Shepperton Matters November 2022

I could dwell on recent political dramas, on the cost of living crisis spiralling out of control and the rising cost of mortgages….

Instead, let’s look towards Christmas! Big Tree Night is coming. Make a note that on December 14th the community will be out on the high street, getting in the Christmas spirit. And to help you get in the mood, we have several offers from local restaurants who are waiting to feed you and look after your parties during the festive season. They need our custom. So eat, drink and be merry!

Elsewhere in the community, St Nicholas Church is raising

money to fix their roof. If you can support them, they would be grateful. The need to raise £200,000!

If you are wondering why I am posing with a Storm Trooper, I met him at Halliford School at the annual Rotary Prestige Lecture. It was a great event, but he was not very talkative!

A Victorian Political Scandal

By Nick Pollard

These days a political scandal seems to come along practically every week. This is not a new phenomenon though; such occurrences are as old as politics itself. In late Victorian England, a scandal enveloped one of the most famous politicians of his time, a man who had close links to the Shepperton area.

Sir Charles Dilke (1843 1911) was a Radical and Liberal politician, first elected as MP for Chelsea in 1868. He served under Gladstone as Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs between 1880 82, became a Privy Councillor in 1882, and later that year was promoted to President of the Local Government Board. He was a supporter of electoral reform, the growing feminist and labour movements, and early in his career dallied with Republicanism. Dilke piloted the Third Reform Bill through Parliament, which extended the right to vote to a greater number of men (but not yet women) and abolished the old system of constituencies having more than one MP. He was talked of as a future Prime Minister, before the scandal which was to end his career erupted in 1885.

In July of that year, Charles Dilke was accused in a divorce case brought by a fellow MP, Donald Crawford, of having seduced his wife Virginia in 1882 (when she was aged 19 and Dilke was 20 years older) and having carried on the affair during the Crawford ’s subsequent marriage. This was further complicated by the fact that Virginia was the sister in law of Dilke ’s brother, and the daughter of his lover Ellen Smith (i.e. his brother’s mother in law)! The main evidence in the case was Donald Crawford ’s account of his wife’s supposed confession to him (she did not testify) and bizarrely the judge dismissed Dilke from the case due to lack of evidence, but granted Donald Crawford his divorce on the grounds of his wife ’s adultery with Sir Charles. This obviously left Dilke compromised, and he persuaded the Queen ’s Proctor to re open the case, but in a

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disastrous cross examination by Henry Matthews (who went on to be Home Secretary), Dilke ’s reputation was ruined. In a Victorian precursor of ‘Me Too’, several other women then came forward with allegations about him. He subsequently lost his seat at the 1886 General Election, and retired with his wife, who stood by him, to his riverside residence at Dockett Eddy, Shepperton, which they had purchased in 1883. This large house actually stood on the Surrey bank (although always referred to as being in Shepperton), almost opposite Dockett Eddy Lane. Sir Charles was a very proficient oarsman, and was often seen to be rowing on this stretch of the river. A frequent partner was ex champion sculler Bill East. Dilke was something of a fitness fanatic and house guests were expected to swim, row or ride. Dilke returned as a Liberal MP for the Forest of Dean in 1892, until his death in 1911. Sadly the house burned down in 1915, and a large block of flats now stands on the site, but Dilke’s boathouse still exists on the edge of the river.

‘Sailing on the Thames’ by Mark Laity is the subject of the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, on Tuesday 15 th November at Halliford School in Russell Road, Shepperton. The talk starts at 8pm and all are welcome. Admission £2 for non members.

Charles Dilke (left) rowing with Bill East in Shepperton c1904

Welcome to a taste of France

Brasserie Citron at The Retreat

A little taste of France has landed in Laleham. The Retreat on Staines Road has been taken over by experienced French restauranteurs. I feel that authentic French food in the UK is not easy to find, with the popularity of maybe more exotic cuisines having taken over the British palate.

Brasserie Citron at The Retreat has positioned itself as the place to come for French comfort food and I really can’t disagree with that. The menu changes regularly, but on the day we went, I was delighted to see Celeriac Remoulade on offer. This simple French starter held happy memories for me. The taste transported me back to my very early days in Paris. Oh la la! My dining companion had the camembert Tartiflette, a potato and onion dish with melted camembert on top. This is proper comfort food. Full of flavour, not to mention a few calories! Perfect for a cold autumn evening.

For mains there is a selection of meat and fish. Some dishes are English with a French twist, like the Toulouse sausages with mash and grilled peppers, or grilled chicken breast with a fennel and orange salad and garlicky aioli. Or you can opt for dishes such as the very French Coq au Vin which promised to be packed with flavour. My dining companion selected a slow cooked confit of duck leg with potato dauphinoise and a fig compote. It came piping hot, the crispy skin wafting aromas when cut through and the meat tender as anything.

I thought back to the best steak I have ever had, which was in a little Parisian bistro. I had to see if I could find that perfection again. I have had so many disappointing experiences with steak in the UK. So I has to try to entrecôte with sauce forestière and potato dauphinoise. I was advised that the sirloin would be served pink. Thank goodness for that! It did not disappoint. It has been properly charred and the inside was tender and pink. If you want it cooked more or less, you can ask. The

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accompanying garlicky mushrooms were fantastic.

Both plates were virtually licked clean!

We had seen the neighbouring table “oohing” over desserts, so managed to find room for a croissant bread and butter pudding with Devonshire ice cream and a coffee infused crème brulée. Both were excellent. The only slight niggle was the layer of sugar on the brulée was a little thick, but that is a matter of taste. As we were leaving we asked various dining companions in the room how they had enjoyed their food and there was universal enthusiasm.

The Retreat has had it’s ups and downs under different management. It is on the up for sure and we wish new owners Emily and Lawrence, who live in Staines, well. We will certainly return to discover more authentic tastes of France. If you want to give it a try, there are a la carte and set menus, with two courses at £15.95 and 3 at £19.95. On Tuesdays, Mardi Madness offers you 25% off the price of a steak and meat free Mondays with 25% off meat free starters and mains.

Brasserie Citron is also taking bookings for Christmas Day and parties. But don’t delay, they are booking up fast.

Brasserie Citron at The Retreat Staines Road, Laleham, TW18 2RT www.theretreatstaines.co.uk Tel 01784 464839

The Red Lion - Star Pub of the Year!

By Monica Jones

The Great British Pub awards, the ’Oscars’ of the beer world, crowned 16 outstanding pubs recently. Amongst the categories were best for dogs, best garden, best for families etc. Well….in Shepperton we boats the BEST Star pub. Congratulations to The Red Lion. What fantastic news for the team!

To put this into context, Star pubs are the parent company of this local success. They have 3000 pubs in the UK, so for The Red Lion to come top is quite a feat.

Judging in the Great British Pub awards was a 6 month process. There were 2 mystery judge visits, a 90 minute interview with a judge and a one hour interview with the panel of judges.

the village. And they run the Table for a Hero, where you can nominate someone in the community who has done something exceptional and who deserves a free special dinner. All in all exceptional.

Steve Orme tells me “for us, exceptional is normal. We need to create reasons for people to visit , rather than stay at home”. So the team is constantly looking at ways of pleasing their clientele.

Steve and James Thomson, partners in the business, are both Shepperton boys. They went to school together and both live locally. Chef Robbie has been in the kitchen long term, creating quality offerings. He makes up the third in the trio.

We have always said that we admire the pubs ability to adapt and recreate themselves. During the pandemic they offered take aways, including cocktails. They transformed the outside space to allow for social distancing and groups of 6. The riverside garden offers a chilled vibe, and if you want to take to the water, you can hire an electric boat. The fabulous Fish Shack is about to reopen too, which will make a lot of people happy!

The Red Lion also run community initiatives including the much anticipated 12 Days of Christmas, when you get a clue daily on their Facebook page for the 12 days at the start of December, to help you find a gift hidden in

This is great news for the Red Lion team, for locals of course, but also for Shepperton itself, as news of the winning pub is spread far and wide.

Now….I wonder what the team will come up with next Contact info redlionshepperton.com @redlion_shepperton Facebook.com/RLionShepperton

Russell Road, Shepperton, TW17 9HX Tel 01932 244526

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Steve, Robbie and James and their award

Big Tree Night is ON!

Wednesday 14th December from 5pm

After two long years, Big Tree Night is back on Wednesday 14th December in Shepperton High Street from 5pm. We’re so excited that we can put on one of Shepperton’s main events again. It was great to see the return of the fair in June and Big Tree Night will be an amazing evening to get us all into the festive spirit.

As always, the Big Tree Night Committee and helpers (all volunteers) have been working hard behind the scenes to make this year’s event really special. We would like to thank all our volunteers and generous sponsors who make this event possible.

To get us all into the Christmas spirit, there will be carol singing around the Big Tree, led by our local schools. There will also be exciting dance routines from local groups and festive music throughout the evening.

Of course, Santa and his reindeer will be joining us for the evening and will be in a lovely space outside the library waiting to meet you.

stalls, to keep you going on a winter ’s evening, and fairground rides for younger children. We also hope to have our local steam engine on display and the Village Hall will be open to provide warmth and shelter and will have stalls hosted by Aurora Rotary/Greeno.

The event opens at 5pm and Santa and his reindeer will be outside the library around 6:30pm.

If you are interested in getting involved with Big Tree Night helping on the day/evening, taking a stall, sponsorship or even joining the committee, please message us via our website (https://bigtreenight.uk) or FaceBook (Shepperton Big Tree Night)

We hope can come and join in the fun on 14 th!

Please note!

The High Street will be closed from 3:30pm 10pm so please plan accordingly.

The High Street will be lined with stalls with lots of representation from charities and local community groups. There will also be gift and craft stalls, delicious food and drink

The slip roads by the shops will also close from 1pm to allow stall holders and fairground rides to set up so all cars should be removed from the slip road by then!

From Chantal, Rita, Niki, Jane and all of the BTN committee

Microblading -

A Cut above!

The hair on our heads is often referred to as our crowning glory. But think also about other facial features that bring out the best in our looks. How about your eyebrows? Fashions have come and gone; thin ones, arched ones, dark ones, even hairy ones, now its fuller and more defined! Times have changed we can now choose to have a style and have them permanently.

I was born with very fair and fine hair. It has meant that I have never had to do much to my eyebrows in terms of plucking them. When I was 11 and had just started at “big school”, I remember one of the older girls asking if I plucked my eyebrows. I didn’t even understand the term! But it has also meant that I didn’t have many options apart from a bit of eyebrow pencil to enhance what I have. But with progress come choices, and one of those is microblading. I had of course heard about it, but as it is categorised as permanent make up, what if I didn’t like it? But I took the plunge to find out and share my experience! Skincare and beauty expert Tiffany MacDonald has over 20 years experience of holding back the years and enhancing the faces of locals. She now also offers permanent make up solutions, including microblading. We are all different, and we all want the best look for our faces, so a bespoke approach is vital. Tiffany spent a long time understanding what I might be happy with (in my case, natural please!) then measured and drew out her proposal so I could see for myself what they would look like. “It is about enhancing what you have” she says. She then tidied up the existing brows before starting microblading. The procedure itself involves a handheld tool holding a small blade of many needles which looks like a pen. These are scratched over the surface of the area, leaving fine realistic hair strokes at a depth of little paper cuts. These emulate natural hair, adding to a sparse brow (like mine), enhancing what I have. I must add here that Tiffany gave my brows a generous dose of numbing cream before she started.

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Although I could feel the scratching sensation, it was not more than that. I have heard that the process is painful. I personally do not have a high pain threshold, but I didn’t find it too challenging. Once the microblading has been completed over the agreed area and style, a mask of pigment is added to enrich the colour. Again, you will have agreed the best colour choice. Of course I went for the most natural to my hair and skin! (A patch test is done in the week leading up to the process to ensure compatibility).

Example of before and after

The entire process takes around 2 hours. I left with beautifully shaped and enhanced natural looking brows and confess I am delighted. I even feel more confident in myself, which surprised me.

A follow up session is required after 6 weeks to perfect the look. I am told that they will fade between 1 2 years, when a colour boost can be carried out to maintain the brows, but I will cross that bridge when I get there!

Microblading is not suitable for all skin types, but there are alternative permanent make up procedures such as Ombre, Powder and Combination brows. If you are thinking of having a permanent make up procedure please feel free to contact Tiffany where she will be happy to discuss your concerns, desires and advise via a complimentary consultation.

Coco Beauty

www.cocobeauty.com 07979 591089

Insta: @tiffanymacdonald_pmu Facebook - Coco Beauty Shepperton

Trade Membership*

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Individual Membership*

You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong to specific employment groups – please visit www. costco.co.uk/join for details of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start saving please provide your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).

WHAT IS COSTCO?

Costco Wholesale operates an international chain of Costco membership warehouses which carry quality, brand name and related private label merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources. The warehouses are designed to help small to medium sized businesses reduce their costs in purchasing for re-sale and for everyday business use. Individuals are also allowed to purchase for their personal needs.

Costco warehouses offer one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under one roof. Categories include groceries, confectionery, appliances, television and audio equipment, automotive supplies, tyres, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewellery, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. Costco is renowned for offering top quality national and regional brands, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed to its members at prices consistently below traditional wholesale or retail outlets.

Costco also offers a range of quality products under its own Kirkland Signature™ private label. The company takes great care in selecting products which are guaranteed to be of equal or better quality than the leading name brand. The Kirkland Signature label currently features on over 300 products, from housewares and pet food to clothing and confectionery.

Costco is only open to members who pay an annual fee. There are two types of membership - Trade and Individual. Trade members qualify by owning or managing a business. Individual members qualify by being employed in or retired in specific employment groups.

Double Guarantee

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Unsung hero of the Walled Garden?

We ran a piece last month on Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the Walled Garden in Sunbury. Last year we ran a feature on a treasure trove of local memorabilia belonging to Phillip Slark. So what do the two have to do with each other? Well known Shepperton man Phillip Slark was behind the rebuilding of the Walled Garden. He was also involved in the behind the scenes duties during the 3 days preparations for the Queen’s visit to the Walled Garden in 2001. So Mr Slark, you may not have a plaque in the garden, but you have it here in print. Thank you!

30/12/22.

By Carl Phillips, Chair

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SHEPPERTON RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (SRA)

Dear Resident, As, I’m sure you are aware, for the last couple of years, the SRA has struggled to collect subscriptions due to lockdowns and lack of personal contact between our road stewards and residents. This is to be understood given what we have all been through.

Over a normal year, the SRA needs funds of around £3,000 plus, to maintain its running costs; Open meetings in Village Hall, SRA newsletters and administration costs therein. We also donate some of our surplus to various local charities and institutions.

At present our funds are low, and we have to look at what we need to enable us to continue operating.

Our road stewards will continue to try to offer a service but, in all honesty, the number of road stewards is diminishing with time. We need to raise the yearly subscription to £5.00. This is in line with other Residents Associations in the area. This fee is per residence … not per person. Where possible, we would encourage you to pay by bank transfer, once a year, to our subscription bank account which is:

Shepperton Residents Association

Nat West Acct. No. 06013163

Bank Sort Code: 54 41 51

When you pay, please add your Postal Code, road and door number, as example below, in the “payment reference “boxwith your payment (eg. TW17 6FR. 43, Royal Lane)

In this way we will know that you have paid, and we will not turn up at your door unnecessarily! You will then, of course, continue to receive the Newsletters in the usual way.

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If you do not use online banking or are not happy to pay in this way, you can still pay by cash or cheque, either to your road steward in the usual way, or directly to Bernard Troop at the Residents’ Association, who collects and monitors subscriptions. We will be updating our database to indicate those who pay in this way.

Frankly, this money is needed now, so we can continue to provide a service in monitoring local council and planning decisions and report them back to you as we have done to date.

I hope you can understand and agree with this request. The change is much needed.

Shepperton Residents Association committee.

Saving St Nicks

I wonder what St Nicholas church means to you. Maybe you got married there. Maybe your parents or grandparents did. Perhaps the family christenings or funerals took place there.

Or maybe it just makes a beautiful photo, a little piece of history in Shepperton, which is a symbol of the village and of our community. Well the reality is, St Nicholas church urgently needs some costly repairs to keep it going for the next many hundreds of years, and they are entreating residents of Shepperton and the surrounding area to help them. Their fundraising kicked off last month with a “Gift Day”. The “gift” wished for was money.

That was it! And the community gave generously. This was a soft launch, a chance to start telling people how much their help is needed. The reality is that the church needs to raise a phenomenal £200,000. Every penny is gratefully received. It all adds up!

A team has got together to apply for grants and sponsorship, hoping to attract some chunky donations. But on a more local scale, they are planning a raft of fund raising activities. We will be keeping you updated in future issues so watch this space..

First up, the Winter Fair is on 26th November in the village hall from 10.30 1pm. There will be gifts galore so do pop along and support them. There is also rumour of a ceilidh, as well as concert events and quiz nights, and possibly even some St Nicholas church merchandise.

The parishioners of St Nicholas are energised to do all they can to raise the much needed funds and the feeling so far is that the wider community is equally as enthusiastic to do their bit.

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Halliford WI Celebrate Centenary

Halliford WI is the oldest in Spelthorne. A lot has changed in 100 years! Let ’s take a trip back in time and a look at the present. Lady Domville was the first president of Halliford WI in 1922. At that time members were all addressed by their surnames and the slogan was ‘For Home and Country’. The emphasis was on the home, craft and ‘make do and mend ’, how to darn stockings, make jam etc.

The group befriended a ward of patients at St Bernard’s hospital, taking gifts and arranging tea parties for them They organised jumble sales, dances and parties for local people. They held ‘produce and handicraft shows’ where the members showed off their various skills and won silver cups.

During the war they knitted socks, balaclavas and scarves for the troops. Later the WI slogan became ‘ The WI Inspiring Women’.

There was a drama group, a keep fit group and they ran whist evenings. They also took part in the Shepperton Fair parade and pantomimes along with other local WI’s.

Moving forward, Halliford WI had a bench installed in 2000 to celebrate the new Millennium. It is next to the bus stop which is near to the hall where they meet in Halliford.

The group has had stalls at the May Fair on Halliford Green and at Shepperton Fair and has raised money towards the defibrillator which is at St Andrews Church.

In 2018 the group was part of the ‘Hundred Banners Project’, celebrating the centenary of the suffragette movement. They made the banner with the slogan ‘Supporting the Community since 1922’ and marched through London to the rally in Trafalgar Square. What an amazing thing to be involved in!

During the COVID lockdown the group was unable to meet in the hall due to social distancing restrictions, so they started a weekly ‘picnic in the park’ and a local walk, all suitably spaced and masked.

50th anniversary celebration

Nowadays the ladies have lunches, walks, cinema visits, whist drives, craft sessio ns and ‘picnic in the park’, as well as their monthly meetings.

This year is a milestone, so they are celebrating the centenary in style with special outings, afternoon tea at a smart hotel, and recently a party and tree planting on Halliford Green. See below.

The most important part of Halliford WI is the friendship between members who are always looking out for each other. One member said to me that she joined when she moved to the area and felt instantly welcomed into the community.

Halliford lot has trip back Lady Halliford were slogan emphasis do and jam etc. The St Bernard ranging They parties and showed cups. During and scarves Later ing Women There they the

Planting a tree to celebrate 100 years

Defibrillator in Memory of Dave Boyce

We reported the sad news of the sudden passing of Dave Boyce a couple of months back. This kind and caring man, friend to many in the community, left his mark of kindness during his life. Out of the sadness comes hope. A collection was made at his very well attended funeral, and within the congregation of St John Fisher church in Wood Road, where he worshipped. The funds have enabled the purchase of a defibrillator which now sits outside the church.

In the case of a cardiac arrest, having access to a defibrillator can make the difference between life and death. With the alarming increase in response times to emergencies, this gives a chance. Don’t worry if you don’t have a clue how they work. A 999 call will tell you where the nearest defibrillator is to you and give you necessary code. The unit will talk you through what to do while you wait for an ambulance. There are a few defibrillators in the community and as long as they are registered with the central database, the 999 team will be able to tell you where to go. Surely this life saving piece of equipment should be widely available? An issue to be continued….

WHAT ARE BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Building regulations are the prescribed standards to which building works need to be carried out. These standards are overseen by Building Control, who will assign a building inspector, whose job is to oversee that these standards are enforced by carrying out site inspections as the building work progresses. Once the works are finished a completion certificate is issued.

WHO PROVIDES BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Building Regulations are overseen by a Building Control body, this could be the Building Control department at the local borough council or by an approved inspector affiliated to a private company or individual authorised under the Building Act 1984 to carry out building control work.

WHEN DO I NEED BUILDING REGULATIONS?

It is a legal requirement that Building regulations are obtained when

constructing, extending or making alterations to a building. Depending upon the extent of the works these will either be subject to a Full Application, which is when planning consent is required, accompanied by detailed plans, specification and calculations, in addition to Building Regulations.

Alternatively, relatively minor building works, such as removing a chimney breast or an internal wall or the creation of a new bathroom can be covered under a Building Notice, which is a fast tract method before commencing works.

Some works such as electrical, gas appliances, solar panels, cavity wall insulation, log or multi-fuel stoves and the installation of glazing, whist requiring Building Regulation approval can be carried out by an approved contractor under the “Competent Persons Scheme”, avoiding the need to make a Building Regulations application.

If you are in any doubt, it is always best to seek advice from Building Control before commencing work

Is your property correctly certified?

DO I NEED BUILD REGULATIONS FOR A CONSERVATORY?

Conservatories are normally exempt from Building Regulations, as long as they comply with certain criteria and have a floor area less than 30 sq.m. Like any other extension they may need planning consent if the proposed foot print combined with any existing extensions exceeds your “permitted allowances” or these allowances have been previously withdrawn. Should you need to create a new or enlarge an existing doorway leading into the conservatory this opening will require Building Regulations.

WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE A COMPLETION CERTIFICATE?

When there is a lack of Building Regulations, despite them originally being applied for and the initial inspections having been carried out but the final inspection and completion certificate are missing. This will cause unnecessary delays when you come to sell. If the works were carried out in recent years and completed in accordance with regulatory standards, an application to the original Building Control body may resolve the

situation. Alternatively, your buyers mortgage lender and conveyancer may accept an indemnity policy but this needs to be discussed with your legal advisor before approaching Building Control. If no Building Regulations were obtained and the works were carried out after the 11th November 1985 to the applicable standards at the time, then a certificate of regularisation can be applied for from Building Control.

For friendly professional advice on all property matters, please contact Owen Miles, Partner and his experienced team at Curchods Shepperton, 01932 230033.

Recipe of the Month Parkin

Something yummy, specially for bonfire night

Serves 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

225g / 8oz Plain flour

2 level tsps Ground ginger

1 level tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

½ level tsp salt

225g /8oz Medium oatmeal

115g / 4oz Black treacle

115g / 4oz Golden syrup

115g / 4oz Soft light brown sugar

115g /4 oz Unsalted butter

150ml / 5floz Milk

1 Egg beaten Method

Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas mk 4. Grease and line a 30 x 25 x 5 cm (12 x 10 x 2 inch) roasting tin with greaseproof paper.

Place the treacle, golden syrup, sugar and butter into a heavy bottomed saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool a little then beat in the milk and the egg.

Sift the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal and make a well in the centre.

Pour the liquid mixture into the well and beat thoroughly.

Pour into the roasting tin and bake in the centre of the oven until firm and springy. Leave to cool in the tin. When cold wrap in greaseproof paper and leave for a couple of days in an airtight tin, because the flavour of Parkin improves with keeping.

ScamWatch

Black Friday Deals

By Bill Cunningham

We’ve got to make up our own mind about whether Black Friday deals are truly a high percentage off the normal price and we’ll enjoy a red letter day. Or, whether the goods were obtainable at the same lower price many months ago. Some help to be found at uk.camelcamelcamel.com online. There will be some deals that are genuine and sorting these out is again a research job. Usually anything that is at a price so low that we wonder how can they do that, is a warning sign that it may be a dodgy deal.

Even more so when the item is much sought after. Like second hand cars right now. So, if we find the model we want and it is much lower than all others are charging then that ’s a scam pointer. Some people have been scammed in car purchasing where the dealer has asked for a deposit even before the car is visited. “Because of the demand and to reserve it. The first person who sees it will buy it” The same dealer who has stolen the identity and car details off another genuine website!

Websites that end in .co.uk doesn ’t mean that the seller is UK based. Some scammers clone legitimate websites in attempts to steal banking details, while other websites may sell counterfeit or unsafe goods

We’ll find “50 people watching this once in a lifetime deal ”, pressure really to make us buy fast. And we know, don’t we, that buying slowly is better, and using a credit card to give us a better chance of getting our money back.

Reviews can be faked too.

It’s scammers busiest time of the year and they have been polishing up their act for our huge spending spree. So ….!

News from Shepperton Library

A quick side note - At Staines library; we will be holding a 'Death Fayre' week starting November 7th. The purpose is to remove the barriers to talk about death and dying. We will have visitors, seminars and advice from Citizens Advice and many other partners. Please enquire for more information or look at Staines library's social media

We will be having a free tree giveaway on Saturday 19 November in the morning at Shepperton library in conjunction with our council tree strategy to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030. Please drop in to collect one. There will be 4 different types of trees to choose from.

We have free drop in weekly Rhymetime sessions every Tuesday at 11am Our fortnightly coffee mornings that we run in partnership with Shepperton and Sunbury rotary this month will be on 10 and 24 November 10.30 12.30pm. Come get homemade coffee/tea and a slice of cake for £2!

Maureen Attewell runs a monthly council surgery in the library on the first Saturday of every month between 1.45 3.45pm Did you know it is free to join the library? All you need is something with your name and address on it to join!

If you would like to keep up to date with ‘The Happenings’ of the library, please like our social media pages: Facebook Sheppertonlibrary Instagram Sheppertonlibrary Twitter @sheppertonlib

CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE GREENO

We are back! Free Community Christmas Day Lunch in the Greeno Centre this year. Would you like to spend the day in a community atmosphere? We welcome anyone, whatever your circumstances, old or young, on your own or with others (carers are especially welcome). Our aim is to join as a community to enjoy a sit down Christmas Day lunch and get to know each other, so that nobody needs to be alone on Christmas Day. A fully packed programme is enjoyed from around 10.30 am until mid afternoon, with a welcoming cup of tea or coffee, followed by carol singing, quizzes etc followed by a traditional three course Christmas Turkey Lunch. Each guest will receive a bag of goodies plus a tombola prize. Transport can be arranged if required.

We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day, whether it ’s in the centre, or as a volunteer driver (clean driving licence required).

For those unable to join us for lunch who will be alone on Christmas Day, we will be delivering Festive Bags in the week before Christmas. Please let us know if you wish to nominate someone to receive a Festive Bag.

The day is organised and staffed entirely by volunteers by the charity Christmas Day at the Greeno. We would like to express our thanks to the members of the Shepperton community, the local churches, businesses, community groups and individuals who kindly support this event each year with their generous gifts and donations.

We also need Financial Christmas Angels to provide monetary donations, please do get in touch if you are able to do so.

If you are interested in coming to this event as a guest, or wish to volunteer, please contact Caroline or Jon at:

Email: christmasgreeno@gmail.com

Telephone: 01932 247255 or 07775 901035

Home made cake and cheer in Laleham

Laleham Good Neighbours hosted their first Tea Afternoon in Laleham Village Hall and welcomed a number of local residents for tea and cake - (and shortbread). There was a warm welcome and lots of delicious home made cake and hot tea and coffee. It was great to see old and young gather together for some company and chit chat. What’s not to like about that? These days, when loneliness is a scourge in our communities, it is events like this which break that cycle. Put on by volunteers, it is a fantastic initiative. It ’s open to anyone in the area and it is FREE! So do go along. The next event will be on Monday 14th November, 2.30 to 4pm. There is ample parking in the car park just next to the village hall. So do pop along for tea and a chat. You may find friends you already know, and probably make meet some you haven’t met yet!

Laleham Good Neighbours are able to offer a restricted transport service if you are unable to get to Laleham Village Hall independently. Unfortunately they cannot assist wheelchair users. Please phone 07434 433844 and they will endeavour to fit in as many as they can.

Laleham Village Hall, The Broadway, Laleham, TW18 1RZ

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Who are the names on the memorial?

In this month of remembrance, Laleham will commemorate the following service personnel who are named on the Village War Memorial:

1914-1918: Percy Attfield (died aged 28), David Bingham (27), Lionel Burt (28), Cyril Chaplin (24), Robert Fear (20), Thomas Holmes, William Honey (20), Jethro Mason (26), Robert Stauffer (28), Joseph Tyler (19).

1939 1945: Albert Brooks (died aged 23), Michael Brown (31), George Clayton (21), Roy Donaldson (20), Frederick Gordon Freeman (34), John Hurst, Richard Long (22), Philip Newbegin (34), George Moss (19), Joseph Quin (25), Harold Quin (36), Eric Rapkin (27), Herbert Reffold (29), Robert Reid (18), George Schofield (32), Walter Turner, Thomas Wesson (35).

From amongst these individuals: Gunner Percy James Attfield was a gardener. His family had lived at High Elms Lodge on Staines Road.

Lieutenant David Cecil Bingham was a grandson of the late 4th Earl of Lucan, of Laleham House. Lieut. Bingham was killed on the 42nd day of World War One.

RFC 2nd Lieutenant Robert Fear had lived at Church Villas, The Broadway.

Trooper Robert Stauffer was born in Lausanne, Switzerland. He had been a butler at Greenfield Hall on Ashford Road and died in a German prisoner of war camp in 1917. Rifleman Lionel Charles Burt, and Privates William Henry Honey and Jethro George Mason had all lived on Ashford Road.

Sergeant Philip Wadham Newbegin had lived at ‘The Barn’ on Thameside.

RAF Sergeants Joseph Guy Quin and Roy Donaldson have graves in All Saints ’ churchyard. Quin was an Observer in Bomber Com-

mand, Donaldson was a Spitfire Pilot in Fighter Command.

Merchant Navy Chief Officer Harold Vernon Quin was presumed drowned after his vessel was lost to enemy action in the Bristol Channel in 1940.

Harold and Joseph Quin were brothers. They’d lived on Pavilion Gardens.

Frederick Charles Gordon Freeman had lived on Moorhayes Drive. He was a Squadron Leader in Bomber Command.

The families of Sergeant George Robert Schoffield and Private Herbert William Refford lived on Staines Road.

Robert William Milton Reid , of Northfield Road, was aged 18 when he died in January 1944. A ‘Galley Boy’ in the Merchant Navy, he was the youngest of those lost. Fuller information on those named on the War Memorial is held in Laleham’s Heritage Collection.

The Act of Remembrance at Laleham War Memorial starts at 10.50am and lasts about 20 minutes

Laleham Heritage Centre team

Spelthorne in Bloom Winners 2022

Spelthorne in Bloom Winners 2022

The winners of the 2022 Spelthorne in Bloom competition were announced last month at Notcutts Garden Centre. The competition celebrates the work of Spelthorne’s green fingered residents and businesses who help to make the Borough a brighter, cleaner and greener place to live. The judging took place in July and August with marks being awarded for a range of criteria including design, colour, biodiversity and sustainability. The Chairman of the Spelthorne in Bloom Committee, Nick Wood-Dow, said “We were delighted to receive so many beautiful and imaginative entries this year. These wonderful gardens, displays, memorials and allotments brighten our environment and simply make the Borough a better place to live. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and all the volunteers and sponsors, without whom

The winners of the 2022 Spelthorne in Bloom competition were announced last month at Notcutts Garden Centre. The competition celebrates the work of Spelthorne’s green fingered residents and businesses who help to make the Borough a brighter, cleaner and greener place to live. The judging took place in July and August with marks being awarded for a range of criteria including design, colour, biodiversity and sustainability. The Chairman of the Spelthorne in Bloom Committee, Nick Wood-Dow, said “We were delighted to receive so many beautiful and imaginative entries this year. These wonderful gardens, displays, memorials and allotments brighten our environment and simply make the Borough a better place to live. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and all the volunteers and sponsors, without whom

the competition could not take place.” The Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Susan Doran, said: “It has been really lovely to be part of the Spelthorne in Bloom awards evening and to help celebrate the talented and creative gardeners we have here in Spelthorne Spelthorne in Bloom opens again in spring 2023. We are looking for new members to join the Spelthorne in Bloom Committee so if you are interested in encouraging others to brighten up the Borough and helping to judge entries for this next year’s competition. Please contact Emma Paver: Spelthorne.inbloom@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 446379.

the competition could not take place.” The Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Susan Doran, said: “It has been really lovely to be part of the Spelthorne in Bloom awards evening and to help celebrate the talented and creative gardeners we have here in Spelthorne Spelthorne in Bloom opens again in spring 2023. We are looking for new members to join the Spelthorne in Bloom Committee so if you are interested in encouraging others to brighten up the Borough and helping to judge entries for this next year’s competition. Please contact Emma Paver: Spelthorne.inbloom@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 446379.

Winners were as follows:

Best in Show Stanwell War Memorial

Winners were as follows:

Tallest Sunflower Springfield School

Best Edible Garden Ashford Park Primary

Best in Show Stanwell War Memorial

Best School Garden - Ashford Park Primary

Tallest Sunflower Springfield School

Best Front Garden - Susan Wells, The Drive

Best Edible Garden Ashford Park Primary

Best School Garden - Ashford Park Primary

Best Containers Leslie Grimes, Sunbury

Best Env. Planting Stanwell Allotments

Best Front Garden - Susan Wells, The Drive Best Containers Leslie Grimes, Sunbury

Best Community garden St Martin’s Court

Best Riverside Guibin Chaworth Musters

Best Env. Planting Stanwell Allotments

Best Community garden St Martin’s Court

Best Kept Allotment Gary Clements

Best Riverside- Guibin Chaworth Musters

Best Kept War Memorial Stanwell

Best Kept Allotment Gary Clements

Best Kept War Memorial Stanwell

Best Kept Place of Worship St Mary’s Stanwell

Best Kept Place of Worship St Mary’s Stanwell

Best Kept Small Pub - The Feathers

Best Kept large pub The Three Horseshoes, Shepperton

Best Kept Small Pub - The Feathers

Best New Entrant Linda Osborne, Manor Farm Avenue

Best Kept large pub The Three Horseshoes, Shepperton

Best New Entrant Linda Osborne, Manor Farm Avenue

The winners Bloom competition month at The competition Spelthorne and businesses Borough place to July and awarded sign, colour, The Chairman Committee, delighted imaginative gardens, brighten the Borough to everyone all the volunteers

Gardening Matters

Feeling Fruity

By Rachel Leverton

Autumn

well advanced following

brilliant our, the trees

ar atio

Autumn is well advanced and following some brilliant colour, the trees and shrubs have shed most of their leaves. Many of us will have been busy tidying our plots in preparation for winter. However, if you've ever fancied growing your own fruit then now is the perfect time to put in a little extra effort.

From now until spring is the best window to plant fruit trees because now is the time that nurseries are selling bare root trees. 'Bare-root’ simply means without pots or soil. Bare root trees are cheaper than those grown in pots, but they are quick to establish providing you follow a few simple steps. Before you plant the tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for at least two hours, so it gets a good drink.

Prepare a large enough area, at least 1 metre diameter. This means that if you are planting in a lawn you'll need to remove an area of turf to the same diameter to stop the grass competing with the new tree for nutrients and water.

Wherever you plant, make sure you dig in lots of organic matter, this could be garden compost, leaf mould, or well rotted manure. Make sure you dig it all around the area where the hole will be, rather than just into the hole itself, because this will encourage the new tree to put roots out into the surrounding soil, helping it to establish quickly.

The hole for the new tree needs to be roomy enough so that the roots will not be crammed together.

Drive a stake into the ground to a depth of at least 60cm. This will provide support for your fledgling tree.

If you are planting a grafted tree, there will be a clear join where it was grafted on to the rootstock This join should remain above the

soil level when planted. It’s easier if there are two of you; one to hold the tree at the correct level, and one to backfill the hole around the roots. The person holding the tree should shake the trunk gently as the hole is filled, so that soil gets in between all the roots.

leaves.

shrubs shed most

Once you've filled the hole, firm the soil gently with your foot. Don't compact the soil too much. The drag more soil over the compressed area.

Use a soft rubber tie to secure the tree to the stake at a height of 60cm. Too low and the tree won't be secure; too high and the tree won't flex enough in the wind. Allowing the tree to flex a little encourages more root growth and results in a stronger tree. Finally, water in well and apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch over the area but NOT touching the trunk, because it might rot. The mulch helps to suppress weeds, provide insulation, and retain moisture.

Your tree should now be fine until spring when we'll talk about ongoing care.

is

some

and

of their

Many of us will have busy tidying our plots

n nter . H you've ever fancied your own fruit then perfect time to put in extra effort.

From now until spring best window to plant because now is the time nurseries are selling trees. 'Bare root’ simply without pots or soil. trees are cheaper than grown in pots, but they quick to establish providing you follow a few simple Before you plant the bucket of water for at gets a good drink. Prepare a large enough diameter. This means in a lawn you'll need to the same diameter ing with the new tree Wherever you plant, of organic matter, this post, leaf mould, or sure you dig it all around hole will be, rather than self, because this will to put roots out into helping it to establish

hole for the new enough so that the roots

10 November Menopause Café. With a short talk on thyroid conditions in menopause), 19 January 2023, (with a short talk on mental health in menopause). 7:30 9pm The Magpie, 64 Thames Street, Sunbury. Free tickets can through Eventbrite or by emailing; sunburyandsheppertonmenocafe@outlook.com

Tuesday 15th November. ‘Sailing on the Thames’ by Mark Laity is the subject of the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, on at Halliford School in Russell Road, Shepperton. The talk starts at 8pm and all are welcome. Admission £2 for non members.

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November EXHIBITION of paintings, poetry and photography in the Orangery Squires Garden Centre, Shepperton 11am 4pm. FREE entry. Do come.

Saturday 26th November 10.30 am 2 pm Winter Fair in aid of St. Nicholas Church Restoration. Shepperton Village Hall. Stalls to include: Cakes, Preserves, Toiletries, Toys, Mystery Bags, Nearly New items, Raffles & Bottle Tombola plus Children’s Activities

27th November 11 3pm. Surplus to Supper Christmas pop up shopping event. Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, TW16 5PS. Stocking fillers, beauty gifts, clothing, toys and games and much more. The Surplus café will be open for drinks and snacks and you can even get a drink at the bar from midday! www.surplustosupper.org

Thursday December 8th Sunbury Christmas market. Avenue parade, The Avenue, Lower Sunbury. 5 8pm.

Wednesday December 14th BIG TREE NIGHT. Shepperton High Street, 5 8pm

12th November and 3rd December Nauticalia Christmas shopping event. The Courtyard, Ferry Lane, Shepperton, TW17 9LQ

The Probus Club of Shepperton meets on 1st Tuesday of the month at the Warren Lodge in Church Square, Shepperton for presentations from invited speakers followed by a two course lunch and coffee. Contact Ron Sharpe on 01932 882258 or Jim Clarke on 01932 223814

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November 1st - 12th

The Importance of Being Earnest. The Rose Theatre, Kingston Enjoy this original Rose production of the favourite Oscar Wilde play. Many other feature shows too, and the Christmas event is A Christmas Carol, from 2nd December. Book your tickets now. www.rosetheatre.org

November 16th 10.30am. The Arts Society Runnymede lecture. Subtle Science and Exact Colour in Garden Design by Timothy Walker. The Hythe Centre, Thorpe Rd, TW18 3HD. First lecture free for guests. For more info email info@theartsocietyrunnymede.org.uk

17th to 20th November

Molesey Musical Theatre presents 'Dick Whittington' at the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton on Thames. Evening and Matinee performances available. Tickets from £10. Please contact the Box Office on boxoffice@moleseymusicaltheatre.com or for more information www.moleseymusicaltheatre.com

Friday 25th November

Runnymede Jazz Club. Tenement Jazz Band 7.30pm Addlestone Community Centre, Garfield Rd, Addlestone, KT15 2NJ runnymedejazzclub@hotmail.com www.runnymedejazzclub.com

12th December 7.30pm

Addlestone Singers come and enjoy our 50th Anniversary Christmas Concert on in the Addlestone Centre, Garfield Road, KT15 2NJ. We will be joined by members of the Chertsey Orchestra. Tickets £5.00 at the door. Collection for the Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.

The Picture Palace Cinema at the Riverside Arts Centre. Not your ordinary cinema! Join us for relaxed candlelit screenings. Film TBC Wednesday 30th November Doors & tearoom 10am Love Actually (15) Friday 2nd December Doors & bar 7.30pm Moonstruck Wednesday 14th December Doors & tearoom 10am Tickets https://thelittleboxoffice.com/wonderama/ or cash at Skinners Post Office on the Avenue www.facebook.com/picturepalacecinema instagram @picturepalacecinema

10th -17th December

Mary Wallace Theatre, Twickenham

The Flint Street Nativity . A class of 7 year olds is about to perform their school nativity in front of parents. The difference is the children are all played by adults. A funny play for the festive season! Book at www.richmondshakespeare.org.uk

Index of Advertisers

Bathrooms

Sanctuary 42 Beauty/Health FBS 25

Coco Beauty 12 Beauty by Alex 28 YouFit 45 Bespoke Suits

Vivaldi Pro 5 Café Dramatize 14 Car Services/Sales ChipsAway 38 Retro & Vintage 38 Care at Home Visiting Angels 41 Care Homes Signature 36 The Burlington 40 Cat Sitting 22 Chartered Surveyor Nick Cobb 44 Chimney Sweep Patrick Stone 54 Computer Repair My PC Helper 18 Curtains & Blinds Decorama 56 Decorator SJ Harris 52 Denture repairs Howe Ceramics 27

Electrician

Paige Electrics 55 Boss Electrics 44

Equity Release

Harvest Financial 28 Estate Agents/Property Curchods 32/33 Bazely & Co 2 Absolute Homes 37 Events/Catering Landmark Sparkle 30 Water Wonderland 59 Shepperton fireworks 13 Courtyard Xmas 18 Storyboard Xmas 21 Flowers/Fruit/Veg Quality Fruit 47 Footcare 46 Funeral Services Lodge Brothers 27 Gardening/Centres Lawnmaster 54 Surrey Arborist 54 Longacres 19 Gutters Starr Guttering 52 Handyman

L&P Property 44 Hot Tubs Kirami @ Squires 39 Kitchens/Bedrooms Ashford Kitchens 10

Sanctuary 42

Laundrette/Dry Cleaner Thames Laundrette 34 Life Insurance 28 Oven Cleaning Ovengleamers 51 Pest control 2 Tap 55 Pharmacy/Walk in Trio Pharmacy 31 Plumber Pete Game 51 Retail Club

Costco 16/17 Restaurant/Pubs

Brasserie Citron 7 The Fish Shack 9 4 Thurlestone 15 The Moghul 18 The Ivory Tusk 23 Squire’s 24 Roofing

Aldridge Roofing 56 5 Star Roofing 51 Schools/Education Springfield School 22 Sarah Jacobz 22 Halliford School 64 Sell for Cash JC Stamps 46 Trident Coins 46

Shutters

Decorama 56 Just Shutters 46 Solicitor

Owen White & Catlin 48 Taxi Service VA Cars 60 Upholstery

John Miller 53 Will Writing

Harvest Wills 28 Windows House of Surrey 63 Village Windows 52

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