Sunbury Matters March 2021 by Village Matters

Matters Matters Sunbury Sunbury

March 2021

Your Award Winning Community Magazine Your Award Winning Community Magazine

Matters

Issue 119 March 2021 March 2021

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames Issue

119 Issue 119

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames

Sunbury

Matters

Your Award Winning Community Magazine

March 2021

Issue 119

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames

s Sunbury Matters 10th Anniversary!

Sunbury 10th Matters 10th Anniversary! It’s SunburyIt’s Matters Anniversary! Sunbury Matters10th 10thAnniversary! Anniversary! It’sIt’s Sunbury Matters

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Welcome!

Thank you for the very many images which have been shared with us for Local Capture. Sorry if we have not managed to publish yours this month. Fear not! There is the chance for fame and fortune (well a moderate amount). The council run ‘Capture Spelthorne’ is launching this month. Send your photos in (see page 18) for the chance to win £100 and get a cover of the Bulletin. This month we bring you several pieces of history and the news that Sunbury Matters is 10 years old! Do you remember the first issue? Where has time gone? If you have started writing during lockdown, perhaps this is your chance to self publish. We bring you an invitation to join a writing club (when we can get back to normal) and a piece from a lady who has self published her story. If you have an old laptop, local schools would welcome them to help students who

March 2021 do not have the necessary tech to follow home learning. See p21 for details. Finally please do everything to support our local shops and businesses. They urgently need our custom Buy local! Thank you Mojo and Monica

Reader Offers Garolla - Garage doors from only £895 Village Windows - 20% off repairs

Contents

The Three Horseshoes, Shepperton 4 Preserving the trees of The Avenue 7 Sunbury Matters is 10 Years Old! 9 Memories of Working at Carawagon 10 Who Decides? 13 Coping with Loss During Pandemic 14 Kempton Grandstand Spandrels Found?17 Capture Spelthorne 18 Laptops Needed for Home Learning 21 Local Capture 22/23 Alex’s Walkathon for Mind 24 Looking to the Future 27 In Bloom Poster Competition 28 Recipe of the Month 34 Practical Cookery Website 35 Self Publishing Stories 36/37 St Mary’s Newsletter 40 LOSRA Says 43 Spelthorne Business Incubator 44 Notes from the Riverside 45 Update from Sunbury Health Centre 46 Bird Watching and Sea Eagles 49 Sunbury Beat 53 Gardening Matters 60 Ad Index/Prices/Deadlines 62

Published by:

Village Matters Ltd Advertising / Editorial :

Monica Chard

Telephone: 07979 808991 Email: monica@villagematters.co.uk Web Site: www.villagematters.co.uk Front cover - The Avenue 1930. Thanks to the Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society. Please send any hi res photos for consideration to info@villagematters.co.uk

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The Three Horseshoes, Shepperton By Nick Pollard

This postcard of the Three Horseshoes pub, at the southern end of Shepperton High Street, can be accurately dated to 1927. This is because in the background can be seen the newly-built Lordsbridge House, which was completed that year (the date is on a plaque over the central doorway). There is a ‘To Let’ sign visible on the ground floor, where vacant shop fronts await an occupier. A row of men in flat caps sit in the sunshine outside the pub, and it is tempting to speculate that they are workmen from the Lordsbridge House site, quenching their thirst after a spell of heavy work. Nearby stands a ‘Bullnose’ Morris Cowley, so named from the shape of its radiator, one of the most popular cars of the period. The pub displays the signage of Ashby’s brewery, which was based in Church Street, Staines, and had acquired the pub in the late 19th century. ‘Charta Ale’ (as in Magna Charta) was one of their best-selling beers. It would be taken over by H.G. Simonds of Reading three years later, with the rest of Ashby’s business. At about the same time the pub acquired the area enclosed by a brick wall Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

to the right, which up till that date was the school playground for the National School in the High Street. The school moved away to a new site (now St Nicholas School) and the old building became the scout headquarters. It is now the School of Spice restaurant. The pub itself had only just been rebuilt by Ashby’s, replacing a much older 18th century building, which had been a pub since at least 1788 when William Friend was the landlord. His counterpart at the time of this postcard was James Main Munro. The name ‘Three Horseshoes’ probably refers to the nearby blacksmith’s forge, further down School Lane, operated by the Burchett family (hence Burchett’s Way). Clearly a horse with only 3 shoes needs a replacement! Opposite the pub, and just out of sight in this view, was the village pound, where stray animals were kept until their owner could be found. Monthly meetings of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society continue on Zoom while the current restrictions are in place. If you would like to join in with our series of talks on local history, see our website www.sslhs.org.uk for details.

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Preserving Trees of The Avenue By Monica Chard

The Avenue is more or less on the alignment of the boundary between the manors of Sunbury and Kempton. The road was laid out, the ‘town houses’ built at the southern end, and the trees planted c1890. The rest of the houses were added from c1930, at first on the western side only. Thanks to Nick Pollard of the Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society for the photos and information.

The Avenue boasts the most magnificent mature chestnut trees. As well as the large houses, the trees themselves are one of the attractions of this premier road in Lower Sunbury. But the sad fact is, many of these trees are being felled due to disease. Slowly, slowly, they are coming down. That is sad indeed. Trees do not last forever. A friend of mine lives in a road called Elm Tree Avenue. Needless to say, there is not a tree in sight! But we hope that The Avenue will continue to enjoy Chestnut trees for generations to come. Therein lies the issue. Trees are either not being replaced or are being replaced with different species. The proposed alternative to a Chestnut is a Whitebeam. But a Whitebeam will not rise to the might of the Chestnut. There is a TPO covering the whole length of The Avenue but that does not stop them rotting. The owner of a tree with a TPO which is felled under exemption is obliged to plant another tree of “an appropriate size/ species as soon as reasonably possible”, according to the council. Inevitably this will lead to a mish mash of different trees/heights and the majesty of The Avenue will change entirely.

The wonderful photograph above shows The Avenue in 1904. no houses or tarmac and the most superb avenue of trees.

The same view above dates from 2009. Lets hope that we preserve the splendid sight of the Chestnuts for many more years to come.

The Avenue with army trucks during WW1 To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Sunbury Matters is 10 Years Old have a symbiotic relationship. Readers love the history pieces and have often got stories of their own that we then learn from. The SSLHS themselves have increased their membership as a result of their very interesting and inspiring pieces in the magazine. I also have to thank the many boys and girls who have delivered the magazines to you over this decade. In some cases the delivery round has passed from child to child. Thank you also to the parents, who have also found themselves doing door to door deliveries! Sunbury Matters has given me a great chance to run a business from home, or from wherever I happen to need to be. All I need is a phone, a laptop and wifi and I can manage. The only time we have not produced a magazine was May 2020 and we all know what happened then! Otherwise we have published throughout the pandemic and the appreciation we have had from readers has reinforced why it was important to do so. My life continues in the background. I have had several dogs during the 10 years, all rescued or pre loved. I have lost both my parents and have had my share of personal challenges, but somehow the magazine always gets done and delivered. I am also so pleased to have been able to share the secret of community publishing with a couple of other ladies who rather envied my lifestyle and they have gone on to become successful community publishers themselves. The great thing with this business is that rather than competing, we can all support each other as the magazines are inherently local. So thank you to you all for your support. Here’s to the next 10 years!

10 years ago this month, some of you will have received issue 1 of a new community magazine called Sunbury Matters. It started as a 32 page magazine, delivered by children of friends of mine, to only 2000 homes. I never looked back! I had left a very well paid career in TV sales in London. Times had been good, but things change. I parted company with employer and sat in a pub with my then husband, discussing the pros and cons of another international sales role. We then drew up pros and cons of getting a dog and the rest is history. 3 days later we got our first rescue dog and I then had to decide what to do with my time. I owe the decision to start in community magazines to a very dear friend of mine. She too had been looking for a business she could run from home, that would work around her family life. I thought to myself “if she can do it, why not me?”. The idea of Sunbury Matters was born and only 8 weeks later, the first issue was printed. To say that running Sunbury Matters has changed my life is an understatement. The joy of creating something that has been so well received in the community is immense. I have learned so much, made friends and managed to make a contribution. Sunbury Matters has shared stories of locals, dug up history, connected old friends and campaigned to make a difference. It is an honour to be able to do that. It would not have been possible without the support of my advertisers, so I thank them all. Without them, there would be no magazine. Also my regular contributors, like the Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society. We To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Memories of Working at Carawagon By Patricia Stone

Carawagon Ltd was Caraw situated opposite situat Thames Street car Tham park on Thames Street, where Oxford park Row now stands. It Street serviced motor caraRow vans. servic I worked there in the vans. 1970’s for Mr Searle, who was the owner I wor and Mr Robin Wil1970’ son-Webb (son of who Wilson-Webb who and M had an electrical son-W shop in Thames Street. As an aside Wilso Advert for Carawagon c 1970. thanks to SSLHS Mr Wilson-Webb had partly home educated shop his son, who won a scholarship to Eton). repairs on his caravan. I noticed he had a My office looked over the smallStreet stream very young man in his motor and he and if I wasn’t too busy I enjoyedMr watch- seemed keen to hide his companion in the ing the kingfishers and other beautiful back. I remarked to Robin: “What a partly small birds and wildlife. strange man”! his so Amongst other things, the firm serviced Things got a bit quiet and I was commisMy o the Duke of Edinburgh’s carriages, which sioned to travel and sell the Caranex. This and if he used all over the continent. If anyone was a small tent that you could attach to ing t needed a spare part or other tools, I was hatchback vehicles. Everyone in the vilthrilled to take them to the royal stables in lage laughed when they saw me carrying small Windsor. The stables were fabulous, fully one of these tents under my arm. It looked Amon tiled with each stall anointed withthe a brass like a large yellow sausage!D But I was plate with the occupants name on it. I was quite successful in getting appointments he us very interested because I was riding every with various motor dealers all over the neede week in Windsor Great Park so it was countryside. I even got an appointment exciting to see these beautifulthrille horses with British Leyland. Hearing about that close up. A couple of times I Wind saw the one, Mr Searle quickly stepped in and Queen riding with her bowler hatted male said “You can’t expect to get the same w tiled escort. It is difficult to curtsey when rid- commission rate”. I replied “We’ll see plate ing a horse, so I just bowed my head! about that”. As it happened the appointOne day Jimmy Savile came very into the ment was cancelled so in the end Mr i Carawagon workshop to arrange some Searle and I remained friends! week

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Queen

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Who Who Decides? Decides? By By Alan Alan Doyle Doyle

For For the the most most part part we we are are content content to to leave leave the the administration of the Borough to councillors administration of the Borough to councillors and and Council Council officials. officials. But But every every so so often often an an issue issue arises arises which which commands commands local local attention, attention, usually usually because because aa decision decision has has been been taken, taken, unilaterally, unilaterally, which which leaves leaves those those directly directly afaffected fected decidedly decidedly not not content. content. Think Think back back over over recent recent years, years, just just in in Lower Lower Sunbury. Sunbury. The The development development plans plans for for the the EnviEnvironment ronment Agency Agency and and old old Police Police College College sites, sites, the the plans plans for for Kempton Kempton Park, Park, and and the the incineraincinerator tor at at the the Eco Eco Park. Park. All All raised raised significant significant and and sustained public objection. And sustained public objection. And now now we we have have the the Lendy Lendy Memorial Memorial in in the the Walled Walled Garden. Garden. It It has has taken taken eight eight months months to to get get the the hoardings hoardings around around the the Memorial Memorial removed, removed, and and not not before before time. time. The The Memorial Memorial was was first first boarded boarded up up “for “for its its own own protection” protection” on on 17 17 June June last last year. year. But But was was it it really really necessary necessary to to keep keep it it boarded boarded up up for for so so long? long? Thankfully, Thankfully, the the Spelthorne Spelthorne Cabinet Cabinet voted voted unanimously on 27 January to unanimously on 27 January to immediately immediately remove remove the the hoardings. hoardings. They They came came down, down, if if not not immediately, then quite soon afterwards, immediately, then quite soon afterwards, on on 11 11 Feb. Feb. Exactly Exactly in in line line with with public public opinion. opinion. Public Public opinion opinion is is abundantly abundantly clear. clear. The The comcomments supportive of the Memorial ments supportive of the Memorial on on the the Council’s Council’s own own FaceBook FaceBook page page and and Twitter Twitter account account outweighed outweighed the the negative negative comments comments by 139/2 and 14/0 respectively. by 139/2 and 14/0 respectively. Just Just over over 2100 2100 people signed the petition in support people signed the petition in support of of the the Memorial. Memorial. And And NOT NOT ONE ONE SINGLE SINGLE PERSON PERSON wrote wrote directly directly to to the the Council Council complaining complaining about the Memorial. These about the Memorial. These numbers numbers are are from from the the Council’s Council’s own own analysis analysis of of the the public public mood. mood. The The same same overwhelming overwhelming support support for for the Memorial could be found on the Memorial could be found on other other local local social social media media sites. sites. Yet in Yet in the the face face of of this this clear clear evidence, evidence, and and bebefore we got to the decision as Cabinet, fore we got to the decision as Cabinet, it it was was astonishing astonishing how how some some councillors councillors (by (by no no means all) were so dismissive of even openmeans all) were so dismissive of - even openly the opinions opinions and and capabilicapabilily embarrassed embarrassed by by –– the ties of the residents they represent. ties of the residents they represent. To To the the point that they voted to contract-out the decipoint that they voted to contract-out the deciTo To advertise advertise call call Monica Monica on on 07979 07979 808991 808991

Lendy Lendy Lion Lion unpacked. unpacked. Photo Photo Jude Jude Browne Browne

sion on on the the future future of of the the Memorial Memorial to to two two exexsion ternal academics. Again, thankfully, that opternal academics. Again, thankfully, that option was was unanimously unanimously over-ruled over-ruled by by Cabinet. Cabinet. tion When councillors make decisions against the When councillors make decisions against the legitimate opinions of residents, the result is legitimate opinions of residents, the result is an open open wound wound that that won’t won’t heal. heal. By By way way of of an example, just just look look at at the the festering festering sore sore that that is is example, that monstrous monstrous construction construction at at the the Eco Eco Park. Park. It It that doesn’t need to be like that. Whatever the doesn’t need to be like that. Whatever the intricacies and and difficulties difficulties of of planning planning law, law, intricacies dealing with with the the Council Council Planning Planning Department Department dealing is now now an an absolute absolute joy joy compared compared with with how how is things were just a few years ago. things were just a few years ago. So, we we got got there there in in the the end. end. The The boards boards around around So, the Memorial have gone. Work will start the Memorial have gone. Work will start shortly on providing the historical background shortly on providing the historical background to the the Memorial, Memorial, which which will will be be easily easily availaavailato ble to anyone who is interested. That work ble to anyone who is interested. That work will be done locally, and to the high standard will be done locally, and to the high standard required. required. That probably probably does does not not mean mean that that the the issue issue is is That over. There will probably be someone who over. There will probably be someone who wishes to to pick pick at at this this particular particular issue issue in in future. future. wishes But, it is important to remember, it is OUR But, it is important to remember, it is OUR Memorial. in in OUR OUR Memorial.

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Coping with Loss During the Pandemic Bob Noble, Shepperton Aurora Rotary Club

Dealing with bereavement has had to take a very different path during the pandemic. Loved ones have often been unable to be with the person who is dying or, possibly more importantly, be with other members of the close family who would normally provide strength and support at such a difficult time. The amazing care staff in the NHS and Care Homes have given to support people at their point of dying has been extremely humbling, but the added emotional trauma caused to family members by being kept away from each other at this critical time is yet to be understood. With the total number of deaths in the UK still continuing to rise, millions throughout the country under lockdown must be feeling the immense pain of loss. Many of these deaths will undoubtedly have been unexpected, adding to the feeling of stress. There’s no easy way to get over the death of someone close to you, but, pre Covid, individuals could at least take work leave to grieve, spend time with friends and family and gain comfort from just being in the company of others to talk and work through their feelings of anger, despair and emptiness. Even having a funeral, an important milestone when dealing with grief, has had to change. This can add to the sadness when we cannot properly celebrate a loved ones life with a ceremony and wake. For many families who, since March last year, have had restricted funerals there was always the hope they could have a big memorial celebration later with a large gathering – even that hasn’t happened and we are now over a year on. When those coping with bereavement cannot get physical support from loved ones, a cuddle, hold a hand, sit close and talk through their fears and sense of loneliness, the pain of loss can be ever the greater. Most of us are still able to cope with calls from family and friends. A minority of people may need more support from counseling services which they can be referred to via their GP or they can seek help directly through Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

organisations such as CRUSE or Marie Curie. Ironically we would expect these organisations to have been inundated at this time, but in fact anecdotally, they have told us that they have had been receiving less calls during the pandemic period than normal. Some of the Shepperton Aurora Rotary Club have been affected by grief during the pandemic and wish to encourage those dealing with bereavement to access help through local organisations. The club is keen to let residents know there is valuable support out there for those who would like it. Through talking to such organisations that offer help, they have all identified two things to us. Firstly, they continue to offer a support over the phone and have trained individuals who can help those coping with struggling with bereavement and, secondly, they have spare capacity. Some of them also offer group meetings – unfortunately only through Zoom at the moment – but soon, hopefully they intend to return to their other support activities such as café meetings, ‘walks and talks’ and one-toone or live group sessions. There is undoubted concern by both the Government, schools and the medical profession that demand for emotional support for whatever reasons, but particularly bereavement, will increase substantially as we slowly come out of lockdown. Shepperton Aurora Rotary Club wish to encourage those who might be too frightened cautious or lost in their grief to pick up the phone and make the first step towards getting some support from organisations who offer it locally. They will also be providing funds to assist the organisations to undertake their valuable work. You can contact our local CRUSE on 01932 571177 (cruse.org.uk), Princess Alice Hospice on 01372 468811 (pah.org.uk), Marie Curie on 0800 090 2309 (mariecurie.org.uk) or visit our website sheppertonaurora.co.uk for further information or help.

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Cartoons by Helen Turner, Shepperton Artists Well, things can’t be worse than last year!

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Rental Sought Colleen (see ad below) and her elderly cat Bubbles need somewhere not too expensive to rent. Please contact Colleen or pass details on to anyone who might be able to help. Thanks you sincerely! Colleen and Bubbles 07722 574625 or colleenmuriel@hotmail.com

Kempton Fire Posts and Spandrels Reclaimed?

A reader contacted us in great excitement last month. He was reading the piece on the disastrous fire at Kempton Park in 1932 when the grandstand was destroyed by fire. “I think I have some of the old grandstand as my porch”, he said. So, I went round to have a look. Kempton Avenue is directly opposite Kempton Park. The story goes that the houses, built in the 1960’s did use some reclaimed materials in the construction. Below left you can see a close up from the photo printed last month. To the right, the post and the spandrel up close. There is a remarkable resemblance. It is possible that the metal posts had been simply put to one side after the old grandstand was demolished, but the gap of 30 years is significant. You can decide for yourself.

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Capture Spelthorne Competition 2021 From Spelthorne Borough Council Capture Spelthorne, Spelthorne Borough Council’s photography competition, is starting in March, we are looking for the best photographs of the Borough. This is a great opportunity for you to embrace the outdoors, explore our beautiful Borough and showcase your photography skills. The overall winner will see their photo as the cover of the Council’s Bulletin Magazine and across our social media pages. You don’t need an expensive camera to take part, any camera or smartphone will do, as long as the photograph was taken in Spelthorne since 1st May 2020 and is submitted by the closing date. The opening date for the competition entries is 1st March and the closing date for entries is 31st August 2021. We are looking for pictures that tell a story about Spelthorne in the following categories: Community in Spelthorne There are so many things that happen in the community that deserves to be seen whether it be from Scouting to book clubs to charity coffee mornings. This has come to the fore in the last year due to covid 19 where so many individuals, communities and organisations have done some amazing things to help and offer support in these very difficult times. Business in Action We want to see our various businesses in action, this could be images of construction sites, the High Street and shopping parades to factories, transport and beyond. This category is open to individuals but companies might also want to enter as well to show us how they do business. Nature in Spelthorne Spelthorne in the spring, summer, autumn or winter, we are keen to receive photographs that show the various landscapes of the borough in any of the seasons, whether in glorious sunshine or a covering of snow! Sporting Spelthorne Spelthorne has a lot of sporting history rangPlease mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

ing from Olympic champions from the Queen Mary sailing club to Staines Football Club. There is a vastCa away of sports that take place across Spelthorne including tennis, basketball, Co bowls, golf, netball, squash, badminton, the ing list goes on. We are looking for action shots from these andtog any other sports that take place T h Categories for Under 16’s Three finaliststhe for each of the four categories and the under 16 section will be invited to a and private screening of their entries at the Pinewood Cinema at Shepperton Studios where ov the winners will be announced. The overall er winner will receive a trophy and £100 and see their photo as acr the cover for one of the editions of the councils Bulletin Magazine Each categoryYo winner will receive a £50 cheque, a framed picture of their winning par photo and a pair of tickets to the Pinewood lon Cinema Sp Go to www.spelthorne.gov.uk/capture for the online entry form and the terms and condited tions

Th is 1 31 We abo Co Th com be cof the ind hav off Bu We www.villagematters.co.uk tio

1941 Wilsons Boatyard

Thanks to David Taylor for sending this photo of his father, William Taylor of Cohham and the work team at Wilsons boatyard in November 1941

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Laptops Needed for Home Learning We are all guilty of having clutter in our cupboards. How many of us have an old laptop sitting around gathering dust? Well, now is the chance to put them to good use. Home schooling and remote learning has uncovered the needs of many families who do not have access to basic equipment. Assistant Head at Thamesmead, Miss Campbell explained “Remote learning through lockdown has brought many challenges for Thamesmead. One of them being to ensure that all of our learners have access to laptops that will allow them to access MS Teams to engage with lessons that are being taught live on a daily basis. So far we have issued 93 laptops out to students who do not have access to a device at home. 42 of these laptops came via the government scheme, 43 have come from school funds, and 8 have come from donations. We currently have 14 students who are either working on their phones or are sharing one laptop between two or more siblings”. Hearing about the problem experienced by so many schools, Spelthorne resident and former teacher, Rebecca Dix decided to launch ’The Digital Class’, an initiative to match donated devices from the community with children living in the borough. Donated laptops and tablets will be collected and made safe to use, ready to distribute to local schools and allocated families in need. As school staff continue to go above and beyond to provide learning and support during the pandemic, children’s access to technology at home remains a barrier to these incredible efforts. With an overwhelming 1.14 - 1.78 million UK school children with no access to a laptop or tablet at home (Ofcom, 2020), Rebecca felt moved to develop an idea to help support home learning in her community. With a background in education, she was aware of the many challenges today’s parents face and the positive, sometimes life-changing impact To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

We bo sitt the Ho cov a consistent education can have for children. no “I started contacting local schools and it became clear how some children without a lapAs top are still unable to participate in any online learning. My bel aim for this initiative is to ensure all children can reconnect virtually to loc lessons with teachers and peers. Enabling fair Th access to digital technologies will support the provision of atha quality education and create opportunities for all children to fulfil their potential.” tha eng So, can you help our local schools and students access on remote learning? Schools are looking for donated devices (laptops/tablets lap with chargers). Collection will be arranged ces and carried out following guidance and safety cam measures. Devices will then be matched to a local school who will allocate it to a family or com pupil in need. It is advisablefro that you clear all personal data from the device prior to collection, but all den devices will be wiped clean either by the school, if theiror IT department has the capacity, or by a specialist and verified company. mo He If you can help by donating a device please contact rebeccalouisedix@gmail.com. Do ma please also spread the word via social media @thedgtlclass.tea Thank you! Di dev liv tab rea Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk cat 21

Helen Hutchinson. Sunbury Walled Garden

Local Capture We had so many photos sent this month, most of them weather related for some reason! Thank you to you all. Sorry if yours has not been printed this month but keep them coming! Thanks to this months contributors Helen Hutchinson, Christiane Ella, Anna van Boesschoten, Sue Cooper, Lucy Hayes, Bob Cox, Emma Clark and Sandra Brandon. Do send any photos to monica@villagematters.co.uk

Christiane Ella Snowman and snow dog

Stratton Rd. Anna van Boesschoten

Lucy Hayes Snowmen on Walton Bridge Robin by Sue Cooper Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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Kingfisher at Sunbury riverside by Bob Cox

Rivermead Island by Sandra Brandon

Flooded fields, Fordbridge Rd. Anna van Boesschoten

Socially distanced geese at Kings Lawn. Wendy Wood Wintery Thames sky. Emma Clark To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Alex’s Walkathon for MIND By Monica Chard

Hardy by name and hardy by nature! Sheppertonian and former Halliford pupil, Alex Hardy set himself a challenge before Christmas of walking 1500 miles in 100 days. He is walking locally, so you may spot him (you may know him from his job in Prezzo in fact). He tells me his target equates to around 3 x 2 hour walks every day, come rain, shine, snow and gales. This man is hardy indeed! Alex, felt compelled to do something to raise awareness of and funds for mental health and will be making a significant contribution to Mind. We joined him on a (socially distanced) early morning walk one very cold morning. The 10,000 steps we did together is more than most do in a day, but it was merely a warm up for Alex! He clocked up an impressive 60,000 steps on one day alone. He has been in touch with Sunbury and Shepperton Matters since the start of his endeavour and freely admitted when he first started that he thought he has bitten off more than he could chew. He ached everywhere, had sore feel and felt a bit dejected. In addition, donations were slow to come. But that all changed. He is now feeling fit and positive and donations are coming in thick and fast. The link is at the end of this article. Alex told me during our walk that he had lost several friends to suicide. As well as the hopelessness of those who take their lives “it is the effect it has on those left behind” he says. No one should get to the stage of desperation that suicide is the only way out, and the effects of the pandemic and national lockdowns have had a significant impact on mental health. Mind refers to it as mental health emergency. The lure of drink and drugs as an escape and coping mechanism is all too prevalent in mental health stories. Antidepressants are the regular sticking plaster for the problem. But physical activity itself is seen as Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

hugely beneficial for mental health, so Alex’s Walkathon is very appropriate and a kind of therapy in itself. Alex has a long way to go. As we go to press he has just hit the 1000 mile mark but he still has the last 500 to go. He would appreciate any help you can give him to encourage his efforts to get him over the line. Most of us have stories to tell relating to mental health issues, whether personally or relating to family and friends. It is indeed a pandemic in its own right so let’s see if we can do something to help. Alex’s fundraising page:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ thewalkathon For more information about mental health and support mechanisms please visit: www.mind.org.uk We will bring you a further update next month and meanwhile you can keep an eye on Facebook (Alex Hardy) to see Alex’s progress.

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Looking Looking to to the the Future Future

Dr David Fluck, Medical Director and Director of Infection Prevention and Dr David Fluck, Medical&Director andHospitals DirectorNHS of Infection Prevention Control at Ashford St Peter's Foundation Trust and Control at Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The COVID-19 Vaccination The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Programme The past year has been one of the most diffi-

The past year has been one of thecertainly most difficult many of us have faced, and cult many us have faced, and certainly one of the of most challenging in the history of one of theWe most thethird history the NHS. arechallenging currently ininthe na-of the NHS. We aresince currently in the third tional lockdown the beginning ofnathe tional lockdown sincethings the beginning of the pandemic and whilst are still very pandemic thingssense are still very tough, we and havewhilst a renewed of optimism tough, wefor have renewed sensetoofthe optimism and hope theafuture, thanks and hope forvaccine. the future, thanks to the COVID-19 COVID-19 I’m sure youvaccine. will have seen or read news I’m sureofyou have seen or read news reports thewill vaccination programme being reports of the vaccination programme being rolled out throughout the UK and it really is rolled out throughout the UK it really an incredible achievement thatand as of Febru-is an that aspeople of Februaryincredible 8th, alreadyachievement over 12.5 million have ary 8th, already overdose 12.5ofmillion people have received their first the vaccine. received firstthat dosethe ofvaccines the vaccine. Please betheir assured that are being Please be assured that the vaccines that are being administered in the UK (currently Pfizeradministered the UK (currently PfizerBioNTech andinOxford/AstraZeneca) have been BioNTech and have been approved by theOxford/AstraZeneca) Joint Committee on Vaccination approved by the Joint Committee and Immunisation (JCVI) and are on safeVaccination and effecand tive.Immunisation (JCVI) and are safe and effective. The reason that the vaccines have been made availThe that is thedue vaccines have been made available reason so quickly to the global effort providing able so quickly is dueto tofast the track globalthem effortthrough providing resource and funding the resource and funding to fast track them the system without compromising safety or through effectivesystem ness. without compromising safety or effectiveness. I hope that some of you will have already received Iyour hopefirst thatdose some will have and already received ofof theyou vaccination would urge your first reading dose of the andupwould urgeof everyone thisvaccination to please take the offer everyone reading upvaccine the offerisof the vaccine when this you to areplease askedtake as the the whenagainst you areCOVID-19 asked as the vaccine is as the vaccine best defence - both for us the best defence against COVID-19 - both for as individuals and for the country as a whole, anduswill individuals andback for the country a whole, and will help us all get to doing theasthings we love help us all get back to doing the things we love more quickly. moregovernment quickly. has now extended invitations for The Thevaccine government now invitations for the to thehas over 70sextended age group, asking that the vaccine to the over 70s ageonline. group, asking that they book their appointments they book appointments online. Whilst the their vaccination programme is an exciting Whilst the vaccination programme is antoexciting development, it is still really important continue development, it is still really important to continue following the government guidance in terms of following guidance in termsHands of socialisingthe andgovernment travelling and remembering socialising travelling remembering Face Space,and at all times toand protect each otherHands and Face Space, at all times to protect each other and the NHS. the NHS. our hospital sites safely Entering Entering ourwehospital sitesnew safely Last month, introduced digital checkpoints Last month, we introduced new digital checkpoints for both patients and staff entering St Peter’s Hosfor patients entering St Peter’s pitalboth through the and mainstaff entrance, which we areHosplanpital to through entrance, which we are planning extendthe to main the main entrance of Ashford ning to extend to the main entrance of Ashford Please mention Sunbury Matters when Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts responding to adverts

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T c o th ti p to a C I Hospital in coming weeks. Hospital in coming weeks. r When entering through the digital checkpoint, you Whenensure entering the digital must thatthrough you sanitise your checkpoint, hands using you the r must ensure that you and sanitise your hands using the alcohol gel available put on a new surgical a alcohol gel You available and put new surgical face mask. will then needontoastand in front of facethermal mask. You willsothen standa in front the camera thatneed yourtotemperature canofbe the thermal so that temperature can be checked andcamera the camera canyour detect whether you’re r checked and the camera can detect whether you’re wearing a mask. P wearing a mask. The camera will then either display a green light The camera a green light a which meanswill youthen haveeither a facedisplay mask on and your which meansisyou have a face mask and your temperature okay after which youon canB then enter temperature which youyou canhave then not enter the site, or a is redokay lightafter which means a the site, a red on light means you have not got a faceormask or which you have a temperature. If a got a applying face maskthe onface or you have temperature. after mask theared light still If after applying face mask reda temperature. light still ti flashes this willthe indicate you the have If flashes this will indicate you have a temperature. this is the case, patients should speak toT the mem-If this of is staff the case, patients speakortosomeone the member manning the should checkpoint on a ber of staffIfmanning checkpoint or reception. you havethe a temperature orsomeone any oth- on reception. If symptoms, you have a you temperature orr anyhome other Covid-19 should return er Covid-19 symptoms, youand should home immediately and both you your return household s immediately both you and should begin and to self-isolate andyour bookhousehold a Covid-19 should beginastopossible. self-isolate and book a n Covid-19 test as soon test soon as team possible. The as reception are located near theI patient The reception located near the patient y checkpoint andteam will are be able to direct you to where checkpoint willyour be able to direct you to where you need toand go for appointment. We hope that e you needsystem to go for your appointment. We easier hope that this new will make it quicker and for th this newand system makethe it quicker easier for patients staffwill to enter hospital,and whilst doing patients staff to possible. enter the hospital, whilst doing th so in theand safest way so in the safest way possible. in To keep up to date with the latest updates from h To keep up with please the latest updates from Ashford andtoStdate Peter’s, visit ourm website Ashford and St Peter’s, please visit our website https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ T th th www.villagematters.co.uk www.villagematters.co.uk W 27 27 d

In Bloom Poster Competition Every year the Spelthorne in Bloom competition encourages us to tend our gardens, big and small. Blooming gardens embellish our borough and bring us all a sense of well being, whether we are tending them or just admiring them. The launch of the competition sees the crowning of talent of another kind. The children’s poster competition gives primary school children the chance to show off their own skills, namely painting and drawing. It is open to all children up to the age of 11 years who live in Spelthorne. The overall winning entry will be used to promote Spelthorne in Bloom and the winning poster will feature on the front cover of the entry form and other publicity materials for the 2021 competition. The Spelthorne in Bloom committee is pleased to open this years poster competition this month. This year’s theme is ‘Climate Change’. The judges would like to see posters that are bright and colourful encouraging children to use their imagination to interpret how the plants, flowers and vegetables growing in their own gardens at home or at school are being affected by rising temperatures and changes in local rainfall. They would also like the words Spelthorne in Bloom to be included on the poster. Entries can either be hand drawn (or painted) or designed on a computer. The judges will pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, grouped for children aged 5 -7 and 8 – 11. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

E p d e s i T Above, the winning entry for 2020 c c In past years Spelthorne’s schools have m organised this competition and sent the posters back to the Council officeso for judging. However, with most schools d currently closed, the committee are asking t parents (and indeed grandparents) to enS courage their children to take part from home, for themselves or as a schoolw art class project. B The committee would like to receivet all entries via email, so ask you to photograph or scan your poster and send ita to: spelthorne.inbloom@spelthorne.gov.uk c for the attention of Vanessa Surmon.

Please ensure that the child’s name, T age and school are included in the email p otherwise the poster will not be judged. t The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 9th April at 4pm.

It would be lovely to make this a bumper T year of bright and inspiring art. We look forward to seeing the many entries a and sharing the winning poster with youd in Sunbury Matters in a future issue. www.villagematters.co.uk

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Signature Senior Lifestyle stays ahead of the curve with vaccinations and safety procedures Signature Senior Lifestyle is leading the way with the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine, providing reassurance and reflecting an unwavering commitment to creating the safest environment possible. At Signature’s Parklands Manor, all residents and staff have now been vaccinated. By the end of January, all residents and staff at the group’s 13 care homes across London and the Home Counties have been vaccinated, well ahead of the Government’s national March target. This comes in addition to Signature’s ongoing robust testing programme, with Signature utilising rapid 15minute antigen tests to provide almost immediate peace of mind at its communities. Spirits are high at all of Signature’s homes, with the vaccine roll out providing light at the end of the tunnel during this challenging time, while it’s adapted social and activities programmes are also keeping residents happy and engaged. John Marshall is a resident at Parklands Manor, Chertsey who has been vaccinated, he comments: “I’m very pleased to have been

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vaccinated so quickly. The process has been extremely smooth and professional with clear communication. It helps provide peace of mind and I’m now looking forward to the future with optimism. Of course, there are always some risks that we can’t control but now I feel as safe as can be. “Generally, the leadership, home and staff have been exceptional, responsive and supportive throughout all of this. I’ve also been truly amazed at the ingenuity of the events team who are always coming with up fun new ideas week in week out. There is no pressure to participate at all, it’s all very relaxed.” Signature has adequate PPE stocks, while its health and safety protocols and ongoing testing regime are proving robust, weekly and daily testing as required. Each home is acting in accordance with Public Health England guidelines, while additionally all homes are fully equipped with technology including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Facebook Portals to help keep people connected. To find out more about Signature at Parklands Manor in Chertsey, please call Sonia or Judy on 01932 282943 or visit www.signaturecare-homes.co.uk

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Recipe of the Month Steak & Ale Pie Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: Filling - 3.5-4 hours (plus cooling time) Pie - 45 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients Pie Filling Lard or dripping (you can use sunflower oil at a push) 700g boneless beef shin – cut into mouth size chunks 25g plain flour, seasoned 200g smoked bacon (diced) or lardons 225g whole baby onions 400ml sweet dark brown ale (Theakston’s Old Peculier works well if your ale knowledge is not strong!) 400ml beef stock 1 tsp dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1 tbsp dark muscovado sugar 1 tsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp cocoa or 1-2 squares of very dark (80%+) chocolate

Reduce the heat a little and add the chopped bacon or lardons and the onions to the pan. Cook until the bacon fat begins to render, and the onions are brown on all sides, then add into the casserole. Pour a small amount of the beer into the pan and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom to incorporate all the flavoured meat scraps and flour. Pour this into the casserole too, then pour in the rest of the ale, and add the stock, herbs, sugar, vinegar, and cocoa (or chocolate squares) and bring to a simmer.

For the pastry: 400g plain flour, plus extra for rolling 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp mustard powder (optional) ½ tsp salt 175g suet Iced water A little milk or egg, to glaze

Cover, and place into the oven for about 2 hours, then uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 1½ -2 hours (depends on your oven), until the meat is tender. Set on one side to cool then transfer to a pie dish.

To make the pastry place the flour, baking powder and mustard powder in a bowl with ½ tsp salt. Stir in the suet, and then add just enough iced water to Method bring it together into a dough. Wrap in cling film Preheat the oven to 170C or 150C fan / gas mark 3. and refrigerate for an hour or so. Place the seasoned flour into a large plastic bag. Preheat the oven to 190C / 170C (fan) / Gas mark Add the beef in small batches and shake thoroughly 5. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about to coat evenly. Reserve the floured pieces to a 1cm thick. Place over the filled pie dish, sealing the plate. Heat a generous chunk of lard or dripping a edges tightly. Cut vent slits to allow the steam to large frying pan over a high heat. Brown the beef escape. Brush with beaten egg or milk and then pieces in small batches, transferring them to an bake for 45-50 minutes until golden. ovenproof casserole dish as you go. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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Practical Cooking Website for Families Local mum Sinead Ferguson and her husband, Mark (pictured) are both qualified chefs. Sinead was keen on all things food related from the age of 15 and won a county cookery competition, going on to study professionally. Mark has worked as a senior chef in a number of places over the years. But Mark was furloughed during the first lockdown and like many the family ended up working from home and home schooling their son. With so many of us combining working from home with home schooling it’s difficult to find the Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup with Coriander and time to properly plan healthy, family Garlic Flatbreads friendly meals whilst ensuring nobody is spending unnecessary amounts of time in the www.thymetocook.co.uk. Here you will find kitchen. Like many of us, the couple saw the initial practical tips, money saving ideas and innopanic buying in supermarkets so set out to vative recipes for the whole family. Whether create a range of recipes using up all the odds it is overnight oats, Soda bread or smoothies, and ends in our cupboard and freezer. At the to easy to make tray bakes, casseroles and same time, Mark’s mum had an extended stay pies to easy and tasty soup (see photo above) in hospital and so the family helped to man- to sticky toffee pudding or brownies. There is age her allotment plots. From this experi- something for everyone, most of the recipes ence, the couple’s motto soon became ‘Grow using ingredients you will have already in the cupboard or freezer. It, Cook It, Eat It’. Sinead and Mark wanted to share their exper- Get inspiration on recycling and store cuptise with other families, providing hints and board essentials and make life easier for yourtips on how you can get ahead with meal self. planning by loving your freezer and batch They also have an Instagram page thymetocooking. So they launched a website; cook2021 and there is a facebook page under the name Sinead Ferguson. The couple invites you to share any tips or recipes with them too, so this is very much a community affair.

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The Success of Self Publishing The Success of Self Publishing By Mike Bodnar By Mike Bodnar

The impacts of Covid-19 on the mainstream book marketofare many, with closed The impacts Covid-19 on the mainstream bookshops, launches and pubbook market cancelled are many, book with closed lishers' plans in disarray. of bookshops, cancelled bookHowever, launches none and pubthis seems stopped writers.none of lishers' planstoinhave disarray. However, With moretotime at home due to the panthis seems havestuck stopped writers. demic, an time increasing number With more stuck at home of duepeople to theare panusing the opportunity to write novel, demic, an increasing number ofthat people are memoir history book, and submit it. In a using the or opportunity to write that novel, recent report, onebook, publisher said thatit.their memoir or history and submit In a normal workload of four orsaid fivethat manuscripts a recent report, one publisher their day hadworkload increasedofsince Covid as many asa normal four or five to manuscripts 16 had a day. day increased since Covid to as many as Soa competition is intense, but you can bypass 16 day. mainstream publishing by selfSo competition is intense,altogether but you can bypass publishing,publishing which an increasing mainstream altogether number by self-of indie authors are doing – and not necessarily publishing, which an increasing number of due to a fearare of rejection. indie authors doing – and not necessarily Self-published books are finally breaking due to a fear of rejection. through the decades-old stigma breaking they've had, Self-published books are finally namelythe thatdecades-old if it's self-published then by defithrough stigma they've had, nition it's (And yes, it has bedefisaid namely thatinferior. if it's self-published thentoby that some books are sadly Onsaid the nition it's inferior. (And yes,wanting.) it has to be upside, has become On the the meththat someself-publishing books are sadly wanting.) od of choice for many has successful beupside, self-publishing becomewriters the methcause it generates a bigger share writers of salesbereveod of choice for many successful nue, while offering more control cause it generates a bigger share ofover salesthe revework. nue, while offering more control over the The Martian, Fifty Shades of Grey, Still Alice, work. andMartian, The Shack areShades all successful The Fifty of Grey,selfStill Alice, published works, what 'success' and The Shack are but all successful self-looks like is important, as we'll see. 'success' looks like published works, but what options isSelf-publishing important, as we'll see.are many, largely thanks to the internet Self-publishing optionsand aredigital many, publishing largely opportunities; on-demand printing, eBooks, thanks to the internet and digital publishing and audio books can be achieved and opportunities; on-demand printing,easily, eBooks, with potentially much profits than and audio books can be greater achieved easily, and traditional publishing. with potentially much greater profits than Then therepublishing. are self-publishing companies, traditional providing everything from proofreading Then there are self-publishing companies,and editing through to cover printing, marproviding everything fromdesign, proofreading and keting through and salestomanagement. choose editing cover design,You printing, marhow much of a management. package you want, or can afketing and sales You choose ford.much of a package you want, or can afhow ford. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

But before you start you need to ask, 'How willbefore I define the examples of sellBut yousuccess?' start youInneed to ask, 'How out Iself-published books above, success in will define success?' In the examples of is sellsales numbers, rave reviews, contracts out self-published books above, success and is in film numbers, deals. Butrave success can be a lot more sales reviews, contracts and modest than film deals. Butthat. success can be a lot more For example, let's say you wish to write your modest than that. family history. Your For example, let's say 'market' you wishistolikely writeyour your immediate andYour extended family. So, they family history. 'market' is likely yourget to own a professionally-published of immediate and extended family. So,record they get family history, while you haverecord the satistothe own a professionally-published of faction ofhistory, being the originator of the the family while you have the work. satisThere'sofnobeing financial reward and no film deal, faction the originator of the work. but your – small and intimate it is – There's nomarket financial reward and no filmasdeal, willyour be delighted with what you've created. but market – small and intimate as it is – Or you might write travelyou've memoir, based on will be delighted witha what created. your riding a motorbike half way Or youadventures might write a travel memoir, based on round the world.riding Hereayou want to half entertain your adventures motorbike way and inspire others, so you yourwant target is the round the world. Here tomarket entertain armchair and would-be adventurer. and inspiretraveller others, so your target market is the Success traveller thereforeand might be readers saying armchair would-be adventurer. they enjoyed yourmight bookbe soreaders much that they're Success therefore saying nowenjoyed planning their ownsoadventure. they your book much that they're But planning success could also include that your pubnow their own adventure. lishing and could promotional costs that haveyour beenpubcovBut success also include ered byand sales, to the point where book lishing promotional costs havethe been covdoesn't owe you anything. Any subsequent ered by sales, to the point where the book sales are a bonus, (maybeAny enabling you to doesn't owe you anything. subsequent create version!). sales areana audio bonus,book (maybe enabling you to Success in self-publishing is what you make create an audio book version!). it, and not just about rave is reviews, getting Success in self-publishing what you makeon best-seller or striking a movie deal. on it,a and not justlist, about rave reviews, getting if you'velist, been using deal. lockdown aSo best-seller orthinking striking aofmovie to iffinally that book idea into reality, go So you'veturn been thinking of using lockdown it. Butturn decide what success tofor finally that upfront book idea intoyour reality, go is going to look like. Now,what get on thatsuccess keyboard! for it. But decide upfront your is going to look like. Now, get on that keyboard! Mike Bodnar is a local self-published author and blogger. is keen to start a Sunbury Mike Bodnar isHe a local self-published author writers' group lockdown and blogger. Heonce is keen to startrestrictions a Sunbury allow. If you're interested, email Mike on writers' group once lockdown restrictions mgbodnar@gmail.com allow. If you're interested, email Mike on mgbodnar@gmail.com

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Self Published ‘The Ring of Dark Shadows’ tackles Child Abuse By Chloe-May Cuthill (pictured)

2020 was one of the toughest years ever and it took it’s toll on so many. With problems arising because of the pandemic; people losing their jobs or being furloughed and schools closing, this led to the highest numbers of children feeling lost, alone and scared. The NSPCC saw their helpline numbers dramatically increase due to children being confined to home and subjected to abuse. I know all too well what it’s like to feel alone and scared, I was a victim of child abuse from the age of 9 up until the age of 12. But in 2017 I came forward to the police with the help of the NSPCC and after 3 long years of investigations justice was finally served. I had kept what happened to me quiet for 17 years so it was now time to speak up and share my story. At the beginning of 2020 I decided to share what had happened to me on social media and the response I received was overwhelming. I knew I now wanted to do something positive out of a massive negative. I sat down and started to write a book. I wasn’t sure what direction I was going to go at first but after drafting lots of ideas I knew I wanted to write a children’s book. The main aim of my book ‘The Ring of Dark Shadows’ is to get more people, young and old, to talk openly about abuse and to eradicate the stigma around it as well as the shame. If we can bring the subject into everyday life then it will encourage children and adults to speak up and come forward. I want children to know they always have a voice and that their voice will always be heard. ‘The Ring of Dark Shadows’ has six realistic stories with a powerful message about different types of child abuse. The stories reflect on friendship, bravery and speaking up. My book isn’t scary and it doesn’t ever mention actual abuse. I have written it carefully and safely so children will understand. I realise parents will be scared and wary about discussing topics of abuse with their children, it’s a conversation that’s difficult to address and knowing how or when is sometimes the toughest part and then normally ignored. This is why I wanted to write a book that can be a conversation starter between children and their parents. My main character Avie doesn’t experience abuse, she sees the danger and then helps her friends and family. If my book can educate children recognise danger To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

and the different types of abuse out there and how to stop it by speaking up then I have succeeded. I have also added relevant information for children to report abuse if they need to at the end of the book and 10% goes towards the NSPCC and 10% goes towards RASASC. I am currently writing my memoirs which I hope to publish sometime this year and I’m hoping my story will encourage others out there to come forward and know they are not alone. Child abuse still carries huge stigma and is not talked about enough. People who have suffered abuse need to know they will be believed. Let’s silence the shame not the subject. To keep up with my story please head to my Facebook page Let’s Talk About Abuse. On there I discuss problems and issues that I have overcome with the hope of helping others speak up and not feel alone or isolated. My book ‘The Ring of Dark Shadows’ is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/RINGDARK-SHADOWS-Chloe-May-Cuthill/ dp/1912821788 or you can order directly from my website www.chloemaycuthill.com If you have concerns about child abuse, relating to yourself or someone you know, support is always available online or by telephone from the NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk or you can call 0808 800 5000.

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When is a Public Space not Public?

Last month we asked you to take litter home and not leave dog poo bags on Sunbury Golf Course. The title of the piece was “We Must Respect Public Spaces”. I was contacted by a couple of readers who, in no uncertain terms, pointed out that the golf course is NOT public. “We members of the golf club are thoroughly fed up with members of the public nonchalantly wandering over the course without any thought of their own safety and treating the golf course as if it were a public park. And that applies to the horse riders too! Since there are no public footpaths explains why there are no poo bins on Sunbury Golf Course”. During lockdown we have been lucky to be able to explore places which are not usually open to us. The golf course is one such place. It’s hills provided families with endless entertainment during the snow. But it is not a public place. The pathway around the course is not a public footpath either, although it has been a footpath even before the golf course existed. Thankfully it is not closed to the public, but to use it is through tolerance, not right. So, even more reason to respect places we walk, which are not public.

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St Saviour’s Saviour’s Community Community Foodbank Foodbank Celebrating 10 years of St anniversary, we we would would like like to to take take this thisopportunity opportunitytotothank thankeveryone everyone As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, our local local community, community, in in Sunbury Sunburyand andbeyond. beyond.We Weare areso soblessed blessedtoto who works with us to help our many partner partner organisations; organisations; our our work work isisaatrue trueteameffort teameffortand andwe wenever never have the support of so many support we we receive. receive. Currently Currently we we are are helping helpingto tosupport supportmore morethan than700 700 take for granted all the support through foodbank foodbank parcels parcels and and surplus surplus food. food.In Injust justthe thelast last66months, months,we we people every month, through tonnes of of food food to to the the local local community, community, which whichisisthe theequivalent equivalentof of have distributed over 50 tonnes for being being part part of of our our team! team! We We recently recentlymade madeaa7-minute 7-minutevideo videototo 118,000 meals. Thank you for of the the Foodbank. Foodbank. Click Click here here to to help us celebrate 10 years of forward to to continuing continuing to to work work watch. We are looking forward and years years to to come. come. The The FoodFoodwith you in the months and and Thursdays Thursdays from from 10-11am. 10-11am. bank is open on Mondays and community@stsaviourssunbury.org.uk Phone: Phone: Email: community@stsaviourssunbury.org.uk Saviour’s Church, Church, Vicarage Vicarage 07496 524693 Address: St Saviour’s 7TP Charity Charity Number: Number: 1130267 1130267 Road, Sunbury TW16 7TP Manager, St St Saviour’s Saviour’s Church Church Donna Mason, Foodbank Manager,

of Thinking of Stamp Selling your Stamp Collection? Collection? Cut out the commissions and and sell sell direct direct to to the dealer! Home visit valuations. valuations. Immediate Immediate payment, however large or small. small. Call 01932 785635 www.jcstamps.co.uk Monica on on 07979 07979 808991 808991 To advertise call Monica

42 42

Oremail emailmonica@villagematters.co.uk monica@villagematters.co.uk Or

LoSRA Says Have you renewed your membership or are you yet to join the Lower Sunbury Residents' Association? It's been many months since our volunteers (some of whom are elderly or otherwise clinically vulnerable) have been safe enough to deliver our seasonal newsletters door-to-door. Subject to government advice we hope to be back to normal in the not too distant future. Our Spring newsletter usually carries an appeal for new members and a reminder to renew existing membership subscriptions which were due from the beginning of the year. The Committee members, without exception, give their time freely and, as a well-respected residents' association, we have been pursuing our objectives which have remained essentially the same since the Association's inception nearly 50 years ago. The Association’s purpose is to optimise and enhance the quality of life for Lower Sunbury residents by all appropriate means. In particular, this involves pursuing these key strategies and objectives: • To stimulate public consciousness and appreciation of the appearance and character of Lower Sunbury. • To work for the continued maintenance and enhancement of the Lower Sunbury Conservation Area. • To prevent unnecessary housing development which is out of character with the area, especially development which increases housing density inappropriately, and which involves demolishing existing good houses and building on existing domestic gardens. • To press for the preservation and extension of Green Belt and public open spaces, and work to protect the local environment. • To support the development of Lower Sunbury’s commercial life and public services, consistent with environmental objectives. • To press for appropriate traffic manage-

ment or exclusion measures. • To maintain and enhance the strong sense of community and social cohesion within Lower Sunbury. To work with other amenity organisations in support of the Association’s aims. Joining or renewing your membership is crucial to our continued existence; and to demonstrate the reach and reputation which the Association has enjoyed over the years. If you have not already done so please go to www.losra.org and join or renew membership by using the facility on the Home Page. The annual membership fee of £5 (about the price of 2 cups of coffee) has not changed for many years. Alternatively, you may drop off your remittance in an envelope together with a note of your postal & email address; and phone number at the Post Office in The Avenue or at Twirltours in Green Street. Thank you.

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Spelthorne Hub Business Incubator Opening Soon Do you want to start, develop, and grow your business in a cost effective and vibrant location with fellow entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses with the added benefit of mentoring, training, networking opportunities and FREE broadband with speeds up to 1GB? If the answer is yes then The Spelthorne Hub could be the ideal location for you. This new space is located at 33 Hanworth Road, Sunbury on Thames which is just off J1 of the M3, next to the A316 and opposite Costco. It is the perfect location with excellent transport links into London, the South East and beyond. The Incubator will provide a coworking environment for new start-ups and early stage businesses. This new facility will offer a choice of hot desks, permanent desks and serviced office facilities. Various packages will be available with prices starting from as little as £99 per month. Most of the following benefits will be included with all of the packages: Free broadband up to 1GB Access to a meeting room and plenty of room for more informal one to ones Tea and coffee for you, your team and guests included Network with like-minded people Free Start Your Own Business book Free workshops and seminars Access to mentors Free membership to the Spelthorne Business Forum Free parking The Incubator will provide a base for entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and grow their businesses and to turn an innovative spark into a strong commercial enterprise. An Open Day will be arranged in the near future so that you can come and see the facilities for yourself. If you are interested in using the Spelthorne Hub then please email e.development@spelthorne.gov.uk and we Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

will then get back to you when we have the date of the Open Day and also details of the various packages available.

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Notes from the Riverside The front door may be closed to public meetings, but we are very much alive behind the scenes just waiting for the ‘all clear’ siren to sound. Our groups have been staying in touch by various electronic means and I see that already the Flower Club, the Coffee Concert, Riverside Arts Jazz and Riverside Players have dates pencilled in for April and May. More immediately this month we have five events which are available for you to view on-line. Riverside Arts Jazz who have produced some notable concerts during lockdown are offering another of their “My Life in Music” interviews on March 2nd with guest Robert Banerjee. Then on Sunday March 7th a streamed concert with the Paul Silver/Lester Brown Quintet featuring Paul Silver on sax, Lester Brown on trumpet, Terence Collie on piano, Paul Michael on bass and Matt Skeaping on drums Staying with music, on Saturday March 6th one of our resident tutors, Colleen Muriel will be giving a recital of music for the flute. Recently Riverside Players had a ‘Zoom’ reading of an hilarious Geoff Buckingham play. In contrast they are now offering two very different, extremely dramatic plays by another local playwright, Richard Black. Each play can be experienced separately but ideally should be seen in sequence. " Passing Over" and " The Millstone " are described as Ghost Morality plays by the author, as they tell two stories of how terrible crimes, a war crime in “Passing Over” and child abuse in “The Millstone”, can have a devastating effect on the lives of ordinary people and how there can be a resolution between the perpetrators of the crime and their victims. Richard was driven to write these plays because he sees these two evils as amongst the burning issues of the day all over the world and the victims need to be given a voice. Both plays contain distressing scenes and are not suitable for children, or those of a sensitive nature likely to be adversely affected by watching them, “Passing Over” will be performed on March 11th and “The Millstone” on March 18th with free viewing for all available thanks to the generosity of the author. Why not follow the lead of these local writers and instead of reading the same dog-eared books or watching “Love Actually” for the 24th time why not use some of your lockdown time to write a story of your own? Riverside Players are offering would-be playwrights the chance to have their work performed and win cash prizes at the same time. Release that story you have been burning to tell, which can be a stage play, one more suitable for radio or even for cartoon or puppets. Contact the group for details of how you can enter and even get playwriting tips if this is your first attempt. A few months ago, our Chairman, James Ford-Bannister, launched an appeal for people to donate towards the funds of Riverside Arts Centre, whose income has been decimated by the lockdown. The GoFundMe appeal together with some other substantival gifts is well on the way to reaching its target of £4000. James said “ he was so grateful for the amazing generosity shown by people at a time when their own lives will have been so disastrously affected by the pandemic. I think it shows the affection people feel for their local arts centre and the facilities it provides. I thank you for your support and we aim to carry on providing the facility that you want for many years to come. Thank you all !” You will find contact details of how to watch the events mentioned above as well as all other activities on our Riverside presents...... page on p20 in this magazine.

Riverside Arts Centre 57/59 Thames Street Sunbury TW16 5QF www.riversidearts.co.uk 07796 531427 info@riversidearts.co.uk registered charity 272929 To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Update from Sunbury Health Centre As of Monday 15th February, 4,151 of our patients have been vaccinated with their first Covid jab. We would like to thank our patients for their patience as we continue to send out vaccination invitations moving through the cohorts following the government vaccination plan. We are working closely with our local GP Federation (NICS) who have vaccination hubs in Staines, Walton, Chertsey and Woking although increasingly patients will be invited to the mass vaccination site at Epsom racecourse.

You may be aware that Dr Canniff, in addition to her GP Partner role here at Sunbury, is also the Clinical Chair for Surrey Heartlands CCG. Dr Canniff is heavily involved in the Covid effort across Surrey, and for the next 12 months will be reducing her time at Sunbury to work on the Surrey Heartlands pandemic response. Ranjit Brar has joined the practice and will be covering Dr Canniff’s session on Mondays. He has worked at Sunbury previously as a locum doctor, and we are pleased he has joined us on a more regular basis.

The vaccination programme is complex as we now move to maintain the momentum for 1st vaccinations whilst also starting to invite patients for their 2nd vaccinations. We will continue to publish up to date information as we receive it on the practice website and Facebook page. Staffing updates at the Practice: We are very pleased to welcome back Dr Laura Adam after her recent maternity leave. We have also welcomed Dr Sahdia Choudry and are delighted that she has joined the clinical team. We have employed two Clinical Pharmacists; Sharan Punny & Eklin Khurana both of whom bring with them a wealth of knowledge from various clinical settings. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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Sudoku 7

5 1 9 6

5 6

2 1 8

4 9

1 6 4 2 9 1 6 4 5 2 7 9 1 2 8 6 7 Solution on p61

Tree Wor k

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01932 886524 or 07941 031759 (Eves) surreyarborist@gmail.com To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Bird Watching and Sea Eagles! By Nigel Scott

I noted your comment about Sea Eagles over Shepperton in the January edition. The Sea Eagles released by the Roy Dennis Foundation in the Isle of Wight ranged far and wide over the UK this summer, one even flew back to Scotland where it had been born!

I have also watched a male Sparrowhawk kill and eat a wood pigeon in my small garden, it must have ben very hungry to take on a bird so large!

Red Kites have been seen more and more frequently in this area but we seem to have lost our population of winter thrushes (redwings and fieldfares) which liked the trees near Manor Park and also the Shepperton Old Allotments. In the case of the latter they have stopped coming since buildings were allowed to be erected on the allotments. My bird list for the Allotments also includes Brambling, a Chaffinch-like rarity more normally seen in rural areas.

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alive

and

Finally, a note from the editor.

kicking

in photo by David Appleton, Goose News 2017

Birdwatch magazine last year reported that one had been tracked (they all have satellite transmitters) over Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex and a verified report from Worcester Park in late April is an accepted record. I was in my lockdown garden in Thames Ditton on a Sunday in late April (sadly without binoculars) and we saw a very large bird which we thought was just a big buzzard to the south of us towards Worcester Park. Having read the report I am pretty confident that I did see a white-tailed sea eagle overhead on that Sunday in late April so the rumours are correct, we may see them again this coming summer!

Birdwatching Spelthorne.

A lady was spotted watching some birds on the fields at Home Farm on the Shepperton Road. When asked, she said she was watching Tundra Bean Geese, although this is being challenged by specialists who suggest it is a Taiga Bean Goose. As the bird breeds in northern Siberia and winters in Asia, what is it doing in Shepperton? It is clearly not a regular to Spelthorne...Not yet anyway.

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Dog Theft

Having seen posts on social media about fears of dog thefts Sunbury Matters checked the status with Spelthorne Police. Maxine Cillia, Spelthorne Borough Commander, said that there has in fact been no increase in reported thefts of pets in the area. Her advice to pet owners however is as follows: • • • • •

Ensure you have a recent picture of your pet an that it is micro chipped Ensure that the microchip is up to date Keep dogs on leads or close by when walking them or be aware of where they are at all times Walk in locations where other dog walkers usually Always have a phone with you.

Make sure you always report any crime to the police so that they can build an accurate picture.

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Across

1 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 18 20 22 23 24 25

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1 Important business person (7) 2 Sound (5) 3 Brilliance, astuteness (7) 4 Wanderers, travellers (6)

Grand house (7) Verifiable truths (5) Dividends, earnings (5) Ghoulish, spooky (7) Evened the score (7) Coach, teach (5) Animosity, hatred (6) Stick, attach (6) Permit (5) Sincere (7) Beasts (7) Belief (5) Ledge (5) Pudding (7)

5 One side of a many-sided object (5) 6 Savoy, Red, or Napa (7) 7 Severe, sombre (5) 13 Depression, sickness (7)

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15 16 17 18 19

Solution p 57

Ridicules (7) Drain, take out (7) Stopped (6) Collect, compile (5) Dock, levee (5)

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Sunbury Beat Sunbury Beat Beat Sunbury By Inspector Maxine Cilia By ByInspector InspectorMaxine MaxineCilia Cilia

There is a lot There is ongoing work with our local There aa lot isis including ongoing our There lot There ongoing work work with with our local local going isison in There partners Housing Council and Th going on in partners including Housing Council and going on in partners including Housing Council and Spelthorne at the shops to lead some problem solving go Spelthorne lead problem solving Spelthorne the shops shops lead some some problem solving moment . atatthe work, toto focused on the underpass and Sp moment work, focused and moment. . work, focused on the the underpass underpass and Skate park. Theon schools are also contribSkate park. The schools are also contribSkate to park. are alsoabout contribm The most reports uting the The localschools conversation the The local conversation about the Themost most reports uting utingtotothe the localand conversation about the that we reports receive ongoing matters we are also looking that receive also that we we receive ongoing and weare are alsolooking looking are about anti ongoing to see matters ifmatters thereand is we any interest in the Th are about anti to see if there is any interest inin the are about anti to see if there is any interest the social behaviour. formation of a residents association. We th social ofofaawith residents association. We social behaviour. formation residents association. We Most behaviour. people do formation work closely neighbourhood Watch ar Most people with Watch Most people do work work closely withneighbourhood neighbourhood Watch not even see do this who closely have been growing in numbers not even see this who have been growing in numbers not even see this who have been growing in numbers so as a crime. How- during the past year and we can assist Inspector Cilia asever, aacrime. Howduring the past year and we can assist as crime. Howduring the past year and we can assist M continued anyone who would like to get involved Inspector InspectorCilia Cilia ever, continued who totoget ever,social continued anyone whowould wouldlike like gettoinvolved involved anti behav- anyone by signposting you your no anti behavsignposting antisocial social behav- by by signposting you you toto your your iour can create many tensions in commulocal coordinator. as iour create many tensions inincommulocal coordinator. iourcan can create manypeople tensions communities and make desperate to local coordinator. Inspector Cilia nities and make people desperate to ev nities homes, and make people desperate to We are still seeing a lot of SCAMs being move unable to live their daily move homes, unable to live their daily We are still seeing a lot of SCAMs being move as homes, to live daily reported. We are still seeing lot of to SCAMs an lives well asunable as anxious anxious andtheir mentally it istoo tooagood good betrue truebeing then asas well and mentally reported. IfIf totobe lives well as create anxious and mentally reported. Ifititisis too good be truethen then r lives can many tensi unwell. It is important that you report to it is probably not is my first advice. Do unwell. ItItisisimportant that you report toto ititisisprobably not isismy first advice. Do unwell. important that you report probably not my first advice. Do us continued anti-social behaviour. This not believe anyone who cold calls you! es and make people ususcontinued anti-social behaviour. This not believe anyone who cold calls you! continued anti-social behaviour. This not believe anyone who cold calls you! willensure ensure wehave haveaagood goodpicture pictureofof Always Alwaysask askfor foraahead headoffice officenumber number and ve homes, to will we and will ensure we have apatrols good picture of unable Always askand for adetails head office number and where to target our with our there name to verify them and where toto target our patrols with our there name and details totoverify them and es as well as anxious where target our patrols with our there name and details verify them and PCSO’s. the company company and and ifif inin doubt doubt do do not not PCSO’s. the PCSO’s. the company and ifaway in doubt dotha not well. It is important engage. Do not give your personal engage. Do not give away your personal engage. Do not give away your personal Currently we we are seeing seeing aa lot lot of antianti-anti-social information easily. easily. The The other scam scam b continued Currently Currently we are are inseeing a lot ofof anti- information information easily. Theisother other scam social behaviour the Walled Garden involving gift vouchers where the g l social ensure we have a behaviour ininthe Garden involving gift isis where the social behaviour the Walled Walled Garden involving gift vouchers vouchers where the where youths are congregating and creatscammer calls pretending to be the where youths are congregating and creatscammer calls pretending toto be the ere to target our pa where youths are congregating and creatscammer calls pretending be the ing aa disturbance disturbance and and abusing abusing Council Council HMRC HMRCand andasks asksfor forpayments paymentsininvouchvouching SO’s. ing a disturbance and are abusing Council HMRC and asksnever for payments in vouchColleagues when they trying to lock ers. This would happen. Please do Colleagues when are trying lock never happen. do Colleagues whenthey they arereceive tryingtoto lock ers. ers.This Thiswould would never happen.inPlease Please do up the gardens. If we reports not ever pay a bill or person vouchers up the gardens. IfIf we reports not ever pay person ininvouchers up theour gardens. we receive receive reports not ever payaabill billor or person vouchers from council workers about public over the telephone. If they want payment rrently we are seeing from our workers about public the IfIfthey want from our council council workerswe about public over over thetelephone. telephone. wantpayment payment orderoffences offences orassaults assaults willensure ensure letthem them senditin ittotoyou youthey inwriting writing where ial behaviour the W order or we will let send in where order offences or assaults we will ensure let them send it to you in writing where these are investigated and persons are you can verify it. these are youths investigated and persons are are you can verify it. ere congreg these investigated and acceptable persons are you can verify it. broughtare justice.ItItisisnot not brought totodisturbance justice. acceptable toto a and ab brought to justice. It is not acceptable to abusethe thestaff staffininthese theseareas. areas. abuse abuse the staff in these areas. when lleagues they are Takecare careand andstay staysafe safe Take stay safe youare areininaaHousing Housing associationpropprop- Take care and If the gardens. we IfIfyou association If you are inlocal a Housing association prop- Maxine Cilia erty thelocal areaand and areexperiencexperiencerty ininour the area are M a x i n e C i l i a m council worker erty in the localbehaviour area and are experiencM axine CiBorough lia ing anti-social anti-social behaviour you should Spelthorne ing you should Spelthorne Commander Borough Commander er offences or assaults ing anti-social behaviour you should reportthis thisnot notonly onlytotothe thepolice policebut buttoto Spelthorne Borough Commander report se are investigated an report this not only to as the police but to the Housing association aswell. well. the Housing association the Housing association ught toas well. justice. It is no

use the staff in these are Toadvertise advertisecall callMonica Monicaonon07979 07979808991 808991 To To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

53 53 53

Oremail emailmonica@villagematters.co.uk monica@villagematters.co.uk Or Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk

Fragile X Mum Increases Challenge! As if 1.5 million steps in 100 days is not enough of a challenge, local mum Jackie Newman (you may also know her from Platinum Roofing) decided she was going to go for broke. “I increased the challenge to 2 million steps and as of this minute I have done 1,185,752 steps so as long as I keep plodding along at this pace I should finish a few days before Easter Sunday” she says. The challenge for Jackie, as well as raising money for the Fragile X charity which is a condition that runs in her family, was also to lose weight and get fit. That in itself has been a great success “I have lost another 2lb in weight - hopefully once the warmer weather comes I'll lose the rest” says Jackie. Remembering that she suffers from a painful condition in her ankles too, this is an absolutely brilliant result all round. If you can help support her please do. Her page is https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/jackie-newman1. You can also follow her on Instagram where you can find her at @fragilexmum. Please donate what you can, every penny counts!

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Solution to March Quick Crossword

To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991 To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

57 57

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Benwell/Ceaser. Residents Want Answers By Andrew Peters As highlighted in many national newspaper articles over the past 12 months, Spelthorne Council has been in the vanguard of a phalanx of local authorities borrowing to invest in property. The evidence of this strategy is plain to see with our own eyes in the form of the re-development of the Benwell House site at the top of Green Street. The new leadership, concerned there was a lack of member involvement in the Council’s own development projects, instigated a scrutiny committee review which has just published its report. This report used the development of Benwell House (temporarily named Ceaser Court) as a prime example of all that was wrong with the previous leaderships approach to investments. The report contains some stinging criticism of the former political leadership and council officials and is highly critical of the way Ceaser Court Phase 1 was both costed and built. The report highlights the almost total lack of any financial control, audit trail or member/ public consultation. EXACTLY what previous articles in Sunbury Matters about this awful development alleged, has now been found to be true. The report confirms: The purchase of Benwell House in Sunbury was approved in July 2017. The original cabinet paper, as well as approving the purchase, provided for the development a budget of £13,3M for the conversion of the office building to 41 flats and 14 other units. This was revised by a cabinet paper in September 2017 to a total of 69 flats in 2 blocks with a budget of £13.8M. In 2019 a further cabinet paper was submitted for a £18.9M spend for the current plan for almost 100 flats in 2 tall blocks. The report is highly critical of the way the funding and number of flats ballooned, saying: There is no audit trail of how changes to the design were authorised Plans that increased the costs were formulated and implemented without formal approval of changes There is no audit trail of why money allocated for building all developments has instead all been spent on an enlarged Phase 1 There was no financial appraisal for the whole development Public consultation only took place on Phase 2 with no alternatives offered In summary this development has proceeded with minimal member or public involvement and counPlease mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

Zandra Ceaser does not want name used cil officers were reluctant to identify who had made decisions. Incredibly there appears to have been no expectation at the time that any formal record of decisions should be retained. This reluctance on the part of council officials is worrying. Despite the leadership changing and an apparent political will to review the current policies we perceive huge organisational inertia within Spelthorne Council to any change of direction, not least from senior council officials and the many contractors employed to push these schemes through. As an example, the members of the Development and Investment Group (the council officials who operationally oversee the investments) initially refused access to their minutes by the scrutiny working group and only relented after the direct intervention of the new leader. As local residents we call on the new council leadership to: Put in place immediately the programme board, training and procedures as described in the scrutiny committee report to ensure proper and robust oversight and direction of council officials Set out a clear process for reviewing the proposed phase 2 of the Benwell House/Ceasar Court development as agreed at the Council meeting on 21st January, and detail what opportunity there will be for meaningful public involvement Only this way can the Council remedy their serious faults in the redevelopment of Benwell House and assuage the very high level of concern and opposition amongst residents in Lower Sunbury

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Gardening Matters Tools of the Trade The right tools make gardening easier, and in my opinion you should buy the best you can afford then look after them so they will last many years. But which tools are essential?

but very heavy when full T he righ so if you have arthritis or gardenin not much upper body my opin strength choose a smaller buy the watering can that you can afford th handle easily and make a the m so few more trips to the tap. A rose allows forye a gentle many sprinkler effect on tiny tools are

Gloves - Gardening is seeds and seedlings. You hard on the hands. Gloves can use a hose if you Weeds, roots and gardenon a larger area. hard digging are brutal on the Choose a multi-tasking Weeds, skin. Buy a thick, good one with misting and digging quality multi-purpose sprinkler attachments pair to begin with. Make skin. Bu sure they fit. My first Spade –You can't dig quality m pair were too large and cumbersome. I was so large areas without one. As with hand tools, Ib pair to naive I didn't realise they came in different prefer stainless steel. Keep it clean, with a the sizes...much like gardens...andsure gardeners! sharp edge for digging, planting, and edging pair wer beds. Choose one that feels right for your Secateurs - The task of pruning comes around naive I d height. with alarming regularity, so a good pair of

sizes... m

secateurs is one of the most used items in my Fork - A stainless-steel fork is great for stony garden tool kit. Find a pair that feel good to soil, and for breaking up compacted earth. It's Secateu hold, are well-balanced and easy to operate also good for lifting shrubsala without damaging with with one hand. Keep them clean and sharp and the root system too much. secateur they will serve you well for many seasons. Dutch Hoe - Weeding is a necessary task (and

garden

Trowel - Useful for hand weeding, dividing a somewhat relentless one duringare the growing hold, smaller plants, planting, potting on, and seed season). The Dutch hoe has a shallow angled with one sowing. blade with a front cutting edge for keeping the y wil weeds down between seedlings and Hand Fork – A hand fork is essential for established shrubs and plants. Trowel breaking up compacted soil. Sometimes it’s

easier to use than a trowel andsmaller is less likely to Ground rake -. Use this for breaking down damage roots in more denselyso planted areas or the soil to that fine tilth gardening books go wing. when separating smaller plants. on about. Use the wide head and teeth to open Hand F I like a comfort handle for my hand tools but and level the top surface of the soil, then use breaking the back of the rake to firm it down. It makes make sure to choose tools where the shaft of to seed-sowing easier and more likely to produce the handle and trowel (or fork)easier are one unit, dama ge not welded or rivetted together, as they are not healthy seedlings. as strong and snap with repeated use. I choose whe n se stainless-steel tools because they are rust I like a c resistant.

make su the ha By Rachael Leverton nd not weld Please mention Sunbury Matters when as strong www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts 60 stainless Watering can - A large watering can is great,

6 5 9 3 1 7 4 8 2

7 1 3 4 2 8 5 6 9

8 2 4 9 6 5 3 7 1

4 3 6 7 5 2 1 9 8

5 8 2 1 4 9 7 3 6

1 9 7 6 8 3 2 4 5

3 6 5 8 7 1 9 2 4

9 4 1 2 3 6 8 5 7

Solution to March Sudoku

To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk

2 7 8 5 9 4 6 1 3

Index of Advertisers Alteration/Tailoring Shepperton Tailoring 41 Awnings/Pergolas MOL Solar 11 Bathroom Installation GSS 51 Luxury Bathrooms 11 Care for Elderly Rivermede Court 9 Alina 41 Sunbury Nursing 12 Parklands Manor 31 Car services Retro & Vintage 44 Chipsaway 56 Carpenter George Scott Woods 61 D Williams 56 Chartered Surveyor Nick Cobb 57 Children’s Activities Aquarius 6 Chiropodist Rod Littlewood 46 Computer Services My PC Helper 50 Curtains/Blinds Decorama 50 Decorator Patterson 56

Driveways Man & Van Windows ..of Distinction 48 Allen Man & Van 48 House of Surrey 63 Alterati Equity Release Office Space Village Windows 59 Sheppert Harvest Financial 42 Tennay 52 Novaglass 64 Estate Agent/Property Pharmacy/Walkning in Aw Curchods 38/39 Trio Pharmacy 19 MOL So Plumber Dexters 32/33 Bathroo Pete Game 52 Good Estate Agent 29 GSS 38 Plan & Design 25 GSS Roofing Florist Luxury B Platinum Roofing 54 Van Wonderen 26 Floor Restoration Aldridge Roofing 50 Care for Pro Floor Restore 56 5* Roofing 57 Riverme Funeral Services Schools/Education Alan Greenwood 15 Halliford School 2 Alina Garage Doors St Paul’s` 6 Sunbury Garolla 59 Jack & Jill 8 Parkland Garden Services Flute/Piano tutor 17 Lawnmaster Car 61 Sell Stuff for Cash serv All Seasons 59 JC Stamps 42 Retro & Surrey Arborist 48 Trident Coins 42 Chris’s Gardening 61 Shutters Chipsaw Decorama 50 Gutters Carpent Taxi Service Star Guttering 50 S VA Cars 57 Gutter PRO George 55 Upholstery Health & Wellbeing D Willia John Miller 52 The 1-1 Diet 47 Charter Vet Kitchens Sherwood Vets 16 Nick Co Ashford Kitchens 5 Will Writing Children Harvest Wills 17

April Issue

Deadline: March 18th monica@villagematters.co.uk Or call

07979 808991 Or now book online

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Aquarius Chiropo Your Local Mags Ad Prices Rod Litt (Sunbury) Sunbury Matters Comput (Ex VAT) Shepperton Matters H My PC Molesey Matters 1/8 £30 Curtain Walton Matters Quarter £55 Decoram Half £100 Decorat Call 07979 808991 and Full £180 Patterson speak to Monica Discount on block bookings

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Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information included in this publication, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Village Matters does not endorse any advertising material included in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

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mon

Our staff are all observing the government health and safety guidelines to keep customers safe

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Sunbury Matters March 2021

Articles inside

Gardening Matters

Sunbury Beat

Bird Watching and Sea Eagles

LOSRA Says

Notes from the Riverside

Update from Sunbury Health Centre

St Mary s Newsletter

Practical Cookery Website

Recipe of the Month

In Bloom Poster Competition

Coping with Loss During Pandemic

Who Decides?

Capture Spelthorne

Looking to the Future

Sunbury Matters is 10 Years Old

Preserving the trees of The Avenue