Village Matters Issues

In this issue we find out about our local link to the Great Train Robbery, have a look at the role of local land owners in cultivating food for London and climb some mountains with local Ingrid Fear.

A Treasure Trove of History Spelthorne Gymnastics Home saved Are You up for a Laugh

We look at the recent Shepperton Fair with some photos from the wonderfully successful family day. This issue also carries updates on local residents issues from Laleham and Shepperton.

The Magna Carta celebrations are happening over the weekend of June 13/14. The Flotilla will be passing down the river from Sunbury to Runneymede so make sure you get to a riverside pub and get a good view. Have a look at the programme for the Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Festival published in this issue. Make the most of our community and enjoy!

Last year saw the Laleham War Memorial scoop a prize at the Spelthorne in Bloom Awards. The Harrow always looks magnificent. Who will it be this year? Make sure you get your entries in. Well done to the many local volunteers who have been recognised with civic awards this year. The new High Sheriff, Elizabeth Kennedy spoke about the joys of volunteering recently. We hope you are inspired.

The house down Ferry Lane in Laleham called Moorhayes is the subject of our history piece this month. We also take a trip down memory lane with the Shepperton Venture Group who have now sadly disbanded.

Great news for the community. Shepperton Studios Korda Theatre is now open at weekends as part of the Pinewood Cinema initiative.

Keep up with the latest issues around the Eco Park. Also in this issue, read the latest review of the Warren Lodge Hotel and read about local estate agent OASiS who have recently rebranded from iSiS for obvious reasons…

We review the talent of Spelthorne with pre Christmas visits to the Laleham panto and the Spelthorne Gymnastics, as well as a visit to Meson Toby’s music nights.

As the Eco Park fight goes legal we look at getting cut price trees planted by the Spelthorne Tree Wardens. Why not do something positive?

Local resident Elizabeth Tysoe will be placing the first wreath at the Laleham war memorial in memory of her father Derrick Tysoe. We hear about her memories of her father who was one of the D Day Veterans. We also take a visit to the Littleton War Memorial.

History – Decoy & Deception at Shepperton Studios Mat Tarrant – the Golden Boy from Shepperton Blooming Marvellous – We have a chat with Laleham’s Colin Squire Classic Car Gathering in Shepperton

As well as an overview of local historical talks and events, we visit the Thames Club for an introduction to Functional Training and have tea with Mavis Duncan, avid knitter and in charge of the Village Hall bookings. We take a look at some of the latest issues relating to both the Charlton Lane incinerator and Laleham Park proposed development.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Having pulled through recent flooding we reflect on past floods and marvel at our communities pulling together. With Mother’s Day in mind at the end of the month we share some inspiring stories.

As well as a look at the floods and how it brought people together, we visit Charlton Village Studio 2000 and see some of Colin Watkins creations, also seen on this months front cover.

In this months issue we review the first Laleham Panto for decades, visit local potter Andrew Davies and enjoy the community spirit surrounding Big Tree Night and Lights Up in Laleham. These are the reasons we love community!