22 year old David Haywood has always relished a challenge. One of 5 siblings, he spent his childhood holidays exploring the outdoors in the Lake District.
Sunbury’s Guinness World Record Holder – It’s in the Mind Read More »
In January 1966, Ian and fiancée Carole were looking for somewhere to live after their wedding planned for 29th January. Ian was certain that something would turn up and it did – a colleague at work casually mentioned she was vacating her flat.
Ian Campbell Dow 02.02.42 – 24.01 18 Read More »
Since 1900 improved road and rail links with London and a growing appreciation of countryside values have stimulated the demand for housing on the Thames riverbank (and islands) between Thames Ditton and Staines-upon-Thames.
Tales of the riverbank! Read More »
I am indebted to Bill Lindsay, great-great-grandson of William Schaw Lindsay, Lord of the Manor of Shepperton from 1856 to 1877, for the inspiration for this month’s article.
A Flood at Shepperton in 1877 Read More »
Spare a thought for those living in Shepperton in 1877 when there were no flood defences. It makes our experience of 2013/14 look like a picnic! We hear accounts from a diary from the period. We also have a plea from the Shepperton Fair Committee who need more volunteers to help put on this amazing event, and we meet a local seamstress and a supplier of top quality fabric. Who fancies a bit of bespoke tailoring?
Oh dear! Not a great start to the year for many of you out there who have discovered to your cost that Sunbury Cross is operating a new parking system. The barrier has been broken for weeks so many of you may have happily gone in, done your shopping and gone out without giving a second thought to parking charges. But a new number plate recognition system is in operation, meaning there is no barrier.
Sunbury Cross Parking Charges – Don’t Be Caught Out! Read More »
For the first time ever, I heard the EA admit that they would, “in an ideal world”, like to dredge the river and backwaters. That may sound good, but in reality, the ideal world would need a money tree. But the only trees we have are the ones which have fallen into, or overhang the backwaters.
The EA Would Like to Dredge Read More »
Hanworth Park House has been a private residence, a military hospital, a nursing home and the HQ of aviation in the UK. For a while, it was the home of Aston Martin and Lagonda, who used the aircraft hangars to finish assembly of the luxury motors post war until the 1960’s.
Hanworth Park House – What Next in Battle to Save it? Read More »
Feedback from readers to articles appearing in Sunbury and Shepperton Matters quite often leads to interesting follow-ups. One which was recently received is quite exceptional in that it led to the unexpected acquisition of a photograph showing a charming two hundred year old watercolour of Halliford House.
Discovery of the Halliford House Watercolour Read More »
In 2016 Spelthorne Borough Council introduce a new strapline to it’s marketing ‘Spelthorne Means Business’. Situated in proximity to major access points such as London Heathrow, the M3 and M25, it is proving to be an area of great interest to new businesses looking for growth or looking to move to a new area. The council is putting is certainly proving its credentials too.
Spelthorne Means Business Read More »
Shepperton Hotels Limited is sad to announce the death of its founder, Douglas Gordon.
Douglas Gordon – 3 April 1931 – 7 Januray 2018 Read More »
Many of you will have seen emotional reports on social media of a horrific accident in Charlton Village recently. A local lady, full of joy at the birth of her grandchild the day before, was walking back from Longacres along the pavement and was fatally struck by a car.
Charlton Village Death Trap Road Read More »
This month we visit Charlton Village, the scene of a recent fatality. When is something going to be done to make the roads safe? We bid farewell to Douglas Gordon, founder of the Warren Lodge and celebrate the discovery of a 200 year old watercolour of Halliford House.
The Sunbury and Shepperton area has been home to many famous actors and actresses over the years, but in her time, none was more famous than the now little-known Alma Taylor.
Sunbury’s Goddess of The Silver Screen Read More »
There have been some tasty changes at the Ivory Tusk in Shepperton. The core menu remains the same, with a great selection of mild (including Mr C’s favourite Chicken Tikka Masala), medium and hot dishes on offer as well as vegetable side dishes, accompaniments and of course tandoori dishes.
Restaurant Review – The Ivory Tusk Read More »
The weather was not completely unkind to Big Tree Night. It poured with rain during the set up and later during the evening, but for the main part of the event itself, the clouds cleared away and the stars came out and the Big Tree looked fabulous! Children clasped hands with their parents, avoiding large puddles on the High Street as they looked earnestly for a view of Santa.
Big Tree Night 2017 Review Read More »
As well as the usual updates from the various residents groups, we bring you a restaurant review of Ivory Tusk in Shepperton, a thank you from Roseacre Nursery and celebrate the opening of a tree house. That as well as an interview with the chief constable of Surrey and a look back to 1940 when the Thames froze over at Shepperton.
This photo was taken looking across the frozen Thames at Dockett Eddy, Shepperton in January 1940, and shows the Thames Conservancy tug Thames battling its way upstream through thick ice.
Ice Breaking on the Thames, January 1940 Read More »
It is not every day you get to have a cuppa with the Chief Constable of Surrey, Nick Ephgrave. I felt immensely privileged to do so recently.
Interview with the Chief Constable of Surrey Police Read More »
In these times of conflict and aggression and a society which many would say has lost its way, isn’t it now more than ever that we need the guiding principles of religion?
Reflections on Christianity with the Bishop of Kensington Read More »
Far away, in a second hand bookshop in Cornwall a volunteer was sorting through donations when she came upon a dedication in a more unusual book.
Sunbury Matters Awakens the Past Read More »
