in this issue · advertisement manager verity park 20 portsmouth avenue, thames ditton kt7 0rt 020...

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Autumn 2014

The Magazine of the Thames Ditton and Weston GreenResidents’ Association

Published quarterly since Spring 1970

Editorial Team

Libby MacIntyre & Sandra [email protected]

Magazine Design

Guy Holman24 Angel Road,Thames Ditton020 8398 1770

Distribution Manager

David Youd6 Riversdale Road,Thames Ditton KT7 0QL020 8398 3216

Advertisement Manager

Verity Park20 Portsmouth Avenue,Thames Ditton KT7 0RT020 8398 5926

Contributors

You are welcome to submitarticles or images. Please contactthe Editorial Team well in advanceof the next deadline 24 October.

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Thames Ditton Today is deliveredto an influential 4000 householdsthroughout Thames Ditton andWeston Green. Contact VerityPark for rates for full page, halfand quarter page advertising.

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

Introducing our new Honorary Secretary ………………… 11

Going for Gold …………………………………………… 13

Esher ‘the community’ College…………………………… 17

Welcome to a new Minister ……………………………… 21

I have a question about planning ………………………… 23

Curtain up at the Vera Fletcher Hall ……………………… 29

Cracking crypts – John Reeves …………………………… 31

Music with a Russian flavour …………………………… 39

Autumn crossword ……………………………………… 41

Solution to summer crossword …………………………… 43

Services, groups, clubs and societies……………………… 44

The Theatre in Thames Ditton …………………………… 46

Cover photo: The changing season by Andy Anderson

www.residents-association.com

Officers 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 Boots Chemist, 14 High Street,or Thorkill Road Pharmacy, 94 Thorkill Road, Thames Ditton. Or post to Membership SecretaryPeter Haynes at 6 Onslow Gardens, Thames Ditton KT7 0JJ. Thank you.

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THE NEXT RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION OPEN MEETINGS ARE Tuesday 11 November and Tuesday 27 January at 8.00pm,

Vera Fletcher Hall, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton

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

Thames Ditton & Weston GreenResidents’ 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’ AssociationCouncillors we have a strong voice onElmbridge Council, working with otherResidents’ Councillors to ensure thatdecisions are based on the needs of localcommunities and on good managementrather than on party politics.

Our Residents’ County CouncillorPeter Hickman represents our views onSurrey County Council.President: Maureen Sheldrick,34 The Woodlands, EsherSurrey County Councillor:Peter Hickman, Little Lodge,Watts Road, Thames Ditton 020 8339 0931

Thames Ditton CouncillorsTricia Bland,29 Station Road, Thames Ditton 020 8339 0485Ruth Lyon,11 Riversdale Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 3396Karen Randolph, Deepfield, Giggs Hill Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 5005

Weston Green CouncillorsRuth Bruce,15 Imber Grove, Esher 020 8398 8324Tannia Shipley, Clinton House,27 Lower Green Road, Esher 020 8398 2484

OfficersChairman: Rhodri Richards,Ditton Cottage, Giggs Hill Road,Thames Ditton 020 8224 5181Vice-Chairman: Martin Wilberforce,7 River Avenue, Thames Ditton 020 8398 4732Hon. Treasurer: Christa Silverthorne,62 Thorkhill Road Thames Ditton 020 8398 7101Hon. Secretary: Florian Traub,85 Longmead Road, Thames Ditton 020 8224 2880Membership Secretary: Peter Haynes6 Onslow Gardens, Thames Ditton 020 8398 6019

Conveners of Sub-CommitteesHealth and Community:Karen Randolph (see above)Planning: Graham Cooke, 23 Ashley Road, Thames Ditton 020 8398 8509Highways, Drainage: Andrew Roberts,1 Boyle Farm Road, Thames Ditton 020 8786 6882

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News from the Residents’ Association

to 31 August

What a lovely summer it was until theremnants of Hurricane Bertha lashed theRideLondon-Surrey 100 cycle event andended the heatwave. More than 20,000amateur cyclists defied the weather totake part and despite the torrential rainmany residents came out to support themand the professional road race. Our ownRA Chairman Rhodri Richards completedthe course in a very respectable 4 hours24 minutes! If you fancy a go, nextyear’s event will take place on Sunday2 August 2015.

Concerns regarding road closure signsat the Giggs Hill junction withPortsmouth Road have been fed back tothe organisers. Comments [email protected].

A rare rainy day in July could not dullthe floral exuberance of the Queens RoadHanging Basket Competition and thestandard of entries attracted attentionfrom the BBC crew covering the RHSHampton Court Palace Flower Show. Thislocal event has gone from strength tostrength as neighbours vie for prizes inthree sections: hanging baskets, frontgardens and window boxes.

TravellersA number of Travellers set up a camp

on the commons by Longmead Road,Weston Green on 21 July and Councillorswere on the case immediately. In order toevict Travellers from a site the landowner(in this case Elmbridge Borough Council)

has to apply to the County Court for aHearing to give them a “PossessionOrder” and the date of a hearing iscompletely dependent on the availabilityof the Court. EBC was given a date ofFriday 1st August and served notice onthe Travellers on that day. The CountyCourt Sheriffs were due to evict themfrom the site on Monday 4th, but they leftvery early that morning. In the meantimeEBC provided bins to try and limit theamount of rubbish on the common andconducted a clear-up operation once thesite had been vacated.

As we go to print a different group ofTravellers has set up camp by LongmeadRoad and a Hearing date has been set for1 September.Post Office

The consultation regarding theproposed move of the Post Office inThames Ditton from its current location at

Competition organiser Pam Bannister with BestWindow Box winners – Ian and Simi Lavers


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the High Street Newsagents to SimplyFresh ended on 31 July. A number ofsignificant concerns were raised byrespondents, including matters such asspace and access. The independentstatutory watchdog for the Post Officenetwork, Citizen Advice, has reviewedthe findings of the consultation andrequested that Post Office Ltd delaysmaking a final decision on location whilstit seeks additional feedback. This couldtake a further four to six weeks from theend of the consultation period.

Thames Ditton Councillors and ourlocal MP have met with Post Office Ltd todiscuss the proposal in depth and itsimplications. Retaining a full service postoffice is of paramount importance. Therehave also been discussions with the ownerof Simply Fresh to seek assurancesregarding all residents’ concerns.

PlanningThe arrival of containers, hoardings

and contractors in early July signalled thatwork has finally started at the Home ofCompassion, six years after it was sold toCaring Homes. The development contracthas been awarded to MP Brothers ofActon and we understand that they haveexperience of working with listedbuildings and residential homes. OwnersCaring Homes anticipate the constructionprogramme will take 80 weeks and haveappointed the Contract Manager, NaranRaghvani, as a direct point of contact.Security remains tight. The contractorshave a presence round the clock backedup by a security system with monitoredcameras.

The development of a three-storeytownhouse with basement and roof terrace

at 55b High Street continues to poseconcerns to neighbouring shops andresidences. To help address these, thedevelopers have been assisted by theResidents’ Association to engage inmeaningful dialogue.

One of the fears expressed when theambitious project was first proposed wasthe likely detrimental effect on theimmediate businesses caused by theinevitable noise, pollution, vehiclemovements, access problems etc.Regrettably, the prospect of these hasalready prompted Emma At Home, nextdoor to the site, to close. Fortunately,Lunch at 53 High Street is determined toremain open and hopes the communitywill continue to support them with theircustom. We support these sentiments andhope any outstanding issues can beresolved swiftly and amicably, and thatthe developers and builders will continueto be mindful of the sensibilities of thoseliving and working close by. Emma atHome is continuing on-line atwww.emmaathome.co.uk

The revised application fordevelopment at Taggs Boatyard(2014/1600) has received many objectionsfrom the local community and we havesupported these objections. We believethat the latest plan still features over-development of this very sensitive siteand we have urged Elmbridge BoroughCouncil to reject the application.

We supported local residents inobjecting to an application to build on asite in Angel Road (2014/2023), (at therear of properties in Thorkhill Road) onthe grounds of size of the proposeddevelopment and its proximity to the


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River Rythe. This application wasrejected by Elmbridge Borough Council.

The original application from theCo-op for development at The EwePublic House (2014/0243) was with -drawn on 16 August and another application(2014/2729 ) has been submitted for asingle-storey extension, installation of anew ATM and alterations to a boundarywall following demolition of an existingconservatory. As mentioned previously,no permission is required for a ‘change ofuse’ from public house to shop.

The application for four detached two-storey houses and new access followingthe demolition of two houses at 87/89Grove Way (2014/1132) was refused forthe following reasons: “the proposednumber of houses, their design, size,layout (including the access road/amountof hard-standing) and limited gardendepths would result in developmentappearing cramped and out of keepingwith the character of Grove Way anddetrimental to the visual amenities of thesurrounding area”. This applicationcaused much concern, reflected in thehigh number of letters received (76objections, three in support).

Development Management PlanElmbridge Borough Council has now

submitted its Development ManagementPlan for scrutiny by a Planning Inspector.We have made submissions to Elmbridgevoicing concerns about a number of areas.Further information can be found on theElmbridge website under planning atwww.e lmbr idge .gov .uk /p lann ing /policy/dmp.htm.

The Inspector for the examination isMr Nicholas Taylor BA (Hons) MRTPI.

His task is to consider whether the DMPcomplies with the relevant legislation andis sound. He will, we hope, take on boardour comments made both in writing and atthe Hearing held at the end of August.

Resurfacing The long-promised resurfacing of

Station Road and the High Street wasfinally completed. The work in StationRoad took longer than originally plannedas a number of the road gullies hadcollapsed and took some time to repair.

The overnight work in the High Streetwent very smoothly. Although it meant acouple of disturbed nights for residents itonly took two nights to transform the road.

Celebrations continueThe All Saints Weston 75th

anniversary celebrations have continuedapace. One highlight was ‘From Westonwith Love’, a musical afternoon featuringchildren and adults singing a variety ofpopular numbers from stage and screen.With strawberries and cream, cakes andbubbly in demand, the event may becomea regular feature in Weston Green.

July also saw the inaugural FoodFestival & Bake Off with guest judge,Olivier Blanc. As well as classes forcakes, biscuits, brownies and preserves,there were a variety of stalls to visit, livemusic, local beer from Claygate and achoice of delicious Korean food or heartyBBQ fare for lunch. Perhaps this will beanother annual date for the calendar.

Christmas PartyIf the celebrations at Weston Green

have got you thinking about the festiveseason, why not plan to start yours at the


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RA Christmas party on Saturday 13December at the Vera Fletcher Hall?

It is a great local evening with goodfood, excellent wine and enthusiasticdancing. Get a group together to make upa table, or come on your own and meetnew friends. Tickets are £34 and include awelcoming glass of fizz with canapés, athree-course dinner and dancing to anexcellent live band. Wine will beavailable to buy at very reasonable priceson the night. Tickets will be availablefrom Monday November 3 from SueDawson on 020 8398 5436.

FarewellRevd John Silk has retired after 19

years as Vicar of St Nicholas, ThamesDitton. His last service was on 31 August,followed by a farewell lunch. We joinwith all his parishioners to wish him and

his wife Clare and family all the best forthe future.

CongratulationsWe offer our congratulations to two

sixth-form students living in ThamesDitton (and alumni of Weston GreenSchool). William Pinhey won thenationwide New Views playwritingcompetition run by the National Theatrewith his script ‘Is There Wifi In Heaven?’Cameron Finlay was runner-up with hisplay ‘Something Wicked’. The plays werestaged/read at the National Theatre inJuly.

We are delighted that Cameron hasoffered to write some articles for ThamesDitton Today, the first of which is thestory of another inspirational young man,on p 13.

Residents-Association.com

TUESDAY OCTOBER 7th Illustrated talk on Buttonhooks by Paul Moorehead, Chairman of the Buttonhook Society.Buttonhooks, since the early 17th century, kept buttons on boots and garments and weremade in steel, gold, and early plastic with inlaid gems. World War 1 soldiers and POWs madethem in the trenches to use for barter – altogether a fascinating part of social history.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4thIllustrated talk on 20th Century Romantic painters by Alan Hepburn – well-known ThamesDitton resident and painter. He will talk on John Piper, famous for his paintings of churchesand landscapes, Graham Sutherland, official War Artist in the Second World War and creatorof the tapestry of Christ in Coventry Cathedral, and Eric Ravillious, painter, wood engraverand lithographer.

DISCOVERING ANTIQUESNow that Autumn is here why not come to theMOLESEY & DISTRICT ANTIQUES SOCIETYThe Society meets in the Vera Fletcher Hall and has expertspeakers presenting an interesting variety of subjects, and alsoorganises social events and guided visits to interesting venues.For further inform ation ring 020 8398 1476 or just come alongon the night – 7.30 for 8.00 pm.


Introducing our newHonorary Secretary Florian Traub

Love and serendipity broughtFlorian Traub to Thames Ditton.He was born and brought up inGermany and qualified as anintellectual property lawyerbefore practicing in the beautifulBavarian city of Munich.

He met his (English) wifeKatie when they were bothtravelling in Canada. An inter -national romance blossomed untilKatie moved to teach in Munichfor a while. Finally they decidedto live, and bring up their family,in England.

When looking for places tolive they drew a straight line fromWest Byfleet (where Katie grewup) to Waterloo and plumped for ThamesDitton. Whilst that might have been ahappy accident Florian ‘loves living hereas it is a ‘real’ village close to London,and also to the country such as the SouthDowns – even the coast is not far away’.

He and Katie now have threedaughters, two are at Stepping StonesNursery and their eldest is due to start atThames Ditton Infant School in September.

Florian met RA Chairman RhodriRichards at St Nicholas Church andhaving ‘shown a bit too much interest inlocal affairs’, was invited to get involved.However, community service may be inthe blood, as both Florian’s parents alsoserved as local Councillors in Germany.

When asked to sum up why he wantedto get involved Florian said:

‘I believe that little things can make adifference. National government is onething, but you can do quite a bit on alocal level. You can try to influence thingsfor the benefit of your community.’

In any spare time he has, Florian runs:‘I love to explore towns and cities on foot;it gives you a real connection to a place.My ambition is to run the LondonMarathon.’

We hope you will come and meetFlorian and other members of the RAExecutive at our regular Open Meetings atthe Vera Fletcher Hall.

Libby MacIntyre

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Florian and family


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After the excitement of the Common -wealth Games that rocked the country,residents of Thames Ditton will bedelighted to learn of sporting success evencloser to home. In August, 19-year-oldToby Gold, who lives in Thames Ditton,was selected to represent the Great BritainTeam in the T33 class at the InternationalWheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS)Federation Games in Stoke Mandeville,where he set two senior European recordsand won three bronze medals in the 100m,200m and 400m Wheelchair Racingevents. Even more exciting is theprobability of Toby being called torepresent Britain at the Rio de JanerioParalympic Games in 2016.

Speaking with him a month before theIWAS games, Toby’s story is still nothingshort of inspirational, and yet he carries thepride of representing his country withadmirable humility. After being diagnosedwith cerebral palsy as an infant, Toby sayshe struggled to find a sport that suited thelimitations of his disability. When he was16 Toby tried his hand at wheelchairbasketball and, on the recommendation of ateacher, he then went on to try wheelchairracing. This is only his third competitiveseason, but he has already excelled to thepoint where he is the top young athlete inthe UK at wheelchair racing and secondinternationally in the 100m.

Toby jokes that his determination toexcel at racing came from sibling rivalry

with his twin brother, also a talentedsportsman. However, he chooses toexplain that his vast reserves of tenacityhave helped him so much during hiscareer. He went from buying his firstwheelchair on eBay (a chair forbasketball), to competing internationallyin a chair costing thousands of pounds.His rise through the rankings of JuniorWheelchair Racing has been meteoric andhe is now a figure that many athletes whoare just starting out can look up to.

Going for Gold

Toby Gold is making his mark


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However, he refuses to take all of thecredit for himself. He firmly believes thatno athlete can truly succeed on his ownand he says that his greatest help has beenthe charity READY (Recreation and EasyAccess for Disabled Youth). Based inThames Ditton, READY aims to allowpeople with disabilities to participate insports and to increase participation andfunding for disability athletics. Funded bylocal business people, READY has madeToby’s transition from amateur toprofessional much swifter and easier. Aswell as paying for all his chairs, with thegenerosity of READY, Toby was able toattend the prestigious Weir ArcherAcademy in Kingston.

David Weir CBE, six-time winner ofthe London Marathon and a holder of sixOlympic gold medals, runs the WeirArcher Academy with renownedprofessional coach Jenny Archer MBE,so they can pass their considerableexperience and knowledge onto the nextgeneration of disabled athletes.

It is here that Toby trains six times eachweek for nearly two hours at a time,practising both his endurance and hisspeed so that he can hold his position atthe top of his category and go on toimprove on his personal best. Toby speakswith nothing but admiration about hismentors and it is refreshing to see thatbrushing shoulders with such giants ofBritish sport has not gone to his head.

Toby says he would be nowherewithout the support of the equipment heuses. Racing wheelchairs are bespoke,built to suit an athlete’s width, height andseating preference, and the final productwill usually cost upwards of £2,000. As ifthe chair didn’t cost enough, the best

wheels for the chair can cost up to £1,400,and as Toby grew up, he needed differentchairs. So far, Toby has outgrown twochairs, which is very expensive for anyathlete. Together with specialist gloves,repairs and tyres, the costs mount up veryquickly. This makes it a particularlydifficult sport to get into, but with the helpof READY, Toby continues to race.

When he’s not training or studying forhis degree at St. Mary’s TwickenhamUniversity, Toby also works as anambassador for READY, giving talks tothe community about wheelchair sports.He even spends his time training andinspiring younger wheelchair basketballplayers. With the support of friends,family, his coaches and the charities heworks with, Toby hopes to raise theprofile of wheelchair sports in a way thatonly a truly great sportsman can.

You can donate to the READYcharity via their JustGiving page whichcan be found on this website:www.justgiving.com/ readycharity/

Cameron Finlay

A blast of speed


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Esher ‘the community’ College

September is the start of the academicyear at Esher College, although at no pointin the year are its 1700 students on site atthe same time. The perception that theycommute long distances to attend thissixth-form college that has remote links tothe local community, is far from the truth.

The admissions process commencesannually in June and gives priority topupils attending the two most localschools, Esher High and Hinchley Wood,and to students resident in KT7, KT8 andKT10. A second “open phase” admissionsprocess takes place in September forremaining places which are allocated on aballot system. Overall, about 40% ofplaces to go Elmbridge students. Entry isnon-selective with applicants required toachieve a minimum of 5 A* to C grades atGCSE. I asked Dan Dean, CollegePrincipal if government attempts to forceuniversities to take students from the statesector had led to an increase in applicantsfrom independent schools, he said “No,only around 20% of applicants come fromthe independent sector and this figure hasbeen consistent for several years”.

The college has a record of academicsuccess achieving “Grade 1: outstandingfor all areas inspected” in its last twoOfsted reports. In 2013, around 90% ofstudents went on to university. Over 30%of these to Russell Group universities and15 students to Oxford and Cambridge.This is impressive for a college whichunlike many independent schools has a

non-selective intake. What Esher Collegeoffers is “value added”, taking studentswith modest GCSE grades and helpingthem achieve excellence. The collegeoffers a wide range of A level and BTECcourses. Summer 2014 results were, onceagain, impressive. The pass rate at A levelwas 98.3%, with over half the entriesachieving A*, A or B grades.

I asked Dan if there are plans to increasethe number of students but he said; “Not atthis time; we are close to maximumcapacity. There is no space for any moreand currently there is no money for newbuildings”. Some areas of refurbishmentinclude a much needed new music blockand improvements to the café and privatestudy areas, but funding is very limited. Sowill the new café mean fewer studentspicnicking on Weston Green and lesslitter? Dan smiles “We have a great newcatering company and with the newfacilities we hope so, but students enjoy thefreedom to go off campus.”

Exploring Science


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So with 1700 students on roll how doesDan deal with problems of litter, parkingand antisocial behaviour? “At the start ofeach year I speak to the students and askthem to extend the respect to people andproperty that we have inside college toour neighbours and local residents, and Ifollow this up with email remindersthroughout the year.” Students areencouraged to park on site, and parkingprovision has been extended. They areasked not to park inconveniently inresidential roads, on corners or blockdriveways. Terry Tulley at the college ison hand to deal with complaints and canbe reached on 020 8398 0291. He oftenchecks local roads for parking problemsand patrols for litter too. In addition thecollege employs its estates team to litterpick locally.

Dan says the college has a “zero-tolerance policy towards drugs andalcohol”. He holds regular meetings withlocal residents so that issues and inform -ation can be exchanged and addressed. Danis currently seeking 2 new representativesfrom the local community living in HomeFarm Close and Camm Gardens to attendthese meetings. If you would like to

volunteer please contact Sharon Kelly [email protected]

Students also do voluntary work in thelocal community, helping in local schoolsand the Thames Ditton Day centre.

In addition the college has a thrivingadult education programme. Over onehundred courses start in September, withplaces still available. Courses includecomputer and IT skills, languages,counselling, creative writing, art history,photography, art, jewellery making, andhealth and fitness. Some courses offeraccredited national qualifications, othersare just for fun, but all offer local peoplethe opportunity to learn and meet people.Maureen Jay, Programme Coordinator,says that “Friendships are made; it isvery sociable”. For more informationcontact Maureen at [email protected] the college lets out its facilities tolocal groups, including its theatre, sportshall, sports pitches and classrooms. Formore information contact DerekHempston on 07833 526986. Thisthriving local community is much morethan just a sixth form college.

Sandra Dennis


Welcome to a new Minister

It’s all change here at the ThamesDitton United Reformed Church (URC) –we have a new minister!

He’s the Revd Peter Flint and heofficially joined us on 6th September. Petercomes to us from Dorking URC where hehas been a very popular minister for thepast eight years. During Peter’s 35 years asa minister he has had parishes in Essex,Berkshire and Northamptonshire as well asthree exchange ministries in the US. Peterand his wife Judith are keen walkers whohave done four of the National Trails and inApril 2013 walked 100 miles of theCamino de Santiago. He’s also been knownto play a round of golf or two! Peter’s keento take an active part in our community andwe are delighted to welcome him and hisfamily to Thames Ditton.

Where is the URC? I hear you ask.Indeed, what is it? It’s the large whitebuilding you pass on Speer Road whenyou are walking to the station or takingyour children to school. It’s the placewhere the flourishing Teddies Playgroupmeets as do the Ripieno Choir, theStagecraft group, tap dancing and karateclasses.

It’s also where a con gregation whosemembers come from a variety ofProtestant back grounds such as ScotsPresbyterians, Methodists and Congrega -tionalists come to worship.

We are a small but active congregationand we believe that the church shouldplay a positive role in the community. So,not only do we open our doors to variousgroups, but we also have a lively socialprogramme with monthly events such asfilm nights (Casablanca, Whisky Galoreand Some Like It Hot to name but a few),coffee and chat sessions, visits to placessuch as Buckingham Palace, WestminsterAbbey and Tudeley Church in Kent, slideshows and lunches to which all thecommunity are invited.

Ours is an old church (the first churchon the Speer Road site opened its doors in1804) but, with the advent of our newminister, we are looking forward to anactive future. Do come and join us. Allare welcome!

Linda Lambert

21

A welcome to new Minister Peter Flint


22

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Planning is a complex issue. On oneside it is governed by nationalgovernment policy, and on the other bylocal policy set by Elmbridge BoroughCouncil. However, local residents oftenask questions which are asked by localresidents which are specific to howplanning applications are processed.Residents’ Association Councillors KarenRandolph and Tannia Shipley sit on theElmbridge Borough Council (EBC)planning committees and here they giveanswers to some of the most frequentlyasked questions.

There is a planning application in myroad, why hasn’t the Council notifiedme?

EBC places a high priority oninvolving residents in the planningprocess and goes beyond the statutoryrequirement. (See Council’s formalStatement of Community Involvementwhich is under review). Occupiers of landadjoining an application site will benotified by letter. This will normally beland with a common boundary, but mayalso include land up to four metres away.Where extensions are judged to beprominent from the front, additionalletters will be sent to properties oppositethe site unless there’s a Site Notice.

Site Notices are displayed in thefollowing circumstances: when the owneror occupier of adjoining land is notknown; at non-residential developments

including (change of use); erection of newbuildings; conversion of a dwelling orother premises to provide more than threeseparate dwellings; advertisementapplications and applications to fell trees.

Major developments likely to havewidespread impact, or where the site hasseveral principal frontages, may needmultiple notices and more extensiveneighbour notification.

In certain circumstances there is astatutory requirement to place a notice ina local newspaper. Likewise there areadditional requirements related toplanning applications affecting listedbuildings and/or conservation areas (SeeEBC website).

How do I comment on a planningapplication?

You can do this via the EBC planningwebsite under its application reference orwrite to Karen Fossett, Head of TownPlanning, EBC, Civic Centre, High Street,Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD. If you don’thave time to list all your objectionsinform the Council in writing that youobject and state that your reasons willfollow. You can see who else hasobjected, and what they have said, bychecking the Elmbridge planning websitewww.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning. Youmust quote the planning applicationnumber, your name and your address onany correspondence sent. Anonymousletters cannot be accepted.

23

I have a question about planning…


How long do I have to comment on anapplication?

You have 21 days. The start and closedates are shown on the EBC planningwebsite www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planningbut late letters can be considered. You cansearch for details of the application usingthe site address or planning applicationnumber and can find the key dates listedunder the specific planning applicationnumber.

Why are some applications determinedby the EBC planning area sub-committee whilst others are decided byOfficers?

Normally planning applications aredecided by professional PlanningOfficers. However, if an application is notrefused, and there are five letters ofobjection or more, the application willautomatically be promoted to the areaplanning sub- committee (APS) where itwill be determined by Councillors.

Can objectors speak at the areaPlanning Sub-Committee Meeting?

If ten or more letters of objection arereceived from separate households theapplication will qualify for publicspeaking at APS. The application will goto the committee with a recommendationfrom the Officer for approval or refusal.Likewise a petition signed by more than50 signatories will promote an applicationto APS. In both cases, only addresseswithin the vicinity of the site will becounted. If an application is eligible forpublic speaking Planning Services willwrite to every objector giving theminformation on how to register to speak.Only the first objector to respond will be

eligible to speak. Where an objectorspeaks the applicant/agent will also beable to address the committee. If noobjector speaks, then the applicant cannotdo so either.

Any resident can attend thesemeetings. You can find the agenda for theEast Area sub-committee meetings (thesecover our area) on the EBC website.

What is the format when speaking at aCouncil area sub-committee meeting?

The objector will be invited to speakfor three minutes followed by anyquestions from the Committee. Theapplicant is then permitted to make aresponse (three minutes) followed byquestions. The application is then debatedby the Committee with any additionalqueries being dealt with by the CommitteeOfficer and a decision is made.

Who are consultees? This depends on the application. For

example, in the case of planningapplications at the Home of Compassionthe following were consultees: Environ -ment Agency (building in the flood plain),English Heritage (listed building in aconservation area), Surrey CountyCouncil (highways and traffic), ThamesLandscape Strategy (location on theriver), Thames Ditton ConservationAdvisory Committee (building in theThames Ditton Conservation Area),Elmbridge Tree Officer (trees andlandscape) and several others.

The list of consultees is entirelydependent on the site and applies equallyto very small developments.

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Why does EBC appear to have ignoredthe traffic/ safety issues I raised?

EBC Planning Officers consider everycomment which is submitted, but theCouncil has to consult Surrey CountyCouncil which is the highway authority.Surrey County Council has the expertiseto advise on road traffic issues and if theyraise no objection it is very difficult forEBC to overrule it. However, EBC haspolicies that deal with the movementimplications of development, off-streetparking, servicing facilities and cyclingfacilities.

What are “Planning Conditions”?Planning permission is often granted

subject to ‘conditions’. Conditions willvary but they might be related to materialsto be used, or restrict what can be done onthe premises, or require the applicant toobscurely glaze a window to preventoverlooking. Reasons for the conditionsare always made clear.

An application was approved despite alot of objections. Why can’t we appeal?

Under statute an applicant can appealto the Planning Inspectorate if theirapplication is refused by EBC but, asunfair as it appears, there is no right ofappeal for an objector other than JudicialReview.

Can an Inspector’s decision beappealed?

Only if you can prove that thedecision-making process was legallyflawed (Judicial Review).

My neighbour is building an extensionnext door. Do they need planningpermission?

Not necessarily. What they are buildingmay be within permitted development(P.D.) rights. My neighbour’s planning applicationwas refused, but they are buildinganyway. Why doesn’t the Council stopthem?

It comes down to the reason forrefusal. If what they are buildingaddresses the reasons for refusal yourneighbour can submit a new applicationwhich may be approved.

There are different periods in which toappeal depending on the type ofapplication. More information can befound on the Planning Portal website. ThePlanning Inspectorate can take severalmonths to determine an appeal and canoverturn the Council’s decision. If theInspector upholds the Council’s reasonsfor refusal, and dismisses the appeal, theapplicant can submit a new application.As long as this addresses the Inspector’sreasons for refusal it may be givenplanning permission.

Some applicants will commencebuilding the part of an application that theyknow falls within Permitted DevelopmentRights (see above). However, if planningpermission is required, they are building attheir own risk.My neighbour has built an extensionthat clearly does not conform to theplanning permission they have. Whathappens next?

You should contact the EnforcementTeam in the Planning Dept. at EBC. Youwill need to complete a complaints formwhich is available online, or request a hardcopy. Your complaint is confidential andan Enforcement Officer will investigate.


26

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What if the Enforcement Officer findsthat what has been built does notcomply? What happens next?

The Enforcement Officer will thendetermine the degree of deviation fromthe approved plans. If it is minimal theremay be no further action, otherwise theapplicant will be asked to submit aretrospective planning application. Thisretrospective application will then bedetermined in the normal way and couldbe refused or permitted.

Why are applicants allowed to go toappeal on the same site several timesfor similar applications?

There is no restriction on the numberof times an applicant can go to appeal, butthey can only appeal any one application,once. If the Inspector dismisses theappeal, the applicant can endeavour toaddress the Inspector’s reasons fordismissal and submit another applicationto EBC. The application is then processedin the usual way. Should the application

be refused by the Council, the applicantcan appeal that decision… and so on!

If the applicant submits a furtherapplication which the Planning Dept.deems to be identical to the dismissedscheme, then EBC can refuse to register it.Why was my planning applicationrefused when there were no objections?

Planning decisions are based on anumber of criteria which include planningregulations and guidelines, consulteeresponses, as well as letters ofrepresentation from local residents.

These are some of the most commonlyasked questions. Planning legislation isconstantly changing, so these answers aresubject to change. If you have an issuethat isn’t covered here, then phone EBCCustomer Services for advice on 01372474474 or contact our Residents’Association Planning Convenor GrahamCooke and/or your local Councillor. Theircontact details are on the Thames Dittonand Weston Green Residents’ Associationwebsite www.residents-association.com

There are additional consultees, related to planning applications affecting listed buildings andconservation areas such as Giggs Hill Green


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The highlight of our Autumnprogramme for many will be CharlesCourt Opera’s “Patience” on Saturday13th September. Many residents haveenjoyed their quirky modern pantomimeswith their splendid acting and music, andin “Patience” we have a real Gilbert &Sullivan treat. Its London run receivedrave reviews – “This is grown-up, witty,divinely frivolous enter tainment at itsvery best” and “Patience has never beenfunnier”. Add to this some of Sullivan’smost irresistible and deliciously over-the-top characters and this is one definitelynot to be missed.

We always try at the Hall to have a mixof serious music, theatre, children’sshows and modern jazz. We welcomeback Amy Tress and the LondonChamber Collective on Friday 10thOctober with a lovely programmeincluding Schubert’s Trout Quintet andBrahms’ Piano Quartet in G minor; andthe return, following concerts in Shanghaiand the Krakow Festival, of the LondonMozart Trio on Friday 26th Septemberwith its three outstanding world classmusicians playing works by Mozart,Beethoven, Brahms and Schumann.

On the lighter side of music, ourStrictly Sundays shows have been a greatsuccess with their cabaret-style setting ofseating round candle lit tables. Theperformance by Five Star Swing in Maywas fully sold out. Jake Fryer, from

Ronnie Scott’s and the London JazzFestival, returns on Sunday 28thSeptember with his “Jazz on aSeptember Evening” with his top line-up of trumpet, saxophone, trombone,vocalist and rhythm section; followed onSunday 12th October by the LindenWind Orchestra’s “MediterraneanFestival”. This premier concert bandwill play music including Rossini’sBarber of Seville Overture, Bizet’sCarmen Prelude and Verdi’s GrandMarch. Singer Gill Manly celebrates thegreat R ’n B High Priestess Etta Jamesand jazz soul diva Nina Simone in theirclassic hits such as “You’ll be Nice toCome Home To” and “Little Girl Blue”in “Blues Mother, Soul Sister” onSunday 16th November.

2014 is of course the anniversary of thestart of the First World War. This changedattitudes to the role of women, and theperformance on Friday 19th September of“Suffragette”, (premiered this year at theYvonne Arnaud) records the struggle ofwomen to obtain the vote. It’s aperformance which is in turns exciting,moving and funny. We have all beenbrought up on the famous escape storiesof the two world wars and on Friday 14thNovember we have Tom Stoppard’s“Heroes”, an escape story with adifference where three war heroes plottheir escape from their military retirementhome. The play won the Olivier Awardfor the best new comedy.

Curtain up– at the Vera Fletcher Hall


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Our third theatre offering is thepremiere of About Time TheatreCompany’s “Under your Spell” onFriday – Sunday 17-19th October, a ghoststory set in an old New York theatre.

The Elmbridge Council’s Royston Pikeseries of lectures always attract a goodaudience, and on Tuesday 14th Octoberwe are lucky to have a former Britishambassador, Bryan Sparrow CMG, torecall in an illustrated talk that we should“Forget the Ferrero Rochers…”Bryan’s eventful life included bringing upa family in Kruschev’s Russia, fleeingover the rooftops in Tunis when theEmbassy was set on fire, opening our firstembassy in Zagreb during a civil war andfacing a revolution in Cameroon, withmore civilized periods in Canada andFrance. It will be a fascinating talk andBryan will be happy to answer questions.

Following last year’s new venture –film shows at the Hall of “LadyHamilton” and “Topsy Turvy” – on 25thOctober we have something verydifferent – the all-time classic “West SideStory”, winner of 10 Oscars and inspiredby Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, withmusic by Leonard Bernstein and songs byStephen Sondheim, including “Maria”,“Tonight” and “America”. We won’t beselling popcorn but there will be a bar,tea, coffee and ice-creams.

Parents – and grandparents – shouldnote that our children’s shows start onSaturday 20th September with the well-known Noisy Oyster presenting “DaSilva Marionette Circus” – Ringmaster,clowns, acrobats, music and puppets withoff-the-wall humour. Garlic Theatrereturn to the Hall on Saturday 11th

October with their “Billy Goats Gruff” –three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll;and Image Musical Theatre present onSaturday 29th November their “SnowQueen”, Hans Christian Andersen’sclassic tale of the young boy captured inthe ice castle in the frozen north.

The Christmas season is celebratedwith “Beguiled by Betjeman and aSeasonal Pot Pourri” on Sunday 30thNovember in aid of the Mayor’s Charity,Home Start Elmbridge; and on January16th and 17th with Charles CourtOpera’s Billy the Kid – a PantoWestern.

See page 46 for times and tickets forthese shows. You can keep in touch withevents at the Hall on the website:www.verafletcherhall.co.uk.

To hire the Hall contact managerHelen Mason on 08456 528 829.

Ruth Lyon


Cracking crypts – John Reeves

It’s always worth scraping moss offderelict tombs in the churchyard of St.Nicholas. You never know what stories itmay hide. In this case, as gently I brushedaway leaves and muck and prised off theivy, it was to find a man celebrated for hiscontribution to botany, zoology andhorticulture, indeed recently honouredwith an exhibition by the RoyalHorticultural Society. This is a man aboutwhom a good deal has been written –though not in Thames Ditton. Hiscollection of work in London’s NaturalHistory Museum is described by themuseum as one of the most important

there. It contains more than two thousandscientifically significant, accurate andexquisite botanical and zoologicaldrawings and paintings.

For all that, the Oxford Dictionary ofNational Biography describes him as anatural history collector and an artist, hedidn’t paint them himself. One of themany reasons I like his story is that henever seems to have got far from theoffice. Another is that there is an elementof the heart. For the inscription on thetomb reads: “In memory of Sarah wife ofJohn Reeves who died the 15th May 1810

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SW of the gate to the Garden of Remembrance lies John Reeves


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aged 31 years. Also of Isabella secondwife of the above who died the 29thOctober 1840 aged 67. Also of the abovenamed John Reeves FRS LS ZS &c.,some years in the H.E.I.C.S. in China,who died at Clapham the 22nd March1856 aged 82.”

He had the second wife buried on topof the first one, with the clear intention ofjoining the former, and perhaps both, foreternity. (“You wouldn’t do that to me,would you?” asked my own dear wife).The question is, why Thames Ditton?

John Reeves, born 1 May 1774 in WestHam, did not have the easiest start in life,nor yet the hardest. His father Revd.Jonathan Reeves was an itinerantMethodist preacher before being ordainedin the Anglican Church and appointed toWest Ham, a tough parish. He preached inWhitechapel and was made the firstchaplain of a new charity, the MagdalenHospital for Penitent Prostitutes. Sundaysermons there – though not those of theindifferent Revd. Reeves – became afashionable occasion for Society to gawpat the penitent part of the congregationbehind a screen. John Reeves, theyoungest son, was left an orphan at age 14but had elder siblings to care for him. Hecompleted his education at Christ’sHospital school, founded for the orphanchildren of poor Londoners.

Reeves then entered the counting-house of Richard Pinchback, a tea broker,where (as his 1856 obituary in theproceedings of the Linnaean Societyrecords) “he acquired so thorough aknowledge of teas as to recommend himin 1808 to the office of Inspector of Teain England in the service of theHonourable East India Company” (the

HEICS on the gravestone). He joined thecompany on merit and ability rather thanthrough patronage.

Meanwhile he had met Sarah Russell,resident in the civil parish of St George’sHanover Square, whom he married inFebruary 1803 in the heart of the City ofLondon. The couple had a number ofaddresses in rapid succession as theyproduced John Russell Reeves (bap. 7February 1804, Aldgate); Sarah Reeves(b. 19 September 1805, bap. Whitechapel)when their address was Haydon Square;Elizabeth Reeves (bap. 8 Jun 1808 inLambeth); and James Reeves b. 29October 1809, bap. 23 March 1810 atNewington in Surrey. At no time is thereany patent connection with Thames Ditton.Although there was a family of Russellshere, they seem unlikely relatives.However, the next record after babyJames’ baptism in Newington is the onecarved in stone eight weeks later in thechurchyard of St. Nicholas, ThamesDitton, for tragic Sarah. Why it is here is amystery; but, because she lies here, JohnReeves is buried here too.

In the aftermath of Sarah’s death, TheEast India Company appointed JohnReeves assistant tea inspector for Cantonin 1811 and he began studying Chinese.Before his departure from London in 1812he was introduced by a relation to SirJoseph Banks, made famous by hisvoyages as a naturalist with Captain Cookon HMS Endeavour, and by nowLondon’s pre-eminent naturalist, whogave him some collecting commissions.Reeves also joined the Freemasons inLondon – albeit resigning from his lodgethree years later, when he was establishedabroad. He was based in Macao, with an


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35

office in Canton during the tea-buyingseason. How he managed his domesticaffairs is unclear, but most likely thechildren remained in the care of his oldersister Elizabeth Reeves in England. Ahandsome salary of £700 per year inCanton helped.

There followed a prolific period ofcollecting plants, birds and animals andshipping them to London while Reevesdischarged his duties as a tea buyer. TheChinese imposed tight constraints on“foreign devils” and they were generallyconfined to Canton. In letters Reevessounded off, in the style of a true Britishexpatriate, at “the villainous governmentof this vile country”. Out of season, lifewas probably easier in Macao,administered by the Portuguese, but aclaustrophobic territory. Reeves set abouthis naturalist interests by hiring locals. Hebought fish in the markets – known toChinese cooks but unknown to London’sscientists – and paid Chinese artists topaint them accurately and methodicallyunder his supervision. He engagedChinese collectors of plants, birds andanimals, commissioned drawings andpaintings, four copies each, potted onplants and shipped many of them toEngland. Emil Bretschneider in hisHistory of European BotanicalDiscoveries in China (1898) wrote thatReeves “was either the immediate orindirect source from which we derived theChinese Azaleas, Camellias, Moutans,Chrysanthemums, Roses and numberlessother treasures… Not a Company’s shipat that time sailed for Europe without herdecks being decorated with the littleportable greenhouses which preceded thepresent Wardian cases.”

Bretschneider listed nearly 50 plants asReeves’s introductions – although Reeveswas not the first to introduce Wisteriasinensis, attributed to him for many years.In 1817 he was made a Fellow of both theLinnean Society and of the Royal Society.He also became a Fellow of theHorticultural Society and the ZoologicalSociety. His name was bestowed on agenus of plants and nearly 30 species,including Reeves’ muntjac, a small deer,and the glorious and stunningly novelReeves’ pheasant, which he brought backwith him on his final return from China.His collection of fishes, together withsome 340 drawings, was the basis for SirJohn Richardson’s seminal study “On theIchthyology of the Seas of China andJapan”. In 1827 his eldest son, JohnRussell Reeves, went out to China towork with his father, and carried on thework there after Reeves finally returned toEngland.

Reeves had visited England temporarilyin 1816-1817 and 1824. During the firstvisit he married Isabella Andrew, aspinster aged 43, on 20 June 1816 inCamberwell. After his final return in 1831,Reeves resumed family life. Isabella died

Reevesʼ Pheasant – Syrmaticus reevesii –a jewel among birds, two metres long


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on 29 October 1840 in Clapham andReeves arranged for her to be buried ontop of his beloved Sarah in Thames Dittoneight days later: Revd. Henry SmithPollard, the temporary curate duringRevd. Wilfred Speer’s suspension fordrunkenness, officiated. In the 1841census John Reeves’ household was atHampton Court Green with his eldestsister Elizabeth, his son John RussellReeves, the latter’s wife Elizabeth andtheir two children along with John’sdaughter Sarah. By the 1851 census hewas in Clapham Old Town. His sisterElizabeth died there, aged 91, in 1853, andJohn Reeves followed three years later.

As well as his extensive obituary by theLinnaean Society, The Gardener’sChronicle 1856 announced his death as“…a name dear to all who are familiarwith England and her gardens, one ofthe Nestors of Horticulture.” Much ofhis collection offish drawings (thosefourth copies) wasbequeathed to theBritish Museum by hisson’s wife in duecourse. His residualprivate collection ofartefacts, of con -siderable value, wasauctioned off by des -cend ants in November2008. The RoyalHorticultural Societysponsored the restor -ation of a collection ofbotanical drawings in2010, the occasion ofa superb article inThe Plantsman that

December by Kate Bailey who studiedReeves intensively and was involved inthe restoration.

In his will, Reeves doesn’t stipulatewhere he should be buried, but theintention is clear from his decision to buryhis second wife in Sarah’s grave. Sarahwas the mother of his three survivingchildren who may have had a hand in thematter. In view of his significance it is apity that John Reeves’ grave isdisintegrating in our churchyard,apparently abandoned, and I hope to usethis article to arouse the interest of theRHS or others in putting it in order. Hisbiographers may not know the grave ishere, because Reeves died in Clapham,and when you look up his burial in thecentral bishop’s records it’s recorded as“St Mary Thames Ditton”, confusing itwith Long Ditton. However – seeing isbelieving…

Keith Evetts

Reevesʼ office in Canton – note the absence of PLANTS…


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Music with a Russian flavour

One of the nice things about theprofessional series of concerts in Claygateeach winter is the variety of music.Although one can be sure that there willbe a concert featuring a string quartet, andanother probably with a famouscontinental pianist, or even specialists inSpanish Baroque music plus a dancer (!),one can never tell until the programme isannounced, what enticements there willbe. So, as expected, the unveiling of thecoming season revealed somethingunusual, with each of the six concerts,beginning on October 4, showcasing animportant or unusual work by a Russiancomposer.

Surrounded by other much lovedclassical pieces, compositions such as thesuperb “Pictures at an Exhibition,” byMussorgsky will be performed by thebrilliant young Ukrainian pianist, AlexeiGrynyuk, on October 4. The secondconcert highlights two of the major worksfor flute, the Sonatas by Poulenc and theRussian, Prokofiev, and this will be onNovember 1. These two wonderful piecesfull of melody, quirky twists and turns,and fun, will be performed by the Juilliardtrained, young Principal Flautist of theScottish National Orchestra, KathrynBryan.

November 29 features Shostakovich’sharrowing Eighth String Quartet, writtenwhen he saw the devastation of thebombed Dresden, and will be played bythe Cavaleri String Quartet, who wonthe Hamburg International Competitionin 2012.

After Christmas, Holy Trinity Church,Claygate, with its wonderful acoustic andcomfortable seating, will host three moreconcerts. On January 10, the RoyalAcademy String Sextet plays BrahmsSextet No. 1 and the very tuneful “Souvenirde Florence” by Tchaikovsky. This will befollowed on February 28 by the season’sCelebrity Concert to be given by theFibonacci Sequence Ensembleperforming, amongst other works, theKegelstatt Trio (Mozart), Dohnanyi’sSextet and excerpts from Gliere’s“8 Pieces for violin, cello and piano”.

The final concert on March 28 will begiven by the KammerphilharmonieEuropa , a chamber orchestra fromGermany, making a much anticipatedreturn visit. Their exuberant playing andmusicianship was one of the highlights ofa previous season. They return to play aprogramme including works by Schubert,Albinoni, and Nielsen’s “Little Suite forStrings”, op. 1, plus, with their excellentRussian trumpeter, the Hummel Concerto.The Russian item will give a rareopportunity to hear Gliere’s “Octet” –op. 5 in D major.

The entire programme is given underthe auspices of the Oxshot t andCobham Music Society in its 73rdseason. Full details of concert pro -grammes, member ship and ticket pricesfor individual concerts can be seen atwww.ocms-music.org.uk or obtainedfrom Mrs Glynis Kortright, Rex House,St Andrew's Square, Surbiton, KT6 4EF.Tel. 020 8399 6389.

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Autumn crosswordBy Maureen Willcox

The first three correctentries randomly openedafter the closing date of15 October 2014 will wina £5 voucher to spend inlocal shops.

Please send the completedpuzzle (or photocopy)enclosing your name andaddress, with the envelopeclearly marked ‘Cross -word Competition’, to:

Thames Ditton Today

Crossword Competition

24 High Street

Thames Ditton

KT7 0RY

ACROSS1. No livestock reared here (5,4)

10. Take a breather… (7)

11. …and make sure this order is obeyed (7)

12. Former singer’s home (9)

13. Past, present, future – that is the answer (5)

14 This is a simple clue (4)

15. Would we all be without this duo (4,3,3)

17. Not a good idea (10)

20. This bridge has more than one (4)

22. Can one believe a word he says? (5)

23. Tread on these with caution (9)

25. To state this is a meaningless remark (7)

26. And what a state to be in! (7)

27. Very upset (9)

DOWN2. I love Miss Oyl! (5)

3. Sheltered from the elements (7)

4. If convicts were fed more they’d gain theirliberty (7)

5. Proving this clue is incorrect (8)

6. One of a pair once worn by peasants (6)

7. Please S.O.S Anna as it is inevitable we’llhear of her murder (13)

8. A nice pram will be his welcome gift (6, 7)

9. Firstly, realise each volunteer earns respectequally (6)

16. Perhaps 22 across has a role to play (8)

17. Close (6)

18. Seen in Bushy Park perhaps (3,4)

19. It takes nerve to etch AG on a familyheirloom (7)

21. Member of a light cavalry regiment (6)

24. One feels sick to exert effort (5)


42

www.cbt-surrey.co.uk

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Simon Simpson

MSc MAREBT BABCP

07801 450 477BABCP

Registered with Bupa and all major insurance companies

Expert, confidential help with:

Seven generations of our family havebeen helping and advising localfamilies in their time of need.

For over 225 years we have providedboth modest and traditional funeralswith understanding and compassion,

when you need it most.

Thames Ditton: 37 High Street (020) 8398 4586Serving:The Dittons, Claygate, Esher, Molesey andWalton

www.lodgebrothers.co.uk

the family youcan turn to Funeral Directors &

Memorial Stonemasons

Ask about ourPre-PaymentFuneral PlansCustodian Trustee:HSBC Trust Co. (UK) Ltd.


43

Solution to the summer crosswordby Michael Jackson

Congratulations to the senders of

the first three correct entries

opened in the shuffle. Each wins

a £5 voucher to spend in local

shops.

Luke Reader

33 Balaclava Road

KT6 5PW

Tom Eddy

46 Grove Way

KT10 8HL

David Pascoe

1 Burtenshaw Road

KT7 0TP

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

Services at 10.45 on SundaysSecretary: Mrs Linda Lambert

Tel: 020 8398 1476 – Email: [email protected] TO ALL

Find us at http://www.tdurc.org.ukHall bookings telephone: 020 8224 6396

RegisteredPlumbing Company

www.nei levansplumber.co.ukemai l : nei l@nei levansplumber.co.uk

messages: 020 8398 4259 • mobi le : 07906 412 170

NEIL EVANS HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES

Local Qual i f ied PLUMBER and GAS SAFE Eng ineerRepairs • Parts • Bathrooms • Boi lers • Gas • P lumbing


44

SERVICES

Cheer (Concern and Help for East Elmbridge Retired) Harry Livesey 01372 879321

Dittons and Weston Green Neighbourcare Avril Ashworth 020 8398 7521

Elmbridge Borough Council Community Support Services

Thames Ditton Centre for Retired People Mon & Thurs 020 8398 5921

Thames Ditton Children’s Centre Tues, Weds, Fri 020 8398 3772

Meals on Wheels, Community Transport, Dial-a-Ride, ask for service at central

Alarm & Telecare services, Relief Carers switchboard 01372 474474

Homesupport Elmbridge Pam Howard (Manager) 01932 267128

Esher and District Stroke Club Ann Pollock 020 8398 6132

Voluntary Action Elmbridge Sally Dubery 01372 463587

Surrey Youth and Adult Education Service Elmbridge Area 020 8979 8334

GROUPS

Girl Guiding in TD & WG Mrs K Williams 020 8398 1300

1st Thames Ditton Brownies Mrs. Bronach Hughes 020 8398 1628

3rd Thames Ditton Brownies Deborah Daoud 020 8398 5521

2nd Thames Ditton Rainbows Nicki Sutherland 020 8398 4202

1st Weston Green (All Saints) Scout Group Carole Needham 07975 842423

1st Weston Green Guides (All Saints) Mrs. Louise Lewis 020 8398 4843

2nd Thames Ditton Guides Mrs. Bronach Hughes 020 8398 1628

1st Weston Green Brownies (All Saints) Mrs K Williams 020 8398 1300

2nd Weston Green Brownies Mrs J Epps 020 8395 0595

1st Weston Green Rainbows Mrs Helen Hill 020 8398 3135

4th Thames Ditton Ajax Sea Scouts Alison Derrick 020 8398 0041

Dittons Scout Group Laura Clarke 020 8398 3447

Coffee and chat (United Reformed Church) Mrs. E. Barker 01372 467491

Emberbrook Trefoil Guild Mrs. Adrienne Nealing 020 8398 5582

Friends of Bushey and Home Parks Jean Smith 020 8977 9391

Friends of Walsingham Care Miss Valerie Chicken 020 8398 2932

Molesey and Dittons Neighbourhood Watch Chairman: John Haberfield 020 8398 5256

Parents and Toddlers (St Nicholas church) Information 020 8398 7211

Ripieno Choir Nick Harris 020 8399 7231

Surrey Bell-ringers Nick Pattenden [email protected]

CLUBS

Albany Motor Yacht Club Secretary 01784 466651

Arts and Heritage Club Carol Butcher 01932 867511

Claremont PROBUS Club Mr. P. Collins 020 8398 3125

Claygate Bridge Club Hon. Secretary 020 8398 1710

Colets Health & Fitness Giordano Orsini 020 8398 7108

Dittons Skiff and Punting Club Hon Secretary 07710 139417

Dittons & Hinchley Wood Royal British Legion Hon Secretary 020 8398 6263

Ember Players (Drama) Ember Sports Club Anne Segall 020 8941 4528

SERVICES, GROUPS, CLUBS, AND SOCIETIES


45

Ember Sports Club Zenda Hedges 020 8398 7038

Ember Sports Club: Bowls Sylvia Jones 01932 788701

Ember Sports Club: Croquet Dr. David Cooke 01932 862841

Ember Sports Club: Tennis Annabel Duncan 020 8786 6318

Esher Bowling Club Roger Cooper 01372 468109

Esher Bridge Centre Paul Whicker 01372 460157

Esher Camera Club Billy Buchanan 020 8398 3169

Esher 41 and Ex-Round Tablers’ Club Dr. R. Tudor-Williams 020 8398 0108

Folk Dance Club Pam Phillips 01372 373745

Hinchley Wood / Dittons PROBUS Club Geoff Francis 01932 867771

Long Ditton Cricket Club Nigel Hardy 020 8398 8361

Long Ditton Garden Club Heather Harvey 020 8398 2642

Model Railway Society (Hampton Court) Secretary 01932 241224

Mothers Union (All Saints) Jill Cotter 020 8398 4598

Old Cranleighan Rugby Club Tony Price 07801 837129

Old Cranleighan Hockey Club Simon Marshall (Men) 07801 737695

Helen Hawes (Ladies) 07771 557900

River Club (BMYC) David Walker 0870 460 3586

Rotary Club, Esher Geoff Morris 01932 868454

Rubber Bridge TD Lawn Tennis Club Val 020 8399 9972

Surbiton Croquet Club Alec Thomas 020 8398 2391

Surbiton Golf Club Secretary 020 8398 3101

Surbiton Hockey Club Secretary 020 8398 2401

Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club Chris Lewis 07770 562569

Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club Mark Rodbard 020 8398 1551

Thames Ditton Squash Club (Colets) Dave Peck 020 8398 7108

Thames Ditton Cricket Club Howard Frish (Secretary) 07947 561449

SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Ember Choral Society Linda Bridges 020 8399 5402

Esher Recorded Music Society Miss S. M. Garrat 020 8398 8541

Esher and Molesey Garden Society Chris Walker (Sec) 020 8398 6651

Esher and District Amnesty International Cherry Eddy (Campaigns) 020 8398 4377

Hampton Court Way Allotment Association Lettings: Piotr Hennig 020 8398 5358

Long Ditton Youth Club Toni Izard 07749 633973

Lynwood Allotment Society Louise Flaig 020 8398 7704

Molesey and District Antiques Society Linda Lambert 020 8398 1476

NADFAS (Decorative & Fine Arts) Kingston Mrs. Valerie Windsor 020 8549 9967

Soroptimist International (Kingston District) Secretary: Pat Harman 020 8390 3507

Thames Ditton Women’s Institute (W.I.) Secretary 020 8398 8615

OTHER

Cancer Research UK Mrs. Vivienne Harris 020 8398 6787

Elmbridge Fairtrade Network Judy Porter 020 8398 6401

University of the Third Age (U3A) Hon Sec Anne Brown 01932 881633

Vera Fletcher Hall Lettings: Helen Mason 08456 528 529

Membership: Sue Morris 020 8224 0980

Please contact the Editor to amend these listings


46

THE THEATRE IN THAMES DITTON

Saturday 13th September 7.30pmCharles Court Opera presents

PATIENCEGilbert & Sullivan’s delicious satire on the aesthetic

movement with glorious tunes “Soldiers of theQueen”, “Prithee, pretty maiden”

TICKETS £16

Friday 19th September 8.00pmPowerhouse Theatre Company presents

SUFFRAGETTEby Geoff Lawson with Anna Loveday.

The fight for women’ suffrage – exciting, moving andfunny with piano and brass ensemble

TICKETS £12.50

Friday 26th September 8.00pmCONCERT – THE LONDON MOZART TRIOColin Stone (piano), Krzysztof Smietana (violin),

Sagi Hartov (cello) Three outstanding world classmusicians play works including Mozart’s E major

Trio, Beethoven’s D major violin Sonata andRachmaninov’s Trio Elegiaque.

TICKETS £14 (under 16 years free)

Sunday 28th September 7.30pmJAZZ ON A SEPTEMBER EVENING

Jake Fryer Ronnie Scotts and his top line oftrumpet, saxophone, trombone and full rhythm

section.TICKETS £12 (under 16 years free)

Friday 10th October 8.00pmLONDON CHAMBER COLLECTIVE

Amy Tress (violin), Felicity Matthews (viola), AuriolEvans (cello), Toby Hughes (double bass) andAnyssa Neumann (piano) play Schubert’s TroutQuintet and Brahms’ Piano Quartet in G minor.

TICKETS £12 (under 16 years free)

Tuesday 14th October 7.30pmFORGET THE FERRERO ROCHERS

…A British ambassador looks back. Royston PikeLecture by Bryan Sparrow CMG

TICKETS £3 at the door

Friday-Sunday 17th-19th October 7.30pmAbout Time Theatre Company presents the premier of

UNDER YOUR SPELLa ghost story set in an old New York theatre

TICKETS £12.50

Saturday 25th October 7.30pmWEST SIDE STORY

in partnership with Thames Ditton United ReformedChurch, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s

Oscar winning film, inspired by Shakespeare’s“Romeo and Juliet”, set in 1950s New York.

TICKETS £6

Tues 28th Oct to Sat 1st Nov 7.30pm Sat Mat 2.30pmHinchley Manor Operatic Society presents

“THE 7.42 TO WATERLOO”Based on a commute between Hampton Court

and Waterloo with music fromFunny Girl, Annie Get Your Gun…

TICKETS £14 & £15 BOX OFFICE 020 8942 6867

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATREPlease note: Children under 4 years will NOT be

admitted to any theatre performance Saturday 20th September 2.30pm

NOISY OYSTER presentsDA SILVA MARIONETTE CIRCUS

Ringmaster, clowns, acrobats, band are all brought tolife with original marionette puppets, musicand off-the-wall humour. For 4 – 9 years.

TICKETS £6 carpet / £8 seat.

Saturday 11th October 2.30pmGarlic Theatre presents

BILLY GOATS GRUFFPuppets, live music and story-telling.

For 3-7 years.TICKETS £6 carpet / £8 seat

Tickets: Joan Leifer 0844 884 8832 (or other whereindicated) email: [email protected] & at

Bradley+Brown, 50 High Street, Thames Dittonwww.verafletcherhall.co.uk

AT THE VERA FLETCHER HALL


wow!Two waysto treatyour Pet

www.beechhousevets.com

Beech House Veterinary Centre,Milbourne Stores, Weston Green,

Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0JX

Consulting Hours 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

51380_ISFC:SPRING inside Cover 2005 25/2/09 14:55 Page 2

9am-7pm

ARIES CONSTRUCTION LLP

Tel: 020 8941 9191Mobile: 07836 608086www.ariesconstruction.co.uk

Email: [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 ̓AssociationPrinted by Impress Print Services Ltd., Unit 10, 19 Lyon Road, Hersham, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 3PU

75124_BC_SPRING Cover 2005 25/05/2012 07:56 Page 1

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