Mary’s Church, Staines-upon-Thames, which also houses a memorial book to the crash. St Mary’s will be holding a 50th anniversary services on 18 June at 11am, followed by an ‘Act of Rededication’ at the Memorial Garden in Waters Drive, TW18 4RP at 2pm. For more information and to register please visit: www.accf.co.uk/events/the-trident -papa-india-50th-anniversary-memorialservice At a Council meeting on 26 May 2022, Councillors paid tribute to those who lost their lives. You can listen to the recollections here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GzmJbyjfY4

There is a memorial to the crash in Waters Drive on the Moormead Estate and a commemorative stained-glass window

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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The Humble Bumblebee (and friends) Why we all need to make a beeline to our buzzing friends,who are pivotal to the future of our planet.

You can also create a buzz in your own back garden, by laying a foundation to encourage bees into the space, where what’s around them will thrive:

The bee population (bumblebees and the 25,000 other recorded species that exist), have been too regularly dismissed in the past as simply the overseers of pollination… and of course useful if you want to spread a bit of honey on your toast.

Yet the reliance both we and the wider environment have on bees moves them straight to the upper echelons of some of the planet’s most valuable entities.

Consider that at least 30% of the world’s crops and 90% of all plants require cross-pollination to spread and thrive, and suddenly our perception of bees takes a di erent slant.

Unfortunately, bee populations around the world are in decline. Climate change causes some flowers to bloom earlier or later than usual, meaning bees have fewer food sources at the start of the season. They suffer habitat loss from development and a lack of bee-friendly flowers, and some colonies collapse due to plants and seeds treated with pesticides.

The good news is that protecting these little wonders is not just good for the environment, but a joy in itself. Several organisations run bee initiatives; from Bee Walks, in which volunteers traverse set routes to map out observations of bee activity; to community and education groups at libraries, stalls and fetes that raise money and awareness.

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Bee-friendly plants Use bee-friendly plants, patio pots, herbs in a planter, with hanging baskets and crocuses creating colour and helping bees flourish.

Gracious greens Consider adding fruit and veg to your garden, where possible; bees will be instantly attracted.

An annual a air Try to keep planting throughout the season in order to provide food and shelter for bees. They actually require nectar and pollen across all four seasons, while keeping the grass long o ers great refuge.

Arrest the pesticides Obviously, removing or greatly reducing the use of pesticides in your garden will have a hugely benefi cial e ect on the bee population, so don’t be afraid to throw away that ‘bug gun’ and let nature do its bit.

New arrivals Also consider welcoming in ‘beneficial insects’ such as hoverflies, beetles and ladybirds, as these perfect partners will all help your bees flourish.

Why not start a buzz in your community, and help nature in the process!

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column garlic and chilli may be a culinary staple, but they hold a secret power for gardeners looking to dispose of invaders in a natural manner.

We all want our outdoor spaces to be as beautiful and as thriving as possible, yet by employing a host of natural ways to put pests off, we can keep our courtyards canny, and our green spaces chemical free.

Combine crushed garlic and chilli (powdered chilli will do if you don’t have fresh) with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and a small amount of dishwashing liquid or soap flakes. Leave to soak overnight in a jar, then strain and spray on plants. The spray is very effective towards aphids and caterpillars – but keep away from kids, avoid contact with your skin and eyes, and use within a fortnight!

The best way to do this is to think about natural barriers. These, if done well, can comfortably eradicate snails and slugs and all those little creatures who slide and slime over our prized plants. Any type of copper can be used to make a wall that electrically shocks their body, deterring them from moving further forward, while wood ashes or crushed eggshells also work to put those meddling molluscs off their lunch.

While most people consider sprays and pesticides as the best way to keep unwanted intruders away, there are a range of natural squirts that do the same thing. For instance,

It’s also worth reminding ourselves that not all bugs and beasties are bad news, and done well, you can encourage some into your garden.

Plant mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, sunflowers and dandelions will attract ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings, all of which will happily feast on your aphids. Birds and hedgehogs eat slugs and snails, beetles and insects… as do frogs and toads.

Finally, try a trap. Earwigs can devastate seedlings, so if they do pose a problem in your garden, try filling a few plastic flowerpots with straw and balancing them upside down on sticks to attract the pests.

The earwigs crawl up the poles and take shelter in the pots at night and you can humanely dispose by emptying them in the morning.

Removing pests and critters the natural way takes effort, imagination and no small amount of patience, but opening your garden to nature’s bounty, whilst preserving as much life as possible, is surely the best and most satisfying way to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Holmes and Family funeral directors ‘It would be hard to find a team of people more committed to helping bereaved families.’ High praise indeed from Fran Hall, director of The Good funeral Guide - speaking about Holmes and Family funeral directors.

The GFG are champions for the bereaved, not the interest of funeral directors. The GFG inspects premises, facilities and interviews management and staff before forming an independent judgement about how good they think they are. A family trying to choose someone to care both for them and the person who has died should be well informed, and the GFG website is a great place to start. Not all funeral directors are the same, not all reach the high standards required for accreditation. Over twenty years ago, the Holmes family took the tough decision to sell their ‘daughters’ funeral business to the Ford-Mears Group. Sharp eyed locals will notice the former premises in Church Road have been rebranded as Ford-Mears funeral directors, although still incorporate the Holmes and daughters name too.

Six years ago, the Holmes family decided to return to the local area, opening their comfortable funeral home at 197 Laleham Road Staines.

Oliver Holmes (who was born at Ashford hospital and still lives locally) is in day-to-day charge of funerals conducted by the family, he’s often spotted at Laleham Road with his dad, David washing and polishing the firms beautiful Jaguar hearse and limousine. David Holmes works alongside several other family members to ensure everything runs smoothly. Madeleine Holmes is responsible for the website and social media; the shop fit out was done by his dad, John Holmes and Cousin Arthur.

‘When we say family business, we really mean it' says David. As well as that prized recommendation from the GFG, Holmes & Family are members of both major UK trade associations, NAFD and SAIF and have one several national awards. ‘Not all funeral directors are the same’ says Oliver, ‘and when

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you lose someone, you definitely need someone you can trust.’ ‘The Holmes family provide a dedicated and personal service to every family who put their faith in us.’ ‘We offer everything, from ‘direct cremation’ – that’s a funeral without ceremony, to a full-service traditional funeral, with our hearse and limousine starting from the home address. ‘Whatever people want to do; we are very happy to help’ says Oliver. ‘Our aim is to arrange the perfect send-off, regardless of what your funeral choice may be.’ ‘You can contact us by telephone at any time to discuss your plans and ideas, we offer advice and help without any obligation.’ ‘We were one of the first funeral directors in the country to put a price list on our website, years before others did so because they had to, not because they wanted to’ says David Holmes. ‘Our charges are highly competitive, and huge savings can be made by shopping around.’

‘You don’t always get what you pay for when it comes to funerals, some well-known corporate local firms have much higher charges, while others use fairly tired older vehicles.’

Funeral regulation is almost here, at first covering pre-need funeral plans, and Oliver thinks that’s way overdue. ‘Up to now, funeral plans have been completely unregulated, and that attracted some unsavoury characters to the pre-need funeral planning market.’ ‘If you need a secure funeral plan, please speak only to a trusted local funeral director’ says Oliver. Last year, David and Oliver opened a second local funeral home at 129 Convent Road Ashford, from here, the family have been conducting funerals throughout Spelthorne, including Sunbury, Wraysbury and Stanwell.

‘Our new premises are beautiful inside’ says Oliver, they have every facility, including a lovely, air-conditioned arranging room. ‘we’ve thought of everything and have already looked after several families in Ashford that previously came to us when we still owned the old firm.’ ‘It’s really good to be back’ says David, ‘Ashford was our home town, our first funeral location and we still have a lot of friends and family living here.

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Money on my mind... the Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

lean on financial support.

When it comes to improving our credit score, the first thing we need to do – and it’s the one thing we don’t want to do – is check our current rating to see just how the lie of the land is. You can’t be certain you’ll improve your score unless you know what it is in the first place, so check out your credit file – with the likes of Experian or Equifax – and know what you’re dealing with.

When you’ve done that, the hard work begins, and the first step is to disassociate yourself from others who may be pulling you down with their own chequered credit history.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how we can repair our credit score.

Why not start a buzz in your community, and help nature in the process!

Let’s be honest, the last couple of years haven’t been kind to ourfi nances.

Brexit, Covid and the severe economic downturn that 2022 has presented us – one that is no greater reflected than at the petrol pumps – mean that our credit rating, as a unifi ed nation, is at a record level.

The good news is the ability to rescue and repair that credit rating is within our own hands, and with a concerted plan we can get back to where we want to be. And that’s important – having a good credit rating means gaining access to preferential interest rates; it could be the difference between being able to buy a house, or rent a flat, or not; and it also gives us peace of mind that if an emergency crops up we can

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Look into removing a partner (particularly an ex-partner!) from your file, as their activity will negatively impact on yours.

Next, get yourself signed up on the electoral roll. It’s a great way for credit agencies to be able to verify who you are and adds a layer of authenticity to any application.

Spring cleaning your finances is another really sensible option.

Many of us have old credit cards or bank accounts that we don’t use yet they hum along in the background. They may seem harmless on the face of it, but they all represent risk as far as your credit score is concerned, so make sure you close all unwanted credit cards, store cards and debit cards.

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

Next, rather than obsessing over your credit history, why not start investing in your credit future. Using a credit card may seem a peculiar way of improving your credit, but done sensibly it will. And by sensibly, I mean use it for everyday purchases on the specific understanding you’ll clear the balance at the end of each month.

Doing this will boost your credit rating and prove to any lender that you can be trusted; but be regimented and pay this, and all other bills, on time. Making late payments sounds the death knell for a good credit rating, so stick to your payment promises and move forward.

are concerned, do that. So if you can’t afford to clear your full balance at the end of the month, at least pay off more than the minimum payment.

Finally, if an opportunity presents itself to go above and beyond where payments

Mending your credit score won’t be achieved overnight, but once started ona concerted plan, you may find yourself making quicker progress than you imagine… and your future self will thank you for your efforts today!

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F U N E R A L D I R E C TO R S & M E M O R I A L STO N E M A S O N S

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W I L L S & P RO B AT E

11:03 The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines29/07/2021 Upon Thames

Spelthorne’s Platinum Party for the Queen Spelthorne was painted purple as we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the Bank Holiday weekend. From picnics in the park, street parties and a 100 strong flotilla along the River Thames from Shepperton, residents were ready to party to mark this momentous occasion.

Cllr John Boughtflower, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: “Spelthorne’s Platinum Jubilee events were a fitting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen and I would like to say a big thank you to all those involved in putting on the events in the Borough. Our musical picnics in the park were a roaring success, despite the great British weather playing its own part in the celebrations and our newly planted Jubilee trees will mark this point in history for many generations to enjoy for years to come.”

Cllr Susan Doran, Mayor of Spelthorne, added: “The Platinum Jubilee weekend was an uplifting experience for us all with communities coming together to toast the Queen.

Everyone I saw over the course of the weekend was enjoying themselves and I hope the celebrations helped foster a feeling of togetherness amongst neighbourhoods. As Her Majesty said in her letter to the nation, I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.”

The Council put on musical picnics in Fordbridge, Laleham and Lammas Park over the course of the celebrations which saw many smiling faces over the course of the weekend with residents enjoying the variety of games and musical performances. The bunting on display in the parks was created by 2,460 school children from Spelthorne schools.

Spelthorne also granted road closures to allow 68 street parties to take place around the Borough, giving communities the opportunity to celebrate the Jubilee together. Councillors allocated funds through Better Neighbourhood Grants to various street parties to support communities coming together.

The Council planted seven trees around the Borough, installing special plaques, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting initiative which invited people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.

Residents thoroughly enjoyed the Jubilee weekend with many commenting on our social media pages to say how much fun they had during the celebrations. An online gallery will soon be available to view photographs of the celebrations. If you would like to share your photos please email news@spelthorne.gov.uk 23

Dramatize Tea Room Dramatize runs a local tea room called Dramatize Tea Room where they give students a place to learn practical skills needed to get into employment.

They recently has a Party for both their 1st birthday and the Queens Jubilee where the Tea Room brought neighbours and local businesses together with help from the neighbour-run village association.

“It was a fab celebration, over 200 people turned up throughout the afternoon! Many of them said they have never felt such a sense of community spirit in the square."

Staff from the Tea Room described the event as a showcase of a “true community”. The businesses on the square regularly help each other out. Proctor Cleaners on the corner often train Dramatize students to help clean our windows, Dramatize hire the village hall fro events and workshops and Dramatize have been supported in kind from the Charlton Village Association. There is no doubt about it that there is a real sense of CommuniTEA in the air!

celebrates their 1st birthday We are having an extra special menu on offer this summer to celebrate our 1st birthday!

So why not treat your family & friends to an afternoon tea this summer, with freshly made cakes, scones to order and a selection of finger sandwiches. £20 per adult / £10 per child

Book now: www.dramatizetearoom.co.uk / 07554780272

Located in Charlton Village, 52 Hetherington Road, TW170SP 24

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Across Clues: 7. Sending out light (7) 8. Most favourable (7) 9. Sense of worth (3) 10. Scorch, carbonize (4) 13. Come into (7) 14. Do more than able (6) 15. Sour tasting liquid (5) 16. A rounded organ of vegetative reproduction (4) 19. Pestering, nagging (7) 21. Engage (5) 22. Greek alphabet, derived from He (7) 24. Incline (5) 26. Low temperature freezing, storage of human remains (7) 27. Touch, light quick movements (3) 28. Soft, sweet fruit (3) Down Clues: 1. Worms to flies (6) 2. An attempt to obtain (3) 3. Scratch onto surface (4) 4. Steal a car, take it for a drive (7) 5. time of arrival (3) 6. Individual nations, controlled by a singular nation (6) 10. Long, hollow, hard stem (4) 11. Short stalks (7) 12. Square of cloth (6) 14. Beauty establishment (5) 16. Strong smelling herb (5) 17. Displaced (7) 18. Long heartfelt song (6) 20. Referee (6) 23. Admire (4) 24. Noodles made from buckwheat flour (4) 25. Thin piece of metal (4)

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Hugh Fearnley -Whittingstall’s Pear & Almond Cake This soft, dense, almondy cake can be served warm for pudding with lashings of cream, or cold with a cup of tea or coffee.

Firm Conference pears should work a treat here. (serves 6) INGREDIENTS: • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 125g caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp • 3 pears, firm but not too hard, peeled, cored and quartered • 2 eggs • 75g whole blanched almonds or ground almonds • 75g self-raising flour

METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas mark 3. Grease a 20cm diameter, springform cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.

2. Put a saucepan over a medium heat and add 25g of the butter. When it’s sizzling, add a tablespoon of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add the pear quarters and fry in the buttery caramel for fi ve to ten minutes, until they start to brown and soften (the time taken will vary greatly, depending on how ripe the pears are). Put to one side to cool a little.

3. Put the remaining butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream together until light and fluffy. Beat in the two eggs, one at a time. Whizz the whole blanched almonds (if using) in a food processor for about a minute, to grind them. Tip them into the cake batter (or add the readyground almonds), then sift in the self-raising flour and fold in gently. Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin. Arrange the pieces of pear on top of the cake.

4. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife pushed into the centre comes out clean.

Place the tin on a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or cold

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

The Kitchen Spa How to make salon-quality treatments at home.

1. Brown sugar buzz body scrub Mix brown sugar, leftover coffee grounds, olive oil and a drizzle of honey. Rub generously onto body and shower off. *Benefits: Olive oil moisturises, sugar exfoliates, honey is healing, and coffee grounds can reduce cellulite over time.

2. Papaya punch face mask Blend half a ripe papaya with fresh lemon juice and honey. Apply to face for 15 minutes, then wash off. *Benefits: Papaya is packed with vitamins A, C and E, while honey moisturises.

3. Brunch bunch hair mask Mash half an avocado with two egg yolks, apply to wet or dry hair and leave for 20 minutes before shampooing thoroughly. *Benefits: Egg is protein, and the key to rebuilding and restoring hair, while avocado is full of vitamins

and fats for health and shine.

4. Coconut massage bars Give coconut oil a quick blast in the microwave, then add your favourite essential oils – grapefruit and bergamot to invigorate; cinnamon, sweet orange and vanilla to relax. Pour into silicone moulds to set, then rub over body, post-shower. *Benefits: Coconut oil moisturises while essential oils relax and fragrance.

5. Brilliant bath bombs Mix one cup of baking soda, half a cup of citric acid and half a cup of Epsom salts then separately mix three teaspoons of olive oil, two teaspoons of essential oil, one teaspoon of water and food colouring. Add wet mixture slowly to dry until you have a sandy texture you can pack into moulds, then leave to dry before using in the bath. *Benefits: Epsom salts soften skin, while oils relax you.

Based in Sunbury, Aldridge & Sons Roofing has unrivaled reputation Based in Sunbury, Aldridge & Sons Roofing LtdLtd has anan unrivaled reputation quality workmanship and customer service. a friendly, family-run forfor quality workmanship and customer service.

WeWe areare a friendly, family-run roofing business with over years experience in the roofing industry. roofing business with over 3030 years of of experience in the roofing industry. cover aspects roofing from a slipped more WeWe cover all all aspects of of roofing from a slipped tiletile to to more complex re-roofing projects. complex re-roofing projects.

Please feel free arrange a free visit.

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Call020 0208844 88440542 0542oror07984 07984351 351607 607 Call 27

Spelthorne Local Plan 2020 - 2035 and Staines Development Framework Public Consultation Wednesday 15 June - Monday 5 September 2022 How can you respond?

• read and respond to the consultation documents by visiting spelthorne.inconsult.uk (Online questionnaire available from 9am Wednesday 15 June to 11.59pm Monday 5 September 2022) • FAQs available to read at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/localplan • write to: Strategic Planning, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB • email your comments to: localplan@spelthorne.gov.uk • if you would prefer a hard copy of the questionnaire to be posted, please call 01784 446367 or email your postal address to localplan@spelthorne.gov.uk @spelthornebc

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@spelthornebc

@spelthorneboroughcouncil

Spelthorne Borough Council

The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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Bocketts Farm Enjoy a fun filled family day out this Summer at the farm. Hop on board the Tractor and Trailor ride, Cheer on your favourite in the Pig Race and meet hundreds of friendly farm animals.

Explore acres of outdoor adventure including Squirrel Scramble adventure playground, jumping pillows, sandpits and the Farmula 1 quad bikes. What’s more, you can Pan

for gold in the 'Last Chance Mine' and take home a souvenir medal, challenge family and friends to a game of Water Wars and have a boogie in the daily Bocketts Bubble Disco!

With plenty of play indoors and out, you can be sure of a great day out whatever the weather! Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Win a Family Ticket to Bocketts Farm this Summer!

To enter, simply take a picture of your completed entry and send it to us. You can send via Facebook @lovelocalspelthorne or send via Whats App: 07903787371 The winning entry will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday 22nd July. Good Luck!

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames

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The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames