THE TEDDINGTON SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

T I D I N G S Helping to make Teddington even better

Number 142 Autumn 2008

Contents:

From the Editor 2

Youth Club 3

Group Reports 4

Lords of the Manor: Part 6 7

Art Gallery 8

Civic Trust awards 8

Tales from the Riverbank 9

Updates 9

Business Exchange

& Corporate Members 10

Teddington in Flower 11

New Members 11

Events 12

Letter from the Chair

This has been a month of interesting contrasts as I have just returned from a week in Kazakhstan in its new capital of Astana which has been built from scratch in the last 10 years rising out of

the featureless flat steppes in tower blocks in every shape imaginable - gothic castles, pyramids, domes, arches, tall buildings with waists, mosques, and neoclassical temples. To return to the human scale of Teddington is a relief. Teddington in Flower was a great success this year with a record amount raised for charity. We owe a great deal to the

sterling efforts of Sheena Harold and Pat Shuttleworth and the army of other helpers and, of course, to the people who kindly open their gardens and the work that they put in beforehand. We now look forward to the Teddington Fair and to a number of interesting events and outings that Angela Carvill has planned for us.

Jenny Hilton

TEDDINGTON IN FLOWER

Wonderful weather, lovely atmosphere and all those people in cars, on bikes or on foot donating so generously to our charities. Over £2,000 was raised of which £1,500 went to Teddington & Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group whose founder, Douglas Brown, came to meet the Mayor and visit a couple of gardens. The Mayor, Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons, accompanied by Cllr Liz Jaeger

and Jenny Hilton, our Chair, visited all ten venues. Special thanks to everyone who did so much work: the Gardeners – Alan Drake, Helga Foss, Sheila Storr, Elaine Lang, Diane Ward, Jenny Hilton, Shirley Meaker, everyone at the Library, and parents & children at Collis School. St Mary’s Parish Church opened for people to see its historic interior and provided a cool oasis for refreshments in the

churchyard from where June Demont and her helpers sent over £200 to Home Start Richmond.

Collis School made nearly £200 from teas & plant sales to help maintain the Nature Trail and Diane Ward

along with her parents, Len & Joan Neave, collected £145 from refreshments & plants which went to help the Royal British Legion Teddington Branch. Behind the scenes Pat Shuttleworth organised a rota of Gate Sitters; David Ivison was our banker supplying & collecting the floats; Duncan Shuttleworth put posters – designed by Maria Pemberton - on lampposts and put 300 Garden lists through letterboxes; and David Lawton went into shops asking them to put posters in their windows – only one asked us to pay! Corporate member Haymarket Publishing came up trumps again by printing all the Garden Lists for FREE so more money could go to charity.

Thank you all for making this our best year ever. (More photos on Page 11) Sheena and Pat

Miriam and Ursula

T&HW Voluntary Care Group

Page 2

From the Editor

“Pompey Chimes ring out again!”

Well, at least there is some justice

in the world. Nuff said! Just hope

that we don’t have to wait

another 69 years for it to happen

again.

Getting back to more parochial

issues, I’m delighted to be able to

include more success stories at our local level. In particular, it’s

good to be able to report on some of the really outstanding things

that have been happening with our younger generations and

their mentors in Teddington. I had expected to just include a few

routine events but, once I started talking to those involved, the

whole thing snowballed and I have had to hold some things over

for future issues. Despite some of the very worrying trends that we

see splashed over the national press and media, the

achievements and news that we report this time give us hope and

encouragement for the future. Congratulations to all of those we

report on in this issue and I look forward to being able to do the

same in future editions of Tidings.

Mike Woods

mike.woods@blueyonder.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next issue is 10th October

Teddington School “Rocketeers” with “Albert Einstein”

(see page 3)

Teddington Society

21 Teddington Park

Teddington TW11 8BD

secretary@teddingtonsociety

.org.uk

www.teddingtonsociety.org.uk

Vice-Presidents

Roger Avins John Demont

Joan Freeman

Chair

Jenny Hilton j.hilton@carefree.net

Vice Chairman

Sheena Harold 020 8977 2700

Treasurer

Duncan Shuttleworth 020 8977 1376

Publicity & Promotions

Sheena Harold 020 8977 2700

Newsletter Editor

Mike Woods 020 8977 5642

Minutes Secretary

Rosemary Connellan

020 8977 3314

Membership Subscriptions

Belinda Heal 020 8977 4926

Events Organiser

Angela Carvill 020 8977 0167

CONVENORS

Historical Research

Mary Green 020 8977 5615

Planning

Brian Lane 020 8943 0811

(contact point only)

Riverside and Open Spaces

Ann Sayer 020 8977 9495

Roads and Transport

Brian Holder 020 8977 1579

Tidy Group Teddington

David Lawton 020 8977 6778

HELP!!! HELP!!! HELP!!!

I am producing an electronic archive of past issues of Tidings.

Unfortunately I am missing the following copies:

No.35 (c. Nov 1981) No.50 (c. Jun 1985)

Autumn 1995 Christmas 1996 Summer 1999

Does anybody still have these? If you have, could I borrow them

just for a day? I’ll collect. You can reach me on:

8977 5642 or mike.woods@blueyonder.co.uk

Page 3

Youth Club Hopefully a regular feature on what’s new with our future Ted. Soc. members, and their mentors.

Teacher of the Year Those who know Jan Kuhn will know that she shuns the limelight. So, much to her dismay, she

was nominated for an award by her school, Hampton Wick Infants. In recognition of her work,

Stanley Road Junior School Stanley Junior School was also named as a finalist in the Teaching Awards 2008 for their efforts in obtaining the Green Flag award for all the

environmental initiatives undertaken by the school. They too were awarded a distinction in the DCSF Awards for Sustainable Schools. The students also excel on the sports front, being recently crowned as Borough Champions of

the Competitive Edge Borough Cricket Finals, beating Chase Bridge School by 9 runs. In the swimming pool, the girls’ team was placed 2nd out of all the Large schools at the Borough Schools’ Swimming Gala and after the finals – when the Freestyle Relay Team was crowned Borough

Champions – the school was placed 2nd out of all Borough schools. This was their best achievement for several years.

Stanley Road Infant and Nursery School Not to be outdone, Stanley Road Infant and Nursery School were National Gold Star Winners in the Changing the Life of the School category – recognition of the success of their ‘Bogbuster’ project to fully refurbish the reception toilets. The

elegant crystal trophy, certificate and cheque for £1000 were presented by Jim Knight MP at the annual awards ceremony of the national confederation of PTAs held in Lancaster House. The money is already earmarked to extend the range of classroom reading books, further

developments in the ‘living classroom/wildlife garden’ and a fun day for students to celebrate the end of term.

2nd A Teddington Brownies 80th Birthday On 13th June about 80 people gathered in St Mary’s Parish hall to celebrate the 80th birthday of 2nd A Teddington Brownies. Our Brownie pack was founded on 15th June 1928 just 14 years after the first Brownies began and, with the exception of a

couple of years during the war, it has run continuously every since. Brownie pack and

Jeanne Heaslewood

Today’s Brownies

entertained us with a journey through the pack’s history. Guests, parents and grandparents of the Brownies, included many who have had a connection with the pack over the years. The

District Commissioner attended with other District guiders, former pack leaders, former Brownies and at least 3 former Brown Owls. No birthday celebration is complete without a cake and, after a rendition of “Happy Birthday,

ours was cut by Olivia, one of the youngest Brownies and Mrs Jeanne Heaslewood, Brown Owl in the late 1950’s, herself a Brownie here in1936. To commemorate this special year the Brownies have had a special group photograph taken and received a specially designed badge.

Alison Painter (Unit Guider)

Teddington School Rocketeers As heralded last time, a gallant band of future astronauts from

Teddington School rose to the challenge, entering the annual NPL Water Rocket Challenge on June 25th. It was a glorious day. The NPL sports field was filled to its galactic

limits with enthusiastic students ably supported by NPL scientists and with “Albert Einstein” there to offer words of wisdom. The high temperatures were alleviated by welcome, but random,

cooling showers from exploding rockets - spectators were judged by their ability to dodge the occasional low-flying launch. Nevertheless, a fun day was had by all. The Teddington School Rocketeers achieved a very creditable mid-table position. Next year they

promise to give more attention to their navigational proficiency!!!

Jan gained a well-deserved distinction in the national BT awards for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School and

received this plaque from John Humphries at the award ceremony at the Café Royal in July.

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Reports from the GroupsTrees & Gardens

Sheena Harold 8977 2700 sam.harold@hotmail .com

This is the last report I shall write for Trees & Gardens since we are not a group, just 2 people

bringing together others with particular talents to organise Teddington In Flower, The Committee has agreed to close the Group down for the foreseeable future. It makes more sense for everything to do with publicising and promoting the Society to be in one place under

the Publicity & Promotions banner. You can still contact me for anything to do with gardens and trees. Please note that I’ve just become computerised & can be contacted electronically – I hope! I still have my L plates on. Congratulations Our Corporate Member, Squires

Garden Centre, won a Silver medal at the Chelsea Flower Show for its Italian- inspired, kitchen garden and a Silver Gilt award at Hampton Court Flower Show for its floral marquee Mini Garden. Squires, a regular supporter of the Society, recently provided vouchers for plant raffles at The Library during

Teddington In Flower. Condolences Sadly we have lost two special gardeners recently. If you didn’t know Bob Haig, you would certainly know his work as he, with partner Kate, tended the brick box planters round the BMT

buildings on the corner of Waldegrave Road (where he lived) and the High Street. Peter French, Chief Executive at BMT Group writes: “Bob was a long standing colleague of many at BMT, having worked with the company from its

very beginnings. Following his retirement in 1998, Bob took on the role as gardener at the head office in Teddington where he went on to win numerous local awards such as Richmond in Bloom and London In Bloom. These awards were not only for the flower beds at BMT, but also for the

beautiful garden he tended at home. He was a man of great courage, especially during his recent illness, a jolly man, full of life who never lost his lovely, wicked sense of humour. Bob will be hugely missed by everyone that knew him.” Judith (Sheila) Hatton opened her herb garden

in Ferry Road for Teddington In Flower for 25 years, a record that surely won't be beaten! When I first went round to the cottage and was invited to a herbal tincture, I mentioned that I was diabetic and Judith (as I always called her - well usually respectfully Mrs Hatton!) immediately dashed into

the garden and dug up some roots of Sweet Cecily for me to cook with instead of sugar. Barbara McMahon knew Sheila (as she always called her) since she came to Teddington. Barbara writes: "Sheila” was devoted to her son

Philip and grandson Edward. For Edward's 9th birthday she drove him all round the M25! Sheila was a most interesting person, highly intelligent

and widely read. A valued member of the Twickenham Conservative Women’s Quiz team, on 6 occasions we won the Trevor Rose Cup. She was always willing to help with an election campaign and, because of her Civil Defence field kitchen catering experience, she could produce a

huge casserole for one of our Candlelit Suppers. The widow of a Russian dissident she was intensely interested in events in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe and the threat of Russian expansion into Western Europe. I think she spent some time in Lithuania giving English lessons. A confirmed

smoker, she brought out a book denying that it was injurious to one's health. This was launched at the House of Commons by Lady Olga Maitland with whom she had worked warning of the danger of defence cuts. It was evident from the

attendance at the Requiem in St George's, Hanworth, where she had worshipped for many years, that she was a highly regarded member of the congregation. Our deepest sympathies go out to Philip and Edward in their loss."

Tidy Group Teddington

David Lawton 8977 6778 david@lawton.f9.co.uk

As usual, Spring and Summer were active times for our outdoor pursuits - a recycling clean-up and

a litterpick in April, riverside pick in June, and a paint-out in July. On a very dull and dismal mid-summer’s day, two of the team assisted in selling “composting” to visitors at the Twickenham Fair. Our June Riverside pick has become a firm part of Teddington’s calendar, and this year, ably run by

team members Jill and Toni, it was still as popular as ever. At our last Committee meeting Carey Roest from St Margaret’s gave a very colourful argument on why we should switch from plastic bags to shopping bags. Kerbside recycling still causes concern. Each

collection day sees rubbish strewn along the streets - blown from the, rather small, inefficient open white bags, or lost when sorting at the kerb. If it helps, use your black box for everything but newspaper. But, NO GLASS IN WHITE BAGS – there

have been several accidents! By November, blue boxes will be issued for paper and card. They will be collected on two-compartment vehicles, whilst plastic bottles, glass and cans will be collected on another vehicle and co-mingled. There is still space for more recycling.

• Dry batteries, used in many gadgets from watches to computers, should not be binned.

Page 5

Rather than take them all the way to Townmead, spaces need to be found at recycling stations. • Many expensive print cartridges can now be refilled either at home or in the factory. If you have empties from HP, Lexmark, Dell or Canon, we have envelopes for you to Freepost them away. Let us

know if you need any. • Much mail is wrapped in lightweight polyethylene and, as most is binned, why not recycle it yourself? Fill an envelope and send to Polyprint Mailing Films Ltd, Mackintosh Rd, Rackheath Industrial Est. Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LJ, marked “For

Recycling.” Unfortunately, this is not Freepost and the cost for many may well be prohibitive. • Recycling furniture and electrical goods can still be done despite “Bring and Take Days” not being on this year’s agenda. Try calling Hounslow’s

“Furniture Project” based in Isleworth (8744 0615) or Richmond’s at 1a Fortescue Avenue, off 6th Cross Road. Fortescue Avenue is normally open for viewing or delivery (8755 4665) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays. For those at work on weekdays, they are open the first Saturday of every

month between 10 -12 noon. Many Richmond residents have, in the past, used Kingston Borough’s recycling depot, but are now being turned away. We believe that this is wrong and we would like to see the GLA intervening to make facilities across London

available to all. Finally, we are pleased to see that The Hampton Hill Association is starting up a group of it’s own on the lines of TGT. An excellent step forward. We wish them success in their venture.

Planning Group

Report submitted by Diana Gilliespie

dianagillies@aol.com

Teddington School Since our last report the Council have announced that the start of work has been delayed until August, while they assess

how far the cost will exceed the original budget. Recalling the stress that was earlier put on the need for rapid planning approval to allow for a prompt start on this major project, we are watching the situation with some concern.

The Sandy Lane Jewsons site. The appeal on the revision to the original scheme has to be reheard because of the long-term illness of the original inspector. The new hearing will begin on 8 October. The revision would allow for an increase in the height of some of the blocks.

National Physical Laboratory. Coleshill Gate to Bushy Park is closed for 6 weeks to enable the building over the road to be demolished. Pathways in Bushy Park are in place ready for the opening of the Clapperstyle Gate which will lead to the new car park on the NPL site.

23 Langham Road We are extremely concerned that a significant extension has been built to the side and the rear of this house with no Planning Application being submitted. Although we have reported this to the Environment Protection Department of Richmond Council, nothing has

happened. This is a blatant abuse of planning regulations and we are considering reporting this in the local Press. Subway, Broad Street We are also concerned about the opening of the Subway outlet in Broad Street with no Change of Use application. We

consider that there were already enough food outlets, restaurants, etc. in the area and that shop should have remained for retail use. Craig House, Park Road The outcome of the second Planning Application here is still awaited.

Elmfield House Building work is completed now. We consider it has been done in a sympathetic way to restore this Grade II listed building. The Planning Reform Bill There was strong disagreement in the Commons about the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) which

many MPs consider to be undemocratic. An amendment, wanting MPs rather than the IPC to have the final say on new infrastructure projects (runways, dams, nuclear power plants, airports, etc.), was defeated. The Bill is now with the Lords.

Roads and Transport Group

Brian Holder 8977 1579 Brianholder99@aol.com

TEDDINGTON CPZ

Empty spaces around station – use them or lose

them?

Better consultation required

Many Teddington residents have expressed grave concerns about the lack of publicity for CPZ meetings, and the way CPZ decisions have been made behind closed doors, based on information that has either not been fully accurate, or inadequately researched, or not fully

disclosed to the public. Unfortunately, Teddington residents were deprived of the opportunity to discuss with Councillors and council officers how

Victoria Road – post-CPZ

Page 6

controlled parking should function in Teddington, because an undemocratic decision was made that the very important pre-CPZ first stage of the new CPZ consultation procedures should be by-passed. As a consequence, the advantages and disadvantages for the community as a whole of

the various options that could have been used to improve the parking situation around the station have never been publicly debated. For those who have not been following recent CPZ correspondence, I can confirm that the Teddington Society’s laid down conditions for its

support of a limited area CPZ have not been met. These are that:- 1. a majority of residents in each road have voted “yes” to question 1; 2. for the purposes of the vote, “yes” answers to

question 2 are disregarded; 3. the CPZ is limited to house frontages; 4. community parking spaces are excluded from any residents’ only CPZ (i.e. those spaces that are not outside house frontages) 5. community parking spaces remain, as now,

free of charge on a first come, first served basis 6. the CPZ is specifically designed to limit displacement into nearby roads. Had Councillor Trigg instructed officers to design a CPZ using these criteria, over 200 parking spaces would remain free of charge in the public

domain, and residents that really wanted a CPZ could have had one outside their houses.

Displacement less than expected at present

It is clear that all of us seriously underestimated the number of residents living in the zone who drive to work each day, around 50% in many

roads - plus quite a number of residents are now parking off-road to avoid buying a permit – hence the empty roads around the station that can be seen in the photographs. At present, we believe that displacement has been relatively limited for a number of reasons:-

(i) Summer holidays have started (ii) Good weather most of the time (iii) More walking and cycling (iv) Significantly more delivering and picking up - so four journeys a day instead of two

(v) Parking on the fringes of the area, a bit further away than expected. We are keeping the situation under review.

Historical Research Group

Mary Green 020 8977 5615 mary17keg@yahoo.co.uk

A former resident of Teddington, Mrs Dorothy Allen, who has recently returned to live here, recalls visiting Elmfield House, about 80 years ago, as a very small child.

She tells me that the Superintendent of the local Fire Brigade was housed in the top floor of the house. The Fire Station was just round the corner in Waldegrave Road and, at Christmas, he invited the (Volunteer) firemen, their wives and children for Christmas dinner, in appreciation of

their services. The men had to leave their work and rush to the fire when the signal was given: the first to arrive was rewarded with five shillings. Mrs Allen’s father was one of the firemen. Mrs Allen was too young to remember much about the house but she does remember the young firemen

frightening the children with ghost stories, stories which were still being passed on by the council employees in recent years. Riverside and Open Spaces Group

Ann Sayer 8977 9495 a.sayer1@which.net

Bushy Park

On June 30th members of the public were

treated to a tour of the work in progress at the Water Gardens at the Hampton Hill end of the park. Restoration of the striking early 18th century gardens is well underway. The area is very much a building site at present, but it is possible to imagine what the two large basins and cascade

will eventually look like when they are restored – very impressive. Meticulous archaeology has been carried out as the old remains have been gradually unearthed. It is likely that work will be completed by the end of this year and that the area will be open to the public in Spring 2009.

Grove Gardens In the Spring and early summer of this year the Council carried out most of its promised refurbishment of Grove Gardens with work on trees, paths, seats, posts and planting. The statue of Diana the Huntress has been restored again and is now protected by robust

railings and a hedge that is growing fast. The Riverside and Open Spaces Group and the Historical Research Group are in the process of compiling material for a historical information board for the park. Teddington Lock The Environment Agency

completed the work originally planned on the eroded lock-house island and the new downstream lay-by (where boats can moor for a short time while waiting to get into the lock). The EA then brought forward future planned work on

replacing lock gates.

The Water gardens after Ricci 1714-1715

Page 7

A History of the

Manor of Teddington Part 6:

William Hill, Lord of the Manor of Teddington,

1675 to 1693

William, the son of William and Alice Hill, was born

in 1650 and became lord of the manor on the death of his grandmother Abigail in1675. His mother Alice died in April 1682. It is not known whether she was buried in Teddington since the Register of Burials covering the years 1680 to 1695 is missing. She left most of her estate to her son and executor, William.

In June 1682, William married Anne Evelyn, daughter of Sir Edward Evelyn of Long Ditton. The marriage Settlement of 17th June 1682 between William Hill and Anne Evelyn and others raised £2000 as a marriage portion for any daughter. In July that year, William was knighted at Windsor Castle by

Charles II. William and Anne had two children, Mary christened in 1683 and Edward in 1684. Dame Anne, the wife of Sir William, died in1685. In October 1686, Sir William married Jane Jordan of Burford, Oxon. Before the marriage took place, an Indenture was made between him and Jane

Jordan, mother of his future wife Jane, in which he agreed to lay out £4000 to purchase lands tenements and hereditaments which on his death were to be left “to my first and other sons by my said now wife, entail male” and, in the event of there

being no sons, it would then be left to any daughters and their heirs. It would appear that this was a marriage settlement. Within about four years William had had to find £6,000 and it is thought that he had to mortgage probably a large proportion of his property.

William and Jane had a daughter Jane in 1687. She was christened in Teddington and they presumably lived at the manor house. It is assumed that the two children from the first marriage, Mary and Edward, spent most of their time in Teddington with their father and stepmother. In 1688 Mary

Evelyn, one of Anne’s sisters, married William Glynn and her father, Sir Edward Evelyn, mortgaged part of Long Ditton Manor and also borrowed money to provide a marriage portion. Sir William Glynn, father of the groom, held the mortgage providing a sum of £2,500. By this time it seems that the properties of

both Sir Edward Evelyn and Sir William Hill were mortgaged. As far as is known Sir William Glynn had at least four children: William, Stephen, Ann, born in 1680, and Elizabeth. William had married Mary Evelyn in 1688 and Stephen, his younger brother, married

Sophia the youngest daughter of Sir Edward Evelyn in 1692. There is no mention of a marriage settlement and t h i s may have been a ma r r i age o f convenience. It is not known whether William and Mary had any children but Stephen and Sophia had

at least one daughter born in 1711. In 1691 or 1692, Sir Edward Evelyn died and in 1693 Sir William Hill

also died, aged 43. It is assumed that he was buried at Teddington but the Book of Burials for this

period is missing. He does not appear to have been buried in the family vault at Wood Street, Cripplegate near St. Paul’s Cathedral. He left all his properties to his son Edward although most were probably mortgaged. In his will he states that he had been blessed with three

children, his son Edward and daughter Mary by his first wife and Jane by Dame Jane his present wife and states that it was his desire and intention that his land and premises should come to his children as if they were all of the whole blood and children of the same mother. Should Edward die before the

age of 21 his daughters Mary and Jane were to be his heirs and in default of issue the property was left to the children of Leonard Hamond of Teddington, his brother in law, who had married his sister Sarah.

His widow Dame Jane was allowed to live in the House, presumably Teddington manor house, for six months after his death and to have full use of his outhouses, yards, garden and orchards and reasonable use of his goods. She was to have £100 and his coach and horses. Lady Evelyn of Long

Ditton was appointed guardian to Edward Hill, her grandson. Capt. William Jordan, brother in law, was to have his grey gelding and his servant his black gelding. Mr Charles Williams, minister of Teddington was to have a mourning gown and cassock. Mary, his daughter by Anne was left

£2000. Only six years later, in March 1699, Dame Jane Hill, widow of William Hill, made her will with her mother as executrix. The will contained a number of bequests including £5 each to her step children Mary and Edward Hill. The residue of her estate

was to go to her daughter Jane, if she was married or had reached the age of 25. However if her daughter had died, either unmarried or before reaching the age of 21, the residue of Dame Jane’s estate was to go to her mother if still alive. It

is thought that Jane probably died later that year before her mother who is thought to have made her will in 1703 about which time she died. Her will states that “If my grand child Mrs Jane Hill live to be 21 or be married she shall have all my personal estate. . . My grandchild shall have all the goods

which, by the last will of the late Sir William Hill father of my said grandchild, were given to me by my dear daughter his wife and by her last will and testament belong to me.” The will was proved on 6 April 1704 for Jane Lenthall, minor, formerly Hill, wife of John Lenthall, armiger, minor, of Burford

Priory who were married on 13 January 1703/04. Jane Lenthall died in 1754. Mary Hill, William’s daughter by his first marriage, was married to Richard Lybbe of Whitchurch on Thames, Oxon, in 1710 and died 7 months later in 1711.

Dorothy Castle and Paddy Ching

Page 8

ART GALLERY

Community project

A stunning montage, comprising a wall of ceramic tiles, adorns the High Street in Whitton. It was initiated by the Whitton Business Association and sponsored by them together with Richmond upon Thames Borough and the Metropolitan Police - a nearby ceramic studio provided the facilities. Albeit in Whitton, members of the

Teddington community were significant contributors to the project. Various charit ies, organisations and businesses, including the Teddington branch of the R.N.L.I. were asked to design and paint their own picture which is made up of 4 x 6 inch tiles making a 12 inch square picture. The wall displays 108 tiles in all.

Our own member, Nina Avins, designed and painted the RNLI tiles. This innovative use of a blank wall is well worth looking at and is a novel way of bringing various parts of the local community together.

Teddington Riverside Artists

Teddington Students Keane to be Stars

At Teddington School, Year 10 Applied Art and Design students were given the opportunity of a lifetime to work alongside top animator and director Corin Hardy on the video for the rock band Keane’s new single, ‘The Night Sky’. The

song was written for the charity War Child and the money raised has gone to help people in Iraq. These students worked on the animation and were given the chance to appear on the video,

which was filmed at Orleans House Gallery in

Twickenham. This was a great experience for students not only to learn about animation and video production but also to understand the importance of the relief work carried out by the War Child charity.

Chloe Coburn

Teddington Riverside Artists

Autumn Exhibition

It’s never too early to start Christmas

shopping and Teddington Riverside Artists’ exhibition is just the place to start with original paintings in various media and cards from original paintings too. The 2-day exhibition will take place in St.

Peter and St. Paul Church Hall, Church Road, Teddington on Sat. 4th Oct 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and Sun. 5th Oct 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. A warm welcome – and Christmas raffle - awaits all visitors. Teddington Riverside Artists meet each

month and if you would like to find out more about the group please telephone Rita Armfield on 020-8941-3315. Nina Avins

50th Civic Trust Awards

The Civic Trust Awards are unique. They recognise the best in the built environment, from architecture to planning, townscape to infrastructure - but they are about so much

more than this. They recognise the public realm in its wider context, and the Trust’s continuing belief that development should be for the benefit of people - those who use it, and

those who just pass by. Awards are given annually, with this

year’s deadline for entry being 2nd September 2008. Judging

takes place in October and November, with the Awards being announced in March. All entries need to be made

online and more details can be found at the website: www.civictrustawards.org.uk

Page 9

Tales from the Riverbank

Midsummer Madness

I love this time of year, when there is so much happening outdoors as midsummer madness comes to Teddington. 16th June saw the start of

the coarse fishing season and you’ll have noticed the banks of the Thames and the ponds in Bushy Park lined with hundreds of eager anglers anxiously awaiting the "off", many of them camped out for days

on end hoping for a record catch of carp or barbell. I prefer to focus on short trips with just rod, reel, bait, my "fishing brain"- & a bit of "old lady luck". This year saw my most successful season’s start ever. Just 6 days in and

only 10 hours on the bank, what I caught I cannot imagine ever surpassing again. Wednesday 18th June, I decided on a short evening trip to Teddington Weir to fish the “down-tide" for a couple of hours. After an hour and a half, Lady Luck seemed to have

deserted me but no true converted "pythonesque" angler would be without their tin of spam! So an oxo cube sized portion was baited and cast into the swirling foaming maelstrom of white water as a last-ditch effort. The tap-tap on the rod tip signified to me

that a mitten crab had found my "lovely-spam"! I struck nonetheless and the following account is a summary of the longest 45 minutes of my life. My fishing rod literally bent into a hoop as whatever had taken my wonderful spam offering made off like the Flying Scotsman

towards Teddington footbridge at a fair rate of knots – maybe a giant catfish that just had to get into the current and speed off down to Tower Bridge in a jiffy? 10 minutes saw it 100 yards downstream leaving me a shaking nervous

wreck, literally just hanging on by a thread of six pound breaking strain line. Then it stopped dead!

Then, inexplicably, it swam to the far side of the weir and miraculously back upstream. Even after a further

15 minutes of gruelling, physical exertion, this still unseen leviathan continued to swim around and around. Minute after minute passed for what seemed like an eternity. Something in my sub conscious said Jon, "give it some welly" - my granddad’s favourite

saying as he hauled out giant eels on the

Tideway. So, "welly" was truly delivered and up she came to reveal herself. On her way up this leviathan of the we i r p roduced an amaz i ng upwelling like a Jacuzzi - but no huge catfish or even a sturgeon –

there in the frothy upwelling, an enormous carp was revealed. The next 10minutes seemed l ike a lifetime as the spam-loving beauty made a series of short runs, trying to

to snag me amongst the jagged rocks that litter the river bed. Now,

mentally and physically exhausted, I started to get cramp but, to get this close to

landing my fish of a lifetime, and not complete the job would have been a travesty. More "welly" was

applied and Lady Leviathan had had enough and I slipped the landing net beneath her. Now what do I do? Removing the tiny size 8 barbless hook and putting the fish into a special carp holding sack so it could recover. I ran to get some witnesses from the Lensbury Lockside Gym,

to take photos and witness the weigh-in. The fish, 3½ feet in length and over a foot wide at the gills, tipped the scales at nearly 2½ stone - 33lb 8oz in

total. My 45 minutes were finally over and, thanks to granddad’s timely advice from above, this was one that didn't get away and its photo sits proudly

on the sideboard at home. I returned the fish to the river and we said our goodbyes as I saw her tail wave at me as she disappeared into the murky depths of this famous old weirpool.

Jon Taylor

UPDATES

Teddington Lawn Tennis Club The Club celebrated its Centenary in June with a “Wooden Rackets and Whites” tournament, followed by a party in the evening. The club, established in 1908 in Queen’s Road, moved to Vicarage Road in 1914. Hard courts were

constructed in the late 1920’s and a putting green in1936. Subscriptions in 1914 were 15s 0d (75p) for men and 10s 6d (52½p) for women,

with playing restricted to the summer and Sunday use forbidden. The club now has over 200 members, 6 all-weather courts and

floodlights. Lesley White (Lensbury) leaves the post of Chief Executive after 16 years at the helm. A keen

supporter of the Teddington Society, she oversaw many fundamental changes including

the opening up of the famous Shell club to local residents in 1999. Lesley is now looking forward to spending time playing golf and tennis herself! The Society thanks her for her support and wishes her well in the future.

NPL New Buildings Opened The new facilities were formally opened on 20th June by the Government’s Chief Scientist Adviser, Professor John Beddington. Community and Police Partnership The next

meetings of the CPP are on 30th September and 25th November at 7pm at York House. They are open to the whole community.

Page 10

asd

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Business Exchange TEDDINGTON'S TOP TONSORIAL ARTISTE

Ladies. Do you really need to “go into town” for the best in

hair stylists? Think again! The best is right on your doorstep – in your town. Our Corporate Member, ELEMENTS based in the High street, is the best in London with Josep Cordero winning the 2008 London Regional title in the world’s longest running most stylish hair competition, the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy. The talented hairdresser

created an award winning look drawing its influence from supermodel Agyness Deyn. His ice-cool, blonde crop is set to be a big hit with style-savvy clients in the popular Teddington salon where he works. More than 1,300 of the world’s top

hairdressers applauded as the team collected the award from presenter Fearne Cotton and hairdressing guru Charles Worthington.

(Fellows, looking for a new idea for that special present to your other half – what about booking her an appointment at Elements before that special night out!)

Two other newcomers are located at the corner of Broad Street and the Causeway. Green Health offers a range of therapies based on traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, reflexology, acupressure and herbal therapy.

Michael Angelo is a conventional barber’s shop, being a second undertaking of the original business in Hampton Hill.

Lock Around The Clock

Whether it’s locking up your assets or unlocking your potential, this should be your first port of call for all your security requirements. This new venture, established last year by Pat and Chris, brings together 40 years of experience in the security industry. Conveniently located in the Causeway, the shop offers a wide range of services including key cutting, lock repairs, grilles and gates and they are stockists of all well-

known locks and hardware. For those embarrassing occasions when you’ve locked yourself out, they also operate a 24-hour emergency call-out service. Chris and Pat have now signed up their new venture as a Corporate Member of the Teddington Society.

That all important emergency number ? Make sure you put it in your diaries now: 020 8977 8128

We welcome the following new Corporate Members to the Teddington Society:

Lock Around The Clock

and are grateful to all our Corporate Members for their continued support:

British Maritime Technology The Financial Planning Group The Oak

Broom Water Association Haymarket Publishing Richard Steer & Co

Caroline Turner Shoes Lensbury Club Roger Sutton & Co

Elements Mela Mela Shambles Wine bar

Eton Publications/Teddington Bookshop Milestone Residential Sims Opticians

Fairways Residents Association National Physical Laboratory Squires Garden Centre

Fielding Gould NPD Partnership Tamesis Club

Page 11

A Bouquet of Teddington In Flower

TEDDINGTON

SOCIETY We welcome the following

new members:

Dr. Harpal Chana Rosalind Graham Hunt Mr. Michael Minas Mrs. Jacqueline Mina Miss Maureen Tye Miss Rachael Warren Ms. Cheryl Belcher Nigel Waller Desmond and Andrea Taylor Miss Margaret Hancock John and Marianne Rhys Mrs. Barbara Robb Miss Elaine Lang Mrs. Ruth Walker Jenny Speight Julian and Jane Plant Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Mulcaby James Mumford Mrs. Mary Rose Frank Dittman and family

Mrs. Joyce Skerrett

Mrs. Patricia Taylor Mrs. Mary Golby

Printed by 130 Litho, 130 High Street, Teddington TW11 8JB Page 12

SOCIETY EVENTS � Thursday September 4th Visit to Charleston Just to remind all who have booked for this trip that the coach leaves from Teddington Library at 9.15 am

� Wednesday September 10th All members old and new welcome at the delightful coffee venue of

Peg Woffington’s, 167 High Street from 11 am. Coffee and cake and conversation – in the garden if sunny.

� Thursday October 9th An evening at Southside House, Wimbledon. This unique and delightful house overlooks Wimbledon Common (it is next to King’s College School) and has been rightly described as

“one of London’s hidden gems”. It has been particularly fortunate as no famous architect has “redesigned” it during its long history, so originality is its charm. It has been cared for, loved, patched and mended for centuries by devoted owners.

Southside House has many famous associations: Emma Hamilton is said to have performed her famous ‘attitudes’ for husband Sir William and for Nelson in the Music Room. Edward VII arranged meetings with Alice Keppel here. It’s more recent

connection has been with Dr. Axel Munthe, famous for The Story of San Michele, which he revised in the garden. His widow lived here for many years. Over 100 candles will be lit for us and we will be taken on a guided tour of the house followed by a

buffet supper with wine in the garden room. It’s a delightful experience, and all for just £20. Numbers are limited to 24, so please book early. We will need to be at Southside House at 6.45 pm. Please let me know if you need, or can give, a lift.

� Tuesday October 21st & Thursday November 20th

Two more opportunities for coffee and cake at Peg Woffington’s – please see above.

� Friday November 28th The year whizzes by and it’s time for our annual pre-Christmas lunch at Merits, the restaurant which offers such excellent value for money. It’s part of the

Catering Training College at Twickenham and offers pleasant surroundings and service from young people hoping to be the next Jamie Oliver or Delia Smith. As in previous years, we can choose from their

menu in advance - £7.50 for three courses. Please

arrive around 12.15 pm. The college car park is off Egerton Road, adjacent to the A316. Please let me know if you need, or can offer, a lift.

OTHER EVENTS � Sunday September 14th Teddington and Hampton Wick community police team are holding

a community event day at Broom Road Rec from 11am-4pm. There will be a five-a-side football tournament for local schools. Bike marking, mobile phone marking and crime prevention stands etc.

� September 20th – 21st Open House This weekend provides an opportunity to explore and understand

the many splendid examples of buildings old and new in 32 London Boroughs. Over 600 buildings will be open from Arts and Crafts gems and 20th century Modernist classics, livery halls, government buildings, ambassadors’ residences, private clubs, medical centres, city banks and historic houses. This year, for

the first time, there will be a series of programmes on Channel 5 during the week before the event. Also planned is a tour of the Olympic site. Copies of the Buildings Guide for 2008 should be in the local library at the end of August but, if you

would like a copy through the post as soon as it is published, send a cheque for £4.50p to Open House, 44-46 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4HH.

� Thursday November 27th Christmas lights will be switched on in High Street and Broad Street. Come and support this local event. Many shops will be

open late into the evening.

Become a member now! The Teddington Society membership application form

TITLE…… SURNAME………………………………………...............

FIRST NAMES……………………………………………………………

ADDRESS………………………………………………………………….

.........................................................................................................

POSTCODE ………… TELEPHONE……………………………..

EMAIL……………………………………………………………………..

RATES: Individual £5 Family £7 Senior £3 Joint Senior £4

Corporate £25 Please circle any groups you are interested in joining:

Historical Research Planning Roads & Transport

Riverside & Open Spaces Tidy Group Teddington

Please return to Belinda Heal, 13 Broom Water,

Teddington, TW11 9QJ

Cheques should be made payable to:

The Teddington Society

Booking essential for Southside and Merits

Please call Angela Carvill on 8977 0167