Keeping a Community Together
December 2016/ January 2017 Issue 4
FREE to Homes and Businesses in East and West Molesey
FREE TO 9000 HOMES EVERY MONTH
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Matters
Putting Local Business First
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Molesey
Welcome!
This is a JOINT December/January issue Please don’t tell me off if you have not received a copy of Molesey Matters in January! Don’t worry, we will be back to normal in February, but meanwhile enjoy this one, together with all the great offers and vouchers for January. I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year! The four months since the magazine launched has literally flown by. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting so many talented and community spirited residents. In an ever changing (and especially this year) confusing world, talking to you all really confirms to me that community truly binds us together. I look forward next year to meeting more of you, and through this little magazine helping where I can. In this issue we take a look at what
December 2016/ January 2017 Christmas was like in Molesey in 1907. We learn about the bare knuckle boxing terminology used at Moulsey Hurst, and discuss the history of postcards. We hear who were the winners at the Elmbridge Sports Awards and discover the early beginnings of the Molesey Fire Brigade. Local resident Della Reynolds continues the garden blog and we are updated by the resident’s association. Once again have a great festive season and see you all back in February.
Reader Offers
Esher Tyres —15% off until 31st Jan Longacres — £5 discount off £25 spend Angela Charles Interiors — Free Linings Walton Bathrooms — Bathrooms VAT Free Adult Learning — £5 courses Village Windows — 20% off until 31st Jan The Bell Hampton — 25% off food Holley Designs — 15% off until 31st Jan Carley Hairdressing — 15% off with advert
Published by:
Village Matters Ltd
Contents
Molesey Director: Paul Chard Telephone : 07946 494288 Email : paul@villagematters.co.uk Website :www.villagematters.co.uk
Christmas Shopping 1907 Boxing at Moulsey Hurst History of Postcards Molesey Business Association Elmbridge Sports Awards Recipe of The Month Garden Tips for Winter Urban Wildlife Garden Molesey Residents Association Events We Like Index of Advertisers
Front Cover: by local photographer Agnieszka Olek Send any photos (300dpi) for consideration to: paul@villagematters.co.uk
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Christmas Shopping in Molesey 1907 By the Molesey Local History Society From an article taken from The Surrey Comet dated 21st December 1907! Once again, as this season of the year returns, the tradesmen, by the splendid show and arrangement of their goods, do their utmost to secure the Christmas orders of the public. Messrs. H. Thompson and Co. have as usually fine array of beef, mutton and pork on show, including that of beasts fed by Lord Rothschild and Mr. John Jones, of Llandudno. Their poultry, too, makes a splendid show, their turkeys being very fine. Mr. Lawrence has a fine array of meat, including a fine first-prize beast bred by the Marquis of Breadalbane, K.G., and fed on His Majesty’s estate at Sandringham. His show of mutton and beef is also outstanding. Mr. Cross is well to the fore with a secondprize shorthorn heifer, and another equally fine beast fed on one of His Majesty’s farms. Norfolk turkeys are much in evidence at Mr. Ive’s premises, as well as a good show of geese and pheasants. Messrs. Gillett and Allnutts’ display is also worthy of mention, as well as that of Mr. Wrighton. Mr. Evans is showing a very choice selection of wines at both his establishments, and his fruits and Christmas dainties again make a pretty show. Messrs. Stevenson’s window is a picture of good things, and the same may be said of that of Mr. Latcham. Wines are also noticed in the shows of Mr. Letcher and the Watford Ale Stores. In the greengrocery trade, Mrs. Starkey, Messrs. Masters and Bailey and the Parade Fruit Stores all show seasonable goods in great variety. In the confectionery line one may secure all that is required at the establishments of Mrs. Scott and Messrs. Chambers, Redman, Storey, Wright and Hamilton. Mr. Briginshaw and Mrs. Raggett are showing a Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
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great variety of fancy goods and sweets for both young and old. Mr. Patching’s show of phonographs, records, mechanical toys and other articles are well up-to-date, while Messrs. Wild and Day also have a great number of records and instruments to dispose of. Mr. Rowland Williams’ cycle show is worth a visit. Footwear is shown in every variety at the premises of Messrs. Jones,
Hedges and Tilley, and also at the West End Boot Stores. The drapers are as usual well to the fore with Christmas requirements. Messrs. Rowe and Stevens, Stimson, Rant, Wheatley and Brooks offering every attraction. Gents’ outfitting is well provided for by Messrs. Handley, Smelt’s show also merits attention. Perfumes, fancy soaps, etc., are to be seen in the shows of Messrs. Kent and Swaby, and at the ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilet saloon of Mr. Gray almost every description of toilet requisite is displayed. Fancy stationery and Christmas cards are supplied by Messrs. Taylor, Fox and Franklin, as well as by Knapp, Drewett and Sons Walton-road, at whose new premises these goods are displayed in great variety. Through the combinations of the tradesmen in the Walton Road there will be decorations and illuminations from today until Tuesday. The work of decoration is in the hands of Messrs. Langston, Jones and Co.
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Bare Knuckle Boxing at Moulsey Hurst Sources: Various Moulsey Hurst was once the bare-knuckle boxing centre of England. Samuel Elias (better known as Dutch Sam April 4, 1775 in Petticoat Lane, London – July 3, 1816), was a professional boxing pioneer and was active between the years 1801 and 1814. Known as the hardest hitter of his era, he earned the nickname "The Man with the Iron Hand" The big word was mill. Milling had already meant any form of beating or thrashing but now it meant prizefighting – with bare knuckles – and a fight could be a milling-bout or a millingmatch. Mill itself meant a fight. The boxers (buffers) seemed to be built on different lines. Nothing as simple as a head: there was the nob, the attic, the knowledge box, the top-loft, the brain canister and upper crust (fifty years before it began referring to a somewhat different variety of nob). The fist, one’s most vital appendage, was the mitten, the hard dumpling, the famble, the daddle or the prop. The props were the arms. It was also the auctioneer: it ‘knocked things down’. Knocking down was of course the point. One used nothing so prosaic as a jab, hook or uppercut. Blows could be nobbers or headachers (to the head), mufflers (to the mouth), facers (to the face), props (uppercuts) and chippers (jabs). A simple blow was a fib, which gave fibbing gloak, the boxer (gloak being a variant on bloke) and fibbing, the ‘noble art’ itself all of this was blood. Or claret. Of all the Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
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favourite terms this is perhaps the sole survivor. One could claret one’s opponent or tap their claret, i.e. draw their blood; and the first such blow was the claret-christening; the nose was the claret-jug, claret-cask or claret-spout. Jem Belcher (15 April 1781 – 30 July 1811) was an English bare-knuckle boxer and Champion of All England 1800-1805. In 1807 Belcher lost to the outstanding new talent Tom Cribb in 31 rounds. Virtually ruined by the huge gambling losses he sustained at this fight he caused a fracas after the bout, for which he spent four weeks in prison. He died in London in 1811, a broken man. Tom Cribb. defeated Jem Belcher in 1807. At the end of the match between Cribb & Gregson at Moulsey Hurst, Jem Belcher spat angry words at the new champion, whose lack of skill led him to believe he could come back and regain the title, even if he did have only one eye, and even if Cribb had already beaten him once. Accordingly, the match was made and Cribb beat him again. Pierce Egan called the closing stages piteous and dreadful with Belcher, his hands bleeding and his arm broken, taking a hiding.
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The History of Postcards Sources: Various The tradition of sending postcards did not appear out of thin air. The global postal system made several innovations during the 1800s that helped create this new postal age. One
such innovation was the introduction of uniform penny postage stamps in Great Britain in 1840 that made mail delivery easy and affordable. The postage stamp quickly gained popularity. Prior to that prices for shipping letters was based on the distance the mailman had to travel. Stamps also changed how fees were collected. Originally fees were not collected up-front from the sender, but instead a surprised recipient would find a mailman on his or her doorstep, demanding payment. Under that system post offices had been losing money, for recipients would often refuse their mail and the postman would be sent away unpaid. In 1837 Rowland Hill proposed that letters be charged by weight, not distance, and the fee be collected in advance from the sender. This new procedure transformed the postal system and it paved the way for people to send postcard letters for a very small fee. The direct ancestor of postcards is envelopes printed with pictures on them. These first decorative envelopes are believed to be first produced by D. William Mulready, E.R.W. Hume, Dickey Doyle, and James Valentine. The envelopes were often printed with To advertise call Paul on 07946 494288
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pictures of comics, Valentines, musical notes and patriotic pictures (Patriotic Covers) during the Civil War period of 1861-1865. Austria became the first country to publish the postcard, but not the first to conceive of the idea. A few years earlier, German postal official Dr. Heinrich von Stephan submitted a proposal for such an object, which was then fiercely debated and not executed in North Germany until July 1870, a year after Austria introduced the postcard to their country. Within two years, variations of the postcard had quickly spread across Europe. Canada introduced the postcard in 1871 and the United
Posted on 31st December 1905.The hotel was demolished to make way for the new Hampton Court Bridge in the early 1930's. Note the advert on the right for Hurst Park Club Race Meeting.
States introduced officially issued postcards in 1873. The first postal card was suggested by Dr. Emanuel Herrmann, in 1869, and was accepted by the Austrian-Hungarian government in the same year. The first regularly printed card appeared in 1870, a historical card, produced about the Franco-German War. The first advertising card appeared in 1872 in Great Britain. Cards showing the Eiffel Tower appeared in 1889. A Heligoland card of 1889 is considered to be the first multi-coloured card ever printed. Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
Originally a home for soldiers’ widows The Royal Cambridge was founded in 1851 and was situated in Norbiton Park in Kingston. Seventy years and a lot of changes later the Home is still going strong and has recently had approval from the Charity Commission to accept gentlemen residents as well as ladies and is now called The Royal Cambridge Home. Who would have thought all those years ago that the residents of the original home would be participating in indoor netball, inflatable target practice, Home Olympics, boat cruises on the river to name but a few activities. Alongside visits from many varied and exotic animals such as large
tropical snails and miniature house trained ponies, there truly is something for everyone. To celebrate the recent changes, including the latest phase of By Monica Chardheld its refurbishment works, the Home first ever Open Day, which proved hugely successful. Decked out with balloons and bunting visitors were invited to participate in some of the activities, which included keep fit and professional entertainment from Music In Hospitals. Home Manager, Rory Belfield, says “It’s an absolute privilege working in this historic home and we seem to be going from strength to strength. The atmosphere is always one of great fun and laughter. With the support of our Chairman and Trustees and our long standing affiliations with organisations such as The Royal Hospital Chelsea we really are unique and our original ethos as a charity and not for profit organisation still remains today “
Founded in memory of the first Duke of Cambridge, the Home is located at East Molesey in Surrey, very close to Hampton Court and the River Thames. Up to 28 residents are accommodated in a range of comfortable single rooms, suites or double rooms with telephone and television facilities. The Royal Cambridge can provide permanent or respite care for ladies, gentlemen and couples, subject to availability. Residents can take part in a variety of daily activities and excursions should they wish or simply relax in the beautiful communal lounges. There is also a chapel and large, well maintained and attractive south facing gardens.
The Royal Cambridge Home 82-84 Hurst Road East Molesey Surrey KT8 9AH Tel: 020 8979 3788 Email: rch@royalcambridgehome.org www.royalcambridgehome.org Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
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News from the Molesey Business Association Where are all the ‘good’ shops in Molesey going? A question I am often asked or see raised in various media formats. Everywhere one looks, a shop is closed only to be replaced by another Eatery or Hairdresser / Nail Bar etc. The basic issue is the lack of ‘footfall’ according to the traders. A busy, varied shopping area does encourage more visitors and then, for the trader, there is always the chance of a sale. Unfortunately, once the ‘good’ shop has gone it is difficult to get them back. Lloyds Bank, our last bank, closed due to the lack of use and is a clear example of the problem. According to the Lloyds Bank web site, only 28 people used the bank on a weekly basis. 19% down in comparing 2014/5 to 2015/6. It is difficult to prove if these figures are accurate but assuming they are, think of how your newspaper shop, butchers or bakers would survive with only 28 people a week visiting to buy goods from them! As often displayed in local shops – ‘Use them or Lose them’ Some say it is the internet and people shopping online. Certainly, you cannot get your Hair or Nails done ‘online’ and unless takeaways takeover, Eateries will always stand a good chance of survival on the High Street. Even those, however, are reliant on people using them. Some traders say numbers have reduced since the introduction of parking charges. However, 20p for half an hour, 60p for an hour seems pretty good to me.
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So, some thoughts when you shop next time. When you chose to buy online, ask yourself is it really cost effect? Can I get it cheaper locally? There will almost certainly be no delivery charge! When you are in town, why not have a look around – there may be a new shop to try out. It may even encourage an entrepreneurial person who is ‘looking around’ and ‘checking the area’ to open that Green Grocers or Fishmongers that everyone seems to want. Keep an eye open for that ‘Pop Up’ shop as well. They are testing the market to see if it is worthwhile to operate full time!
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Molesey Community Christmas Events Bridge Road Winter Wander Thursday 1st Dec 4pm til late. Bridge Road is a one of a kind destination bustling with life, delicious food, antiques and boutiques near Hampton Court Palace. Come and celebrate the festive season with late night shopping, Father Christmas with his real Reindeer, Mulled Wine, Live Artists and delicious food. The whole road will be closed to traffic and parking is available at Hampton Court Station Car Park, a minute's walk away.
Walton Road Magical Molesey Wednesday 7th Dec 4.30-7.00 pm Magical Molesey looks set to be a corker this year with a huge range of stalls and activities for the whole community. Our Christmas tree lights will be switched on and many of the shops will be staying open late sharing wine and nibbles and all sorts of fun activities. There will be a children’s competition so look out in local shops for that. There will be special discounts in some shops, Santa Claus and of course there will be carols and music filling our streets on two performance stages.
Valid until 31st January 2017
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Elmbridge Sports Awards 2016 The Elmbridge Sports Awards ceremony was held at Danes Hill School in Oxshott in November to celebrate the achievements, dedication, talent and hard-work of some of our local athletes, coaches and volunteers. They had been nominated by the community for their commitment to make Elmbridge an even more active and successful sporting Borough.
The event was hosted by Elmbridge Sports Council and sponsored by Sandown Park, Places for People, Specsavers, Clay Hair Salon, Surrey County Council Local Committee, David J Archer Group of Companies, Councillor Rachael Lake and Active Surrey. Guest Olympian Giselle Ansley, hockey gold medalist at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, cut a particularly inspirational figure while former Rydens Enterprise School Student and Team GB member, Rebeka Simon, enthused the audience with her fantastic kayaking achievements. The winners of this year’s Sports Awards were: Junior Sports Personality – Scarlett Meurisse (Cobham Fencing Club) Youth Sports Personality – Pippa Earley (Notre Dame School – Athletics) Senior Sports Personality – Callum Gatherole (Walton Rowing Club) Junior Sports Team – Surrey Youth Games Judo junior boys Youth Sports Team – Molesey Boat Club U18 Senior Sports Team – Elmbridge Canoe Club K2/K4 Inclusive Sports Award – Mikael Undrom (Kingston Athletics and Polytechnic Harriers, Special Olympics Surrey SE) Schools Award – Cleves School Football Team To advertise call Paul on 07946 494288
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Young Volunteer – Liam Hanafin (Molesey Juniors Football) Volunteer Award – Anthony Balkwill (Cobham RFC) Coach of the year – Debbie Parker (Cobham Community Link) Community Coach of the year – Mark Hams (KT One Two Project) Olympic themed coach of the year – Miklos Simon (Elmbridge Canoe Club) Mick Burgess Club of the year – Riverside Rebels (running club) The Mayors Award – Rowland Lawler (Elmbridge Canoe Club) Councillor Barry Cheyne, Chairman of the Elmbridge Sports Council, said: “So many athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers work really hard for their local sports clubs and these awards are a fitting way to recognise and celebrate all their efforts and achievements. This is the perfect way to demonstrate to them that their dedication to the sporting community will continue to be appreciated and supported." Councillor Janet Turner, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Cultural Services, said, “In Elmbridge, we are determined to encourage people of all ages to get involved in sport and are proud to have so many local athletes dedicated to reach even higher levels of performance. We must remember that their goals could not be met without the hard work, dedication and skill of the coaches and sports clubs in the Borough. Congratulations to all this year’s winners and a heartfelt thanks to all the members of the local sporting community who are doing such a great job in supporting sport in Elmbridge”. Winners of the Elmbridge Sports Awards are automatically put through to the assessment panel for the county awards; The Surrey Sports Awards 2016. Those who are successfully shortlisted for the county awards will be invited to attend the awards show at HG Wells Events and Conference Centre on Tuesday 6 December 2016. For further information on the Sports Awards, please call 01372 474572 or email leisure@elmbridge.gov.uk.
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Free Cakes For Kids Hounslow, Elmbridge and Surrounding areas is a voluntary led, free and confidential service that provides birthday cakes for children whose parents or carers might struggle to provide one. The reasons for this can be varied but include financial problems, homelessness, physical or mental health problems, being involved in the care system, disability and bereavement. We generally take referrals from agencies such as social services, children’s centres, schools or charities that work with children who have life threatening illnesses although we can take self referrals. We currently have over 50 volunteer bakers who make cakes for us but we are looking for more bakers who live in Molesey to support us with referrals in this area. Our volunteers
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include bakers of all levels, you don’t need to be a master baker to make a cake for us! Our bakers typicallyBy bake between one and three Nicola Morgan/Author cakes for us per year, sometimes more if they’d like to. If you would like to volunteer for us, but would find the financial cost of ingredients too much, we can even provide the ingredients for you so please get in touch! We have been lucky enough to secure some funding from the Kia New Futures Fund in conjunction with The Walton Charity. We will be using this money to provide baking packs to families, running healthy baking workshops for children and their parents/ carers and to provide ingredients to volunteers who need it. If you would like to get in touch then please contact Becca Ljungberg : freecakesforkidshounslow@outllook.com www.facebook.com/ freecakesforkidshounslow
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Halloween 31st October
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By Monica Chard
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Meet MoleseyMakers
It's
Welcome to MoleseyMakers. We are Charlotte and Ellie, both Molesey mums who love all things creative. Ellie has more of a retro vibe and Charlotte loves all things vintage. Last summer Ellie had just set up her business making children's clothes and accessories . http://m.facebook.com/ doalittledancedesigns Charlotte was hiring out vintage crockery and props: http://m.facebook.com/ chinarosevintageteahire One morning over coffee we were talking, and both felt that there was nowhere local to showcase our creations so we decided to do it ourselves! We though there must be lots of other like minded people out there who felt the same so MoleseyMakers was born.
gradually
been building and in September we moved to the Refresh Community Space in the heart of Molesey. We have just had our Christmas pop up shop and it was a great success. We are building a community of crafters that Molesey can be proud of. Our next event will be upstairs at Refresh for Magical Molesey on 7th December 5.00-7.00pm . For info on our upcoming events, links to our crafters or if you would like to join (we are always on the look out for interesting creative people) go to our Facebook page
MoleseyMakers.
Thinking of Selling your Stamp Collection? Cut out the commissions and sell direct to the dealer! Home Call 01932 785635 www.jcstamps.co.uk
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Learn a New Skill
Yes, yes….more New Years Resolutions! Surrey Adult Learning Spring term starts on 9 January 2017. As we are a part of a Henrietta Parker trust, we can offer £5 Cookery courses (usual price £92) as well as 50% off computing courses. In addition, we also have a number of courses that support local people back into work. We have a range of GCSE and Pre-GCSE Maths and English courses as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Our popular universal programme offers a range of courses including, Drawing and Painting, Yoga, Tai Chi, Languages, Flower Arranging, Upholstery, Garment Making and Clock Repair to name a few. Molesey Adult Learning Centre Henrietta Parker Centre Ray Rd, Molesey, West Molesey KT8 2LG 0300 200 1044 Website:http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-andlearning/adult-learning
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Raw Chocolate Brownies Ingredients for 20 squares 200g pecans or walnuts 250g dates (ideally medjool) 50g cocoa powder 50g desiccated coconut 3 dessert spoonfuls agave syrup or runny honey Pinch salt For the decoration 50g nuts (pecan/walnut or pistachio 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut Method Chop nuts in a food processor until they are like course flour in texture. Add the pitted dates and run the food processor until the ingredients are blended well together. Add the cocoa, desiccated coconut, agave syrup or honey and a little salt and run the
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processor until you have a mass. Prepare a low baking tin (24x18cm tin if you have one) by lining with baking parchment or with cling film. Press the mixture into the tin and spread evenly. Decoration Drizzle the top with pecan or walnut halves or roughly chopped pistachios, according to your preference. Sprinkle over the desiccated coconut and push it all down lightly into the dough so that it doesn’t all fall off when you eat it!
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Leave in the fridge for an hour or so, then cut into 20 equal squares and enjoy!
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Top Tips to Prepare Your Garden For Winter Before we all down tools and go indoors as the days get shorter, there are some jobs that can be done in the garden before it gets too cold. Firstly trees or shrubs can be planted in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a great time. The soil is still warm enough and it gives plants time to settle their roots before colder weather begins and they will be all ready to burst forth in Spring. Newly-planted plants will often lift themselves from the soil surface if there is a hard frost straight after planting. Check them regularly and re-firm the ground around them to ensure their roots are always in contact with the soil. If your garden is lacking winter interest Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia, see below) can add a welcome splash of winter colour. So too can the bright stems of dogwood (Cornus), or the bright purple berries of Callicarpa.
If you have plants in pots, stop watering them so that they don’t become water logged. Move them inside or to a warmer spot next to a wall, and ensure the pots are standing on bricks or feet. This will help them remain frost free. Borders will benefit from a thick layer of dry mulch around plants to keep the soil frost-free. This will allow them to take up moisture during periods of cold weather and stop them from becoming dehydrated.
Rake up leaves to keep lawns and ponds clear, and if you can keep the leaves to make leaf mould, a great mulch and feed for your plants later in the new year. Before January snip off any dead leaves from your softer perennial plants. This keeps them free from rotting leaves and pest free.
Don’t forget our garden friends! Keep feeding garden birds with fat rich bird food, and if you have space, create a little wilderness or a bug hotel area that little critters can over winter in. Gardening Tips and Advice by Holley Designs Garden Design & Creation Climbing roses can be cut right back in late autumn, and the remaining lead stems tied to supports with garden string. This is essential to stop wind rock; for the same reason lightly prune shrub roses and any long stems on other shrubs. Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
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www.holleydesigns.com Tel 01932 829593
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Urban Wildlife Garden
You don’t need to live in the country to enjoy wildlife A blog by Molesey Resident - Della Reynolds During November I’ve been busy with my small bird project. I have no objection to the pigeons, starlings, crows or magpies who come on a regular basis to my urban feed station, but I really wanted to attract some of the smaller birds as well. The first step was to pigeon-proof the seed feeders. Pigeons eat like hungry men at an all-you-caneat-buffet. If there is food, then they eat it. None left for the little fellas who prefer a more demure dining experience. Despite my previous attempts to put out feeders that only the small birds could use, I had been foiled by pigeons hovering like humming birds and contorting crows defying gravity in order to get a free lunch. I needed to be smarter than these birds. A tall order, but I was up for the challenge I started with two circular feeders with perches that only tiny feet could use. I put these up along the garden fence, one full with seed and the other with fat ball. They were totally ignored. So then I added a squirrel proof seed feeder protected by a cage. Despite the picture on the box showing a number of small birds happily partaking of their exclusive feeding station this was not my experience. No-one went near it and I can’t blame them as it looked totally like a trap. I knew what the trouble was. It was the location of my garden as our small terrace forms a comet like tail for the larger gardens up and to the left. These houses have mature trees, lawns, bushes and hiding space. I just wasn’t getting the footfall. Like any good shopkeeper I decided to provide more of what the customer wanted in the hope of attracting the small birds once the weather turned colder. I started by changing the quality of the fat balls on offer. On advice I selected some ‘Chunky Dumplings’ “livingwithbirds” and once unpacked I could tell that this was high class cuisine. The crow was the To advertise call Paul on 07946 494288
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first to try them, hanging upside down from the wire cage and I must say they have proven to be a big hit. The old fat balls used to lie neglected until they went mouldy, but these ones are literally flying off the shelf. But I had yet to see a small bird enjoy the delights of a Chunky Dumpling. I wondered if they were put off the feeders due to lack of cover, so I took them away from the fence and arranged them all in the small apple tree; trying to ensure that the pigeons could not use a handy branch for a snack attack. With personalised feeders and high quality fat balls tastefully displayed, I sat back with my spotters guide book and waited. As the sunny November days turned crisp with frost I saw my first robin. She made a solitary appearance, signalling her arrival with a distinctive ‘peep peep’. She ate the remains of seed on the tray and then started jumping to take a nibble from the fat ball above. She could have simply stood on the bar and leaned forward for her meal, but then robins are ground feeders, so what did I expect. Then one morning a great tit arrived for a taster session. He went to each feeder in turn and selected its wares. I started to get really excited but sadly my offerings were not to his liking and he didn’t return. No more sightings for a few days but I knew that when the winter weather started to bite they would be beating a path to my door and as news spread that my garden was the gourmet of fine dining. Sure enough the next day a whole host of small birds arrived. The tree next door was alive with long-tail tits, never before seen in this neck of the woods and great tits ricocheted through the branches of the tree selecting titbits from all the feeders. I even saw one go inside the cage. They were of course too rapid for me to capture on film so you will just have to take my word for it. Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
Elmbridge Volunteer Awards 2016
The first Elmbridge Long Service Volunteer Awards have been held at the Civic Centre recently. These awards jointly organised by the Volunteer Centre Elmbridge and Elmbridge Council celebrated the outstanding contribution of volunteers in the borough to the local community. A number of Molesey people were privileged to receive awards from the Mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Tannia Shipley. These included Wendy Guest, Marlene and Bill Gotch, Carol Smith and Jill Richards. Wendy spent most of her adult life volunteering in many different ways; as a Cub Scout Leader and then joined the Molesey Residents Association, founded Friends of Fleetside, an organisation that helps care for the local environment, she has also contin-
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ued to find time to support other members and organisations in the community where needed. Carol Smith has along with Jill Richards has served the local community as a member of Molesey Care. Carol is a driver, taking people to and from medical appointments shopping etc., acts as duty officer arranging other volunteer drivers and is now serving on the management committee; she is the longest serving volunteer having given 30 years to this important local organisation The photo shows Wendy and Carol with their certificates. For further information please contact: Molesey Care 020 8941 1483 Friends of Fleetside : friendsoffleetside@gmail.com
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NEWS FROM THE MOLESEY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Sandra House/Radnor House Update: Residents will recall that planning
permission was granted earlier this year for a major redevelopment scheme in Walton Road and School Road. This will involve the demolition of the old Molesey Community Centre building, Radnor House and Sandra House, and the construction of 2 detached three storey buildings, a 2-3 storey building and a terrace of 5 houses (a total of 50 residential units). We understand that Paragon Housing are conducting a tendering exercise to appoint a contractor with a view to starting building work early in 2017, and that the development will take up to 18 months to complete.
War Memorial Drains: Residents attending the annual Remembrance Service at West Molesey War Memorial will no longer risk wet feet this year. For around 20 years the needed new drain in the slip road has been put forward but thrown out of the annual Highways budget. But now the work has been done, and there are 3 new drains to deal with the ponds which have built up by the Memorial in wet weather. It has taken a long time, we are grateful to Surrey’s Highways Department, and the Molesey Councillors who pressed for this much needed improvement.
Memorial Gardens: The East Molesey and West Molesey Memorial gardens have recently been replanted by the Association. We do this at the end of Spring, when the daffodils and tulips have finished flowering, and again just before Remembrance Sunday, when these gardens are under-planted once more with daffodils and tulips, and given a fresh top look with cyclamen and violas. Christmas Lighting: Molesey Councillors have been assured that the lights and motifs on the lamp-posts will be installed again this year. And once again Molesey Councillors and residents will light up three Christmas trees - one on the Police Station Green, one outside Musicland on the Walton Road and one on the Central Avenue roundabout. It is often a struggle sorting out the programmers inside the nearby lamp-posts to supply electricity for the trees on the greens, but we have someone who knows what to do. No such problem at Musicland, as the proprietor supplies the electricity at roof top level.
Magical Molesey: Don’t forget the date, Thursday 7th December, usually well started by about 5pm. Bring the children and there are entertainments and goodies for everyone – plus the big switch-on of the Christmas Tree outside Musicland.
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Molesey Events Coming Up Some we like...
Molesey WI meets at Imber Court on the first Wednesday of every month 7.30pm for 8pm, where we have a guest speaker or activity. Visitors are welcome for a £5 fee. Follow us on Facebook - Molesey Women's Institute (Molesey Crafty Ladies). Following a very well attended Antiques Valuation Day with Kate Bliss at Bridge Road Antiques in Oct, we will be holding another day with Kate at the Pavilion Sports club, Hurst Lane, East Molesey KT8 9DX, on Monday 12th December from 11-4.There was a huge range of items that came through the door in October and were consigned to Charles Hanson's Auction, a beautiful 3.5 carat diamond tiara in its original box was one star, estimate £2-4000. £260 was also raised through donations for the charity "Shooting Star Chase" So a very nteresting and valuable day all round. Anybody is welcome to attend on the 12th Dec with items or photographs, donations to the Pavilions charity, Thames Boat Project, will be hugely appreciated. If you have any questions please contact Sue Haswell on 07710732040 Veterans Support Association We hold monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the 3rd Molesey scout hut. From 10.00 - 13.00 Veterans only outreach meeting 13.00 - 16.00 Veterans and families drop in with several service charities in attendance offering advice and support. If you require a lift from Hampton Court station please call 07902125508 as we may be able to help. Old Time Music Hall Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a magical blend of old and new featuring dance, music and laughter that spans generations. A truly magnificent cast in a magical setting7.:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are £13.00 Normansfield Theatre, 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9PS Saturday 21 Jan 2017 Contact telephone: 03331212300 The Fountain Gallery Bridge Road East Molesey. The Christmas Show. A celebration of the diverse styles and media of the Fountain Gallery Artists. 13-31 Dec 2016 Film studies: Introduction to British Cinema WEA Adult Education Course - Using a wide range of extracts we will study how key British films were made and what they mean for the audience. We will consider how key films represent the world we live in, including the representation of race, gender, ethnicity and culture. Start time: Tue 10:00. 8 sessions until 14/03/2017. Standard fee: £86.10. For information and bookings see website or telephone: 0800 328 1050.YMCA White House 45 The Avenue Hampton Middlesex TW12 3RN Tuesday 17 Jan 2017 Contact telephone: 0800 328 1050 THE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL MATINEE NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE SUNDAY- JANUARY 22ND AT 2.30PM Presented by THE PAPER MOON THEATRE COMPANY . JAN HUNT the producer (from West Molesey) invites you to take a trip down memory lane to the glorious, golden days of traditional Music Hall . Helming this splendid afternoon of song, dance, magic and laughter will be your eloquent and elegantly waist coated Chairman who will introduce the artistes , all of whom have appeared on BBC TV’S ‘THE GOOD OLD DAYS’ which is currently being rerun on BBC4 .CAREFREE, CHEERFUL and uniquely BRITISH .Unmissable! “This is cutting edge Victoriana beloved by the British and their visitors” THE TIMES Please mention Molesey Matters when responding to adverts
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Index of Advertisers
Adult Learning Surrey Adult Learning 25 Bathrooms Walton Bathrooms 19 Car/Repairs/MOT Esher Tyres and Exhausts 13 Care for the Elderly Brigitte Trust 34 Royal Cambridge Home 10 Curtains and Blinds Angela Charles 18 Decorama 12 Dentists Gentle Dental Practice 20/21 Smilessence 40 Estate Agents/Letting Agents Dowling and Styles 39 Events Hampton Court Palace 5 Foot Care Stella Fielder 24 Funeral Services Alan Greenwood 26 Garden Services/Supplies Easicut Mowers 33 Longacres 15 Holley Designs 31 Glazing/Windows House of Surrey 37 Village Windows 27
Hairdressing Carley Mobile Health/Fitness Jo James Wellbeing Heating/Plumbing Progas Home Security WOT Security Insurance Hard to Insure Mobility Services Careful Mobility Shepperton Mobility Oven Cleaning Ovenclean Pets Loki Pet Supplies Restaurants/Bars/Pubs The Bell, Hampton Signature Café Schools Halliford School Hampton Prep and Pre Prep Hampton School St Lawrence C of E Sell for Cash JC Stamps Sports Clubs Imber Court
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Feb 2017 Issue Closing on 18th January
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