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49676_ISFC:SPRING inside Cover 2005 24/11/08 15:11 Page 1

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WINTER 2008

The Magazine of the Thames Ditton and Weston GreenResidents’ Association

Published quarterly since Spring 1970

EditorKeith Evetts6 Church WalkThames Ditton KT7 0NW020 8398 [email protected]

Magazine DesignGuy Holman24 Angel Road,Thames Ditton020 8398 1770

DistributionGeorge Cammack19 Riversdale Road,Thames Ditton020 8398 8727

Advertisement ManagerVerity Park20 Portsmouth AvenueThames Ditton KT7 0RT020 8398 5926

ContributorsYou are welcome to submitarticles or images. Please contactthe Editor in advance. Next deadline 10 February.AdvertisersThames Ditton Today isdelivered to an influential4000 households throughoutThames Ditton and Weston Green.Call for rates for full page, half andquarter page advertising.

In this Issue:News From the Residents’ Association ……………… 7

All Wrapped Up ………………………………………… 15

Getting Things Done …………………………………… 19

In the Arctic ……………………………………………… 23

Thames Ditton Conservation ………………………… 27

Singing For Pleasure …………………………………… 33

It’s Good to talk ………………………………………… 35

The Theatre in the Village ……………………………… 39

Autumn Crossword …………………………………… 41

Summer Crossword Solution ………………………… 43

Services, Groups, Clubs and Societies…………………… 44

By Hook or Crook …………………………………… 46

Cover photo: Christmas pudding – generously providedby ©Tony Harris, Photographer, 020 7385 8158,www.tonyhphoto.com

www.residents-association.comOfficers and staff of the Association are volunteers, but we must fund costs of this magazine,administrative and election expenses, and other expenses such as spring bulb-planting and thevillage Christmas tree. The subscription is only £3 per household. If you can contribute more,please do so. Subscriptions (in an envelope please) may be left at Moss Chemist, 14 High Street,or Thorkill Road Pharmacy, 94 Thorkill Road, Thames Ditton. Or mail to Membership SecretaryPeter Haynes at 6 Onslow Gardens, Thames Ditton KT7 0JJ. Thank you.

49676.qxd:Thames Ditton SPRING 2005 1/12/08 09:22

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29 High Street Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0SDTelephone 020 8398 2500Facsimile 020 8398 9990

E-mail [email protected] Site www.hawesandco.co.uk

Established over 100 years ago, we have a long history andtradition of excellence and we want to make sure that youreap the benefit. Our knowledge of the local propertymarket and quality of service is second to none, whichmakes us the ideal choice whether buying, selling orletting.

Our expertise is not restricted to estate agency. We havequalified valuers and surveyors within our professionalservices department and financial advisers to help you withmortgages and financial planning.

It couldn’t be easier with Hawes & Co. We take time tomake sure you get the property or the sale you want.

Estate Agents


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the next residents’ association open meetings are

TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY AND

TUESDAY 24 MARCH (AGM), 2009 AT 8.00PM

AT THE VERA FLETCHER HALL, 4 EMBERCOURT ROAD, THAMES DITTON

ALL WHO LIVE OR WORK IN THAMES DITTON AND WESTON GREEN ARE WELCOME

Thames Ditton & Weston Green

Residents’ Association

About the AssociationFounded in 1934 our Association is a

strong, locally based non-party-politicalorganisation concerned with protectingthe amenities and furthering the interestsof the inhabitants of Thames Ditton andWeston Green. We work to preserve andenhance the best in our attractiveenvironment and the quality of life ofeveryone in our community.

Through regular meetings, socialactivities, our magazine and website wekeep in touch with residents’ views andwe raise and spend funds for the benefitof the community, from tree and bulbplanting to contesting unacceptabledevelopment projects.

With five Residents’ Councillors wehave a strong voice on Elmbridge Councilworking with other residents’ councillorsto ensure that decisions are based on theneeds of local communities and on goodmanagement rather than on party politics.

Our Residents’ County CouncillorPeter Hickman represents our views atSurrey County Council.

President: Ann Levick,8 Basing Close, Thames DittonVice-President: Edward Rowe,23 Portsmouth Avenue, Thames Ditton

Vice-President: Maureen Sheldrick,34 The Woodlands, EsherThames Ditton CouncillorsDavid Lowe,8 Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 4957Ruth Lyon,11 Riversdale Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 3396Karen Randolph, Deepfield, Giggs Hill Road,Thames Ditton 020 8398 5005Weston Green CouncillorsLorraine Sharp,168 Ember Lane, Esher 07970 874 925Tannia Shipley, ‘Clinton House’27 Lower Green Road, Esher 020 8398 2484Surrey County Councillor:Peter Hickman, Little Lodge,Watts Road, Thames Ditton 020 8339 0931Officers:Chairman: Libby MacIntyre,24, High Street, Thames Ditton 020 8398 5534 Vice-Chairman: Alan Brauner,11 Speer Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 0870Vice-Chairman: Martin Wilberforce,7 River Avenue, Thames Ditton 020 8398 4732Hon. Treasurer: Keith Baldwin,24 Speer Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 8844Hon. Secretary: Tricia Bland,29 Station Rd., Thames Ditton 020 8339 0485Membership Secretary: Peter Haynes6 Onslow Gardens, Thames Ditton 020 8398 6019Conveners of Sub-Committees:Health and Community: Karen Randolph (see above for details)Planning: Graham Cooke 23 Ashley Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 8509Highways, Drainage: Andrew Roberts1 Boyle Farm Road, Thames Ditton 020 8786 6882

www.residents-association.com


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Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.


7

News from the Residents’ Association

15 September to 16 November

Planning:After months of relative quiet, several

major planning applications are now atthe forefront of local consideration.

The NewlandsOwners Rosemary Simmons Housing

Association have applied for demolitionof part of the existing property, alterationsto the main house to provide 6 flats; seventhree-storey terraced houses in two blocksand one two-storey detached house. TheNewlands was built in the late 17thcentury and is Grade II* Listed as one ofvery few significant large houses inWeston Green to have survived to thepresent day. Interior features include amagnificent ceiling and staircase. Someeighty years ago it was run as a school forboys. It was used by the Home Guard inWorld War II and later as an orphanage.In more recent years it has beenresidential sheltered accommodation forthe elderly. Sadly the large redbrickadditions during the past century wereentirely out of keeping with the originalhouse. It should be expected thatredevelopment should not only preservethe historic house but significantlyimprove its immediate context. We arekeeping a close eye on this proposal andconsulting with residents. Meanwhile theplanning application for six detachedhouses of cell-block appearance on thenearby Harrow site was withdrawn and anew application made for 4 detached and

3 terraced houses of three storeys andforbidding appearance, with new accessfrom Weston Green Road.

Jolly BoatmanDevelopers Gladedale – acting in

conjunction with Network Rail and theStar and Garter Home – propose adevelopment that will see Hampton Courtrailway station renovated and a newlocation for the Star and Garter Home,along with the provision of further shopsand living accommodation and a largeunderground car park. However, togenerate profit for the project Gladedaleintend to build a large scale four-storeyhotel on the Jolly Boatman site

The Newlands


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immediately facing Hampton CourtPalace across the river.

The issue has been divisive. Thedevelopers’ PR company has deployedevery device in the book to gain tractionfor the proposals, including severalmailshots to around 9000 residents in thisarea in the name of ‘Hampton CourtStation Residents.’ The future of the Starand Garter Home, an emotive matter (andwe have every sympathy with Star andGarter), has been milked for maximumleverage in favour of the development asa whole. While there are several goodgrounds for objection to this developmentas it stands, by far the most important onehas to do with the massive hotel thatwould face the Palace for the comingcenturies. Historic Royal Palaces areaghast, and leading Tudor historian DavidStarkey has described the prospect as ascandal of international proportions.Although there is some support amonglocal residents for the proposals, themajority of them are against the scale andmass of the development. Almostneedless to say, Conservative councillorsvoted in the Planning Committee to sidewith the development as it stands. Thismatter was in our view too important tobe prey to local sectoral interests and theprofessional lobbying of a PR firm. Wesupported calls for it to be decided atnational level. However, Labour’sSecretary of State Hazel Blears has nowruled otherwise.

By the time this issue of TD Today ison the streets the deed will have beendone. Our offspring will be looking at theerection opposite Henry VIII’s beautifulPalace long after those who pocket themoney have spent the proceeds.

Sandown Park Green BeltWith great concern we report that

Conservatives again voted en bloc in thearea planning committee, to side withdevelopers Racecourse Investments Ltd.who intend to use Green Belt land to builda 109-bed hotel at Sandown Park. Thisoverturned the Elmbridge PlanningOfficer’s recommendation for refusal.Voting by party whip is likely tosteamroller this development throughwhen it is referred to full Committee andCouncil. Not for the first time, and notfor the last, we regret that their electoralstatements in support of the Green Beltseem of little worth.

High StreetResidents are concerned by the

prolonged eyesore from 29 High Street tothe former Rose restaurant. Planningconditions for the new office building andassociated houses at rear have not beenfulfilled. In late October, RA Cllr. DavidLowe met with Elmbridge PlanningOfficers, who undertook to pursue formalenforcement action. PlanningEnforcement section completed theirsearches at the Land Registry and on 5November issued Planning ContraventionNotices to each of the three Limitedcompanies with an interest in the site (allregistered at the same address inWimbledon). If the owners do notrespond by 28 November, after we go topress, they will be committing a criminaloffence. Meanwhile the developer’sappeal against the refusal of planningpermission for five flats over the double-fronted building currently occupied byHawes and Co is due on 10 December atthe Civic Centre, Esher. Our councillors


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David Lowe, Ruth Lyon and KarenRandolph will be there to supportElmbridge’s decision: Residents pleasecome and support.

The Home of CompassionThe owners of the Home of Compassion,

Caring Homes Group, have submitted aplanning application for renovation of theproperty and alterations and additions toprovide a total of 65 bed spaces withassociated communal facilities. Theapplication is a substantial one and detailsof the plans were exhibited on the site on13 November. See also our last issue. TheAssociation and the Thames DittonConservation Area Committee will work toensure that alterations to this historic listedproperty are sensitively undertaken.

The Home is being closed pendingrefurbishment that inter alia will enablehealth and fire safety regulations to bemet. Caring Homes are moving theresidents gradually by Christmas to themost appropriate home for them. Anywho would like to move back to the homewhen it re-opens will be offered a place atthe same rate. Meanwhile staff are beingassisted in relocation to work in othernursing homes within the Caring HomesGroup if they wish to do so. We aredelighted to hear that Ted Woolley,caretaker / handyman to whom we areperennially grateful for planting andmaintaining flowers at the Foutainroundabout, will stay on. The CharityShop will continue to operate in the oldchapel for the time being. The Trustees ofthe new charity, Walsingham Care, aresearching for a local empty shop inThames Ditton or Molesey so that theycan continue to raise funds for the charity.

Council doingsWith their new absolute majority in

Elmbridge the Conservatives haveannounced they will increase theborough’s Council tax. That this is not alocal election year for Elmbridge has,they say, nothing to do with the matter.Residents’ Group leader Chris Sadler(Walton) noted that the budget wasunderspent and the reserves healthy, andsaw no need for the increase. TheConservative administration is againhugely increasing charges for servicesto the old and most vulnerable residentsof the borough, from 9% to over 50%.Residents voted against.

Christmas decorations are being sold at theCharity Shop, Home of Compassion


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The Conservatives raised car parkingcharges by around forty percent last year,and voted themselves a similar increase inallowances. Revenue from thecommunity’s car parks then dropped.Now they plan to increase charges byanother large amount. Lastly, havingdone a U-turn two years ago on AlternateWeekly Collection of “residual waste”(i.e. the waste that is not in your recyclingbins), which they had earlier espoused,the leader of the Council has announcedthat soon they will bring in AWC.Residents’ representatives believe thatwhile kitchen waste collection, whenintroduced in all the borough, will mean afurther decrease in residual waste andparticularly that part that may smell, notenough thought has been given to themany residents with limited space for anincreasing number of containers, or toproblems such as disposable nappies.Keep it clean

We have long been nagging S.W.Trains to get the unsightly graffiticleaned off the ‘Thames Ditton’ sign onthe railway bridge at the intersection ofStation and Speer Roads. They plan torelocate the sign lower down – where itwill be harder for taggers to reach –within a few months, and were unwillingto clean it up meanwhile. So on Saturday8 November Andrew Roberts, our newly-elected Residents’ Association Highwaysand Drainage Convenor, took directaction with the permission of S.W. Trainsand the aid of a ladder and a contractorwhose modest fee of £50 was met by theAssociation.

Andrew, who with his wife Carolineand two year old daughter Alice moved toBoyle Farm Road 18 months ago, is a

welcome reinforcement to theAssociation’s volunteers.

We also found it difficult to get thePost Office, whose responsibility it is, tofocus on graffiti disfiguring the lovely oldpostbox on Watts Road. However, thiswas within the reach of EBC’s section forremoval of graffiti and they agreed toclean it off. Meanwhile graffiti along AshPath seems to be an intractable problem.We appeal to taggers not to disgrace ourenvironment.

Some villagers are less scrupulous thanothers about cleaning up their dog’s mess.Signs have been renewed along Ash Pathand Church Walk and Elmbridge’scleaning team has been out to clean up.But there is still ample evidence ofinconsiderate dog owners. It is anoffence, under the Dogs Fouling of LandAct 1996, for an owner not to clear upafter allowing their dog to foul in areassuch as a public footpath.

Residents have lately been concernedabout inconsiderate cyclists on footpaths.Many do not mind small children on bikesbut adults blasting at speed along much-used footpaths in defiance of clear ‘NoCycling’ signs are quite another matter.We urge consideration, and respect for thebye-laws. Worse, a youth has repeatedlyridden a small motorcycle at around 25mph along Church Walk. Police havebeen alerted to this dangerous and illegalpractice.

Not for the first time, Esher College’simage is tarnished by many students whocheat on rail fares. Ticket inspectorsambushed them on several days one weekin October, nabbing many dozen and, wehear, garnered several thousand pounds infines.


12

Commons working partiesSince 2003 we’ve actively supported

the Lower Mole CountrysideManagement Project. Together withEBC’s Countryside team, volunteers(including our Councillor Tannia Shipleyand husband Nigel) spent three daysworking on Ditton Common in lateSeptember. Proper management of theponds and commons helps to safeguardnot only our habitat, but that of some rarerplants and animals too. The workincluded clearing holly and scrub, andcutting side branches from larger trees, torestore views and make the path easierand safer to use. The photo above showsthe lovely path from Marney’s Inn toEmber Lane that they cleared. There will

be future volunteer days that we willannounce on our website. Should youwish to help, it’s great fun! Everything barsuitable clothing is provided includingbiscuits, and hot gossip, and there is aningenious Forestry tea-making device.

RemembranceOn Remembrance Sunday Councillor

Ruth Lyon and our Vice Chairman MartinWilberforce laid wreaths at St. NicholasChurch and at the war memorial on GiggsHill Green. Councillors Tannia Shipleyand Lorraine Sharp laid wreaths at theWeston Green war memorial and ourCounty Councillor Peter Hickman laid awreath at the war memorial in LongDitton.

path across the Common

Rev. Martin Hussey performs the dedicationat Thames Ditton War Memorial


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School crossingSurrey County Council has approved

recommendations to make the schoolcrossing near Thames Ditton stationsafer, including better signage and a redtarmac top to the crossing. Residents’County Cllr. Peter Hickman is funding theimprovements from his council allocation,as SCC won’t make funds available fromthe relevant budgets.

The campaign to get better safety at thecrossing has taken a year, with asubstantial petition and persistent pressureorganised by resident Melisa Byatthelping greatly to shift SCC’s Transport,Highways, and school safety staff on theissue. The safest solution remains therecruitment of a paid lollipop person: ifyou would be prepared to do this job,please apply to the Infants’ School.

Winter’s BridgeThe Residents’ Association donated

£500 towards a lay-by for short-stayparking and deliveries to help the shops atWinters Bridge. Surrey Highways’budget was again not sufficient to coverthis much-needed improvement. Work haspaused following discovery of Virgin’sfibreoptic cables lying below the surfacebut should be completed by Christmas .

High Street shopsWe are delighted to welcome two new

permanent shops to the High Street.Gianna Shinozawa has long dreamed ofopening a fashion shop. As the proprietorof newly-opened Adiva at 30 High Street,she has some beautiful Italian designerdresses and accessories. An arrangementwith suppliers will enable her to rotatestock through the seasons.

Paula Tennant and husband haveopened Maison Bleu next to AngelinaColarusso’s fantastic couturier’s in theHigh Street. They stock high qualityitems for gifts and the home. ThamesDitton is well-endowed with shops of thisnature and we hope that will attract moreshoppers to the village. They are likely tosucceed in finding something nice for agift or for themselves.

Festive funThe fifth High Street Christmas Fair

will take place on Wednesday 10thDecember between 6 and 9.30 pm. Theassociated raffle for the Guide Hut Appealhas been very well supported again bymany local businesses, who have donatedover thirty good prizes so far. Please buytickets – a bargain at 50p with a chance ofwinning £100 or a lesser prize!

Gianna of Adiva


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The Friends of Thames Ditton Hospitalare putting on Charles Court Opera’sChristmas Pantomime Aladdin onSaturday 17th January in aid of theThames Ditton Hospital Appeal. Youngprofessional singers, will bring us thetraditional Widow Twankee, WisheeWashee and Principal Boy with all theusual fun and pastiche at the Vera FletcherHall. Tickets including a three-coursedinner are £32 from Karen Randolph on020 8398 5005.

Cover photo:We are delighted to feature a fine

photograph by Tony Harris. Howeverharsh the economic climate may be, wehope you have a warm and merryChristmas and a rather more prosperousNew Year. Our special greetings to allwho help to make this such a wonderfullydiverse and heart-warming community.

www.residents-association.com

“Aladdin Saluted Her with Joy” – illustration byVirginia Frances Sterret, 1928, Arabian Nights

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All Wrapped Up

Imagine being able to buy ALL yourfestive gifts locally in the tranquil havenof Thames Ditton High Street. Yes, that’sright, being able to forego the annualtrudge into Kingston, the endless queuingfor a hideously expensive parking spaceand the miserable experience of fightingyour way through the crowds of equallydisgruntled shoppers. To prove it can bedone, we’ve enjoyed an extremelypleasant browse of gifts for all the family,all available locally. Even better, we’vesourced ideas for every budget – so theywon’t cost the earth or break the bank.

£5 and underYoungsters to grannies will love

Bradley and Brown’s range of heartshaped gifts, with prices starting from£2.50 for a pretty hanging beaded heart innine shimmering colours, or their heartshaped soap in a dish, £4.50 or hangingheart which comes wrapped with a phialof fragrance to surround her with scent.Or newly opened Maison Bleu has apretty heart shaped Lexington, ideal for awall or tree for £4.95. Head for Stitcherytoo, for a grotto of gifts all under a fiverfrom sparkly Indian bracelets at just 40p abangle. Youngsters especially will lovethe range of stocking filler gifts – SpiderPuzzles at £2.99, Barrel of Slime, £2.45and dog and cat shaped staplers, £2.99 aresome of our favourites; then moving upthe age bracket teens and the young atheart will equally appreciate the ‘retro

inspired’ games that Stitchery have newthis year: Grand Prix, Family Bingo, Eggand Spoon Race and Hoopla, priced from£4.95. For more bargain finds, the Pro-Shop have fantastic quirky ‘odd’ socks at£4.99 per pair. Teens especially will lovethem teamed with their UGG boots.Mums, aunts and grannies meanwhile,will be thrilled with a gift wrapped, bowtied hyacinth from The Secret Garden, asnip at £3.95 or a bulb in a ceramic pot at£4.50.

£15 and underDiscerning dads are always difficult to

buy for (or so they say!), but no mancould be disappointed by Maison Bleu’sextremely tasteful wine goblets at just

wine goblets from Maison Bleu


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David Pointer

Traditional

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£7.50 and £8.50. The Pottery & CraftStudio is also a great destination:, we lovetheir personalised clocks, ideal for astudy, or why not combine a personalisedmug, from £8 and coaster, £4.50? Mumsmeanwhile will be tempted by MaisonBleu’s ‘best chocolate in town’ set ofmug, spoon and dish, priced at a veryreasonable £14.99. Over at Bradley andBrown, fans of all things vintage will lovetheir retro mugs and jugs from £8 whilefor dads there’s an extremely stylish HLAclassic tie and silk scarf, in a debonair giftbox, from £14.95 at Stitchery. Head forthe Pro-shop for your fashion consciousteens – their pink thermal hats are,apparently, just as popular with boys andgirls while dads and mums will look cool(and keep warm) on the touchline in navy.Looking for something more glamorous?Newly opened Adiva is a must-visit. Hereyou’ll find exquisite gold and silverpashmina style fringed shawls – a snip at£12.99 – and a fabulous accessory for allthose parties.

Jewellery is always a winner atChristmas, and if you are looking for anexquisite, affordable piece, then the HighStreet really is your one stop shoppingdestination. Adiva has glass multi strandnecklaces starting from £7.99; while theZsiska jewellery collection, exclusive toBradley and Brown, has prices startingfrom £12. Stitchery is an ‘Aladdin’sCave’ this Christmas for jewellery. Theyare one of the few nominated stockists forCath Kidston jewellery, with pricesranging from £12 for gorgeous enamel‘star’ earrings. My personal favourite,however, is a ‘love, luck and wisdom,’necklace featuring a heart, shamrock andowl on a delicate chain for £38 (hint hint!).

£30 and underPushing the boat out a little further,

little ones will love Lottie & Thomas’ newrange of gifts from Villa Carton whereyour kids can let their imaginationsrun riot decorating their own cardboardDoll’s House, Castle or fully usableRocking Chair, from £19.99.

There are masses of jewellery optionsin this price bracket too on the street,while if it’s fragrance you’re after checkout Stitchery or go for scented candles –we love Bradley and Brown’s Bahoma’sspicy ‘Spirit of Christmas’ range from£18-£25. Older party girls will adoreAdiva’s sparkly evening bags withdiamante handle at £29.50, while for afew pounds more you can buy anextremely desirable 1920’s style clutchbag for £32.50 rising to £49.99 for amirrored bag, if that’s your bag! Equallybrimming with ‘wow factor’ is Adiva’sbeaded, velvet and chiffon scarves, injewel bright colours for £25. Theirpeacock shawl, at £45, is just fabulous forthrowing over a little black dress.

There are masses of jewellery optionsin this price bracket too on the street,while if it’s fragrance you’re after checkout Stitchery or go for scented candles –we love Bradley and Brown’s Bahoma’sspicy ‘Spirit of Christmas’ range from£18-£25.

And for something extra special…Head for Assimi, for exquisite bespoke,

designer jewellery pieces, handmade on thepremises. The list of ‘to die for’ pieces isendless but we love the trademark ‘bobble’earrings in silver, £95, and 18ct gold, £505and their real pearl earrings, from £155 andsolid silver link bracelets, £295 and two


strand freshwater pearl bracelets in black,red, green, grey or pure white, from £195.Any woman would be absolutely thrilled toreceive these treasures on Christmasmorning. Then there’s View Gallery,which has a fine selection of art workincluding good paintings for under £100.

Plus for foodies…The Lime Tree has mouthwatering

seasonal fare. Top of our gift list are thestylish bespoke wicker hampers withcontents even the most discerninggourmet will love. Take the panettonecake made from free range eggs andwildflower honey from a small baker inTuscany, Christmas pudding made to atraditional English recipe plus traditionalartisan made preserves and regionalcheeses. There’s lots more for foodies too,including hand made chocolates. Stitchery

is famous in these parts for hand madeCrème d’Or Belgian chocolates: forChristmas you can make up your ownscrumptious assortment in a specialfestive gift wrapped box from £6.50.

Whilst on this delightfully stickysubject, Bachmann’s Patisserie, proven asthe best patisserie in Britain, is anothermust visit destination for delectable handmade chocs ranging from their famousstocking filler ‘B’ bars at £3 andexquisitely wrapped mini praline sticks,mini Florentines and orange match sticksfrom £5 to their appealing champagnetruffles and boxed assortments from aslittle as £7. Great for him is this year’sWonderland Winter Chocolate laced withsmoky whisky, from £9. Meanwhile, forthose preferring a drop of the old nectar,there’s plenty to savour at Wine Rack.Here you’ll find a high qualityGlenmorangie Scottish single malt at akeenly priced £28, while for the sameamount you can bag a 20 year old bottle ofTaylor’s Port, just the ticket for after lunch.

Leaving the freshest till last, don’tforget that the Ives will take orders anddeliver to you the best of seasonal fruitand vegetables for your Christmas mealsfrom the Secret Garden. You can order aproper Christmas tree from them too, andhelp support one of the village’s essentialshops, Phew! Santa’s list must be sortedby now, time for a well deserved pipinghot cappuccino break – luckily TheBakery and Lime Tree deli offer the bestrefreshments for miles, better still, you’llget service with a smile. And you can’tput a price on that.

Tricia BlandWhen not a busy mother and RA Hon Sec,

Tricia is style columnist for the Sunday Express

18

those Stitchery chocolates…


19

Getting Things Done– from your RA County Councillor

On reaching the County Councilchamber I imagined that “getting thingsdone” would now be a smooth and hasslefree process. How wrong one can be! Justas I got my feet under the table a projectcatchily-entitled ‘Business DeliveryReview’ began. I supported calls forbudget discipline, but this was badlymanaged and caused chaos with a severedrop in staff morale. In Highways forexample, the most common area ofresidents’ issues, numbers were reducedand the Elmbridge group relocated fromEsher to Leatherhead; managers werechanged several times, experienced staffleft or retired. That wasn’t the end of it:there were more bureaucratic upheavalsand even now the Parking Group’s beenreduced, reorganised and relocated fromLeatherhead to Kingston while thebudget’s been slashed – withconsequences for our own parkingscheme. All very costly: and you canimagine the frustrations in trying to getthings done.

On top of this, other interesting aspectscome into play! To give you the flavour:

Lights in Church Walkand Ash Path:

Over the past two years several streetlights have been reported as faulty. Westill have problems. One of them is thatelectricity suppliers EDF are responsiblefor the cabling and they have fewstatutory requirements for public

installations. Surrey pass the buck toEDF and turn to other things. I am told:“We are not allowed to touch the electricsupply; that is for EDF to do. EDF arenothing to do with us. They are a law untothemselves.” The light outside 46 ChurchWalk, occupied by an elderly and infirmlady who with her carers rather wantedthe light on that dark path to work, is a

the street lamp that worked by day.…


20

swiftsigns call 020 8398 1770

shop signs van signs window signsfor sale signs sticker signs frostingplaques warning signs banner signsdisplay signs posters and more...

Antique ClockRestoration & RepairSpecialising in Grandfather, Dial,

Bracket and Carriage Clocks

Contact: Mark RoweBADA Diploma. Grad.

BHI West Dean Diploma

Tel: 020 8605 0331www.theclockgallery.co.uk

Additional Restoration services availablefor Watches, Books, Ceramics and

Fine Furniture.

Antique Clocks also bought and sold.

Thames Ditton Cricket ClubFor Private Parties, Meetings, Family Gatherings, Childrens Parties, Bridge Clubs, Flower Arranging Classes,etc, etcContact 020 8398 6349 ([email protected])or 020 8398 0871 ([email protected])


21

fine example. During eight months ormore of trying to get this fixed, I was toldat various times by council officersworking with contractors:

“Church Walk is a private path,nothing to do with us.” In fact, ChurchWalk is registered Public Footpath no.19on Surrey’s own map, and has alwaysbeen publicly maintained since adopted asa ‘new street’ in 1932. Then: “We couldnot get access with our van so we wentback to the depot.” Followed by: “Oneman came to fix the light but could notreplace the bulb as he was not permittedto use a ladder by himself.” You canimagine the time and cost involved withphone calls, meetings etc. and mytemperature had risen to boiling point!Then a neighbour had the inspired idea ofreporting the fault again not to Highways,but to the Health and Safety office.Almost immediately, a team of no lessthan five showed up with both van andladders and replaced the bulb. The lightspent the next five months permanentlyon! Lately, Surrey have added a secondlamp standard so now there are two (onlyone of which is working). The new one isin unpainted galvanised steelinappropriate to the conservation area.I’m working on it…

Along Ash Path, two lights were outbut I was told officially that “all the lightsare working” and that all reported faultshad been fixed within the timeframe of afew days!

Speeding inThames Ditton Village:

There are always some who ignore our20 mph limits. Most of you are concernedabout safety especially of school children

crossing roads. In an attempt to get thingstightened up the following conversationtook place:-

PHH. ‘Many drivers don’t know wehave a speed limit’

SCC. ‘The entrances to the villagehave a sign.’

PHH. ‘The signs are one of many anddrivers don’t read them. Can we have 20mph roundels painted at intervals on theroad ?’

SCC. ‘No they are not permitted.’PHH. ‘They are repeated on the road

in Kingston where there is a 20 mph rule.’SCC. ‘Kingston is different, it is within

London. The law is different in London,anyway they have a 20 mph limit andThames Ditton does not. You have a20mph zone.’

PHH. ‘So what ? Aren’t they the samething ?’

SCC. ‘The law is different. A 20 mphlimit allows repeated roundels and a20mph zone does not.’Does this remindyou of “Yes Minister”? The conversationtook place after several years of requestsfor SCC to do something. At least, safetychanges are now due around the StationCrossing, where I’m using some of myallocation to pay for red tarmac topping:but we cannot have roundels on the roadunless we can change the word ‘zone’ to‘limit.’

“Dittons in Bloom:”After SCC failed to clear weeds from

our roads and pavements – theirresponsibility – I had to resort to drasticaction last year. I was told that all staffwere involved with tidying up Cobhamfor the “Cobham in Bloom” competition.Boiling point again!


What to do? I suggested we publishphotos on our website to shame thecouncil into action. The title “Dittons inBloom” was coined. This proved to be asuccessful initiative! The story waspicked up by the BBC and local media,and within a few weeks all the weeds,some of them taller than I, were cleared atlast.

There have been similar problems thisyear in ensuring grass verges were cut,along with the grass outside ThamesDitton Hall (different department...).Well, nobody was able to tell me what theschedule of cuts was, and I believe thatnobody knew. Again some judiciouspublicity seems to have helped mattersalong and eventually, the job was done.

Pressing on…There have been other successes.

Persistence finally brought about new,robust kerbstones with widening ofBasingfield Road last year. Persistenceand some private and RA subsidy hasfinally got works started to provide someextra parking for shoppers at Winter’sBridge. Sustained pressure on officials byCllr. Tannia Shipley and me – and morepublicity on our website – finally broughtabout a great improvement in drainageand flood relief around Esher Station, thisSpring. Since when, officials have notkept maintenance up to speed…

Other things remain to be done.Potholes are a perennial problem (thecouncil and its contractors apply a tediousbureaucratic process to assessing andacting on potholes that leaves anypractically-minded citizen dumbfounded).The road surface of Thames Ditton HighStreet and the state of the octagon there,

the pavement surface in Ashley Road andsimilar problems elsewhere in the Dittonsare an affront to taxpayers particularly inconservation areas. Drainage still leaves‘a lot to be desired,’ weeds re-grow,roadside trees and foliage can getdangerous, and it seems to require endlesspressure and often publicity to get thecouncil to discharge responsibilities thatshould be a matter of simple routine. Itshould not have to be this way. But wehave learned valuable lessons with oursuccesses, and I have become even moredetermined to ‘get things done’ whateverit takes.

You can help:• Make sure you report problems to thecouncil (RA councillors can advise whichcouncil has responsibility for what).

• Please keep your councillors informedin parallel: with Surrey, I can pursue, thenit is harder for officials to put a problemin the ‘bottomless pending tray’.

• If you want to organise a lobby or apetition, these can be helpful. Domaximise their effect by consulting andco-ordinating with your councillors.

• Consider the effect and the timing ofpossible publicity. We may be able to useour own media to exert leverage or toextend your reach. Keep our webmasterand editor informed. You can sound outothers easily via our website forum, oremail suggestions for publicity.

And of course you can raise issues fordiscussion at our Residents’ AssociationOpen Meetings, which I attend.

Peter Hickman

22


23

In The Arctic

This year, most of my friends headedsouth out of ‘summertime’ ThamesDitton. I went north to the Arctic Circlewith the British Schools ExploringSociety, which organised a five-weekexpedition to the archipelago of Svalbard,a long way northwest of Norway of whichit is part. Preparation starts a year inadvance, and anyone can apply. They

help you with ideas to raise funds tofinance your participation. You have toattend a basic training weekend, get fitenough to hike with a full pack, and getsome decent boots! Around 70 of us inall were divided into groups withqualified leaders, specialising in geology(my interest), climatology, meteorologyand glaciology.

temperature inversion on Spitzbergen, Svalbard archipelago


24

When we reached Svalbard inJuly, temperatures were warm – notlower than minus 4 Centigrade.We spent a week in base campmaking short expeditions andlearning survival skills. The mainrisks are falling down crevasses onglaciers, falling out of a rubberdinghy among the ice floes, or beingeaten by polar bears. Several peopleon Svalbard have been killed bybears over the past few decades, sowe had to rig bear alarms round ourcamps, learn to shoot a rifle, andkeep bear watch. We didn’t see any!

After the first week my grouptrekked many kilometres to set upcamp on coastal scree from wherewe contributed to mapping baselineinformation about the island. Then,‘ice training’ back at base camp wasfollowed by a trek up on theglaciers where we camped, trying –and failing – to make an igloo, andmaking several short expeditions. Laterwe trekked to the former Russian miningtown of Pyramiden, abandoned in 1998:everything including a community roomwith film projector, and a canteen, wasintact and spookily deserted. Then toDicksonland to map two glacier fronts,investigate rock formations and categorisefossils.

Living on dehydrated ration packs, wewere three to a tent, boys and girls allmixed up from week to week to avoidcliques. No mobile phones, no internetconnections, no TV and no ipods! Wesang songs, played cards and inventedhilarious games. I swam in the Arctic Sea– briefly, once! – and the girls evenwashed their hair upside down in a

saucepan. It was hard work towing ourequipment on sleds across the glaciers.I was either too hot or too cold, dependingon what we were doing, but apart fromchapped hands and feet I survived with noproblems. The scenery was quitefabulous. It was a terrific experience, anda real wrench leaving Svalbard and mynew friends. We were all utterlyexhausted. But oh, the luxury of gettinghome to hot running water, clean laundryand pizza!

Eleanor EvettsEleanor took all the photos, too.

TD Today last ran a piece on a BritishSchools Exploring Society expedition by ayoung villager 20 years ago, also to theArctic. This excellent organisation is stillgoing strong – see www.bses.org.uk

towing polk sleds across glaciers


25

horizon

melting ice floes provide rest for a seal


26


27

Thames Ditton Conservation– the “CHIP” project

The Community Heritage InitiativeProject between Elmbridge BoroughCouncil and English Heritage isreappraising the conservation areas ofGiggs Hill Green and Thames Ditton withlocal participation. Many readers willhave a lively interest but won’t have hadtime during weekdays to join the WorkingGroup that is preparing for the publicexhibition and consultation in January.So here’s what has happened so far.

On 16 October we met to review thearchitectural, planning and contextualprinciples that make an area ‘special’ andto hear a brief history of our areapresented by resident David Pascoe (wemay draw on this in future issues of TDToday). In essence, a conservation area isan area of special architectural or historicinterest, the character or appearance ofwhich it is desirable to preserve orenhance. There is much that may make upthe key word ‘character,’ – the quality andinterest of an area includes its history, itsuses, and the views that unfold as onepasses through it, as well as buildings ofnote. The Council has a statutory duty toensure that the character and appearanceof a conservation area are protected andthat new development makes a positivecontribution to it. The Council shouldalso enhance the appearance of theparticular area by, for example, plantingtrees and providing appropriate streetfurniture and lighting. Property ownersalso have a shared responsibility to keep a

conservation area well, enhancing thevalue of all as well as preserving ourcommunity heritage.

That may be the theory but residentswill recall that in practice there have beenretrograde examples in recent years:lamentable development in the HighStreet or the inappropriate juxtapositionof a new redbrick suburban house next todelightful listed white-painted cottagescan prompt cynicism about the‘management of conservation areas.’ Butthere have also been several examples ofexcellent new developments within our


28

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29

conservation areas, of properties thatharmonise with, even add to, the existingcharms of the area. The current exercise isnot just to ‘tick boxes.’ It should helpreinforce and improve guidelines forplanning applications and development; toeducate a generation of residents in thebest arguments and language to use inconnection with planning applications;and to schedule at least some specificworks that can be put into effect by publicbodies to enhance the areas.

At a further Working Group session on22nd October our Councillors wereamong over 15 villagers who gave up aday to walk the areas with the consultantsand officials, viewing and discussing. Aninformal summary of the main questionsfollows.

Main themes:� The two conservation areas weredesignated at different times. They areof distinctly different character, andshould not be merged into one. Theapproach to, and management of, thewide vistas of Giggs Hill Green andimmediate environs should be differentfrom those of the High Street, ChurchWalk, r iverside and Ashley Roadtriangle.� The trees of Thames Ditton make avery significant contribution to vistas,end-points, and the pleasant aspect ofthe area.

Giggs Hill Green� The western boundary of the GiggsHill Green area is the grass verge andtrees along the road. The new housesfronting that boundary make a significantcontribution now to the vista along the

Green. Should their frontage be includedwithin the conservation area boundary?

� Should the Victorian houses at thebeginning of Claygate Lane be included?

� Should the 1930’s style apartmentbuildings of Ditton Close be included?Along with their mature landscapedfrontage they provide a charmingbackdrop to Watts Road and comprise amicro-area of its own character.

� Should the conservation area beextended some way up Angel Road toinclude the houses on that section?

� The grassed area by Thames DittonHall might benefit from the planting ofspecimen trees.

a tall pine reaches for the sun, Watts Road


30

THAMES DITTON UNITED REFORMED CHURCHSpeer Road – close to Thames Ditton Station

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31

Thames Ditton� The unfolding views on approach alongWatts Road and St Leonards Road inparticular are noteworthy. � Major trees including the Holm oaksand the beech in Ashley Road arevaluable to the scene. � Several micro-areas along the HighStreet were noted, including the stretchincorporating Maybury and Laurelcottages and Maybury Lodge (these arenot locally-listed buildings) and the standof shops that includes the Bakery. Alsothe octagon area which acts as a ‘node’for village social life, and deserves bettermaintenance and enhancement.� The poor state of road surface along theHigh Street was noted. Some street signsand furniture need refurbishment. � One consultant raised the question ofwhether Ashley Road should be retainedin the conservation area? Although theroad was judged not of itself significantenough for designation, consensusseemed to be that its peacefulness,proximity to the High Street area (fromwhich it forms part of the view) and seriesof well-preserved Victorian villas (manyretaining the original windows) justifiedretention. � The fine Edwardian villas on the westside of Speer Road between Church Walkand the station should perhaps be includedalong with the original part of the UnitedReformed Church. � The brick walls along Church Lane andin front of the Manor House, and theraised area of pavement with railings bythe latter, are important boundary featuresto retain.

� Should the Islands be added to theconservation area, as their aspect isimportant? Consensus was that theyshould not be added but that the border ofthe area should align with the nearsideborder of the islands. The Island bridge islocally listed and is part of theconservation area already.

The heritage consultants will compile afirst draft and organise a final session withWorking Group participants in November.Further feedback will be incorporated toproduce formal Consultation Documents.During a six week public consultationperiod from early January 2009, EBCofficers will send information to allresidents and there will be an exhibitionin the Library. Your comments and viewswill be warmly welcomed. See ourwebsite for more, and for links to keydocuments on EBC’s website.

features such as the decorative masonry on theOld Bank are also worth conserving


56502

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33

Singing for Pleasure– the Ripieno Choir

Every Sunday evening, thirty men andwomen meet for a couple of hours ofmusical therapy at the United ReformChurch hall in Speer Road. The RipienoChoir provides welcome relief from thepressured lives they lead as lawyers,teachers, artists, journalists, scholars andyoung mums.

The Choir sprang from an idea hatchedover sixty years ago by a group of friendswho thought it would be fun to get togetherregularly for a sing-song around the piano.They realised they were good enough tosing in public and went off round the localhospitals at Christmas to sing carols. Atfirst they called themselves The CarolSingers, but when they started to branchinto part-songs and madrigals they changedthe name to the Ripieno Choir. ‘Ripieno’has several connotations in music, one ofwhich is that there is no single soloist.

Singing for charity was part of theenjoyment, and it wasn’t long before thechoir were singing for all sorts of causes,twice being invited to sing for charityaround the Christmas tree in TrafalgarSquare. Within a few years they had gonefrom strength to strength, winningcompetition trophies, and taking part inthe BBC’s “Let the People Sing” contest.Twice they reached the national semi-finals. The choir went on to sing at theRoyal Festival Hall on the BBC’s LightProgramme Music Festival and atprestigious international venues includingthe Cathedral of St John the Divine, NewYork.

So when the choir ’s diamondanniversary rolled round last year, it was

agreed that no ordinary celebration woulddo. The singers, most of them living inand around Thames Ditton, felt that sixtyyears of history deserved to be marked bysomething special – especially as one ofthe original tenors was still going strong.So they flew to South Africa to give nineconcerts in the Cape for a St JohnAmbulance project there. The choirraised £17,500 towards building a healthcentre and hospice in one of thetownships they visited.

This Christmas the choir has chosen acharity on its own doorstep. After hearingabout the £45,000 repair bill for the GuideHut in Church Walk, just a few hundredyards from where they rehearse, they willhelp raise money for it with a carol-singing pub-crawl around ThamesDitton on Thursday, December 18.They will start at the Angel at around 6pm, move to the George & Dragon at 6:30pm; the Red Lion, 7 pm; the Swan, 7:30pm; the Albany, 8 pm and the Marquis ofGranby at 8:30pm. A popular tour whereyou may bid for the choir to sing a carolof your choice!

Shirley Davenport

The splendid Ripieno Choir, whichincludes our RA minutes secretary EmmaBarton, performs at Greenwich RoyalNaval College on 28 December, and singsBach’s St Matthew Passion at GuildfordCathedral on 14 March.

www.ripienochoir.org.uk


34

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It’s Good To Talk

35

In a recent survey of companyexecutives and in-house lawyers by thelaw firm Field Fisher Waterhouse, 47% ofrespondents admitted that a personaldislike of the other side had led them intoexpensive litigation. If so manycommercial decisions by seniorexecutives can be influenced by emotions,how much more likely is it that decisionsthat affect us personally are influenced bynon-rational factors to our detriment?

As an accredited mediator, and the wifeof one, I can bore for England on thebenefits of mediation! But at a personallevel, as a councillor, I have experiencedthe benefits myself: latterly I arranged amediation which, in little more than anhour, successfully resolved a disputewhich had been running for four years.Apart from the, time, frustration,disturbance, and bad feeling experiencedby those involved, it had also taken up agreat deal of Elmbridge Council officers’time, causing them considerablefrustration in not being able to resolve theissues.

What is mediation?Mediation is a form of ADR

(Alternative Dispute Resolution)providing a means of settling disputeswithout the need to go to court, or even togo to a lawyer. Cheaper and quicker thanconventional litigation, it is more likely toleave both parties content with theoutcome.

How does it work?A formal mediation will involve an

independent trained mediator (who mayor may not be a lawyer) simplyfacilitating an agreement between theparties. Usually the mediator will speakto both parties jointly and will then meetwith them separately, ‘shuttling’ betweenthem over a period of hours to obtain anagreed solution. The mediator willexplore issues and surroundingcircumstances with each party on aconfidential basis, and a solution isusually found within a matter of hours.The success rate for mediations overall isin excess of 75 – 80%.

birds in their nest donʼt always agree


36


37

Why does it work? Parties are properly heard, and given a

full opportunity to have their say – muchmore so than in Court. They are able toexplore and arrive at a range of solutionswhich are often unavailable in litigation.These will invariably be less costly andmore satisfactory. Once agreement isreached, the mediator can help withdrafting the settlement document, whichthen forms a legally binding contractenforceable by the Courts.

When should mediation be tried?At present, mediation is often used at a

late stage and as a last resort, in an attemptto save huge Court costs. Much time,expenditure, frustration and distress can beavoided if mediation is chosen early on in adispute. It is not necessary to go to asolicitor first though many people prefer todo so. Nor is it necessary to have a solicitorpresent at the mediation.

Can mediation be usedfor all disputes?

Mediation is suitable for most disputesand particularly useful for commercialclaims, consumer disputes for goods orservices, Probate and Inheritanceissues, boundary and property disputes, aswell as a host of others.

How do I organise mediation?If you are using a solicitor, most are

now well informed about mediation. Butyou can approach an independentmediator directly, either via the NationalMediation Helpline website which is atnationalmediationhelpline.com or simplysearch the web. The mediator will usuallybe happy to approach the other party topersuade them to try mediation.How much does it cost?

Like everything in life, it varies… Butas a guide, it will depend upon the valueor amount in dispute. For amounts up to£5000, the National Mediation Helplinetariffs are £50 + Vat per hour, rising tojust under £100 per hour for sums at stakeof the order of £15000. Mediators willgenerally not charge for time spentpreparing the case beforehand. Amutually acceptable venue needs to beprovided, which may involve additionalexpenditure, as will legal representation ifyou want it.

So next time you have a dispute, whysquander money, time, effort andemotional energy on lawyers when youcan achieve the same more quickly, morecheaply, more effectively and far moreamicably through mediation?

Karen Randolph

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39

THE THEATRE IN THAMES DITTON

Friday 16th January 7.30 pm Charles Court Opera presents

ALADDINChristmas panto with some of the UK’s

best young operatic talent. Tickets £12.50

Saturday 17th January 7.00 pmALADDIN

Panto and supper. Supported by Dairy Crest.Charles Court Opera return in style with Widow

Twankee, Wishee Washee, principal Boy etc.Tickets including three course supper £32 in aid of

the Thames Ditton Hospital Appeal from Karen Randolph Tel: 020 8398 5005

Saturday 14th February 7.30 for 8.00 pm TiramisuOpera presents

A GALA CONCERT for VALENTINE’S DAY Sponsored by Octagon. International opera starDonald Maxwell, Rebecca Rudge and Companyentertain with opera and cabaret from Mozart,

Verdi, Dvorak and Borodin to Cole Porter.Tickets £15 including a glass of wine and light

refreshments in aid of the Princess Alice Hospicefrom Jane Formby Tel: 020 8398 4077

Friday 20 February 8.00 pmMichael Friend Productions present

BABY MAKES THREE Two Scenes from Marriage

Two classic Georges Feydeau plays of mountingmayhem, set in Paris in 1900.

A comic look at marriage, furious in-laws,business deals unravelling, lives upturned when

baby arrives. We’ve all been there…Tickets: £12.50

Friday 6 February 8.00 pmCabaret Now in

WONDERFUL DAYAndrew Brewis, Airlie Scott and Rob Rickenberg

A musical cabaret celebrating the life and music ofDoris Day and Hollywood’s most sparkling, stylish

and romantic era.Tickets: £10

Wed - Sat 3-6 March 7.30 pm Saturday Matinee 2.30 pm

Molesey Musical Theatre presentsCABARET CAFE

A musical revue with songs and dance from shows,including 42nd Street, Lullaby of Broadway, Guys

and Dolls, Oliver and Cabaret.Tickets £11 - £8 from Box Office Tel: 020 8941 3255

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRESaturday 14th February 2.30 pmTheatre of Widdershins presents

RAPUNZEL & THE TOWER OF DOOMThe Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the princess

locked in the tower by a wicked witch is broughtto life with superb puppets, storytelling

and toe-tapping tunes.For 4-10 years Tickets £5.50

Saturday 14th March 2.30 pm Cat’s Grin Theatre Company presents

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLANDAlice’s encounters with the White Rabbit,Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat - plus skimming

plates and darting jam tarts.For 5-11 years.Tickets £5.50

AT THE VERA FLETCHER HALL

Tickets for all shows from Joan Leifer Tel: 0844 884 8832and The Pro Shop, 52 High Street, Thames Ditton.

To hire the Vera Fletcher Hall contact the manager Helen Mason Tel: 08456 528 529

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4141

Winter CrosswordBy Michael Jackson

A £5 Voucher for spending inany Thames Ditton or WestonGreen shop will be awarded toeach of the first three correctentries opened after the closingdate of 7 February 2009

The completed puzzle (orphotocopy) enclosing yourname and address, with theenvelope clearly marked‘Crossword Competition,’should be sent to:

Thames Ditton TodayCrossword Competition6 Church WalkThames DittonKT7 0NW

ACROSS8. A hobby, recording from a starting point (5,8)9. Five are in a valley (6)

10. Anglican motet (6)11. Reads about being destroyed (5)12. It’s a hot world by the fire (6)14. …Jack of quarantine (6)16. Palace courier (6,9)17. Played smoothly (6)19. …by George Frederick… (6)21. Watered silk (5)22. Life is glum in wood (6)24. Lizards (6)26. Having no regard for others is not nice dear

(13)

DOWN1. A portico (4)2. Tasting it converted a vicar (6)3. A Captain’s ship and crew is… (5,3,7)4. E.M.Forster’s last novel (1,7,2,5)5. After ‘stormy days; see ghost; sea rough’

Captain orders… (6,2,3,4)6. Falstaff’s ancient firearm (6)7. Moulding with a double curve (4)

13. Chopin’s study (5)15. Daisy has a disc with Ray’s ‘Mayweed’

on it (5)18. Cyril starts after the Princess for the

French Lake (6)20. Bees collect it, Gods drink it (6)23. Venerable wader (4)25. Heard from the Town Crier, then “All’s

well” – “Happy New Year”


42

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Solution to the Autumn Crossword

Each of the first three (of many)correct entries opened, below,wins a £5 Voucher for spending inany Thames Ditton or WestonGreen shop.

Mrs. Enid Gray10 Camm GardensThames Ditton KT7 0JA

Mrs. Ann Palfrey4, Sheaf CottagesWeston Green KT7 0JR

John Mould42, Alexandra RoadThames Ditton KT7 0QT

Well done!


44

SERVICES

Cheer (Concern and Help for East Elmbridge Retired) Trudy O Keefe 01372 474555Cheer Home Visiting 01372 474535Dittons and Weston Green Neighbourcare Sue Mayes 020 8398 6714Elmbridge Borough Council Community Support ServicesInformation, Meals Services, CommunityTransport, Bus Permits 01372 474552/4Elmbridge Community Alarm Service 01372 474560Elmbridge Relief Carers Scheme 01372 474547Ember Centre for the Retired Mon & Thurs 020 8398 9870

At other times 01372 474553Esher and District Stroke Club Ann Pollock 020 8398 6132Voluntary Action Elmbridge Mrs Carole Roycroft 01372 463587M.D.H.S. Household Services (& garden tidying) Carolyn Smart (Manager) 01932 248533Surrey Mobile Library Service 01483 517402Surrey Youth and Adult Education Service Elmbridge Area 020 8979 8334GROUPS

Girl Guiding in TD & WG Mrs K Williams 020 8398 13001st Thames Ditton Brownies Mrs. Bronagh Hughes 020 8398 16283rd Thames Ditton Brownies Mrs Heather Horler 020 8398 03642nd Thames Ditton Rainbows Mrs K Williams 020 8398 13001st Weston Green (All Saints) Scout Group Mrs. Becky Gardiner 020 8398 36471st Weston Green Guides (All Saints) Mrs. Louise Lewis 020 8398 48432nd Thames Ditton Guides Mrs. Bronagh Hughes 020 8398 16281st Weston Green Brownies (All Saints) Mrs K Williams 020 8398 13002nd Weston Green Brownies Linda Hall 020 8941 49131st Weston Green Rainbows Mrs Helen Hill 020 8398 31354th Thames Ditton Ajax Sea Scouts Alison Derrick 020 8398 0041Dittons Scout Group Mr. G. King 020 8398 7624Coffee and chat (United Reformed Church) Mrs. E. Barker 01372 467491Emberbrook Trefoil Guild Mrs. Adrienne Nealing 020 8398 5582Esher Floral Art Group Mrs. M. Dingle 020 8398 3943Friends of Bushey and Home Parks Mrs. Julie Cohen 020 8943 2017Friends of Walsingham Care Miss Valerie Chicken 0208 398 2932Molesey and Dittons Neighbourhood Watch Chairman: Pat Farmiloe 020 8398 2787Parents and Toddlers (St Nicholas church) Information 020 8398 7211Ripieno Choir Nick Harris 020 8399 7231Surrey Bell-ringers Nick Pattenden [email protected]

Albany Motor Yacht Club Secretary 01784 466651Arts and Heritage Club Carol Butcher 01932 867511Claremont PROBUS Club Mr. P. Collins 020 8398 3125Claygate Bridge Club Hon. Secretary 020 8398 1710Colets Health & Fitness Giordano Orsini 020 8398 7108Dittons Skiff and Punting Club Hon Secretary 020 8398 1642Dittons & Hinchley Wood Royal British Legion Club Secretary 020 8398 6263

SERVICES, CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND GROUPS


45

Ember Players (Drama) Ember Sports Club Kelly Bradley 07971 839 648Ember Sports Club Mrs. Pauline Wareham 020 8979 8977Ember Sports Club: Bowls John Garland 01932 220221Ember Sports Club: Croquet Dr. David Cooke 01932 862841Ember Sports Club: Tennis Margaret Robinson 01372 842401Esher Bowling Club Roger Cooper 01372 468109Esher Bridge Centre Paul Whicker 01372 460157Esher Camera Club Billy Buchanan 020 8398 3169Folk Dance Club Pam Phillips 01372 373745Hinchley Wood / Dittons PROBUS Club Ken Thomas 020 8398 0526Long Ditton Cricket Club Nigel Hardy 020 8398 8361Long Ditton Garden Club Mrs. Ann Allen 020 8398 1718Model Railway Society (Hampton Court) Secretary 01932 241224Mothers Union (All Saints) Val Lomax 01932 860344Old Cranleighan Rugby Club Tony Price 07801 837129Old Cranleighan Hockey Club Eds Copleston (Men) 07775 940703

Helen Hawes (Ladies) 07771 557900River Club (BMYC) David Walker 0870 460 3586Rotary Club, Esher Geoff Morris 01932 868454Rubber Bridge TD Lawn Tennis Club Val 020 8399 9972Surbiton Croquet Club Alec Thomas 020 8398 2391Surbiton Golf Club Secretary 020 8398 3101Surbiton Hockey Club Secretary 020 8398 2401Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club Martha Gordon 020 8398 6800Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club Mark Rodbard 020 8398 1551Thames Ditton Squash Club (Colets) Dave Peck 020 8398 7108Thames Ditton Cricket Club Howard Frish (Secretary) 07947 561449Thames Ditton Marquetry Group Jasmine Berry 020 8398 4358Yoga for Health Club Mrs. Celia Rowe 020 8398 2700

SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Ember Choral Society Linda Bridges 020 8399 5402Esher Recorded Music Society Miss S. M. Garrat 020 8398 8541Esher and Molesey Garden Society Mr. B. Andrews 020 8398 5063Hampton Court Way Allotment Association Secretary: Basil Rainbow 020 8398 8471Lynwood Allotment Society Barry Jordan 0776 282 5041Molesey and District Antiques Society Linda Lambert 020 8398 1476NADFAS (Decorative & Fine Arts) Kingston Mrs. Valerie Windsor 020 8549 9967National Trust: Richmond Association Membership Secretary 020 8894 2972Soroptimist International (Kingston District) Secretary: Pat Harman 020 8390 3507Thames Ditton Women’s Institute (W.I.) Secretary 020 8398 8615Thames Valley Amateur Radio Transmitters Society Chairman 0148328 4279

OTHER

Cancer Research UK Mrs. Vivienne Harris 020 8398 6787University of the Third Age (U3A) Ken Kingham 0208 979 8053Vera Fletcher Hall Lettings: Helen Mason 08456 528 529

Membership: Sue Morris 020 8224 2536

Please contact the Editor to amend these listings


46

Whether we are to live throughanother Great Depression, or this time aGreat Reckoning for past profligacy, theseason will see a good deal of soberreflection. The perceptions of youngchildren can cheer us up. Here’s whatsome wrote or said in class:

“Jesus was born because Mary had animmaculate contraption”

“The greatest miracle in the Bible iswhen Joshua told his son to stand still andhe obeyed him”

“St. Paul preached holy acrimonywhich is another name for marriage.”

“Christians have only one wife. This iscalled monotony.”

On dating and marriage, boys said:“On the first date, they just tell each other

lies and that usually gets them interestedenough to go for a second date.”

“You have to find somebody who likes thesame stuff. Like, if you like sports, she shouldlike it that you like sports, and she shouldkeep the crisps and dip coming”

“Tell your wife that she looks pretty,even if she looks like a lorry.”

Girls said: “It’s better for girls to besingle but not for boys. Boys need someoneto clean up after them.”

“It’s OK to kiss someone when they’re rich.”“Even boys have something to say if

you listen long enough.”And these days: “You might have to guess

that two people are married, based on whetherthey seem to be yelling at the same kids.”

A Merry Christmas to all. – Stay calm!

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PLATINUM, GOLD AND SILVERJEWELLERY REPAIRSAND ALTERATIONS

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OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

PRIVATE CUSTOMERS,BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

TELEPHONE 01932 228274OR 07976 233850

Tony HarrisPhotographer

020 7385 8158 – studio020 8398 7873 – home

www.tonyHphoto.com


wow!Two waysto treatyour Pet

www.beechhousevets.com

Beech House Veterinary Centre,Milbourne Stores, Weston Green,

Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0JX

Consulting Hours 11am-1pm 4pm-6pm

Monday - Friday

To keep them happy, play with them,exercise them, give them loads ofpraise and cuddles and spoil them

with some special treats and toys. Sopop into the “Beech House Pet Stop”for a wide selection of the very best.(All the products and food we sell have been carefully

chosen with your pet’s best well-being in mind.)

Beech House Veterinary Centre -Passionate about Healthy, Happy Pets

To keep them healthy, pets should be seenat least once every 12-months by a vet. Sowhy not bring them along to Beech House,Thames Ditton for their regular healthchecks. This way, we can detect potentialillnesses early and nip them in the bud.

Our easy parking, fresh, modern & involvingpremises and professional engaging team willgreet you each visit, making your wholeexperience more enjoyable.

Prevention, we think, is better than Cure.

Regular health checks willensure a longer, healthier

and happier life.

Ring now to book 020 8398 4752

A307 Portsm

outh Road

Hampton Court Way

Weston Green

Weston Park

Weston Green

Weston Rd

HAMPTON CT

THAMES DITTON

KINGSTON

ESHER

HINCHLEYWOOD

Well-Pet Centres also at:Hersham01932 220768Cobham01932 868688Shepperton01932 222257HERSHAM

49676_ISFC:SPRING inside Cover 2005 24/11/08 15:11 Page 2

ARIES CONSTRUCTION LLP(formerly Ditton Construction)

Tel: 020 8941 9191Fax: 020 8941 6664

Mobile: 07836 608086Email: [email protected]

GENERAL BUILDING

EXTENSIONS & LOFT CONVERSIONS

FULL PLANNING & DRAWING SERVICES

ROOFING : PLUMBING : ELECTRICAL

BATHROOM & KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL REDECORATION

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS & DOORS

INSURANCE CLAIMS : FIRE, FLOOD, STORM DAMAGE

SUBSIDENCE AND UNDERPINNING

PLASTERING & RENDERING

GROUNDWORKS & DRAINAGE

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

13 Thames Court, Victoria Avenue

West Molesey, Surrey KT8 1TP

Free Estimates – Fast, Efficient, Friendly Service

Local References Available

Published by the Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents ̓Association. Printed by the K&N Press Ltd, Unit 10, 19 Lyon Road, Hersham, Walton on Thames, Surrey.

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