New Camera? Here’s An Idea For You

Maybe you have put a new camera on your Christmas list. Maybe you have one sitting in a cupboard, but you default to your phone to take pictures because it is easier to understand.

Queen’s Award for Volunteering

One of only 12 Queens Award for Volunteering given out in Surrey, has been won by the Friends of Ash Link. This award is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.

Shepperton/Spelthorne remembered

Spelthorne has been busy marking the centenary throughout the borough. The Shepperton Memorial attracted record numbers in this centenary year when the Armistice was declared after the Great War.

Beauclerc – The House that moved?

This grand Victorian house was originally called Rippledene, but there is a mystery about its origins.

There has been an amazing response to our Reclaim our Riverbank 2 campaign!

We started in late September, spreading the news with flyers through local letterboxes and by word of mouth. The response was very heartening, and the initial support soon turned into a flood.

Shepperton Shines at Spelthorne Business Awards

Spelthorne has a lot to be proud of. Some amazing businesses were on show at the inaugural Spelthorne Business Awards at Shepperton Studios recently.

Help Shepperton Allotments Fund Toilets

Shepperton Allotments is a little oasis of calm in the middle of the village and a haven for bees, insects and wildlife. Unless you know it is there, you can be forgiven for missing it. With Halliford School, the Greeno Rec and Manygate Lane bordering it, this piece of land is a treasure in the community.

The Centenary of the Armistice 1918

A century ago, in November 1918, the most terrible war that the world had ever known was nearing its end, although to a Britain exhausted by four long years of struggle and sacrifice, the deprivations caused by the ruinous cost of the war and the submarine threat were making life very difficult.

Greenbelt, Dump or Carpark?

Needless to say our article last month about preserving greenbelt provoked comment. Even if residents and residents associations were supportive of the development proposed on the old Bugle Nurseries site, the council was adamant that this was green belt so could not be touched.

New Hedgehog Hotel

A lot has happened in the year since the Shepperton Hedgehog Sanctuary started gaining more awareness. Sharon Johnson was caring the injured, abandoned or vulnerable hogs out of her house, trying to rehome them in carefully vetted gardens in the Spelthorne area.

A Colourful Autumn Show of Shepperton Horticulture

It may have been a long hot and dry summer, but the local green fingered put on a great show as always at the Shepperton Horticultural Autumn Show. Kwasi Kwarteng himself is a member of this enthusiastic local group and presented the prizes.

Every Child Should Have the Right to an Education

As the new scholastic year starts, your little ones may be setting off on the adventure of a new school or a new term in fresh uniforms. Maybe they wish the holidays lasted longer. Maybe they even tell you they hate school. But imagine if there were no school.

Why Greenbelt Really HAS to be Greenbelt

This is a controversial subject! Should greenbelt ALWAYS be greenbelt? Are there any instances when perhaps the rule should be flexible and possibly be considered for development?

News From Your Councillors

Welcome to the first of our new quarterly updates on matters involving your Surrey and Spelthorne Councils. Our aim is to share information on matters affecting and of interest to the local community and to respond to any questions you may have.

Lower Halliford Green

The recent incursion by travellers onto Lower Halliford Green, circumventing the defences put around it by Spelthorne Council, prompted me to look out this photo taken in more peaceful times. It’s from a postcard sent not long before the First World War erupted, and shows a perfect pastoral scene, with cows in and around one of two ponds which used to be on the green, either side of the small access trackway which bisects it.

Sunbury Court

The most impressive house in the village, Sunbury Court was built in 1723 by John Witt. The building stood in extensive grounds of more than 100 acres, which used to extend down to the Thames and included Sunbury Court Island.

Another Summer of Incursions?

Last month we were no doubt all shocked to see a new arrival of travellers on several sites in Shepperton and in neighbouring villages.

Shepperton Wigs & Tranquillity

Hair loss is a dreadful thing. A good head of hair is our crowning glory. Something that defines our look, and thereby our personality and confidence.

Understanding Man’s Best Friend

Early this summer, the day I had been dreading arrived. We had to have our beautiful collie, Ruby, put to sleep. She had been an easy dog, good in the car, well behaved and totally reliable.

Community Unites to Resolve Stadbury Meadow Car Park Impasse

Last month we ran a piece on the state of the parking problems at Shepperton Lock and the ridiculously empty Hamhaugh Islander’ car park at Stadbury Meadow, between The Folly and Lock View on the Towpath.

Shepperton Fair 2018

It is over for another year, but wow, what a year it was! The weather was perfect, the stalls were sold out, there was a huge choice of great quality food in the food avenue and the attractions brought something for everyone.