Sunbury Matters June 2021 by Village Matters

Sunbury Sunbury Sunbury

Matters Matters Matters

Your Award Winning Community Magazin Your Award Winning Community Magazine

Your Award Winning Community Magazine June 2021

June 2021 Issue June 2021122

Issue 122 Issue Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames 122

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

Sunbury

Matters

Your Award Winning Community Magazine

June 2021

Issue 122

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames

Spelthorne in Bloom Launc Spelthorne in Bloom Launches Spelthorne in Bloom Launches Spelthorne in Spelthorne inBloom BloomLaunches Launches

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Welcome! June! A month of new found freedom and we welcome the reopening of beloved cultural venues. Check out what the Riverside Arts Centre has on in this issue. Sadly we learned as we went to press that the Squire’s annual rose show is not going to happen, but to mark the month of glorious roses we are sharing a corker on the front cover, courtesy of Paul Brown, one of our readers. But Spelthorne in Bloom is launching so get your gardens looking splendid and make sure you enter them. What is the story of the Sunbury riverside sign? What is in a name? More inside. We love hearing stories that support what a great community we have. Local resident Frances Collins wants to thank the kind and honest person who found her wallet and took the trouble to take it back to her house and post it through the letter box.

June 2021 So stay safe, be kind and let’s keep our community healthy, happy and thriving. Until next month

Mojo and Monica

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Contents

Published by:

Turret Grinding Wheel, Sunbury 4 7 What’s in a Name? Spelthorne in Bloom 2021 9 Platts Eyot fire 13 15 Squire’s Celebrate 85 Years 16 Liquid Leisure Eco Plans Scam Watch 20 23 Hallifordian makes Olympic Squad 24/25 Local Capture 26 Notes from Riverside Arts Centre 28 D’Oyly Carte Island Plans 31 The Alligator Ladies of Chertsey 34 Recipe of the Month 36 Jolly Brit Restoration Connecting Patients with Loved Ones 40 St Mary’s Newsletter 43 Fundraiser for Dramatize and MS 44 LOSRA Says 47 Mouse Tales 48 Sunbury Beat 49 Kwasi in Shepperton 52 Gardening Matters 59 Ad Index/Prices/Deadlines 62

Village Matters Ltd Advertising / Editorial :

Monica Chard

Telephone: 07979 808991 Email: monica@villagematters.co.uk Web Site: www.villagematters.co.uk Front cover - Rose with raindrops. Photo by Paul Brown with thanks Please send any hi res photos for consideration to info@villagematters.co.uk

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Turret Grinding Wheel, Sunbury By Nick Pollard

Sunbury was once home to a variety of manufacturing businesses, most of which have disappeared, along with the jobs they provided for the local population. One of these was known as the Turret Grinding Wheel works, which was located on a site off Fordbridge Road, where there is now a small industrial estate. The American Samuel Briggs arrived in Sunbury in 1909 and set up a works in Highfield Road (off Halliford Road) to make abrasive grinding wheels, bringing the Denby-Hart patents with him. Grinding wheels are used in industry for abrasive cutting and machining of metals. They are composed of a coarse aggregate embedded in a cement, moulded into a disc shape, and baked to harden them. Briggs later took on British partners and the company became Mc Ewen, Denby & Hart-Briggs Ltd. By 1922 the Managing Director was H. Mc Ewen, and the other directors were J.N. Briggs (presumably the son of Samuel) and E.F. Denby. In common with many companies, besides the works in Sunbury they had a London office, in Queen Victoria Street, where the commercial side of the business was handled. The company also produced complete machines such as saw-sharpeners. Incidentally, the name ‘Turret’ derives from a type of machine tool that has multiple cutting or grinding tools mounted on a rotating block, like a gun turret, which can be rotated to use the required tool without having to set the part up on the machine again. As the works expanded, the main entrance was changed from Highfield Road to Fordbridge Road, possibly for better access as Highfield Road was unmade at the time. The factory was surrounded by the greenhouses and fields of Homewood’s nurseries. The photo shows the works from the air, from the south, with the entrance from Highfield Road visible at top left. The building with the prominent chimneys at the front on the right was where the ovens were located which baked the completed grinding wheels. If you have any memories of working at ‘Turret’ do let us know. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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What’s in a Name? By Monica Chard

Well, the answer is A LOT!! The new pretty sign by the riverside at Kings Lawn, welcoming boaters to our village declares Welcome to Sunbury upon Thames...UPON??? Many of us have lived in Sunbury for many years and it has always been ON. The comments on social media were very interesting. A few didn’t care, but the vast majority very much do care. This sign is simply wrong.

factually and grammatically correct! My only gripe about the Shepperton sign is that it is positioned so as to entirely obscures the view upstream towards the Manor House if one is sitting on the bench under the tree behind the sign. Oh well. Nothing is perfect!

But what is the difference, you may ask. UPON is used when a town straddles the river. Hence Staines upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Stratford upon Avon etc. But Sunbury is on only one bank of the river, so it absolutely must be ON. The final chapter is yet to be written on this sign. As we go to press we have found out that the sign has disappeared. Maybe it has been taken as a souvenir. Maybe it is to be replaced by the council and we will be ON again before we know it. Well, well! The name most certainly does matter! While we are on the matter of names, Shepperton also has a nice new sign, but in the case of Shepperton it is not ON or UPON. Some locals tell me that at one point it was in fact called Shepperton on Thames. Maybe we should get that changed while we are at it and have two new signs and names which are To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Love Letter Letter Box Box Appeal Appeal Correction Correction Love

In last last months months Sunbury Sunbury Matters Matters we we published published aa In request for for any any information information relating relating to to either either request love letter letter boxes boxes or or the the previous previous occupant occupant of of 70 70 love Thames Street, Street, Betty Betty Barclay Barclay Miller Miller who who lived lived Thames there 20 20 years years ago. ago. There There was was aa mistake mistake in in the the there email address address for for information. information. The The correct correct one one email

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

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is katharinethompson82@gmail.com. katharinethompson82@gmail.com. That That is is Katherine with an A! She blames her her dad dad who who registered the name with an unusual unusual spelling spelling at at the registry office!!

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Spelthorne in Bloom 2021 This summer’s Spelthorne in Bloom competition will be launched in June, when the entry forms will be published online and in print, and the posters will appear on Council notice boards. The children’s poster competition attracted more than 100 entries, despite many schools being closed, and we had many entries from children who were studying (or learning) at home. The winner was Olivia Arguirova , aged 10 from Stanwell Fields Primary School, and her poster will appear on the entry form and on the posters which will be circulating during June and July. The closing date for entries this year is Friday 16 July, and entry forms will be available at Squires Garden Centre in Shepperton, and at Notcutts Garden Centre in Last years winning front garden was Kaye Friday’s Staines Road, Laleham. garden in French Street, Sunbury New sponsors have come forward this year. The Best Kept Front Garden category has been sponsored by Mrs Zandra Ceaser, in memory of her do all we could to keep Spelthorne in Bloom going, late husband Gerry. Many will remember Gerry as a after our 30th anniversary year in 2019. Last Octoformer Leader and Mayor of Spelthorne Borough ber, the Mayor and I presented all the winners with Council, and some will remember that he was the their prizes in their own homes, due to Covid refirst ever Chairman of Spelthorne in Bloom. So it is strictions, and the photos appeared in the good to remember his contribution in this way. Spelthorne Borough Bulletin. The Best in Show category has been sponsored by This year all the entries for the children’s poster Squire’s Garden Centres. Many people will know competition came in by email or submitted online, Colin Squire, who lives in Laleham, and his daughso I would like to thank Spelthorne Borough Counter Sarah Squire, who is now Chairman of the Garcil so much, as officers managed the IT challenges den Centre Group. It is their 85th Anniversary year, of receiving entries and enabling our volunteers to so Colin has kindly agreed that the Best in Show judge them, so that we could choose a winner in can be sponsored in memory of his late father, Mr time. DJ Squire, the founder of the garden centre group “We are sending out entry forms during June to as all those years ago. many people as possible, eg people who have enA new category has been introduced for the overall tered before, and members of local Horticultural Best School entry, kindly sponsored by Notcutts Societies, and via the garden centres. We ask keen Garden Centres, and the competition will be open to gardeners to send in their entry forms by 16 July, so Spelthorne schools for the best school garden, best we can plan the judging for August. We also hope edible garden, and best scarecrow. Organisers hope to hold our end of year Awards Evening at all primary schools in the borough will be willing to Notcutts, as long as all Covid restrictions have been take part during the summer term, as the entry lifted, and our guests can once again attend big forms will be sent out during half term, to give events, and enjoy socialising with others.” plenty of time for schools to enter before the sumSpelthorne in Bloom is a free to enter competition mer holidays begin in late July. to find the best gardens in the borough, and we Spelthorne in Bloom Chairman Nick Wood-Dow hope that as many keen amateur gardeners will said it had been a struggle to keep the campaign enter as possible to make this a great success. going during the pandemic, which had affected 2020 and 2021. “We volunteers were determined to

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An Invitation to help support the Riverside Arts Centre

Arts venues throughout the country have been severely hit by the Covid restrictions. We need to do everything we can to support them and ensure their future. In Sunbury this autumn there will be a special Autumn Music Playathon to benefit Riverside Arts Centre. It will run Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October. 2021 Sunbury Piano Group invites YOUNG and ADULT MUSICIANS to perform their pieces to family and friends in a real theatre on a grand piano. Help Riverside make up for Covid! Soloists and ensembles welcome. Be sponsored by the minute! Friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. Refreshments. To put your name and repertoire on the programme, please contact Helen H. on helenheslop10@gmail.com. LOVE YOUR MUSIC! Friday, Oct. 29th, and Saturday, Oct. 30th, 2021 6 sessions: 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day Riverside Arts Centre, Main Hall, 57-59 Thames Street, Sunbury, Middlesex, TW16 5QF Registered charity no. 292929 https://www.gofundme.com/f/rac-playathon-oct-2930-2021

The Sassy Apron Bakery

Fresh coffee and Cakes Deli Catering Sandwiches Vegan & Gluten Free options always available 39 Thames street, Sunbury 07951 199288

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Platts Eyot Fire Prompts Island Fire Safety Questions

Bank Holiday Monday, gale force winds, a garden fire and an island full of wooden craft and flammable materials. What could possibly go wrong?! It was devastating to see images of the fire on Platts Eyot last month. Two boathouses full of historic boats under restoration, went up in flames which were seen from miles around. Only two years ago the old Wilson’s boatyards on Lock Island, Sunbury, burned to the ground. This particular fire, dramatic and devastating as it was, didn’t see as much loss as the Platts Eyot fire but it destroyed the old boathouses, which have since been razed. A fire on Hamhaugh Island in April 2019 saw one house burned to the ground and another narrowly saved as islanders fought to contain the blaze. The issue with all three fires is the access to To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

fire services is nigh on impossible. The irony is that these islands are surrounded by water which surely could make the difference between damage and total destruction. We asked the Surrey fire service to comment on the challenges of tackling island fires, but as we went to print, we have yet to hear from them. It is indisputable that the fire service did an incredible job tackling the fire on Platts Eyot, but without direct access, how were they meant to get the blaze under control? Access on fire barges? Or pumping river water? Is there such a system installed? Islanders on Hamhaugh were able to save a house as they used their pump system on the island. 13 fire engines attended and the fire service managed to transport pumps across the lock and weir to reach the blaze. Islanders used their own fire hydrants and hoses. Thank goodness for that! We would be interested to hear from any islanders who can share their own fire drills. Email monica@villagematters.co.uk. And we still hope to hear from the fire services. The loss at Platts Eyot was extensive. Amongst the many craft lost was the Lady Gay (see below), one of the Dunkirk Little Ships, which had recently undergone restoration. Thankfully there was no loss of life, but this must be a wake up call to get better systems in place to tackle island fires.

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Squire’s Celebrate 85 Years By Monica Chard

According to the Horticultural Traders AssoAccording ciation, lockdown spawned an estimated 3 ciation, l million new gardeners, as many of us started millio n ne really treasuring outside space that we may trea previously have taken forreally granted. But one local family previously has been nurturing growers for decades. But This year Squire’s one celebrate 85 years. The business was started gro wers in 1936 as a landscaping and nursery business celebrate by DJ Squire, grandfather of Chairman Sarah Squire. It was in 1964 in however, that his son1936 as Colin Squire started theby garden centre busiDJ Sq ness itself with the first centre opening in Squire. It Twickenham, which remains head office. Sarah and Colin Squire at Shepperton Colin Squ There are now 16 centres and the business planting to embellish local locks and roundaemploys over 800 staff. ness itsel bouts, as well as hosting local arts and crafts Gardening may have taken on even greater Twickenh events, supporting local talent. They have also popularity during the lockdowns, but 2020 There are was the most challenging year Squire’s has always been good at encouraging youngsters emplo ys faced. It was difficult to get stock. Brexit had to explore gardening , with their ‘Create and o already posed challengesGardening to the supply chain, Grow’ workshops proving very popular. but lockdown meant a whole heap of uncer- The business makes a point of sourcing plants popularity being UK grown. They m tainty. During the first lockdown the business locally, with 80% was the managed to find a way to offer a limited tele- have also recently appointed a Sustainability It footprint of w phone ordering service, faced. but stock was patchy. Manager to ensure that the carbon already This One innovation was offering customers lucky the business is managed and improved.po looking at waste management, the dip bundles. £50 got youbut £100 worth of plants involveslockd sourcing. and you made the most tainty. of it. It was popular. buildings, lighting and product Du Sarah Squire makes the point of saying how Black plastic is being phased out in favour of managed grateful they are to all the patient customers recycled and recyclable coloured pots. Old need can be who have played by the phone Covid rules and who plastic pots you no longerord One innov the centre for reuse too. have shown understanding and appreciation. brought back to we must mention the Rose Show, run Suppliers have also pulled out all the stops. Finally dip bundl Shepperton, which is a flagship m But none of this wouldand be possible without annually atyou the staff. She says “Our colleagues have been event of the Rose Society and attracts top Squ We had been amazing and I do want Sarah to thank them. They growers from across the UK. grateful th have been flexible and cheerful, working hard hopeful that the event would happen this year but sadly the Rose Society has decided not. and getting us through”. who have of Squire’s is the w Gardening will continuehave to be a favourite pas- Sarah Squire, Chairman sho time. It is known to be helpful for mental third generation. It appears that the 4th generSuppliers health, as well as being physical and getting ation is already in the wings so we say connone the 85th anniversary and good us out in the fresh air.But There is something gratulations on the staff. the future. very special and satisfying about watching luck with plants grow. amazing a Squire’s are very community focused, suphave been porting the ‘In Bloom’ initiatives, supplying To advertise call

and gettin Gardening Monica on 07979 808991 Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk time. It i 15

Liquid Leisure Eco Plans By Monica Chard

You may have already visited Liquid Leisure may in Charlton Village, You and had fun in the water. The new attraction in was heavily affectedCharlto by the Covid restrictionsThe of 2020 but managed to new welcome some families to at last enjoy a Covid much needed day outthe of fun and leisure. Over the winter the team spent much time developwelco me ing their brand and concept and have a lot of much need exciting ideas. the winter The venue was land owned Charlton Sand and Ballast run by John ing and Geoffrey Pattinson. their b Chilliboat at Liquid Leisure Once gravel was extracted in the 1950’s the exciting id pit filled with water from the water table (the for its large inflatables, it offers also an outvenue water that naturallyThe sits below the ground) door swimming pool, with a 25 m and 50 m and then left to nature. The lake and its sur- length, great for training and improving stamBallast ru round grew wilder, Once so much so that locals ina. Life Guard training is on offer at the grav didn’t even know the lake existed. Since 2018 venue and it also offers kayak and paddlepit gradually the land has been tamed, the bram- filled board hire and tuition, as well as Chilliboats, w bles cut back, treeswater managed and the river which look like lots of funthat and exercise. Ash which flows through it, cleared of weed. The company is sourcing services and prod- l and then ucts locally as much as it can or within the round gre UK. It has proved a popular eve venue for both school didn’t trips and also team building days for the corgradually porate world. Schools and businesses as far as bles cut b London choose the venue. Ash It will bewhich great to see how it all develops.

Charlton Sand and Ballast 1954

We met with Emma Pattinson (granddaughter) to hear about the plans for the large site. With a focus on sustainability and nature, the site is set to become an eco friendly destination, a perfect venue for children’s educational trips. With nesting boxes for birds, planters with bee friendly flowers, created from reclaimed wood and an appropriate planting plan to attract wildlife. Staff uniforms will be made of recycled organic fabrics and the food outlets will be offering healthy choices on the menu. We Although Liquid Leisure may be renowned

m (granddau Please mention Sunbury Matters when the large www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts 16 and nature

Action for Carers Surrey

It’s Carers Week 7th-13th June, an annual campaign to ‘Make Caring Visible and ValIt’s Care ued’, raise awareness of caring, campaig highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise ued’, rais their contribution. If you’re looking after a challeng relative or friend who couldn’t manage without you, you’re ‘a carer’. Actiontheir for Carers con Surrey helps Surrey's unpaid carers of all relative o ages, with free information, practical help, cial events. Face to face (distanced of out you, emotional support, events and advice. We’re course), we’ll be holding carers’ picnics all marking Carers Week with a variety of speacross Surrey, including at London Irish Surrey h Rugby Club, Sunbury and Painshill Park, ages, wit Cobham, and a wonderful African drumming emotiona workshop in Guildford (see left). We’re also marking holding events on Zoom so you can join in from home, both practical (all about wills, trusts and power of attorney) and fun (learn comic-book illustration or yoga and mindfulness). Our usual events continue, including a wide range of support groups. Find out more at www.actionforcarers.org.uk, email CarerSupport@actionforcarers.org.uk or call 0303 040 1234.

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Scam Watch - Pushy Scammers

our account has been defrauded can kick it all off. But c’mon – we know, don’t we, that By Bill Cunningham ANY call out of the blue is suspect! EspecialWe’ve read about push payment fraud, maybe ly if the caller is asking us to do something unusual, and in haste. The best response is to wondering exactly what it means. Authorised Push Payment fraud is sophisticat- have a cuppa, then call the number we really ed; where we are tricked into sending someone know is the bank and find out what’s the issue, money from our bank account; there and then. To find then, of course, that there is none. Because it’s an instant payment, the money is Suspicious emails we forward to report@phishing.gov.uk Texts to 7726 already gone before any victim is able to reWe may well wonder too, just how the scamclaim it. Gone often to different accounts, mers know so much about us. That alas is beprobably abroad, which means that getting it cause we tell them, mainly on social media. back is near impossible. Most people are very open about telling all It would be nice, really nice if all banks gave about what’s happening in their lives. Buying us all of the defrauded amount back , but life a new house or car or holiday plans. Great can be cruel. Since we technically gave the scamming clues for the baddies to grasp and information willingly, it’s a challenge to get use. To prise out even more information when compensation. Especially from a few banks that have so far refunded just about 5% of APP they approach us to help us . It’s nice to be nice but let’s be mean about giving clues about fraud claims submitted to them. ourselves to the world. In the first half of last year the hit was over £200m to some 65,000 victims. The call from our “bank’s” fraud team to say

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Old Hallifordian makes Olympic Squad Great news to hear that Old Hallifordian James Woodgate has been selected as one of the six archers that will represent Team GB at the Tokyo Olympic Games. James Woodgate left Halliford School last year and at just 18 is the youngest member of the archery team to be selected for Tokyo. On leaving Halliford James commented, “I am really happy with my A Level results and am grateful to the Halliford teachers for their hard work and support. I plan to take a gap year to focus on my archery in the Olympic squad.” Headmaster James Davies said, “I am absolutely thrilled to hear this amazing news for our former Deputy Head Prefect, James. Throughout his time at Halliford, James had the gift of successfully balancing superb academic success alongside his overriding passion for archery. As his training needs increased, we were delighted to be able to help him with time in the Sports Hall at weekends, and I was always in awe of his incredible skill and talent for the sport. James possesses all the Hallifordian values of being a brilliant team player and superbly resilient, but most of all, it is James’ warm heart that we all miss here and which we are sure will enable him to be a splendid member of Team GB in Tokyo. As the brother and son of two former Olympians, I know some of the delights and demands that James will have ahead in the coming weeks and months and will be cheering for him on every step of his Olympic journey. There can be no greater honour than to represent your country. We are immensely proud of this magnificent achievement.’ James picked up the sport at the age of seven, started competing at the age of nine, and has always performed well in his age group, placing in the top 3 at National Championships several times. In 2018 he won the Surrey Junior Outdoor Championships and became the reigning Southern Counties ArTo advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

chery Society champion. He was then nominated by Archery GB as one of the four cadet recurve men to represent Great Britain at the European Youth Cup 1st Leg as part of their development programme. He finished the season with the gold medal at the Archery GB Key Event Finals held in Caldicot Castle in Wales. From here, he has gone from strength to strength. Mrs Woodgate commented, “We are absolutely ecstatic for James, especially after the challenges of the last twelve months. James really committed to his training in October and was presented with the selection opportunity. The Olympic coaches and Performance Director were obviously impressed with his skills, but also his attitude. We put this down to the magic dust that is sprinkled at Halliford School. Both of my boys have benefited from their time at the school. They were mentored, encouraged and given the self-belief that they can achieve anything. James has a confirmed place at Warwick University starting in September and has every intention to aim for the 2024 Olympics and maybe even the 2028 Olympics.” Archery joins shooting, triathlon, sport climbing, canoe and sailing as the first sports to announce the athletes selected to Team GB for the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which will take place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. 23

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Calling Local Photographers

We have a lot of skilled photographers out there. Why not enter the Capture Spelthorne photographic competition run by Spelthorne council. It is free! Full information at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/capture Enter by August 31st

Above and left, Walled Garden, Sunbury by Helen McElroy. Below, an evening paddle at Hampton by Alan Pearce

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Local Capture

Thank you this month to Helen McElory, Jenny Slark, Alan Pearce and Claudia Rix.

Do send any photos for inclusion in Local Capture to monica@villagematters.co.uk.

Above left and right. St Mary’s captured in different light by Jenny Slark. Below, Swan by Claudia Rix

Capture Spelthorne 2021 We are looking for entries in the Capture Spelthorne Sporting Spelthorne category. Have you got a budding photographer in the family? We are wanting photos that tell a story about Spelthorne. Closing Date is August 31st

Other categories: Community in Spelthorne Business in Action Nature in Spelthorne Under 16’s More information and entry at: www.spelthorne.gov.uk/capture To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Notes from the Riverside Arts Centre May 17th and the door is half open to the resumption of normal activates at Riverside, but we are not quite there as yet. Although shows can resume with up to 50% capacity, these are subject to the social distancing and rule of six regulations and the wearing of masks etc, to ensure the safety of everybody visiting the Centre and to comply with the latest Government requirements. We can even re-open our bar which has been completely redecorated and modernised with new tills, chiller cabinets and glass washing machines. Not to mention a new selection of drinks. Classes and gatherings of our arts, literary, dance, keep-fit, Pilates, music etc etc groups can re-commence but again there are still many restrictions in place for the protection of visitors. You should contact the various groups listed in our “Riverside presents....” ad on page 18 for their latest information.

It will take some time over the summer for many of the activities to get back into full swing so we are planning for a grand “Riverside re-opens” gala in September when all of the performing groups resident at Riverside will stage a series of showcase events to announce that we are well and truly back in business. On Sunday 19th September we present a classical afternoon tea concert with a return visit by the amazing Chinese pianist, Mengyang Pan. The following Thursday sees a Variety show featuring the talents of Riverside Youth Theatre, Zodiac Musical Theatre Group, the dancers of the KH Dance Academy, Riverside Players of Sunbury, Laughing Chili Comedy and the young performers of On Stage Now. Two hours of dance, music, comedy, drama and magic, which will be repeated with two performances on the following Saturday. Friday evening has a Speed Quiz hosted by Stu Turner of Laughing Chili Comedy and then on Sunday afternoon, cinema returns with a big screen movie presented by Wonderama, The September showcase ends with a Celebrity Jazz Concert from Mood Indigo events on Sunday evening. Full details will be published shortly, enabling you to book for these special events catering for all tastes. Many of our non-performing groups will also s be featuring displays or demonstrations to show at first hand the varied interests or hobbies you can pursue at the p Riverside. Some of those enthusiastic users of our grand piano in the main hall are organising a sponsored Playathon at the end of October, advance details of which are elsewhere in this edition. Their efforts T together with profits from the September events are aimed at trying to replenish the coffers of the M Riverside whose finances have suffered so badly over the past 17 months.

Long before the autumn we have the resumption of our regular Sunday evening Jazz concerts to look a forward to, starting with guitarist Maciek Pysz and the Terence Collie Trio on June 6th. Provided the S easing of lockdown restrictions goes as planned other events will be confirmed shortly so keep an eye on our website for updates. r

It seems an age ago, but back in 2019 you will recall that Riverside Arts CentreJ was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. At last an official y presentation can take place and we will be welcoming HM Lord Lieutenant of b Surrey Michael More-Molyneux at 2.30pm on Wednesday 14th July to undertake this short ceremony to which members of the public are welcome. a

Riverside Arts Centre 57/59 Thames Street Sunbury TW16 5QF 07796 531427

The Annual General Meeting of the Riverside Arts Centre (charity 272929) will take place on Wednesday 14th July at 8pm. This will be followed by the AGM of the Riverside Arts Centre Club which administers the affairs of the licensed bar

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www.riversidearts.co.uk info@riversidearts.co.uk Registered charity 272929

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Great news. A family has now moved into the once grand Eyot House on D’Oyly Carte Island and have set to work to bring it back to it’s former glory. We have been in touch with the new owners who will be very happy to reveal all about their plans to Shepperton Matters in due course. So hold tight. One thing Mr Hill did say is that “the main objective is to restore the house and island back to the way Richard D'Oyly Carte had intended when he built it in 1890 and in keeping with its Grade 2 listed status and as a building with great historical interest.” So far there is evidence of a lot of clearing of the overgrown garden and there are large notices around the perimeter inviting boat owners to enquire about renting the surrounding moorings. So life is being breathed back into this once magnificent place and we are very excited to find out more as plans develop. If you are not familiar with the place, this was once the countryside retreat of Richard D’Oyly Carte who was the producer of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas in the late 19th century. Mr d’Oyly Carte was the founder of The Savoy Theatre as well as being a hotelier and D’Oyly Carte Island (or Folly Eyot as it was called previously) was meant as a special secluded annex to his new Savoy Hotel. The plan was thwarted however when local authorities declined his application for a liquor licence! The imposing residence boasts 13 bedrooms and a ballroom so there is a lot of speculation about what the current owners plan for it. The island used to be accessible by boat Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

Photo onthemarket

D’Oyly Carte Island/ Eyot House Plans

only, but the single span footbridge was added in 1964. For some years the island and house have been used for film sets. I remember a scene from the BBC drama Prehistoric, with dinosaurs hiding in the rafters! We look forward to finding out more, and who knows, maybe even visiting….

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The Alligator Ladies of Chertsey By Victor Spink. Reproduced with thanks to Chertsey Life In the 1940s, two Chertsey ladies found fame because they kept alligators as pets. According to one source Miss Thelma Roberts had got her first alligator, William, a five foot six Chinese reptile just before the war. She lived in a small terraced house, 31 London Street, with her long time friend, Enid Davis and two other reptiles; a 22 year old 7 foot female named Peter (!) and an 8 year old Nile crocodile named Peggy. Picture Post reported the Chertsey Urban District Council were concerned and uneasy about the situation, but the neighbours were not. At this time the neighbour, Ivy Turner, lived at number 33 and had the party wall to the alligator’s front room of number 31. When so sold her property some years later Ivy Turner mentioned that she could hear through the party wall the thumping of the alligators tails as they were put in their tanks, and that it rattled the ornaments in her room on her side! The weekly magazine Picture Post sent a reporter and their top photographer, Charles Hewitt, to do an article on them which appeared in January 1948. A copy of this is housed in the research room of Chertsey Museum. The ladies were recorded again a month later in an Australian picture magazine called PIX using Charles Hewitt's pictures. Meat, like most things, was rationed after the war, but not fish and there were no ration books for pets! There were shops which sold horse flesh for human consumption and pets off ration, and market stalls which sold horse meat for pets stained green off ration too, although were no recorded examples of either in the town. Local farmers would bring round dead crows for their consumption too. The animals were kept in a cold water tank and long zinc baths. A kettle of hot water is pictured close by to adjust the temperature of the tank water. British Pathé sent a film crew down in 1949 . The Pathé description of the short film reads “Tame alligator at Chertsey, Surrey”. To see To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

Thelma Roberts and Enid Davis with one of the alligators in the sitting room of their house in Chertsey c1948

this film search on Google; ’Tame Alligators British Pathé’. The late Margaret Robinson moved into Denmark House in Windsor Street with her new husband in 1960. In the present 2021 sales catalogue for Denmark House there is a line “It is rumoured that the owners prior to s our vendors, kept a pet alligator in the house and p claw marks can still be seen on the dining room panelling!” The Alligator Ladies T had bought the building sometime after 1949 M and sold it in 1959. Margaret Robinson hired the C same gardener for Denmark House garden that ‘The Alligator Ladies’ had employed.a He told Margaret that the ladies would come S out and talk to him about the alligators being r hired for films and TV. The gardener asked one of the ladies, Miss Thelma Roberts,J if William, one of the beasts had ever bitten y her. “Oh no” she said, “he is very well behaved”. b He saw a mark on her hand and said. “But a what about that mark on your hand, ma'am”. “Ah well” said Miss Roberts, "sometimesR he forgets himself”! P

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Recipe of the Month Eton Mess Preparation time: 30 min Cooking time: If making meringues allow 2 hr 30 mins plus cooling. Otherwise, no cooking time! Serves: 6 Ingredients For the meringues (or you can use good quality shop-bought meringue nests) 175g caster sugar 1 thick lemon slice 3 egg whites, at room temperature 1 pinch salt To assemble the mess 500g ripe strawberries 50g caster sugar 450ml double cream 1 tbsp icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste Mint for garnish

The Mess

Method Meringues Preheat the oven to 220C / gas 7. Line a baking tray and pour the sugar on to it then bake in the oven until it just begins to melt at the edges. Rub the inside of the mixing bowl with the lemon (this gets rid of any grease) and add the egg whites. Just before its time to take the sugar out of the oven, start whisking the whites at high speed. Carefully tip the hot sugar and the salt into the fluffy foamy whites. Continue whisking until the mixture is cool, glossy and forms soft peaks. Lower the heat in the oven to 130C / gas ½. Heap dollops of meringue on to lined baking trays, making sure they are well spaced. Bake in the cool oven for about two and a half hours. Check after two hours. The outsides should be crisp and golden but not burned! Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

To prepare the strawberries: wash and hull the fruit, and slice into half or quarters. Aim for bite-size pieces. Place the strawberries in a bowl, sprinkle with the caster sugar, making sure all the strawberries are coated. Place in the fridge for half an hour until the fruit goes squidgy and leaks juices. Set a third of the strawberry mixture on one side for later. Using a potato masher lightly crush the rest into a chunky puree. Pour the double cream into a big bowl (it’s best if the bowl is cold). Sift in the icing sugar and the teaspoon of vanilla paste (not essence) and whip to soft peaks. Roughly squash and break six of the meringues. Fold the pieces and the crushed strawberries into the whipped cream. Don’t mix too thoroughly. The red and white should be clearly distinct. I tend to leave mine in a big serving dish so people can help themselves, but it looks lovely spooned into tall glasses and topped with a sprig of mint. www.villagematters.co.uk

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Jolly Brit Restoration By Heather Dennett There’s been renewed enthusiasm about the idea of a new Royal Britannia in the wake of Prince Philip’s death. He was closely involved in the commissioning and design of the previous royal yacht. In service from 1954 until 1997, the original Royal Yacht Britannia was the 83rd official royal yacht of a British monarch since Charles II became King in 1660. At 126 meters in length and a crew of 220 yachtsmen, Royal Britannia was a large ship and as part of her original design alongside her construction required tenders, smaller crafts to hang off her side to serve as support and were designed to fulfil a wide variety of purposes from ferrying passengers to collecting supplies. In Britannia's case two of these so-called 'Jolly Boats’ and were used by members of the Royal Family and other guests when enjoying trips ashore from the yacht. In the late 1990s spotted languishing on the Union Canal at Brentford Jolly Brit, one of the Britannia’s dedicated Jolly Boats, lay discarded and decaying. Britannia was by this time retired. She now resides at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh and is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. Jolly Brit’s fate did not take such a fortunate turn. It was Henry Butt who spotted Jolly Brit on the Grand Union and purchased her. Then began a labour of love to restore her over the next two decades. She was a mess and he did his best to get her shipshape enough to join the hundreds of ships of historical importance to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant back in 2012. But it was going to take a collaborative effort of many to get this Jolly Boat back to Royal standards. In autumn 2020 Stuart Humphries, an old friend of Henry Butt, spotted Jolly Brit tucked at the back of a muddy field near Bell Weir Lock Egham. He was horrified when he heard that she was due to be broken up. Soon he had signed himself up as project manager to help Henry in his dream of restoring this little piece of royalty. Stuart, approached Dennett’s in Chertsey who were then commissioned. Restoration began in January 2021. Stripping back the rotten mahogany hull to essentially the skeleton of the vessel, revealed many rotten ribs which would require replacement. All new mahogany planking in two layers was then painstakingly applied to the hull to create a strong and durable Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

vessel that without a doubt will last another 70 years. By the end of January, she had been re ribbed, planked, primed and turned over ready for some intricate woodwork to her topsides and interior. She was then was handed over to the decorating team who spent many weeks painting and varnishing applying up to 12 coats to achieve the ultimate shine. During this time, Henry informed the Royal Palace of the restoration and the Queen herself has conveyed in writing to Henry her gratitude for his dedication, even recalling memories of using Jolly Brit in Africa feeding crocodiles.

4 months since works started the Jolly Brit was relaunched. Congratulations to the owner, Henry who is 92 years old, to see his beloved Jolly Brit a floating icon and to have his legacy documented in preserving the future of her makes him and this restoration a very special one indeed. Henry Butt and Jolly Brit with Monica Chard onboard and the Gloriana behind, at the Mayoral river pageant, Sunbury to Staines in 2017

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Weddings are Back! It is wonderful to know that finally brides can get their plans back on track. Wedding venues have opened. It has been heart breaking that plans have been cancelled or put on hold. We wish all the brides out there good luck. During lockdown you may also have been spending time researching the big day. Have you selected a venue, supplier, dress? All those details have to be just perfect and there are lots of local suppliers to choose from. If you are looking for a dress but don’t want to spend a fortune, do remember the Princess Alice Hospice shop on Shepperton High Street (see photo) is happy to help you find an absolute bargain dress. Available in the bridal shop on the first floor are dresses, veils, shoes, outfits for the mother of the bride and also prom dresses. Why not take a look. And of course anything you do find but which needs adjusting, can also be fixed by local seamstress Shepperton Tailoring who has transformed so many bridal gowns to the perfect fit and style (details below).

Wedding Dress Alterations

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Connecting Patients with Loved Ones By Sue Endersby

I joined the team of volunteers which is part of the PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) at St Peters Hospital when I saw an ad in this magazine. We help to facilitate communication between patients and their relatives and friends. This is naturally particularly important while you can’t visit because of Covid restrictions, but it will also be needed when restrictions are lifted if you can’t visit for other reasons. Every ward has a mobile phone and patients who don’t have their own phone can ask to use it to phone the ward mobile, however some patients don’t know it exists. Others don’t know we can find their loved ones’ phone numbers, or they don’t have the ability to hold a phone. One of our roles as volunteers is to take the ward’s mobile phone round to the patients and offer any assistance needed. We can also offer WhatsApp, Facetime and Zoom and we have an iPad as well so you can choose which is best for the patient. We try to cover about 14 wards between us, some of which have a constant turnover. Not all the patients can be offered the phone each week. Many patients are asleep or being attended to so we can’t offer it. Sometimes we phone but we can’t get hold of you. The purpose of this article is to tell you that you can contact PALS to arrange a time for a volunteer to call you with the patient. The best way is to email us as the phone line is very busy. It is lovely to see patients’ faces light up. For example, one family was grouped round the kitchen table for a Zoom call. The elderly patient couldn't hold the iPad but I held it for him and shared with the family his non-verbal reactions, eg his eyes widened or he raised his hand. They were able to have a meaningful conversation with him. We can also visit a patient you are worried about. One husband was concerned that his wife was depressed and needed a chat. When

I jo of vic in mu tive ly Co I visited her, she told me that she was very positive about her situation and said he needw h ed a chat more than she did! She still wanted to chat to me about her family and holidays fo r she was looking forward to, and after we had Ev finished, I phoned her husband with him we reassured him. w h The nurses and all the ward staff can’t do enough for the patients and are so kind and use helpful, but the patients see how busy they so m are, and they don’t like to ask unless it is important. The patients know that the staff’s do n priority is their care and getting them home and that’s what they want too. p ho One gentleman had his own phone but had to forgotten his son’s number and was worried about bothering the ward. He then said, “I am tee so depressed”. I asked if he wanted a chat and he said he would love one as he did not to want to worry his son. I was pleased to be ed able to listen to him, find his son’s. number, and pop down to Smith’s for his favourite W e newspaper. Z So if o you have a relative or friend in hospital we, the volunteers, are there for you and do cho contact us by email – asptr.patient.advice@nhs.net - and book e that call! W Do cut out and keep the attached ad for future so m reference and please spread the word. all w e Please mention Sunbury Matters when www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts ten 40

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Fund Raising for Dramatize and MS-UK Ashford based company, Penrose Group, is taking on a challenge, raising money for both Dramatize and MS-UK. They are aiming to raise at least £500 to help Dramatize with their work helping adults with learning disabilities and MS-UK in their work helping people with Multiple Sclerosis. Dramatize, which is also based in Ashford, and only a few minutes’ walk from Penrose Groups HQ, is a charity that provides a range of theatrical provisions to help further the personal development of adults with learning disabilities. Their services act as a leisure activity and a platform for individuals to socialise with other peers and learn valuable life skills inspiring independence for a lifetime of creativity. Dramatize work with different ability levels, providing care and support to ensure that their services are accessible to all. Dramatize encourages their students to believe in themselves, to develop and achieve the unexpected. Every penny donated will help Dramatize to build a better future for their students. This is their tenth year supporting adults with learning disabilities, and we want to support them to continue their hard for the next ten years and beyond. If you would like to find out more, please visit www.dramatize.co.uk. Jas, from Penrose’s Sales & Marketing team, will be cycling 321 miles over three Sportives and one off-road mountain bike ride aiming to raise much-needed funds for the two charities helping them continue their fantastic work and support they provide. You can follow the fund raising efforts and donate with the following web address:

As tak Dr Th Dr lea hel rely on donations to provide their outstanding Dr support, empowering people to live a happier life with respect, care and compassion. and Your generous donations will be split equally Gr between Dramatize and MS-UK. Dramatize are in fact themselves going to be o operating af café in Charlton village. We will bring you more news on that in the next magp e azine, but it is well worth supporting such a d worthwhileis cause. act S T R A I G H T E N E R S W E cia B L O W D R Y L U A O O C E T ski I K C P O N Y T A I L F I A F T P H B Z T H L A Y E Re S F J cr R I I R S H A M P O O M S L N ab E G G M C L I P P E R S O Y F ens S T N B O B R R Y P K D R A R S A O X H Q D L C L I E S W I Dr E I N M C X R H Q A V W M A Z lie S L I D E U E G R I L P W Y Z the P E R M C X S B H T W A V Y Y https://www.justgiving.com/ T O N G S B S E F R I N G E M crowdfunding/penrosecyclechallenge? hel F I N E M O E O H P H U C U T utm_term=dADpyRJZW the B W A O W B R I N G L E T S B ing We realise that COVID-19 has impacted us V X C O I F F U R E U G F A Z all. This probably is not the best time to ask Solution June Worda Search for a donation,w but Dramatize, and MS-UK fo r Please mention Sunbury Matters when www.villagematters.co.uk If responding to adverts 44

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LoSRA Says Planning - It's Time to Put Developers Under the Spotlight It's all very well developers and their lobbyists bleating on about restrictive planning laws but isn't it high time that the government put the squeeze on developers rather than finessing and continually mucking about with the planning system. As things stand, the system remains within the purview of local democracy both through consultation in the development of the Local Plan; and after an individual application for development has been submitted. Regrettably, the government white paper announced in the Queen's speech seeks to remove the latter entitlement. It's worth looking at the facts. More than 1.1 million homes that have been granted planning permission over the past 10 years in England still have not been built. Analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA) shows that just over 2.78 million new homes have been given the go-ahead by councils since 2010-11, but only 58 per cent of these just under 1.63 million - have been built, a difference of 1.15 million. Over the past decade there has been a doubling in the number of permissions granted for new homes but the number of homes completed has simply not increased by the same amount. A big myth peddled by those with vested interests is that even if land is allocated for housing in a Local Plan, local residents can still get the Council to prevent its development. In the real world this just doesn't happen. Residents may object to a particular scheme (as this Association has successfully done several times in the past) and if it's bad, get the scheme rejected so that the developer has to improve it.(In this connection it should be remembered that over 90 per cent of permissions go through without difficulty (source:LGA)).Developers know as well as planning officers what an acceptable scheme looks like, and the delay resulting from rejecTo advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

tion of a scheme is self-inflicted because the developers were being greedy. Housebuilders have a legitimate need for landbanks in order to have another consented site to move to as soon as a site is finished. However, their business model has mutated and includes land-banking as a speculative financial operation. From that viewpoint a site built out is a site lost. Compulsory acquisition, and sale to an enthusiastic alternative builder, is the obvious way to end this abuse. (Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 authorises Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for "planning purposes", and Councils can sell land under Section 123 Local Government Act 1972. All that's needed is Government advice that it would confirm such CPOs. The Government could then lend Councils the money under the same powers it uses to allow them to buy shopping centres as investments). Alternatively, as the Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the government, new powers should be included in the planning bill to allow local authorities to charge developers full council tax on any unbuilt development as soon as the original planning permission expires. It's gratifying to hear that the housing minister is looking at these possible solutions and it's earnestly hoped they should be fully explored before we touch another square metre of green belt land. He should also listen carefully to his own backbenchers, many of whom are very resistant to the removal of local community (ie democratic) involvement.

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Mouse Tales - Children’s book by local author

In the March issue of Sunbury Matters we ran an article on self publishing and from time to time we hear of locals who have done just that. Some have even been taken on by publishers. Lockdown has been a period of creativity for many. So here we have Mouse Tales, the tale of two mice, Sniffy and Yummy, who are regularly told by their mum to stop playing computer games and get outside instead (sound familiar to many of you?!). When they eventually do, they get hooked on the outdoors, inventing games, meeting other mice and having fun, learning new skills, as well as getting into the odd bit of trouble. It is a kind book, sharing family relationships and friendships and very much supporting the concept of interacting with each other and enjoying a simple life. The book carries beautiful illustrations by the author herself, as well as some feedback from readers. “Even though I am 13, I really liked the stories because of the exciting adventures Sniffy and Yummy do and what they teach you about life” said Levina H. “A collection of kind, calming tales perfectly suitable for bedtime” says Victor. It is the first book by Staines based Valerie Greenfield and is available from Waterstones, Foyles and on Amazon. Check out Valerie’s website www.valeriegreenfield.com where you will also be able to find out about the plans for a teapot museum to support a rural community!

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

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The fanoticefor forno nothan insurance and £300fine finear once from sheds and fanotice insurance and upuptoto£300 notice for no insurance and up to £300 fine once again from sheds and gardens. The favourite type of bike is an electric bike due to and 6 points or a Fixed Penalty Notice for away ladders and wheeli vourite type of bike is an electric bike due to and 6 points or a Fixed Penalty Notice for nono and 6 points orand aand Fixed Penalty Notice no vourite type of bike is an electric bike due to their value. Please consider a really substandriving licence £100fine fine and3for 3 an their value. Please consider a really substandriving licence upuptoto £100 and der to climb over gates driving licence and up to £100 fine and 3 their value. Please consider a really substantial bicycle lock if you have an expensive bike points. There are also other penalty notices tial bicycle lockand if you have an expensive bike points. ThereJoining are also other penalty notices y ages sheds. points. There are also other penalty notices tial bicycle lock if you have anorexpensive andlock lockitittoto substantial pole orfitted fitted bike for forriding riding footpath, using phone, going and a asubstantial pole onona afootpath, using a aphone, going urhood Watch costs nothin for riding on a footpath, using a phone, going and lockPlease it to aalso substantial pole orproperty fitted onon bracket. Please alsoregister register youproperty through red lights anddrink drink driving offences. bracket. you through red lights and driving offences. through red lights and drink driving offences. bracket. Please also register you property on w.ourwatch.org.uk/. theNational National Property Register https:// Thankyou you for on-going support andlook lookout out the Property Register https:// Thank for on-going support and Thank you for on-going support and look out the National Property Register https:// www.immobilise.com/ bikeregister registerhttps:// https:// for‘meet ‘meet the beats’ inyour your areacoming coming soon rent crime trends include www.immobilise.com/ ororbike for the beats’ in area soon for ‘meet the beats’ in your area coming soon www.immobilise.com/ orWe bike register https:// www.bikeregister.com/. have alsoseen seen now restrictions arelifting. lifting. have also a a now restrictions are e www.bikeregister.com/. againWe from sheds and g now restrictions are lifting. www.bikeregister.com/. We have also seen a trend of persons not locking their vehicle trend of persons not locking their of vehicle urite type trend of persons not locking their vehicle bike is an elec

r value. Please consider a bicycle lock if Oryou have Toadvertise advertisecall callMonica Monicaonon07979 07979808991 808991 emailmonica@villagematters.co.uk monica@villagematters.co.uk To Or email 49 49 lock it to a substantial po To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991 Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk 49

SDS

Scotts Decorating Services Interior/Exterior Domestic/Commercial Locally Based Fully Insured 30 years experience

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Another Book! Denis Fuller - More of a Trial than a Balance Last year Denis Fuller wrote an article for Sunbury Matters about growing up in Sunbury. He attended Kenyngton Manor Junior School, then went on to Hampton Grammar School before becoming an accountant and eventually, in 1976, forming his own practice, Denis Fuller and Co - now Fuller Spurling. In his book he recounts stories of other business ventures, including a brief cartooning partnership with a friend from Egham Round Table, Doug Eyre, who couldn’t resist any opportunity to draw him, and has produced the cover of the book (see above). There are many anecdotes covering sport, involvement in local charities as well as an 8 year stint as a Surrey county councillor. Denis has concentrated on the fun side of his life and avoided the unpleasant, providing an entertaining memoir. There is a limited print run and all proceeds being divided between three charities - Surrey Heath Age Concern, Rotary Foundation, and the Hampton School Fitzwygram Foundation. Copies are available for £9 plus postage. If you would like a copy please email Denis at denis@denis-fuller.com , with 'More of a Trial than a Balance' in the subject box, and he will reply with payment and other details.

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Kwasi Kwarteng visits Shepperton Trio Pharmacy in Shepperton were honoured to receive MP Kwasi Kwarteng to officially open the new prescription dispenser at the back of the store in Claremont Drive. The event was attended by local councillors and Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr. Colin Barnard. It is the only such dispenser in Surrey and offers a genuine time saving, safe collection point. No queues in store, and collect at a time to suit you, 24/7. Whether out for your evening dog walk, rushing in the high street to do your shopping or even coming off night shift at 4am! Important to note that if you are not able to Kwasi cuts the ribbon, with Akash and Gaurang collect your prescription in this way, a home from Trio and Colin Barnard looking on delivery service is still operational. Kwasi was very enthusiastic about the new service saying it represented yet another innovation from Trio who are constantly increasing their offerings. The pharmacy is offering clinical services which means you don’t need to wait for a Dr appointment, and there is a counter prescription facility too. For Sunbury Matters this was a first too - namely the first business event we have attended since before the pandemic!

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Cartoons by Helen Turner, Shepperton Artists To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Across

1 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 19 21 22

Exhibit hall, studio (7) An aqualung (5) Uproariously funny (5-8) Sweaters and cardigans (8) Conform, comply (4) Advertising (9) Butt, remnant (4) Crashed (8) A pirate might bury one! (8,5) Brownish green (5) Pursuing (7)

Solution p 61

2 In pain, hurting (6) Down

3 Source of illumination (5,4) 4 Cider With _____, novel by Laurie Lee (5) 6 Casual hat (3)

7 8 11 13 14

Slang for sausage (6) Cloth, textile (6) Large flightless birds (9) Imprison (4,2) Complex carbohydrate (6)

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15 English naval hero (6) 18 Blood-sucking worm (5) 20 Biblical ship built by Noah (3)

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Care Homes and Choosing the Right One By Tom Hancock

Care of the elderly is an emotive subject, and has become even more so during the pandemic. Whether you are choosing a care home for yourself, or searching on behalf of an elderly relative, you want to make sure you get it right. First you need to decide on the level of care required.

Ca has pa ho Residential homes are for people who can no eld longer cope with daily activities in their home. They may also need help washing, bathing, it r dressing and going to the toilet. Nursing homes are for those people who Fir comfortable, welcoming and airy? Did the require regular nursing care, by or under the receptionist make eye contact and smile? Were supervision of req a qualified nurse. Residents you offered a cup of tea while you waited? tend to have no mobility or severely limited mobility, mental confusion, and may be faecally incontinent.

What are the noise levels like? Are there any unpleasant odours? Look at the residents and chat to them if you have an opportunity. Do As with any home, location is important. You they look clean, well-cared for and happy? Monitor how much interaction there is may want to choose a place where family or between the staff and the residents. Is there friends can visit regularly? Once a location has been decided on, select as lots of friendly chatter? Check to see if call lights over doors are on and being left many care homes as you can and visit every unanswered. This might indicate staffing one of them. The Care Quality Commission (www.cqc.org.uk) have over 18000 care homes problems. Check the floor, especially in corners and registered with them and publish all their under beds. This is a good indicator of whether inspection reports online, so this is a good place to start. Two other excellent sources of standards of hygiene and care are high throughout. information are the websites

Re lon Th d re

Nu req sup www.yourcarehome.co.uk and When you’ve reached a decision, take good ten www.carehomesupport.co.uk. financial and legal advice. What are the fees afford Groundwork ism good, but there is no substitute and what do they include? Can youo them on a long-term basis? What happens if for visiting and assessing the standard of fae service yourself. This is harder at the moment funds dry up? What is the protocol for making a complaint? Consult the Office of Fair but that option should still be offered, even with all the restrictions in place. Begin your inspection by ringing to arrange appointments to visit the premises. Ask yourself if the phone was answered in a friendly way. Did the person answering the phone sound stressed or abrupt? When you visit, what are your first impressions? Is the place bright and clean,

Trading ‘Fair Terms for Care’ booklet to see

whether the contract you’ll be asked to sign is As a fair one. ma Ask as many questions as you can up front, and you will help ensure that any move you or frie your elderly relative makes will be the right one. On ma Please mentiono Sunbury Matters when n www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts 56 (w

Chartered Surveyor Building Surveys, Home Buyers Reports and Valuations for all non lending purposes 40 years local experience Nickcobbmrics@gmail.com

07876208359

www.nickcobbsurveyor.co.uk

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Gardening Matters The Garden Goddess

Iris was the goddess of Iris was the the rainbow in Greek the rainbow mythology. I have a mythology. thing for Greek thing for mythology, and I love Irises. The mythology, large, a bearded types Irises. unfurl at Th this time of year and type they reflect thebearded colours this time of of the spectrum from reflect t deepest purple,they through dusky orange, of egg-yolk the spec yellow and the most deepest purp delicate of blues, to the orange brightest of dusky whites. yellow and They comprise of standard petals, which delicate of bl are carried aloft over brightest o the graceful fall petals, They co m which arch downwards. From the upper bases friend to the iris, which might decline to standard pet of the falls grow groups of fuzzy hairs called flower in such conditions. My best flowering are beards and from this the bearded Iris gets her carried plants are in the driest, most sun-baked part of name. Even thethe foliage is attractive: large pale my plot! graceful green swords that shoot straight upwards from which arch d But for those who have shadier gardens and the earth. boggier conditions try the non-bearded Iris of the falls g Bearded Irises beards love full sun and prefer to have sibirica. I have one in a sun-dappled spot by a and fr their fleshy rhizomes (the underground stems) water feature. Its leaves are greener and name. Even t near the soil surface so they can take full grassier, which complements the water, and it green swords advantage of the sun’s warmth. They actually has lovely rich blue flowers which look prefer a more the impoverished soil, so earth. if your particularly nice in the shade. I also like Iris soil is a bit thin and dry they may be perfect ensata, which I plant by my pool at the Bearded for your garden. water’s edge. It’s alsoIrise a good choice in their fleshy rh borders if you garden on richer soil than mine. As the clumps become overcrowded the near the soil centres die out. Dig them up immediately So, invoke the power of the Goddess Iris in of after floweringadvantage and chop them into single your garden, and enjoy the rainbow of colour. healthy rhizomes, each with a fan of leaves. prefer a mor Shorten each fan with scissors by about half, soil is a bit t then replant about 30cm apart in another Happy gardening, for your gard sunny spot so that the rhizomes are just by Rachael Leverton visible under the surface. Although they likethe As clum drier conditions make sure they are watered in centres die and looked after for a few weeks until after floweri established. But really you don’t need to do rhizo much to them.healthy Overly enriched soil is not a

Shorten each then replant To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991 Or emailspot monica@villagematters.co.uk sunny 59 visible under

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G A L L E R Y C I O F T H I G H S L A I H I B K N I T W E A R G B I P U B L I C S L O S T U B C O L A K E T R E A S U R E C R P C K H A K I C H

S C U B A A A P P I N G G O B E Y S R I T Y R N L I D E D C L C H E S T E O A S I N G

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2 5 4 6 3 8 9 1 7

4 8 1 5 7 6 2 3 9

7 9 6 2 4 3 8 5 1

3 2 5 8 1 9 7 6 4

8 4 7 9 6 1 3 2 5

9 1 2 3 8 5 4 7 6

Solution to June Sudoku

Solution to June Quick Crossword

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6 7 8 1 9 2 5 4 3

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5 6 3 7 2 4 1 9 8

Index of Advertisers Alteration/Tailoring Shepperton Tailoring 38 Awnings/Pergolas MOL Solar 14 Bakery/Deli The Sassy Apron 10 Bathroom Installation GSS 54 Care/Nursing Homes Rivermede Court 39 The Burlington 27 Sunbury Nursing 35 Parklands Manor 21 Care at Home GA Carers 8 Visiting Angels 11

Alina

Car services Chipsaway 57 Retro & Vintage 58 Carpenter George Scott Woods 50 D Williams 57 Chartered Surveyor Nick Cobb 57 Children’s Activities Aquarius 46 Computer Services My PC Helper 20 Curtains/Blinds Decorama 50 Decorator

Will Writing SDS 50 Barre Classes 7 Harvest Wills 60 SJ Harris Alterati 58 FBS 39 Windows Electrician Kitchens Sheppert House of Surrey 63 Boss Electrics 50 Ashford Kitchens 5 Village Windows 28 Equity Release Mobility Services Aw ning Harvest Financial 38 Shepperton Mob. 30 MOL So Estate Agent/Property Office Space Bakery/ Curchods 32/33 Tennay 52 Ovencleaning 57Sass Dexters 64 The Pest Control 58 Good Estate Agent 29 Bathroo Pharmacy/Walk in Plan & Design 12 Trio Pharmacy 30 Events GSS Plumber Textile exhibition 10 Care/Nu Pete Game 60 Riverside Presents 18 GSS 54 Hazelwood Riverme 22 Roofing Florist The Bur Platinum Roofing 51 Van Wonderen 17 Aldridge Roofing 58 Footcare Sunbury Schools/Education Mary Judge Parkland 30 Halliford School 2 Funeral Services Care at Springfield 46 Alan Greenwood 37 Sell Stuff for Cash Care Garage Doors GA JC Stamps 8 Garolla 60 Visiting Trident Coins 8 Garden Services Shutters Lawnmaster Alina 61 Decorama 50 serv Chris Gardening 61 Car Taxi Service Capability Clarke 58 Chipsaw VA Cars 57 Gutters Upholstery Star Guttering 50 Retro & John Miller 20 Gutter PRO 55 Carpent Vet Health & Wellbeing Sherwood Vets 48 S The 1-1 Diet George 41

July/August Issue Deadline: June 16th monica@villagematters.co.uk Or call

07979 808991 Or now book online

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D Willia Charter Your Local Mags Ad Prices Nick Co (Sunbury) Children Sunbury Matters (Ex VAT) Shepperton Matters Aquarius Molesey Matters Comput 1/8 £35 Walton Matters Quarter £60 My PC H Half £110 Curtain Call 07979 808991 and Full £195 Decoram speak to Monica Discount on block bookings Decorat monica@villagematters.co.uk

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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lease mention Sunbury Matters when

Sunbury Matters June 2021

Articles inside

Kwasi in Shepperton

Sunbury Beat

Gardening Matters

Mouse Tales

LOSRA Says

Connecting Patients with Loved Ones