The First World War began for this country on August 4th 1914 when Britain declared war on Germany, for invading neutral Belgium. As in many other communities all over the country, the war had a profound effect on our local towns and villages.
The Centenary of the First World War Read More »
Round here, communities without planning blight are about as rare as FIFA officials in betting shops. Whether it’s the third runway, flood defences, the relentless mining of gravel, the
unwanted cuts to the Fire Service, or whatever, a permanent attritional war exists between residents, and developers, the Borough or the County.
Green Belt Land Under Threat At Kempton Read More »
We meet talented locals young and old this month, with a 90th birthday celebration of Shepperton Film Studios stand in and extra Pat Eustace. We also meet Lucy Watkins who at the age of only 15 is going to be wowing crowds singing at Thorpe Park at the end of the month. If you are worried about Laleham Park plans you might be interested also to hear of talk of plans for building on green belt at Kempton Park
These days it seems the dream of every youngster is to be famous or be a star. It looks as if for local girl Lucy Watkins it is all going in that direction.
Local Lucy is Going Places Read More »
One of the beautiful spectacles on the Thames is the tradition of swan upping. So, have you seen it? If not, it is really worth seeking it out this July.
Swan Upping dates back to the 12th century.
Time to Count The Swans Read More »
It is time for the annual swan upping event. Make sure you find out about it if you have not seen it before. Read about the threats to Laleham Park. We also review the Shahin restaurant so if you fancy a good curry, read on.
Laleham Park is a glorious unspoiled treasure in our borough. Earlier this year the Council put forward plans for the development of the park incorporating a football academy to which there was overwhelming opposition.
Stop the destruction of Laleham Park Read More »
John Curtin has lived in Sunbury for 30 or so years. His is not your usual sort of office job. He is a collector and dealer in stamps – a philatelist.
Meet the Local Philatelist Read More »
Gilbert and Sullivan are of course best known for the series of comic light operas which bear their names, but the man whose knowledge of the music business brought them together and made the partnership work (not always an easy task) was Richard D’Oyly Carte
Gilbert and Sullivan and D’Oyly Carte Island Read More »
Concerned residents flocked to the meeting arranged by Village Matters on June 6th to hear from the Environment Agency about plans for the River Thames Scheme
Sunbury and Shepperton Flood Meeting Read More »
Think High Sheriff and I bet you think of Robin Hood? Well I was personally held up by the High Sheriff of Surrey recently, so here is my merry tale…
I was Held Up by the High Sheriff Read More »
In the June issue we look to the Shepperton Fair, Spelthorne in Bloom and Laleham Open Gardens. All about community and flowers! We also meet the new High Sheriff of Surrey and attend the fantastic Songstar 2014 at Thamesmead school. 400th Anniversary of St Nicholas, Shepperton Held Up by the High Sheriff Getting Spelthorne Blooming
St. Nicholas Church, Shepperton, this year celebrates the 400th anniversary of the present building being consecrated.
St. Nicholas Church 400th Anniversary Read More »
The summer is fast approaching and I’ve decided I want to feel fit and healthy again and no longer want to get through the days on copious amounts of coffee and then veg out on the sofa by 8pm.
It all started in 1996 with two residents (one of whom was a local councillor) drinking in a pub to discuss life in the village. A thought they had was that the village lacked a central water feature such as a village pond.
This month we start looking towards the summer. Eat your 7 a day if you can. Get fit with a personal trainer perhaps, and of course if you fancy getting your hands dirty, then get down to Laleham Pond and take part in clearing, sprucing and planting ready for Laleham Open Gardens in June.
There have been allotments in the Parish of Laleham for more than 150 years. A local Tithe Map of 1845 shows a small plot of land off the Ashford Road, where the ‘Royal Estate’ is now situated, and was known as the ‘Poors Allotments’.
The Allotments in Laleham Village Read More »
When I get to have a cuppa with some of you lovely people out there I have often been privileged to take a look at the past, to admire a treasure trove of memories left for future generations, or as a mere memento for oneself. I am talking of course of the humble scrap book.
Celebrating the Humble Scrapbook Read More »
With a photo of a majestic swan taking off from the river we remind ourselves why we enjoy living by the water. We also visit Civic Pride as they clear up Laleham Pond post flooding, we hear about the history of the allotments of Laleham and we renew the fight against the Eco Park incinerator.
No, not another term for ‘ladies who lunch’ or perhaps more recently, those for whom waders or wellies are the latest ‘look’. The Shepperton woman in question is the oldest known inhabitant of the area, who lived here 5,500 years ago.
One local resident fulfilled her dream of being published recently. Carmen Souchet from Shepperton writes under the pen name Molly Clifford-Nixon. She has been writing for years and attends the Studio Writers group at the Riverside Arts Centre in Sunbury.
Everyone Has a Book in Them… Read More »
