In this month’s issue we talk over development in Lower Sunbury, lamenting the potential loss of green belt land. We hear about funding for community projects from the Heathrow Community Fund and we meet Sunbury’s own chocolatier, CocoaCraft and spend an afternoon getting messy with chocolate!
Last month we lamented the building explosion on our door step and the pressure on resources. As we wait to see the ‘local plan’ which will show the green spaces where development is deemed appropriate, we are aware of several sites identified in Sunbury: Kempton Park of course we know
Is the Sun Setting Over Green Belt? Read More »
I recently went to chocolate heaven. More precisely to the Riverside Arts Centre studio where I spend an afternoon learning about chocolate before sampling rather a lot of it, and making my own bars to take home. Wonderful!
Sunbury’s Own Willy Wonka Read More »
No sooner had I drafted an article on the imminent rise in Council Tax and the referendum we were promised on it, than the threat of the 15% rise was lifted. Strange times! Surrey County Council faces losing another £93m funding.
Surrey County Council talks money Read More »
In last month’s Sunbury Matters we wrote about the strain on resources as the local population continues to grow and our village expands. Well, one of those resources put under a lot of pressure deserves a big pat on the back for providing a great service – Sunbury Health Centre.
Sunbury Health Centre -It’s All Under Control Read More »
With all the current controversy about the future of Kempton Park Racecourse, I thought it would be a good time to look back over the history of the site.
Historic Kempton Park Read More »
At this time of year, residents who live near the Thames will be remembering the terrible floods of three years ago, which caused such disruption and damage. Exactly 60 years ago, in 1947, our community was facing an even worse challenge.
The Worst Flood In Living Memory – 1947 Read More »
There is plenty to get your teeth into in this issue. With news of Kempton Park’s threatened demolition and the building of a small village on the site, we report on the threat to our green spaces from developers and lament the strain in infrastructure and services.
Just when we thought we were safe after the fight for Fire Services in 2014 than we hear that there is a proposal on the table to shut down Staines Fire Station.
To my mind, Sunbury is defined by its pubs. The joys of living along the river are never more evident than when enjoying a pint alongside it in a pub.
The History of Sunbury Pubs Read More »
Sunbury has lost a great talent, a great personality and a great inspiration. After a battle with cancer, Emma Dow passed away in the Sam Beare Hospice, aged 45, with her family at her side in November 2016. She has left a huge legacy within the community and touched many lives.
Emma Dow’s Final Bow Read More »
It has all gone crazy! Everywhere I turn there are new houses springing up. We understand there is a housing crisis and that the demand for more housing has never been so great.
Something Has to Give! Read More »
We are lucky enough at Village Matters to meet some truly remarkable people and be able to share some of our stories with readers.
Our High Sheriff, Dick Whittington Read More »
With Christmas fast approaching, I thought I would take a look at the festive season in our community in years gone by, starting exactly 90 years ago in 1926.
In this issue we revisit Christmas past through history. We also have a chat with the High Sheriff of Surrey, none other than Dick Whittington (well Richard Whittington to be fair, but related to the Dick Whittington of tales of old). Brewing Heritage is still being kept alive in Spelthorne.
That’s just the sort of question one can get asked when one says that we spend Tuesdays at the Kempton site of the “Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway”.
What Do You All Day at the Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway? Read More »
Many children dream of being on stage. My claim to fame is winning the drama cup in junior school for playing a singing dog in ‘Give a Dog a Bone’ (but here I am publishing magazines)!
Sunbury Songbird Will Teach You to Sing Read More »
In this month of Remembrance, I thought I would share the story of a former Sunbury resident who won the Victoria Cross, the Nation’s highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, and almost incredibly, survived his ordeal.
A Sunbury Victoria Cross Holder Read More »
This month we hear of a Victoria Cross holder who lived in Sunbury. We also meet a local girl, Emily Varney, who wants to teach the world to sing and we learn about the Re-store food bank programme.
I wonder how many of us are aware that there is a food bank operating in Sunbury. Restore is run by volunteers out of St Saviours Church in Vicarage Road.
How does Restore Food Bank Work? Read More »
Our mailbag (or modern day email inbox) was bulging with concerns, complaints and general clamour for more information following our piece on the withdrawal of bus services last month. As well as the 556 and 557, we must also of course mention the 458.
