December 2018 Sunbury Matters

Sunbury

Matters

Putting Local Business First Bringing a Community Together

December 2018

Issue 94

Delivered FREE to homes in Lower Sunbury

Sunbury Christmas Market - Thursday December 6th 5-8pm

Welcome!

Christmas is coming and we are getting in the spirit of things. But meanwhile we are unapologetic in our coverage this month of the Armistice commemoration. We were contacted by a number of locals with very poignant stories we wanted to share and we were so impressed with the amount of effort Sunbury Manor School had gone to that it was worthy of sharing. Sunbury indeed remembered But Christmas is indeed round the corner. The Christmas House in Green Street is up. The Lower Sunbury Christmas market is on Thursday December 6th. The Salvation Army will be there, Santa will be in his grotto (and is bringing his own elf!), there are stalls galore, more lights and we are again holding a big community raffle. This is all put on by volunteers from the Lower Sunbury Business Community group. Well done to you/ us all!

December 2018 Great news that the EA is taking action on some of the abandoned boats along the river. Local David Garrett deserves a big thanks.

There are plenty of other congratulations on various achievements in this issue. Do enjoy it and we wish you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. See you again in 2019!

Photo: Here and now Photography

Reader Offers Evolve Dental - Offers for New Patients Village Windows - 20% off repairs Van Wonderen Flowers - Special offers Shepperton Mobility - HUGE sale now on Drea,m Doors - We pay the VAT pre xmas Everyone Active - 3 months FREE Samara Cuisine - £10 off cooking classes

Contents

Published by:

Village Matters Ltd

Beauclerc House, Sunbury 4 A Letter from King George V 7 EA Action on Reclaim our Riverbank 8 Lower Sunbury Christmas Festivities 10 Sunbury/Spelthorne Remembered 12 My Happy Sunbury Childhood 14 Military Funeral in Sunbury - 1915 20 New Camera?

23 Queen’s Award for Volunteering 27 Quality Party Wear on a Budget 28 Sunbury Flower Boat Facelift 29 Sunbury Manor ‘Lest We Forget’ 30 Recipe of the Month 34 Rotary Santa Rounds 36 Stay Safe This Winter 38 St Mary’s Newsletter 40 Sunbury Neighbours 22 Years 43 LOSRA Says 45 Happy 100th to Rosemary!

47 Gardening Matters 57 What’s On/Noticeboard 58/61 Ad Index/Prices/Deadlines 62

Advertising / Editorial : Monica Chard

Telephone: 07979 808991 Email: monica@villagematters.co.uk Web Site: www.villagematters.co.uk Front cover - The Christmas House, Sunbury

Photo by Monica Chard Please send any hi res photos for consideration to info@villagematters.co.uk

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Beauclerc House, Sunbury

By Nick Pollard

This grand Victorian house was originally called Rippledene, but there is a mystery about its origins. There was a local tradition that the house had been moved stone by stone from the south of the river when the Metropolitan Water Board acquired the land it stood on. Unlikely as it may seem, there may be some truth to this, as when it was demolished in 1967, its stones were found to be numbered, which would be unlikely in the case of a new building. Having said this, the mystery remains as to which house it might have been. The most likely candidate seemed to be Apps Court in Walton, which stood on the site of the Bessborough reservoir, between Hurst Road and Walton Road, but the dates don’t quite seem to add up, as construction of the reservoir began in 1898 whereas Rippledene appears in the 1891 census, and the house appears to have been a different style, so the mystery remains.

The census tells us that the house was lived in by James Matthews, a banker and prominent Freemason, together with his wife Sarah, 2 daughters, 4 sons and 4 servants (cook, housemaid, nurse and page), as well as 2 visitors, so it was quite a full house on census day.

In 1931 the house became a private school. The photo, taken in about 1950, shows the garden front, with a flight of steps leading into the grounds from French windows.. The school had been founded at Bay Villas, Green Street, about 1894, subsequently moving to a house at the end of the south side of Sutherland Avenue in 1906, before moving again to the Old Vicarage.

When it moved to Rippledene, the name of the house was changed to Beauclerc, but the reason is unknown. Eventually the house was demolished (for the second time if we are to believe the old tale), but this time permanently. Its site is now occupied by Beauclerc Infant School, so at least the name lives on.

To learn more about Sunbury’s history, see ’A History of Sunbury-on-Thames’, published by the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society and available from Squire’s Garden Centre or via the society’s website www.sslhs.org.uk.

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SM08

5 Stunning New Displays!

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A Letter from King George V

By Monica Chard, Editor

Peggy Brunt of Sunbury had the surprise of her life when she was clearing up some of her husband’s things. He had passed away several years ago but for some reason Peggy had been looking through some old documents in the lead up to the centenary of the Armistice. In a box of papers she discovered a letter from Buckingham Palace, dated 1918. It was hand written by George V. “The Queen joins me in welcoming you on your release from the miseries and hardships which you have endured with so much patience and courage.

During these many months of trial, the early rescue of our gallant officers and men from the cruelties of their captivity has been uppermost in our thoughts.

We are thankful that this longed for day has arrived and that back in the old country, you will be able to once more enjoy the happiness of a home and to see good days amongst those who anxiously look for your return.”

George R The letter had been sent to Leonard Marshall Brunt, Peggy’s father in law. Born in 1882 in Esher he had joined the army in 1901 serving with the Royal Fusiliers. He had left in 1911, got married and had his first child. He signed up for his old regiment on 5th August 1914, the day after war was declared. His battalion embarked for France on 14th August. The battalion fought in a number of engagements including the 1st battle of Mons then on October 21st he was taken prisoner at Herlies in Northern France. He was prisoner at Wittenburg in what was East Germany. Apparently this was a notorious camp where prisoners were treated very badly. The letter from King George was to mark his release. The King talks of his wish that Leonard Brunt might be able to enjoy the happiness of a home and see good days with his family. Sadly that was

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easier said than done for these men who had seen conflict. He died in Brookwood Mental Hospital from two long term illnesses in 1930. It is suspected however that he was suffering from post traumatic stress and mental illness. The war was bad enough, but what may have sent him over the edge was the death of three of his children. His daughter Winifred was born and died in 1920 and twins Kathleen and Stanley were born and died in 1924. His youngest boy, Tony, however was to go on to marry Peggy who has been living in Sunbury for 36 years now.

What a link with the past and what a glimpse into the emotion of a homecoming, the hope of happiness and ultimately the scars of conflict and death that were insurmountable.

Thank you for sharing this story.

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EA Action on Reclaim Riverbank Campaign

By David Garrett, RoR2

There has been an amazing response to our Reclaim our Riverbank 2 campaign.

We started in late September, spreading the news with flyers through local riverside letterboxes and by word of mouth. The response was very heartening, and the initial support soon turned into a flood. Then the November Village Matters magazines came out (Molesey Matters prompted a huge response) and we could barely keep up! At the moment (November 10th) we have 260 supporters, most of them resident in either Spelthorne or Elmbridge, all enjoying regular updates and newsletters.

We have made it a priority to build up a good working relationship with the Environment Agency team based at Shepperton lock, and this has really paid off. The local EA have not enjoyed a great press due to the perceived lack of response to abuses of the river. This has led to a vicious circle in which their time is spent dealing with complaints (which they are duty bound to answer), thus being unable to fully pursue the necessary corrective action, thus leading to more complaints‌etc. We have asked our supporters to make comments and complaints about abandoned boats to RoR2 directly and trust us to bring concerns up at our regular meetings with the EA team.

Instead of being bombarded by a dozen emails on the same subject the EA get a regular face to face meeting with us and have much more time to be out and about on the river!

This is paying off. In mid-October they launched an operation to pick up the sunken wrecks that litter the river, and then in early November commenced a big clean-up operation against the enormous long-term community of illegally moored boats opposite Aquarius Sailing Club, taking abandoned boats away to be crushed and towing away registration offenders. There is much more work to be done, but already the effect on that piece of riverbank is remarkable. The problem with the big slum boats remains, but this one will have Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

Gone!

to be sorted out in the courts. A big legal battle is brewing. We must be patient in the meanwhile. It is incredible that bookings.com continues to host advertising for the disgusting accommodation offered on board some of these slum boats, and RoR2 has sent copies of some of the more graphic reviews to the senior caseworker for Dominic Raab MP. Several RoR2 supporters wrote to bookings.com requesting that they stop advertising this filth on the river, but previous efforts to have the listing taken down have come to nothing.

Going..

Our thanks to Village Matters Magazines for giving us this opportunity to update our news, and many thanks to all our supporters.

If you are not yet one of them you can of course register your support by emailing us at reclaimourriverbank2@gmail.com.

Please can you specify your postcode. It is important that we get a picture of where our supporters are. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Lower Sunbury Christmas Market and Community Raffle The elves of the Lower Sunbury Business Community (LSBC) group have been busy since the hot summer arranging a fantastic event for the village on Thursday December 6th from 5pm8pm The road outside the shops will be closed from 3pm-9pm.

As well as around 30 stalls there is a Santa’s grotto which is appearing in Laura’s Hair and Beauty. Outside Laura’s you will find a very busy elf called Natalie who is selling tickets for the big community raffle. (See opposite for full details.) Last year Raj’s daughter Jasmeen won the prize every little girl wants, and went home with the giant teddy. This year the main prize, donated by the LSBC is an Apple watch series 2.

The Salvation Army will again be playing Christmas music and getting us all in the spirit of the event. Come on down and sing and do please donate to their Christmas appeal. Carol sheets are being provided sponsored by the Lower Sunbury Business Community.

The LSBC have also put the lights on the Avenue up. This year we managed to purchase additional lights thanks to a grant from Surrey councillor Tim Evans. The lights are being put up and taken down by LSBC members and we must particularly thank Platinum Roofing for their support and hard work to make this happen.

All the funds raised though the event will be reinvested in making Lower Sunbury an even more lovely place to live. This year the LSBC have funded the flowering baskets throughout the summer, and also now the winter baskets.

Thank you to all the volunteers and thank you to the community for coming and making this such an amazing event.

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Sunbury/Spelthorne Remembered Spelthorne collectively remembered those who gave their lives in conflict, at the centenary commemoration of Armistice. The weather was almost symbolic of hope after conflict. Having woken to an almost biblical deluge, the sun came out and we gathered on a calm autumn day at the memorial in Green Street. There were record numbers who wanted to pay their respects. This year there were some changes to the organisation and at one stage, the parade itself was under threat.

Mrs Irene Brockey, Branch Secretary, has been the Parade and Poppy Organiser since 1992 and we owe her an enormous debt. Last year she expressed her intention to step down from the role. Mel Searle stepped up as the new Poppy Organiser for Sunbury and has done a wonderful job this year, including organising wreaths for the service. But the branch is a small one and needs more support.

With lots to do there was little time to pull everything together and no time really to organise new helpers. There were further challenges this year and sourcing a new PA system at short notice was one of them. Although one was found it was not good enough which was a shame, but we wouldn't want it to define the whole event and detract from the effort put in by so many.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the following: 862 (Sunbury) Sqn ATC for all their help with the parade and doing such a great job on

the day; all the uniformed groups who attended and all the marshals involved; St Paul's Catholic College for permission to meet in their school grounds once again (and those who helped clear the access to The Ridings due to flooding on this occasion. Mark and Sonya Bosher you did an amazing job!); St Mary's Church and their organist and choir; Spelthorne Council's Neighbourhood Services and Surrey Police for their help with the road closure; the council's Parks and Open Spaces team for preparing the grounds around the memorial (& Sunbury on Thames WI for tending the memorial throughout the year); the residents around Green Street for their grace during the traffic disruption; and all the organisations and individuals who support the parade every year. We hope Sunbury will agree it was a fitting tribute.

To ensure that the parade and this very important act of remembrance can continue for future generations, the Royal British Legion Sunbury Branch is asking for more support from the community and would like to encourage people and organisations to get in touch now if they think they can help.

Please email sunburyparade@outlook.com. The Sunbury branch would like to retain overall responsibility for the Sunbury Parade, and hopefully many would agree it should continue to do so.

The branch has their AGM on 10th December. This will take place at The Admiral Hawke pub on Green Street and new members would be extremely welcome! The branch is a charity and everyone is a volunteer. Membership is open to everyone - you do not need to be a veteran or a member of the armed forces to support the Royal British Legion. We are a charity providing financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces – past and present and their families. Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in Sunbury War Memorial with tributes and Irene Brockey who has given so the many conflicts since many years of service to the Royal British Legion Please mention Sunbury Matters when www.villagematters.co.uk responding to adverts 12

1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

Please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk to find out more or contact dawn.gazzard@googlemail.com or irenebrockey888@btiinternet.com for general branch enquiries.

Trees for the Fallen Spelthorne has been busy marking the centenary throughout the borough. The council held a special service of remembrance for 9 borough schools for 400 pupils, with readings and poems and a roll call of the fallen. Mayor Jean Pinkerton presented each school with a Perspex figure of a ‘Tommy’, part of the ‘Seen but not seen’ charity.

The following week councillors and Mayor Jean Pinkerton gathered at Laleham Thameside where 100 trees had been planted. Known as the Centenary Plantation, they will grow into a significant wood. The poignant ceremony was presided over by the leader of the council Ian Harvey and the Mayor Spelthorne Jean Pinkerton. The trees symbolise a memory ongoing, ‘lest we forget’.

In total 861 trees will be planted throughout the

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Councillors and Mayor of Spelthorne Jean Pnkerton at the Centenary Plantation. borough, one for every solder lost in the Great War who was from Spelthorne. A memorial plaque will be erected at Thameside with a roll of honour of all those killed who were from Spelthorne.

Photo credit: Michael Farenden

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My Happy Sunbury Childhood

By Geoff Sims

Following Daphne Clement’s lovely comments about Sunbury in articles in recent months of Sunbury Matters, I should like to add some of my own childhood memories.

Born in a nursing home in Hampton, I lived with my parents in a bungalow in Darby Crescent, which backed onto the Markway and its accompanying ditch. It was here that I honed my engineering skills with dam building, as in those days the ditch had flowing water, I believe it is now dry.

For me Sunbury was a vast playground.

There were four of us in the Crescent with surnames beginning with the letter S, the S Club. As neighbours, we could leave the Crescent via Puddle Lane now called The Pennards, cross French Street for a bit of scrumping in the orchard now Elizabeth Gardens, cross Rope Walk into a damson wood now replaced by Saxonbury Avenue. If we were still feeling peckish, we could go ‘commando style’, crawling on elbows and knees through the allotments at the bottom of the Avenue, pulling a few carrots as we went on into Sunbury Park. Alternatively, we could head to the professional cycle track at the top end of the damson wood for few circuits on our bikes.

I was taught to swim by ‘muscles’ the lifeguard at the swimming pool on Rivermead Island. The water in those days was pumped in from the river and along with the amount of chlorine required, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face! If we needed to swim in clear water we went to Hampton or the Upper Deck, by the Thames at Molesey. On a number of occasions, armed with a packed lunch, we would cycle to the Blue Pool in Camberly.

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to barges moored opposite on the coal wharf while they were waiting to unload their cargo for the Walton water works. The purpose was to ‘borrow’ one of their spare mooring lines which we then tied to a tree on the bank providing a swing out over the river. I remember swinging out but not able to get back to the bank in my Denmead school uniform and having to explain, when I arrived home, that it had rained rather heavily in Hampton!

My father gave me an ex-army flat bottomed dinghy with canvas sides when I was about nine or ten. Being flat bottomed we could go up streams with shallow water. I remember punting it between the Island and Thames Street to watch the visitors sunning themselves on the lawns at the Club de Cleo, now called Monksbridge and then on up the Creek to Tumbling Bay. I often used to help at Sunbury Lock in the school holidays and I remember the lock keeper being asked by a hire boat skipper, ‘which side of the lock would you like me’ and he replied ‘whichever side you hit first!’

We obviously had the best of times, unfortunately, I don't think today's children have the same opportunities. www.villagematters.co.uk

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Across 1 Bough (6) 5 Desert plant (6) 8 Cute, charming (8) 9 'Windows to the soul' (4) 10 Largest continent (4) 11 Glass vessel used in science (4,4) 12 Clergyman (6) 13 Make certain (6) 15 Spectator (8) 18 Test, assessment (4) 19 Charismatic celebrity (4) 20 Songwriter (8) 21 Most strange (6) 22 Tune, song (6)

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2 Shared out, apportioned again (13) 3 Recount, chronicle (7) 4 Natural environment of an animal (7)

5 Strategy-based board game (5) 6 Swindle, con (5) 7 Without shame (13)

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13 Tympanic membrane (body part) (7) 14 Cut out design, motif (7) 16 Mysterious, spooky (5) 17 Manservant, butler (5)

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River Obstructions - Do Report Them

We must again reiterate our appreciation of the EA recently. They have a huge job and falling budgets. They are also duty bound to respond to calls and emails. I contacted them myself a couple of months back. If any of you have canoed up the Creek, past the old bathing station, you will have found progress blocked by a couple of huge trees (see right). The Creek is a backwater, so is never a priority, but if water can’t flow, in the event of flooding, waters will back up, the banks will break and local houses will be flooded.

We received a very courteous email from our friends at the EA: “Thanks for getting in touch about the tree. We are already aware of it and are working to remove the tree before the winter and any increased river flows/ levels. Because of its size and location we need to work with a number of teams with specialist skills to get the tree removed; this includes arranging for a barge to take it away.”

The EA goes on to encourage locals:

“We recommend that residents call our 24 hour Incident hotline to report potential blockages or environmental incidents as this is the best way to ensure the report reaches the correct team in a timely manner. The number to call is 0800 807060 and you can view more detail at https://www.gov.uk/report-an-environmental-incident”

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First Military Funeral for Sunbury - 1915

Thank you to Jan Williams who contacted us with the story of her husband’s grandfather, Alfred James Johnson. He was a Sunbury man through and through. Baptised, married and buried at St Mary’s. His name is on the memorial in Green Street. He was the first soldier from Sunbury and WW1 to be afforded a military funeral.

His body was bought from Guildford where he died in hospital and transferred to a gun carriage for his funeral at St Mary's then onto Sunbury Cemetery where his lies now.

Alfred Johnson was with the 9931 Royal Fusiliers. He landed in France on 12th May 1915, aged only 21. He was shot and gassed at Ypres only a month later and lay unattended in a shell hole for two days until he was found and transported back to the UK, to Guildford, where he died from his wounds aged 22. He lived to hear of the birth of his daughter Mabel who was born in the family home, 17, School Walk, Sunbury.

Alfred Johnson was accorded full military honours at his funeral, as the first fallen soldier from Sunbury, and it was reported in the Middlesex Chronicle.

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New Camera? Here’s An Idea!

By Monica Chard, Editor

Maybe you have put a new camera on your Christmas list.

Maybe you have one sitting in a cupboard, but you default to your phone to take pictures because it is easier to understand.

Aperture, F stop, shutter speed, ISO… It can all be a bit overwhelming. You could do a course to get to grips with it all (I did the very good adult education class at Sunbury), or you can be brave and jump into the deep end and join a club. Or is it really that deep?

Having played around with my camera for a while now, enjoying the odd trip to Bushy Park, I decided I needed a bit of encouragement. Taking my camera out on walks kept me within my comfort zone and I needed something to challenge myself. I had toyed with joining a club, but as I am only human, I felt that my photographic efforts were not good enough to be parts of a club.

But recently I took the leap. I joined Laleham Camera Club and I have never looked back.

We meet on Tuesday evenings, in the late summer and winter months in Laleham village Hall, where there is plenty of parking.

They have a varied programme which

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includes model shoots, product shoots, competitions, slide shows, critique evenings and even software demos . During the summer they meet at various local attractions in Surrey depending on the weather to photograph rivers, waterfalls, landscapes and wildlife.

I would never have had the chance to even try to photograph anything in a studio if I were not parts of a club but the photos here were taken by me and I was rather chuffed with them!

You need to be prepared not to be taken seriously, enjoy a bit of teasing and not to be afraid of showing off your images for a bit of constructive comment. What you will get is the chance to be inspired, learn from others and put yourself out of your comfort zone - sometimes literally!

The club is made up of some very experienced photographers as well as many novices.

The more experienced help those of us who find ourselves floundering trying to find the right settings. When it comes to competition nights, we are all encouraged to submit entries and we all select our favourite shots before we hear how they were taken. Anyone can get a placement. Even me! I have been very chuffed with a 3rd and a 4th.

Laleham Camera Club is not an exclusive and elitist club. Everyone is welcome regardless of their skill level or camera. So why not go along to a meeting. Annual membership is only £60. To find our more please give Paul, club chairman a call on 07825 165974.

You can see images from members on the website, as well as find out more about the club online at:

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Dennis

Floral Corner by van Wonderen FLOWERS Tel: 01932 761071

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www.vwflowers.co.uk

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meet on the first and fourth Wednesday of each month and additionally on occasions as required by the seasons and weather. Volunteers from time to time host other groups, such as local youth and corporate groups to join in the conservation work and of course new volunteers are always welcome. So how about it?

In the immediate future, the Society plan to focus on developing Splash Meadow by re-establishing more open water in the pond and restoring Splash Wood into a more biodiverse habitat and to continue to maintain and enhance Nutty Wood. In addition, whenever possible, the Society will assist and support nature conservation projects in the Borough.

Dr Phillip Cribb (middle above), the Society's President, said “Being a small volunteer group makes winning this Award all the more significant. I would like to thank all those who have participated in our conservation efforts and hope this recognition will interest more people to come and join us"

Photo Debbie Morrell

One of only 12 Queens Award for Volunteering given out in Surrey, has been won by the Friends of Ash Link. This award is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.

The special award was presented at Watersplash Meadow, part of the Ash Link, by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael MoreMolyneux in the presence of volunteers, councillors and the High Sheriff of Surrey, Jim Glover.

Spelthorne Natural History Society began conservation work on behalf of Spelthorne Borough Council at Splash Meadow and Nutty Wood, sites on either side of the M3, in 2007. These sites were declared in 2011 as the Ash Link Nature Reserve - the first Local Nature Reserve in Spelthorne. Following this achievement, work continued resulting in the award from Britain in Bloom of silver gilt medals in 2015 in 2016, and in 2017 a gold medal.

From 2007 to 2018 the Friends of Ash Link were led successfully by Peter Routley. Peter recently moved to Devon and Irving Lord now leads the volunteers.

The Lord Lieutenant made the point that the group had created a positive out of a negative, turning space bordering a motorway and surrounded by houses, into an oasis for a diverse range of wildlife. As if on cue, a fly-by of Canada Geese squawked overhead, much to the amusement of the gathered crowds. The river Ash is now full of fish and other invertebrates and there is an abundance of flora and fauna on the site.

Such a natural gem has been created and tamed by this group of hard working volunteers who between them dedicated 8000 hours service in 2017. “It is better than the gym” said one “you meet so many lovely people”. The positive impact of outdoor work on the physique is one thing, but it is increasingly recognised as positive for mental health, offering peace, tranquillity and the satisfaction of feeling you have helped create something special. Volunteering for FoAL ticks a lot of boxes. The volunteers

Photo Vic Kettle

Queen’s Award for Volunteering 2018

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Quality Party Wear on a Budget

With the party season well under way, the shops are full of sparkles, glitz and glamour. Dresses can be an expensive purchase at an already costly time of year.

Did you know our Princess Alice Hospice shop in Shepperton has a dedicated floor of party and bridal wear? Labels such as Asos, Phase Eight, Pretty Little Thing and Monsoon are up for sale from as little as £20 each, cheap enough to buy two!

Linda Kemp, Manager of the Shepperton shop said: ”The quality of the dresses being donated is fabulous. A lot of them are brand new or have only been worn once. We’re very grateful for them and they are extremely popular.”

As well as a glamorous party dress, you can also find shoes, handbags and all the accessories you might need for your festive outfit.

The Hospice Shepperton shop is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 9am – 4.30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm pop along and check out the party dresses

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Sunbury Flower Boat Gets Makeover

The little Sunbury flower boat on Thames Street made quite a splash of colour this summer.

What a hot dry summer it was though! Quite a task to keep the watering up (and we are grateful to Spelthorne Depot who supported us). One job remained outstanding though; the boat itself looked a little shabby. The Lower Sunbury Business Community group (LSBC) was all too aware. But we are all volunteering and all run our own businesses so time was an issue. Well, we finally got started. The morning of the makeover the sun shone on the 4 volunteers. Locals passed by and gave us a cheery wave from their car, or some words of appreciation and encouragement as they walked past. One lovely local (you know who you are) even brought us a box of lovely chocolates! The boat has been planted with bulbs and cyclamen to give some winter cheer. The gunnels of the boat still need painting, but that is work in progress and is weather dependent. Meanwhile we got an extra bonus. Volunteers from the Friends of Sunbury Park have planted 500 tulip bulbs, donated by Squire’s. The area around the boat will be a riot of colour in the Spring.

Thank you to all the volunteers who got involved in this community enhancement and to the LSBC for funding the planting and winter baskets in the village.

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Sunbury Manor School ‘Lest We Forget’ United in Remembrance As a school, we have always marked Remembrance Day and each year, we have taken students on a trip to the Battlefields of Belgium and France. However, this being the centenary of the end of WWI we felt that we wanted to commemorate in a more significant way.

Throughout the week (5th to 9th November), school celebrated this by organising a week of commemorative school based activities. Our school was united in our ‘Lest We Forget’ work. It has been so moving over the last couple of weeks, seeing the genuine crosscurricular work, which has brought the school together.

Students have been busy making clay poppies in the style of the 2014 Tower of London poppies, recycling plastic bottles into poppies to mark our commemoration on the railings outside of the school gate, researching local soldiers who left Sunbury to fight in WWI, making wartime biscuits, studying war poetry and learning about medicine on the frontline during 1914-18. In addition, our very talented technology department made our very own solider silhouettes, which we placed in our reception and displayed with the 800 clay poppies in our version of the 2014 Tower of London moat.

This continued with our afternoon presentation on Thursday when school when was joined by Tom Stubbs, OBE and past Mayor

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of Spelthorne, members of the British Legion and Shepperton Aurora Rotary Club, Rev. Ron Cross from St Saviours Church and the schools Chair of Governors, Louise Hirst and her husband, Andrew Hirst, Vice President of the local British Legion. Our students presented an overview of all the activities and enjoyed talking to our visitors further, over a cup of tea and an Anzac biscuit.

Some of our visitors commented: “It is truly wonderful to see so many young people taking time to respect those who gave their life for their freedom” “I so enjoyed the Remembrance event yesterday - though it did make me cry! I loved talking with the students and hearing their presentations. This kind of experience is character building and helps students gain confidence. It is so important. SMS is so good at this sort of thing along with all the opportunities and experiences you provide - like the WW1 Battlefield visits. It makes your school special and gives it "heart".

In addition, our school was extremely privileged to be awarded 10 solider silhouettes from the Armed Forces Covenant fund as part of their ‘There But Not There’ campaign, which were placed around our school site.

It truly has been a memorable couple of weeks in school and a time that will not be forgotten.

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Recipe of the Month Home Made Baklava Ingredients

20 leaves of filo pastry 200g of unsalted butter 200g of walnuts 200g of pistachio nuts 1 large spoon of sugar 2 small spoons of rose water 2 large spoons of ground pistachio nuts for garnish For the syrup 1 glass of water 200g of caster sugar 1 tea spoon of lemon juice 1 tea spoon of rose water 1 tea spoon of Orange blossom Garnish 1 large spoon of ground or shaved pistachio nuts Prepare the syrup first. Put the sugar and water in a small pan and stir until the sugar dissolves. Place the pan on the hob on a high temperature Once the syrup starts to boil reduce temperature to the minimum and leave to simmer until the syrup is no longer watery, this will take around 20-25 minutes. Once that is ready, add the rose water and leave aside to cool down.

Meanwhile put the walnuts and pistachio nuts in a large blender, add the sugar and rose water and blend until slightly smooth.

Put the butter in a small bowl and put in the microwave for 10 seconds or until soft. Choose a non stick baking tray that has the same measurements as the filo sheets. Brush the bottom of the baking tray with a bit of melted butter. Put the first sheet of filo pastry in the tray and brush with butter. Do the same with the first 10 sheets, then spread the nuts evenly on top of the filo pastry. Cover with another filo pastry sheet and brush with butter. Do the same with the other 10 sheets. Cut the pastry with a sharp knife in a diamond shape -- or any shape of your choice. If the knife sticks to the sheets while you are cutting, dip the top edge of the knife in water. Put the tray in Please mention Sunbury Matters when responding to adverts

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a preheated oven at 200 degrees, in the middle shelf and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Remove the tray from oven and pour the syrup on top. You have to make sure the baklava is still hot when you pour the syrup on top. Garnish with ground pistachio nuts and serve hot or cold.

With thanks to Sunbury’s Samara Cuisine, finalist in the Best Small Business in the Spelthorne Business Awards 2018

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Rotary Bring Christmas Cheer with Santa and Sleigh

It is nearly Christmas and all our elves have been busily repairing our Sleigh after the hard work of last year. As in the past, the Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury will be accompanying Santa around the street of Shepperton collecting for our charities.

All monies collected will go to Charity, not a penny will be spent on administration.

The sleigh and Santa will be visiting, after 6 pm, the following roads on these days.

Friday December 7th Peregrine road, Falcon Way, Nursery Road, Laytons Lane, Evelyn Way, Beverley Road Nursery Gardens, Ravens Court, Sutherland Avenue, Ravensdale Road, Stratton Road, Springfield Road, The Ridings, Manor Gardens, Chenneston Place.

Wednesday December 12th The Avenue, Roper Crescent, Lawlor Close, Summertrees, The Spinney, Hamilton Place, Pinewoods, Meadows End, Brackenwood, Downside, Benwell Court, Furzewood, Broomfield, Oak Grove, Salix Close, Barnhard Close, Park Road.

Rotary is an organisation which combines having fun with the serious intent of raising money for charity.

There is a strong social element in everything we do. This includes a ‘Sports’ afternoon every Thursday and interclub competitions. Interested in having fun and helping others - Rotary might be the organisation for you. If iso, please give me a call or email me. Details below.

The Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury meet at the Holiday Inn on Monday evenings and our Sister Club, Aurora, meet at the same venue on a Wednesday morning. If you are interested, contact Chris at 01932 231 596 or 07961 37 10 27. email: chris@leightons.me.uk

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Sunbury Christmas House Goes Live

The Big Build has been underway for several weeks. New sparkly, Christmassy things have been purchased and every inch of available space has been covered, inside, outside, front and back. The Sunbury Christmas House in Green Street is due to go live at the start of December.

Steven and Tracey Lonsdale love Christmas and with generous hearts they want to share that joy and put something back to the community. Not only do they make this huge splash of colour, but they collect donations which go to support a local charity. Last year they collected over ÂŁ2000. This year they are supporting a charity called Yorda Adventures, a not-for-profit charity that works with families to provide play projects for children and young people with severe learning disabilities. You can donate online through www.justgiving.com (search Christmas House) or directly at the Christmas House itself. Enjoy! Thanks from us all.

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Stay Safe This Winter Wise Words from Neighbourhood Watch With the darker nights setting in we would like to remind you to keep your house secure and lit up!

When you leave your home look back and think are there places where a burglar could break into your home without being seen?

How would you get in if you had forgotten your keys? If you could get inside, so could a burglar.

Key advice Below is lots of crime prevention advice but here are the top bits Please make sure your doors and windows are locked. Lots of the burglaries we see are opportunist, this means that they have seen an easy way into your property and taken the opportunity. Keeping your doors and windows locked really makes a difference Double lock your doors. We have seen burglaries where people gain entry through pulling the door handle through the letter box, double locking your doors prevents this.

Make sure your car keys are not in view or near the doors or windows.

Don’t advertise your holiday on social media.

It reveals to the world that your house is empty whilst you are away. It is also possible it could affect your insurance cover.

During the winter As the nights get darker earlier, leave a light on inside your home.

Timer switches are a great way to make your home look occupied even if you are out.

Change the times that the lights come on to make it seem like people are home.

Make sure your front door is well lit. Use dusk to dawn lighting that automatically comes on as it gets dark.

Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Lots of burglaries are opportunist that come in through unlocked doors. Please remember to lock your doors!

Windows and doors security When you go out, always close and lock external doors and windows, even if you are just going out for a short time.

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UPVC or composite doors have multi-locking systems, but it is strongly recommended they are fitted with an anti-snap lock cylinder (TS007) of 3* standard as a minimum Window locks can be seen from outside and could deter a burglar from forcing the window If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it more difficult for a thief to get out again.

But don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place nearby If you have a flat roof extension the windows above it should always be locked Keeping keys safe Ensure your keys are kept in a safe place out of sight and well away from your letterbox Don’t tag keys so they can be easily identified Keep all spare keys in a safe place Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed Consider buying a safe for personal papers, passports and small items of jewellery. This must be secured to the floor or a wall Security outside your home Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property Visible burglar alarms and carefully directed security lighting can deter burglars. Make sure alarms stop sounding after 20 minutes and lights don’t disturb your neighbours Living in a flat or shared housing Consider having a phone entry system fitted to the main door of your building Never buzz open the door for strangers, or hold open the door for someone you don’t know.

If You are Going Away on holiday Suspend any deliveries, such as milk and newspapers. Get home contents insurance Don’t share when you are going on holiday on social media. It is even possible it could affect your insurance cover.

Ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property Try to make your home look occupied while you are not there Use timer switches on lamps or your radio www.villagematters.co.uk

Marking your property Mark or register your property: Ultraviolet or invisible marking It can only be seen by an ultraviolet lamp, although it does fade over time and can be washed off eventually.

Permanent marking Suitable for hard surfaces by engraving or etching.

Tracking for laptops and smartphones These can now be traced if stolen by using online tracking software, which is usually free. Search online and register your laptop or phone.

Intruder alarms If you don’t have an intruder alarm installed, we would suggest that you consider having one installed. Intruder alarms may prevent intruders from breaking into your home as a visible deterrent. Alternatively, if an intruder does attempt to break into your home the alarm activating may scare them off.

Be a good neighbour If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999.

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Sunbury Neighbours Thanks 22 Years

Volunteering is such a worthwhile activity.

There are plenty of options if you look around. Giving people some freedom and independence as well as a bit of company must come as priorities. Sunbury neighbours gives those less mobile, the ability to get to appointments or do some shopping. Made up of around 30 local volunteers, duties are split between driving or taking calls and arranging volunteer drivers. When John Mold retired many years ago, the group was quite new.

Wife Maggie was already involved in the group but thought it would be good for John to have a purpose so signed him up. 22 years later John and Maggie were celebrating Johns 22 years of continuous service with fellow volunteers. The group had just welcomed two new volunteers and they are always on the look out. It is a small commitment and I am told that “no is a perfectly acceptable answer”when asked if you can help with a job.

Duty officers take a turn answering calls for 2 hours per fortnight or even monthly. The previous week there had been 31 jobs. If you volunteer to drive you do so to suit your availability. There is no pressure or obligation.

Loneliness is such a hot topic at the moment.

How can we help combat it within our own community? For those who feel isolated, a volunteer driving organisation makes all the difference. “Clients” are asked for a modest donation to cover petrol costs and the driver is reimbursed costs. Any over payment goes into the organisation funds and is then put

towards local charitable needs.

Previous recipients have been the food bank, Home Start and Crossroads, a charity caring for carers locally.

Sunbury neighbours is entirely self funding and makes such a difference to those people it helps. Janet Twigg moved to the area to be nearer family but wanted something to do in this new place where she didn’t know many people. Her role as duty officer is now legendary and her life revolves around Sunbury Neighbours where she has time to chat and help those needing it.

The group has made the difference to so many who may have been forced into care.

The freedom the volunteer drivers enable means “clients” can live independently for longer.

John Mold continues to volunteer and will do as long as he is able. He was celebrated with a beautiful home made cake and a lot of good cheer from fellow volunteers. Congratulations John.

If you have any time to spare, why not consider offering a couple of hours to the group.

It would make the difference to someone’s quality of life and give you so much back in return.

To find out more please call the Duty Officer Monday to Friday between 09.30 and 11.30 on 07956 82

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Raj is Staying!!

Some great news for Lower Sunbury. After many months of uncertainty we have had confirmation that Raj Homestores is NOT selling and will be happy to continue to serve the community. Raj is improving but wife Kamal and various community volunteers are continuing to front the shop.

Talking of shop fronts...daughter Jasmeen (12) made sure the shop is ready for the festive season. She spent a Saturday recently decorating it and making it look lovely (see Kamal peaking through too!). Well done!

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LOSRA Says‌.

Fly-tipping – Prosecutions are up but how safe are you?

Many residents are unaware that if you use an unlicensed trader to dispose of household waste, it is the resident who remains responsible for its lawful disposal; and could be liable for large fines in the event of the waste being unlawfully dumped.

To complicate matters, a recent report in The Times reveals the ease with which rogue traders can obtain licences with few checks on their legitimacy; or by the simple device of forging the licence. To counter this it may be necessary to take all reasonable steps to establish authenticity eg, by photographing the licence and checking with the licensing authority as to its validity.

It is perhaps timely that Surrey County Council is conducting a consultation on proposed changes to the management of waste at our community recycling centres (CRCs). The proposals include: 1. Permanently closing a number of smaller, less effective, CRCs whilst increasing the opening hours of others; 2. Introducing a charge to dispose of construction wood and roofing felt; 3. Increasing the cost of disposing of items the CRC already charge for; 4.

Charging an annual application fee for van, pickup and trailer permits.

It is popularly believed that the increasing costs associated with lawful disposal of waste has resulted in a corresponding increase in the incidence of fly-tipping. You can have your say by visiting: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/ and completing the consultation form online.

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Pat Bradley RIP This autumn saw a funeral like no other in St Mary’s. Pat Bradley was laid to rest with friends and family galore. Pat was a well known and life long Chelsea fan. Father Andrew knew of this passion. Despite being a fan of rivals Fulham. At the end of the service he stunned the congregation by taking off his robes and revealing a Chelsea shirt.

The church erupted in applause. What a way to go!

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Happy 100th Rosemary Last month we marked the 100th birthday of Dennis Brock. This month we can celebrate another well recognised figure, Rosemary Chatfield, pictured below on lollipop duties in the 1970’s and right as she was last year.

Rosemary was born in south London to a French mother. She married Fred Uzzell and they ran a grocery shop in Bedfordshire.

He had been in the Royal Medical corps and they moved to Isleworth where he worked as a male nurse at Percy House. Rosemary ran a cafe for 13 years, whist bringing up their 7 children.

They moved to Sunbury and worked locally, until Fred retired, but Rosemary still needed to do something, so she became a school crossing lady for 10 years from 1978-88 on the corner of Nursery Road and Green Street. She loved to ask the children what they had been cooking at school.

dresses and also many for others.

Her hobbies include crosswords, crib, and playing scrabble, and she loves to speak French when the opportunity arises.

She has travelled to the US to visit her daughter and family, also Australia, France and the Norwegian Rosemary at 99 Fjords, but loves our own country best.

Her daughter bought a holiday cottage in Brittany to renovate, not realising that her Great Grandmother and Grandmother had lived in the very same house. What a coincidence.

Family are celebrating her 100th Birthday with a party with 32 close relatives, ie. children, grandchildren and great grandchildren also a niece, great nephews and a great niece and close friends and neighbours. Quiet a gathering ! Congratulations!

The photo above shows Rosemary with Ruth Wilson, (now of course a famous actress but who started off at the Riverside Youth Theatre) and two of her brothers.

Rosemary was a staunch member of St. Ignatius Church, the Townswomen's Guild and Spelthorne Ramblers.

Fred died in 1984. Rosemary met her second husband Reg Chatfield whilst on a Saga holiday in Devon. Reg took her on the Orient Express to Kent as an 80th birthday treat but unfortunately he died suddenly soon after.

For Rosemary's 90th birthday, her youngest daughter made her a special family tree quilt which incorporated photos of her family.

Always a keen dressmaker, Rosemary made two daughters wedding dresses as well as bridesmaids

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Sun. 2nd Dec. SUNDAY LUNCHTIME JAZZ Featuring DIGBY FAIRWEATHER with DUNCAN EAGLES & The Blue Notes £10.00 Sunday Lunchtime Jazz returns to Sunbury Cricket Club with a very special show featuring one of the most illustrious personalities on the British jazz scene, the cornetist, bandleader, broadcaster and author Digby Fairweather. Digby has been playing jazz at the highest level for 40 years, and has been associated with many major names, as well as leading his own band The Half Dozen. The late Sir John Dankworth called him “one of our most articulate jazzmen in both his words and his music”, and Jim Simpson, publisher of The Jazz Rag magazine wrote: “One of our great jazzmen, and the UK’s leading man-about jazz, he has assuredly taken the place vacated by Humphrey Lyttelton as Britain’s leading jazz personality”. There is full information about him at http://www.digbyfairweather.com/. He is appearing with a quartet featuring an important up-and-coming name in British jazz, tenor saxophonist Duncan Eagles, along with Stephane Booroff (drums), Nick Cooper (piano) and Phil Berry (bass).

The show will start at around 1pm. Tickets are available on the door, and you can reserve them by e-mailing the address below. A lunch menu will be available from about 12.15, at £13.95 for 2 courses or £16.95 for three courses. It is a real privilege to have an artist of Digby’s stature playing in Sunbury, and it will be a great occasion.

Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, TW16 5PS For further information e-mail paulwatts1946@googlemail.com

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Sudoku Solution 5 9 6 3 7 1 8 2 4

7 8 2 4 9 5 3 6 1

1 4 3 6 2 8 9 7 5

4 5 7 2 1 3 6 8 9

2 3 9 8 6 4 1 5 7

8 6 1 9 5 7 4 3 2

3 2 4 5 8 9 7 1 6

9 1 5 7 3 6 2 4 8

Solution to December Sudoku

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6 7 8 1 4 2 5 9 3

How Are the Sunbury Bees?

By Avis Marshall, Sunbury Bee Keeper

People are always asking me how are the bees? Well, they appeared to cope with the unusually hot summer without any major problems. The honey crop was a good average and despite the lack of rain the bees found nectar from somewhere. The early spring honey was a glorious golden colour but the August crop was the darkest honey ever produced by Sunbury bees in fourteen years.

It is also very sticky, even by honey standards, Ivy is the last source of nectar and pollen for the bees and once it has finished flowering the colony has to rely on its stores to see them through the winter. The colder the weather the tighter the bees will cluster and the queen will produce few eggs or cease laying altogether. However, in mild winters the bees will continue to fly on sunny days, use up their stores and risk starvation. This is when the beekeeper has to step in and ensure there is an adequate food source.

Honeybees have been around for sixty million years or so, according to which book you happen to read and must have faced many threats to their survival in this time but have continued to thrive. Problems in recent years have been caused by man transporting non indigenous species around the world. In 1992 the varroa mite, originally a parasite on Asian bees was found in the UK, and now the Asian hornet has been seen here, having spread through Europe at an alarming rate after first being accidentally imported in pottery through the port of Bordeaux in 2004.

Asian hornets attack honeybee colonies and can destroy a hive very quickly. French beekeepers report devastating loses of 50% of their hives in their apiaries. Asian hornet nests discovered in the UK have been destroyed but we all need to be vigilant in reporting sightings to DEFRA. Ideally, email them a photograph and the complete postcode.

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The Asian Hornet, the latest threat to honey bees

larger with yellow abdomens and black legs.

They are active from April to November, the queens hibernating over the winter.

They have been found as close as Winchester and Guildford so please keep a sharp lookout for this invasive species and help to preserve our natural ecology.

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Recognise someone?

This photo has been shared by Ken Jones, a former Sunbury resident, now living in Canada (yes he still reads Sunbury Matters on the internet!)

This was taken at the Methodist Church in Sunbury probably in or around 1947.

Ken is in the front row (second from left in white plimsols. His friend Dave Garret is middle row far right.

Kem lived at 149 Vicarage road.

As for the Beechwood Ave faces from last month, John Pearson suggested Pauline Pattinson, Kenny Moore and Allan Dobson may have been amongst the familiar faces.

Ring any bells?

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“The Impact of Universal Credit on the Community is

IGNORANT, ASTONISHINGLY BADLY ADMINISTERED, AND SO CRUEL” Says St Saviours Foodbank “The initial idea behind universal credit was good. In practice, however, the rollout has seen a lack of understanding about poverty.

During the five weeks between old benefits ending and universal credit kicking in, families receive no benefits at all. They can claim a loan, but repayments are then taken from their universal credit payment, when they finally receive it.

In areas where universal credit has been introduced, the number of people visiting food banks rose by an average of 52% over the first 12 months.

It is nationally humiliating to have a government so privileged that it introduces something so ignorant, so astonishingly badly administered, and so cruel.”

The Times The response to the above has been amazing, and restores our faith in human kindness. The St. Saviour’s Foodbank has seen donations increase significantly since the condemnation of universal credit was picked up by mainstream media. People read about the increasing number of clients needing our support in these difficult times and they volunteered cash, food and help. Thank you for your support. You can donate to the Foodbank direct or Tesco Sunbury Foodbank. The Collection Trolley in the store for contributions has been going for quite a while now, which is increasingly filled. Now for the next two weeks there will be a Toy Trolley standing alongside, where you can deposit toys for all ages, which we will collected at the toy event.

However, not all is gloom and doom!

Our long-standing local supporters at Tesco have had a Foodbank Trolley in the store for contributions for quite a while now, which is increasingly being To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

filled quickly. Now for the next two weeks there will be a Toy Trolley standing alongside, where you can deposit toys for all ages, which we will distribute around the parish.

Also we will have a strong presence at the Lower Sunbury Christmas Market on Thursday December 6th between 5-8pm. There will be Christmas Music and Carols, Food, Gifts of all kinds, and a fabulous Community Raffle.

We will be there as well to explain the many and varied programmes and activities that we are now offering, and of course happy to receive donations.

December Christmas dates to note are: 9th Community carols (singing carols around Sunbury) meet at 6pm at St Saviours 12th Christmas community lunch 13th Christmas toy event all day (invite only) 16th December- all age carol service 9.15am Christingle service 4pm 19th Traditional Carol Service 10am 23rd: Carols by Candlelight 6pm 24th 12.00am - 3pm donkey rides, 4pm nativity play, 11pm -Midnight Communion 25th Christmas Day service 10am Claire Hopkins, St Saviour’s Church claire.hopkins@stsaviourssunbury.org.uk 07549 952 161

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Crossword Solution B R E A D I A S T P R I O B U S T E O D

A N C H C A C A A H H O R A B L E E R I S A I A T E S T T T A I E S T E N S A T S E R V E R E E A D N A R L Y R I C I E U I D E S T M E L

T U N Y E M U B A U R R X A S I S E O D

Solution to December Quick Crossword

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S S E E M T Y

Never Mind the Hummus -

We Hear from Best Small Business Finalist Samara Cuisine

When I applied for the Spelthorne small business award for 2018 I never thought I'd be one of the 3 finalists! After 16 years in the catering business, it's nice to be recognised.

I came to England twenty-eight years ago after graduating from Art School in my home city of Beirut. I worked for many high profile companies, including the BBC, before it dawned on me that I didn't really want to work for anyone but myself. So I opened my own business. With two young kids to look after, it wasn't easy. So I chose something that I could run from home and that would give me plenty of flexibility. Thanks to the support of my family, friends, the LSBC and the loyal subcontractors I've managed to make a success of it, despite the long recession we've all had to face.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Samara Cuisine is a one woman show -something of which I am both proud and still somewhat apprehensive. There are so many challenges. The cooking is my first love and what sets the company apart, but there's so much more. I have set up parties and weddings that have hosted more than two hundred people. I've brought in Arabian tents, belly dancers, henna artists, even camels. That's the fun stuff, but then there's all the accounts, the marketing, social media, the cleaning, the hiring and firing, the shopping... The list goes on and will be familiar to so many people running small businesses.

My cooking is rooted in my Lebanese background, growing up as I did in Beirut throughout the long years of a vicious Lebanese war. But I've travelled throughout the Arab To advertise call Monica on 07979 808991

Lebanese Pudding - Layali Loubnan

world and my cuisine is infused with many other influences -- from Morocco in particular, with its heady mingling of sweet and savoury.

I train and employ local school kids and young adults to work at events that take place nearby but also across the country.

I use our excellent local suppliers for my basic ingredients and raw materials.

I have built up a great relationship with the local business community, LSBC. Their support is vital.

My blog Nevermindthehummus mingles recipes and memories that cast a deeply evocative spell. I advise everyone to read it, for its humour, culture, childhood stories and most importantly some great recipes.

I also run highly successful cooking classes from home on a huge dining room table that can seat up to twenty people, who share each other's enthusiasm - while gaining priceless tips from my inexhaustible supply of delicious, healthy dishes, the likes of Humus, Tabouleh, Aubergine dip, steeped in tradition imbued with my own inimitable twist. The classes run from January to April and we accommodate children and their parents, partners and party groups. Vouchers are available too. If you would like more information please check the website: https://samaracuisine.co.uk/cooking-classes/

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Gardening Matters Plants for Christmas

By Rachael Leverton With Christmas just around the corner I’m often asked what houseplants I recommend as gifts. Here are my top five, plus one nonhouseplant.

Hippeastrum / Amaryllis - is a remarkable bulb, which produces 60cm / 2ft tall, fleshy drainpipe stems and flamboyant trumpet flowers up to 20cm /8in across. ‘Red Lion’ with deep scarlet flowers; ‘Apple Blossom’ with pink-tinged white flowers, and ‘Christmas Gift’ with plain white flowers, are readily available. You can buy them as DIY plant-ityourself kits, or as ready-planted gifts.

Citrus bushes make interesting presents. Sold at this time of year with both flowers and developing fruit, they are deliciously scented.

Lemon varieties 'Meyer' and 'Four Seasons ‘are lovely but also consider calamondin oranges. The plant should be kept in a light, frost-free spot over the winter with a minimum night temperature of 5C, then in the summer the pot can be moved outside.

Cyclamen persicum is wonderfully decorative. The flowers range from white, through pink, to red. This is probably a gift for a more experienced gardener as persuading it to flower again can be a challenge, but it can be done.

Keep it in full light in winter, at a steady 13C16C. Give it a liquid feed fortnightly while it is in flower. Water less as the stems start to bend and collapse, then keep it completely dry for three months during its dormant period.

Gently introduce water again as new leaves appear.

Schlumbergera x buckleyi, the Christmas cactus is a perennial favourite. It has protruding stamens at the end of succulent, flattened leaves, and pretty flowers. It likes high humidity while flowering so mist it regularly it with a fine spray of clean water, and feed it monthly with a high-potash feed. When it's finished flowering put the plant in a light spot and keep the compost just moist.

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Hyacinthus orientalis 'Ostara' is a stunning hyacinth with deep-blue flowers, powerfully scented and particularly nice when planted as a trio in a bowl or basket. Christmas hyacinths are 'forced' to flower earlier than they would naturally. They need a cool spot, preferably no more than 13C, so that they do not flop. Noone wants a floppy hyacinth! The bulbs can be planted in the garden afterwards so will continue to provide pleasure in future years.

Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' is not a houseplant but it makes a fabulous gift. It flowers from November, while the leaves are still on, through the winter. The pink flowers are scented and a few sprigs in a small vase at this time of year are just joyous. Even better it is totally hardy so is great for the non-greenfingered, and can be planted out of a pot at any time, if the ground isn't frozen.

Don’t wrap plants, just tie a big bow around the pot. It's a thoughtful touch to provide printed or hand-written instructions for aftercare. Make sure any living plant is well watered before you hand it over. They will probably be a bit neglected over the festive period, but a good watering should make sure that they last past New Year.

Happy festive gardening.

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The Story of a Child in Service

Dora Annie is the debut children’s book by Sunbury-onThames author Patricia Stone, and edited by Brian Bone.

Although written for children, it tells the story of the author’s grandmother, starting out as a young girl and her tough but happy family life, who went to her first live-in job at the age of eight as a companion and helper to an unwell farmer’s wife.

It covers her adventures when she went into service at the age of fourteen as a Tweeny Maid, Nursery Maid and then finally a Ladies Maid, but it also focuses heavily on her home life, which is an intrinsic part of the narrative. ‘I am so lucky, thought Dora.’

What an amazing insight into the life of a child in the late 1880’s. Today it is beyond belief that a child would be in work at the age of 8 but today we live in different times indeed!

“I loved my grandmother, and her extraordinary early life was so completely different from anyone nowadays that I found it fascinating. I’m sure others will feel the same,” comments Patricia.

You can find the book online (ISBN 9781789013542) but also in local book shops. Patricia will be doing a book signing at Waterstones in Staines and Walton before Christmas.

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What’s Happening Locally?

If you want your event listed please email 50 words to email info@villagematters.co.uk December 1. Friends of St Mary's invite you to join us in St. Mary's Parish Hall for an evening with a Harp, mince pies and mulled wine. More details on our web site www.fosmsunbury.org. Or contact 01932 784432.

Countdown to Christmas. A compilation of carols, songs and a panto, plus mulled wine and mince pies to get you into the Christmas spirit. Performed by Staines Musical Theatre Group on Sunday 2nd December at 2:30pm and 6.00pm at United Church of Egham, Surrey, TW209HP. Tickets available from 01784 605805 Thursday December 6th. Lower Sunbury Christmas Market. Santa’s Grotto at Laura’s Hair & Beauty. Big Community Raffle—Tickets on sale from Skinners, Van Wonderen, Laura’s and Tony’s Hairdressers on Vicarage Road. 30 stalls, Salvation Army carols. Christmas lights. So much to enjoy. 5pm-8pm. All welcome!

Spelthorne Natural History Society. Wednesday 5th December at 8pm, Greeno Centre, Shepperton. (Note new date). Members slide show and Christmas party. A chance to see and hear about group activities over the past year. £3 charge for non-members. Refer to www.snhs.org.uk for more info The Friends of Sunbury Park have organised a litter pick in the park, and also (if enough support) in Hawke park on Sunday December 9th. The event starts at 10.30 and we will meet in the Green Street car park in Lower Sunbury. There will be litter pickers available, but if you have one, please bring it along Shepperton Big Tree Night—Wednesday December 12th from 5-8pm in the High Street, Shepperton. Santa and his sleigh, food stalls, gifts, singing. A great family evening.

During December Open Door Church will be hosting on Saturday 1st December - the Big Boys Breakfast between 10 am and 12 noon at the Open Door Church Centre at the corner of Green Street and Rooksmead Road Sunbury This is an event which is open to all fathers with young children and which comprises a time for Dads to chat with each other and interact with their own children whilst enjoying a free coffee and bacon sandwich.

Sunday 9th December - Open Door Church Kidz Klub Christmas party for children 411 years old. This takes place between 10.30am and 2pm at Sunbury Manor School.

Please ring 01932 782005 or email office@opendoorchurchsunbury.com if you have a child who would like to attend.

Sunday 16th December A Carol Celebration at Sunbury Manor School starting at 6pm.

Christmas Day at Open Door Church Centre,at the corner of Green Street and Rooksmead Road, a family meeting at 10.30am where we will celebrate the birth of Jesus.

All are welcome to any of these events. Phone 01932 782005; email office@opendoorchurchsunbury.com or visit www.opendoorchurchsunbury.com for further details.

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SUNBURY AND SHEPPERTON ARTS ASSOCIATION PRESENT A BURNS NIGHT ON SATURDAY JANUARY 26 2019 from 7.30 to 11.30pm.

A Fun evening with three course Scottish meal including haggis, bagpipes, facilities of RAC's bar and Scottish Country Dancing with professional caller. Kilts optional.

Tickets @ £32 from 01932-787390, boxoffice@ssaa-arts.org and www.ticketsource.co.uk/ ssarts TO BE HELD AT: RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTRE! 59 THAMES STREET SUNBURY TW16 5QF SUNBURY AND SHEPPERTON ARTS CENTRE PRESENT A COFFEE CONCERT ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16 2019 at 10.15 followed by 11am concert with: JONATHAN RADFORD ( saxophone) and ELEANOR KORMAS ( piano) Programme will include Scaramouche by Milhaud and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

Tickets ( to include coffee and croissant) @ £12 from 01932-787390 TO BE HELD AT: RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTRE 59 THAMES STREET SUNBURY TW16 5 QF Beginners Beekeeping Course, by Kingston Beekeepers Association. Commences 14th January 2019 at Esher College for eight sessions. Suitable for anybody thinking about keeping bees or just wanting to know more about them. Practical sessions at our apiary in Hampton Court, on Saturday afternoons from April to October.

Contact admin@kingstonbeekeepers.org.uk website http://kingstonbeekeepers.org.uk/

Zodiac Musical Society Zodiac would like to invite you to their Christmas Concert ‘Christmas Revels’ at Riverside Arts Centre from Friday 14 December to Saturday 15 December. Performances commence at 7.45 pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £10 and include mince pies and mulled wine. Come and join us for Carols, Christmas songs and a short pantomime. For tickets please call the box office on: 01932 220167.

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Index of Advertisers Alterations/Tailoring Shepperton Tailoring 28 Bathrooms Sanctuary Design 31 Beauty Beauty by Daniela 28 Bedrooms Ashford Interiors 5 Builders W Brown & Sons 49 John Shopland 51 Business/Opportunity LSBC 44 Car Body/Repair Chips Away 55 Chip & Paint Repair 54 Cards/Wrapping Card Factory 16 Care for Elderly Alina 42 Sunbury Nursing 41 Promedica24 39 The Burlington 9 Carpenter George Scott Woods 51 Carpet Cleaning Nick Lewis Cleaning 45 Chimney Sweep Patrick Stone 48 Chiropodist Shepperton Chirop 29

Computer Services My PC Helper 36 Curtains/Blinds Decorama 47 Decorator SDS 52 SJ Harris 39 Dentist Evolve Dental 10 Dog Grooming Grooming Gorgeous 46 Electrician Boss Electrics 52 Paige Electrics 60 Equity Release Harvest Financial 36 Estate Agent/Property Curchods 32/33 Dexters 64 Events/Social Hampton Court 6 Sunbury Xmas 11 Holiday Inn Tributes 22 Hammond Theatre 61 Sunbury Conserv.

17 Brooklands 25 Florist Van Wonderen 24 Footcare Stella Fielder 39 Garden Services

January 2019 Issue

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DH Gardening 56 Rose’s 52 Easicut Mowers 56 Lawnmaster 56 Gutters Star Guttering 52 Handyman i-Handy 42 Fixit & Mendit 54 Health & Fitness Everyone Active 19 Laser Therapy 39 Kitchens Ashford/Neff 5 Sanctuary Design 31 Dream Doors 35 Mobility Services Shepperton Mobility 29 Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 48 Pharmacy Trio Pharmacy 37 Restaurants/Pubs Holiday Inn 15 Roofing Aldridge & Sons 52 Platinum Roofing 49 Schools Hampton Ct House 26 Hampton School 2 Halliford School 21

Ad Prices (Sunbury)

(Ex VAT) 1/8 £30 Quarter £60 Half £100 Full £185

5% off for 3 months or more (1/4 page plus)

Sell Stuff for Cash JC Stamps Shutters House of Surrey Decorama Taxi VA Cars Travel Clinic Trio Pharmacy Upholstery John Miller Vet Sherwood Vets Will Writing Harvest Wills Windows/Glazing House of Surrey Village Windows Novaglass

36 13 54 60 30 18 46 44 63 51 64

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Sunbury Matters Shepperton Matters Molesey Matters Walton Matters

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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. Village 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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