Sunbury Matters is a free monthly community magazine, launched in November 2011. The magazine is distributed to the Sunbury-on-Thames area every month but every issue is also available to read online right here.
Plenty to read in this issue, from tackling loneliness and isolation, to spreading kindness and having patience with planning and building in the village. As well as that, you can read about the history of Sunbury’s oldest pub, the Three Fishes.
In this months issue we of course look at new years resolutions, whether fitness focused, volunteering or sustainable lifestyle changes. We have a coffee with CEO of Spelthorne council and hear about his thoughts on the borough.
This month we reflect on more local stories which have emerged since the centenary commemoration of the Armistice.
In this month’s issue we celebrate the 100th birthday of Dennis Brock, Bell Captain of St Mary’s who has lived in Sunbury all his life.
We celebrate also local success in the annual Spelthorne in Bloom awards, and also the inaugural Spelthorne Business Awards.
Lots to read in this months magazine. We find that Pomfret Cottage has had a facelift. This grade 1 listed building has had its false windows beautifully painted, depicting the Prince of Wales gazing out towards Monksbridge. Whereas we celebrate that building, we lament plans to demolish Dart House which as long been depicted in photos and paintings of the entrance to the village.
This month we see music in many guises. We meet a former Womble as well as the Director of keyboard at the Royal College of Music, both Sunbury residents and we revisit the ongoing discussions of speeding and signage in the village.
We see Sunbury through the eyes of a teenager this month, as well as through the eyes of a long term older resident. The village has a lot to offer both. We look back to the original music festival in 1968 when name such as Eric Clapton, Marc Bolan and Jeff Beck appeared in Kempton Park. We also look at traffic issues which continue to challenge us all, both in terms of inconsiderate parking and speeding traffic.
In this months issue we look at the community celebrating summer with a wonderful Open Gardens, a street party and a floral boat tribute to the founder of the local business group. We also bring the story of Flight Lieutenant Dominic Bruce of Blakesley Lodge in Green St during the year of the centenary of the RAF.
In this months issue you can read all about the Lendy Lion which now stands in the Walled Garden. Also the Sunbury Suffagette who is commemorated on the plaque in Parliament Square. In addition we highlight local issues such as the Local Plan, parking on the pavements and potholes!
In this issue we continue the battle with the overzealous parking system at Sunbury Cross and urge management to change the system or lose trade. We visit the Riverside Arts Centre and hear about how it started, how it was funded and how it is run. What a story!
In this months magazine we take a look at the beautiful old house that used to stand opposite Rivermead Island. We hear about a new ladies wear hire business in Sunbury, review a stunning concert at St Mary’s Church and celebrate MBE Lynn Stanier.
In this months magazine we meet an inspiring young man who has set the Guinness World Record for the most countries visited by bike in 7 days. We also read about plotlands, the subdivision on land which created affordable riverside dwellings in the beginning of the 20th century and we carry a tribute to the late Ian Dow who did so much for the Riverside Youth Theatre in Sunbury.
In this months issue we discover that Sunbury had its own film star back in the early 20th century. Alma Taylor was a huge name at neighbouring Hepworth Studios. Back to current times with a bump, we look at the new parking rules at Sunbury Cross which are leaving many with huge fines to contend with, discuss dredging with the Environment Agency and find out what next steps can be taken in the fight to restore Hanworth Park House.
We look back to the days when the Thames froze over, appeal for the saving of Hanworth Park House and have a chat with the Chief Constable of Surrey about antisocial behaviour.
This month we continue with good news stories as well as updates on the not so good news from the village. We look also at weird and wonderful Christmas traditions, have a chat with the Bishop of Kensington about what Christmas means to him and of course update you on the Sunbury Christmas House.
There is a lot in this month’s issue relating to the challenges in our community – burglaries, antisocial behaviour, boat scuttling and thefts. So we want to spread some good news stories too.
In this month’s issue we feature a magnificent stag on the front cover as the rutting season gets under way. We look at community leaf clearing efforts, meet 3AM a local band and attend a wedding show with preloved dresses on the catwalk.
In this biggest ever issue of Sunbury Matters we take a look at questions to think about when selecting a school, we visit Brooklands Museum, hear about conservation at St Mary’s and consider what makes ‘Hygge’, that cosy feeling you get from being curled up in front of a fire, and find out that there are lots of Welsh in our little community.
We reflect on the visit to Sunbury of the Queen’s row barge, Gloriana, crewed by the Sunbury Skiff Club. The front cover sets the scene. We also introduce you to the local hedgehog sanctuary – did you know there was one? We also welcome to Sunbury the fabulous Spelthorne Gymnastics and give you an overview of the forthcoming Sunbury regatta.
We take a look at local events such as the recent Sunbury Open Gardens, congratulate a local MBE winner, celebrate 300 years of water music and consider a teaching career with training at Thamesmead school
This month there is a lot happening. The Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Festival, Staines upon Thames Day, the TW12 Jazz Festival… and we have the Gloriana visiting Sunbury.
