1. food and drink
2. beverages
3. alcoholic beverages
4. cocktails and beer

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Design, Supply & Installation
by The Bathroom Specialists.
0208 335 6821
2
49 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, KT6 5JR
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www.bathroomeleven.co.uk
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
WRAP UP
YOUR FITNESS
WITH OUR FESTIVE
JOINING OFFER
AN INDEPENDENT HEALTH CLUB
WHERE THE FOCUS REALLY IS ON YOU.
By reinvesting our profits back into
the club we’ve not only got a club to
be proud of but happy members too.
SPACIOUS GYM WITH OVER 70 WORKOUT STATIONS
OVER 80 STUDIO CLASSES EACH WEEK • 25M POOL
SAUNA, STEAM AND SPA • 6 SQUASH COURTS
LUXURY TREATMENT ROOMS • CAFÉ & BAR
CRÈCHE & NURSERY • FREE MEMBER PARKING
CALL NOW TO FIND OUT MORE.
JOIN NOW & GET YOUR FIRST MONTH FREE*
Call now, or come in for a chat.
020 8398 7108
St Nicholas Road • Thames Ditton • KT7 0PW
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31st December 2014.
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AND THE
WINNER
IS...
Further to our competition
launch last month, Jo has
chosen her winning shot.
She said,
“I love the fact it is
in Bushy - our local
‘Royal’ park.
A great composition,
very wintry &
mysterious with the
mist.” Jo Douet
Our winning shot: Misty morning in Bushy Park, by Emma Mackley, East Molesey.
Well done Emma and a
big thank you to everyone
who sent in their entries.
Jo was very impressed by
the high standard - it was
a tough decision!
1.
3.
4.
2.
5.
AUTUMN/WINTER
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMPETITION
6.
7.
1. A view towards Ash Path from the station, Lee Buchanan. 2. Beautiful walk in misty
Bushy Park, Paula Coombes. 3. A pumpkin carving party on Church Walk, David Tymm.
4. Autumn, Andy Johnstone. 5. Bushy Park, Tanya Dowling. 6. Conkers, May Hainault.
7. The HW School run through Old Cranleighans, Dan Clifton. 8. Stunning sunrise
on Armistice Day morning, looking over Giggs Hill Green rooftops, Sarah-Lou Lewis.
Look out for our next photo competition in the new year.
8.
4
www.jodouetimages.co.uk
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The View from Parliament.
All the latest news from our MP, Domimic Raab.
In tough financial times, people want to
know they’re getting a fair deal. I have been
pursuing this for local residents in two
ways over the last month or so.
First, as a commuting MP living in Thames
Ditton, I know the frustration residents
feel about overcrowding on South West
Trains, as we pay ever-rising fares.
I get on at Esher. I see how rammed the
carriages are in the morning. The WokingWaterloo service crams in the largest
number of passengers in excess of capacity
of any train service in the entire country a 73% breach of its ceiling.
Fares are already some of the most
expensive in Europe. But what is
particularly hard to justify is the enormous
subsidy that Surrey commuters pay –
through fares, on top of taxation - for
lines across the country. Over the past
four years, South West Trains’ passengers
coughed up £1 billion to the Government,
the largest subsidy to Government coffers
of any train operating company.
Last month, I secured a debate in
Parliament to press the government on
three actions. First, the expansion of
capacity at Waterloo into the former
Eurostar platforms, to allow an increase
in carriages to ease overcrowding. Over
the longer term, a second Crossrail line
linking south-west London, Surrey and
Hertfordshire would alleviate pressure on
existing services. Finally, we need proper
transparency around the subsidy South
West Trains pay the government – and a
clearer justification for its scale.
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Sticking with the unfair allocation of
revenue, I also led a cross-party debate
on the future of the United Kingdom. I am
pleased the Scots voted to stay in the UK,
and I am relaxed about further devolution
of powers. But, any new deal for Britain
must be fair for the whole of Britain.
That means bridging the democratic deficit
that allows Scottish MPs to vote on English
matters, like social care or school reforms,
which are now devolved to the Scottish
Executive. It also means overhauling
the Barnett Formula, used by the UK
government to subsidise the devolved
administrations. Scottish public services
already receive £2,500 more investment
per person, each year, than in Elmbridge.
If Scots want greater powers to tax and
spend, why should the rest of the Union
keep subsidising them to the hilt?
Given the financial pressures the country
still faces, it’s crucial investment is allocated
in a transparent and reasonable way. Rest
assured, whatever we’re debating, I will
keep making the case for a fairer deal for
Elmbridge.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
The Ditton isn’t just for Christmas...
Great choice of fresh cooked dishes
We are open for traditional Christmas Day
drinks 12-3pm
Boxing day, Bar 12-7pm, Food 12-5pm
New Years Eve
Buy your tickets now to avoid
disappointment
Why not try our January meal deal?
Purchase two starters and two main courses
from our specials and receive a free bottle
of our wine of the month!
We have the great food now all we are missing is your great company!
See you soon, The Ditton Team x
• Great Food in Good Company
•
Great Food in Good company •
FOOD SERVED 12-9PM MON TO SAT, SUN 12-7PM- CHILDREN WELCOME UNTIL 7:30PM
The DiƩon Restaurant Pub, 64 DiƩon Hill Road, Long DiƩon, Surrey, KT6 5JD
020 8339 0785
www.thediƩon.co.uk
goodfood@thediƩon.co.uk
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About Thames Ditton
Facebook round-up
Thanks to everyone for their continued support of our Facebook page
Stunning scenes on Giggs Hill Green for
Remembrance Sunday.
Tiggy found her way back home having been
missing for 7 weeks. The family were very
grateful and would like to thank everyone in Thames
Ditton who helped in the search for her.
Local amateur photographer, Andy
Johnstone, was busy snapping at The Tower
of London.
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Spotted at The Albany, one villager has a
unique way of getting around. In a 60 year
old Messerschmitt!
Surbiton High School welcomed Alastair
Stewart OBE, ITN Newscaster and the
Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for
Education to host a Question and Answer session and
officially open their new building Mary Bennett House.
Andy also sent in some super shots from local
fireworks displays, Colets fireworks and the
Imber Court display were both pictured.
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A Bit About...
Fat - the new swear word?
Has the festive overindulgence left you
feeling a bit bloated, burly, bulky, hefty,
plump, rotund or chunky? Notice I didn’t
say the most obvious word? Further on
from my recent column on swearing there
is a new ‘F’ word on the block; the word
‘Fat’!
The word has always added, erm weight, to
any old insult. But so hurtful and offensive
is the term increasingly considered some
paediatricians are advising it should never
be used in front of children. Others argue
that the word should even be ‘banned’ –
like other offensive, discriminatory terms
once used against those of a different race
or sexual orientation.
Meghan Trainor’s recent hit, “All about the
bass”, was considered by many to be a
celebration of curves and larger figure with
“all the right junk in all the right places”.
Such promotion of a positive body image
and self-confidence is commendable.
But it’s a confusing message and somewhat
flogging a hefty horse promoting healthy
eating and exercise to our sedentary
younger generation, the first that if trends
continue will not live longer than their
parents managed, whilst telling them to
embrace their podgy, plump and porkiness.
With 50% of UK predicted to be obese by
2050 and currently 20K people claiming
disability allowance due to being too obese
to work, the strains on the NHS are set
to increase along with people’s waistbands.
10
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by Angie Henderson
Therefore promoting a larger, unhealthy
body image is dangerous and problematic
to the individual and society as a whole.
Broadcaster Katie Hopkins has
purposefully gained 4 stone in an attempt
to prove it is easy to lose it again for a TV
show. In her new role as self-designated
weight police Hopkins countered
Germaine Greer’s criticism of the Duchess
of Cambridge for being too thin asking
why is it acceptable to call people thin but
not f*t?
I’m against all forms of bullying –as a skinny
school girl who was once wrongly accused
of being anorexic by a classmate (to which
my ever-sensitive father countered, “Have
they not seen our bloody grocery bill?”)
shaming anyone for their size is wrong.
Whilst celebrating diversity we must also
remind ourselves why being the correct
weight for one’s height is important to us
and the world we live in.
As Mrs. Trainor taught her daughter,
“Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom
to the top.”
pic: today.com
Katie Hopkins packs on 4 stones to prove ‘no
excuses for being overweight’
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14
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CC EH R LI S TEM ABS R
A T E
W I T H U S
s
a
m
t
s
i
r
h
C rty Menu
Pa
3 Course Lunch £25.00
3 Course Dinner £29.50
We are now taking bookings for Christmas Day & New Years Eve.
Book your table today!
0208 390 7564
158 EWELL ROAD, SURBITON, SURREY KT6 6HE
WWW.LANGLEYSRESTAURANT.CO.UK
KITCHEN OPENING HOURS: Mon – Sun 12-3/6-10.30
BAR OPEN ALL DAY
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15
:FIVE
“A curry in The Rose
with friends - my
perfect night out!”
MINUTES
WITH...
Kit Symons
Kit Symons lives in Thames Ditton with wife
Lucy and daughters Milly, Bella and Nell. Kit
is currently in charge of Fulham FC in his
first permanent managerial appointment
following brief stints as caretaker manager
for several clubs. As a professional player Kit
had spells at Portsmouth, Manchester City,
Fulham and Crystal Palace, as well as earning
36 caps for the Wales national football team.
If you’re a football fan or frequent The
George and Dragon, chances are you’ll know
Kit, he has lived in the village for over 16
years. When asked what he would like for
his last supper, he was very quick to respond
“a curry in The Rose with family and friends.”
We think there would be a lot of people
who would agree with that Kit!
Early passions or influences?
Dream dinner date?
The Arsenal team of the early 80s
Anyone who'll come for a curry with me!
When I was younger I always dreamed
of being…
At a party you will find me…
Chatting rubbish at the bar.
Liam Brady. I remember as a kid running
around my back garden at half time of the
1979 FA Cup Final thinking I would grow up
to play like him. It didn’t quite pan out !!
Career plan B?
This song never fails to get me
dancing…
Not much of a dancer but love a sing song
after a few drinks.
When I was very young I wanted to be a vet.
But then I watched ‘All Creatures Great and
Small’ & saw Christopher Timothy sticking his
arm up a cow’s behind, it put me off somewhat!
Whose shoes would you like to step
in for a day?
Who’s the last person you telephoned?
Wales manager Chris Coleman.
Who’s the most famous person in
your contacts?
Jack Whitehall gave me his number at a party
recently.
Geraint Morgan. President of TDCC.TD legend! Show us the last picture in your phone...
The view from my Chairman’s boat at a party
The person I would most like to
last weekend.
meet...
I’ve been lucky enough to do it! When I was
at City I had a night out with my musical
hero, Billy Bragg. What a top man!
Best holiday?
Mauritius.
Fave movie?
Life of Brian.
16
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The
rose
bangladeshi cuisine
Fine dining in a vibrant,
contemporary atmosphere
Monday-Sunday including Bank Holidays
Lunch 12.00- 2.30pm, Evening 6-11pm
Takeaway available
Free home delivery (4 mile radius)
free bottle of beer with collection
- both on orders over £15
35 high street, thames ditton, kt7 0sd
020 8398 4233 020 8398 5469
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Cocktail Confidential
The Spice Route
by Paul Stevens
This month A guaranteed medicinal
preparation to make Christmas warm
and cheery for the whole family.
The recipe goes like this and should be
made in bulk:
Things have been tense at Tippler
Towers this month - not because the
freezer’s broken or Juniper has been
outlawed, nothing you would be right
to hide under the table to escape.
No, with more knife-edge, nail-biting terror
than a missile crisis, we have been negotiating
the emotional minefield of ‘what are we doing
this Christmas?’ Deciding which family
member gets knifed (mostly metaphorically)
is more complex and potentially terminal
than a game of bridge played in a Cambodian
POW camp.
This year I am serving up recipes that I hope
will be the easiest touch of something special
on the festive menu; it’s a mulling syrup.
Mulled wine dates back to the ancient Greeks
who would sweeten and spice the awful
wine before bottling and ageing it, something
known as Hypocras. Armed with this syrup
you can do enough variations to please
everyone and make a very special cocktail.
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On the day you can make warm mulled wine
and cider for the adults and mulled apple
juice for the kids. The pot can be kept going
for days and just topped up with any old
wine that happens to drop by.
Spiced Apple Bellini:
• 100ml Prosecco • 75ml Apple Juice
• 25ml Spiced syrup
Hot Buttered Rum; sounds gross but it
is sublime, like a rum-dipped Chelsea Bun:
• 1 knob butter ½” square
• 35ml dark rum
• 200 ml hot spiced cider
• Some rum-soaked raisins
Truth is if you make it to the 25th with your
nerves/marriage/bank account intact all you
crave is some simple comfort and genuine
joy... And that is why I am here!
To two litres of water add: 8 cinnamon sticks, 12
cloves, 2 whole star anise, 12 cardamom pods,
broken, 8 whole allspice, peel of 3 large oranges,
½ nutmeg, grated, 1 piece of ginger, grated, 250g
raisins. Bring up to a simmer and cook for a
good 30 minutes. Strain out the spices, return to
the heat and reduce by a quarter.To this soup
add 1kg sugar/litre and stir until sugar is
dissolved completely. Cool and bottle.
If you haven’t got heatproof glasses put the
liquid into a warmed teapot and serve into
cups like tea. One knob or two...?!
So there you are; fill your boots, your
stockings and your hearts. Merry Christmas.
[email protected]
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
“We Believe in Friendship and Tasty Food”
Eat like a King!
Open 7 days 12:00 till late
What does Dar mean? It’s Lebanese for “lounge”
and Spanish for the verb “to give”. And that’s a
perfect combination with Spanish and
Lebanese-inspired tapas as well as fine wines in a
relaxed and convivial ambience.
This new restaurant is under the direction of Fadi
Kesserwany from the very successful Lebanese
restaurant, Mezzet, who brings his high standards
of service and food to Mezzet Dar.
Celebrate Christmas
& New Year’s Eve
Menus now online
Mezzet - 020 8979 4088
Mezzet.co.uk
Dar - 020 8783 0149
Mezzetdar.co.uk
Just a short walk from Hampton Court Palace
39 & 43 Bridge Road, East Molesey, KT8 9ER
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Top Table @ Mezzet Dar
by Angie Henderson
The Sunday Times rated Mezzet in their top UK restaurants. Will its
sister restaurant Mezzet Dar live up to our high expectations?
Thrilled with the success but hungry
for more, Lebanese owner Fadi and
his Spanish wife Irene, mixed their
heritage and passion for excellent food
creating sister restaurant, Mezzet Dar,
a hop skip and jump along Bridge Road.
Dar means different things in both their
respective languages; ‘Lounge’ and ‘to give’.
‘Lounge’ suggests relaxation and whilst the
décor exudes an air of easy, casual dining it
is also effortlessly glamorous and stylish with
polished copper tables, crystal chandeliers
and gilt mirrors. ‘To give’ indeed suggests
generosity and this proved equally fitting
with an abundance of tastes and textures.
After a frustrating and somewhat eventful
day, Mezzet Dar was the perfect antidote.
Whilst perusing the menu we were offered
the cocktail of the day, a ‘Sangria with a
twist’ and we eagerly accepted this offer
of an aperitif.
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We devoured the medley of juice from apple
and cranberry, with a dash of Cointreau and
Beluga Express (an Elite Russian vodka)
topped up with chilled Prosecco. It went
down so well!
But not so well that we were unable to
appreciate the loving attention that had gone
into its preparation. These people really are
passionate about their food and libations.
Unable to decide between the mouthwatering dishes we greedily chose lots to
share, helped no end by the friendly and
informed waitress Melissa.
The Tapas-inspired food comes in smaller
portions and includes hot and cold tapas
dishes and Tablas; wooden platter of hams
or cheeses.
From the cold tapas, the Melon infused with
Gin & Tonic served with crispy, salty Serrano
ham and sweet pickled tomato was a
highlight. Whilst from the hot tapas selection
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we relished the Arroz negro – blackened fish
rice, smoked paprika and topped with
succulent prawns. Also Vieiras con migas,
juicy and plump scallops with soujuk crumbs
and a Parmentier sauce proved equally
delicious.
Manager John insisted we try the Spanish
tortilla having had a Spanish chap earlier that
week tell him it was the best he had ever
eaten outside his beloved home country.
Mark Goodman moleseylife.co.uk
Starter dishes, mains, platters and pinchos
meandered into coffee and encouraged
excellent conversation. The entire place is
conducive to chat with small intimate tables
and a charisma and charm echoed by its
effervescent owner, Fadi.
The intimate restaurant can seat a maximum
of 40 people including The Library, a small
room to the side decked in bookshelf
wallpaper with heritage tones and a mural
sized print of a Victorian Molesey High
Street, perfect for private dining.
The prices range from a mere £3 for pincho
‘bites’ to accompany a drink to £12 for the
Serrano Ham Tablas. On the whole most of
the dishes are around £7, very well priced
for the quality of ingredients and execution
of the dishes.
The lunch menu of 3 Tapas dishes for only
£10 has proved successful but the venue
really comes into its own in the flickering
candle light over an excellent glass of house
Red and a platter of cheese (cold tapas is
available after 10pm). Weekend tables are
fast becoming booked up in advance so run
- don’t walk - to Bridge Road!
Mark Goodman moleseylife.co.uk
39 Bridge Road, East Molesey
020 8783 0149 www.mezzetdar.co.uk
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Paull’s recipe of the month
A hearty & healthy option for Winter. This is the perfect side dish to
many meals. This recipe will serve 10 to 12 guests.
Veggie Fritters
–––––––––––––––––
• 2 courgettes, nely diced
• 1 green or red pepper, nely
diced
• 1 red onion, nely diced
• 3 ripe tomatoes, nely diced
• 2 to 3 spring onions, nely
chopped
• 2 red chillies (optional),
nely chopped
• sweetcorn kernels, scraped
from 1 cob of sweetcorn or 1
handful of canned sweetcorn
• 2 medium potatoes, grated
• 1 handful frozen peas,
thawed
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed
• salt and pepper
2. Heat the butter in a, heavybased frying pan. Add in 3 to
4 large separate spoonfuls of
the mixture into the pan,
forming 3 to 4 fritters. Fry
over medium heat for around
2 minutes until set and
golden-brown, then turn and
fry for 2 minutes to brown
the other side. Reduce the
heat and fry for 3 to 5
minutes more to make sure
the centres are cooked
through. Remove and keep
warm.
Repeat the process, frying the
remaining fritters in batches
as above, until all the fritter
mixture has been used.
Grated or nely shredded
sprouts would also go well in
this recipe.
• 2 tablespoons butter
1. In a large bowl, combine the
diced courgette, green pepper,
red onion, tomatoes, spring
onion, chillies, sweetcorn,
grated potatoes, peas, garlic
and mix together thoroughly.
Season with salt and pepper.
Break in the eggs, add in the
our and mix.
––––––––––––
–––––––––––
Paull's fruit and veg, 36 High street, Thames Ditton KT7 0SA 020 8398 9759
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–––––––––––
• 200g plain our
–––––––––––
• 4 medium eggs
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Special food and gifts to make your Christmas
wonderful
z
40 High Street, Thames Ditton, KT7 0SA
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020 8972 9287
Thames Ditton
25
AÏOLI dedicates itself to the simplicity and joys of southern lifestyle.
It was created through a combination of a few passions including the
hospitality and quality of life in the south of Europe as well as in Thames
Ditton. AÏOLI was created to share a passion for the quality of food and
the joys of Southern European style of living. Simple ingredients with
virtues of an urban canteen.
TAPAS CANTINE
16a High Street
Thames Ditton
KT7 0RY
www. ai oli -ta p a s. c o . u k
020 8398 2121
26
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• Award winning coffee
• Homemade cakes
and sausage rolls
• Fresh deli counter
• Take away/eat in
• Outside seating
• Full english breakfast
• Buffet for larger
numbers available
to order
Open Mon-Fri from 7.30am. Sat from 8.30am
Tel. 020 8398 6444 • 53 High Street, Thames Ditton
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27
Roundabout
Local news and upcoming events
About Thames Ditton Sports Personality of the Year.
Although this remains a reflection and
We are looking for you, the reader, to
celebration of Thames Ditton grass
vote for your favourite. This year the
roots sporting prowess, our friends and
competition will be decided with half
supporters of local sport at Ye Olde
the votes counting from the public and
Swan have once again donated a family
half coming from a judging panel that
meal as well as the trophy to the winning
will include (amongst others) legendary
personality.
sporting folk such as Ireland and British
Lion rugby international, Rob Henderson
and Welsh international footballer and
current Manager of Fulham FC Kit Symons,
and (much more importantly) Thames
Ditton residents.
Turn to p64 to see the shortlist. To vote, go
to aboutthamesditton.co.uk
Voting closes 2nd January 2014.
You can opt to vote for multiple members
in your household and even leave messages
Landlord, Mike Dandy, presenting the trophy to our
for your nominee, they’ll get them all.
2013 Sports Personality of the Year, Mark Hawkins.
Priest Poet’s Parish Fundraiser
Our Lady of Lourdes church, Hampton
Court Way, popularly known as ‘The
Round Church’ will be 50 years old in
2015 and without essential repair and
renewal work the building will not last a
further 50 years.
The parish are attempting to raise the
£250,000 cost required from a Parish
Masquerade Ball held last month to a Car
Wash run by teenagers. The ‘All hands on
deck’ attitude continues and priest Fr Rob
Esdaile is publishing a volume of his poetry
to boost funds.
The book, his second, is entitled ‘Renew,
Refresh, Rejoice’ the theme of the
Parish’s Jubilee Year. Inspired by his
experience of ministry, but also everyday
chance encounters such as meeting an
unemployed youngster at a bus stop or
responses to news items such as the death
28
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of Gaddafi, the 41 poems cover a variety
of topics.
“I’m shamelessly aiming for the Christmas
market,” he says, “and hoping that lots of
parishioners are going to give copies to their
nearest and dearest as stocking-fillers! But
people tell me that they find my poems
moving, too.”
Copies can be obtained for £5 from the church or
posted (+£1.50)
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%HDXWLIXO&XUWDLQV%OLQGV6KXWWHUV8SKROVWHU\
&217$&7SDXODWHQQDQW#EWFRQQHFWFRP
30
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Twelve Gift Ideas of Christmas
Bath House
Perfumes, Books, Coach House Gifts,
Halloween
at Stitchery
the Scariest
Show
in TownChocolates, Jellycat Toys,
Creme d'Or Belgian
Lisa
Tolley
Products,
Martick
October
18th
Pea Green
Press Silver, Max Benjamin Candles,
Green
Mugs, Shi
Shi Christmas Decorations,
& LisaPea
Tolley
Exhibition.
Come
and see their
newAllport
products.
Sophie
China, Susie Blue Jewellery
Watch out for Santa's
Sant Visit
December
on Sunday 14th Dec
THESTITCHERY@BTCO
[email protected]
020 8398 5550
STITCHERY, 6 HIGH STR
STREET, THAMES DITTON
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31
OUT & ABOUT THAMES DITTON
Sarah Walsh Denleigh Gardens
Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice as my husband Chris
has a special dance for it. I have had to
join in on a couple of occasions.
Alex Blakeway Rushett Close
It has to be Nelly The Elephant by Toy Dolls.
As a Yorkshire lass the dance comes complete
with a rotary arm movement (trunk).
With it being party season, we went Out and About and asked,
“what is your musical guilty pleasure that gets you on the dance floor?”
here are the answers . . .
32
Christyan Fox St Leonards Road
Anything by Boney M, although I would prefer
not to let my children know that!
Adam Smith Hampton Court Way
Oops Upside Your Head by The Gap Band.
I love getting down on the dance floor
with a large group of my friends.
Jeanette Butler Westville Road
Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners.
Reminds me of university nights out particularly
New Years Eve in The Irish Bar in Kingston.
Jo Robertson Basing Way
Too Shy by Kajagoogoo. Limahl, the lead singer,
was my absolute 80s idol, met him twice and
totally thought he was going to marry me.
With thanks to Tracy
of Bradleyin+ Brown, 50 call
HighSusie
Street,
creating
Out + About page.
To advertise
onfor020
8972our
9826
If you would like to feature on this page please pop in or call Tracy on 020 8398 7776.
BRADLEY
BROWN
+
We would like to thank you all for your loyalty and
support in 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
12 Bridge Road
Hampton Court
020 8783 9001
Mon - Sat 10 - 5
Sun 11 - 4.30
Call for new year hours update
MANY
BARGAINS UPTO
50%
STARTS AT
HAMPTON COURT
27TH DEC AND
CONTINUES IN
THAMES DITTON
3RD JANUARY
OFF SELECTED LINES
…A
50 High Street
Thames Ditton
020 8398 7776
Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5
Sat 9.30 - 5
Call for new year hours update
SALE IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS
EZiEdgigV^ih
Beautiful hand painted portraits by
local artist Ken Dolman.
Capture the unique character
of your pet in time for a perfect
Christmas gift.
Prices from £85, for more info please contact me:
KEN DOLMAN mob: 07990841781
email: [email protected]
Ken Dolman Pet Portraits
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Thames Ditton
33
PERSONALISED
POSTER ART
vintage letter tile art
The gift that says a little bit more...Words, places, dates, hobbies, phrases, occasions.
[email protected] ☎ 07958 581151
34
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THE SECRET GARDEN
STUNNING and
BESPOKE,
HANDCRAFTED
GIFTS, DESIGNED
and CREATED in
THAMES DITTON
YOUR LOCAL,
NATIONAL and
INTERNATIONAL
FLORAL
BOUTIQUE
THE SECRET GARDEN FLORAL DESIGNS
TEL: 020 8398 5505
WWW.SECRETGARDEN.FLORIST
INSTORE
ONLINE MOBILE
38, HIGH ST, THAMES DITTON, KT7 0SA
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35
Creative Thames Ditton
Thames Ditton entrepreneur Kerri-Lynn brings us into the frame with
her innovative technology - helping to enable & inspire new start-ups.
my information. I am a private person and
don’t want to be profiled. Now with my
young family, I want to share my photos
with friends and family easily, I want my
conversations to remain private, but I don’t
want to use the ‘spooky’ encryption
technology that is very annoying to use, nor
would anyone else use it! I thought, well, I
would be willing to pay for real privacy
online, so we set about to do just that with
a few ex-spies and an ethical hacker for
good measure.
Thames Ditton is home to a hub
of creative entrepreneurs, from
entertainment to technology.
Now one local lady is taking on
the issue of privacy by investing in
start-ups to make it happen.
Local resident Kerri-Lynn Hauck sits down
to tell us a bit more about both.
So what is Fabric?
Fabric is the communications platform for
individuals that value privacy, discretion and
security. It has a premium feel to it, beautiful
and easy to use while the security will be
seamless so you don’t think about it.
Why Fabric?
I personally never engaged in a lot of sharing
on public social media sites because I could
never get comfortable with how they use
36
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In a world where we are so connected
(which is mostly a great thing) there needs
to be a small space away from your ‘public’
online world, where you are free from
scrutiny, analysis or monetization by the
technology companies. So in a way, the
“public” online tools (Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn) are for what you want to share
with the whole world, and Fabric is for
what you want to share with your most
important and private relationships. Both
have their time and place.
“
Fabric is for what you want
to share with your most
important and private
relationships.
What is Crowdcube?
Crowdcube allows you to invest alongside
professional investors in interesting British
businesses. It is a 100,000 strong crowd
investing directly in unique and interesting
start-up, early and growth stage businesses.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
Why did you choose Crowdcube to
launch your latest start up?
Fabric has been funded thus far by people
who want to use the product, and
Crowdcube was the best way to continue
doing just that. Two years ago I thought
Crowdcube was not mature or
sophisticated enough, but now they have
FCA approval, investors can keep the tax
relief, and over 100,000 investors and
members are on the platform. It’s a great fit
for us. We are raising a minimum of £160k
on Crowdcube starting Nov 27th, go take
a look!
What kind of companies choose
Crowdcube?
All kinds! It’s not just tech., restaurants,
services, films, consumer products, property.
It’s worth going through their site and
seeing a variety of pitches to see if it’s a fit
for you.
There are lots of people quietly changing
the world from our little village. If you are
someone looking for funding and
Crowcube fits your company, Kerri-Lynn
will be hosting two informal discussions at
the Red Lion in Thames Ditton on January
14th, 2015. One at 11am and one at 8pm.
Come along!
If you are inspired to try Crowdcube after
reading this, please let Kerri know, we
want to see others succeed locally!
www.crowdcube.com/fabric
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Thames Ditton
37
Beach holidays, City breaks, Honeymoons, Business travel,
Adventure holidays, Ski, Cruise, Tailormade trips, Flight only,
Car hire, Airport hotels and parking and much more...
RELAX...
...with the assurance of
knowing that all your travel
arrangements are in the
safest possible hands.
SALLY STRANG
Travel Counsellor based in Thames Ditton
Telephone: 0845 058 7023
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web:
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/sally.strang
Travel Counsellors ensures complete financial
protection on every booking
Thames Motor Yacht Club
Available for hire for any family occasion
A
One of East Molesey’s best kept secrets!
With private river frontage close to Hampton Court Bridge, the TMYC is a comfortable
Wit
and traditional boat club, offering you a totally private venue to hire
for any special occasion.
Weddings
Birthday Parties
Charity Balls
Christenings
Celebration of Life
Funeral Wake
For further information, or to book a viewing,
please get in touch.
Tel: 020 8979 2298
Email: [email protected]
www.tmyc.org.uk
38
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At Stanley Services we
transfer
9
9
9
9
9
Super 8 & Standard 8 cine to DVD
16mm film to DVD
Audio tapes and cassettes to CD.
High speed DVD and CD copying
We also transfer any video tape
or memory card to DVD.
“Words are but
pictures of our
thoughts”
John Dryden
,'($/)$0,/<35(6(17
020 8398 7843
55 Fleece Road
Long Ditton
Copywriting and original creative writing
for all business and personal purposes.
Websites, Business Profiles, Blogs and
Articles, Brochures...
www.stanleyservices.org.uk
07939 116013 [email protected]
www.amandahills.co.uk
Adult Education Courses at Esher College
Seasons Greetings to all our students and
members of the local community. With
2015 rapidly approaching, why not try a
new interest or improve your existing skills.
Take a look at our website for details of
our interesting, diverse range of evening
courses and Saturday Workshops.
Prospectus 2013/2014
Our new prospectus is now available. Courses are
available throughout the year in IT, Languages, Life skills
and Counselling, Humanities, Arts & Crafts and Health
and Fitness. Full details available on the website
www.esher.ac.uk/aded
For further course details or a copy of the new prospectus please call 020 8335 2544
Telephone 020 8335 2544 for more information or to
book a place. All courses are on site at Weston Green
Road, Thames Ditton, with ample free parking.
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Thames Ditton
39
COLETS DAY NURSERY
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NJOVUFTGSPN5IBNFT%JUUPO4UBUJPO
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7JTJUTXFMDPNFQMFBTFDBMMUPCPPL
4U/JDIPMBT3PBEt5IBNFT%JUUPOt4VSSFZt,518
tOVSTFSZ!DPMFUTIFBMUIDMVCDPVL
XXXDPMFUTIFBMUIDMVCDPVL
40
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"#"! #!%"$ !
Open Mornings
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Thames Ditton
41
School Reports
What news do our local schools have this month?
Thames Ditton Junior School (TDJS)
Raising the profile of peotry
The profile of poetry in primary schools has
been raised in the new National Curriculum
and therefore Thames Ditton Junior School
decided to organise a poetry competition in
which children had the opportunity to write
their own poems. The winners of the
competition were presented with their
prizes by performance poet, Paul Lyalls.
English subject leader, Lyndsey Hodkinson
said, ‘We were delighted with the number of
entries to our competition and very
impressed by the high standard. Our
children are so enthusiastic to read poetry,
but also to write their own poems.’
See below 3 of the winning poems, Never to be ignored
A surreptitious shove,
A trip of a leg
A sneering smile,
All difficult to ignore.
The Dummy who wanted to
become a Man
Lonely up on a stool all day,
Advertising clothes for C&A
I think to myself how lonely I am
Whilst wishing to become a man.
Twist and turn do whatever you like
But nothing will change your joints so stiff
And the pins so sharp.
Wish to play with a friend or two
In the radiant rays of light
While breathing the natural air
OH! HOW I WISH TO BE A MAN!
Lie about laughing
In the place you’ve always dreamed
That’s what I wish
That’s what I wish
I screamed
No one seemed to notice
They just carried on
As they beamed at the shopping
on floor number one.
A spit in the face,
A blow to the head,
A murderous stare,
All impossible to ignore.
The elevator chants its irritating call
To thank the customers for joining the ride.
How I wish to join them all!
They don’t realise how lucky they are!
A tear on my cheek,
A feeling of despair,
A dread of tomorrow,
All hidden from view.
By Luke Galpin 5B
A growing strength,
A decision to stand strong,
A right to be free,
Never to be ignored.
By Luke Tredwell 6BL
42
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What’s Under My Bed?
What’s under my bed, nobody knows.
Is it a monster, or just smelly clothes?
What’s in my wardrobe, what can it be?
Is it a giant, drinking some tea?
What’s behind my curtains, is something
lurking there
Is it a goblin or a grizzly bear?
What’s that noise outside, it’s awfully loud.
It could be a witch soaring through a cloud.
I hear a creaking floorboard, it’s giving me a
fright.
I really do believe, it’s a creature of the night.
I don’t know where to hide, I really want my
mummy.
Before I end up dead, in a hungry monster’s
tummy.
Something’s opening my door, what shall I
do?
It’s just my little sister, who scared me with a
BOO!
By Finn Gould 4F
Long Ditton St. Mary’s
Bishop’s Weekly Visit to Church
School!
Not every school can claim a ‘Candidate
Master’ as their chess teacher, but LDSM
can! Chris Briscoe is a highly skilled player in
his own right and also a teacher who is keen
to encourage the next generation of players.
Long Ditton St. Mary’s used to have a chess
club once a week but have now had to add a
second due to the high demand. They have
played against other schools and performed
well in local tournaments. Thanks to expert
Chris, the children are learning new
manoeuvres with names such as the ‘Scotch
Opening’ and the ‘Lawnmower Mate’. Recent
gold medallists are Vishal S and Aaron B
(pictured).
Sporting an Impressive Beard
LDSM are always looking for new and
inventive ideas to raise money. Mostly for
their twin school in Uganda and sometimes
for local charities, but on this occasion it is
for themselves.
PE teacher, Coach Howells decided to
grow a beard to raise money for new
sports equipment.The children are
encouraging him by bringing in coins as
sponsorship. For a small donation they get
to add whiskers onto a cartoon portrait
of Coach and the race is on to see if the
artist representation will have a bushier
beard than the real one. It’s going to be
a close shave! Certainly with Mia and
Thomas’s help (see picture) they are a
step closer!
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Thames Ditton
43
cate michaels
english tuition
BA (Hons) PGCE
Thames Ditton based
• ‘Outstanding’ teaching
(Ofsted-graded 2014)
• Proven track record of pupil
progress and attainment
• English Language and English Literature
• All Key Stages, GCSE, IB, AS/A2
• Reading Age assessment / Phonics
• Enhanced DBS/CRB
t: 020 8398 9445
e: [email protected]
FREE TASTER SESSION
Gail Deal MA FCIEA FRSA
experienced teacher,
examiner and writer.
Get your kids ready for sport!
• Catching and throwing
• Improve movement skills
• Loads of ball games
• Fun for children from 18 months
Thames Ditton &
Surbiton call
020 8972 9223
or email
[email protected]
www.catch-a-balls.co.uk
44
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Personalised tuition offered for ages 7 to 18
yearsDo
in ayou
range
of subjects
the core
need
GCSE covering
and A level
curriculum revision
for KS2, sessions?
KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Preparation for school entrance exams
Would
you
like one
to one
help and
including
local
private
schools,
Nonsuch
for
your
child
in
core
subjects
to
boost
the Tif¿n schools. Specialist GCSE and
A
Level subjects
are also catered
for eg Drama,
their achievements
at school
Performingwhatever
Arts, Dance,
theirMedia,
age? Film and
Classics. I can help with personal statements
Would
you
like
your
child
to sit an
for UCAS and Dance/Drama/Musical
entrance
exam?
Theatre schools. I am a senior examiner with
many years
teaching
experience
We
are here
to help. and have
co-written three text books.
Please email
[email protected]
or ring us on
07876 591404.
0DNHOHDUQLQJIXQ
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
Enrolling Now for January 2015
Hinchley Wood
01372 238238
www.stagecoach.co.uk/hinchleywood
Book Now
Limited spaces
available, don’t
miss out!
Age 4-18
Fun, educational,
confidence-building
classes in acting,
singing and dance.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.
STAGECOACH is a registered trade mark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
QUALITY
TRAINING
ESTABLISHED 1988
600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
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Thames Ditton
45
The Parent Trap
by TD Mum and resident, A.J. Grange
A Perfect Christmas.
I shall be perfectly ready for Christmas by
about the 28th December.
All over Facebook, I have friends ‘steeping’
things ready for Christmas. (I genuinely
have no idea what this means except that
it involves teabags and I should probably be
doing it too). I have other friends who keep
posting pictures of cute elves counting
down the days until Santa arrives and
talking about getting their Ànal stocking
Àllers.
Last year I peaked too soon with the
Christmas music. I started twirling around
the kitchen imagining I was Mariah Carey
(complete with sledge and reindeer), well
before the Àrst week of December. Even
though I felt I had perfected her Ànal
‘yooohooo’ by around the middle of the
month, I could have willingly tampered with
her sledge brakes come Christmas Eve.
Whilst other people seem to be able to
sit back smugly in their novelty Christmas
jumpers and start talking about chutney by
about the 11th, I seem to have taken on
the role of a demented chicken; Áapping
around all over the place but not actually
achieving very much. I should probably
write a list. All organised people have a list.
This way I might actually remember to
book a supermarket delivery in September
for December, rather than having to play
my own slightly more stressful version
of ‘Supermarket Sweep’ two days before
Christmas. I’ve usually broken out in hives
before I even hit the shop Áoor due to the
stress of parking – I’m not very good
46
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at it at the best of times but give me an
audience of alpha Surrey mothers, all
queuing impatiently in their Range Rovers
behind me and I just can’t get my angles
right. To make matters worse, I usually have
at least one child in the car telling me how
‘Daddy doesn’t have a problem getting into
small spaces.’ It’s just not helpful.
Then of course there’s the tree. Last year I
got my lights all tangled up the wrong way.
The front of the tree looked like Blackpool
illuminations whilst the back had a slightly
sinister appearance with about 3 manky
baubles. Now I have a hyperactive labrador
to help me too. I don’t really hold out
much hope for Rudolph’s carrots making it
until the morning.
However, as a friend pointed out to me
this week, us parents do always manage
to pull it off - somehow. So maybe I can’t
steep a cake (or a parsnip for that matter)
but I can make my children laugh at my
impression of Noddy Holder and I’m quite
a dab hand at Twister.
Surely that’s perfect enough at Christmas?
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
www.dittonschoolofballet.co.uk
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Thames Ditton
47
PREMIER
NANNIES
020-8339-0298
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.premier-nannies.com
www.premiernannies.uk.com
*Daily/Live-in Nannies *Mother’s Helps
*Temporary/Emergency Staff *Maternity Staff
*Evening Babysitting Service
*All Applicants Police Checked *Reference Checked
48
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call Susie on 020 8972 9826
MONDAYS
THAMES DITTON
LITTLE
STARS
Booking now for 2015
The new term starts Mon 5th Jan
4 – 6 yrs
3.45 – 4.45
Creative and professional
performing arts training led by a team
of professional performers
A super fun workshop that combines Drama Fun, Singing
and Street Dance
Who said the big kids are the only cool ones?
£80 PT
Nobody does it quite like Stage Studio!
THEATRE SCHOOL
SINGING, STREET DANCE and DRAMA
Studio 1
7 yrs +
4.00 – 6.15
Studio 2
10 yrs +
4.30 – 7.00
Studio 3
13 yrs +
4.30 – 7.00
£180 PT
Venue: The United Reformed Church Hall, Speer Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0PW
www.stagestudio.co.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 07907 477 135
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Thames Ditton
49
Christmas Specialities
from our Award Winning Patisserie
50
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Gorgeous gifts, Continental delicacies
and traditional favourites this Christmas...
Bachmanns’ luxury Christmas range, including our
award-winning Chocolate Christmas Puddings, new
Chocolate Rocher Christmas Trees, Stollen, mince pies
and Christmas cakes, at Thames Ditton and Weybridge
from 29th November. Celebration cakes and party
reception pastries are also available to order.
December opening times:
Every Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 24 December 8.30am – 3pm
Closed 25-29 December
Open New Year’s Eve 9 – 5pm
Join us on Facebook for even more
Bachmanns Thames Ditton
6 Criterion Buildings,
Portsmouth Road,
Thames Ditton,
KT7 0SS
Tel: 0208 398 1988
Bachmanns Weybridge
32 Church Street,
Weybridge,
KT13 8DX
Tel: 01932 820247
www.bachmanns.co.uk
Thames Ditton
51
Roundabout
and jockeys. The day plays host to an exciting
Local news and upcoming events
COMPETITION TIME!
Happy Birthday to Bachmanns!
To celebrate Bachmanns 25th year in business
in Thames Diton, we have this amazing hamper
up for grabs in our super prize draw. Worth
over £100 and packed full of goodies guaranteed to keep your sweet tooth happy
over the festive period!
All you have to do is email: [email protected] entering
‘Hamper’ in the subject box, with your name and address.
The lucky winner will be drawn in Bachmanns on 22nd December.
blend of activities for the whole family,
younger racegoers can visit Santa in his
festive grotto, whilst Robinson Crusoe’s
must see pantomime is certain to be
captivating from beginning to end, and is
guaranteed to get the whole family laughing.
Horse drawn carriages will be running
between Esher train station and the
racecourse offering racegoers a very
traditional ride to the festival. There is also
Spice Up Your Christmas at Sandown
the opportunity to get ahead with your
Park.
shopping, take some time out from the
attractions and action on the racetrack with
The Tingle Creek Christmas Festival on
Saturday 6th December is widely credited as a leisurely stroll around the large selection
of Christmas stalls.
one of the racing calendar’s top events and
the demanding Sandown Park course
To book tickets or for more information please visit
attracts many of the very best jump horses
www.sandown.co.uk or call 01372 47 00 47.
and jockeys. The day plays host to an exciting
52
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Thames Ditton
53
Roundabout
Local news and upcoming events
By the time you’re reading this edition of
About Thames Ditton we will have enjoyed
our High Street Christmas Fair and our
stunning Christmas lights will have been
switched on by TD resident and BBC1’s
‘Homes under the Hammer’ presenter,
Lucy Alexander. Thanks must go to Tracy
Blatchford of Bradley + Brown who works
tirelessly behind the scenes to get this fair
off the ground and also to all the many
residents and traders who volunteer their
time on the day, during the build up and of
course the clean up!
Once again About Thames Ditton
sponsored the magical grotto at Micaela
Cianci’s studio with a record number of
balloons dished out!
Relocation of High Street Post Office.
The decision was recently announced that
the Post Office would be relocating across
the High Street to Simply Fresh as part of
a new ‘local style PO branch’ as planned.
The proposed move had not been met
favourably by many residents and having
posted to our Facebook page a letter of
reply received by one such villager from
the Post Office, it received a number of
reader comments.
The letter acknowledged and offered
reassurance on the original concerns
raised during the consultation process
which included privacy, staffing, space and
parking and countered with an additional
54
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benefit of longer opening hours.
In spite of this, one angry resident stated
they were “astounded & disgusted” and
promised they would rather drive to
Surbiton than utilise the relocated village
Postal services. Another, felt that Simply
Fresh was not easily accessible now for
disabled residents and would be even
more challenging with additional people
queuing.
Further, one was incredulous that the
move is still going ahead at all in spite of
56 representations and 700 signatures
expressing grave concerns during the
consultation period.
The move is scheduled for January 2015.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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Thames Ditton
55
All I want for Christmas is...
About Thames Ditton has a few ideas to
help your Elves on their search for the
perfect present. Helping you to
get Christmas all wrapped up!
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
10.
56
9.
11.
To advertise in
12.
1.
1. Purchase your loved one a
Range Rover Evoque from Guy
Salmon Thames Ditton for
Christmas, from £29,205
2. Kids Frog hybrid bike, Surbiton
Cycles, £190
3. GHD Rose Gold styler at Hype.
Irons from £99, wands £110
4. Stylish deer wallet, from Bradley
& Brown, part of an extensive
range available, £27.50
5. KMS Christmas packs from The
Cutting Room at Colets, £32.50.
6. A piece of unique jewellery by
Assimi, POA
7. Boxed bone china Thames
Ditton ‘T’ Mugs from The
Stitchery. Pink £9.50, Blue £10.50
8. A delicious fruit basket, Paulls
Fruit & Veg, £18 inc the basket.
9. A festive boxed diffuser from
Maud, £35
10. A personalised poster of
favourite books by TMartO, £40
11. Sophie Conran oil & vinegar
from Lime Tree, 20% off for
Christmas, £41.50
12. A grand cru white chocolate
snowman with dark couverture
& marzipan scarf and nose from
Bachmanns, £21
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
EXPLORE THE LATEST
MODELS AT GUY SALMON
THAMES DITTON
.
Land Rover’s magnificent range represents over 60 years of constant progress in terms
of sheer style and innovation.
The award-winning Discovery 4 provides you with seating for seven. And the rugged,
iconic Defender offers the ultimate off-road performance. The Range Rover Sport is
a high-performance all-terrain grand tourer, while the dramatic Range Rover Evoque,
in coupé or five-door form, offers agility and dynamic handling. Above all, the
sensational Range Rover itself remains right at the pinnacle of world-class 4x4
luxury motoring.
Soon you can meet the New Discovery Sport, with 5+2 Slide and Recline seating, you
can create more luggage space when you need it. Or take another two people with you.
Six stunning models to choose from; and six sure routes to legendary performance.
Which will you choose?
Call our sales team today to book a test drive – without any obligation.
Guy Salmon Land Rover Thames Ditton
47 Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0TA
020 8339 0200 www.guysalmon.thamesditton.landrover.co.uk
Official fuel consumption figures for the Land Rover range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.4 (18.3) – 47.9 (5.9)
Extra urban 29.1 (9.7) – 62.8 (4.5), Combined 22.1 (12.8) – 57.6 (4.9.) CO2 emissions g/km: 299 – 129.
The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may
differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Details correct at time of going to print. Image for
illustration purposes only. E&OE.
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Thames Ditton
57
Something for the Boys...
by Craig Williams
I have driven the future...
And it felt, strange!
So with petrol running through my veins
from a young age, my motoring world
was turned upside down this week when
I sampled the latest offering from Electric
car company Tesla. The Model S as it is
known looks like a very well designed
but fairly regular saloon car to all but
the keenest eye. The difference of course
is that instead of fuelling it at your local
Shell you instead plug it in! There are an
increasing number of supercharging points
to quickly top up at no charge and you can
park in London on metered spaces for free
so it becomes very usable, and no road
tax to boot. 250 odd mile range and zero
running costs make this car very attractive
indeed.
58
But it was the gadgetry that won me over,
you can preset the temperature from
your bed by phone so it’s toasty when
you get in, press a button on the steering
wheel and ask it to play any song and it
will (I failed to beat it!), oh and if any new
updates are launched by Tesla, the car
downloads them while you sleep so you
find more clever features in the morning.
Slick.
The owner of the car accidentally took
the key with him when he loaned it to
It’s not cheap starting at circa £60,000
me and was on the other side of London
but there are very good tax incentives
when we noticed. No problem though,
for company owners and the price will
this is the future, remember? He logged in
come down in time as tech becomes
to his secure app on his smartphone and
cheaper. Aside from the incredibly good
a few keystrokes later the car magically
BMW i3 and i8 this is by far the best
unlocked itself and informed me that I
alternative fuelled car on the market. I still
could drive away! So I climbed aboard
question the true green benefits when the
where a futuristic and fresh interior
electricity comes from coal fired power
greeted me along with the largest screen I
stations but I guess I should embrace a
have seen which wasn’t showing X Factor!
step in the right direction and I certainly
(It can do that too incidentally!) I gingerly
tried not to be blinkered with this one.
snicked it into drive mode and off I went.
Aside from the noise of tyres and the birds
So there is is, the petrolhead has
singing it was eerily (at times dangerously)
momentarily embraced electricity for
silent, and my god it was quick. It’s hard to
more than powering my espresso machine.
compare performance to a regular fast car
All good fun, just take care when crossing
as the power delivery is so linear but only
the road as you don’t hear ‘em coming!
the biggest speed junkies could ever want
for more acceleration.
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call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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59
GET FIT FOR CHRISTMAS
FEEL GOOD!
LOOK GREAT!
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 6 sessions for the price of 5
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY CLIENTS Nina x
“I am truly dedicated to working with people of all abilities, levels of
fitness, age, weight & size, from beginners upwards - to help
achieve personal goals & change attitudes to exercise & lifestyle.
It’s not just about looking good on the outside but more importantly
feeling good on the inside!”
PERSONAL TRAINING
TO FIT IN WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE
GROUP OUTDOOR FITNESS
WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 9.30-10.15am- £5
SUMMER ROAD RECREATION GROUND
Please call me to book your FREE consultation or for further information.
Nina - 07921 543 419 www.fitbetweenus.co.uk
Long Ditton Yoga
Friendly yoga classes for all levels - beginners welcome.
Would you like to:
be fitter?
be more flexible?
reduce your stress levels?
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
6:45 - 8:15 pm
9.30 - 11.00 am
6:45 - 8:15 pm
&
&
&
8:30 - 10:00 pm
11:15 - 12:45 pm
8:30 - 10:00 pm
Long Ditton Parish Hall KT6 5LE.
www.longdittonyoga.co.uk
[email protected] or call Carolyn on 020 8390 9522
60
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AIKIDO KAMI
The Art of Peace
Saturday Classes Juniors 4.00-5.00pm • Adults 5.00-6.30pm
Long Ditton Village Hall • All welcome • FIRST CLASS FREE!
Rafael Ordonez has been practicing Aikido for
over 25 years in Spain, Japan, Paris and the UK.
He has a 2nd Dan from Aikikai Kumano Juku
Dojo Shingu Japan, a member of the BAB
(British Aikido Board)and fully licensed to teach.
Contact Rafael • [email protected] • 07882 880249 • www.aikidocotswolds.com
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Thames Ditton
61
MIND BODY MAINTENANCE
BE YOU BUT BETTER
MEDITATION
FITNESS YOGA
Tuesday 7.00pm & 8.15pm
Thursday 11.00am
Saturday 9.30am
Monday 9.30am
Thursday 9.30am
PILATES
Monday 10.45am & 7.45pm
Tuesday 9.30am & 10.45am
Wednesday 10.45am, 6.45pm & 8.00pm
Thursday 10.45am
NEW CLASSES & VENUES ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
All classes in Thames Ditton
Booking essential
www.mindbodymaintenance.com
Contact Lisa 07971 194 948 [email protected]
62
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CK PILATES
TERMLY COURSES IN
THAMES DITTON!
Tues 7.45 - 8.45pm: intermediates
Wed 9.15 - 10.15am: intermediates
Thurs 9.30 - 10.30am: beginners
Maximum 8 per class
and 1:1 available
Fully qualified STOTT Pilates
instructor
Contact Claire Kendall
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07804 671 581
Wishing you a fit and healthy Christmas and New Year
from Lea and the team at Iso Barre
next session begins 5th January • book your free trial class now!
Iso Barre • TRX • 3-2-1 Iso Intervals • Iso Power Flow
www.isobarre.com
[email protected]
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07540138066
Thames Ditton
63
Pride of the Playing Fields
Grass Roots Sport in Thames Ditton by Will Coker
December’s upon us so it’s time for our 3rd ATD Sports
Personality of the Year competition. Here are 7 hugely
inspirational Dittonites covered in 2014.
How to vote at the end.
64
Shortly after
recovering from
fracturing her foot
Maria Parnham,
won the women’s
100km(!) Thames
Path Challenge
ultramarathon
in 10h 30min; In
clocking this time
she beat her own
PB by nearly 3
hours, the 2nd
place woman by 1h 30min and quite
amazingly finished 7th overall in the whole
(ie, including the men) field of 300.
9 year old Cerys
Howells found
time to regularly
compete against
100 girls in a series
of triathlon related
events and emerge
as the winner of
British Triathlon
Federation’s
London Series
for 2014. She also
managed to win an
U9 regional tennis tournament and
medals in open swimming meets with the
Elmbridge Phoenix SC.
Squash player Ali Thompson was picked
for England U19, came 5th in the European
Championships and recently travelled with
the England team to Namibia to play the
World Championships where she finished
an amazing 13th and was the only nonseeded player to make it to the last 16.
15 yo Johnny Fretheim became only the
2nd ever British player to attend Major
League Baseball pitching and hitting camp
in Holland and the European Elite Camp in
Italy. The catcher for the GB Junior Team
received tuition from an MLB All-Star as
well as strength and conditioning coaching.
To advertise in
Do you have any local sporting tea
te
call SusieLet
on us
020know,
8972 email
9826 aboutthamesditton@ gma
gm
...Also on the podium...
Captaining the
county 3 times
this year, Lewis
Brown capped
off the season
by winning the
Under 13s Surrey
Championship
at the Royal Mid
Surrey Golf Club
in August. Playing
off a handicap of
6 he shot 71 (off the men’s white championship tees!) to force a playoff, which was
never in doubt; sinking a 30 foot birdie putt
to spark wild celebrations.
14 yo Ed Tandy won the TDLTC men’s
doubles final and became the youngest
winner of the tournament in the Club’s 132
year history. His success was more notable
as Ed has Osgood Schlatters, a knee
condition that makes extended playing
periods extremely painful.
After 3 years
swimming
competitively at
national level Tom
Urry set Personal
Bests in 2 events
in his category
(cerebral palsy)
at the National
Youth Swimming
Championships
and won 2ssilver
medals in the National Disability Short
Course Championships. He’s fast closing
in on a potential place in the British Talent
Programme.
The Competition.
Although this remains a reflection and
celebration of TD grass roots sporting
prowess, our friends and supporters of
local sport at Ye Olde Swan have once
again donated a family meal as well as
the trophy to the winning personality.
This year the competition will be
decided with half the votes counting
from the public and half coming
from a judging panel that will include
(amongst others) legendary sporting
folk and (much more importantly)
Thames Ditton residents:
You can vote for multiple members in
your household and even leave messages
for your nominee, they’ll get them all.
To vote go to aboutthamesditton.co.uk and
follow the link.
Rob Henderson, Ireland and
British Lion rugby International.
Kit Symons ,Welsh International footballer
and current Manager of Fulham FC.
rtingg team or individual nominations?
JoinCoker
us on Facebook
even more
on@
@ gmail.com or call Will
on 07821for
150827
Voting closes 2nd January 2014.
Thames Ditton
65
Non Club
Members
Welcome
Join
To Book
Call on..
.
g
n
i
t
t
u
c room
the
us on fac
ebook & tw
TheCuttingRoo
itter
matColets
@cuttingroom
kt7
02 0 8 3 9 8
7 10 8
@ Colets Health & Fitness Club
St.Nicholas Road, Thames Ditton KT7 OPW
Open Mon-Sat Late nights -Tues/Wed/Thurs
Anna Dennis Acupuncture
Qualified acupuncturist and member of the
British Acupuncture Council
Special interest in fertility and pregnancy:
x
Treatment to aid natural
conception
x
Support through IUI/ IVF/ ICSI
x
Pregnancy, pre-birth and postlabour acupuncture.
Other common conditions seen in clinic include:
anxiety, arthritis, back pain, chronic fatigue,
circulatory problems, digestive disorders,
menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems,
migraines, neurological disorders, sciatica.
6 Ditton Reach, Thames Ditton, KT7 0XB
Tel: 07967 673 465 Email: [email protected]
www.annadennisacupuncture.co.uk
66
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BOOTCAMP
MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY
09:30 - 10:15
10:30 - 11:15
09:30 - 10:15
10:30 - 11:15
09:30 - 10:15
£6 (first session free)
ALL ABILITIES WELCOME
GIGGS HILL GREEN THAMES DITTON
ON
N
LIAM GRIMLEY
www.elevatesport.co.uk
[email protected]
07743189905
NTS
RESE
AS P vailable
M
T
S
A
CHRIS
*
chers
ge
ou
Gifftt V rts massa g*
in
*spo
l train
a
n
o
*pers
Fully
qualified
& insured
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Thames Ditton
67
Book your child a consultation today
Here at Walpole we understand the importance of a beautiful smile, particularly
when you’re young. The best time to take your child to see a Specialist Orthodontist
is between the ages of 8 and 9, and because there’s no need to wait for a referral,
you can ensure they have a head start on that winning smile. Giving them the
confidence to smile as teenagers and beyond.
Call us on
020 8390 1839
www.myorthodontist.co.uk Walpole House, 15 St Leonards Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0RL
68
To advertise in
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believe in the...
20%
*
off!
*Book in December for 20% off in January
Open Tuesday-Saturday, late opening Wednesday & Thursday until 9pm
Hype Hair, 54 High Street, Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0SA
020 8398 1916 / 020 8398 1665
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Thames Ditton
69
Fashion & Beauty
Beauty Insider...
by Laura Hinton
Survive the party season this year with a little early
preparation...Sometimes the holiday season can feel
like one long slog, I love parties & all things festive
but with functions for work, schools, family & friends
it can begin to feel like a Marathon rather than a fun
run! Here are a few of my party tricks that help me
keep some sanity through the craziness...
Visit your closest MAC counter before the big rush &
spend half an hour finding your perfect shade of red.
MAC have a huge selection & this little lippie find will be
worth it’s weight in gold, MAC Viva Glam, £15. St
Tropez Luxe Dry Oil, £25, will give you an instant
subtle glow, much needed to pep up that LBD after a few
months of winter. Keep Halo Deoderant Wipes, £1.20
to hand, not the most glamorous but they do the job on
the run.
A quick spray of dry shampoo will
add a day to a blow-dry & a
professional touch to a home-updo,
Batiste, £1.99. Buy hostess gifts in
advance, pretty guest soaps & candles
are always welcome, Crabtree &
Evelyn 3 wick Noel Candle, £32.
At the end of it all run a deep hot
bath, add Elemis Quiet Mind Bath
Elixir, £22 & get some sleep –
nothing will make you look better
than a good night’s rest!
Treatment of the Month
Get a gel manicure & pedicure mid
December, it will serve you well. Avoid
anything too glittery & festive. Opt for a
classic red or burgundy it will go with
everything. Rejuvenate at Colets 020
8398 7108
70
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Please ask any fashion or beauty questions to our fashion insider on Twitter @lauraahinton
Fashion Diary
What to hint at this Christmas…
Loved ones & gifts unless you
are very lucky or married to
David Beckham usually need
some guidance. Let’s be
honest I know a surprise is
lovely but often the
Christmas gift from your
partner can go very wrong &
leave you feeling miffed
rather than cherished. It’s not
all about price point, but
showing they know you, BUT
don’t expect them to read
your mind. A couple of clues
& hints will make life much
easier for both of you.
Fur in all its forms is huge
this year, anything along this
theme will make you feel like
Elizabeth Taylor, Jaegar’s white
shearling jacket £1,200 is a
show stopper if he is feeling
flush. I don’t think there has
been a time in history when
it has been harder to buy a
girl a bag. Not only is there
the largest choice but some
of the price points are crazy!
I really like the Radley
Grosvenor Shoulder bag,
£229 & the See by Chloe
Duffle Bag, £425 for style vs
price vs quality. I also think
statement jewellery is a great
option, chunky necklaces will
be a staple for next year & I
love this tortoise shell
version from Jaegar, £80.
Main Image,
Catwalk
AW15
Topshop
Unique
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Thames Ditton
71
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Just £45!
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Just £50
**
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020 8398 7108
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72
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ǁǁǁ͘ĐŽůĞƚƐŚĞĂůƚŚĐůƵď͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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Thames Ditton
73
What lives in the Thames?
Thames water quality has steadily improved since the 1960s.
We live in such close proximity to the
Thames, travel over it frequently and some
TD residents saw rather too much of it
early 2014. Due to bad weather, the smelly,
muddy water that flooded some homes
and roads didn’t look like it could sustain
much life. A recent interesting web article
on Londonist.com however told of the
teeming, sometimes unexpected, life in our
neighbouring river.
Improved Seal numbers spotted as close as
Teddington, the appearance of otters, the
odd porpoise or two and even a rare type
of seahorse all seem to point to improved
water quality.
Figures from The London Wildlife Trust
stated that the tidal Thames – from the
mouth of the estuary to Teddington Lock –
has some 125 types of fish including bream,
pike, the unfortunately named chub, carp,
rudd and dace to name a few. It is believed
the largest fish ever caught in Britain, a
Wels catfish, was caught along the nearby
Kingston stretch.
Locally, the Environment Agency were
reassured by footage caught on their
cameras at Hampton Court’s Molesey
Weir of the now rare migrating Salmon;
the fish having suffered from over fishing in
recent years.
If all this talk of the river has given you the
urge to pull on the waders and head off
to catch a fishie for your little dishie, then
there are laws, rules and regulations to be
considered first.
Firstly all fishing in England and Wales
requires an Environmental Agency rod
licence and must not take place during
74
To advertise in
A Great Crested Grebe feeding its chick in the
river at Thames Ditton.
photo: Andy Luck wildopeneye.com
closed season (from 15th March to 15th
June). There isn’t a law to prevent you from
taking your catch home but an unwritten
rule amongst fisherman is that the sport
is in the stalking and catching, the then
releasing and not in the killing and eating.
londonist.com
Ian Tokelove of the London Wildlife Trust
insisted that Thames water quality had
steadily improved since the 1960s with the
repair and replacement of many damaged
sewers but that significant investment is
needed to sustain this progression and
protect the future wildlife.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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Thames Ditton
75
£ Monthly financial advice
All that glitters...
by Paul Basson
‘Given the constriction of lending in the post
credit crunch arena, my first question was
“who will provide the mortgage facility?”, I
shouldn’t have worried as I was informed
that ‘Harlequin are sitting on piles of cash,
they’ll underwrite the mortgages’. Mmm...
I spoke with SIPP providers and found only
one to countenance the idea of potentially
split ownership, with 30% being owned by
the SIPP and the balance owned personally.
“You must be mad not to want to do
this, it’s simple!”
I spoke with my friend, pointed out my
concerns and said I’d be unable to help. He
still went ahead with the transfer as he’d
been assured by an agent of Harlequin that
Just after the credit crunch, I was approached
everything was fine.
by my friend to advise on him transferring
Fast forward to today. Harlequin never built
his pension into a SIPP (Self Invested
the resort. Panorama dedicated a complete
Personal Pension) as he’d heard about a
programme to the problem and the Serious
company offering the ability to buy your
Fraud Office (SFO) are investigating.
own hotel room or apartment in a very
swish looking Caribbean resort – yet to be
The IFA who would undertake the
built, but once built created an excellent
investments (1 Stop Financial Services), had
income opportunity and capital growth.
its permissions removed by the FCA earlier
Not a common quote I’ve heard, even
harder to believe when it’s one of your
closest friends saying it!
You transfer enough funds to put a 30%
deposit down, once the resort is built then
the remaining 70% can be purchased by way
of further money within the SIPP, or by
mortgage facility direct with the company,
Harlequin Property.
this year, and ceased trading. A little under
2,000 SIPPs were set up, with around £112
million being invested with Harlequin, with
little or no consideration as to the merits of
the investment, or whether the risks suited
the individual clients.
Now being an Independent Advisor, I
contacted an associate who dealt with
Harlequin and was advised that commission
for transacting the SIPP purchase would be
5% to ourselves, based on the total purchase
price of say £100,000.Very nice!
Now, some very angry and concerned
investors have been left out of pocket. Claim
Compensation companies are now in hot
pursuit of these investors, any Google search
will highlight a large number of suitors.
The commission wasn’t a concern, more so
ensuring that my friends investment was
sound, instigated further research.
76
To advertise in
However, having contacted the Financial
Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), they
have declared 1 Stop FS in default, and as
such are receiving claims for reimbursement
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
up to their maximum limit of £50,000.
What makes this all rather galling for
Independent Financial Advisors such as
ourselves, is that the levy we pay to the
FSCS has shot up due to this and similar
other investment ‘schemes’.
So, the old moral ‘all that glitters isn’t gold’ is
very true.
With any investment that we make on a
client’s behalf, we have ensured that the
underlying investment is sound, tangible and
recommended by us as being suitable.
The majority (if not all) of the investors will
now receive compensation, including my
friend.
My sanity has been restored, at least in the
eyes of my friend, and I await the outcome
of the investigation by the SFO.
However, behind my desk I get to keep a
momento of Harlequin Properties. What can
only be described as the Rolls Royce of
marketing brochures sits proudly on display,
enticing all those whose eyes cast over its
contents.
If ever you’re passing, pop in and have a look,
it must be the most expensive piece of
marketing literature that I’ve had the
inadvertent pleasure of ultimately funding!
Lastly, as ever we’re here to help and
may I take this opportunity to wish
you all a very Merry Xmas and a
It’s a shame that this ‘investment opportunity’ prosperous New Year.
ever got to be the problem it has since
Paul
become, and with all unregulated investment
schemes, please do not throw caution to
the wind.
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Thames Ditton
77
Home is where the heart is may sound cheesy but even in fairytales
the ‘house’ motif links to all things, people, events and happiness…
...in a land not-so-far away, there was a
beautiful princess - ok just an ordinary buyer
– called Ms White. She was tired of living
with her weird and vain step-mother who
was always talking to some strange bloke, in
a gold mirror. Ms White decided to move
out.
Firstly, she got a job with seven little men,
cleaning and mending but one day she laid
down her sewing, took up her purse and set
off on her search for a new home.
Snagging her skirt on branches she emerged
from the forest in a clearing where cottages
and boutiques lined a pretty high street. A
sign read Thames Ditton and in her heart
she knew this was the place.
By and by, she chanced upon a shop-front
proffering all manner of dwellings. A tall man
inside stooped to assist her but looked tired
and sad. He was full of tales of woe and Ms
White shivered as she listened to stories of
big, bad wolves from the land of MMR and
Bank of England that had huffed and puffed
and put out the sparkle of the housing
78
To advertise in
market of spring past…three little pigs had
bought and sold at a loss, a candy cottage
had roof issues and no window certificates,
the men with the money bags shook their
heads sternly.
Alas, nothing seemed right...too big, too
small, too hot, too cold. Everywhere she
turned she seemed to stumble and trip, woe
betides and laughter echoing in her ears.
At long last, she saw a warm and inviting
place called HJC, illuminated with houses of
various size, shape and style. A kind lady
beckoned her in and Ms White settled in a
comfy chair and rubbed her hands on a hot
mug of cocoa. As she did so, a man appeared
and asked her;
“If you were granted three wishes, what would
you wish for?” Ms White paused to think for a
moment...
“Location...garden...something just right.”
Advice was aplenty, choice abundant, and
Ms White was able to secure a mortgage
with a deposit raised from the sale of the
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
golden mirror, much to the vexation of
her angry step-mother.
Just weeks later, Ms White moved into a
lovely cottage – who needs handsome
princes with a house like this? She
ruminated, as she readied herself for the
Thames Ditton Christmas ball! And,
needless to say, she lived happily
ever after!
DISCLAIMER:Whilst HJC cannot bless everyone
with unusual happiness and do not partake in
magic, we can take the common elements of
your individual story, listen to your needs and
provide a service that will lead to a fairytale
ending – so whether buying, selling or letting give
HJC a call.
SOLD
Emma Wescombe x
FOR SALE offers in excess of £1,750,000
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Thames Ditton
79
Monthly Taxation &
Accounting Advice.
Tax Return Tips
With the 31st January deadline for Àling
tax returns looming, many people use the
Christmas break to complete their returns.
Here are three common mistakes which
can result in errors and incorrect tax
charges.
tax credit. That tax credit is not refundable,
but HMRC deem it sufÀcient to cover your
basic rate income tax liability.You must look
at the net dividend paid plus the tax credit
as part of your total income to see if you
owe any higher rate income tax.
The “normal” paye code for 2013/14
is 944L. If that code is not on your P60
then you need to know why. Maybe you
have some taxable beneÀts in kind, but
sometimes HMRC use your code to collect
tax owed from a previous year or to
estimate what may be due this year.
If you have rental property income with
a mortgage, be sure that you only claim
tax relief on the interest you pay on that
mortgage. Unless your loan is interest
only, the monthly payment includes some
repayment of the original loan.
Dividends are paid net of a notional 10%
80
by Andrew Nicholson
To advertise in
Take advice before you click “send” if you
have any doubts about your tax return.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
www.gallowayhughes.co.uk
Tel: 01372 237070
Need a lawyer?
Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year
from all the team at
Galloway Hughes
Legal services:
•
•
•
•
residential conveyancing
residential lease extensions
commercial property matters
commercial agreements and
business sales
• wills, probate and lasting
powers of attorney
Our new address from 22nd December 2014
Galloway Hughes LLP: Aissela 46 High Street Esher Surrey KT10 9QY
[email protected]
Join us on Facebook for even more
Thames Ditton
81
Police Report
A round up of all our policing news for The Dittons and Hinchley
by PCSO Nigel Oates
Wood over the past month.
This month I am
pleased to report
that PC Sharon
Taylor has been
given the award
for Surrey
Community OfÀcer
of the Year.
This is in relation to the work that
the general public don’t see the police
completeing. Sharon has been working with
our partnership agencies and Elmbridge
Council dealing with anti social behaviour
of local tenants. This accumulated in at
least Àve tenants being evicted from their
property and she also obtained a 5 year Anti
Social Behaviour Order (A.S.B.O.) against
a Thames Ditton homeowner, where the
female in question had been plaguing her
neighbours for many years.
82
• Car crime continues in the area with
drivers leaving valuables in full view,
particularly laptops and mobile phones,
the loss being compounded by the victim
having to replace their car window at a
cost too. This happened to two cars in a
Thames Ditton car park in November.
• Large amounts of Áy tipping have occurred
in Alston Close, Angel Road, Windmill
Lane and Bankside Drive. The removal
of this rubbish costs the council a lot
of money which ultimately is passed to
residents in their community charge. If you
see this happening please phone 999 and
where possible take the vehicle details.
• Two males were recently cautioned for
drug offences in Houston Road.
• A scam which is doing the rounds locally
is where motorists and pedestrians are
stopped by males and females asking for
• Within the Dittons and Hinchley Wood
area we have identiÀed many single elderly money to buy petrol as they have run
out, jewellery is offered in return. This is
residents with no family contacts, who
of course fake, if this happens to you call
have become neglected and have the early
999 and obtain any vehicle details and
onset of dementia. We have been able to
descriptions of those involved.
arrange suitable care packages for some
and others have been moved to more
• Please be aware of your security
suitable accommodation where they can
arrangements at Christmas time,
be looked after.
particularly presents left in full view
around your tree and ensure you lock up
• On the 19th of November, PC Taylor
securely when you’re going out. Install
and PC Betts were the Àrst on the scene
plug-in timer lights now that the darker
at a serious road accident at the Angel
nights are with us.
Road junction of Portsmouth Road. Many
residents who saw this have contacted
Wishing you all a happy and crime free
us to Ànd out how the motorcyclist is.
Christmas from your local team.
The local man was taken to St Georges
Hospital with multiple injuries but is
Nigel
recovering slowly.
To advertise in
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
WILLOW
LANDSCAPES
GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING
Est. 1981
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
GARDEN DESIGN
PRUNING AND PLANTING
LAWN CARE
HEDGE CUTTING
We offer a full professional garden service
Portfolio available - Fully insured
Design & construction
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Tel:
FREE CONSULTATION & QUOTATION GIVEN
01372 842 424
07958 618 849
Join us on Facebook for even more
BOTH COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC
WORK WELCOMED
FULLY TRAINED & INSURED
M. 07799 400042
T/F. 020 8397 2088
5 VALE ROAD NORTH, SURBITON
SURREY, KT6 5AG
www.lawnstolandscapes.co.uk
Thames Ditton
83
The Computer Column
Sharpen your elbows for the January sales.
Christmas is here again, so you’d better
watch out... for computer bargains!
And extreme grumpiness. Nothing makes
the rational mind rebel like enforced ‘fun’
and when you add ‘jollity’ and ‘goodwill’
the only smile you’re likely to get from me
before Boxing Day is if the fat man in red
hits a high tension pylon.
In order to bring you the best gift ideas
I have been selÁessly tramping the pre
Christmas streets, gazing through shop
windows and clutching my can of Bah
Humbug spray in case someone tries to be
cheerful at me.
Tablet computer costs have dropped once
again, but those who can wait might Ànd
that the current tablet surplus results in a
pretty little price massacre come January.
Really good value are the Tesco Hudl at
£129. Best overall (IMO) is the Lenovo Yoga
2 from £250.
by Luke Rogers
neater but so much easier to get at the
DVD drive and USB ports. Lenovo and HP
are battling it out on this one, with ASUS a
surprise late entrant. Prices from £350 and
up.
A good tip to keep prices down is to
buy the model without a touch screen.
Touch screens are indispensible on devices
like tablets and phones, but useless on a
desktop screen, and only slightly less so on
a laptop.
So good luck, and sharpen up your elbows
for the January Sales.
What carol do Computer
Geeks Sing?
.COM All Ye Faithful!
Chromebooks have been around for a
while now. Basically cut down laptops they
rely on an internet connection to the cloud,
although they have some storage. Great
for the commute into town, less great for
that six month trip up the Amazon, where
internet cafes are unknown and getting a
3G signal almost impossible (that last part
reminds me of our lovely village). Prices
come in at about £200.
The all-in-one desktop computer
revolution has gathered pace this year, so
swap out that dust trap under the desk
for a computer inside a monitor. Not only
84
To advertise in
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
NORCOM ELECTRICAL SERVICES (EST 1992)
Ŷ Based in Thames Ditton
Ŷ Domestic Part P Approved
Ŷ No Call Out Charge
Ŷ Free Estimates
Ŷ Fully Insured
Ŷ Fault Finding, Repair, Install
Ŷ All Domestic Electrical work
a Undertaken
Call 07956 101396 /
020 8398 3334
[email protected]
Always use an NICEIC registered contractor to ensure that your
electrics are Installed and maintained safely and correctly.
hudson
construction.co.uk
BASEMENTS EXTENSIONS KITCHENS BATHROOMS LOFT CONVERSIONS NEW BUILDS JOINERY
020 8224 5061
[email protected]
Join us on Facebook for even more
www.hudsonconstruction.co.uk
Thames Ditton
85
The Market Place
CLOTHES SALE
Brand new & hardly worn top end designer
and high street brand clothes sale. Dresses,
jackets, trousers, cardigans, skirts... Sizes
12-16. Wednesday 10th December. 9.30am2pm. 36 Alexandra Road, Thames Ditton.
07958 581151
FOR SALE
R M Williams Droughtbreaker coat
Brown – waxed long coat. Large. Unworn.
Perfect for British wet weather, walking,
riding etc
RRP £265. Just £65
Call 07900 312634
FOR SALE
Early Learning Centre pop up
sensory ball pit £10
Tiny Love Gymini Princess Playmat
in pink £20
FOR SALE
Black & Decker GW250 leaf blower vac,
1500w, 6 metre cable, debris bag
V good condition, fully working order,
hardly used. £20
Call 07889 173749
Call 020 8398 6995
FOR SALE
Pool/snooker table. 94x184cm (folds when
not in use) With cues and balls £90
Biorb aquarium 30L (40cm diameter) £25
Men’s Superdry (M) black waterproof
jacket with warm grey Áeece lining £30
Please ring 07773 687991
FOR SALE
Britax Travel Cot £20
High chair, strong and sturdy £15
Tomy collapsible bed rail £10
6 Wooden garden chairs, FREE
FOR SALE
Black leather ladies boots, Camper brand,
Áat black, almost knee high, very good
condition. £50.
Contact 07977 975861
86
Any inclusions for our FREE Market Place page must
be received by the 18th of the month. Email your items
to [email protected]
Call 020 8398 0473
FOR SALE
Army/air cadet uniform
‘Greens’ camoÁage shirt, trousers, belt,
jacket, balaclava. Fit average 13/14 yr old
Boots and parade shoes size 7
£20 the lot or £5 each item
Please call 0208 398 2762
FOR SALE
2 mens black two-piece evening suits:
‘Mr Harry’ Chest 40” Waist 34”
‘Skopes’ Chest 44” Waist 39/40”
VGC £40 each
Dusky pink velvet single bed head vgc £25
Call 0208 398 6510
FOR SALE
Doc Marten Lace Low Boots
Size 4 (37) - Light Tan
£35 (originally £100)
Barely worn
FOR SALE
Ride-on Ladybird Trunki kids suitcases.£25
Call 07973 883584
Ladies pink UNIVERSAL bike special
edition MONTE CARLO, fully serviced and
with front basket. £100 ONO
Call 07831 567 265
FOR SALE
Salomon Ski/Snowboard Helmet - Black
with ear muffs. Female Poison Black Matt
size 55-56 (s) 13yrs & over. worn once no
falls! Happy to send photos.
£60 ono (£90 new)
Call Louise 0770 9310247
To advertise in
Call 07952 592195
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
ST
R N
NO YLE AN EW
W S & GE
AV C OF
AI OL
LA OU
BL RS
E
For a beautiful new kitchen...
just change
the doors
Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the
expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.
Less cost, less time, less mess...
• Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps
• Free Estimating and planning
• 50% deposit with balance on completion www.dreamdoors.co.uk
For a FREE NO OBLIGATION home visit
telephone 020 8399 1226
Or visit our showroom: 406 Ewell Road,
Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7HF
Email [email protected]
Join us on Facebook for even more
View our credentials at
Thames Ditton
87
Winter fruit tree works
During the winter months pruning of your apple and pear trees can
aid healthy growth and retain a good form for your garden trees.
There are a diverse range of methods
to prune fruit trees, for small trees the
tips given here can help you complete
a basic prune but larger trees require
an arborist to use climbing and
scaffold techniques to do a proper
professional job.
Poor pruning can weaken the metabolism of
the tree and even trigger dieback and loss of
fruiting yields.
General advice is to prune to open up the
tree so more light can pass through it,
Good pruning can open up the tree to
remove small branches that are unlikey to
more light, raise good yields and give the
bear the weight of the fruits these can be
tree good shape.
thin limbs or ones with poor angles. A good
For small trees follow these steps:shape to have in mind is that of a vase form
and one that gives you a ideal working
1. Remove the sucker growth from the
height to pick fruit in the autumn.
lower trunk and branches. These are of
little value both to tree yield and aesthetic
Where a tree is near to a wall or fence you
form. Use a good pair of loppers for this
can prune to produce a flat fan like shape
operation.
(espalier), this can take several years to
2. Remove any dead or diseased branches
as well as those with no indication of buds.
It is from these buds that flowers and fruits
will develop in the spring. When making
the cuts try to leave an angle just above
the nearest outward facing bud, this lessens
the chance for disease and dieback and
lets rain water run off easily.
3. Once these tasks have been done the
remaining pruning depends upon whether
you prune trees as spur bearing or tip
bearing specimens. Most apple and pear
trees are spur bearing which is where the
flowers and fruits come from old wood; tip
bearing trees require a lesser prune of new
growth and can be a little more complicated.
88
To advertise in
create, so patience is required!
The finished small tree prune should be
thinner in form and if done correctly the
size of fruits will increase but the number
reduce. When picking the fruit do not pull it
off the tree but do a twisting action, if the
apple is ready for picking it should easily
drop into your hand. The fruits should be
stored to retain moisture and not dry out,
use a number of holed plastic bags and
carefully place them in boxes in a garage or
dry place.
If you need advice contact RJ Tree Services
020 8399 0103 www.rjtrees.co.uk
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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Est 35 YEARS
ROBINSON & SON
PROFESSIONAL
PAINTERS
& DECORATORS
Wallpapering
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
PRIVATE & RESIDENTIAL
High Quality
WORK AT LOCAL RATES
Experienced professional
Tradesman
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE
Patrick Stone
Chimney Sweep
Vacuum
Chimney
Sweeping
Service
Member of the
National Association
of Chimney Sweeps
020 8399 9803
Contact us for a
clean and ef¿cient
chimney sweep
A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
Call Patrick
020 8979 1670
07733 895 213
RECOMMENDATIONS
FULLY INSURED
EMail:
[email protected]
email: [email protected]
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Thames Ditton
89
What’s on
Any inclusions for our What’s On page must be received by the 10th
of each month. 020 8972 9826 [email protected]
MONDAY
Singersandsongs.com
Little Kickers
Bootcamp by Elevate
St. Mary’s Church Hall, Long
Ditton. 8.00-9.30pm
07956 323 782 - Elaine
Surbiton, Esher, kingston also
St. Nicholas Church Hall
18m-5yrs 9.30am-12noon
020 8286 6038 - Helen
Kumon Maths and English
St. Nicholas Church Hall
Monday 3.30-6pm,
Tuesday 3.30-5.30pm
020 8288 1819 - Mrs Rao
Giggs Hill Green
1st session free
9.30am (45mins),10.30am
Parent & Baby Bootcamp
07743 189 905 - Liam
Catch-a-Balls
18m-5yrs, Vera Fletcher Hall
9.30,10.10,10.45 &
11.35 & 1.45
020 8972 9223 - Roz
Yoga & Pilates
Vera Fletcher Hall
7.45pm
07971 194948 - Lisa
Ditton School of Ballet
Colets Health & Fitness
2-5pm, 3yrs+
020 8398 6140
Kids Soft Play
3.15-4.15pm, 2-8yrs,
Guests £7.50
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
Coffee/Lunch
Junior Squash
(intermediates)
4.30-6pm Ages: 6-16yrs
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
Stage Studio
Barre-workout
Thames Ditton Centre
Mercer Close
9.30-10.30am
07764 685 197 - Zoe
www.danzclub.co.uk
Little Stars, 3-5yrs
3.30-4.30pm
Theatre School, 6-16yrs
4.00-6.30pm
07907 477 135
United Reform Church Hall
Adult Jazz Dance
Ditton School of Ballet
Cake decorating &
sugarcraft classes
The Thames Ditton Centre
Mercer Close
7.30pm-8.30pm
07764 685 197 - Zoe
www.danzclub.co.uk
Thames Ditton Centre
50+ welcome 10.30-2:30
020 8398 5921
TUESDAY
Music with Mummy
Arts & Crafts
Thames Ditton Cricket Club
9.50am, up to 3yrs
01784 458 454 or
07810 425 423 - Karon
4.30-5.15pm
Ages: 5-8yrs, guests £7.50
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
Tiny Tunes music class
Thames Ditton Crafters
TD Guide Hut, Church Walk
3mths-5yrs, Pay as you go
10am & 10.50am
07977 585 020 - Lisa
Crafty Pint, 1st Tuesday of
the month, The Red Lion Pub
7.30pm
07957 931170 - Jenny
Yoga for all levels
Long Ditton Village Hall
6.45-8.15pm & 8.30-10pm
020 8390 9522 - Carolyn
Thames Ditton W.I
3rd Tuesday of each month
St. Nicholas Church Hall
020 8398 2700
Colets Health & Fitness
2-2.45pm, 3yrs+
020 8398 6140
Live Jazz
8pm, free entry
George & Dragon
020 8398 2206
Quiz Night
EVERY Tuesday night
The Ditton, Long Ditton
Long Ditton Village Hall
10am-12.15pm
term time only
01372 877476 - Annie
The Molesey & District
Antiques Society
1st Tuesday of each month
Vera Fletcher Hall
8pm 020 8224 0633
WEDNESDAY
Vera Fletcher Hall
6.45pm & 8.00pm
07971 194 948 - Lisa
Monkey Music
St. Nicholas Church Hall
9.30-11.45am
020 8224 3971
[email protected]
Childrens Rhymetime
Kids Soft Play
3.30-4.30pm &
4.30-5.30pm, 2-8yrs,
Guests £7.50
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
Bumps&Babes
Yoga for all levels
Ember Choral Society
Thames Ditton Centre
Ages <18months
11.30-1pm FREE
020 8398 3772
Long Ditton Village Hall
9.30-11am
11.15am-12.45pm
020 8390 9522 - Carolyn
Our Lady Lourdes Church,
Hampton Court Way
7.45-9.30pm
020 8399 5402 - Linda
www.emberchoral.org.uk
Bootcamp by Elevate
Giggs Hill Green
first session free
9.30am (45mins)
07743 189 905 - Liam
Barre-workout
Starlight Academy of
Thames Ditton Centre,
Dance & Performing Arts 7.30-8.30pm
St. Nicholas Church Hall
07764 685 197 - Zoe
01276 474 704
Group Outdoor Fitness
Summer Road Rec Park
9.30am (45mins) £5
07921 543 419 - Nina
[email protected]
Thames Ditton Library
10.30-11.00am&11.30-12
Yoga & Pilates
THURSDAY
Parents & Toddlers Group Coffee/Lunch
Big Band@Bosco
St. Nicholas Church Hall
Thames Ditton Centre
9.30am 020 8398 7211 50+ welcome
10.30-2:30
Childrens Storytime
020 8398 5921
Thames Ditton Library
Yoga for all levels
2.00pm-2.30pm
Long Ditton Village Hall
Ditton School of Ballet 6.45-8.15pm & 8.30-10pm
St. Nicholas Church Hall
020 8390 9522 - Carolyn
020 8398 6140
Live Music & Mojitos!
8pm-Midnight
020 8339 5720
Yoga & Pilates
Vera Fletcher Hall
9.30am & 10.45am
07971 194 948 - Lisa
Music with Mummy
& Jolly Babies
Thames Ditton Cricket Club
MwM 9.50 & 10.25am,up
to 3yrs JBs 11.00am, up to 1yr
01784 458454 or
07810 425 423 - Karon\
FRIDAY
Kids Drop in & Play
Ditton School of Ballet
Thames Ditton Centre
£2 per child, £1 additional
children & free for babies
under 6 months old.
9.30-11am Ages: 0-5yrs
020 8398 3772
Colets Health & Fitness
2-5pm, 3yrs+
020 8398 6140
Starlight Academy of
Group Outdoor Fitness
Dance & Performing Arts Summer Road Rec Park
St. Nicholas Church Hall
9.30am (45mins) £5
01276 474 704
07921 543 419 - Nina
Arts & Crafts
4.30-5.15pm
Bootcamp by Elevate
Ages: 5-8yrs, guests £7.50
Colets Health & Fitness
Champagne only £20 a bottle 020 8398 7108
The Angel Inn, Giggs Hill Green
Friday night fizz!
[email protected]
Giggs Hill Green
first session free
9.30am (45mins)
07743 189 905 - Liam
Quiz Night@ The George
8.15pm George & Dragon
020 8398 2206
VERA FLETCHER HALL:
Charles Court Opera
present Billy the Kid A Panto Western.
Friday 16th & Saturday
17th Jan 7.30pm.
Tickets: Friday £12.50,
Sat £38 including 3 course
dinner. Sponsored by Dairy
Crest, in aid of Thames
Ditton Hospital
Appeal. 020 8398 5005
“...no ordinary pantomime...
I laughed myself silly…
priceless...these annual
pantos are the best of them”
DAILY TELEGRAPH.
SATURDAY
Starlight Academy of
Runningfit
Kids Soft Play
Dance & Performing Arts Performance 8.30am, 5km 9-10.30am, 2-8yrs,
9.30, 10km 11am) from
Guests £10
Hampton Court Station.
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
[email protected] 07734 263 842 - Helen
[email protected]
St. Nicholas Church Hall
01276 474 704
Junior Squash
12.30-2.30 – Ages 6-16
Colets Health & Fitness
020 8398 7108
Akido
Juniors 4.00-5.00pm
Adults 5.00-6.30pm
07882 880249 - Rafael
www.aikidocotswolds.com
Colets Panto 5th Dec. Little Red Riding Hood Christmas Kids Camp Mon 15th December-Mon 5th January. Bookings from 24th November.
020 8398 7108
90
To advertise in
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
Thames Ditton Junior School Christmas Fair
Sunday 7th December
between 12-3pm
Join us for some festive, family fun including;
A mouth-watering food market offering
home-made soup, Indian veggie delights, turkey & cranberry rolls,
Halloumi wraps, mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate!
*
“Willy Wonka Sweet Extravaganza”
Will you find one of the 10 golden tickets?
*
Bottle, Sweets and Toy Tombola
*
Music and entertainment from
David the DJ and Thames Ditton‘s Got Talent
*
Fabulous Raffle Prizes
1st Prize Maxi Micro Scooter, 2nd Prize InHarmony Total Body Experience,
3rd Prize Ye Olde Swan Festive Family Meal for 5 and many more prizes...
*
Last minute Christmas gifts for all the family
and much, much more!
*
Join us in the School Hall and Grounds (use main entrance)
Adults £1 on the door
Join us on Facebook for even more
Thames Ditton
91
Putting Christ back in Christmas!
“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store…
Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more,” The Grinch 1957 Dr. Seuss
ALL SAINTS CHURCH,
CHESTNUT AVE, WESTON
GREEN – REV. PHILLIP
JOHNSON
Sun.30th Nov. 9:45am Advent Sunday
Eucharist, 4pm & 7pm Advent Carol Service
Sat.6th Dec. 6:30pm Beer & Carols at
The Greyhound then Marney’s
Sat. 13th Dec. 11-3pm Angels Christmas
Fair
Sun. 14th Dec. 4pm Christingle Service
Thurs. 18th Dec. SmAll Saints Christmas
Party
Sun. 21st Dec. Service of Nine Lessons
& Carols
Weds. 24th Dec. 2pm & 4pm Crib
Services, 11:30pm Midnight Mass
Thurs. 25th Dec. 9:45am Christmas Day
Eucharist
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
CHURCH, HAMPTON COURT
WAY – FR. ROB ESDAILE
Sun. 7th Dec. 6pm Reconciliation Service
Sun. 14th Dec. 5pm Advent Carol Service
by Candlelight
92
To advertise in
Weds. 24th Dec. 6pm Vigil Mass of
Christmas, 10:30 Christmas Carols 11pm
Mass of Christmas Night.
Thurs. 25th Dec. 9am & 10:45am Mass of
Christmas Day
28th Dec. 9am & 10:45am Feast of the
Holy Family
Thurs. 1st Jan. 10am Mass Feast of Mary
the Mother of God
Sat. 3rd Jan. 6pm Vigil Mass Feast of the
Epiphany.
Sun. 4th Jan. 9am & 10:45am Feast of the
Epiphany
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH,
SPEER RD,TD - REV. PETER
FLINT
Sat. 6th Dec. Christmas Miscellany with
Music, Poetry & Carols
Sun. 14th Dec. 10:45am Toy Service
(take a toy for charity)
Sun. 21st Dec. 10:45am Traditional
Nine lessons & Carol Service
Weds. 24th Dec. 6pm Children’s
Christmas Eve Candlelit Service
Thurs. 25th Dec. 9am Christmas Day
Celebration
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH
Please see overleaf for the dates &
times for Christmas services at St.
Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton;
the first St. Nicholas newsletter
which we are pleased to tell you
will now be appearing quarterly in
our magazine.
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
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St. Nicholas’ Church
T H A M E S D I T TO N
1120 – 2015
Come and join us at a service this
Christmas time
Dear Friends
Following the retirement of our
vicar, Revd John Silk, we are now
awaiting the appointment of a
new vicar at St Nicholas’. This
does not mean that services have
been abandoned – far from it! We
have a very willing team of
serving and retired ministers in
the vicinity who are kindly
stepping in to ociate. As the cold winter weather
settles in, and the nights grow
ever darker, we are enjoying
Advent and the coming of
Christmas. We hope to see you at
one or more of our Christmas
Services: namely, the Toy Service;
Christingle; the Festival of Nine
Lessons and Carols; the Crib
Service; Midnight Communion;
and, of course, on Christmas Day.
Yours sincerely
Alexander Dunne
& Jennifer Sherri
Churchwardens 94
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Family Toy Service
On Sunday 7 December, we shall
be celebrating the Feast of Saint
Nicholas, our patron saint, and
thinking about his acts of
generosity. As part of the service,
children will be invited to
distribute gifts of chocolate
around the congregation. They
will also be asked to bring along
a toy in very good condition to
donate to Shooting Star Chase,
the children’s hospice. Presents
for older children and teenagers
are also very welcome. We have
been asked not to wrap our gifts
but to bring them as they are, or
to put them in gift bags. The Week of Christian Unity
is on 18-25 January. On 18
January we shall welcome our
local United Reformed Church
(URC) for a special service at
10am, and at 4.30pm there will
be a service for all the churches
in the Dittons at the URC in Speer
Road. There will also be a service
each day in a local church. For
full details see our website,
www.stnicholaschurch.org.uk
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
St. Nicholas’ Church
T H A M E S D I T TO N
1120 – 2015
1120 – 2015
CHURCH CALENDAR
December 2014 February
y 2015
2015
Services listed are correct
at the time of going to press.
However, during the interregnum (the
period when the position of vicar is
vacant) they are subject to change.
For up-to-date information please
consult the church noticeboard,
website, or notify the Parish OfCce,
[email protected]
tel. 020 8398 9641, to receive the
weekly news sheet by email. EVERY SUNDAY
SUNDAY
8am Holy Communion
Communion
7 DECEMBER, ADVENT 22
10am Family Toy Service
Service
6.30pm Evening Prayer (said)
(said)
14 DECEMBER, ADVENT 33
10am Parish Communion with the
Archdeacon of Dorking
Dorking
4pm Christingle Service (No Evening Service)
Service)
THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER 9.30am Christmas “Tots’ Praise”
Service 21 DECEMBER, ADVENT 44
10am Parish Communion and Sunday
School
School
6.30pm Service of Nine Lessons
and Carols
Carols
WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER,
CHRISTMAS EVE
EVE
4pm Blessing of the Crib and
Children’s Carols 11.30pm Midnight Communion
Communion
THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER,
CHRISTMAS DAY
DAY
10am Family Service 11.15am Holy Communion
Communion
28 DECEMBER, HOLY INNOCENTS
INNOCENTS
(No 8am Holy Communion)
Communion)
10am A Celebration of Christmas in
Carols and Readings
Readings
(No Sunday School)
School)
January and February 2015
10am Sundays - Parish Communion,
except Family Service on the Crst
Sunday of the month.
Sunday School, during the service, on
18 and 25 January, and 15 February.
y
February.
Tots’ Praise at 9.30am on Thursdays,
8 January and 12 February.
February.
Ash Wednesday Service
at 11am on
18 February.
y
February.
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Who’s Who in Thames Ditton
A little bit about...Andy Luck
Words by Tricia Martin
When it comes to wildlife we’re spoilt
for choice in our corner of Surrey.
So it’s no surprise that Andy Luck,
who has spent most of his career
documenting animals and birds in
Britain and abroad, feels at home here.
Andy, photography has been a lifelong
passion, hasn’t it?
Yes. I first got a camera at 7, when we were
living in Singapore, where my dad was posted
with the Air Force. I have taken pictures ever
since. I carried on while studying Politics at
Warwick University then joined the BBC,
which allowed me to combine politics with
an interest in visual images. I ended up
working there for 24 years, with BBC
Worldwide. I started out as a salesman,
selling footage to other broadcasters and
ended up as an Executive Producer making
programmes for the BBC that were sold all
over the world. My travels took me to
places like Africa and Asia and famous names
like Tony Robinson and Tom Baker did voice
overs for some of the films.
Then in 2011 you set off in a new
direction…
I left the BBC and set up Wild Open Eye
96
To advertise in
which is a filming and production business.
I do still photography as well and write
features for various publications, on wildlife
or camera equipment and I’ve done some
fascinating things like making a film for the
UN on Sustainable Forestry. It’s been great
diversifying. I’ve worked for The Royal
Collection at Buckingham Palace, for Visit
Britain during the Olympics and also for Visit
Scotland. I’ve just come back from filming for
Scottish National Heritage on the Isle of
May, and as well as taking photos and
shooting footage of wildlife like puffins, I
visited Harris where I interviewed an old
guy who weaves tweed with a loom. It’s
certainly been varied!
It sounds like you are relishing the
challenge of working for yourself!
Definitely. It’s not easy starting up something
new but it’s been a good challenge and I
have found that you’ll meet someone who’ll
introduce you to someone else and things
snowball. I met local conservationist
Lorraine Platt when she saw me taking
photos by the river, and through her I’ve met
some really interesting people involved in
wildlife and politics. While up in Scotland I
did a shoot for a knitwear designer and I've
written for a Japanese airline magazine that
has a huge circulation, so I’ve been
promoting this area to Japanese tourists! I
have a membership for Hampton Court
Palace and have some ideas for projects I’d
like to put to them at some point.
There was a big World Parks Congress going
on in Sydney recently about Biodiversity, run
by the United Nations, and the back cover
of the programme features a photo I took in
call Susie on 020 8972 9826
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Amy worked at The Albany and Dominic
worked for Mike at The Swan, he had a great
time there. It’s wonderful having shops like
How did you end up living in Thames
our greengrocers Paull’s on the doorstep
Ditton?
and when it comes to presents, the fabulous
My wife Lisa and I migrated from Wimbledon
Stitchery has saved me plenty of times!
to get more space, like a lot of people round
Work, family and your Labrador Rufus
here I think. We were in Surbiton first, then
keep you busy, but do you have time
25 years ago we saw a lovely little house at
the bottom of Queens Drive and fell in love for any hobbies?
Aside from paid work I could spend all my
with it. We moved to Speer Road 18 years
time promoting conservation, as it is
ago, so that’s where our children Amy and
something I feel so passionately about, but
Dominic have grown up. They went to St.
you have to strike a balance. Having said that
Paul’s, then after high school went to Esher
College which they both loved. Amy has just I have been on the judging panel for Outdoor
Photographer Of The Year, and will be doing
got a first at Birmingham in Biological
that again, which is an honour. Aside from
Science and Zoology, I am quite proud that
my wildlife interests and photography I play
she has gone down that route, we are an
guitar and one day I hope to write novels.
animal-mad family. Dominic is at University
I am also a keen cyclist, but I don’t wear all
of East Anglia, doing English and Drama.
the gear. Despite my love of animals, I’m not
Growing up they both did drama classes at
a ‘MAMIL’ (middle-aged man in lycra)!
The Vera Fletcher Hall so we were often
there watching their performances.
Borneo of a baby orang utan. I am very
proud of that.
Any favourite local haunts?
I love The Rose, as everyone does. And
Mezzet, in Hampton Court is great. The kids
have both been involved in local businesses.
1. Elephant & baby, Namibia. 2. Badger, filmed for Blue
Badger. 3. Puffin, Isle of May, Scotland. 4. Baby orang utan,
Borneo. 5. Me with villagers who grow saplings to re
plant the rainforest in Borneo, whilst filming for the UN.
6. Parakeets, BBC Wildlife Magazine.
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Index of Advertisers
Accountants
Alexander James
Acupuncture
Anna Dennis
Adult Education
Esher College
Childrens Book classes
Architect
Hausi with TMG
Ballet
Ditton School of Ballet
TuTu Tales
Bathrooms
Bathrooms 11
Bed and Breakfast
Heywoods
Beauty salon
Rejuvenate
Boot Camp
Elevate
Nina Howard
Builders
Hudson Construction
TMG Design & Build
Car showroom
Guy Salmon
Childcare
Colets Nursery
Premier Nannies
Childrens Classes
Catch a Balls
Mark Jermin
Stagecoach
Stage Studio
Chimney Sweep
Patrick Stone
Communications
Fabric
98
Computer help
p80 Don’t Panic
Copywriting
p66 Amanda Hills
Curtains
p39 Just For You
p40 Maison Bleu
Decorators
p99 Robinson & Son
Deli
p47 Limetree
p48 Lunch
Dentist
p2 Dental Connection
Invisibrace
p27 Design
Fly Colours
p72 Electrician
Norcom
p67 Estate Agents
p60 Hawes
HJC
p85 Financial Advice
p99 Knight James
Florists
p57 Secret Garden
Fruit & Veg.
p40 Paull’s
p48 Gardening
Heritage
p44 Lawns to Landscape
p55 Willow Landscapes
p45 Gifts /Homewares
p49 Bradley + Brown
Maud
p89 Stitchery
Hairdresser
p36 Hype
The Cutting Room
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Health & Fitness
Pubs/Eateries
p84 Body Fusion
p59 Al Forno
p3 Aioli
Colets
p39 Iso Barre
p63 Bosco Lounge
Health & Nutrition
Langleys
p85 Balanced Wellness
p66 Lunch
p30 Holistic Therapy
Mezzet/Mezzet Dar
p67 Red Lion
Shelley Maude
p89 Horse Racing
The Angel
p52 The Ditton
Sandown Park
p25 Hotels
The Ferry Nepalese
p27 Hotel Bosco
p12 The Rose
Illustration
Ye Olde Swan
p69 Christyan Fox
p40 Running coaching
p73 Kitchens
RunningÀt
p87 Schools
Dreamdoors
p5 Lawyer
Claremont Fan Court
p81 Emberhurst
Galloway Hughes
p85 Martial Arts
Taxi
p61 Top Cars
Aikido
p75 MOT,tyres,parts
Travel Counsellor
p78 Esher Tyre & Exhaust 100 Sally Strang
Orthodontist
Tree Surgery
p76 Invisibrace
p73 RJ Trees
p68 WG Harpur
Walpole
p35 Patisserie/chocolate
Tutor
p50 Cate Michaels
Bachmanns
p34 Personal Trainer
Gail Deal
p59 Venues
Body Fusion
p83 Elevate Sport
p67 TMYC
p83 Nina Howard
p60 Video Transferring
p83 Pet Portraits
John Mcguinn
p33 Stanley Services
Ken Dolman
p33 Photography
Wine Merchants
p30 Jo Douet
p30 Laithwaites
p31 Posters
Yoga & Pilates
p34 Claire Kendall
TMartO
p69 Promotional clothing
Long Ditton Yoga
p38 Lisa Mcauliffe
p66 Pier32
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27
p26
p12
p15
p27
p19
p11
p29
p7
p22
p17
p9
p63
p41
p53
p14
p38
p89
p83
p44
p44
p38
p40
p39
p23
p63
p60
p62
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Esher tyre + Exhaust
• Free collection & delivery
(prior bookings only)
• FREE valve & balance
on all tyres purchased
• Winter checks £29.99 + VAT
• Budget & branded tyres
supplied and fitted
• Air conditioning service
• MOT
• Diagnostic equipment
• Welding and MOT repairs
• Exhaust
• Servicing from £49.99 + VAT
(all makes)
• Batteries
• Clutches
• Save up to 50% on main
dealer servicing
15% ff
any purchase with
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Did you know a driver will
receive 3 points on his driving
licence for every bald tyre?
020 8398 1727
Hampton Court Way
Thames Ditton
100
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Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm
Sat: 8am-1pm
call Susie on 020 8972 9826