The Court Circular | Issue 9 | Jubilee 2022

Suitable for vaccinated puppies from 8 to 20 weeks old.

Monthly puppy training & socialisation classes.

Our 4 week course teaches your puppy how to socialise correctly with other puppies and owners will learn about essential early stage puppy training such as house training, crate training, puppy routines, how to stop biting/chewing and much more!

Next course: July 17th

Location: Molesey Veterinary Centre, 4 Park Road KT8 9LE

More information: www.partridgepractices.co.uk/molesey-vets/

Time to celebrate!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS—

FRONT COVER IMAGE

Photography by Kim Craig

PHOTOS Credited as required

ILLUSTRATIONS Lisa Tolley

PRINTING Thank you to the team at 4-Print, West Molesey

This publication is printed on paper that is FSC® Certified.

DISTRIBUTION Thank you to our team of dedicated walkers!

THE TEAM—

The Circular Community C.I.C

Management, marketing & advertising: Janine Macqueen

Creative direction, graphic design & marketing: Kim Craig

Editor: Lucy Donoughue

Check out our ‘Say Hello’ page on thecourtcircular.co.uk for more editorial information.

Contributors: Orin Carlin, Alex Riley

ALL ENQUIRIES If you’d like to get in touch please email: hello@thecourtcircular.co.uk

Printing and distribution of this publication is made possible by advertisers and our team of volunteers – thank you! Content correct at time of press.

There are so many reasons to get out and about in the Court this summer. From street parties, as we celebrate the life and work of the Queen, to the highly anticipated return of the Molesey Carnival, the Dittons Fair, the Hampton Court Palace Festival, Molesey Regatta and so much more. Check out what’s happening on our Inner Circle pages (page 4) and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @hcourtcircular for daily updates!

In this issue we’re delighted to have interviews with Carrie, the founder of Molesey Clothing Exchange (page 7), Paul who has blessed Bridge Road with a beautiful vision of the Queen (page 14), Lucy from the incredible Momentum Children’s Charity, and so many others.

As always, it’s such a pleasure to bring this magazine to you with the help of our wonderful advertisers, contributors and distributors. We love hearing your feedback and seeing copies being read in cafés across the Court. It brings us so much joy and we couldn’t have imagined the support we would receive when we first dreamt up the idea in 2020.

So, it’s with both love and a tinge of sadness that we share a change to the team who founded The Court Circular. Lucy (our Editor) will be stepping down to embrace challenges new after this issue. Read more on page 30. She won’t be going far though…

Before that change, we all hope you enjoy Issue 9. Please share your thoughts and pictures with us on socials!

Kim, Janine & Lucy – The Court Circular Founders

If you would like to advertise in upcoming editions, please email hello@thecourtcircular.co.uk

Please follow & share #hcourtcircular

IN THIS ISSUE—

4 THE INNER CIRCLE: CELEBR-EIGHT!

8 brilliant events and initiatives happening in and around the Court this summer

13 AROUND THE TABLE: TASTY THAI IN THAMES DITTON

Our food writer Alex Riley visits Maisie Thai

16 CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE: CELEBRATE IN COLOUR Brilliant shopping to brighten up the summer

22 COMMUNITY CIRCLE: HOPE AND A HELPING HAND Orin Carlin speaks to local children’s charity Momentum

30 COURT IN CONVERSATION: GREEN SHOOTS & NEW BEGINNINGS

Lucy Donoughue shares her next exciting step…

Photo courtesy of HRP

INNER CIRCLE —

Celebr–eight!

This summer is shaping up to be one of fun, frolics and festivities in and around the Court. Here’s a small selection of the brilliant events taking place BUT there’s even more on offer! Don’t forget to check out our Instagram @hcourtcircular for even more insights and daily updates.

Platinum Jubilee Blooms

Hampton Court Palace | 1 June – September

Hampton Court Palace is joining in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a colourful, vibrant display of flowers in palace gardens. Creating a more intimate version of the Tower of London’s Superbloom, the display will be managed in spring by the gardens team using a specially designed seed mix designed by Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design, University of Sheffield. Planted, grown and maintained by Historic Royal Palaces’ garden teams, the flower display will see new wildlife visiting the gardens, with pollinators being attracted to the nectar rich flowers in the seed mix. For more information visit hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

The Big Feasty 2022 Apps Court Farm, Walton on Thames

24 to 26 June

Molesey Carnival

West Molesey Recreation Ground

Saturday 11 June, 11am to 5pm

Roll up, roll up! Elmbridge’s largest free event, Molesey Carnival, takes place this year on Saturday, June 11th.

There will be a float parade on Walton Road, a marching band, the novelty dog show, fundraising stalls, plus some special performances in the arena.

If you can help with the carnival, either on the day or beforehand, please get in touch. This fantastic community event will only happen with volunteer support. moleseycarnival.org

info@moleseycarnival.org

Three days of fun in the grounds of Apps Court Farm with 10 of the UK’s official No1 tribute acts, over 200 artisan producers, vendors, bars, street food, children’s activities, fun fair, talks, tastings, workshops and circus skills. 2022 also sees the addition of a wellbeing village, coffee village, chilli village and sports arena. This will be one amazing weekend! Tickets at feastyfest.co.uk

River Thames, Molesey

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July

This fantastic local regatta is a friendly fun event, where the competition stays on the water and friends and family have a ball on the banks of the river. The Amateur Regatta takes place on Saturday 16th and the Junior Regatta on Sunday 17th. At the time of going to print, further details are being worked upon so visit the website for up-to-date information.

moleseyregatta.org.uk

Molesey Regatta 2022

Great Expectations – Hotbuckle Productions

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre

10 & 11 June

With all the comedy, mystery, violent melodrama, suspense and poignancy of the original, Hotbuckle bring this wonderful tale vividly to life with their trademark live music, multiple characterisation and inventiveness. riverhousebarn.co.uk/whats-on/

MARKET comment

We love the arrival of summer here at Miles & Bird. The local community is always a beautiful one to live and work in, but there’s a different energy that comes in June, July and August.

Surrey Artists Open Studios

Various locations | 11 – 26 June

This fantastic celebration of local artists returns, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet the makers where they create their work. This year there will be over 270 artists taking part in 170 studios. A bumper year!

Visit the website for trails and details. surreyopenstudios.org.uk

The Feeling plus City Funk Orchestra

Hampton Pool | 22 July

Ahead of their UK tour and with a new album Loss Hope Love out in May, The Feeling are bringing their piano and guitar driven power pop to Hampton Pool’s concert stage. They’ll be joined by the brilliant City Funk Orchestra, who’ll deliver a funk and soul get-up-and-dance live performance. hamptonpooltrust.org.uk/concerts

The arrival of the sun and the happy crowds heading to the Hampton Court Garden Festival definitely has something to do with it. As does the opportunity to dress the shop windows on Bridge Road to celebrate this beautiful botanical event. This year, we’ll also have the chance to celebrate the Queen’s contribution to the country too (not to mention an extra bank holiday!!)

We’re delighted to share that we have a new reason to celebrate at the M&B office. We’ve been joined by a brilliant new team member, Janine Macqueen, also a co-founder of this magazine! Janine brings a wealth of local knowledge, over twenty years in property marketing and an enthusiasm for the local community that’s unrivalled. So welcome Janine!

Last, but certainly not least, our fondness for celebration extends to our work with our lovely clients. We do all that we possibly can to get them to a point where they’re able to toast a house sold, a house purchased and that momentous first step across their new threshold with a million beautiful memories ahead of them. It’s truly a special gift to witness and support their life milestones and we feel incredibly lucky to do the work we do.

Outside the Box Comedy Club presents Reginald D Hunter

Esher Theatre | 6 July

Since his first UK comedy gig twenty-one years ago Georgia-born Reginald D Hunter’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV and Radio have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. Don’t miss out on tickets for this one-night only appearance at Esher Theatre.

Bookings at eshertheatre.com

If you’d like to discuss making a move this summer, we’re always happy to talk to you. Please pop in, phone or email us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Miles & Bird, 12 Bridge Road, East Molesey 020 3875 3875 | info@milesandbird.co.uk milesandbird.co.uk

Swap, don’t shop.

Exactly how many times a month do you stand in front of your wardrobe, bedroom floor adorned with mountains of rejected outfits, lamenting the fact that you have absolutely nothing to wear? For me, this ritual is a daily occurrence. I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house in the morning without brushing my teeth, spritzing on some perfume, and having a small fashion meltdown.

Similarly stuck in a style rut? Have no fear, Carrie Kleeb Iddins, creator of Molesey Clothing Exchange, is here. Her new initiative is dedicated to allowing locals to swap, not shop.

Carrie has always adored fashion and has fond memories of experimenting with her look in her early years. “I love all the decades!” she says. “I spent my teenage years in thrift shops, always trying to copy my older sister’s style. Growing up, my relationship with fashion went hand in hand with music.”

Words | Orin Carlin

These days, Carrie describes her personal style as “a bit of this and that”. It’s an eclectic mix of different looks, based on exactly what she likes. Preferring not to pigeonhole her fashion choices into one rigid category, Carrie is inspired by what she sees, but careful to utilise the pieces that she already owns. “When I see a look I like, I head to the charity shops or have a good old dig in my wardrobe. I love when you see something in a magazine and it inspires you to have a look at what you’ve already got and maybe just wear it a different way or tweak it a bit to make it look fresh,” she explains.

Upcycling, recycling and swapping is a passion for Carrie and the idea behind Molesey’s Clothing Exchange first came about when she read an article highlighting the benefits of second-hand shopping and swapping. After some online research, she fell in love with the idea of a communityfocused clothing swap and decided to create one in her local area.

The concept is really simple, as Carrie shares. “Have a look in your wardrobe for that dress you bought and only wore once, or the top that still has the tags on, or maybe it’s a piece you just haven’t worn in ages. Make sure they’re clean and in good condition, something you’d be prepared to pay for at a charity shop.”

…continued >

The Court Circular speaks to Carrie Kleeb Iddins, founder of Molesey Clothing Exchange, about staging a sustainable fashion intervention.

Then you head to the bi-monthly clothing exchange and start your swapping session. “Our limit at the moment is five pieces,” Carrie explains. “Those could be clothes, shoes or accessories. We have a £2 entrance fee which helps us to cover costs and then donate to a local charity, which is currently the Molesey Churches Night Shelter. If you bring five items in, you’ll get five tickets, three items, three tickets, etc. We’ll check your clothes, give you your tickets and off you go to ‘shop’. If you don’t use all of your tickets, you can save them for the next exchange or donate them to someone. It’s really fun!”

One of the great things about Molesey Clothing Exchange, is that swapping, rather than buying outright, provides a great opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. After all, how many times have you shied away from spending more on a bolder item, in favour buying it in a more practical colour?

“What I really like about it is that you can try things that maybe you wouldn’t normally go for, creating a new style for yourself,” Carrie tells me. “That’s one of things we love about the exchange. If you pick up something you’re not sure about, you can always bring it back and swap it at the next event.”

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding wearing second hand, is that the clothes are dated and poor quality, and for Carrie, debunking this myth is long overdue. “We’ve had some brilliant pieces come through the exchange!” she gushes. “I picked up these amazing striped quilted waistcoats at the last one. They’ve got this gorgeous gold thread running through them.”

“We even did a Festive Frocks swap leading up to Christmas just focusing on festive wear, jewellery and Christmas jumpers. I got this amazing 70s light blue floaty dress that looks like I should be on top of the Christmas tree!”

Divine intervention aside, Molesey Clothing Exchange may well be the next best thing for your wardrobe, as well as your wallet. With bills skyrocketing, giving fashion-lovers an alternative way to pursue their passions and connect with likeminded people is a fantastic addition to our local community.

Carrie has plenty of ideas for the future of Molesey Clothing Exchange, including a rail for teens, a guest sustainable stylist and would love to stage summer festival-themed swapping event, with the help of her trusty team. “I couldn’t do this on my own,” she says. “This is much more than swapping clothes; it really is about community and connection.”

For more information, visit Molesey Clothing Exchange on Facebook, or @moleseyclothingexchange on Instagram

“This is much more than swapping clothes; it really is about community and connection.” Five good reasons to swap:

A ROSE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

CHALK CIRCLE THE

CA UCASIAN

BY BERTO LT BRECHT

IN A NEW VERSION BY STE VE WATERS

MUSIC BY MICHAEL HENRY

DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER HAYDON

OUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS… PERFECT BANQUETS & BBQS

PJ DALE BUTCHER

The queue of people waiting to be served outside P.J.Dale on Friday and Saturday tells you everything you need to know about this brilliant Bridge Road butchers! The team here are friendly, helpful, communityminded, knowledgeable and their stock is of the highest quality and always tasty. We cannot recommend enough!

27 Bridge Road, East Molesey, KT8 9EU 020 8979 3800 pjdale.co.uk | Instagram @p.j.dalebutchers

JRWT BUTCHERS

This small family-run butcher shop on Molesey’s Walton Road offers a warm welcome, brilliant product knowledge and regular special offers as well as an ‘order on demand’ service. Nothing is too much trouble for John, who has been working in butchery for over 35 years and is passionate about his trade.

155 Walton Road, East Molesey, KT8 0DU 020 8941 8417 | jrwtbutchers.com

PAULL’S FRUIT & VEG

The enthusiasm for what they do, and sell is evident with every visit to Paull’s Fruit & Veg, and somehow we always leave with more than we went in for because everything looks (and tastes) so good! A crucial independent store in the Thames Ditton retail landscape.

50 High Street, Thames Ditton, KT7 0SA 020 8398 9759 | paullsfruitandveg.co.uk | Instagram @paullsfruitandveg

HAMPTON COURT FRUITS

From the moment we saw that 59 Bridge Road would be a greengrocers we were over the moon and Chris and Carl have surpassed all our hopes for this shop. Hampton Court Fruits offers fresh produce, beautifully presented and personable service to boot.

59 Bridge Road, East Molesey, KT8 9ER 07860 946499

hamptoncourtfruits.com

Instagram @hamptoncourtfruits

‘Fresh produce, beautifully presented and personable service to boot!’

focus on…

Your extended work team! There are so many small businesses and entrepreneurs around the Court and a ton of talent in every street. However, we know from experience that wearing every cap can be tough, so here’s a few local businesses you could call upon when you need a helping hand.

Fresh Graphic Solutions

Looking to shout about your business, exhibit or invest in eye catching outdoor advertising? Fresh Graphics Solutions can help. They have extensive knowledge of both the retail and exhibition markets and by using the latest manufacturing technology

Rose Gold Collection

Remember Creative Kim Craig, also a co-founder and the Creative Director of The Court Circular, is the brains and vision behind Remember Creative. As well as developing and delivering The Court Circular brand from scratch, Kim has worked upon the rebrand of the divine

Lloyd O’Sullivan

An independent financial planning firm based in East Molesey which provides unbiased and objective advice to protect and enhance their client’s financial lives. They’ve been helping people navigate complex financial landscapes

Hello

Goodbye Plastic Hello

Bamboo

Bamboo

Get 20% off with the code: Court20

Get 20% off with the code: Court20

Sustainable products for kids, pets, home and more!

Sustainable products for kids, pets, home and more!

The benefits of bamboo

Why Bamboo?

Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin

The benefits of bamboo

Why Bamboo?

Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.

Super soft, breathable, and durable fabric

Super soft, breathable, and durable fabric

Temperature controlling, to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Temperature controlling, to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Sustainably grown, with a low carbon footprint

Naturally biodegradable

Sustainably grown, with a low carbon footprint

Naturally biodegradable

Using bamboo will help reduce microplastics in our oceans as it breaks down easily.

Using bamboo will help reduce microplastics in our oceans as it breaks down easily.

Bamboo is the fastest growing p in the world, meaning it absorbs of carbon dioxide.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, meaning it absorbs lots of carbon dioxide

It needs little water to grow, unl cotton, Loved by Giant Panda ( d )!

It needs little water to grow, unlike cotton, Loved by Giant Pandas (and us)!

We share our review from a top Thai restaurant in Thames Ditton and the perfect places to pick up a picnic when you’re out and about, soaking up the sun in the Court!

Why I Love… Maisie Thai Restaurant

side plates

Picnic pitstops: Pick up some truly delicious nibbles while you’re out and about…

by Alex Riley

For main courses we ordered Gaeng Kari Goong, a yellow coconut curry with tiger king prawns, potatoes and onions, with plain rice. The sauce was a lovely warm mixture of mild chilli and rich coconut with a generous helping of juicy prawns.

Occupying what was formerly The Crown Inn on Summer Road in Thames Ditton, Maisie Thai has become a favourite in the area during the seven years it’s been open.

As we walk into a warm welcome on a Saturday evening, Maisie Thai has the lingering feel of a pub, with wooden panelling and the bar still in place. There’s a spacious feel to the restaurant, with two distinct areas and tables generously spaced out. The ambience is relaxed and remained that way as the restaurant filled up over evening.

Maisie Thai’s menu is comprehensive without being overly long. To start we enjoyed Kanem Jeeb – Thai dumplings with a minced chicken and prawn filling. These were light and tasty, served alongside a delicious dipping sauce.

Maisie’s mixed starter offered a good selection with satay, fish cake, spring roll, tempura prawn and prawn toast. These came with a trio of dipping sauces and were all fresh tasting and not oily and the fish cake had just the right amount of aromatic seasoning. Both starters, along with the other dishes we ordered, came out swiftly and beautifully presented.

Som Tam, a Thai salad made with green papaya, was a mouth-watering and moreish mixture, with the perfect balance of flavours that are key for the dish. The finely shredded papaya was brought to life by the spicy salty and sour dressing with hot chili, fish sauce and lime, and a good wallop of garlic. Toasted peanuts topped off one of my favourite dishes of the evening.

The Weeping Tiger, a grilled sliced steak dish, was brought to the table on a sizzling skillet; the meat was well cooked to medium rare and paired with a sauce packed with herby flavours which went perfectly with the sticky rice with which it was served. The only note is that we could have done with a little more of that rice!

There are plenty of other tempting looking options on the menu - although the choices on this visit included meat and seafood, there’s also a good range of vegetarian and fish options on offer.

Washed down with a couple of pints of Singha beer, the perfect match for our food, brought the bill for two to just over £80, which we felt offered fair value for the great dishes and a very enjoyable evening.

The team at Maisie Thai Restaurant are charming and attentive and the whole evening had a very relaxed feeling to it. We certainly plan to make a return visit.

WHAT OTHERS SAY*

“Returned for the first-time post-pandemic. Great to see the food is still amazing and delivered with a friendly smile. Great job!“

”The food here is exceptional. I regularly visit here and am never disappointed. You have to try the Maisie’s Mixed Starter Platter. Very lucky to have this place on my doorstep.”

*Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Maisie Thai Restaurant, Summer Road Thames Ditton, KT8 0DL maisie-thai.com | 020 8393 6880

LITTLE H AT MOLESEY LOCK

Harriet offers a lovely setting, great brownies, homemade cakes and toasties.

Instagram @littleh_atmoleseylock

THAMES DITTON BAKERY Laurent and his team create breads with soul, cheeky lunches and sweet treats! Check out the pastrami pretzels. Instagram @thamesdittonbakery

LA FONTANA, THAMES DITTON Delicious homemade focaccia, ciabattas, hot soup, pasta and sweet Italian pastries. lafontanacafe.co.uk

The Court Circular always purchases meals at the restaurants we review.

Queen the of Bridge Road

Words | Lucy Donoughue

Artist Paul Don Smith shares the story behind his royal artwork on Bridge Road and taking a moment to celebrate the Queen’s service to the country.

Ifirst saw the Queen on Bridge Road just before Valentine’s Day, on my morning dog walk. Her slight smile made me stop and stare and I took a picture to share with the rest of The Court Circular team. We all agreed that she – and the artist who created her — had to be on the cover for this special celebratory issue.

This colourful portrait of the Queen, nestled between Creative Quilting and The Albion Pub, has drawn much attention since, and from what I’ve heard, it’s all positive.

“A lot of our customers have commented on it,” Ellen from The Albion shares. “They – and I – think it’s just beautiful. Really special.” The team at Creative Quilting agree. The Queen, it seems, is a welcome addition to the street.

The artist behind this royal appearance is Surbiton resident Paul Don Smith. He’s been creating street, and other forms of art, for over 35 years. In this, the Platinum Jubilee year, he’s paying tribute to the Queen by sharing her image, painted in his unique style.

Paul’s art is sacred to him, he explains when we chat. He’s been honing his unique craft since he was thirteen years old and it’s his absolute passion.

“That’s why I’m painting the Queen,” he offers. “It comes from my heart. In street art, there’s quite often a satirical play around politics and the monarchy but I’m not here for the joke. I’m here to celebrate. I think the Queen should be celebrated.”

As for her placement on Bridge Road, Paul shares that he always has three pillars in mind when he plans his creations. “Timing is the first and it’s the Platinum Jubilee Year. Placement is the second. I know the area well having grown up around here and Creative Quilting just spoke to me. I wanted to put her in ‘old Hampton Court’.”

“The third is my feeling for the painting and where it will be situated,” Paul continues. “This is the second in Hampton Court, the first one being for the Diamond Jubilee on the Hampton Court Superstore.”

Beyond the celebration of Her Majesty and this anniversary year, Paul’s art also offers gratitude to many of the services that help this country on a daily basis.

“The crown in the image indicates Royal Mail and the star that surrounds the Queen signifies the symbol on both a Police and Fire Brigade badge. A lot of retired Police officers from Imber Court frequent The Albion, so this was also a nod to them and their work.”

Paul is painting extensive meaning into every portrait he creates for the Jubilee. “I’ve recently painted her in Soho on Dean Street. I brought back a previous piece ‘The Crying Queen’ which is a sympathy and compassion image,” he explains. The background features the Ukrainian colours – blue and yellow – and she has a tear rolling down her face, reflecting what’s happening in the world right now.”

Paul continues to share different versions of his art across the country ahead of this summer’s celebrations of the Queen’s life and work. “I’m trying to get her in as many prominent places as possible,” he says, his fondness for his subject evident. “I’m trying to paint one in each Royal Borough. There’s one in Kingston near the station and in Chelsea, they’re both really beautiful too.”

Paul’s palette for his Queens have a vibrant, almost fluorescent feeling to them, which makes them stand out and draw people in to appreciate and contemplate her image. Every inch of his creations are considered carefully, including the elements that accompany her. One of his favourites, he shares, is the painting he did in Old Windsor, which also features the Queen’s beloved corgis. He replicated part of this canine version on a painting in Surbiton, partly in homage to Percy, another corgi that lives nearby. As for his future Queens? “There’s Greenwich and a few more in London,” he says, smiling broadly. “I’m just going to keep going!”

“It comes from my heart. I’m here to celebrate. I think the Queen should be celebrated.”

Photography by Kim Craig

A summer of celebration is upon us, so why not brighten up your life with our

2 3 4 5

1

1 Molesey fine art print £35 / £50 (framed), lisatolley.co.uk | 2 The Six Wives Gin & jigger gift set £49, hamptoncourtgin.com

3 ROKA London bags from £54.94, hopscotchshoeboutique.co.uk | 4 Fab 4! art project box £30, magpiemakes.co.uk

5 Hand-tied seasonal flowers from £37, my-table.co.uk | 6 Hampton Court honey from £8, kingstonbeekeepers.org

brilliant shopping selection…

7 Vegan, hand-poured, ethical candles £25, thebotanicwick.co.uk | 8 Alphabet kids Tees £18, sprigdesigns.co.uk

9 Natural beeswax hand creams from £8.50, beeinspiredcreams.buzz | 10 Children’s and teen books £various, dennysbooks.com

11 ‘Happy’ embroidered linen cushion £49.95, mercadostore.uk | 12 Seaside jewellery pendants from £32, ravettadesigns.co.uk

13 Greetings cards £2.60, elithegoat.com | 14 ‘Kindness Rocks’ Green camo jacket £195, elluamour.com

East/West Molesey

£695,000 F/H

+3 bedrooms +2 reception rooms +Westerly garden +Garage

East/West Molesey

£800,000 F/H

+4 bedrooms + Kitchen/breakfast room +4 bathrooms +Character

West Molesey

£439,950 F/H

+2 bedrooms +Cul-de-sac

+2 reception rooms +2 bathrooms

SALES

West Molesey

£650,000 F/H

+3 bedrooms +Kitchen/breakfast room +Large garden

PARADISE BOUTIQUE

WWW.PARADISEBOUTIQUESURREY.COM

East Molesey

£339,950 Share of F/H

+2 bedrooms +Ground floor +Close to station +Parking

West Molesey

£575,000 F/H

+3 bedrooms +Kitchen extension +Southerly garden

SPRING IS HERE!

“I enjoyed my one to one personal appointmentnow I can plan my shopping and my wardrobe”

“It’s great to get your advice and opinion it felt like a completely different shopping trip!”

BOOK YOUR 1-2-1 PERSONAL STYLING APPOINTMENT TODAY POP-UP EVENTS COMING SOON!

East Molesey £475,000 share of F/H

+2 bedrooms +Ground floor flat +Close to Hampton Court Station

West Molesey

£325,000 L/H

+2 bedrooms +Modernised throughout +Parking

Time Hop!

The Court Circular catches up with Jane Attard at Hopscotch Shoe Boutique to discuss the joy she gets from her customers and how lockdown took her on some shoe-fitting adventures…

Words | Lucy Donoughue

ane Attard can hardly believe that she’ll be celebrating twenty years as a Molesey business owner this June. After many years on Walton Road, Hopscotch Shoe Boutique has become a permanent and much-loved fixture. It’s the place that local residents go to for their children’s first shoes and every pair thereafter, as well as their own.

Reflecting on the longevity of her business, Jane shares how Hopscotch came into existence and what she appreciates the most about her brilliant boutique.

It all began with a friendship…

I moved to Molesey about 23 years ago when my daughter was very little, and my son was a toddler. At the time both myself and my husband were working for British Airways as cabin crew, so we struggled big time with childcare.

A couple of years later my friend Louise told me that the woman who owned the Shoe Booth, which was in the shop next to us now, was selling up and asked me whether I’d like to go into business with her.

To be honest, I didn’t think a huge amount about it, it was such a gift. My children were four and six years old then and Louise’s children were the same age. Setting up a business together meant that we could do a job and childcare share, which worked so well.

We opened Hopscotch Shoe Boutique in 2002 and we worked together for eight years...

When the lease on the previous shop came up for renewal Louise decided to move on. We were both in tears but understandably she wanted to do something different. I have such wonderful memories of those early days. …continued >

The shop that we’re now in used to be the Princess Alice Hospice Charity Shop and at that time they decided to move into the unit that’s now their home. So, as they moved up the street, so did I!

It was a huge risk, with it being a bigger shop and a higher rent but it worked out fantastically.

I’m so grateful to the local community…

Hopscotch has gone from strength to strength and it’s all because of the support from the local community.

When lockdown happened we had to close, so my daughter and I came up with a brilliant idea which was Delivershoo! I would go to people’s houses on my bike, measure their feet in the garden, take a load of shoes with me and fit them on their doorsteps.

Then people from further afield were asking for the service and I couldn’t take everything on my bike, so I got a little van. Honestly, it was the best thing and really got the shop’s name out there. I still have people coming in because they remembered that I’d delivered to them. But it was exhausting. Opening the shop every day is a doddle in comparison!

Jane and the team will be celebrating Hopscotch’s 20th anniversary in early June. Follow @hopscotchshoeboutique on Instagram for more details.

I see children grow from first shoe to adult sizing…

One of the things I love the most about this job is that seeing the children I’ve measured for their first shoes, getting off the bus from Esher High School!

There’s also a lot of new people moving to the area, so nearly every day I’m doing fittings for babies as they start to try to walk, which is wonderful. The saying is that ‘barefoot is best’ which is true in the home, but if they’re out in a café or play area where the ground is less familiar they can feel insecure, so first shoes can really help. We sell beautiful little soft shoes, they’re adorable.

We also sell a lot of shoes for adults, from boots to Birkenstocks and everything in between. There’s something for everyone here and I love buying for all ages and shoe sizes!

Hopscotch

107a Walton Road, East Molesey, KT8 0DR 020 8941 6718

hopscotchshoeboutique.co.uk

Shoe Boutique

“Hopscotch has gone from strength to strength and it’s all because of the support from the local community.”

TENDER SUPPORT IN TOUGH TIMES.

The Court Circular meets the local children’s charity celebrating 18 years of supporting children and families facing life-challenging conditions.

Words | Orin Carlin

It all started with an ice lolly. Back in 2004, Bianca Effemey was working as a receptionist in the paediatric ward at Kingston Hospital, where she was deeply affected by the sight of children suffering from painful mouth ulcers caused by chemotherapy side effects. And so, she found herself on a mission: to get a freezer for the ward.

Bianca was determined to provide the children with ice lollies, small comforts to soothe their sore mouths. After being told that her local department store could only donate to a charity, Bianca went about setting up Momentum.

Now celebrating its 18th anniversary, Momentum Children’s Charity, based in East Molesey, has branched out from ice lollies, but remains true to Bianca’s heartfelt intentions. Lucy Coleman, Momentum’s PR & Ambassador Relations Officer, looks back on how its origin story has impacted their work today.

“Bianca’s gesture paved the way for our personal approach when it comes to supporting seriously ill children and their families,” she shares. “Today we do so much more, but our commitment to the unique needs of each and every family, remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Momentum now helps around 250 families whose children have cancer or another life-challenging condition, with tailored support. “Our services include counselling, creative therapies, experiences and respite breaks but we know that every family and every individual within that family is different,” Lucy says.

“Looking after a child going through painful and seemingly never-ending treatment is very tough so it’s normal for families to experience mental health struggles,” she continues. “And so, proactively fostering good mental health is hugely important after a family has been affected by a diagnosis.

“Our commitment to the unique needs of each and every family, remains at the heart of everything we do.”

“The challenges of a pandemic have put the NHS under huge pressure, with mental health services especially in demand, which is why it is so important for us to be able to provide a wide range of therapy services, appropriate for adults and children, in a timely manner,” Lucy concludes.

Music, art and massage are just a few of the therapies available to Momentum families, as well as trips and treats, designed to boost emotional wellbeing.

Momentum’s Local Hub

Following Momentum’s recent move to Creek Road in East Molesey, Lucy is feeling positive about the people they can continue to help and make contact with.

“We’re looking forward to meeting more of the community at our events over the coming year,” she says warmly. “Moving into our new office was a real treat as we had been working remotely for such a long time during the pandemic. We’ve received such a warm welcome by our neighbouring businesses.”

The office is just as important to the families who come to visit the charity too. “They feel the value we place on them as they are surrounded by photos of all the people, children and adults, who make up the wider Momentum family. A lot of the people we’ve supported go on to support us, growing the bond they have with our charity by volunteering or fundraising for the work we do.”

For more information about Momentum’s work, visit momentumcharity.org or pop into 11a Creek Road, East Molesey KT8 9BE

2 4 6 W a l t o n R o a d , M o l e s e y ,

K T 8 2 H T

F l o w e r S t u d i o

S e a s o n a l f l o r a l d e s i g n

O n l i n e o r d e r s

M o n t h l y s u b s c r i p t i o n s e r v i c e

W e d d i n g s & e v e n t s

W o r k s h o p s

w w w m y - t a b l e c o u k

m a r i a @ m y - t a b l e . c o . u k

I n s t a g r a m @ m y t a b l e f l o r a l d e s i g n

“I always believed in this project!”

After three years of dreaming, hoping and planning, finally Elmbridge Community Eco Hub is here.

Based in the Elmgrove Estate in Walton, the project now occupies a physical space, open to the community. It’s been a long road, but the project’s founder, Michael Tumilty, is thrilled to see it blossom into existence. “It’s still early days,” he says, keen not to jinx his efforts, “but so far so good!”

The hub is “a place to make, take, give, grow, share, learn, borrow and relax,” as Michael fondly describes it. It’s a multi-facetted space, home to a library of things, book swap, garden, repair café and community fridge, among other initiatives. No small job to coordinate, and yet throughout, Michael has remained unfazed, saying: “The size of the task didn’t daunt me at all, as I always believed in the project.”

Although Elmbridge Community Eco Hub is only a couple of months old, the hope is that it will soon become a popular community hub and that more people will enjoy the fruits (and vegetables, for that matter) of its labour.

The community garden is certainly one of its most ambitious projects. Hours of clearing overgrowth, consultation with RHS Wisley on design, plant selection and timeline, and dedicated planting sessions, no doubt means that soon enough, we’ll have another Surrey beauty spot on our hands.

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Just days before Christmas 2021, Elmbridge Community Eco Hub was broken into overnight. “It was incredibly stressful,” Michael explains. “I still ask myself, why would anyone want to break in, steal from and vandalise a small community building, designed to benefit all. It just seems mindless.” Luckily, people were quick to offer their support, repairing the damage and replacing stolen items. “The response was a vote of confidence for what we are trying to achieve,” he says.

Over the past few months, the hub’s efforts have been recognised by the likes of Waitrose, Co-op and PA Housing, which has been a source of great delight for Michael. “It gives me a sense of pride that large organisations have reached out to us to offer financial support,” he

“Every town could benefit from an Eco Hub, but we must learn to crawl before we plan to run.”

says. “But equally important are the donations that we have received from smaller, independent businesses that can see the difference we are making to people’s lives and our environment, and the people who volunteer time and produce as well as some of their hard-earned income to help get us up and running,” he adds.

When I ask Michael about the hub’s hopes for the future, his response is ambitious, but also measured. “Every town could benefit from an Eco Hub, but we must learn to crawl before we plan to run,” he explains. “Once we have proof of concept, we can then potentially take the model and drop it into another community, if it’s needed and more importantly wanted.”

Above all, Michael and the ECEH team have the community’s needs at the forefront of their minds and they’re extremely grateful to everyone who has helped Elmbridge Community Eco Hub come to life.

For more information, visit elmbridgeecohub.org.uk or contact info@elmbridgeecohub.org.uk

Michael Tumilty, one of the brains behind Elmbridge’s latest environmental community initiative, speaks to The Court Circular about the hub’s wonderful vision.

Words | Orin Carlin

As your local Personal Travel Consultants, based in Molesey, we know that booking your dream holiday is about so much more than just flights and a hotel.

Whatever your questions, concerns, or wishes, we’re here to guide and advise you. From the moment you have your dream, until it becomes a magical memory, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Contact us today and together we can find your perfect holiday. Tailored to you, booked by us.

Crafting Club

Its official, crafting is good for you! Finding a state of flow while creating something starting from scratch is great for your wellbeing. So, switch off your screens and join a class, event or club that cultivates creativity.

Printmaking Workshops

Lino, gelli, and mono printing

Dates in June | No.5 Workshops

Led by Armi Maddison, a knowledgable and experienced art educator, in a friendly, supportive and fun environment whilst encouraging you to achieve your full potential. All processes will be fully demonstrated so you feel confident and equipped to use the studio facilities. With all materials included and a great choice of papers/fabrics and colours you will not fail to go home happy with several print artworks you have created. no5workshops.com

Check out the free mini taster workshops taking place throughout Surrey Artists Open Studios too!

Woodcarvers

28 May; 4 & 18 June; 2 July

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre

Join this friendly, informal group of woodcarvers where there’s no tutor so the class all ‘chip’ in to help each other! Attempt any project you wish - the only limitations are the tools, size of wood and your imagination! riverhousebarn.co.uk

Design Pattern Print

Starts 7 June (6 week course)

Landmark Arts Centre

Learn how to design and create beautiful repeat patterns at the Landmark Arts Centre. This course covers how to research for design inspiration, painting techniques, design, traditional methods for pattern repeats and how to harmonise your palette to create prints used for wallpaper and fabric. landmarkartscentre.org/classes-andworkshops/art-and-craft.php

Drawing for Wellbeing

25 June | Molesey Adult Learning Centre

On this Saturday workshop, you’ll be given the opportunity to work from your imagination and be encouraged to develop your drawing in a free and experimental way. You’ll also be shown a range of drawing methods and techniques; there’ll be a choice of resources for inspiration including step-by-step worksheets and a chance to learn observational drawing from still life. surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/adultlearning

International Summer School 2022

Onsite and Online: Bringing the World Together

4 July to 26 August

Royal School of Needlework

The RSN International Summer School is being held in July and August 2022 with a series of special 5-day classes both online and in-person at Hampton Court Palace, plus a range of online, multi-day class itineraries across three different international time zones. royal-needlework.org.uk/courses

Create a Festival Flower Crown

7 August

Bramble Hill Farm

Join the Wild Alice team on a summer day on their family farm in a rustic barn house, where they’ll teach you how to create a beautiful ‘everlasting’ flower crown! This class is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and let your creative juices flow in a therapeutic environment. wildalicefloraldesigns.co.uk

Busy Bee |

Photo by Kim Craig

Court Conversation in

In this edition, we say farewell to Lucy Donoughue as Editor of The Court Circular. Lucy co-founded the magazine with firm friends Janine Macqueen and Kim Craig.

Words | Lucy Donoughue

I’ve loved working with Kim and Janine to create The Court Circular…

We wanted to do something positive that would support local businesses and community initiatives during and after the pandemic, and we thought a publication that championed the people we see and the services we use all the time could be a great way to start.

We each bring something very different to the magazine. We couldn’t have even started to think about becoming a print magazine without Janine’s outstanding organisation and ability to raise funds through advertising and Kim’s incredible creativity and vision, which brought the concept to life. I was delighted to have the opportunity to write for and edit the magazine and work with good friends to create something new in a very tough time.

I’ve had such amazing experiences…

Over nine issues I’ve interviewed and met amazing people doing outstanding work in the community, from the Elmbridge Eco Hub to Broken Biscuits Animal Charity, Operation Centaur and so many others. I also conducted my most memorable interview ever with Juliet Turnbull, while swimming side by side in the Thames trying to avoid Sid the swan!

It’s hard to say goodbye… but it’s for a very good reason. For about two years, my partner Paul and I have been hoping to open an independent food store in the local area. It’s been such a journey already; we’ve secured and lost shops a number of times and we thought it might never happen and then our luck changed!

Our new shop will be on Bridge Road…

In the space that used to be Galleria. We’ll be called Green & Lovely Independent Store. The name ‘Green & Lovely’ comes from my very first impression of Molesey. It was love at first sight.

“The name ‘Green & Lovely’ comes from my very first impression of Molesey.”

We’ll be selling cheese, charcuterie, vegan goods, local products and so much more…

We can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store but there’s a lot to do before we open. It’s daunting and exciting at the same time!

I’m stepping down as the Editor, but I won’t be going too far…

I’m so invested in what we want to achieve with The Court Circular and I really hope to remain part of the fabric of the magazine, contributing articles when I can, once Green & Lovely is open.

Thank you…

To everyone who has advertised in The Court Circular, who offered support with distribution, agreed to be interviewed and shared our posts. It’s meant the world to us. And a big thank you to Kim and Janine for one of the best life experiences. It’s been wonderful. And thank you for reading.

Follow the progress of Green & Lovely on Instagram @greenandlovelystore | greenandlovely.co.uk

The store will open this summer at 8 Bridge Road, East Molesey.