Sunbury Matters February 2022

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Matters Matters Matters

Your Award Winning Community Magazine Your WinningCommunity Community Magazine Your Award Award Winning Magazine

February 2022 February 2022 February 2022

Issue 129 Issue129 129 Issue

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames Your Monthly onThames Thames Your MonthlyView Viewof of Sunbury Sunbury on

Sunbury

Matters

Your Award Winning Community Magazine

February 2022

Issue 129

Your Monthly View of Sunbury on Thames

Happy Valentine’s to you a Happy Valentine’s to you all Happy Valentine’s Happy Valentine’s to you to allyou all Happy Valentine’s to you all

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

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Welcome!

We had so many photos of THAT sunset sent. It was very difficult to choose the best, but we decided this cover by Mindi Khera just had something more.

Keep your images of Sunbury coming. We love them!

We have another treat in terms of history. A two pager on the building of the Queen Mary Reservoir. And no, despite what you may have heard, there is no village under the reservoir!

We bring you news of the launch of the Shepperton Studios Community Fund. See page 31 for information and see if your project might be relevant.

Finally we urge you to read the piece on the Watersplash farm gravel extraction on p14. If it goes ahead it will have an impact not only on traffic, but on

February 2022 flooding too. You can make objections until March 7th.

If you are struggling with fuel bills, you may be able to get help from St Mary’s. see p18.

And talking of St Mary’s. Father Andrew has offered to head up a village group to discuss how to mark the Platinum Jubilee this year. See p26.

So lots to read and get involved in. Stay safe!

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Contents

Published by:

Village Matters Ltd

Building the Queen Mary Reservoir Sunbury Health Centre Update Local Man in Brooklands Season 2 Watersplash Gravel Extraction Update Keeping Fit at 40+ Exam Season Part 2 We need a platinum party!

Shepperton Studios Community Fund Recipe of the Month Notes from the Riverside St Mary’s Newsletter To Valentines or not to valentines...

The Secrets to Aging Well LOSRA Says Sunbury Beat Develop healthy habits and keep them ScamWatch Covid Restrictions at ASPH What’s On Gardening Matters Ad Index/Prices/Deadlines

Advertising / Editorial :

Monica Jones

Telephone: 07979 808991 Email: monica@villagematters.co.uk Web Site: www.villagematters.co.uk Front cover - Sunset over Sunbury. Thanks to Mindi Khera Please send any hi res photos for consideration to info@villagematters.co.uk

Please ‘like’ us

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Monica and team

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4/6 9 10 14 17 16 26 31 34 36 41 42 45 47 49 50 51 53 58 61 62

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Building the Queen Mary Reservoir

By Nick Pollard The Queen Mary reservoir is a substantial landmark in this area, its embankment towering over the flat Middlesex countryside surrounding it. No doubt some of you will have walked round the top of it, sailed on it, or even flown over it when leaving Heathrow, and have seen what a huge expanse of water is contained within its walls.

It had its origins in the formation of the Metropolitan Water Board in 1902, which took over from a group of private water companies, and which proceeded to invest in increasing the supply of clean water for the expanding metropolis of London. Following on from the Staines reservoirs of 1904, what was then called the Littleton reservoir was authorised in 1911. Water was to be taken from the Thames just below Penton Hook, pumped to the treatment works at Kempton Park, and then on to storage reservoirs in north London.

The area selected was Littleton Common, which ran north from the small village to the Staines Road.

Cottages on the north side of Littleton Green, demolished for the reservoir Construction began in 1915, but soon after work started, a pocket of ‘running sands’ was found to the west of the site, which meant that the necessary trenches could not be excavated. The result was that the design was ‘squeezed’ to keep the same capacity, and extended further south than originally planned, swallowing up most of Littleton green and half the houses in the village.

The method of working was to completely clear the site, including the buildings of Littleton, then excavate a trench down to the underlying clay all the way round the perimeter. This was filled with ‘puddled’ clay, then an embankment raised, through which the clay trench was continued, to Excavating the site in 1915 make a giant waterproof basin.

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By 1916, the demands for manpower for the First World War meant that the work had to be suspended. It resumed in 1919. At this time my grandfather Frederick Pollard came back from the army and went for a job at the reservoir, but the foreman wanted a £1 bribe to give him the job, which he didn’t have – so no job! The work was hard – although the excavation was done by large steam powered excavators and the spoil loaded into wagons which ran on a temporary railway around the site, the clay packed in the trenches had to be trodden in by men with sacking wrapped round their feet!

Treading the puddled clay Once the embankment had been completed, the water inlet and outlet towers were built, and the interior faces of the perimeter were lined with 6 inches of slab concrete below the future water level, with concrete blocks made on site laid above this.

An aqueduct was constructed from the Thames at Laleham, and a building to house the necessary steam engines and pumps was built on that side of the reservoir. It had a tall chimney, but that was demolished after new electric pumps were later fitted, although thankfully the original pumps remain in place.

The outlet tower and the concrete lined embankment When completed, the reservoir covered 732 acres and had a circumference of 4 miles. It could hold 6,750 million gallons and was the largest free standing reservoir in the world at the time The total cost was £2,050,000. It was officially opened by King George V and Queen Mary on 13th June 1925, and was named ‘The Queen Mary Reservoir’.

The Littleton pumping station and intake channel, with the embankment beyond

If you would like to join Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, please see our website www.sslhs.org.uk. We have regular talks, advertised in Sunbury and Shepperton Matters.

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Sunbury Health Centre Update

By Neil Huntingford

Our update this month is about the practice’s website. Patients may have noticed that there are occasions when we’ve had to pause the appointment request section of the website. Like everywhere else, the Covid pandemic has affected our staffing levels, often at short notice when staff test positive and have to isolate. In the case of clinical staff, this means that appointments have to be rearranged. This then impacts on staff available to process the on-line requests. When this happens, to avoid a backlog of requests building up and the potential of delaying patient care, we pause the system and urge patients who feel they need urgent support from the practice to contact us by phone –

01932 713399. We monitor the situation throughout the day to ensure we process patients’ requests as quickly and safely as possible.

We are aware that the website can be difficult to navigate, so where possible, work continues to develop the website to make it easier for patients to use and give better functionality for staff. A new phone system is also being introduced that will allow more efficient call handling that automatically identifies patients and should allow us to answer more calls.

You can also get a GP video appointment seven days a week, including evenings, by using the Livi App on your smart phone. As a Sunbury Health Centre patient, this service is free. Just go to livi.co.uk to register.

We expect staffing to improve over the coming weeks as the Covid wave peaks and begins to recede, thanks to the vaccination programme and the public following Covid guidelines.

Please help us all to stay safe by getting your Covid vaccinations, especially the booster jab, and continue to follow Government Covid Guidelines.

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Local man in Brooklands TV Season 2 Following the success of last year’s TV series ‘Secrets of the Transport Museum’, the second series of 10 episodes will be aired on Tuesday evenings, starting on 1st February at 8pm.

Filming started as soon as lockdown ended last summer and continued until October, featuring the cars, planes, cycles and motorcycles that were designed, built, raced and flown at Brooklands, from its opening in 1907 until its closure in the 1980s.

The Museum is heavily dependent upon its team of several hundred volunteers, who support the staff and maintain the old track, the buildings, grounds and collections.

Several of the volunteers are local to Shepperton and Sunbury and one such volunteer is Chris Bound (pictured), a former chartered surveyor who has always had a passion for classic cars. As soon as he retired a few years ago, he made enquiries about joining the Museum as a volunteer and, after a couple of months of familiarisation, he was invited to join the ‘Motoring Team’. This group of around 15 like-minded enthusiasts looks after the vehicles and keeps as many as possible in running condition. Their work ranges from routine maintenance work, such as oil changes and general servicing, to complete engine rebuilds. Chris appears in Episode 5 of the new series, attempting to being an old airfield fire engine back to life.

Other volunteer groups attend to the aircraft and motorbikes. The Car Rides team provides visitors with blasts up the famous Test Hill and around the Museum grounds in an eclectic variety of vehicles.

Brooklands Museum is probably unique in having such a varied collection of cars, not just on display but regularly “exercised” on the legendary track. The Motoring Team likes nothing more than being able to show the cars in action to the visiting public. Featured marques include household names such as Aston Martin, Austin, Bentley, Bugatti, Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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Cooper, Lagonda, MG and Riley. Less well known are Alvis, Delahaye, Delage, Napier and Siddeley, to name just a few.

For aircraft enthusiasts, the collection includes planes from the very earliest pioneering days, a Vickers Wellington bomber, a Hawker Hurricane and a Hawker Siddeley Harrier, together with numerous Vickers and BAC airliners, originally manufactured at Brooklands.

Also to be seen is the extensive collections of bicycles and motorbikes, most dating from the pre-war heyday of the Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit.

The “crown jewels” of the Museum’s collection are undoubtedly Delta Golf, one of the original Concorde aircraft (much of which was designed and built at Brooklands), and the mighty Napier-Railton, a huge racing car powered by a 24-litre aero engine and holder of the record for the fastest lap of the old Brooklands outer circuit.

Do please watch the TV series and, if you feel like a day out exploring the history and exhibits of Brooklands, do come and visit.

Tune in to ‘Yesterday’ channel on Freeview 26, Sky 155, Virgin 129, FreeSat 159 or BT 26 to watch the fascinating stories of the people and their machines that played such a major role in the development of Britain’s motoring and aircraft industries. www.villagematters.co.uk

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO NORMAN There must be something in the water in Sunbury. We have another long term resident who is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Normal Wells, pictured right, will turn 100 on 5th February 2022. He lives in Anvil Road, Sunbury on Thames.

He worked at the BP Sunbury for 22 years before retiring in 1984. He lived in the family home in Kenyngton Drive, where he had many friends . He moved to Anvil Road 15 years ago and he is still manages to do his own cooking!

Norman has a very large extended family and friends, but celebrations are likely to be curtailed by the current situation.

So we hope this little mention will go some way to making the day special. Happy birthday from Sunbury Matters and whatever it is you are doing to keep fit, well and positive, carry on!

EVERY SECOND AND LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

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Watersplash Farm Gravel extraction update:

Attention all Shepperton, Sunbury and Halliford Residents: This new proposal by Surrey County Council affects your property

By John Douglas Surrey County Council (SCC) are required to draw up a new Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP).

They are conducting a public consultation running until the beginning of March 2022. They are requesting your views, so now is the chance to raise objections if you are concerned.

SCC have scrapped the existing 2019 policy and are compiling a new policy since it was considered by SCC that the “existing MWLP no longer reflects current planning and enviBlue arrows show how ground water drains through the gravel at ronmental policy”.

Watersplash farm and out to the river system at present.

Surrey County Council’ Climate Change Strategy (extract) “We recognise that Surrey residents and communities are already facing, and will continue to face, the impacts of climate change on a daily basis. As part of this Strategy, we seek to build on our existing measures to strengthen resilience down to the household level, through climate-proofing our services and infrastructure.

It is critical that we work alongside residents, the business community in Surrey and other key partners to ensure we are able to secure the required innovation, behaviour change Watersplash farm shown in red with the blue arrows showing how and investment required to mitigate groundwater drainage will be affected by the proposed extraction and adapt to climate change.” of the gravel to be replaced with clay and other impermeable How can Surrey County Council conbuilding materials. tinue to permit gravel extraction at Watersplash Farm in the light of this new requiretersplash farm can only make matters worse. Have they learnt nothing from the flooding of 2014? ment?

Once the gravel is gone it is gone forever and with The new policy is being drawn up for precisely the it our best chance of channelling ground water reason to reflect the predicted changes in environflood streams out to the rivers, our natural drainage mental and climate change. system.

So why are they still planning to remove 1.2 milA minerals extraction and infill programme at Walion tons of permeable gravel at Watersplash Farm, tersplash farm, so close to residential properties is close to Shepperton, Halliford and Sunbury villagsimply not acceptable. es and in an area of high flood risk and replace this We need to make our voices felt and insist that: with impermeable clay and building rubble infill, Surrey County Council withdraw Watersplash thus increasing the flood risk to properties in the farm from the Preferred areas of mineral exarea and potentially flooding the two main arterial traction. roads leading to Walton Bridge?

On the grounds that: SCC claim to be taking appropriate steps to mitiThis site is in a densely populated area with algate the effects of climate change. Yet, their proready high flood risk. It is directly adjacent to the posal to go ahead with extraction and infill at WaPlease mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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To object on these and any other grounds either write to Surrey County Council or email to the address below or complete the online questionnaire at: Address for correspondence: Mr. Stephen Jenkins Planning Development Manager Surrey County Council Planning Group Quadrant Court Woking, GU22 7QQ Address for email: mineralsandwaste.localplan@surreycc.gov.uk Web site for online response: https://smwlp.commonplace.is/proposals The deadline for reply is 7th March 2022

Flooding in Shepperton and Chertsey 2014 villages of Shepperton, Halliford and Sunbury and the two main arterial roads leading to Walton Bridge. Thus to adversely affect the natural flood relief by removal of the permeable gravel sub-soil and replacement with impermeable clay and building infill material is in direct contravention of the Council’s revised environmental and climate change policy aims and objectives.

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Keeping fit at 40+

Benefits of Barre Training - could this be for you? Ballero: Barre Classes

This month we look at another Sunbury finalist from the recent Spelthorne Business Awards.

Clare Fisher at Ballero believes the 40 plus age group are consistently underserved and under prioritised in terms of the health and wellness industry. 'As we get older we need to listen to what our bodies need in terms of exercise' says Clare. 'Especially as we approach the peri-menopause and menopause, activity that protects our joints, helps us maintain bone density and improve flexibility are important.' Barre workouts are based on the strength and conditioning component of a ballet dancers training and offer the opportunity to focus on all of these. However be warned, 'low impact' does not mean 'easy', each element of the workout is carefully choreographed to target and isolate specific muscle groups and will have you feeling the burn in no time (in a good way!). Client feedback demonstrates the efficacy of this exercise method...Katy (barre client) was astonished to realise that she no longer needed her regular chiropractor appointment after consistently training with Clare at the barre. Ballero classes aim to encourage and motivate with fun, informal classes in non-competitive environment. To quote Kim (barre client) ‘Fridays class is my weekly treat’. A lover of Pilates for years Clare discovered the joy of barre workouts in 2019. Clare found the strength and conditioning benefits to be so brilliant that she trained with the fabulous Barreworks studio on their accredited instructor training programme. Then COVID struck.

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Clare continued to push ahead learning significant new IT skills along the way and deliver classes online. A phased approached has seen Studio classes return safely and successfully as COVID measures were relaxed. After working so hard to launch and maintain Ballero in 2020 and early 2021, Clare was delighted to receive the honour of making the finals in the 2021 Spelthorne Business awards – receiving first runner up prize in the ‘Best New Start up’ Category. Clare currently teaches Studio and Zoom classes from her studio in Lower Sunbury. New classes are also coming in 2022 at the Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury-on-Thames.

So if you are a certain age and think Barre could be the way forward to maintain your health and wellness, treat yourself to a trial. www.ballero.co.uk info@ballero.co.uk 07970 039105 Instagram: Ballero_ballroomandbarre FB: Ballero: Ballroom and Barre

Photos: Sarah Tooby Photography

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Sunbury Park Cedar loses limb Thanks to Joanna Brogan-Higgins for sending this sad photo of the large Lebanon Cedar from Sunbury park, which lost a large branch after heavy rain in January.

Lebanon Cedars are typically trees which were planted as a prestige item in large grounds of country houses. Sunbury park was land belonging to the large Sunbury Park House, owned by the Arden family. It was a grand house dating from the 1850s. It had 40 bedrooms and a ballroom, but during the Great War it was used as an officers mess and the house was left to fall into disrepair. You can still find remains of some of the walls and foundations if you walk in the wooded area above the ha-ha.

So when you next walk in Sunbury park, think how lucky we are to be linked to the history of a grand old house and treasure these old trees while they are still healthy.

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Silver Award Winner and Amazon top ten book.

Read reviews and more on mollycliffordnixon.com.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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Sunbury; the good the bad and the ugly

We received a disturbing message on social media recently. It related to incidents of individuals shooting wildlife with air guns. Another related to using a catapult. To make matters worse, the person who contacted us said that shots were fired close to their garden where they had been taking the air with their very young baby. Police were alerted and hopefully the perpetrators caught and cautioned.

It is a fact that antisocial behaviour seems to be on the increase. We reported last month (and several previous issues) about cars being damaged in Orchard Meadow car parks. There are regular reports on social media relating to rampaging youths in Sunbury streets, stealing from shops and damaging cars.

It is sadly inevitable that there are such incidents in most towns in the UK. Social media makes a big thing about sharing “bad news” stories and it is right to alert the community as soon as possible when there are incidents relating to ASB where people or property are at risk. The immediacy of that medium gets the message out as quickly as possible and rightly so.

On the other hand, Sunbury is a good community, full of supportive people, great local groups, interest and care about our history and environment. It is a very beautiful place to live. So, Sunbury Matters facilitates the likes of the local police and LOSRA to report on issues relating to our safety and wellbeing. But we also choose to bring good news, happy reports and photos of our beautiful area because we believe there is enough bad news out there. Sunbury Matters is not a magazine for shocking headlines. We hope you don’t mind if we continue to focus on the good, not the bad and the ugly.

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Local Capture

Thanks to this months contributors who celebrate the beauty of Sunbury. This is the season for spectacular skies and winter walks. From top right, Rachel Sykes, David Thomas, Paul McElroy and Pamela Chapman. Email monica@villagematters.co.uk

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Exam Season is coming - Part 2

By Rory Edwards Rory Edwards is a local parent, teacher of 28 years and a school governor. He offers us an insight into certain dilemmas parents might face throughout the school year.

In the January issue, I wrote about what parents can do to help their children revise for the forthcoming exams in the summer: a revision timetable, not leaving things too late and which topics to start with. Here are some more things to think about: Make a list of what is needed for revision, include items like folders, dividers, paper clips. Not everything is done on a computer, most exams are written so revise in a similar fashion.

Encourage your child to file away revision resources sooner rather than later – they won’t seem important earlier on but it will save time later on if they’re not in a pile of mixed papers.

Ask the school what extra support they might be offering, e.g. after school revision. this is something I mention often to parents, acknowledge that your child will not revise in the same way that you did so don’t expect them to.

Lastly, have some of your children’s favourite snacks handy.

Despite all of this, there may be times when children have some serious negative thoughts about the whole exam process. Here are some troubleshooting tips for you when that happens.

“There’s too much to do” If your child starts revising early in the year, it means that they will still be getting homework and learning new content. If this workload becomes too much, ensure that you speak to the school as well as your child. Find a workable solution that reduces the workload but doesn’t involve stopping something, for example, can some (but not all) revision sessions be reTo advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

moved or reduced in time, or can the school extend some of the deadlines. The latter may Ro not be possible as extended a deadline for one student setsye a precedent, however, it’s always worth explaining the situation to the school ins and asking the question.

fac

“I hate this subject, I want to drop it.” If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about teenagers, In it’s the black/white, love/hate, all or nothing thoughts that they have. As mentioned last en month, they don’t have the life experience to the find a strategy to deal with this yet. If this sio happens, as well as reassuring your child, speak to the subject teacher to see if anything wh has happened in lessons that may have led to this. Is it am deadline, a test or even a detention o that has caused such an outburst?

Most teachM ers will appreciate a joint teacher/parent effort to solve a problem, remember that they also want your child to succeed.

“I’ve left it too late/What’s the point?” The main point here is that it’s never too late until your child actually sits the exam because E some revision is better than none. A little MORE knowledge could be the difference between a grade 3 or a grade 4 at GCSE, remind your child that it only takes one extra mark to go from one grade to the next. I’ve had many conversations with year 11 students who couldn’t see the point of revising and A would say “I’m going to fail anyway”. Whilst each conversation is slightly different, I end up asking the followingth question: if you start working hard as you can from this point, what grade do you think you can get? They can be remarkably honest and the grade they say is now the new target. If exams are now looming, revise the easier topics (contrary to previous advice) as a solid foundation is better than L none.

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De ch ab Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk tro

WE NEED A PARTY! How will the community celebrate the Platinum Jubilee?

With HRH Queen Elizabeth 2 marking 70 years on the throne this summer, and an extra bank holiday to celebrate, it is time to start thinking about how to mark the occasion as a village.

Maybe it is a huge village picnic on Orchard Meadow, or Rivermead Island. Or a show by local talented youngsters. Whatever it is, we need to start at the beginning. The first thing to do is gather your ideas together and then meet like minded people full of enthusiasm and inspiration and together make something wonderful happen!

Father Andrew at St Mary’s. Sunbury, has kindly offered the village hall to meet as collective groups and see what you can come up with. He has also offered to head up the initiative. So in the first instance, if you are interested in getting involved and helping put on a party this June, please get in touch with Father Andrew: vicar@stmarys-sunbury.org.

A collaborative approach between local groups, schools, current event organisers etc, has been mooted for some time. It would be good if this might be a springboard to a supergroup of Sunbury volunteers who will no doubt offer an even better collective organisation. Go on. Get involved and have some fun!

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Sudoku 7 4 2 5 3 8

4 9

8

6

2 9

6 1 3 1 2 3

5 1

8

9 2 7

5 3

7

Solution on p 56

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Apps Court Festival Application

Good news if you want to get out and make up for lost time. Apps Court have applied to Elmbridge Council for a license to enable them to hold festivals and a host of live events on their vast premises on the other side of the river from Sunbury.

With the emphasis on space, fresh air and social distancing, you have to admit this is a smart move.

They are planning a programme of films, plays, boxing, dance, music and much more.

They are also applying for an alcohol licence from 11-22.30.

With the Sunbury ferry operational too, it makes the venue easily accessible.

If you cherish your peace and quiet by the glorious Sunbury riverside though, you might not be as happy about it. http://emaps.elmbridge.gov.uk/ ebc_licensing.aspx? requesttype=parseTemplate&template=LicCurr entApps.tmplt

Everyone at Sherwood Vets would like to thank you for all your patience, support and understanding during what has been a very difficult year, as we tried to continue providing the sort of care and attention for your pets that you have come to expect from us.

Now that most of the restrictions have been lifted we can return to offering you our full range of services, including vaccinations and routine surgeries, all within a Covid-safe environment to help protect the safety of yourselves and our staff.

Please give us a call or send us an email if you would like to make an appointment.

Wishing you and your animals the very best of health.

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Shepperton Studios Community Fund

By Monica Jones

Shepperton Studios has just launched a new community fund. It is open to local organisations or individuals, non-profit and voluntary organisations including charities, social enterprises, and community groups. This is a great chance for many areas of the community to apply for a much needed cash injection.

The fund is a not insubstantial £500,000 to be distributed over 10 years. It is to be spent IN Spelthorne for the benefit OF Spelthorne. If you have a project that needs funding, read on.

There are three groups which will be the primary focus: Youth Development, Community Development and Under privileged/ disadvantaged individuals and groups, who have no other source of funding.

So, maybe you are a small sports club and you need some new kit. Maybe you are a men’s club and you are looking for a piece of equipment. Maybe you are looking at putting on a community event but need a cash injection. As youth is such a focus, this looks like a great chance to get funding for the youngsters of the borough. Could we get a youth club up and running again?

Whether large or small, don’t hesitate. This is for the community and we need to take full advantage of it.

The fund itself is being run by the Community Foundation for Surrey. They will take the initial applications and submit them to a panel at Shepperton Studios who will make the final decision.

publication to make sure you are kept informed.

If you have any questions and want to speak Sh to a human being however, try the contact points for the Community Fund for Surrey: co Tel 01483 478092 or email tio info@cfsurrey.org.uk

or

Just to clarify, this fund is additional to the pr 106 Statuary Requirements that the Studios has undertaken ch as part of the new development. It is also additional to any current fundap ing that local groups may already have from the studios. It isT also additional to any otherh funding a group or individual may be getting di from other sources.

Sp

The Fund forms part of the Studios’ Set For y o More programme which is a long-term commitment. An exciting element of this initiative on is a plan to create the biggest careers fair for film and TV to T encourage both youngsters orh more experienced applicants who can retrain m and repurpose skills within the film business.

More to come onDe that in due course.

The first round of funding closes in April 2022, with allocation of funds in July. Details of how to apply are on the website:

www.cfsurrey.org.uk/applyforfunding

If the thought of filling in forms to apply for a grant is enough to put you off, then don’t despair! There will be workshops put on to help you with the application process. We will publish updates on workshop dates in this To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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di ha So yo m eq on tio a ste clu W fo ad Or email monica@villagematters.co.uk Th

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Recipe of the Month Irish Coffee Chocolate Cheesecake Make your loved one a special treat!

Serves: 8 Method

Preparation time: 30 minutes plus cooling and chilling time

Line the base of a 20cm springform round cake tin with greaseproof paper and brush the sides with oil.

Cooking time: 10 minutes Ingredients

Place the chocolate chip cookies in a polythene bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat then add the crushed cookies. Press the resulting mixture into the base of the prepared tin, and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Base Vegetable oil, for oiling 175g chocolate chip cookies 55g unsalted butter Filling 225g plain chocolate (at least 70%), broken into pieces.

225g good quality milk chocolate (at least 45%) broken into pieces 55g golden caster sugar 350g cream cheese 425ml double cream, lightly whipped (this means that it’s no longer liquid, has increased in volume and just holds its shape when the whisk is removed).

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Place the broken plain and milk chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool.

Place the sugar and cream cheese into a mixing bowl and beat together until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream, then the melted chocolate, and finally the coffee cream liqueur.

Spoon the mixture into the cake tin on top of the biscuit base. Smooth the surface and place in the fridge to chill for two hours. When it’s firm transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with more melted dark chocolate if required, www.villagematters.co.uk

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Notes from the Riverside The very words “Arts Centre” may strike fear into the minds of some. One could imagine a bastion of upper middle-class people sipping Lapsang Souchong whilst discussing Dostoevsky, or long-haired Bohemians splashing paint onto room-sized canvases.

Well the Riverside certainly caters very well for such “grown-up” pursuits, but this ‘community’ centre for many hours a week buzzes to the sound of young people; from toddlers right up to late teenagers. A place where youngsters can learn a new skill, grow their own characters, learn to mix with others, to work as a team in their journey to adulthood and to achieve their full potential.

On Sunday afternoons the noise levels can be the extreme as the youngsters of Riverside Youth Theatre (RYT) rehearse for their bi-annual stage shows. Started in 1982 to provide opportunities for young people aged between 12 and 18 who have an interest in drama. It aims to encourage and develop skills and experience in all aspects of theatre, through auditions, rehearsals, and the staging of real productions presented to live audiences. Run by a small committee of volunteers some of whom have been involved in professional theatre, youngsters are trained in all aspects of the theatre including the technical teams where they learn about lighting, sound, and set building.

Although KH Dance Academy does have adult classes its main emphasis is on the youngsters. From 18 months old toddlers and their parents can join music and movement classes, instilling in them the basics of dance.

As they get older, they can progress to all forms of dance from Tap to Ballet and including Contemporary and Street Dance and Musical Theatre. Classes run throughout the week and are all taken by fully licensed and DBS checked tutors. Accredited examinations are offered for pupils to access progress.

Maybe the child is more of an individual looking for one to one tuition in playing a musical instrument. We have a couple of highly qualified and skilled musicians offering teaching on piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, as well as music theory. Both teachers can prepare their students to take official music exams, many of which are held at the Riverside.

Several times a year you will see anxious children, usually accompanied by their even more nervous parents, arriving in order to sit an exam set by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Musical awarding graded exams and diploma qualifications in music. Pupils come from a wide area to have their ability in any musical instrument imaginable, professionally assessed; from beginner upwards to the top levels for those hoping to make music their livelihood.

Children from as young as 7 can join the classes run by On-Stage Now which offers young people up to the age of 16 the chance to be trained in drama and the musical theatre. There are also possibilities to take LAMDA acting exams.

For children who like to get their hands dirty, a recent newcomer is our weekend pottery and ceramics class and we are hopeful that other similar classes may follow.

All of our child-based activities are supervised by properly licensed adults in a secure environment. The above is just a taster of the various opportunities available for the young people of Sunbury and you can find details of these plus all of the adult activates and events via our website www.riversidearts.co.uk.

Riverside Arts Centre, your place for education, interest and entertainment, run by volunteers for the community Riverside Arts Centre 57/59 Thames Street Sunbury TW16 5QF www.riversidearts.co.uk 07796 531427 info@riversidearts.co.uk Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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Bewitch, enthral (7) Rainbow (7) Effigy, figure (6) Courage, fortitude (5) Slang name for US citizens (5)

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February 14th is Valentine’s Day. writes bad poetry...I'm not joking, it’s terrible and stems from him insisting that poetry is not poetry unless it rhymes! I love poetry and once joked that if he loved me he'd write me an ode. So, he did, and it was awful...but it did rhyme.

Periodically he repeats the process, and the results are always hilariously bad. I stick them in a scrap book because as dire as they are, they hold a great deal of meaning for me.

My husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. There, I said it. Before you dismiss us as a couple of old cheapskate cynics, whose relationship is on the rocks, we're both in our late thirties, have been married for twelve years, we rarely argue, and we laugh a lot. We just don't feel the need to celebrate Valentine's Day. Five years into our marriage we realised that fancy restaurants, or weekends away mean less when everyone else is there doing exactly the same thing at the same time just because its February 14th. So, we stopped.

We do like to do something romantic during February, but to be honest we like to do something romantic at least once in every other month too. Here are our favourite ideas, not restricted to February.

We cook a meal. Not just a run of the mill, any night of the week meal. We each choose something from one of our cookbooks (main course and dessert) and we set aside an evening to create it. We arrange it around the kids’ sleepovers with grandparents or friends. It's our night and we buy good wine, dress up and enjoy each other's company and the process of creating (and eating) a delicious meal.

Movie marathon - The DieHard films might not be everyone's idea of romantic film fodder, but we love them and every so often we have a day where we watch all of them back-to-back and buy in lunch and supper.

Sometimes we do the Star Wars Trilogy (four, five and six...were there any others?), or the Lord of the Rings series (extended version), or the Bourne films.

The point is, it's an event. We set aside time to do it.

Recreate a date - One of my favourite dates from before we were married was when my husband took me stargazing on a clear night. He was an amateur astronomer in his teens and knew his way around the night sky. We lay on top of his car, covered in blankets clutching binoculars while he told me stories about the constellations and encouraged me to look for shooting stars and the International Space Station (ISS)!

Sometimes we recreate that, and I still get a buzz when I see the ISS moving swiftly across the sky. What favourite date could you recreate?

If you love Valentine’s Day then you do you. But ask yourself, do you make Valentine plans with your partner just because that’s the thing to do? If so, perhaps it’s time to make a change.

Write a poem…or a song. My husband To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Secrets to Aging Well

By Louise Addison As a nation we’re obsessed with ageing. We try to turn the clock back with lotions, potions and sometimes Botox and fillers.

Yet some nations seem to have solved this issue without resorting to cosmetics or surgery. These people live in the world’s socalled Blue Zones. The term ‘Blue Zones’ refers to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and several types of cancer, and enjoy life spans more than a decade longer than people elsewhere in the world. The concept of Blue Zones grew out of the work done by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain.

The five Blue Zones are: Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, The Ogliastra Region in Sardinia, Loma Linda in California (which boasts the highest concentration of Seventh Day Adventists in the US), and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Dan Buettner, who is an author, explorer, educator, and endurance cyclist, studied these regions intensively and concluded that the inhabitants all shared certain characteristics.

They exercise – but not at the gym, and they don’t run. Instead, they live in environments that encourage movement. They walk, garden, and tend to use manual tools rather than electric ones, when working in the house and garden.

They live with purpose - The Okinawans call it ikigai and the Nicoyans call it plan de vida; both roughly translate to "why I wake up in the morning." A sense of purpose adds several years to your life span.

They take time out – Everyone, even those living in Blue Zones experience stress. Stress is the leading cause of chronic inflammation and is associated with every major age-related disease. The Blue Zone populations understand how to deal with and diffuse that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians do happy hour!

have a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra, ‘Hara hachi bu’, which they recite before meals. It reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight and gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the early evening, and then they don't eat any more for the rest of the day.

They eat a plant-based diet -The people of the Blue Zones eat mainly plants and beans, limiting meat to small portions a few times per month.

They drink moderately – Apart from the Adventists, all the people living in the Blue Zones drink alcohol regularly. Moderate drinkers actually outlive non-drinkers. So, keep to one to two glasses a day, preferably drunk with a meal and with friends or family They have a community - The world's longestlived people chose - or were born into - social circles that support healthy behaviours. For example, Okinawans created moais - groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious, so healthy social networks are essential for long life.

So, if you are interested in living a longer, and healthier life…think blue!

They follow the 80% rule - The Okinawan’s To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Thinking of Selling your Stamp Collection?

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

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LoSRA Says Council's Corporate Plan Gets the Go-ahead After Unanimous Vote

Spelthorne Borough Council has launched its new Corporate Plan for 2021 -23 following its unanimous approval at a full Council meeting on Thursday 9 December. The plan sets out its ambitions to be a Council led by its communities, underpinned by five overarching 'CARES' priorities and seven 'PROVIDE' values.

The priorities for the next 2 years will focus on: C - Community; A - Affordable housing; R - Recovery; E- Environment & S- Service delivery' The Council's values, ethos and ways of working will inform and underpin everything that they do: P - Pride in our Council, communities, and Borough; R - Responsive and flexible; O - Open and accountable; V - Value for money; I- Integrity; D - Dependable & E - Empowering communities.

It is only recently that the Council has operated without an overall majority, comprising, as it does, seven different parties. Unanimity has not been a feature of recent debates within the chamber; so it is to be welcomed that the Council gives unanimous support for its ambition to be "led by its communities" - an ambition very much in line with the ethos of this Association. The Corporate Plan in full has been published on the Council website.

of £5 (about the price of a pint of beer or two coffees) has remained unaltered for 16 years and we continue to be run by a highly professional Committee of local residents who give up their time freely. There are no paid members and all monies go towards printing costs, room hire and the like; in addition to maintaining a reserve fund for legal advice when required.

2022 Subscriptions Now Due Now that we're well into the new year it's timely for a tactful reminder that our 2022 subscriptions became due on 1st January. New or existing members may join or renew by visiting our website www.losra.org. The annual membership To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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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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Sunbury Beat Beat Sunbury ByInspector InspectorMaxine MaxineCilia, Cilia,Spelthorne SpelthorneBorough BoroughCommander Commander By Mytop toptip tipfor forFebruary, February,get gettoto My knowyour yourlocal localneighbours. neighbours.I I know wassurprised surprisedininsome somecommucommuwas nicationsfrom frommembers membersofofthe the nications publicininthe thelocal localcommunity community public thatthey theyhad hadnever neverspoken spokentoto that theirneighbours. neighbours.By Byknowing knowing their yourlocal localcommunity communityyou youcan can your lookafter aftereach eachother’s other’sproperproperlook recognisestrangers strangersand andsupport supportthose thosewho whoare are ty,ty,recognise vulnerable.This Thisisishow howNeighbourhood NeighbourhoodWatch Watch vulnerable.

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Thelast lastthing thingI Iwould wouldlike liketototalk talkabout aboutisis The RomanceFraud.

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60% of vicwith a combined total loss of £1.7m. 60% of victimswere weremen, men,and andthe themost mostcommon commonvictim victimage age tims rangewas wasbetween between5050and and5959years yearsold. old. range youknow knowsomeone someonewho’s who’sonline onlinedating datingononline line IfIfyou youare arethere thereare aresome somesimple simpletips tipstotostay staysafe safe ororyou below below Ensureyour yourfriends friendsand andfamily familyhave haveadequate adequate Ensure privacysettings settingsonontheir theirsocial socialmedia mediaaccounts accountssoso privacy strangerscan’t can’taccess accesstheir theirpersonal personalinformation. information. strangers Stayininregular regularcontact contactwith withfriends friendsand andfamily family Stay whoare areonline onlinedating datingtotohelp helpspot spotany anychanges changesinin who behaviourororthings thingsthat thatdon’t don’tseem seemright. right. behaviour Makethem themaware awareofofthe thesigns signsofofromance romancefraud fraud Make theyare areconscious consciousofofthe thetactics tacticsthat thatcriminals criminals sosothey usetotocarry carryout outthese thesescams. scams.Reiterate Reiteratethat thatyou you use shouldnever nevertransfer transfermoney moneytotosomeone someonethat thatyou you should havenever nevermet metininperson. person. have Encouragepeople peopletotoreport reporttotoAction ActionFraud Fraudand and Encourage thepolice policeififthey theyhave havebecome becomea avictim victimofofromance romance the fraudand andnot nottotobebeembarrassed embarrassedabout aboutdoing doingso. so. fraud You can find information on safe dating advice You can find information on safe dating advice availableononthe theOnline OnlineDating DatingAssociation’s Association’swebwebavailable site: www.onlinedatingassociation.org.uk site: www.onlinedatingassociation.org.uk Pleasekeep keepreporting reportingtotous. us.We Weneed needyour yourinforinforPlease mationtotofight fightcrime crime. We . Wemay maynot notrespond respondtotoyou you mation directlybut butwe wewill willget gettotoknow knowabout aboutthe theinforinfordirectly mationand andbebeable abletotomanage manageour ourpatrols patrolsand andwork work mation thelocal localarea areabased basedononyour yourinformation. information. ininthe Contactasasabove aboveororononour oursocial socialmedia mediapages pagesatat Contact Facebook via chat function @Spelthorne Beatoror Facebook via chat function @Spelthorne Beat callususonon101.

101.You Youcan caneven evenreport reportanonymously anonymously call viaCrimestoppers Crimestoppershttps://crimestoppers-uk.org/ https://crimestoppers-uk.org/oror via on 0800 555 111. on 0800 555 111.

MaxineCilia Cilia- -Spelthorne SpelthorneBorough BoroughCommander Commander Maxine

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t v W o y v W s M b w k O h s h c a w I t s o w

How to develop healthy habits – and stick to them

By Jane McKenna

It’s very easy to make grand new year’s resolutions – the hard bit is sticking to them. If by the time you are reading this your good intentions are perilously close to falling by the wayside, have a look through the following 7 ways you can start to develop positive, healthy and most importantly, sustainable habits.

Re-think your goal Stop thinking about what it is you are trying to achieve and start focusing on the why instead. If you want to stick to your new habits, you need to think about why it is meaningful to you. Try asking yourself how you want to feel if you continue with this new habit. For example, rather than the goal being to lose weight, the why might be to feel fitter and stronger, or to be a positive role model for your children.

Take it one step at a time It can be useful to have a bigger aim in mind, however it is key to break it down into smaller steps. If the end goal feels too overwhelming it is common to try and tackle too much in one go, resulting in a loss in focus and a feeling of failure before you’ve even begun. Over time progressive, consistent smaller steps will accumulate and lead to much bigger change.

Change your environment What is going on around us has a huge influence on our behaviours. Be honest with yourself about the things, people or places that may have an impact. Create an environment that supports your new habits and remove any barriers that have the potential to stop you from taking positive steps in in your new habit. Don’t be afraid to tell friends and family of your intentions either. They can not only support you, but a feeling of accountability to others can help you to stay on track.

Make a plan Although it sounds obvious, planning the time and place you will undertake your new habit each week will help you stick to it. So don’t To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

just say you will go for a walk every day, actually put it in your diary. If you can make it a regular time each day, then even better.

Measure progress Keeping a track of your progress not only keeps you accountable, but it also helps you see how far you have come. Additionally, if things haven’t gone quite as you planned, you can work out what changes you need to make to move forward. On that subject …

Accept that setbacks will happen We’re all human after all. Setbacks are a natural part of life and accepting that they are likely to rear their head will help deal with them when they do. Try to see it less as a roadblock and more as an opportunity to adapt. If something is getting in the way of your daily walk or meeting-free Friday, think practically about what needs to change to make it happen. The most important thing though, if you do drop the ball, is to be kind to yourself, draw a line under it and move on. Tomorrow is a new day.

Find the joy Jane McKenna is an accredited Career and Life Coach based in Sunbury. She set up Brilliant Me to support people who want to reshape their work/ life balance. She helps her clients to make meaningful changes to create clarity, balance and find fulfilment in their lives and careers. Jane provides 1 to 1 coaching, group programmes and monthly workshops.

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SCAM WATCH - by Bill Cunningham

with smart phone / computer technology. sure scam sign is us being put under much Out of the Blue a Green Scam A pressure to buy. By a claimed expert in home We know already, don’t we, that probably any insulation say. In essence a salesperson we’ve phone call or text or email from a stranger is allowed into our home after a call from a comsuspect. In particular if offering a special deal. pany with an offer of a free survey by their Like saving a fortune by greening our home. surveyor/ specialist in eco whatever . It’s then And not with flowers! that our existing insulation will be declared out Scammers live off media articles about grants. of date/ dangerous/ against the law/ etc. AnyAnd in the confusion of qualifying for a govthing to scare a vulnerable person witless. ernment contribution towards the cost of ener- Normally such installations will cost several gy efficiency is where scammers help. Yeah! times the true cost of a professional job. Much Like the “discount” for an instant yes. more than the other written quotes we should …Over 19 million adults have been targeted have got from trusted traders, with their price by a green scam, new research by Citizens stated in the contract and payable in instalAdvice finds……with over 5 million estimated ments, preferably by credit card. to have already fallen for one in the UK in Maybe we’re told that our gas boiler will be 2021…... outlawed by the spring, but never fear, we No one age group is being hit hardest for it’s qualify for a grant to get an electric one, to in essence anyone with a house to heat who is make us legal and save ££s. Just sign here. the target. In scamming the approach largely Hear warning bells ring? Let’s remember that differs by age grouping, with older people hit buying slowly is safest. via phone calls and under 55s via email. Assumption being that over 55s are less savvy

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Do you sometimes wonder what happens to your donation when you drop it into one of our Rotary Santa buckets? By Bob Noble

When the winter nights draw in and the clock ticks past midnight into the first hour of December, Rotarians all over the country and here in Shepperton and Sunbury, dust off Santa's sleigh and begin their tour of the local streets, shops and pubs.

Thousands of generous local folk drop pennies and pounds into our buckets but then what? In simple terms, we get rid of it.

We donate every last penny to local charities and good causes, to our fellow community members who are less fortunate than others or struggling with life for whatever reason.

This Christmas between the two Clubs locally, we raised £10,000 through our collections and raffle.

For 2022, we will divide this money into large donations to the following groups which will make a considerable difference to what they can achieve -:

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Black Swan Sea Cadets Community Foodbank (St Saviour's in Sunbury) Cameo Cruise Greeno Homestart Impossible Dream Lourdes Group Paxmead Guiding Group Phabsail Purple Angels Both Shepperton and Sunbury Rotary Club and Shepperton Aurora would not be able to help these special teams of people in all the good work that they do without your kind generosity at Christmas.

On their behalf, and ours, we thank our kind and generous community.

Shepperton Aurora and Shepperton and Sunbury Rotary Club

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Covid Visiting ASPH - Restrictions in Place

By Andrea Lewis RRC, Chief Nurse

Due to the increase in cases of Covid-19 and the emergence of the Omicron variant, additional visiting restrictions are now in place at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. This is to reduce footfall within our hospital sites and to help minimise the risk of transmission to protect patients and the team. All members of the public, including visitors, must take a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before entering any of our hospital sites.

Any patients who have a registered carer may have a daily visit of up to 1 hour. This includes the patient groups of learning difficulties and severe dementia. No children or babies will be allowed. There is one slot available every day for each bed/patient. End of life visits continue to be permitted.

There is a dedicated telephone line manned by one volunteer for permitted visitors to book a time to see their loved one. The number is 01932 723318. If any visitors need to book a visiting slot outside of those hours they will need to contact the relevant ward direct. The visitor booking line will remain open Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 1600. If you are enquiring about a patient at Ashford Hospital please phone 01784 884488.

This situation will be constantly reviewed and further visiting changes may occur depending on Covid-19 incidence within our community and also transmission rates. For up-to-date information please visit our website, ashfordandstpeters.nhs.net Thanks for your support and cooperation.

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Local author Carmen Souchet (writing as Molly Clifford-Nixon) decided in the Autumn of 2021, to introduce her Short Stories and Flash Fiction to the USA through a book boost with Atmosphere Press. The collection of stories, first published in October 2017, had already become an Amazon top ten choice and achieved a four out of five-star rating in the UK. The response from the USA has been exciting with four-star reviews. Carmen considered receiving a four-star review from Literary Titan recognition enough, but for Literary Titan to also choose Short Stories and Flash Fiction as one of their December 2021 Picks achieving their Silver Award, was totally unexpected. The Award is particularly gratifying as it is “bestowed on books that expertly deliver complex characters, intricate worlds, and thought provoking themes. The ease with which the story is told is a reflection of the author’s talent in exercising fluent, powerful, and appropriate language.”

Are more short stories planned following this enthusiastic response?

Yes. Carmen is going to be extremely busy in 2022 penning further short stories and a sequel to her debut novel The Burden of Guilt, which also achieved a four out of five-star rating on Amazon and which will be her next book boost with Atmosphere Press. Carmen also plans to adapt Infinity, a fantasy from Short Stories and Flash Fiction, into a television script. A field she has not yet ventured into. Short Stories and Flash Fiction and The Burden of Guilt are available on Amazon.

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Puzzle Solutions 7 1 5 3 6 2 8 4 9

4 2 3 7 8 9 5 6 1

9 8 6 1 5 4 7 2 3

8 7 1 9 3 6 2 5 4

3 4 2 5 1 8 9 7 6

5 6 9 4 2 7 3 1 8

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K L E H T A S E K R I O N A S I L P E R Y C A T I N R K A P S

Solution to February Quick Crossword

Solution to February Sudoku

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What’s On We advise you to check with organisers on latest updates to performances

Sunbury Library Coffee Time. The Friends of Sunbury Library invite you to a Coffee Time on 11 February & 11 March between 10 and 11:30. Coffee or tea, biscuits and general knowledge quiz for 50p Sunbury Library, The Parade, Staines Road West, Sunbury PERSUASION. Rose Theatre, Kingston, 26 February - 19 March 2022, 7:30pm.

Sasha Frost and Fred Fergus will star as Anne and Wentworth in this Rose Original adaptation, directed by Jeff James . Booking link: https:// www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/persuasion, Twitter:@RoseTheatre,Instagram: @RoseTheatreKingston Facebook: /rosetheatrekingston Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury on Thames.

Saturday 5th February, 8pm. Comedy Club www.laughingchili.co.uk Sunday 6th February 7.30pm. Riverside Jazz. www.moodindigoevents.co.uk

S a t S

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Gardening Matters Contain your excitement!

By Rachael Leverton

For me February marks the real beginning of the gardener’s year. Seed sowing starts in earnest, and For me we can begin to plan to bring the patio pots alive. gardene As a gardener I do raise a lot of my plants from we ca n seeds in cold frames and greenhouses.

But there is no right way to approach this. IfAs you’re super busy a ga and time in the garden is short, wait until late Febseeds in ruary and purchase fresh, well grown young plants from the garden centre. Yes its more expensive but no righ it might be worth it in time and energy saved.

and

tim

The patio is a great place to indulge your creativity. ruar y an Do you want a brilliant chaotic colour palate or a fro m th cool tranquil colour scheme, or maybe even monochrome calming greens in manyit textures of foliage. migh I think of patio pots like soft furnishings in the house…changing things up can T transform the he pat mood.

Do

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While containers are conventionally planted in tra autumn and late spring, they cancool actually be planted at any time of year, and I likechro to get a couple me planted up in February so they can become really I think established and give me a running a start.

house …

I use containers of all sizes but generally the large mood. ones provide more impact. If they are to large and heavy to move easily, plant them with hardy bulbs or permanent shrubs or trees. You can then While c add seasonal geraniums and pansies etc around the core planting. Small, moveable containers can be planted with bright bulbsautumn and specimen plants that can be brought to the front as they reach their peak with flowers or foliage. If you have a sheltered frost-free area for a cold frame ed or poly cover you can plant early, keep safe from the worst ofat the winter weather, andan then bring them out when the frosts have finished. planted

Good trees for larger containersestablis are conifers. There is such a huge variety of shapes and colours to choose from. For patios its best to choose more compact, well-groomed shapes in bright greens or yellows. Groups of three or five potsuse containing contrasting shapes and colours work I co very well together. Alternatively go for similar shapes in a variety of sizes and colours.

ones

pr

Because February tends to be quite wet drainage can be an issue. As a guide, patio and decking heavy t surfaces should be dry, or only wet if it’s rained recently. If a patio or decking is constantly wet add sea it’s likely that algae and moss will start to grow which can look unsightly and make the surface dangerously slippery to walk on.can Use a strong yard brush and approved detergent to keep hard be surfaces clean and safe.

reach

th

As anticipation in gardening provides much of the pleasure take the garden furniture out of or poly storage this month and clean it up…then you can enjoy a cup of tea on sunny days and watch your patio begin to wake up. bring th

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Index of Advertisers Beauty/Aesthetics Facial Body Sculpt 16 The Nail Garden 23 Care/Nursing Homes Sunbury Nursing 13 The Burlington 28 Care at Home Visiting Angels 44 Alina 52 Car services Chipsaway 55 Retro & Vintage 46 Carpenter George Scott Woods 56 D Williams 55 Chartered Surveyor Nick Cobb 48 Children’s Activities Aquarius 47 Chiropodist Rod Littlewood 20 Computer Services My PC Helper 27 Curtains/Blinds Decorama 51 Decorator SJ Harris 48 Dog Walking 29 Electrician Boss Electrics 48 Equity Release Harvest Financial 18

Estate Agent/Property Opticians Dexters 32/33 Squire opticians 37 Beauty/A Oven cleaning Churchill 7 B Ovengleamers 46 Curchods Facial 38/39 Pharmacy/Walk in Nail The Good Agent 35 The Trio Pharmacy 40 EweMove Care/Nu 21 Plumber Plan & Design 19 Sunbury Pete Game 51 Events Pubs/restaurants Holiday Inn The 22 Bur The Bell, Hampton 43 Hazelwood 63 Care at Roofing Florist Platinum Roofing 48 Van Wonderen 30 Visiting Aldridge Roofing 55 Floor Restoration Alina Schools/Education ProFloor Restore 56 Springfield 26 serv Footcare Car Halliford School 64 Mary Judge Chipsaw 44 Sell Stuff for Cash Funeral Services Retro & JC Stamps 46 Alan Greenwood 8 Trident Coins 46 Lodge Brothers 54 Carpent Shutters Garden Services S Decorama 51 Lawnmaster George 60 D Willia Just Shutters 15 Capability Clarke 60 Taxi Service Gifts Charter VA Cars 55 LSA Outlet Shop 12 Nick Co Vet Gutters Sherwood Vets 29 Star Guttering 48 Children Will Writing Insurance Aquarius Harvest Wills 44 Aston Lark 18 Chiropo Windows Jobs House of Surrey 2 Cantello Tayler 9 Rod Litt Village Windows 55 Kitchens Comput Ashford Kitchens 5

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My PC H Curtain Ad Prices Decoram Your Local Mags (Sunbury) Decorat (Ex VAT) SJ Harri Sunbury Matters Dog Wa Shepperton Matters 1/8 £35 Electric Quarter £60 Call 07979Ele 808991 and Boss Half £110 speak to Monica Equity R Full £195 monica@villagematters.co.uk Harvest Discount on block bookings

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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