April 2016 Shepperton Matters

Shepperton and Laleham

FREE Bedding Plants from Longacres.

See p11 for details

April 2016

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Matters

Putting Local Business First.

Bringing a Community Together

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Shepperton

Issue 55 8,200 copies FREE Every month

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01932 771155

Welcome!

It is now officially Spring. The leaves are finally coming out. I find myself really missing the green leaves after nearly 5 months. To celebrate the new season, we have an offer for readers. Claim your FREE box of bedding plants from Longacres if you take this magazine along to the centre in Shepperton.

We were as shocked as anyone to hear that The Anchor may be closing. Having spoken to some of you however, there are differing opinions. Are pubs and inns endangered species? We do hope not!

We have heard some encouraging news about the possibility of Zone 6 and the Oyster network being extended. Is this another example of the power of the people?

April 2016 Finally, there is just about still time to get tickets for the Mayor’s Charity Ball on April 11th. Supporting the North West Surrey Samaritans, The Well and the Fordbridge Centre in Ashford, it is a good evening for lots of good causes. Call the Mayor’s office on 01784 446275.

Reader Offers Longagres - FREE bedding plants with this mag Ivory Tusk - 20% off food til end May The Kings Head - 20% off food til end April The Bakery Shop - 10% off with voucher inside Village Windows– 20% off repairs Angela Charles Interiors - 10% off in April Lock & Leave - One month free storage Shepperton Cricket Club - £50 off venue hire Time for You - £15 off domestic cleaning Everyone Active - £5 for 5 days Lodge Brothers - £100 off prepaid funeral plan

Contents

Published by:

Sir Edward Nicholls of Littleton Rising Stars - Jess is a Winner Mission for Vision Come & Be Bowled Over Offers on Fitness at ACL Restaurant Review Are Inns Out? RTS. Should We Be Worried?

Zone 6 - What Kwasi Says Countdown to Shepperton Fair 2016 Pushing the Boat out at Littleton Recipe of the Month Make A Will Fortnight Changes at Surrey Recycling Charlton Village Residents Shepperton Residents Association Gardening Matters What’s On Community Matters Advertising Rates/Deadlines

Village Matters Ltd Advertising / Editorial : Monica Chard

Telephone: 07979 808991 Email: monica@villagematters.co.uk www.villagematters.co.uk Shepperton Matters is a member of the Village Card scheme Front Cover: ‘Desborough Sailing Club’

by Barbara Swinburne. Please send photos (300dpi) or art for consideration to info@villagematters.co.uk www.facebook/ Sunbury&SheppertonMatters

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Sir Edward Nicholl of Littleton Park

By Nick Pollard Sir Edward Nicholl was born at Pool, in Cornwall, on the 17th June, 1862. He came from a fairly modest background, and was apprenticed as an engineer. On completing his apprenticeship, he became a ship’s engineer, and worked his way up to become marine superintendent. Eventually he managed to raise some money and became a ship owner himself. He was very successful and founded the Hall Line of Cardiff, and later the Nicholl Shipping Co. He was a major benefactor in the Cardiff area and founded a children’s home as well as other charitable works.

A member of the Royal Naval Reserve since 1889, during World War One he became the Chief Examiner for shipping in the Bristol Channel area. In 1916 he was knighted for his services, but by 1917 he decided to sell up his shipping interests due to the pressure of his war work.

In 1918 he was elected as MP for Penrhyn and Falmouth, and sought a suitable home in the London area. After seeing 37 properties, he had a chance conversation with Sir Woodman Burbidge of Harrods Ltd. Sir Woodman’s father, Sir Richard Burbidge, had recently died, leaving him the Littleton Park estate. Sir Woodman wished to sell, and Sir Edward Nicholl being a man who acted on impulse, he agreed to buy the property on the spot. He literally bought the estate lock stock and barrel, including furniture, cattle, poultry etc.

Despite having spent most of his life connected with the sea, Sir Edward threw himself with enthusiasm into the running of his Littleton estate, becoming a breeder of prize Shorthorn and Guernsey cattle. He decided not to stand for parliament again in the 1922 election, so had even more time to devote to Littleton. As a keen engineer, he had a large scale model railway built in the grounds.

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The Miniature railway built by Sir Edward Nicholl at Littleton Park in the 1920s. Local schoolchildren were invited to ride on it

Local schoolchildren were invited in to ride on it. He also remained a proud Cornishman and hosted dinners for the London Cornish Association.

In 1931 he agreed to sell the Littleton Park estate to Norman Loudon, who set up the Sound City film studios there (now Shepperton Studios). Sir Edward Nicholl died on 30th March 1939.

Like Sir Edward Nicholl, Ian Allan created his own business from scratch, and went from publishing list of locomotive numbers from his home, to owning the largest publisher of transport books in the world, as well as a host of other companies. His son David Allan will be telling the remarkable story of Ian Allan Ltd at the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, at 8pm on Tues. 19th April. The meeting takes place in the theatre of Halliford School, Russell Road, Shepperton. All welcome, admission £2 for non-members of SSLHS.

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'Rising Stars' 2016 - Jess is a Winner!

Jessica Edgar, Shepperton resident, founder and principle of Stars Performing Arts of Shepperton has been voted as one of the 2016 Top 10 Business Women in Surrey Rising Stars.

The Surrey Chambers of Commerce has been running a woman in business networking group for many years and this year’s theme for the event was “Rising Stars� - celebrating the fantastic work of young business women and entrepreneurs from around the county At the event in March over 120 fantastic young women came from a variety of business backgrounds, from large corporates to creative small businesses to be recognised for their efforts and achievements.

There were over 5,000 online votes for the Business Women in Surrey Rising Stars final 50 nominees, and Jessica Edgar of Stars Performing Arts Shepperton was in the final Top 10 At the event an inspirational panel of speakers shared their success stories, thoughts and challenges they had overcome with regards to working within the modern business world.

Fabulous to have a local winner. Congratulations Jess!

Picture Jessica Edgar of Stars Performing Arts Shepperton receiving her award from Surrey Chambers Chief Executive Louise Punter

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Professional • Reliable • Airport • Local & Long Distances • Email: vacarsbase@gmail.com www.vacars.co.uk Licenced by Spelthorne Borough Council

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Mission for Vision

By Monica Chard, Editor

Imagine you are watching TV one evening and it is a strain to see detail. What do you do? In our privileged Western world, you simply call up your local optician, get an appointment and sort some long distance glasses. No problem!

But what if you could not do that? Imagine if these facilities which we take for granted were not an option to you. That is how it is for millions across third world countries. In Congo for example there are simply NO optometrists.

We can’t even imagine a world like that.

Local optician Ian Squire made it his mission to do his bit to change the lot of some of those in underprivileged societies. In 2003 he launched the charity Mission For Vision. He has always had a love for Africa. As a committed Christian, he felt it was only right that he use his skills to help some of those less fortunate. He used his network of contacts, many of them missionaries in Africa and launched initially a mobile clinic with machinery, frames and lenses, which would visit rural areas.

Word was spread by radio advertising, and hundreds would turn up for an examination and sight correction. It is usual for the mission to treat around 2500 people per week. One day alone in Uganda however, Ian and his team saw 800 patients. People would come by foot, walking up to 3 days for a chance to get some life changing help. Over the years the work of Mission For Vision has helped around 100,000 to a better quality of life and work. Brigitta, Ian’s wife has been very involved in the charity too, joining her husband on many missions.

Ian has himself developed a portable lens cutting machine which works on solar power.

This opens up huge potential to help remote communities. He reuses many donated glasses and frames, which he painstakingly reviews at his HQ in Shepperton, sorting them for strength and ensuring suitability. Through a Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

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local

Ian Squire with the portable lens cutting machine bearing the logo of the Rotary Club

contact Ian has made an agreement with London Heathrow to take all glasses and sunglasses handed into lost property. (You can buy sunglasses in Ian Squire Opticians for only £5 and all the proceeds goes back into Mission for Vision.) Ian receives around 10,000 pairs of glasses a year through this channel alone. Locals also donate unwanted specs. You will shortly be able to donate yours through a specially built unit in Budgen’s, which is to be made as a collaboration by Men in Sheds and the Rotary Club. What a wonderful example of community spirit. The Rotary Club has been immensely supportive in terms of fund raising too and the portable lens cutting machine bears their logo.

Mission for Vision is self funding. They have put money into training locals to make diagnoses and to cut lenses, ensuring affordable eye care for even the most needy.

If you want to find out more or make a donation then visit the website for updates: www.missionforvision.org.uk

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You’ll Be Bowled Over by Club in Sunbury You may have wondered what was behind that hedge along the Lower Hampton Rd. You might then be delighted to learn that it is a bowling green.

The club was founded in the 1960's when Sunbury Cricket Club was looking to increase its portfolio of sports under the Sunbury Sports Association banner and hence the club is known as the Sunbury Sports Bowls Club.

The clubs most illustrious member was Mavis Steele who represented England for 40 years, and was England Ladies Outdoor champion three times. She was awarded an MBE for her services to bowls.

So have you ever given bowls a thought? There is coaching available at the club. As a member you can play at all levels by entering national and county and club competitions, playing in team leagues and friendlies against local clubs and going along to informal weekly roll-ups and socials. You can also watch cricket in the quiet, secluded environment close to the Thames. There is lots of parking, a well stocked bar and lounge and there are lots of social activities throughout the year.

So if you fancy making new friends and keeping fit at the same time, get in touch with the club: Call Dave Chatterton 01932 783092 or James Whelan 01932 784311

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£40 OFF Dance and Exercise classes at Sunbury Adult Learning Centre As part of Get Active 50+, Surrey Adult Learning has an offer for people aged over 50 to help them be more active, have fun and make friends. This government funded project aims to improve health amongst older adults across the county following the revelation that almost 60% of Surrey adults do not meet the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommended guidelines of 150 minutes per week moderate intensity physical activity.

Eligible learners can receive £40 off selected dance and exercise classes. To take advantage of this opportunity interested person has to call 0300 200 1044 to book a place. You can choose from Pilates, Yoga or General Exercise classes. To browse what’s available in your location – see the website www.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning or visit Sunbury Adult Learning Centre at The Avenue, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5DZ This project is one of over 40 projects to secure a share in £8.2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England. Encouraging people to give sport a go, the fund empowers local communities to reach out to people who for one reason or another don’t exercise. Announcing the funding, Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said, “It’s great to be working with innovative projects in Surrey like this which offer more people the chance to get active in a way that suits them best. Given the overwhelming benefits of being active, it’s important that age, gender, or income never prevent anyone from taking part.” Terms & Conditions apply - more info on www.surreycc.gov.uk/getactive50 or call 0300 200 1044

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Restaurant Review The Kings Head, Shepperton There have been big changes at the Kings Head in Shepperton and it is well worth a visit.

Situated right by St Nicholas church on the old square, the pub is steeped in history. The building dates back to the 16th century when it was a coach house. It was established as a pub in the early 18th c. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor stayed there while filming at Shepperton Studios. It is very much a part of the local community and that is how new tenants Sam and Martyn want it to continue.

Mr C and I were invited along to see the changes for ourselves and to sample the new menu which had only been launched the week before our visit.

What a transformation. Gone are the dark beams and décor. Instead it is light and airy, the chandeliers throwing a soft opulent light. Seating is either new or has been reupholstered. Fabrics were from local firm John Miller. We opened the door to the pub to a roaring log fire with comfy sofa’s around it. What a lovely place to while away the hours with a pint, some tasty bar snacks (£12 for 3) or sandwich and a newspaper, (available in the bar). It was an important football evening when we went and there were a lot of locals enjoying the matches on 3 screens in the bar area. The restaurant at the back is a much quieter affair. Comfy seating around a newly discovered fire place makes for a more laid back dining experience. If you want to tuck yourself away, there is also the snug area which is very popular. Each area is comfortable, well decorated and fresh. The toilets have been completely redone.

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I made reference to the beams earlier. Fear not, they remain and are a stunning feature now that they have been restored to the original wood and simply varnished. They are reputed to be beams from a ship. Who knows, but they look great.

And so to the food. This is after all a restaurant review. In one word...Delicious!

Martyn and Sam had all sorts of ideas of what they wanted from the pub when they took over, but they were smart enough to listen to the locals and find out what THEY wanted. Their clientele are loyal, so the idea had to be to make the pub better for this audience as well as attracting people from further afield. So the idea of gastro pub was dismissed.

Instead the Kings Head offers a small but perfectly formed menu of home made, essentially British classics. Prices are reasonable; from £5.45 for the starter and £9.95 for mains. They also do Sunday roasts from £11.95. To start, I chose the wild mushrooms on toast. Sautéed in creamy tarragon sauce, served on rustic bread with rocket and parmesan shavings. It was a generous portion, freshly prepared and piping hot and was delicious.

Mr C chose the chicken liver pate. It was served with caramelised onion chutney, toast and a dressed salad. Everything was fresh and good.

Other starters include baked camembert, spicy prawns and crab and crayfish with lemon mayonnaise. That seems a good range to choose from.

There is a young chef in the kitchen. Jack Brewer has been sous chefing for a number of quality eateries and he got the top job at the Kings Head.

There is a good choice of main courses, including

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the classics; fish and chips, calves liver, bacon and onions, burgers and steak. There are also some vegetarian dishes. Mr C chose the classic and every popular sausage and mash and I had one of the specials - sea bass with a lobster sauce.

The bangers and mash were a sure hit. Three sausages on a bed of silky smooth mash with deeply flavoured gravy (one of Chef’s signatures), topped with crunchy roast parsnip shavings. A winner!

My fish dish was also excellent; not one, but two fillets of sea bass on a bed of asparagus and new potatoes. The lobster sauce was rich and creamy and the portion size beat me. It was a shame to leave any, but I had pudding to contend with too (the things I do for my readers eh!).

The menu is appealing, fulfilling the promise of English classics at their best: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Brownie, Salted Caramel Cheesecake. I could feel my jeans getting tighter just looking at the selection!

I tried Bread and Butter Pudding with cream. It was light and airy, not stodgy as this can sometimes be. Mr C had the sticky toffee pud and was delighted with his choice (see above) How he finished it I don’t know. It was clearly worth it!

Sam and Martyn have settled into the community well. They know their regulars by name and give a warm greeting. They want people to feel that they are in a home rather than a business. There is an air of happiness and comfort.

There is wifi available and dogs are welcome in the bar. The popular music nights are continuing, every Friday from 8.30-11pm. There are also plans for opening out to the courtyard to create an outdoor option.

The restaurant area is available for private functions. We wish Sam and Martyn good luck. I am sure this will be an ongoing success. Why not take advantage of the offer below and try for yourself.

You will not be disappointed.

The Kings Head Church Square, Shepperton, TW17 9JY Tel 01932 229399

20% off Food with this ad

Just fill in this form and present it to staff when you visit.

We will keep in touch with offers and news from time to time.

Name…………………………………………………………………….

Email address …………………………………………………….….

Valid til end April 2016 (excludes public holidays)

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Is the ‘Inn’ to Become a Thing of the Past? (Are Inns Out?!)

We learned at short notice that there was to be an open meeting regarding the future of The Anchor, and were sadly unable to attend. My initial thoughts were, “No, not another one”. The old hostelries of Shepperton seem to be falling one by one: The Crossroads, The Ship (see right) and now The Anchor. The reality is that running a pub/hotel is not an easy task and The Anchor has been losing money for years. That is not a good business proposition. Selling the land to a develPhoto courtesy of the SSLHS oper on the other hand is a nice little earner. We fully expected to hear tales of protest from the community, but have found on speaking to people living in Old Shepperton that there is a good deal of support for plans.

It sounds as if Shepperton Hotels Ltd, owners of The Anchor and The Warren Lodge, are mindful of their responsibilities towards this historic building and the immediate area. “Any redevelopment would be carried out sensitively.” said Director, James Gordon. “ Whatever might be built would have to be in keeping with the genteel charm of Church Square.”. If the issue of parking is a concern, that has also been addressed with a dozen spaces being created in the plans.

It is a sad fact that people are changing their habits, drinking more at home rather than in pubs and inns, but we should be mindful that we are saying goodbye to buildings and businesses that have been part of the fabric of our lives for generations and once they are gone, they are gone.

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Vigne-Bremner Almshouses

Hairdressing at The Greeno In last months issue we ran a piece about the Greeno, mentioning amongst other things, Amy Pearce who joined the centre in the hair salon last year. What we did not mention was that Jenny has been hairdressing at the Greeno on a Friday for over 20 years. .Jenny also does hair dressing at Benwell Centre in Sunbury. It was never our intention to leave Jenny out of course, so many apologies for overlooking her.

If you are reading this in early April then remember that there is an open weekend on April 2nd and 3rd at both the Greeno and the Fordbridge Centre in Ashford. There is an offer on hairdressing at both places if you take the voucher in the March issue of Sunbury or Shepperton Matters. You can try the centres for free that weekend and see what facilities they offer, as well as trying a nice lunch in company.

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30/44 Nursery Road, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 6LE Reg. Charity no. 213816

VACANCY There is a vacancy at the Almshouses for a single pensioner of limited means who lives in or has close connections with the Parish of Sunbury.

The accommodation consists of a ground floor bed-sitting room with a shower room and kitchen, situated in a pretty communal garden.

The monthly contribution is ÂŁ420.00, incl. heating & water rates.

Please apply to the Administrator for further information: Ms A Dixon, 74 Darby Crescent, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5LA Email: amandadixon7@live.co.uk Phone: 07771 872656

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River Thames Scheme Should We Be Worried?

Monica Chard, Editor

There has recently been the latest public exhibition in Sunbury of plans for the River Thames Scheme. Did you go? What did you think? The widening of the weirs at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington sounds logical. But as for the creation of a fast track diversion of water heading straight to Shepperton and Sunbury, that is an entirely different thing. Most of us living on the river think it is an inconceived plan which could make for a far greater disaster in the river dwelling communities.

During the floods of 2014 much of the blame was put at the door of the Jubilee River. This is the watercourse which was built to divert water from the Thames around Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead at times of flood. It opened in 2002. Any long term river dwellers insist that our community has not been so prone to erratic water behaviour before the Jubilee River was constructed. At one point the Thames rose 18 inches in one hour during the flood. No amount of rain would have caused that. It was caused by release of water down the Jubilee.

So, having heard a lot about it, I was invited to visit the watercourse.

It was originally estimated to cost £50m. In the end the bill was nearer £100m. In the end the capacity only reached 2/3 of the original design - maybe that was a good thing! The very first time it was operated virtually every structure along its length was damaged. Repairs cost £5m and the EA in fact agreed on an out of court settlement with the designers for sub-standard design. In addition, what soon also became apparent was that although Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead were safe during the flooding, the undefended villages downstream of Windsor now flooded badly.

And so, the plans for the River Thames Scheme were born. The idea is for a further

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three sections of “bypass” rivers, diverting water from a swollen Thames upstream around key villages before dumping it back into the river, now at the Desborough Channel above Shepperton. What insanity! Does no one learn? As one retired river expert said to me “two into one won’t go. It will be a disaster”. Maybe we can hope that the money runs out after they widen the weirs. Widening the weirs makes sense. Use the rest of the money in the kitty on making the water course we have DEEP enough. Back to dredging. When you take a look at the size of the Jubilee River and imagine that watercourse, in full flow, adding into the already swollen Thames above our villages and I would venture to say we should be very nervous.

Two into one does not go! This is not the Thames.

This is Jubilee River. Big eh!

Thankfully there is now a government directitive which will ensure that ALL property, even which have been flooded and which do not currently have flood cover, WILL be given flood cover on their insurance. That is perhaps the silver lining.

For more information on the background and concerns on the Jubilee River you can find plenty at www.jubileeriver.co.uk

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Zone 6/Oyster. What Kwasi Says There have been various petitions getting support to change the fare system on our local rail networks locally to get a more modern system introduced and more competitive pricing. Great news. Kwasi Kwarteng seems to agree with the concept and will be supporting it in forthcoming talks. This is what he says: “When I speak to rail commuters, two issues are always raised: cost and convenience. With the South West Trains re-franchise coming up in 2017, now is the time to address these issues by bringing Spelthorne’s major stations into Zone 6 of the London network.

To the north of Heathrow in places such as Uxbridge and West Drayton, people travelling into London everyday pay a maximum of £11.80 in train fares using Oyster. To the south, in Shepperton, Sunbury, Ashford and Staines, peak return prices vary from £14.80 to £16.00 with no access to the Oyster system. The disparity of up to £84 per month cannot be explained by distance. The distinction is due to historical county boundaries that are no longer relevant.

Spelthorne, historically part of Middlesex, has always had strong links to London which have only grown with the development of Heathrow. Transport is hot on the agenda and much of the development, such as Crossrail, refurbishment of the Piccadilly Line, and Crossrail 2, will have close proximity to Spelthorne. It makes no sense therefore to arbitrarily segregate the surface rail service.

Spelthorne can follow precedent set by Epsom and a vigorous campaign supported by Chris Grayling MP that has already found success. I now want to see progress in Spelthorne and will be working with Stagecoach (the current franchise owners) and the Spelthorne Borough Council to put a plan together."

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Countdown to Shepperton Fair 2016 By the time you read this, it will only be just over two months until the annual Shepperton Village Fair.

The theme has been announced and there is an excitement building amongst the youngsters in the community as they think about their outfits for the procession. This year the theme is Colourful Carnival, in line with the Rio Olympics. We can’t wait to see the outfits which are bound to brighten up the day. Local primary schools and other organisations hsve received invitations to take part in the procession and there is a cash prize for each group.

This cash award makes a huge difference to participants as many are charities, depending entirely on donations and fund raising. 1st Shepperton Girlguiding say “...we are a charity and count on this money to help with the upkeep of our building, the cost of which is currently £2500 to maintain every year”.

Many of the schools use the funds to buy essential equipment for the children but they also view it as an important part of their profile in the local community, one even mentioning the parade in their Ofsted SEF. Asked what they think about the merits of having a village fair and procession Roseacre Nursery commented “We think the Village Fair represents everything that is good about our lovely village”. That says it all.

So we look forward to seeing lots of colourful outfits on the children AND adults! Yes, come on walkers, wouldn’t you love to be dressed up too?

This year you also have a treat in store. We have the Mini Marvels miniature horses confirmed as the main Arena event. How cute is that! There will be also be dance displays, a stilt walker, a circus workshop, the climbing wall and a large petting farm, not to mention all the local stalls and exhibits. If you need a stall there is still space. Just visit the website.

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Just go to: www.shepperton-fair.org. You can also download forms for the craft and photographic competitions. Shepperton Matters is once again sponsoring the Shepperton Fair Photographic competition. This year for the first time you will be able to enter digital photos taken on mobiles or tablets, which you can upload directly to the website. Just keep a look out for updates. You will also be able pick up forms in Budgen’s from the start of May and submit the entries personally.

The fair is only possible because of generous donation of time and money. We must thank this year Cllrs Edgington, Flurry, Madams.

Mitchell and Patel, as well as Cllr Robin Sider for their donations to the funding.

In case you have not got the date in your diary - Saturday June 11th 2016.

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Pushing the Boat Out at Littleton Sailing Club The sport of sailing has long been seen as belonging to ‘the gin and tonic brigade’, those with money to splash, though nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to local grass roots sailing clubs like Littleton Sailing Club in Shepperton, run by its members for its members. Littleton was founded by a small group of Civil Servants back in 1958, when the lake was still a working gravel pit. In those days the facilities were basic, but the enthusiasm of generations of its members have made it today into a club to be proud of. Although founded by civil servants, membership is open to everyone, and new members are always assured of a warm welcome.

Sailing is scheduled throughout the year, with volunteer teams overseeing all the club’s day to day activities. On Saturday afternoons from May through to October, the club’s junior sailors take to the water in impressive numbers, learning to sail in a safe and fun environment, with the older juniors encouraged to start racing – a sure way to improve boat handling skills and move up to the next level.

The club is an RYA Training Centre, offering its adult members sensibly priced courses leading to RYA certification. Once beginners have mastered the basics they are able to hire a variety of club owned boats. Informal improver training sessions are regularly scheduled as are dedicated cruising days. Most members eventually go on to buy a boat of their own and many take part in the varied racing programme that is on offer.

The club’s double storey clubhouse, built by volunteers, provides splendid views of the sailing, while spectators enjoy refreshments from the professionally run galley, whilst discussing the on water action, or just catching up with friends.

On Saturday 14th May Littleton is holding an open day offering dinghy sailing tasters, stand up paddle boarding, a BBQ and bar, and a special offer on its membership fees. Two sailing taster sessions will be run – booking in advance at £10 will include refreshments. Shorter free children’s sailing tasters will also be available.

For more information about Littleton’s open day: www.littletonsc.co.uk/pages/openday.html or contact Vanda Jowett, openday@littletonsc.co.uk

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Recipe of the Month Lovely, Easy Soda Bread

cool on a wire rack for a few minutes and eat warm with butter.

Makes 2 loaves Basic Recipe

Variations

Ingredients

Thinned yoghurt or half milk to water works instead of buttermilk if you don't have any.

500g plain white flour 10g salt

Experiment with flour mixtures. Spelt flour and rye flour make tasty additions.

4 tsp baking powder 300ml buttermilk

Add a couple of large handfuls of dried fruit to the mix. Raisins and sultanas, or chopped dates work very well.

Flour for dusting Method

Try a half-and-half mixture of plain and wholemeal flour and add a spoon of black treacle to the mix. It makes a denser, sweeter soda bread which is great with cheese.

Preheat the oven to 200C / Gas mark 6.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the liquid slowly while mixing to make a dough.

Knead briefly, divide into two and shape into rough rounds. Pat to flatten until about 2-3 inches / 5-8 cm thick. Cut a deep cross in the top of the loaf (cut almost all the way through but not quite) and stab lightly all over.

Or using half plain and half wholemeal flour, add a couple of handfuls of chopped walnuts and a couple of tablespoons of honey.

Try switching the buttermilk for beer (works best with wholemeal flour)

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread sounds The variations are endless. Enjoy. hollow when tapped on the base. Allow to Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

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Make your Will. Make a difference Following on from the success of last year’s campaign, Woking & Sam Beare Hospices are pleased to confirm the return of Make a Will Fortnight. Between 9th – 20th May, thanks to the generosity of a number of local solicitors you can make or update a standard Will in return for a donation to the Hospices. Appointments are limited, so it is important to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

All donations will go towards funding the Hospices’ essential services caring for local people living with a life-limiting illness. Gift in Wills also play a vital role in safeguarding these services. There is no obligation to include a gift to the Hospices in your Will when using Make a Will Fortnight, but once you have provided for loved ones, please consider doing so.

To find out more visit wsbhospices.co.uk/ makeawill or call on 01483 881752

This space could be yours for £30 plus VAT Call Monica on 07979 808991 or email monica@villagematters.co.uk and get your ad into 8200 local homes

Closing date for May is April 19th

Thinking of Selling your Stamp Collection?

Cut out the commissions and sell direct to the dealer! Home visit valuations. Immediate payment, however large or small.

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Changes at Surrey’s community recycling centres We have received the following notice from Spelthorne Council regarding changes at local recycling centres which will affect you if you use the Charlton Lane dump. There have been a lot of rumours and stories about charging, use of estate cars etc, so hopefully this will help: Changes will be introduced at Surrey’s 15 community recycling centres (CRCs) from 1 April 2016 that will enable the council to make critical savings while maintaining a comprehensive service for residents.

The changes were decided after residents were given the opportunity to feed back their thoughts on a range of cost saving options. As a result the opening hours will be slightly reduced at all centres to 8am-4pm on weekdays and 9am-4pm at weekends all year round. Additionally, some CRCs will close for a day or two a week at the least busy times.

There will also be charges introduced for non-household waste and reuse stores will be opened at recycling centres where there is space. Alongside this there will be increased enforcement of existing schemes to check that users live in Surrey, have a van permit where appropriate and are not using CRCs for business waste.

The changes are being made as increased demand for essential services, coupled with reduced government funding, means Surrey County Council needs to reduce its spending in other areas, including its CRCs. To find out which sites are closed for a day or two, which sites will accept non-household waste and for information on the Surrey resident and van permit schemes visit surreycc.gov.uk/recycling or call 03456 009 009.

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Laleham Village Fair 2016 Once again the Laleham Village Fair, organised by the Laleham Residents Association ,will be taking place this July, on Saturday 2nd. We are lucky to be able to confirm that the Fair will be opened, for the second year running, by local resident and popular TV actress, Nina Wadia of 'Eastenders', 'Holby City' and 'Goodness Gracious Me' fame.

Entrance is free and gates open at 11.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., at the Recreation Grounds on the Broadway, Laleham, TW18 1RZ , opposite the Turks Head pub.

Many vendors from last year’s event have already been in touch to confirm their stalls for this year and we are happy say that the live music during the day will once again be courtesy of The Chris Dunne Country and Western Band, who went down a storm last year – people may recognise Chris himself from last years’ Village Pantomime where he played one of the main leads.

High on the agenda for this year will be more food outlets and local vendors are already starting to come forward to be included. There will be a BBQ as well as hotdogs, donuts, ice creams and the Artisan Bakery with freshly baked bread and cakes.

There will be the usual favourites, tug-of-war, pony rides, Classic cars, balloon twisting for the children as well as participation from Burway Rowing Club, Laleham Sailing Club and Surrey Canoe Club, and much much more.

For those still wanting to take a stall at this year’s event, or for more information on the day, please check out the LRA website at www.lalehamonthames.com or phone Gerry Morris on 01784 455264

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Mayor Opens New Booking Office - H&KW Railway The Saturday morning dawned grey and chilly, with the threat of light rain. However the mood at the Hanworth Loop of the Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway, and at the Kempton Steam Museum was all hustle-and-bustle for the first Steaming of the season for the Kempton Great Engines, the first public running of the Railway after the hard-work of the winter maintenance period, and, most important, the Official Opening of the New Booking Office by the Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Mark Francis.

Every railway needs a Booking Office to shelter, not only the passengers, but also the volunteer/staff – and very welcoming the interior was when the chilly wind blows. But first the Mayor had another duty to perform – and that was in the warmth of the Kempton Park Great Engine House - to start the Great Engine for its ‘12.30’ steaming – a very impressive piece of machinery in an equally impressive building – and it is even more impressive as hundreds of tons of reciprocation machinery are moving!

After a light lunch in the Great Engine House duty called to brave the elements and cut the tape to officially open the New Booking Office.

And finally a train ride behind ‘His’ engine “Spelthorne”, after posing on the footplate for the obligatory Photograph for the Spelthorne Family Album!

The railway is now open every Sunday until mid November, usually with the steam-engine “Darent” pulling the trains – see our website www.HamptonKemptonRailway.or.uk for all details, special events, fares, and how-to-get-there map.

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What are Residents Associations, and What do they Do? We are lucky in this area having active Residents Associations covering all of the local areas working in different ways but essentially all working in the hope of achieving a better Town / Village for their area: - Charlton Village / Laleham / LOSRA / Shepperton etc.

In Charlton Village we are virtually an all new committee whereas some of the other areas have had the same committee members for many years, all working hard. We would like to thank those committee members who left, especially Jackie , Ross and Sally, for their tireless work over the years. It was really appreciated. Our committee is a group of local residents who care about Charlton Village, giving up our time in the hope of improving the lives of all of us who reside in the Village.

We try to keep residents informed and updated about local issues, through newsletters, emails, as well as through the new website and though Facebook where we welcome resident’s views comments and updates. Details as follows: Web site www.cvra.co.uk Email cvramessages@gmail.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ groups/693333547438553/?fref=ts We liaise with other associations exchanging information be it planning, speeding or traffic matters, neighbourhood watch or information on social events.

At this time of the year subscriptions are due. If you are asked by your Residents Association for subscriptions money please give with an open heart.

They don’t make a profit and all monies raised are spent by the committees locally. This year we are raising money for the Brownies.

Our current subscription is £3 per household, although we are more than happy for additional donations. Our on-Line Bank Account Details for Subscriptions & Donations : Account No: 54 41 51 Sort Code: 5095 4687 Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

We welcome any new committee members or offers of help, as it gives some new perspectives. We are especially looking for people who are interested in gardening or who like gardening to help us with the plant tubs and flowers so that we can get the Village looking attractive.

If you would like to help please contact us.

We don’t always get it right but we do try, hoping to achieve the best possible results.

We have our Charlton Village Residents Associations AGM on Thursday 26 May 2016 All residents are welcome to the AGM in Charlton Village Hall from 7.00pm. It’s a chance for a village get together, and have a chat and refreshments with the committee. See you there!

From the CVRA Committee

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FR EE Valid Until May 31st 2016. Ref: SM/2016

0333 123 0212 Made to Measure Curtains and Blinds Chosen in the comfort of your own home Interior consultant providing first class bespoke service from start to finish. Let me come and see you, let me help you choose your design and let me help you transform your home, office, hotel or business

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With 20 Years experience Angela Charles can create a set of curtains or blinds as individual as you T: 0333 123 0212 M: 07786 157160 E: angelacharlesinteriors@aol.com www.angela-charles.co.uk

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Shepperton Residents’ Association As reported last month, we were delighted to welcome Suzanne Rankin, the Chief Executive of Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals, to our Open Meeting on 1st March when she brought the residents up to date with the current negotiations for the merging of Ashford & St Peter’s Hospital Trust with the Royal Surrey Hospital Trust.

The illegal occupation of Sheep Walk continues to cause concern. The issues are very complex, with several pieces of land owned by different individuals. The Borough Council had taken enforcement action against four individuals in light of their continued illegal occupation of certain land. Decisions taken at the High Court on 14th March were disappointing with two defendants each fined suspended fines of £2500. These fines would be cancelled if the vehicles had been moved off the injunction land by 9th May. However failure to do so would be viewed very seriously with the prospect of imprisonment remaining a threat. The Council will continue to monitor the site and take further legal action as considered necessary.

Plans have been submitted to the Borough Council for a new care home on the old Bradbury Centre site in Manygate Lane.

The Association is reviewing the application in conjunction with local residents, and will submit objections if considered necessary.

Our Post Office has had a make-over resulting in a modern open-plan shop.

Changes are being made to all Surrey’s Community Recycling Centres, which Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

include reduced hours and charges to be made for certain types of waste material.

We wait to understand the full effect of these changes in respect of the Charlton Lane Site.

Work continues on the River Thames Scheme with public meetings explaining the need for weir enhancements at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington. However, it is clear that further funding for the scheme as a whole needs to be found.

Richard Hewitt

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Heston SKIP HIRE Est. over 25 years Locally Based, Family Run Business

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A Fast and Friendly Service Office 0208 572 5243 Mobile 07837 585101 Call anytime!

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Gardening Matters Spring Has Sprung!

Choose from well-rotted manure or garden compost, chipped bark or cocoa shells. This seals in moisture and keeps the weeds down, essential at this time of year when they start growing like...well...weeds!

If you haven’t already done so give your roses a prune taking care to remove any dead or diseased stems completely.

Digging is really only something I do with ground that is being cultivated for the first time. Mostly I use a fork and work in fertiliser as I go along.

How to…

Plant a container-grown shrub.

I like to use an organic fertiliser and tend to go for poultry manure pellets. I sprinkle them round shrubs, roses and perennials. The application instructions will vary but generally it’s about three handfuls to the square metre.

Soak the compost for an hour before planting. Make sure the rootball of the shrub is sufficiently moist.

Check to shrub is suitable for the site.

Dig a hole that is larger than the rootball. Work well-rotted gardencompost or planting mixture into the bottom of the hole and mix it with the soil you removed when you dug the hole.

It’s magical stuff when lightly forked in. It gives the plants a boost and builds up the levels of beneficial soil bacteria.

Now is the time I dig up my overcrowded border plants and split them into smaller clumps.

These can be used to plug the gaps elsewhere in my garden, or given to friends to help plug the gaps in theirs!

Plant the shrub o that the top of the rootball is just fractionally below the finished soil level. Firm the earth around with your boot. Water the plant in and spread an organic mulch on top.

Make sure you use a bit of fertiliser and water them in if the ground is dry.

I spread a good 3 inch / 8cm layer of mulch around my border, between the plants.

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Garden Maintenance Lawn Mowing, Tree & Shrub Pruning, Planting Schemes, Weeding Lawn Treatments Seasonal Lawn Treatments, Scarification, Aeration

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Landscaping Garden Designs, Patios, Decking, Fencing, Turfing

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PAIGE ELECTRICS

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Call Andy Scott for a quote: 01784 462928 07796 542788

COOKER POINTS SMOKE DETECTORS EXTERIOR LIGHTING POWER TO GARAGE ARE YOU RCD PROTECTED?

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Office: 01932 711196 Mobile: 07880 715856 franklin383@btinternet.com

PETER the HEATER Heating and plumbing Installations & repair Boiler replacement and service Fair Pricing Gas safe registered Free estimates. OAP discounts

We are a family run roofing business based in Sunbury. We undertake all aspects of roofing work and are fully insured.

We offer free quotations and advice

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See what our customers say about us at

Keep these numbers. They may be helpful!

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What’s On - Shepperton & Laleham Send info on local events to info@villagematters.co.uk to be listed here Surrey Canoe Club invite you to "Meet the Neighbour" Spring BBQ event on April the 16th starting at 12 noon at Thameside, Laleham. The club will provide the food and we ask that you will bring your own drinks. Please get in touch if you are interested in coming: 020 83991858/ 0744 7049157 or info@surreycanoeclub.co.uk A New Club is starting. La Vie Francaise. Thursday 21st April, 11.30am in the Parish Centre, St Nicholas Church. Talk, Discussion & Lunch, £7.00, First Meeting: Symbols of France. To join the group please ring 01932 883922 April Saturday 16th / Sunday 17th The Kempton Great Engines are “In-Steam”, the Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway is running (as it is every Sunday) and there will be a Model Railway Exhibition at the Kempton Steam Museum. TW13 6XH. Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society. David Allan, son of Ian Allan who became the largest publisher of transport books in the world, will be telling the remarkable story of Ian Allan Ltd at the next meeting of the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, at 8pm on Tues. 19th April. The meeting takes place in the theatre of Halliford School, Russell Road, Shepperton. All welcome, admission £2 for non-members of SSLHS.

SHEPPERTON ARTISTS (SAA)

ART & CRAFT FAIR SHEPPERTON VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 9th April 10.30 am - 3.30 pm FREE ADMISSION Car Parking. Refreshments Available

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Community Matters Shepperton & Laleham Send community events info to info@villagematters.co.uk to be listed here Shepperton and Oatlands Scottish Dancing Club meet on alternate Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 8.00 p.m. to 10 p.m. in St Andrews Church Hall, Hersham Road , Walton on Thames KT12 4AA (Tuesdays) and Oatlands Village Hall, St Marys Road, Weybridge KT13 9PT (Wednesdays) for Social Scottish Country Dancing.

Please come and join us. For further information please contact Barbara Dickson on 01483 728053 or email barbaramdickson@gmail.com Staines Horticultural Society Floral Art Group meet monthly on Wednesday evenings.

Meetings are a mix of flower arranging demonstrations and practical workshops. A small friendly club we welcome guests. On 24th February we have a practical workshop. For more information contact Anne Hart 01932 564835 Shepperton Allotment Association, Grove Road Shepperton will have a number of vacant plots later this spring. Please contact John Child (Chairman) on 01932 245952 or email chiljohn@aol.com to add your name to the short waiting list The Probus Club of Shepperton for retired business and professional men meets on the first Tuesday of each month at The Anchor Hotel to hear a speaker followed by lunch. In March we held our AGM and the chairman announced a donation of £600 to Prostate Cancer UK. We welcome new members; please telephone 01932 223814 The Brigitte Trust is a registered charity supporting people with life-threatening illness in their homes. Volunteers visit weekly, offering emotional support, carer respite and practical help like shopping and driving. Our service is free and referrals come from local medical teams. We welcome car drivers who can offer three hours weekly visiting people in Sunbury and Shepperton. Call Sharon on 01306 881816... find out more at www.brigittetrust.org Home-Start Spelthorne is looking for parents and grandparents to become home-visiting volunteers. If you can spare a few hours a week to offer a listening ear, friendship, emotional and practical support to young families, please contact us now to find out more. Volunteers are required to attend a Course of Preparation and have a DBS check. An accredited course is available. Please contact Home-Start Spelthorne on tel no. 01784 463200 or e-mail homestartspelthorne@tiscali.co.uk or see our website www.home-startspelthorne.org DayBreak – located in St Peter’s Hall, Laleham Road, Staines. Most Mondays and Tuesdays we offer respite for carers, giving them a break from looking after someone (sometimes 24/7) for a few hours while they are fed and entertained and perhaps benefit from physiotherapy or podiatry. Call Simon Bhadye 07960 618188

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Index of Advertisers

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Adult Learning 15 Alteration/Tailoring The Zipyard 25 Bakery The Bakery 33 Beauty/Cosmetic Surrey Skin Centre 37 Bedrooms Ashford Interiors 5 Car Bodywork Chip & Paint Repairs 48 Car Repairs/MOTs HCC 34 SCM 39 Care Home/Support Abbey Chase 19 AgeUK 37 Vigne Bremner 20 Chiropodist Shepperton Chirop 22 Cinema/Studio Pinewood Studios 7 Clearance Blue Square 14 Curtains & Blinds Angela Charles 42 Decorator SDS 49 Chris White 44

Domestic Cleaning My Home 14 Jackie’s Cleaners 8 Time for You 35 Electrician Paige Electrics 49 Estate Agents/Property Curchods 28/29 haart 23 Fruit/Veg/Flowers Quality Fruit 8 Funeral Services Lodge Brothers 41 Garden Centre Longacres 11 Garden Services/ Supplies Easicut Mowers 46 Before & After 48 Landscaping/Thames 46 SJL Paving 49 Glazing Repairs Glenn Hudson 48 Village Windows 44 Handyman/ Maintenance/DIY i-Handy 48 L&P 40

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Health & Fitness/Sport Everyone Active 9 Sunbury Bowls 12 Hazelwood 12 Heating/Plumbing Aston Cord 44 Peter the Heater 49 Insurance Hard to Insure 20 Kitchens Ashford Kitchens 5 Kitchen Makeover Dream Doors 31 Lettings Agency Deverton Estates 6 Massage Massage by Therese 22 Mobility Services All Mobility 32 Kudos Mobility 37 Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 49 Pest Control Lee Pest Control 46 Removals Thorogood 49 Restaurant/Pubs The Red Lion 27 The Kings Head 16

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Ivory Tusk The Fish Shack Holiday Inn Roofing/Guttering Aldridge & Sons Schools Halliford School Sell for Cash JC Stamps Skip Hire Heston Skips Solicitor Julian Philips Storage Lock & Leave Taxi VA Cars Station Cars Travel Agency Drifters Travel Useful Numbers Venue Hire Shepperton Cricket Windows Jubilee Novaglass Window Cleaning Studio Windows

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