New Editor of Thames Ditton Today
Following the sad death of Terry Ford in August, Keith Evetts has become our new editor. Keith, his wife Lesley, three children and African Grey parrot Dolly have lived in Church Walk since 1992 in between postings abroad. Retired since 2003, Keith runs the web sites for the Residents' Association and the Vera Fletcher Hall as well as pursuing many interests.
Planning
The Residents' Association team has continued to oppose those developments damaging to our environment and to aid those supported by local residents which are in keeping with the character of the village and Weston Green. They have put in an immense amount of time at meetings with council officers, site visits etc. They are positive in their approach and also work with applicants and council officers to suggest improvements or conditions to proposals.
- 43 The Drive
We supported Elmbridge Council's refusal of the application to demolish one house and build six two-storey terraced houses in two blocks of three and one detached two-storey house with detached garage as the scheme was cramped, overdeveloped and out of character with the surrounding area. - 29-31 Ember Lane
We opposed the proposal to build two rows of four terraced town houses, one fronting Ember Lane and one fronting Carlton Close, after the demolition of two houses as the scheme would create an overdeveloped appearance in the street scene, detract from the amenities enjoyed by the existing residents and be harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area. - 16a High Street (next to Moss Chemists)
We supported Elmbridge Council's refusal of the application to change the use of the shop to a one-bedroom flat as the proposal would adversely affect the viability of Thames Ditton as a shopping centre if there were large frontages of houses separating the existing shops. - 11 Warwick Road
We supported local residents' objections to the proposal to build a house on land at the side of the house on grounds of inadequate access and parking for the new house and increased parking problems for existing residents. - Land adjacent to 33/34 Linden Close
The appeal to build a two-storey block of flats at Linden Close was dismissed as the development would not be in character with the surrounding area and would detract from the appearance of the locality. - 5 Riversdale Road
We opposed the proposed two-storey extension close to the boundary of No.6 which would have been cramped, unneighbourly, and would have created a terrace effect, out of character with the street scene.
Environment
Mike Lockwood, Chief Executive of Elmbridge Council, showed his personal commitment to the environment by joining other Elmbridge staff, neighbourhood police, local businesses Burley & Son, Cleanaway and Brewer and Sons to clean up Ash Path in Thames Ditton in August. The volunteers removed undergrowth and painted out graffiti.
Our special thanks to Ted Woolley, the gardener at the Home of Compassion, for planting and watering all the flowers in the fountain at the Boyle Farm roundabout throughout the two months' drought this summer.
Thames Ditton Hall
Thames Ditton Hall is the new name for the Thames Ditton Youth and Community Centre following its major refurbishment and reopening in September. This is the happy end to a seven year battle by local residents, user groups and the Residents' Association which started when Surrey County Council tried to sell the site for redevelopment. The Hall is now available for hire -just ring 01372 474569. More details in the next issue.
Art, Bridge and Tai Chi Classes at the Ember Centre
The Ember Centre for Retired people at the Vera Fletcher Hall reopened in September following the installing of a splendid new oak floor (from sustainable sources) and new and quieter heaters. There are classes for everyone - a 'stay fit with Tai Chi' class on Monday afternoons from 2.45 - 3.45 pm, bridge classes on Mondays at 2.00 pm in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere where you can improve your bridge whether you are a beginner or an improver, and on Thursdays at 2.30 pm , art classes in water-colours, acrylics, collages etc. New members at all levels are welcome. For further details of all classes phone Harry Livesey, Manager of the Ember Centre tel: 020 8398 9870 (Mondays and Thursdays) or Linda Sheldrake: 01372 474553, or simply turn up on the day.
Welcome
To the new Vicar of All Saints, Weston, the Reverend Philip McAvoy, his wife Karen and children Sam and Ben. He was installed by the Bishop of Guildford on 6th September. And to the new Head of Thames Ditton Junior School, Stephen Hughes. Stephen was previously a Head Teacher in Banstead, then a senior education officer in the London Borough of Bromley, but he really missed working in schools and is now delighted to be returning to teaching. We wish them long and happy stays in Weston Green and Thames Ditton.
Congratulations
To Thames Ditton Infants School on their top award of Artsmark Gold by the Arts Council. And to Jo Huxster (from Station Road) and Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent for winning a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest journey on three wheels, with their 12,000 mile drive from Bangkok through Thailand, China, Russia and Europe in their pink tuk-tuk. They raised more than £25,000 for MIND (TD Today Vol. 38 Summer issue)
Dates for your Diary
This year's Residents' Association Christmas Party will take place on Saturday 9th December at the Vera Fletcher Hall. Come and enjoy a three course dinner and your favourite music. Residents who enjoyed last year's Christmas Party will tell you that at £26 a ticket, it is the greatest party of the year. For tickets phone Fiona Elliot 8398 1788.
The High Street will be closed to traffic for the Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 13th December 6.00-9.30pm and there will be a festive evening of late night shopping, complimentary beauty consultations and massages, mulled wine, roast chestnuts, mince pies, wine tasting, carol singers and Father Christmas.
Subscriptions Please
If you have not yet paid your subscription this year, please so as soon as possible. Although all our officers are volunteers, each year the Association has to fund some costs of this magazine, our open meetings, election expenses and expenses such as spring bulbs and the Christmas tree in the village. The subscription is only £3 per household but we hope that residents who can contribute more will do so. Subscriptions (in an envelope please) may be left at Moss Chemist, 14 High Street, Thames Ditton, Thorkhill Road Pharmacy, 94 Thorkhill Road and Councillor Maureen Sheldrick, 34 The Woodlands, Esher KT10 8DB or posted to Peter Haynes, Membership Secretary, at 6 Onslow Gardens, Thames Ditton KT7 0JJ. Thank you.