December 2017 Shepperton Matters

Shepperton Fair 2017 Report and Photos

Shepperton

Matters

Putting Local Business First.

Bringing a Community Together

December 2017

Issue 74

FREE Every Month to 8200 Homes in Shepperton and Laleham

Welcome!

Happy Christmas and New Year!

Big Tree Night is coming up and the High Street will soon be festooned with lights and cheer.

Spare a thought for any neighbours who may be on their own. Do remember the Greeno is once more hosting a Christmas lunch and can arrange transport too, so no one need be left out.

Shepperton is basking in it’s award for courtesy. It shows what a lovely place we live in. we also all come together in moments of sadness.

The community was all shocked to hear of the death of Ian Squire. The floral tributes piled up at the opticians bear testimony to how well he was liked. Details of his memorial are in this magazine, as well as a tribute to him.

December 2017 We have endeavoured to bring you some positive community stories this month, showing what lovely people there are out there.

Enjoy this season.

Happy Christmas!

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Contents

Published by:

The Magpie, Sunbury c1910 Ian Squire RIP Big Tree Night 2017 Campaign for Courtesy Blooming Shepperton Reflections on Christianity Purple Angels Spread their Wings A Christmas Carol Jeffrey’s Long Walk Beware the Threat of Malware Ian’s Cameo Walkathon Recipe of the Month Laleham Residents Round Up Don’t be Taken in by Scams!

Bradbury Cross Found!

4 Years After the Floods…

Thamesmead School Awards Shepperton Residents Association Gardening Matters What’s On Index/Advert Prices

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: ‘Christmas Cheer’. Photo by Monica Chard.

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The Magpie, Thames St, Sunbury c1910

By Nick Pollard

‘The Season’s Greetings’ reads the message printed at the bottom of this postcard of Thames Street and the Magpie hotel, dating from about 1910. Although clearly not a traditional Christmas scene, it was quite common for overprinted postcards to have been used in lieu of Christmas cards at the time. Perhaps this had something to do with the postage being only a half penny for a postcard against a penny for a letter!

The Magpie was first mentioned as a pub in 1729. Nearly 200 years later at the time this postcard was sent, the licensee was Thomas Freeman, who had succeeded his mother Elizabeth in 1905, she in turn had taken over from her husband Frederick in 1894. Frederick had got himself in a spot of bother with the authorities by selling whisky at 33% under proof (i.e. watered down!) and had been fined £1 9s 6d, plus costs of 13s 6d and analyst’s fees of 10s 6d. Presumably he lost his job too. During his time at the pub, the showbusiness charity The Grand Order of Water Rats had been founded at the Magpie, in 1889. The story goes that they gained their odd name from a trotting horse they owned, by the name of Magpie, which upon getting drenched by the rain one day, was likened to a water rat by a passing horse-drawn cab driver. I hope they didn’t have their drinks watered down by the landlord too!

To learn more about the history of the Magpie, see ‘The History of Sunbury’s Pubs’, published

by Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society. It would make a good Xmas present! The next Society talk is ‘Cecil Hepworth-Pioneer Film Maker’ by Dr. Simon Brown , at 8pm on Tues 16th January at Halliford School, Russell Road, Shepperton.

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Ashford Kitchens & Interiors 85 Church Road Ashford, Middx TW15 2PE 01784 245964 www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk

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Ian Squire - RIP

By Monica Chard, Editor

The community was shocked and saddened to hear of the recent death of optician Ian Squire.

I found myself caught up in the aftermath of the announcement by the Foreign Office in a bizarre way. I had interviewed Ian last year and ran a piece in Sunbury and Shepperton Matters on Ian and Brigitta’s charity ‘Mission for Vision. Journalists looking Ian up online following the announcement were lead straight to my own website and the article. It was a complete shock to be called by a succession of journalists asking for comment.

You may have seen that I was quoted in many newspapers and wondered why. Journalists also wanted to use the photo I had taken of Ian which had appeared in my magazines. I am hoping that they will pay for the privilege and the money raised will then go to Mission for Vision.

Ian was a quiet and kind man. He wanted to do his bit in life to change the lot of some of those in underprivileged societies who did not have access to eye clinics. In 2003 he launched the charity Mission For Vision together with his wife Brigitta. As a committed Christian, he felt it was only right that he use his skills to help some of those less

Ian and Brigitta Squire enjoying the sunshine on holiday in Italy fortunate. He had always had a love for Africa so went on many trips to Uganda and Nigeria.

He had developed a portable lens cutting machine which works on solar power. This opened up huge potential to help remote communities and Ian was immensely proud of it.

Brigitta Squire is a strong lady. She has been touched by the support she has had from locals and is grateful to everyone for kind words, cards and flowers. She is trying to get on with life as normal and you will still find her at the opticians.

It is sad loss for humanity that such a decent man has had his life cut short. There is a memorial to Ian on December 3rd at Twickenham School, Percy Road, Twickenham at 1.30pm. See poster opposite.

Ian poses with his own design of portable lens cutting machine at his shop in 2016 To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

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Big Tree Night - December 13th

I am sure you know that one of the two main events of the community calendar (the other of course the Shepperton Fair in June) is happening on December 13th 2017.

The Shepperton and District Community committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make Big Tree Night a night to remember. They would like to thank all the generous sponsors who help make this event happen.

The High Street will be once again lined with stalls.

Charities and local community groups are represented.

It is a great place for them to raise much needed funds.

The Hedgehog sanctuary has put up a ‘no room at the inn’ sign, as they can’t take any more hogs to overwinter, but they do need funds, so why not get some hedgehog themed gifts or take part in their raffle. Local goodies and gifts will be on sale from artisan suppliers.

There are food stalls galore, from churros to burgers, sausages to pancakes and lots more in between. There is mulled wine at various stalls and even a pop up wine bar. If you indulge too much over Christmas you can sign up to get fit at local fitness establishments too.

The Purple Angels will be at the village hall on the Big Tree night to give free drinks and cakes to the elderly. You don’t like to miss the event but it can be a cold experience.

The event opens at 5pm and Santa and his reindeer will be arriving to trot down the high street at 6.20. Carols will follow the official opening at 6.30pm. The High Street will close from 1pm9pm so do plan accordingly. Have a great night!

Have Fun with Pilates!

Pilates is a form of exercise with an emphasis on core strength. Regular practice can lead to a stronger leaner body with increased protection to your spine helping you to stand taller and able to move with a new ease.

We meet at Laleham Village Hall every Monday evening between 6 and 7 Classes are relaxed and informal and all are welcome regardless of age and experience. You won’t have to enrol on a whole course as you pay just £9 each time you come and you won’t need to bring anything as everything you need is provided.

But be warned....once you start you won’t want to stop!

Looking forward to seeing you.

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Campaign for Courtesy

By Monica Chard

You know it already. Shepperton is officially the most courteous town in the UK. We attended a very polite award presentation at The Anchor hotel recently with the Mayor of Spelthorne, Vivienne Leighton, borough and county councillors, local dignitaries and MP Kwasi Kwarteng.

Shepperton’s Diana Moran is one of the patrons of the Campaign for Courtesy, alongside the likes of Joanna Lumley, June Whitfield and The award for the Campaign for Courtesy is handed over to Cllr.

Esther Rantzen. Knowing what we Vivienne Leighton, Mayor of Spelthorne in the presence of local dignisee of these ladies, their position as taries and MP Kwasi Kwarteng. Photo John McKenzie patrons makes sense. They are all elegant, courteous and well mannered. will all feel better. “A smile is an internaThe National Campaign for Courtesy is tional language”. committed to: We can all do our bit to make our community a more pleasant place to live. But we still get • Good manners impatient and thoughtless with each other.

Let’s all do our bit to make things better.

• Respect for self and others Sadly the instances of antisocial behaviour are on the increase so let’s see how we can educate the younger generation. The • Courtesy for all committee of the Campaign for Courtesy thought that youngsters might want a strapline • Rejection of anti-social behaviour they could cling to, so they came up with ‘Courtesy is Cool’. Courtesy used to These strike us now as ‘old fashioned values’, be a value you were taught by your parents when we routinely bid each other “good and teachers. It is not too late to get the morning”, held the door open for ladies and message across. It is empowering to be courwhen youngsters had respect for their elders. teous and kind - much more so than being Nothing wrong with that! Whilst we realise rude and destructive. A smile, a kind word society is unlikely to go back to “how things and deed go so far in making the world a used to be” we can however encourage a better place. better society. Spreading goodwill is free and brings so much back. I loved some of the So when you are out and about in Shepperton lines which members of the campaign gave us High Street, think with pride that you are a “If you see someone without a smile, give part of this most courteous place. Share a them one of yours”. So true. Don’t let the smile with someone who needs one and rude, hurried and thoughtless leave their mark maybe they will pass it on. on our day. Spread some goodwill and we Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

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Blooming Shepperton

By Monica Chard, Editor

Shepperton did well at the recent Spelthorne in Bloom awards at the Orangery, Shepperton Studios. The evening was presented by Nick Wood-Dow, chairman of SiB with a welcome address by Peter Hicks of Shepperton Studios.

The event was the 28th in the show’s history.

It has helped create a more colourful place.

Flowers always make you feel good and embellishing the borough is clearly so important to the committee and the participants.

John Davis of Hamhaugh Island started the evening well. The awards had only just got off to a start when he won “Best New Entrant”.

He was unfortunately not there to receive his award. That really was a great shame because he would have had additional exercise getting up and sitting down as he also won the “Best Riverside Garden” category later in the evening. His award was collected by non other than Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Mayor of Spelthorne, who is a fellow resident of Hamhaugh Island and who would hand deliver his award.

Barbara Barnard from Thames Meadow, Shepperton, a previous winner of “Best Riverside Garden” had to make do with a second this year, but congratulations on keeping up the good work.

Congratulations to Lesley and Colin Brummit of Abbey Drive, Laleham, who collected the award for “Best Kept Front Garden”.

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Colin Brummit collects his award from Mayor Vivienne Leighton

Shepperton continued to show that it is bloomin’ wonderful in the way of gardens and horticulture: The Three Horseshoes collected a second prize in the category of “Best Kept Small Pub” and Keith and Carole Gardiner of Lindsay Drive won second in the category “Best Hanging Basket”.

It was noted that there were many schools entering so the committee calls for more.

Congratulations to all. Thanks also to the fabulous Spelthorne in Bloom committee (pictured below), without whom the borough would be all the poorer. Their work in making Spelthorne Bloom is tireless throughout the year. Well done to all.

In summing up, Mayor Vivienne Leighton admitted to not being a keen gardener herself, but drew attention to the benefits it offers in terms of exercise, feel good factor and of course the community spirit it engenders.

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A Few Gift Ideas

We are often at a loss of what to buy our loved ones at Christmas. It is always a good idea to get something that will last and provide long term enjoyment. Morso Fire Gallery in Chertsey have some lovely ideas. As well as sturdy but good looking fire baskets, how about an all year round fire pot to have outside? They are giving away 5 bags of marshmallows with every pot sold up to Christmas.

Enjoy New Years fireworks with some heat!

Last year one of my favourite gifts didn’t last at all, but it meant a lot.

My nieces made a basket of home made goodies. I have shared the recipe for home made salted chocolate truffles in the recipe page. I am going to be making a few home made gifts this year for sure.

Or how about a cookery course? I have given Mr C a Thinking of few Lebanese cooking courses from Samara Selling your Stamp Cuisine based in Lower Sunbury (see ad in Collection? this issue). He has learned some great recipes, had fun and enjoyed eating the food too! You come away with some easy to make meal ide- Cut out the commissions and sell direct to as so he has recreated them at home. It was the dealer! Home visit valuations. Immediate most certainly tasty! payment, however large or small.

Give your presents some thought and give Call 01932 785635 them with love and you can be sure to spread www.jcstamps.co.uk some happiness to your nearest and dearest.

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Sudoku 4

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8 2 9 6

3 4 7 5 2 6 4 5 9 7 2 1 9 1 8

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Solution page 41

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Reflections on Christianity at Christmas with the Bishop of Kensington

By Monica Chard, Editor

In these times of conflict and aggression and a society which many would say has lost its way, isn’t it now more than ever that we need the guiding principles of religion? But numbers attending church are falling nationwide and the Christian message is being lost on many. So as Christmas is a time to reflect on a Christian message, we spoke with the Bishop of Kensington. Our conversation meandered from terror threats, to poverty to the position of Christianity in today’s world.

The Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington covers not only the area of Kensington, but also Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Hampton, and Spelthorne.

The Bishop of Kensington has a wide Area within the Diocese of London to take care of. His “patch” embraces the extremes of poverty and wealth, as well as a huge diversity of ethnicity.

This year has been a busy one for the Bishop.

He has been closely involved in the responses to both the Grenfell Tower disaster and the Parsons Green bombing. At Grenfell he was inside the cordon supporting the firefighters as well as the evacuees themselves, who had witnessed and gone through such a trauma. At a time of devastation we all need some faith to cling to.

Closer to home, he was involved in the appointment of Father Andrew Downes at St Mary’s , Sunbury and has worked closely with St Peter’s Staines and St Saviours, Sunbury.

We spoke of the current political correctness in our society. We seem to tread so warily when it comes to minority groups and religions, not wanting to offend any of them by championing our own Christian faith. Are we embarrassed to be known to be a Christian?

All faiths and ethnicities should celebrate their own festivals at the same time as showing respect to others. It appears that Religious To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

Education in schools is dying a death and yet it was introduced in the mid 1940’s precisely to promote tolerance and understanding after the horrors of the holocaust.

Isn’t respect needed as much, if not more, today?

A newspaper article earlier this year stated that a dinner hosted by the City of London Corporation had done away with the traditional grace said before the meal. The CLC stated “ a note of thanks felt more appropriate to the audience as a celebration of London’s diversity.” Of course we welcome diversity but are we set to whitewash the Christian faith? That cannot be right. Nativity plays are replaced at school with pantomimes, seasonal cards wish us “Happy Holidays” and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is better known than ’In the Bleak Midwinter’.

Whether we like it or not, Religion is shaping our world. Extremism of any sort is a recipe for disaster. But so is erasing the Christian faith in this Christian country. We all need an identity and we all need values by which to live. Christianity is about loving God and loving our neighbour no matter who they are. Our society today is based on a cult of self but the way to a better future is to be focussed on helping others, which grows as we grow closer to the God who came close to us at Christmas.

So thank goodness for those selfless people who do their bit: the foodbank helping tackle poverty. Poverty does not discriminate. It can affect anyone no matter what ethnicity or religion. Thank goodness for the selfless fosterers who take in those needing a home. We can all do our little bit to make this a better world.

Let’s love each other and show respect and understanding. It should not just be Christmas that is the season of goodwill to all men, but the whole year 17

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Purple Angels Spread Their Wings

Celebrating the 4th anniversary of founder Norman McNamara’s PurpleAngels, a further 5 lovely angels have been brought into the fold. They are Marcia Amorim, Pat White, Cllr Maureen Attewell, Susan Corkhill -Brassington and Vanessa Welch. Both Pat and Vanessa are of course known to many of you from their fabulous work at the Greeno . Sally and Nikki are in the front row.

Centre. This picture shows they whole local hard working group of Purple Angel Ambassadors, including the five newbies (between Lisa Greaves and Jean Saunders in the back row).

The Purple Angels have come a long way in 4 years. They are supplying GPS trackers as part of Runneymede social care, as well as MP3 players which promote good nutritional prompts for those at home.

They run a book loans for carers giving access to some great advice and inspiration. They provide entertainment at The Greeno twice a month and put on coach outings. Those have included a theatre trip to Woking to see Joseph & His Technicolor Dream Coat and a carvery lunch in Farnham during which they also went to Milestones Museum in Basingstoke.

The Purple Angels Buddy Scheme now has over 16 people volunteering to go to spend the odd hour with local people who have dementia to have a cuppa and give that special time to them alone.

Purple Angels have the motto To Include...Not Exclude They are working for the benefit of those with dementia and everyone is really happy with the

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A Christmas Carol Source: various internet

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was first published in London by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. Telling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, the story has become a firm favourite all over the world. As we all know, after their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

“Marley's Ghost", original illustration by John Leech from A Christmas Carol

Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol at a time when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past, such as carols, as well as new customs such as Christmas trees. He was influenced by experiences from his own past, and from the Christmas stories of other authors, including Washington Irving and Douglas Jerrold. Dickens had written three Christmas stories prior to the novella, and was inspired to write the story Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

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following a visit to the Field Lane Ragged School, one of several establishments for London's halfstarved, illiterate street children. The treatment of the poor and the ability of a self-interested Scrooge and Bob Cratchit man redeeming himself by transforming into a more sympathetic character are the key themes of the story. There is discussion among academics as to whether this was a fully secular story, or if it is a Christian allegory. The first edition sold out by Christmas Eve; by the end of 1844 thirteen editions had been released. Most critics reviewed the novella positively. The story was illicitly copied in January 1844; Dickens took action against the publishers, who went bankrupt, reducing further Dickens's small profits from the publication. He went on to write four other Christmas stories in subsequent years. In 1849 he began public readings of the story which proved so successful he undertook 127 further performances until 1870, the year of his death. A Christmas Carol has never been out of print and has been translated into several languages; the story has been adapted many times for film, stage, opera and other media.

With A Christmas Carol, Dickens captured the feeling of the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday. He has been acknowledged as an influence on the modern Western observance of Christmas and inspired several aspects of Christmas, such as family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games and a festive generosity of spirit.

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Jeffrey’s Long Walk

You may have read the wonderful story of an innovative way one man chose to celebrate his 86th birthday. Jeffrey Long decided to walk one mile for every year of his life and raise some money for the Royal British Legion. As an ex para himself he wanted to give something back to help support the welfare of serving solders and their families.

He set off from the Thames Barrier to walk the length of the Thames. Along the way he met lots of people who joined him for a bit and have a chat. One of them was Diana Moran, who let us have this wonderful photo from Swan Walk.

This is not the first such walk Jeffrey Long has done. He decided to do 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall for his 84th birthday and 85 miles along the Leeds/Liverpool canal for his 85th.

Someone set up a justgiving page for him and he set out to raise £1000. But social media is an amazing thing. A lady who met him on the way posted his story on her Facebook page which was picked up by comedian Jason Manford who shared it in a tweet and all of a sudden Jeffrey’s walk went “viral”. He raised £60,000 in one day. When we last checked his total stood at almost £120,000. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jeffrey-Long1

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Beware of the Threats of Ransomware

by Iain Last One of the most worrying cyber-threats today must be the growth of ransomware. A compromised computer typically results in an often-irreversible encryption of valuable files and on occasion, entire disk drives. A 2017 cyber-security study reports that payment generated by ransomware has grown from £187,000 in 2016 to over £4,600,000 in just 12 months. This represents a growth of 2,503% -a nice earner for the unscrupulous!

You will no doubt have read about a ransomware known as 'WannaCry' and the huge impact it had on the NHS in April this year. Of the 236 trusts, 81 were infected, resulting in thousands of appointments and operations having to be cancelled. The bottom line is ransomware has fast become a business, is here to stay, can harm a Fortune 500 company, a shop in our local high street, and most definitely can harm you. A key challenge for all anti-malware manufacturers is keeping up to date with the latest malware intelligence.

Current statistics indicate new malware is being released at an average of 350,000 variants per day; and therein lies the root of the problem. Since everything new must first be discovered, a period of learning must always exist. Unfortunately, this period of unknown exposes the world to millions of unprotected “zero-day” victims. So, at work or at home, will our free or purchased anti-malware software always protect us from ransomware? In short no, as there can simply be no guarantee of protection. Ironically, it is we who can offer the greatest protection to our computers, since it is also we who pose the greatest threat. Historically, the human factor has always been a catalyst to malware and ransomware attacks. All this said, is there anything we can do to help protect ourselves? Absolutely.

Always be extra vigilance when opening suspicious emails, attachments and links leading to unfamiliar websites. If you are ever unsure,

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just don't do it. Those few seconds of restraint could save you hours, days, if not months of frustration. Keep your operating systems, security software, web browsers and other common applications up to date. A routine backup of your important files will give you the greatest assurance of ransom free file recovery. Always keep several copies of your backups in a safe place and disconnected from any computers. And finally, remember knowledge is power! So why not take a moment, grab a cuppa and Google the term “ransomware”.

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Ian’s Cameo Walkathon What a champion he is! Ian Wyatt who is a key figure in Cameo, the dementia group run from The Greeno in Shepperton, decided he needed to do something to bolster funds to keep his group going. He donned his shorts and sports kit one wintery day and walked for 23 miles.

Luckily it was on a treadmill in the warmth of the Greeno, surrounded by supporters, some of who joined him on his walk, on an adjacent treadmill. Mrs Linney walked for about 1 hour , Cheryl Bruce walked about half hour, Daniel Horne ran for about half an hour and Mirella Paul walked for about half hour. Well done to you all for joining in.

The total raised during the course of the day was £500 which will go towards the “Out and About” group ensuring access to some lovely outings. Everyone had a lovely day and the centre was buzzing. You might think that Ian would have a nice relaxing time on the sofa after all that, but he was off to Kew Gardens with a group the following day so really is a true hero.

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Recipe of the Month Salted Chocolate Truffles Last Christmas my lovely nieces Leila and Gabriella gave me a gift of hand made goodies.

They left a great impression on me. How lovely to have a hand made gift, but they were also delicious!! These truffles from the selection box are ridiculously easy to make and are loved by all who get a taste. They make wonderful gifts and are the perfect petit four.

Ingredients: 280g Dark Chocolate (roughly chopped) 1 tbsp Coconut Oil 6 tbsp Almond or Soy Milk 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Small pinch of sea salt Toppings: You can choose: raw cacao or cocoa powder, ground almond and sea salt, desiccated coconut.

Method: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a boil. While this is heating, place the chocolate and coconut oil to a large heat proof bowl. Put it in the oven and preheat it to 180C°. Yes, bowl in the oven then preheat it. Once the milk starts to boil, open the oven and carefully pour it over the chocolate and coconut oil. Close the oven door and set your timer for five minutes. After five minutes, carefully remove the bow and turn off the oven. Add the vanilla extract and sea salt, then stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.

Don’t worry if this takes a couple of minutes!

Wait for the bowl and chocolate to cool and To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

place in the fridge to harden for an hour or two. You want it to be hard enough to roll into balls. Roll the mixture into balls and cover in whatever toppings you wish! You may be a bit covered yourself too, but it is part of the fun!

Adaptations: The basic recipe is very easily adapted, and I have made many variations with great success: - Mocha truffles: Use 3 Tbsp of Expresso coffee with 3 Tbs of Almond milk instead of the full 6 Tbs of milk.

- Orange liquor truffles: 2 Tbsp Cointreau + 4 Tbsp Milk.

- Adding cinnamon, mixed spice, cloves or anything you think may go to the chocolate mixture before it cools could also be tried!

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Don’t Be Taken in By Scams!!!

By Bill Cunningham

There’s a lot of it about as we all know, and it isn’t decreasing. We’re made aware of it on TV, in newspapers, computer news feeds and via friends and family too. Scams at the doorstep, scams by snail mail, scams over the phone, and of course scams by email. The scale of it all is epidemic. Some scams crude; some sophisticated. Here are a few examples.

Be on the look out and take care not to be scammed yourself.

Some vulnerable people are still taken in by doorstep service sellers: to have “loose” tiles fixed or to get a great deal on re-laying the drive. Trading Standard Officers have found very distressing cases of substantial overcharging and totally inadequate end results of such services. The end result and the buyer running out of savings can coincide.

Mail scams include notification of winning a prize of say £20,000 and all it needs is a prize transfer authorisation. This requires sending them a cheque so that the prize is released. Or we receive information from a psychic or clairvoyant stating that they have seen something either wonderful or terrible in our future.

Then ask for money in order to provide a comprehensive report.

And who hasn’t had a phone call from “MSN” or “BT” to say there’s a problem with … and just allow access to our computer to fix. Or from a “bank” to say unusual activity on our account and so immediately we must give them pin number and password and all will be righted.

Online scams? Well, where to start really.

Invitations out of the blue to us to download To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

vouchers for High Street names we know but turn out not to be that at all. Surprise invoices for goods or services. “Bank/Building society” requests for our security information.

And rules we should follow? Simply do not buy from someone we do not know, who has surprised us with a special offer. Especially if it means instant acceptance before the deal times out.

For more details about scamming – say to protect someone considered to be vulnerable – or suggest a community group who may benefit from having a presentation about avoiding scams Katherine.preston@ bucksandsurreytradingstandards.gov.uk And when we are scammed we should report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

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4 Years On...What has Changed?

I will never forget the stress of seeing the rising waters of the Thames which hit our community so hard in 2013/14. Here we are 4 years later and I do wonder what has been done to prevent further flooding on this stretch of the Thames?

We were promised action. We heard so much about the huge investment the government were going to make. There was a plan in place to widen the weirs at Teddington, Molesey and Sunbury.

So what is happening? Well we did see some work in Sunbury and we saw dredgers out in Shepperton a few years back.

Maybe it is all going on behind the scenes. It is fair to say that we (in The Creek, Sunbury) have NOT has river water into our garden for a couple of winters now and the feeling by

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neighbours is that locks and sluices are being better monitored and managed. Then again, we have not had anything like the rain we had in 2013 which lead to saturation.

The EA have promised us an update which we will run in the January issue. Hmmm. We look forward to that. Sometimes communication is the missing link. So let’s be positive and wait to hear some facts. Meanwhile if you have any questions for the council on flooding, the email is flooding@spelthorne.gov.uk.

For information and to monitor your area, the website is https://flood-warninginformation.service.gov.uk/warnings. You can put in your postcode here and keep an eye on the situation. Do also register for flood alerts on the same site.

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Oak Tree CafĂŠ at Jubilee Church

Oak Tree Cafe is a drop in group for those needing support with their emotional and mental well- being. There is a growing awareness of the need for mental health support and many of us are affected in some way by mental ill-health. Building up friendships and links with others is a great way to combat the isolation we can feel at these difficult times.

We are open every Wednesday between 7 and 9 pm at the Jubilee Centre, Manygate Lane, Shepperton. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with the option of games, crafts, chatting, or just chilling with a cuppa and a slice of homemade cake. Cafe is a loose term as it is all free – no need to bring your purse. The group is run by a lovely bunch of volunteers from Jubilee Church Shepperton. They are always happy to provide a listening ear and would love you to pop in for a chat.

For further information please visit www.jubileechurchshepperton.org Or phone 07913 343079

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The Bradbury Cross has been Found!

Earlier this year we ran an item on the Bradbury cross which had been donated by the Queen Mother to the Bradbury Centre. We needed some detective work to find out what had happened to the item after the Bradbury closed down. Well, several months later and guess what? We have tracked it down!

Word spread after we ran the article, which showed the cross in a newspaper cutting from 1995. After a few months Jean Saunders was thinking that it rang a bell. She opened her shed to find a wooden box which had sat gathering dust for a few years...opened it up and there was the cross in all it’s Gina Tanner from The Bradglory! Wonderful. She set to finding it a bury Centre with the cross. new home and has agreed that it should live at St Nicholas Church. Jean is going to try to contact Beth Collins who was activities co-ordinator at the Bradbury for many years before her retirement. Jean Saunders then took over the position before the charity closed down due to lack of funding. She took the cross for safe keeping.

Beth will be as happy as will Jan Carter, the last manager of the Bradbury Centre, to know that the Rev Chris Swift has now adopted the cross on behalf of St Nicholas. It seems the appropriate place for it to live. What a great end to the story. The Queen Mother would no doubt be delighted to know that her gift has a permanent home now.

The cross today!

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Su Doku Solution 4 1 3 9 5 7 8 2 6

2 5 8 6 1 3 7 4 9

9 6 7 8 2 4 5 3 1

6 9 1 3 8 2 4 7 5

7 8 2 4 6 5 9 1 3

3 4 5 7 9 1 2 6 8

1 2 4 5 3 9 6 8 7

8 3 9 2 7 6 1 5 4

Solution to December Sudoku

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5 7 6 1 4 8 3 9 2

THAMESMEAD SCHOOL PRESENTATION EVENING 2017

Thamesmead students who left in July this year, were reunited at school recently as they picked up their GCSE certificates and Special Awards for 2017. Former Headteacher, Peter Rodin also returned to present the awards along with Sandy Baars, representing the school governors.

Among the Special Awards were the Army Careers and Andrews Cup for Sports, won by Jacob Amyatt-Leir and Alexandra Kerr, the Mayor’s Cup for Contribution to Music in the Community, won by Molly Doyle (who also performed) and the Hancock Cup for Services to the School, won by Charlotte Keeley. Academic trophies for Science, Languages, History and Technology were awarded to Jamie Stewart, Amelia Gomez, Emily Brown and Eliza Culley. Other award winners were Freddie James, Tanith Stewart, Katie Lawrence, Maisie Ludlow, Jade Ruysseveldt, Adam Gibson Laura Jennings and Callum Taylor.

The final two awards of the evening were the ‘No Matter What Cup’ presented to Evie Barrell- Mitchell who had overcome considerable difficulties in her final year at Thamesmead, but persevered to achieve excellent results and also the Lloyd Cup for Academic Achievement awarded to Jamie Stewart who achieved the highest grades it was possible to gain in every GCSE exam that he took (grade 9 in English Language, Literature and Maths, A* in all of his other subjects and an A in Additional Maths).

Overall 90% of students achieved a pass grade in the new style English exams and 83% in Maths, with 80% passing both exams. Indeed their success extended across the curriculum with 85% achieving passes in at least two Sciences and over 90% of entries in Music, Drama and Art. The new Headteacher, Mr Phil Reeves congratulated all of the winners and the evening concluded with fantastic presentation of photos from the recent school World Challenge trip to Sri Lanka, where the students had helped with buildings for a small school there.

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Shepperton Cars Winter Meeting

With the continuing popularity of the Shepperton Classic Car meetings, organizer Gary Critcher has decided to arrange a meeting on Sunday the 10th December. It will be the first winter meeting, so have your fingers crossed for some vaguely decent weather and good turn-out. But wrap up warm, bring a flask of tea and some enthusiasm for sure!

It’s the usual place at the usual time; 10am in Manor Park Car Park.

The website will give you more information: www.sheppertonclassiccars.uk

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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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PATRICK STONE Clean & Efficient Vacuum Chimney Sweeping Service Oil & solid Fuel Flue Cleaning

A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIMNEY SWEEPS

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Shepperton Residents’ Association

By Richard Hewitt As previously reported, we are delighted the residents of Shepperton have been identified as the politest people in the country, with Shepperton having been appointed “Top Town for 2017” by the National Campaign for Courtesy, which looks for commitments to good manners, respect of others, courtesy to all and rejection of anti-social behaviour. Established in 1986, the organisation works to encourage us all to be more friendly, considerate and respectful of each other and our environment. Councillor Robin Sider and our Mayor, Councillor Vivienne Leighton, were presented with the award at a lunch held a few weeks ago.

It has been a challenging year for our High Street traders. We have seen the closure of our last bank, NatWest, and Sainsburys replacing Budgens. We understand that, with remedial work on the site taking place, it is unlikely that the new store will open before February. There have been other changes on the High Street over the year. The Aziatics site has become the new Café Mocha D; there is a new flats development on Thurlestone Parade and a new mobile phone shop has opened by the traffic lights. Fortunately, we don’t suffer from a lack of ATM machines for your cash!

Despite all the changes, Shepperton High Street is still the vibrant centre of our village. But it will only remain that way provided it is fully supported by us the residents. Remember, if we don’t use it we will lose it.

One time when the High Street is jam-packed is when Big Tree Night takes place. This year’s event is due on Wednesday 13th December, and a small committee is currently working to ensure that the event follows the success of previous years.

Shepperton continues to suffer from traveller incursions but, with the Police and Council staff making use of legal procedures now available to them, fortunately, the travellers are being quickly moved on. Whilst the illegal occupation of land at Sheep Walk remains a problem area despite an injunction for the removal of vehicles, mobile homes and caravans having been awarded to the local Council. Further legal action is being sought for a satisfactory settlement to this problem.

Shepperton Residents’ Association has joined with the Laleham and Charlton Village Associations in seeking to understand the process to achieve Please mention Shepperton Matters when responding to adverts

closure of the Littleton Quarry and its adjacent Industrial Estate, which should be actioned by February 2020. However, the position is far from clear with some documentation going back to before World War Two. A more detailed summary of the current position was published under the Laleham Residents’ banner in the November issue of Shepperton Matters. We will keep you advised of any progress being made in this complicated problem.

The Government has published a revised draft Airports National Policy Statement in respect of Heathrow expansion. Residents may submit their views until Tuesday 19th December. Full information is available on the Department of Transport’s website at https://www.gov.uk/ government/collections/heathrow-airportexpansion

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Call Andy Scott for a quote: 01784 462928 07796 542788

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Gardening Matters Christmas Wreaths Until fairly recently in history, certainly up to Victorian times, people could never be certain they would safely survive the harsh winter. So they developed rituals and displays to help them get through the darker days. One such symbolic display of hope was the Christmas wreath. The circular shape is symbolic of eternity or everlasting life because it has no beginning or end. From a Christian perspective it represents the unending circle of life, with the traditional Holly as the thorns on Jesus’ crown and the red berries as his blood.

Now we hang them on our doors and use them as table centrepieces because they look wonderfully opulent and festive.

The word ‘wreath’ is linked to the word ‘wrist’, both words describing the form of a continuous circular shape. This became fused with ‘wrethe’ from middle English which means a twisted band or ring of leaves.

At this bleak time of year, it’s traditional to use evergreens and other brightly coloured flowers, foliage, or fruits to adorn a wreath.

In past times the addition of expensive and rare fruits such as pomegranates, indicated wealth, but wreaths also included the display of pinecones, seashells and even imported products. Once the decorations were taken down, the edible parts would be eaten and the bounty of summer could be enjoyed in the depth of winter.

You can make a simple and cheap evergreen circle or push the boat out and create an elaborate bauble ring. You can buy a ring of flower-arrangers’ foam. Soak it in tepid water, and then stick sprigs of evergreen foliage from the garden, flowers, berries, dried fruits, nuts, and bows into it using wire if necessary.

Or you can make your own base by taking a ring of string wire and covering it in moss or hay. This will need to be held in place using thinner gauge wire. You can then wire in foliage and decorations. I will just warn you about holly though; working with it can be a painful experience so wear gloves and maybe have a box of plasters handy!

If you want to try something different you can use a circle of pine cones, dried leaves, threaded popcorn and cranberries or woven red and yellow dogwood cut from your garden and interweaved with battery-operated lights. Use your gardener’s imagination.

Happy Christmas gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Making a wreath is fun and relatively easy.

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Ash Link Nature Reserve Grant

In the piece last month about the wonderful reserve and their well deserved gold award, we omitted to mention one of the sponsors who made the development possible. " The hard-surface paths around the large glade as well as the new oak bench were financed by the Orchid Environmental Trust through a grant of ÂŁ5,000 arranged by the Community Foundation of Surrey

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What’s On - Shepperton & Laleham Send info on local events to info@villagematters.co.uk to be listed here Spelthorne Choral Society, with west London brass, Christmas Concert, Bob Chilcott 'Wenceslas' . Christmas carols with audience participation with mulled wine & mince pies Saturday 16th December 7.30pm. St Peter's Church, Laleham Road, Staines TW18 2DX. £10 in advance, £12 on the door, Under 16's free accompanied by a paying adult. Box office:- 0208 9412512 (evenings) . all details :-www.spelthornechoralsociety.com Light Up Laleham! - Sunday 3rd December 2017. All Saints Church and the Laleham Residents Association ask you to wrap up and join us to mark the start of the Christmas season! Gather at All Saints Church for the switching on of the Laleham Christmas lights.

Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie with family & neighbours.

There will be a brief advent service inside the church which you are welcome to join.

Event starts around 6:15pm, Carols & Candles at 6.40pm, Fireworks and lights on at 7:00pm. Please come along - it's all free and a nice little community event guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart.

Laleham Panto – “Sleeping Beauty and the Cavalier Cook”. Wednesday 6th December - Evening - Bar opens 6:45pm, Curtain up 7:30pm. Thursday 7th December - Evening - Bar opens 6:45pm, Curtain up 7:30pm. Friday 8th December - Evening - Bar opens 6:45pm, Curtain up 7:30pm, Saturday 9th December - Early Matinee - Bar opens 1:15pm, Curtain up 2:00pm, Saturday 9th December - Late Matinee - Bar opens 5:45pm, Curtain up 6:30pm CALL THE BOX OFFICE NOW on 07545 131448

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More What’s On - Shepperton & Laleham Send community events info for a free listing to info@villagematters.co.uk.

50 words maximum please.

Cavo’s Coffee Shop now open at the Lucan Pavilion, The Broadway TW18 1RZ . Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Serving a delicious selection of breakfast, light lunches and snacks.

Child friendly. Baby change available. Wheelchair Access Big Tree Night - Wednesday December 13th. 5.00-8.30pm. Santa will be coming down the High Street about 6.20 and the official opening by the Mayor of Spelthorne will be at 6.30 followed by carol singing The Arts Society Runnymede December 13th lecture is CHARLES DICKENS CONJURER. THE PLAYBILLS OF VICTORIAN SHOWMEN at the Hythe Centre, Thorpe Road, Egham TW18 3HD. Speaker is Ian Keable, former Chartered Accountant who became a professional magician and member of the Magic Circle. Everyone welcome, first lecture is free, no booking necessary. Coffee from 10.00, lecture 10.30.

Sunbury Christmas Market. December 7th 5.00-8.30pm . 30 stalls, Salvation Army from 6.30-8.15. Santas Grotto from 57pm in Laura’s Hair & Beauty. The road will be closed outside the shops on Avenue Parade for the event. Come and shop, eat and get in the spirit of Christmas.

The New Egham Singers’ Christmas Concert Friday 1 December 2017 at St John’s Church, Egham 7.30pm. The varied programme will include several musical styles including pop, show tunes, classical, and traditional Christmas music, with a chance for audience participation in singing some carols. The concert will raise funds for The Penrose Club. Tickets cost £10 (£5 for children 15 and under). To reserve tickets please contact nesboxoffice@gmail.com or phone the box office on 07858 617343.

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Index of Advertisers Alterations/Tailoring The Zipyard 41 Bathrooms Sanctuary Design 11 Beautician Beauty by Daniela 18 Bedrooms Ashford Interiors 5 Building Work W Brown & Sons 43 Car Bodywork Chip & Paint Repairs 44 Chips Away 48 Car Service/MOT T&S Autos 43 Paice Motors 50 SCM 45 Care Services Alina Homecare 38 Moor House, Staines 34 Promedica24 16 Carpet Cleaning Nick Lewis 42 Chimney Sweep Patrick Stone 46 Cinema/Studio Pinewood Studios 7 Computer Repairs My PC Helper 35

One Touch 25 Cookery Classes Samara Cuisine 22 Curtains & Blinds Decorama 41 Decorator SDS 48 Chris White 43 Dog Walking Waggy Tails 24 Doors Peco of Hampton 33 Electrician Paige Electrics 48 Boss Electrics 45 DCM 40 Equity Release Harvest Financial 18 Estate Agents/Property Curchods 28/29 Events/Hire Holiday Inn Events 19 Hammond Theatre 52 Fascias and Soffits Village Fascias 50 Fruit/Veg Quality Fruit 14 Garden Centres Longacres 13

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Garden Services Easicut Mowers 48 Hair/Colouring Bensons 18 Handyman//DIY i-Handy 46 Health/Wellbeing Everyone Active 23 Pilates with Charlie 8 Heating/Plumbing Progas 48 Insurance Hard to Insure 36 Complete Cover 2 Kitchens Neff/Ashford Kitchen. 5 Sanctuary Design 11 Kitchen Makeover Dream Doors 30 Mobility Services Shepperton Mobility 26 Kudos Mobility 39 Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 22 Oven Sparkle 16 Oven Wizards 41 Restaurant/Pubs Holiday Inn 21

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Ivory Tusk 27 Roofing/Guttering Aldridge & Sons 46 RM Roofing 34 Schools Hampton Prep 55 Sell for Cash JC Stamps 14 Stoves/Log Burners Morso Fire Gallery 15 Peco of Hampton 33 Useful Numbers 15 Windows Village Windows 43 House of Surrey 37 Glenn Hudson 46 Novaglass 56 Will Writing Harvest Wills 34

January 2018 Issue

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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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