Shepperton Matters January 2023

Welcome!

We wish you a happy and healthy 2023. We have many challenges to contend with, and many will be struggling with the cost of living. Remember to look in on elderly neighbours and see that they are ok, or if they need help. Having heard about the dying swan population, we felt we should celebrate our beautiful local swans, so thanks to Bob Noble for the cover photo this month. We may have taken these beautiful creatures for granted, but the devastating avian flu is making us take stock. According to the Kings Swan Marker, over 70 dead swans were recovered from the Thames in

Windsor in just one weekend in December.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? We bring you some food for thought in this issue. Enjoy and we will see you next month.

January

Monica & team

Shepperton in the Movies

By Nick Pollard

The huge extension to Shepperton Studios currently taking place is a reminder of the many films that have been made here over the years since it originally opened as ‘Sound City’ in 1932. The majority of films have been made within the confines of the studios, but quite often the local area has been used as a backdrop to the action. The earliest films using the village as a location were actually made in the silent era by Cecil Hepworth, a pioneer of British cinema whose studios were in Walton-on-Thames, where the road that now crosses the site is named after him. They included The Dog Outwits the Kidnapper’ (1908), which features Church Square and Russell Road, ‘Tilly the Tomboy visits the Poor’ (1910) which was set in Russell Road by the river, and an adaption of Dickens’ ‘Barnaby Rudge’ (1915) for which a large set was built in a field somewhere in the village.

Turning to films made by Sound City, in 1934 the River Ash, which then flowed through the studios but is now a public park, was used in the colonial-era epic ‘Sanders of the River’ starring Lesie Banks and Paul Robeson. An African village was built on the edge of the river and giant war canoes paddled along the Ash.

There was a hiatus in film production during the war, but afterwards a surge of new films made around the village included wartime drama ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ (1955) which made use of several locations including Old Charlton Road and watersplash, and the railway station. ‘Bond Of Fear ’ (1956), about a family held hostage by an escaped criminal, was made by Nettlefold Studios of Walton, which had taken over the Hepworth Studios, but nonetheless contained many scenes shot in Shepperton including Duppa’s Farm in

Russell Road and the former Anchor garage opposite the Church Square (now a car sales business). In the same year, crime thriller ‘The Long Arm’, starring Jack Hawkins, was filmed along the Towpath (presented as the main road into Shepperton) as well as around a bungalow by the lock which looks unchanged to this day.

In 1960 the popular radio comedy ‘The Navy Lark’ was made into a cinema film starring the late Leslie Phillips. Ferry Square and the adjacent boatyard (now the Warren Lodge Hotel extension) were transformed into a French fishing port! In 1970 the film version of ‘Dad’s Army’ featured Old Charlton Road and Littleton Church. Part of the attraction of all these old films is that they show parts of Shepperton which have changed dramatically in the intervening years – literally frozen in time.

‘Sailing on the Thames ’ by Mark Laity is the subject of the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, on Tuesday 17th January (postponed from November) at Halliford School in Russell Road, Shepperton. The talk starts at 8pm and all are welcome. Admission £2 for non-members.

War canoes take to the River Ash in Shepperton for 'Sanders of the River'

Hope for Your New Year’s Resolutions

By Claire Reynolds

You may have noticed that New Year ’s resolutions are often talked about with an air of disillusionment as the month of January progresses. As I drove home today I heard a radio presenter warning that “most people make a list of goals for 2023, but by February they have forgotten them all”. If you are experiencing this disillusionment yourself, before throwing out your hopes completely, why not ask yourself why our lists of aspirations often come to nothing? Why is it that we can be so full of hope and motivation in December, and then by the end of January, somehow our desire for change seems to have melted away, leaving us with only the guilt of not having seen our hopes become a reality? If our resolution is something that we really do care about, for example ‘spending more quality time with my children’, then why is it that we can’t seem to make this happen? There are a number of important factors at play here, and I think the most significant of all is that we start by trying to take giant leaps before we can simply walk: we forget to start small. Our aspiration may be spot on, our enthusiasm high, our motivation authentic, but we have not identified that very first unseen, small, and yet absolutely critical first step. It seems so simple, and yet so few of us do it. And without taking a series of seemingly less important small steps, we undermine our efforts by aiming for something that is impossible to achieve instantly, and does not have the foundations to be long-lasting. If there is something important bubbling under the surface that you want to change or achieve this year, I encourage you not to let it go, but to hold onto it proudly as you walk into 2023. Then be gentle with yourself and ask, “what is the very first, small step that I need to take in order to

make this happen? ” If you share the example of spending more quality time with your children this year, then that small step may be spending twenty minutes over a coffee deciding exactly how much quality time you would like to have with your kids and how regularly. Or it may be spending a few moments with a pen and paper identifying, honestly, what it is that is stopping you spending more quality time with them at the moment. Perhaps you will decide that the very first step is to acknowledge that you are going to need the help of a trusted friend, and so you decide to pick up the phone and share your hopes for the coming year, and ask them to check in with you from time to time to ask how it ’s going. If you spend a moment to think honestly, you will know what that very first small step is, and as you continue taking small, thought-through steps, you will find yourself walking steadily towards the goal that is so important to you. What is your new year ’s resolution for 2023? As Lao Tzu said so well, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Claire Reynolds is a therapeutic integrative counsellor and coach based in Shepperton, and she is passionate about seeing people live their lives in full colour. To find out more visit www.clairereynolds.co.uk

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Lao Tzu

Mrs Kaye Patel

(fully insured & DBS checked – based in Shepperton)

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1. Quit smoking

2. Cut down on chocolate

3. Get Bazely & Co round to value your property

With the change in market conditions, you may be interested to know how it has affected the value of your property. Please call us to book a time for Mike Bazely to visit you for a no obligation chat Thank you

Big Tree Night in photos

Gosh it was a cold one this year! But a lovely evening for the whole family. The village hall was understandably popular as it was toasty warm, so we hope the charities who were based there did well.

Congratulations to the organisers of BTN for getting the show on the road, to the stall holders for putting up with the cold, with cheery faces and much tempting fayre to boot, and of course thanks to Santa and his helpers!

Thanks to Dave Thwaite for the photos and to the Hampton Court Gin stall for the winter cocktail!!

Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

RSPB Birdwatch

27th-29th January 2023

What a great excuse to sit back with a cuppa and look out of the window! The last weekend of January is the time when the RSPB get us all to get involved and report what we spot in our garden.

If you check the RSPB website (see below), you can register and share your findings. This is the world's largest garden wildlife survey. In 2022, just under 700,000 people took part. You could be with them.

Once you register, RSPB will keep you updated with top tips on how to get ready for your best Birdwatch ever. We have such an abundance of birds in our area. From tiny wrens, colourful goldfinches, to Red Kites and even Peregrine falcons. I spotted a white egret close to the golf club once. Incredible!

On the day of the Big Garden Birdwatch itself, taking part couldn't be simpler! You just spend an hour watching the birds in your garden or local park, and tell RSPB what you've seen. If you see very few birds or none at all, that's also really useful information for us, so please let them know.

The RSPB helps with identifying birds too. All information on the website: rspb.org.uk/get -involved/activities/birdwatch

SHEPPERTON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

By Carl Phillips, Chair

Even though it was a dreary and damp evening on November 21st, it was still a full house that turned up at Shepperton Village Hall for the Autumn SRA Open Meeting.

County and local Borough Councillors and the Residents’ Association Committee were present as usual, and we had the Police Commissioner as our main guest of the evening with her deputy and a number of officers representing the Police service.

Surrey Police Commissioner Lisa Townsend gave a talk about her priorities for the Surrey Police Force. Inspector Maxine Cilia, Spelthorne Borough Commander, gave an account of how her officers were setting about their duties in and around Shepperton. In her talk, Lisa Townsend maintained that there were 20,000 new police officers nationally and so, contrary to what a member of the audience suggested, there has been no reduction in police activity. She also claimed that Surrey had a very good record in preventing crime and in reducing offences such as burglaries, which she admitted was an increasing problem in Surrey, as is fraud.

Calling 101 also drew criticism from the residents. No response or very delayed response were the experiences of some in the audience. The advice from the Commissioner was to always call 999, and let the operator assess and put you on the right service. The audience was very engaged, asking a number of questions regarding burglaries, theft from sheds and garages and shop lifting, as well as the police reaction and response times in dealing with these issues. A specific example of a burglary case was raised by a concerned and affected resident. She felt that the lack of police interest and response was alarming. It is always difficult to deal with specific cases out of the blue, but the incidence of other such cases did warrant attention and many in the audience felt the same way.

Whilst Inspector Cilia maintained that police

were working hard on behalf of the local residents and the community, and also claimed that the incidence of burglary in the Shepperton area was reduced, it was also clear that this was not perceived to be the case by many in the audience. Police image also needs to be addressed. However hard they work, it is how this is perceived by the public that holds sway.

On the subject of shop lifting, the Chairman of the SRA represented Sainsbury’s in detailing how easy it was for people to do this, without fear of reprimand, or even being prevented from doing so. Quoting the use of CCTV is some recent cases by recognised repeat offenders, the store was unhappy with the lack of police response, even though they had CCTV evidence. Inspector Cilia said she would look into it and a police officer was sent to the store the next day.

Other topics raised were the desire to have increased police officer visibility (“bobby on the beat”), more control over use of nitrous oxide cannisters and the abuse they indicate. There was a brief debate on travellers who can be an invasive nuisance and, in some instances, cause real fear and damage. Whilst tolerance by residents to travellers is encouraged, it is also incumbent on the visitors to obey the law and behave responsibly.

The Commissioner then rounded up her session by reminding us that wealthy areas like Surrey do attract more criminal activity including modern methods like romance fraud through social media platforms. She also reminded us of one of her main priorities was the prevention of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour, another area that needs more police attention. The Commissioner and her colleagues and the Police representatives then left the building to polite applause.

There then followed two appeals for support, one for the restoration of the church tower at St Nicholas. Secondly, an appeal for audience signatures towards supporting funding of Continues on p13

a new building for our local Sea Cadets. Peter Hughes (of the SRA) then gave a brief summary of some of the changes occurring to the appointment system for our local GP practice at the Medical Centre. This should make it easier for patients to see the doctor face-toface and make appointments over the phone. Peter is also Chair of the Patient Participation Group.

Planning developments was covered by Ken Snaith. The main topics were the Eco Park, now fully functional and with very few complaints. Also, the imminent road works around Shepperton Studios expansion that will cause disruption early next year. This is being compounded by the Esso pipeline trench work which is already underway. Although work on the Shepperton/Laleham road will cause delays, the expansion of the roundabouts will benefit the area in the future, and help with the increase in traffic that will arise with the larger studios complex. On the positive note …. the installation of the M3 noise barriers is well underway!! Bill Cunningham gave us an update of the

recent scams and fraud to be aware of. On a final note, please shop in your High Street as much as you can. We have a great High Street, the heart of the village and we need to keep our shops thriving in these hard times! HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone !

Need to get in touch?

The Sea Cadets are looking for funding

A warm welcome to Hilary’s Hut

By Monica Jones

There is a new social meet up group which has started up, welcoming those aged 45 and over. The aim is to welcome anyone who wants to get together in a warm space, have a cuppa and chat to others. It might be that you are a mum whose children have started full time at school or left for Uni or college. Or it could be that you are a carer and need a couple of hours of “you” time. Maybe you live alone and would like some company, a game of cards or do a puzzle with someone. Or you might be widowed, between jobs, retired or just looking for a chance to meet others. You might also be looking for a local volunteering opportunity.

So read on…

We went to the inaugural meeting of Hilary’s Hut to get a flavour. It was buzzing, with tables laid out, chatter and activity, and a very warm welcome from hosts Nichola and Pamela. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the church hall behind Christ Church off Kingston Road, Staines. You can easily park in the church car park or nearby. Inside you will find activities such as crafts, knit and stitch, games and cards. There is a book swap and even a plant swap corner. The café is serving tea, coffee and cakes which are by donation. Volunteers bake cakes and nibbles.

Our visit was in the run up to Christmas so as a special treat, UkuLaleham, the local ukulele group, gave a performance of popular tunes.

magic happy dust with them and getting the audience clapping along to the music. Nichola Cormes, group leader, has plans to introduce chess and bridge, chair aerobics and hand massage. You can already get your hands warm in the electric hand warmers which are made available. What a lovely thought!

The initiative is funded through a donation from the Community Fund for Surrey, and is the brain child of Nichola Cormes who set up Get2Gether Locally after Lockdown. She said “the lockdown period made us all appreciate each other, and how important community is. I wanted to continue to encourage that sense of care and community which was the best to come out of that period.”

The next meeting is January 4th from 10.00am to 12.00. Forthcoming dates are February 1st, March 1st and April 5th so get them in the diary.

Keep in touch with plans via Facebook

Hilary’s Hut visit the website: get2getherlocally.org or message Nichola on 07980 204628.

Hilary’s Hut

Hall at Christ Church

Entrance on Kenilworth Gardens

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Nichola and volunteers at the craft table

St Nicks Fund Raising Fun

It was a right good knees up at the St Andrews ceilidh in support of the St Nicholas church tower fund raising effort. The venue was the hall at Thamesmead and the event was fully sold out. Experienced Scottish dancers and complete novices alike took to the dancefloor accompanied by the Jigalots band. The caller got everyone moving in harmony (or utter chaos in some cases!). Such a lot of fun was had. There was also a raffle with donated prizes. An additional draw was the whisky tasting. 6 different Scottish whiskies were on offer for a modest donation of £1 per dram or £5 per glass. Snacks were provided by volunteers. All in all it was a tremendous success and the crowds left asking when the next dance was going to be put on. Fund raising is going well. The Winter Fair was well attended and the raffle prizes proved popular. The committee would like to thank Blue, Daines and Gray, The Holiday Inn, King ’s Head, Quality Fruit, The Red Lion, Shepperton Homecare, Sunbury Golf Club and The Warren Lodge for their generous donations. With these two events and previous initiatives, the team is about 25% of the way to their £200,000 goal. Forthcoming events include a concert by the Ashford Orchestra at the church on 29th January, a Quiz Night and supper at the Parish Centre on 18th February and an opera evening planned at the church in March (TBC). There are also a range of additional concerts and raffles / auctions in the planning stages at the moment. Watch this space.

Business Profile: What is a Celebrant?

By Monica Jones Photos www.meganwilson.net

What is an Independent Celebrant?

An Independent Celebrant creates and delivers wonderfully unique, bespoke ceremonies to celebrate important life events.

What types of celebrations does your work cover?

Wedding and Civil Partnership Celebration Ceremonies, Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows, Naming Ceremonies and Funerals.

Who can use a celebrant?

Anyone can enjoy the services of a celebrant. If you want more than a registrar-led wedding but not the full traditional religious ceremony, a celebrant-led ceremony would be perfect for you. We conduct ceremonies anytime, anywhere and include whatever you like in the ceremony. Currently we cannot perform the legal aspect of a wedding or civil partnership.

How does it differ from a registrar -led ceremony?

A registrar conducts legally binding wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. They must stick to legal wording, cannot include religious or spiritual content, the ceremony is usually quite short, and must take place in a licensed venue. You usually meet the registrar on the day of the ceremony. They will sometimes include music and readings from a ‘set menu’.

How do you prepare for a ceremony?

After initial contact to establish that I am the right celebrant for you, I get to know you and we discuss your ideas and needs. I gather information about you over a year or several months so that I can create a beautiful ceremony with your story as the main focus. I help you to make decisions about music, read-

ings, friends and family who may also participate. I can help you to write your vows. For a funeral I spend as much time as needed to learn about your deceased loved one, to create a ceremony that is a true celebration of their life.

Once I have written the ceremony, I send it to you for approval. I pride myself on only having to do a few tweaks to the original draft which is a testament to our getting to know each other.

Why did you decide to become a celebrant?

I love working with people, enjoy language, creative writing and public speaking. I also have a strong belief that life ’s special events are worth celebrating well.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I feel very privileged when clients share their amazing stories with me. To lead a ceremony that I have written and for the couple or family and their guests to be really engaged in those words is a joy.

Can you share some of the memorable moments?

At a recent wedding celebration ceremony, the groom’s uncle and aunt told me that they had attended numerous weddings and yet this

We talk to Janet Armstrong, a local celebrant, to find out what her job entails and what she loves about her work

What would you like to see done differently?

The Association of Independent Celebrants, of which I am a member, is campaigning to change wedding law to allow independent celebrants to be licensed to do the legal formalities in a ceremony. This would be of huge benefit to couples.

What do you wish for your future as a celebrant?

I would love for more people to know that independent celebrants provide this invaluable service. We are the only type of officiant who creates a fully personalised and meaningful ceremony. We do not identify with a particular belief system but can include religious, spiritual and traditional elements if they have meaning for you. I am always happy to talk to people about their ceremony needs so please email me:

Emailme@janetyourcelebrant.co.uk

www.janetyourcelebrant.co.uk

1 Subject matter (5)

2 Let go (7)

3 Seraph, cherub (5)

5 Nimbleness (7)

6 Beginning (5)

Across

1 Scottish plaid (6)

4 Entice, coax (6)

9 Shape with many sides (7)

10 Circulate, deliver (5)

11 Grovel (5)

12 Spiky plant (7)

13 Calendar, schedule (6)

15 Despot, bully (6)

18 Touchable (7)

20 Scrutinise (5)

22 Pretended (5)

23 Teeming, jammed (7)

24 Victim, prey (6)

25 Delicate, fragile (6)

7 Essential feature (7)

8 Coalesce (5)

13 Captivate, fascinate (7)

17 Instruct (5)

19 Provide for (5)

20 Leave bread to rise (5)

21 Sea-dwelling duck (5)

What are your fitness goals for 2023?

Gary Kemish from Fresh Gym tells you how to reach them

The start of the year is a great time to reflect on the previous year and set new fitness goals. Start by setting a long term goal and then work back, setting smaller short term goals. For example you may want to run your first 5k in 6 months time, but you can break this down into being able to run 1k non -stop within four weeks, then 4 weeks later build up to 2k non-stop and so on. The same applies if your goal was to lose 10lbs. This could be broken down into 1lb a week loss over 10 weeks. The key is to work off the acronym SMART, which stands for:

Specific: Give a detailed numerical goal, rather than just saying get fitter. So training 3x a week for 30 minutes is more specific.

Measurable: Make sure you can measure your progress. You must be able to put a number on it otherwise it ’s too vague. You may have a goal to complete 10 push -ups. You can easily measure your progress as you get stronger.

Achievable: Your goals must be realistic so that you can achieve them within a few months. If too unrealistic, for example to run a marathon but you have never run before, you would be better off starting with a 5k and then gradually building yourself up. On the other hand, don’t make it too easy or there will be no sense of achievement.

Relevant: Your goal needs to be relevant to your health needs and interests. If your goal is to reduce blood pressure, your goal may not be to squat twice your body weight, but maybe walk 3k 3 x a week.

Timed: To prevent your goal from just drifting along, set a time frame to achieve it. I suggest trying to keep goals no more than 3 months to help them feel attainable. I would also add it is important that your goal

is your goal and not somebody else’s. If you have decided you want to run 5k because your friend is, but you hate running, then you ’re probably going to lose motivation early on. Choose something that works for you. That may be going to the gym and doing 2 yoga classes a week. Aim for your goals.

Most of all enjoy the journey. Keeping fit and healthy should be fun and don’t forget to celebrate each achievement. This will help keep you motivated as time goes on. If you need any help in setting and achieving your 2023 goals, don’t hesitate to pop into Fresh Gym or drop me an email gary@trainfresh.com. We would be more than happy to help.

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Wishing Residents of Shepperton & Laleham a Healthy & Happy New Year

Wishing Residents of Shepperton & Laleham a Healthy & Happy New Year

Dear Residents,

Dear Residents,

As we begin to take down our festive decorations, we begin to think about the year ahead.

As we begin to take down our festive decorations, we begin to think about the year ahead. This year is going to be a particularly difficult one for many residents and I intend to begin mine in the same way I have the past seven years, by being available to assist and represent residents with any issues they may need a helping hand with.

This year is going to be a particularly difficult one for many residents and I intend to begin mine in the same way I have the past seven years, by being available to assist and represent residents with any issues they may need a helping hand with.

I do however also need your help with an important task, getting Shepperton ’s Youth Club up and running again.

I do however also need your help with an important task, getting Shepperton ’s Youth Club up and running again.

I have as your County Councillor secured the use of the building in the evenings, and have the support of Youth Services. My next step is to bring together the necessary volunteers to make this happen. I am determined that as a community we succeed in reopening the much-needed Youth Club for our Young People, once open we can build upon the provision, we just need to make a start.

I have as your County Councillor secured the use of the building in the evenings, and have the support of Youth Services. My next step is to bring together the necessary volunteers to make this happen. I am determined that as a community we succeed in reopening the much-needed Youth Club for our Young People, once open we can build upon the provision, we just need to make a start.

In particular an experienced Youth Worker is required, do we have one living within our community and would you be willing to assist one night a week to begin with? We also need several volunteers prepared to undergo some basic training and DBS checks to support the Youth Worker in delivering the sessions with our young people.

In particular an experienced Youth Worker is required, do we have one living within our community and would you be willing to assist one night a week to begin with? We also need several volunteers prepared to undergo some basic training and DBS checks to support the Youth Worker in delivering the sessions with our young people.

Please contact me with any offers of help. My contact details are below.

Please contact me with any offers of help. My contact details are below.

As the new year moves forward, we will see the installation of the 20mph speed zone through Laleham, just as soon as the Esso Pipeline works conclude in Ashford Road. Consideration of speed reduction options through Shepperton will follow.

As the new year moves forward, we will see the installation of the 20mph speed zone through Laleham, just as soon as the Esso Pipeline works conclude in Ashford Road. Consideration of speed reduction options through Shepperton will follow.

I am sorry to advise that this year will be a particularly difficult year for road works as the remaining Shepperton Studios works will be a focus to enable the mitigation of the anticipated additional traffic once the expansion is complete and the new site is up and running.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or drop into my surgery the first Saturday of every month at Shepperton Library 1.45 to 3.45pm.

I am sorry to advise that this year will be a particularly difficult year for road works as the remaining Shepperton Studios works will be a focus to enable the mitigation of the anticipated additional traffic once the expansion is complete and the new site is up and running. Please do not hesitate to contact me or drop into my surgery the first Saturday of every month at Shepperton Library 1.45 to 3.45pm.

Kind regards

Maureen

Kind regards Maureen

Maureen Attewell

Maureen Attewell

Divisional County Member - Shepperton & Laleham Borough Councillor - Laleham & Shepperton Green

07951-655656

Cllr.attewell@surreycc.gov.uk

Divisional County Member - Shepperton & Laleham Borough Councillor - Laleham & Shepperton Green

The Felling of Shepperton ’s Coronation Tree

By Edd Wheeler

Being a Shepperton resident for over 74 years I have seen many changes to my surroundings. My journey to permanently living in Shepperton began in Italy. I was born in Rome in 1947 of mixed parentage. My mother was a Russian refugee who fled to the West during the war. My father was serving in an Allied repatriation camp in Italy after the WW2 had ended. That is where they met. As a family, we arrived in England in 1948. Under the Labour Government's Housing Act to provide affordable social housing to rent, we moved to a council house in Shepperton. Before the inauguration of the now Spelthorne Council, the borough was managed by Sunbury Urban District Council which was later dissolved. Two council estates were built in Shepperton between 1946 and 1948, labelled by residents living in each estate as the 'Rainbow Estate’ (so named as each house's total brickwork was painted in a different colour and strictly maintained by the Council) and the other as 'Tin Town'. The former was traditionally brick built using some of the salvaged material from bomb -destroyed buildings in London. The latter was using a new concept of prefabrication using outer steel panels. Both building developments used tin roofing that is still surviving the perils of our inclement weather.

I grew up at my home in Jessiman Terrace, which is located on the southern end of the 'Rainbow Estate’. When I was six, a local celebration was held on the 2nd of June 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth 2’s accession to the throne with her coronation. It was fortunate that one of the residents had rented a small television from the then Radio Rentals Company. With over ten families crowded into one room, we watched this glorious spectacle in monochrome. After this event,

we all spilled out onto the green to join the rest of the residents for a street party.

To mark the Queen's Coronation the council planted a sapling coniferous tree on the green a week later.

I now arrive at the bone of contention!

This 'Coronation' Cedar Tree, had, until recently, survived 69 years and had nearly as many growth rings as I have in years. Sadly, a few local residents felt that this tree had outgrown its location and had become dangerous. Without a preservation order on it (unlike the similar sized tree Shepperton High Street which is known locally as the Big Tree), our own specimen was doomed. All that is left after the decision by the Spelthorne Council's Tree Officer and based on an independent report, is the shredded tree bark and sawdust. intermingled with grass. As this landmark local heritage tree has now met its demise, my opinion is that proper documentation and reports should have been lodged with Spelthorne Council, as with other planning issues. Shepperton Residents could then have aired their views in a democratic way and an alternative solution could have been found such as removing damaged branches and possibly placing a ring safety fence around it.

The image that you see is my son Paul who is 5 feet 8 inches trying to measure the girth of this tree which was 110 inches.

Please note the comments raised in this article are a caveat to other potential tree issues faced by residents of Shepperton and the wider Borough of Spelthorne. Don’t assume that trees will always be there. They need tree preservation orders on them to protect them for future generations.

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Halliford School launches Sixth Form STEM Scholarship

Halliford School has recently announced that they have launched a Sixth Form STEM Scholarship. It is open to all students taking two or more STEM subjects at A Level with current plans to complete higher education in a STEM-related discipline and with aspirations to pursue a career in STEM. A Level STEM subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design and Technology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science and Psychology.

An interview will be held with the Head of Departments of the chosen A Level subjects. Students must present ideas about what they would contribute and how they would demonstrate that they will contribute positively to STEM at Halliford. The STEM scholar will be expected to represent the school on a regular basis and assist in organising events within the Science, Maths, Design & Technology or Psychology Departments, depending on the A Level subjects chosen. Such activities might include running some STEM clubs, presenting at prep school events and mentoring students lower down the school.

STEM scholars will be required to achieve Grade 8 or above at GCSE in Maths and an average of Grade 8 or higher in the Sciences. Scholarships up to 10% will be awarded for the full two -year A Level course and are dependent on maintaining a good overall standard of achievement and attitude to learning.

Headmaster, Mr James Davies, commented, “Halliford School has supported students in the STEM subjects for many years as we have seen this to be a popular route for our sixth form boys and girls. Our excellent track record of success with students applying for STEM-related courses, including at the leading Russell Group Universities and Oxbridge, is due to the powerful combination of our intellectually curious students coupled with the expertise of my colleagues on the staff. Therefore, it is a pleasure to launch this new and exciting scholarship to reflect our desire

to continue rewarding talented students as they join our impressive Sixth Form as we expertly prepare them for life in a fastchanging world. Old Hallifordians have gone on to a myriad of exciting STEM -related careers, and we are thrilled to support the next cohort of aspiring STEM ambassadors. ”

Head of Sixth Form, Mr Carroll, added “With technological and scientific breakthroughs moving at pace in the last few years the doors are firmly open for students who are studying STEM subjects at A Level and at university. Many career pathways require knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and the skills students learn whilst studying these subjects are highly desirable. Halliford students are innovative and forward -thinking, and it is extremely exciting to introduce a new scholarship that celebrates innovation and an enthusiasm for STEM. ”

For more information and to apply please visit the Sixth Form Scholarship Section on their website: www.hallifordschool.co.uk

Both offers only valid until 31/01/23

Recipe of the Month Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish. It makes a wonderful spicy brunch or supper for a cold January day.

Shakshuka

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30-40 minutes

Serves: 4 with bread

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely sliced

1 red pepper, diced

1 green pepper, diced

6 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp cumin seeds

½-1 tsp cayenne pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a large frying pan (with a lid) and add the onion. Fry gently until golden, then add the peppers and cook until they are soft. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook for another minute or two.

Preparation Cooking Serves:

800g tinned tomatoes (use the best quality you can find)

2 tsp soft brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

4-8 eggs, depending on hunger

Ingredients

Pour in the tomatoes and mash roughly. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Taste and season. Add a little more cayenne if you like your dishes more spicy. Make 4-8 hollows in the sauce and break an egg gently into each one. Season lightly, and turn the heat down as low as possible, cover the pan with the lid and and cook for about 10 minutes until the eggs are just set. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with crusty bread.

4 tbsp 1 onion, 1 red 1 green

Small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Burlington is Care Home of the Year

Boutique Care Homes are proud to announce that The Burlington, Shepperton, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Care Home of the Year Award’ at the 2022, Surrey Care Awards.

It was a glittering evening at the Surrey Care Awards 2022, attended by the great and the good across Surrey’s social care sector.

Organised by the Surrey Care Association the team from The Burlington were treated to a night of festivity as the awards celebrated the unrivalled dedication of care professionals and care providers across Surrey. They were up against the best in the business!

Simon Carter, Chair of the Surrey Care Association said that “the quality of the finalists is truly inspirational and illustrates perfectly how our workforce continue to deliver the best possible care”.

For the prestigious Care Home of the Year award, judges were looking for settings that were continually delivering great care and were innovative with purpose. Judges looked for examples that showed residents had access to friends, family and activities, examples of the service responding to feedback and for services showing a culture that gave people trust in the provision.

When reviewing the nomination for The Burlington, the judges noted that they “really liked reading about the Dementia Support Group set up for families and the dedication of the team for delivering this”.

It was also said that “championing best practice” such as providing alternative menus and support for those who were not comfortable with group activities was also “highly evidenced”.

One judging panel member specifically praised The Burlington saying: “Kindness, dignity and respect for everyone shone through this nomination and is at the heart of what they do.”.

Team members across Boutique Care Homes were naturally ecstatic with this win, with

praise and celebration taking place across the group. Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Head of the Boutique Care Homes Family said that this award was, “a true reflection of all the hard work put in by everyone. I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such an inspirational team”.

Emma Dudhee, who has been the Home Manager at The Burlington since its launch said –“Congratulations! This is very well deserved; we have a truly amazing team ”. The awards evening was attended by team members from The Burlington and Boutique Care Homes with Kirsty Ford, Admissions Manager commenting: “It was just fantastic to be able to attend the Surrey Care Awards on behalf of team at The Burlington. We were shocked and honoured to receive this award. The team work tirelessly to deliver the best care and experience possible to the residents and I am so proud to be a member of this team”.

As a family run company, strong family values are central to the culture at The Burlington. This award is a testament to the outstanding care and dedication of the team, that makes The Burlington by Boutique Care Homes, a truly magical place.

Congratulations Team Burlington!

Left to right, Carl Roberts, Angela Munns, Kirsty Ford, Andrew Mangion

Recognising dedicated volunteers

Do you know someone who should be recognised for dedicated voluntary service in the Borough of Spelthorne?

The Spelthorne Civic Award Trust was founded in 1983 by Mr Alf Goddard MBE to acknowledge the work of Spelthorne residents who have devoted their time to voluntary service in the Borough and we are inviting local residents and voluntary organisations to nominate individuals who have given a minimum of 12 years ’ service so that the Trustees can consider them for an award. Candidates do not have to live in the Borough but their work should have benefitted Spelthorne residents.

Nomination forms and further details are available from the Trust Secretary David Martin, email. civicawards@gmail.com

The closing date for nominations is 31

ScamWatch

By Bill Cunningham

New Year Resolutions

Let’s say we’re allowed more than one NY resolution. So we can include being even more vigilant this year, to protect our ever decreasing savings from scammers. It ’s a credible assumption that we will have a challenging year ahead with our finances. We should assume too that scammers will be ramping up their approaches to us to prise out whatever money we have left. Often we hear of victims saying “but they were so convincing”. Well, yes! We should expect that. That’s their job, their livelihood at risk if their charm fails to have us part with money. Or at least part with enough banking details to then raid our accounts for money. Scammers feed on news items about grants that we can get, eg for home energy improvements. These are grants that are coming along before long so the approach sounds credible. Anything that may be a wee bit complex too, and so by offering to help us reach out for financial freebies we benefit by believing in them. For some of us it will soon be tax year end form filling time, and scammers are on to that too, helping us to provide our financial details onto a website that appears very similar to the HMRC one. If we ’re tempted to reply to a loan advert to see us through, then this can be snake pit time. If we’re approved automatically and asked to pay a loan insurance fee, then that’s the last we’ll see of the money or hear from the company again. One good new year’s resolution to follow: if we have some money to invest and are tempted to go for something that looks a bit special, then visiting fca.org.uk shows if the Financial Conduct Authority knows of the seller.

Shepperton Marina Scoops Top Award

Congratulations to Shepperton Marina for being voted Inland Marina of the Year in the 2022 Yacht Harbour Association Awards.

The awards are voted for by berth holders and celebrate the very best marinas in the UK and overseas.

Shepperton Councillor and Chair of the River Thames Task Group, Cllr Vivienne Leighton, said: ”This is fantastic news and I send my congratulations to the team at Shepperton Marina. The facilities and service they provide for their berth holders and visitors really is excellent and they thoroughly deserve to be recognised with this prestigious award. ”

Shepperton Councillor, Cllr Colin Barnard, also commented: “I am so pleased for Shepperton Marina as I know they always go the extra mile and put their customers at the heart of everything they do. The fact the award was voted for by the boat owners themselves makes it particularly special.”

At a reception organised at Shepperton Marina Ltd, on 25 th November last year, the marina manager, Lisa Harris, was presented with the top award of International Inland Marina of the Year. The presentation was made by the Chairman of the Harbour Association, Mr Colin Watts, accompanied by the Chief executive of Shepperton Marina and Kwasi Kwarteng MP for Spelthorne. The event was attended by many associates with the marina, including Shepperton councillors and many boat owners, some of whom have used the facilities for over 50 years.

Keeping an eye on Energy Costs

As Your Local Electrician I am seeing more and more of my customers anxious about the cost of energy and asking me tips to save, without impacting their daily lifestyle. Here are some easy ideas.

Change your light bulbs to LED

Lighting counts for roughly 15% of your electricity usage. A quick and easy way to cut your bills is by looking at the type of light bulbs you are using in your home. LED bulbs use 80–90% less energy, provide better bright light, and can last up to 10 or even 20 times longer.

Did you know using a tumble dryer daily would cost you an estimated £300 per year?

Replace your older appliances with energyefficient models

Since appliances account for one of the biggest chunks of your electricity bill, it is worthwhile thinking about replacing old fashioned, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. The energy efficiency rating on your appliances tells you how efficient your home appliances are. Energy efficiency is calculated on a scale from A+++ to G. A+++ is the most efficient.

Switch off devices at the mains

Standby mode is your enemy when it comes to saving money on your energy bills. When you turn off your computer, television, mobile phone or tablet, they usually go into standby mode which means that they don’t completely switch off. However, your devices aren ’t asleep during standby. They are regularly performing updates, downloading content, and wasting energy while you’re not using them. Use electricity at the right time of day

Make sure you check what type of energy contract you have. Many people are on Economy 7 tariffs when they probably shouldn’t be. Economy 7 tariffs are special tariffs which charge you different rates for your energy during peak and non-peak hours. If you don ’t know this and use your electrical items during peak times, you will be paying more than you need to be. Check it out with your supplier.

Wait until you have a full washing machine or dishwasher load

Sounds obvious but waiting until you have a full load for your washing machine or dishwasher can go a long way in terms of saving both electricity and water. One full load will use a lot less energy and water than two half loads. You can also lower the temperature on your washing machine and choose a short spin which means less water heated to a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time. Many dishwashers come with an ‘eco’ mode which uses lower wash and rinse temperatures. Did you know using an Iron twice a week would cost you an estimated £34 per year?

Boiling water

Boil only the amount of water you need. Choose a kettle with a low minimum fill which means you won’t waste energy by boiling more water than you need. Descale your kettle regularly.

Install a smart meter

This allows you to keep an eye on exactly how much you are spending. Energy usage is displayed in near real-time on an in-home display (IHD), allowing you to monitor which devices and appliances are using the most electricity and see where you could potentially cut back. Get in touch with your supplier.

Electrical installation condition report

Your Local Electrician recommends that an EICR is carried out in domestic homes a minimum of every 10 years to check the condition of the electrical installation and ensure there is no deterioration. Please do contact Pete at Your Local Electrician if your home is due an inspection.

the local area.

TALK Groups

Attendance at a weekly TALK group in Walton on Thames and Ashford. The group allows you to practice all aspects of communication and help build confidence and self -esteem. It provides a friendly environment where you can have supportive conversations , fun, laughter and social interaction

More sporting success for the girls

the next few weeks for both boys and girls. Soon after that, in the Spring, we move to the beach volleyball courts, when we start training for the coolest sport: Beach Volleyball. We aim to host the second ever British International Schools Beach Volleyball tournament in the summer.”

All ACS Cobham students are able to practice volleyball in the Autumn term and benefit from state-of-the-art sports facilities on campus, with an arena housing a volleyball show court featuring tiered seating for 280 spectators, which are also available for ACS Cobham’s local partner state schools for their use. ACS Cobham also hosted the UK’s first school beach volleyball tournament in London in May 2022.

Students from ACS International School Cobham in Surrey served a straight set performance and were crowned champions at the ISAA Girls Volleyball Tournament 2022, which took place in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The girls also made history in the process, being the first ever team to not drop a set during the tournament.

The ACS Cobham girls volleyball team beat strong competition on court, triumphing over 14 international schools from across Europe to claim the gold medal.

Chris Hykiel, Head of Volleyball at ACS Cobham said: “I am very proud that after two years of no real competitions due to COVID19, the Girls' Cougars Varsity Volleyball team returned from the Netherlands with a gold medal and a huge trophy from their international competition; congratulations to the girls and Coach Giorgio.”

“We hope to continue this momentum into the Volleyball England Under 18 Grand Prix over

River Thames Scheme update

By Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency

The River Thames Scheme (RTS) is being delivered in partnership between the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council. The Scheme is designed to unlock economic, health and environmental benefits for communities between Egham and Teddington. The River Thames between Egham and Teddington runs through one of the largest area of populated but undefended flood plain in England. In addition to the towns and villages in this area, the landscape has been heavily shaped by major infrastructure and extensive mineral workings. This has resulted in an area in which many homes and businesses are at risk of flooding, within a landscape which suffers from visual barriers and physical constraints which means the open space isn ’t used to its full potential.

The delivered ment Scheme health nities

improvements will be made to the Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington weirs. This includes installing more gates that can be opened when river levels rise and lowering the river bed downstream of the Desborough Cut.

to its

The RTS represents a new landscape-based approach to creating healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable communities by responding to the challenges of flooding, improving access to green open spaces and sustainable travel routes, encouraging inclusive economic growth, and increasing biodiversity. The River Thames Scheme will consist of a new river channel in two sections through Runnymede and Spelthorne, totalling over five miles long. These will act as a new flow route for excess water when water levels in the River Thames rise too high. Additionally,

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, while also providing habitat for wildlife and a new feature in the landscape for recreation. The channel will be flanked by new areas of public green open space, for recreation and spending time with nature. New footpaths and cycleways will run along the channel and through the new public spaces, linking different elements of the scheme with communities and providing better connections within and across the area. Areas of new and improved habitat for wildlife and nature recovery will connect with existing nature sites and wildlife corridors to provide a new nature recovery network along the length of the channel that supports even more biodiversity.

The dington populated land. this area, shaped mineral in which risk of suffers straints

The goals that are going to be delivered include:

• Reduce the risk of flooding for dwellings, businesses, and infrastructure

• Improve access to quality green open spaces, connection with wildlife and more sustainable travel network

• Create a network of high-quality habitat and achieve biodiversity net gain

• Facilitate sustainable and inclusive economic growth

• Enable delivery and design that contribute to Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and partner climate goals relating to carbon use

During November and December of 2022, we were out consulting the public on our plans and asking for feedback on our proposals for the River Thames Scheme. We held ten faceto-face exhibition events and seven virtual events and spoke to over one thousand people with our technical experts on hand to answer any questions raised by the public.

During the first half of 2023 we will be reporting back on the feedback received during the consultation. This report will summarise the feedback received and will be made available to the public once ready. This will be published on the River Thames Scheme website: www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk

As the River Thames Scheme moves towards its Development Consent Order, a further

Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding

public consultation is planned. This further consultation, proposed in late 2023, will share the latest proposals which have evolved following feedback to the 2022 consultation and give communities another opportunity to feed into the proposals before the Development Consent Order is submitted.

If you wish to find out more about the River Thames Scheme, please visit our website: www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk. You can also sign up to receive our newsletters and be kept up to date with news, such as future consultations.

We are now on social media so please give us a follow to keep up to date with events, progress and milestones:

Facebook : River Thames Scheme | Facebook Twitter: River Thames Scheme | Twitter

Instagram: River Thames Scheme | Instagram

LinkedIn: River Thames Scheme | LinkedIn

Shepperton Beat

By Inspector Maxine Cilia, Spelthorne Borough Commander

Well, previously I have asked for your New Year resolutions to be part of a crime prevention check on your property, and for fraud. But the time has come when this can no longer be just a resolution which you do for one week in January. It needs to be part of what you do every day.

Fraud scams are on the increase and whether you have nearly sent money for a parcel to be delivered, responded to a random message to say a family member has lost their phone or been caught out on a banking scam, I could probably take an easy bet to suggest that it has happened to every one of us.

Scammers will target our phones, our internet or other electronic devices, our email and electronic banking. There is no doubt they will also try to scam people with affairs of the heart; romance is one of the most prominent types of fraud. So to avoid being scammed, be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes. Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision. Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s. Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure

you protect it.

Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email. Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.

Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.

Please don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.

Current crime issues that we are still looking at in your local area include theft from motor vehicles, which is unfortunately on the increase, and theft of mopeds and motorbikes. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle on show as we have seen an increase in smashing of windows to grab bags and laptops etc. As always, I ask that if you have any information about these crime types, do let us know via 101 online via the Surrey Police website or by the Spelthorne Beat Facebook Messenger service. Maxine.Cilia@surrey.pnn.police.uk

Maxine

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I love a garden planted for winter. There are so many plants with wonderful shape and interesting evergreen foliage. But the thing that draws me out into any garden is scent, and fragrance is particularly uplifting in the depths of winter.

Gardening Matters

By Rachel Leverton

Getting outdoors into natural daylight, even on a cold, dank day is a mood booster. If you need an excuse to don woolly hat and gloves then what better than winter-flowering shrubs. Even better if you can cut a few sprigs to take back indoors.

Chimonanthus praecox, known as Wintersweet is the type of shrub that looks rather unexciting in spring and summer, but in winter once established (which may take a couple of years) the bare branches erupt with lovely waxy yellow flowers which have an intense sweet and spicy scent.

All of the above flowers can be cut, and will last for several days in a vase in the house. But January is also the perfect time to enjoy gardening indoors. My teenage son collects cacti and was gifted a striking, ornamental cactus with funky foliage a couple of years ago, called Epiphyllum anguliger. The wavy-edge leaves which oscillate along the stem give rise to its more common name, the Fishbone Cactus. As well as looking handsome all year round it has the delightful bonus of producing large creamy white flowers in winter which emit a wonderful scent in the evening, just one bloom can fill a room with a sweet fragrance.

I love a garden planted winter. There are so plants with wonderful shape and interesting evergreen foliage. But thing that draws me into any garden is scent, and fragrance is particularly uplifting depths of winter. Getting outdoors into natural daylight, even cold, dank day is a mood booster. If you need excuse to don woolly and gloves then what than winter flowering shrubs. Even better if can cut a few sprigs back indoors.

For a little spot near the front or back door, think about Daphne bholua, a shade -loving, tiny, evergreen shrub which produces delicate pink or white blooms that look like they are made from fondant icing. They have a rich floral, old-fashioned scent.

If space is limited you might also try Sarcococca hookeriana. This is also a shadelover and produces a very powerful jasminelike scent which carries well on the breeze. If you have more space and would like something more robust then plant Viburnum x bodnantense. It produces pom-poms of flowers in pastel pink or white which smell of warm vanilla and lilac. It also has an extremely long flowering season, starting in mid -autumn and going right through until early spring.

You don’t have to be deprived of scent in the winter months. Make a New Year ’s resolution to bring some fragrance into your garden, and your home.

Happy gardening!

Chimonanthus praecox, known as Wintersweet the type of shrub that rather unexciting in winter once established couple of years) the lovely waxy yellow intense sweet and spicy

Sarcococca hookeriana. lover and produces a

For a little spot near think about Daphne tiny, evergreen shrub pink or white blooms made from fondant icing. floral, old fashioned If space is limited you

If you have more space

Winter Scent

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Monday 9th January 2.30pm. Laleham Village Hall. Laleham Good Neighbours invite you to join them for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. All Welcome! Please come.

9th January - 8.00 to 9.45pm every Monday

Addlestone Singers Spring session starts at the Methodist Church, 71 Station Road, KT15 2AR. Free parking off Crouch Oak Lane behind the medical centre. We would love to welcome new ladies for enjoyable evenings. addlestonesingers.tumblr.com

Tuesday 17th January

‘Sailing on the Thames’ by Mark Laity is the subject of the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society.

Tuesday 17th January (postponed from November) at Halliford School in Russell Road, Shepperton. The talk starts at 8pm and all are welcome. Admission £2 for nonmembers.

Saturday 21st January 2023, 10.00am4.00pm. Spelthorne Choral Society

Come and Sing Haydn’s ‘Creation’. All welcome!

Our Lady of the Rosary School, Park Avenue, Staines Upon Thames, TW18 2EF. £10.00 per person from www. spelthornechoralsociety.com Contact info@spelthornechoralsociety.co.uk

Surplus to Supper

Every Saturday and Sunday 11.30-1pm. Surplus food shop open to ALL. Fill your shopping bags with food which would have gone to landfill. Just make a mindful donation (£5 minimum). All proceeds support the charity. Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury, TW16 5PS

19th January 2023

Menopause Café (with a short talk on mental health in menopause). 7:30-9pm The Magpie, 64 Thames Street, Sunbury. Free tickets through Eventbrite or by emailing; sunburyandsheppertonmenocafe@outlook.com

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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Come and Sing in 2023

By Spelthorne Choral Society

Monday nights are because Monday nights matter how bad her or cold, singing as Choral Society (SCS) her. And she s not out of choir uplifted explains Helen Senior, society for 7 years. after a long day ’s work, Singing in a group experience.

Monday nights are special for Gill Henry, because Monday nights are choir nights! No matter how bad her day at work, or how dark or cold, singing as part of the Spelthorne Choral Society (SCS) each week is a must for her. And she ’s not alone. “I know I’ll come out of choir uplifted and in good spirits ”, explains Helen Senior, a member of the society for 7 years. “I come to choir, tired after a long day’s work, and I leave energised. Singing in a group is a wonderful experience.”

While Choir members Magdalena and Daphne have both found being part of the choir therapeutic. It helped them both to cope with the loss of loved ones. “Singing with SCS stops me feeling sad. You can’t think of anything else whilst you are singing. I love it”, says Magdalena.

“I find singing this wonderful music so therapeutic. It’s helped me through this very difficult time”, adds Daphne.

Whereas for Linda and Kieran it’s the escapism and the opportunity to sing with a lovely group of people, that draws them back to the choral society each week. Their experiences are also backed up by science which shows that singing releases the ‘endorphins’ – the happy chemicals that boost our moods and make us feel good about ourselves. Also, simply breathing properly, from the diaphragm, boosts awareness and improves lung function, which is good for releasing stress and helps us rest and relax.

I’ve been a member of the Choral Society for 15 years. For me, singing with other people helps build connections and feelings of togetherness. What pure joy it was to return to singing together at Our Lady of the Rosary School after lockdown. (I shed a few tears of relief after that first session.)

I’m a New Year’s resolution person – this year it’s learning web design. But 30 years

ago, top of my list was to join a choir. I did and it’s been a constant in my life ever since. Quite simply singing has seen me through thick and thin.

If you’ve enjoyed singing with others at Christmas, or perhaps you ’re more of a ‘shower’ soprano or a bathroom baritone, or perhaps just curious to find out more about joining a choir, whatever your reason, you would be welcome at the Spelthorne Choral Society. If you would like to discover your voice, see what you can do and how it feels to sing with a group of people who love to sing, then SCS is holding a ‘Come and Sing’ day in January. During this day we ’ll be rehearsing Haydn’s ‘Creation’. It’s a happy, relaxed day when we’ll rehearse and, later on, perform in our Covid safe, accessible rehearsal space. It costs £10 per person, which includes music hire, tea, coffee, and cake!

Come and Sing Haydn’s ‘Creation’

Our Lady of the Rosary School, Park Avenue, Staines Upon Thames, TW18 2EF On Saturday 21st January 2023, 10.00am4.00pm

£10.00 per person from www.spelthornechoralsociety.com Contact; info@spelthornechoralsociety.co.uk

”

While Choir members ne have both found therapeutic. It helped the loss of loved ones. stops me feeling sad. thing else whilst you says Magdalena. “I find singing this peutic. It’s helped difficult time ”, adds

Whereas for Linda ism and the opportunity group of people, that choral society each week. Their experiences are ence which shows

‘endorphins ’ – the happy our moods and make selves. Also, simply the diaphragm, boosts proves lung function, leasing stress and helps

been a

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Exhibition until 15th January 2023

Walled Garden, Thames Street, Sunbury

Jason Hart. Woodwork to Treasure Exhibition and sale of hand made wooden pieces made from reclaimed wood. Jason is a Sunbury resident. His pieces would make a great Christmas gift. Entry free.

13th-15th January

Macbeth

A Rose Participate and Oldenburg State Theatre co-production. Featuring Rose Young Company alumni

The Rose Theatre, Kingston www.rosetheatre.org

Wednesday 18 January 2023 - 1pm

Riverhouse Barn, Walton on Thames Lunchtime Concert: Milena Simović (viola) and Vitaly Pisarenko (piano)

Equally at home as a violinist and violist, Serbian Milena Simović is enjoying an illustrious career of concerto, recital and chamber music performances across the world. Russian born pianist Vitaly Pisarenko won first prize at the International Franz Liszt competition in 2008 and his international career commenced the morning after.

Tickets: £15

Book: www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

January 21-28th

Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at the Mary Wallace Theatre . Bookings at www.richmondshakespeare.org.uk

Find the Mary Wallace Theatre on Twickenham’s Embankment, between St Mary’s Church and the Barmy Arms. Parking right next to the theatre

Wednesday 25 January 2023 - 8pm

Riverhouse Barn, Walton on Thames

Simon Brodkin - 'warm up' for Screwed Up UK tour "Warm-up" show in advance of Simon Brodkin's highly anticipated tour show, Screwed Up, which kicks -off in February 2023 with multiple dates across the UK. Be part of the process and get a reasonably priced ticket for a preview of what will shortly be unleashed on the tour show audiences!

Ages 16+ (adult content and strong language)

Tickets: £10

Book: www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

Friday 27th January

Runnymede Jazz Club. Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band 7.30pm Addlestone Community Centre, Garfield Rd, Addlestone, KT15 2NJ

runnymedejazzclub@hotmail.com www.runnymedejazzclub.com

26th-28th January

Staines Musical Theatre Group at the Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury on Thames, Eurovisual. A celebration of everything Eurovision...and you get to choose the winner. Tickets £12 smtg.org.uk

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information included in this publication, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Shepperton 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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