Winter 2006 issue

Parking

Thanks to those who contributed views by telephone and our website, and the 80 lively residents who attended the special open meeting on the subject on 16 November as we went to press. Please keep an eye on the website for developments.

Flooding under Esher Station bridge

Councillor Tannia Shipley tackled Network Rail again when recent rains made the bridge impassable for commuters. This recurrent problem is mainly due to periodic blockages in a long culvert on land owned and enclosed by Network Rail. They generally respond swiftly when there is a flood, but we need them to schedule routine annual maintenance to prevent it happening.

Graffiti on Railway Bridges

Councillor Ruth Lyon took up residents' concerns about the graffiti on the railway bridges at Thames Ditton Station, Claygate Lane and Portsmouth Road. The Elmbridge enforcement officer is pressing Network Rail for preventative measures, avoiding the need for costly clean-ups. They plead lack of funds, but have bought a "cherry picker" for £47,000 to deal with graffiti in SW Trains' area. Good news!

New Planning Officer

Welcome to our new planning officer Graham Cooke. Graham and his wife Pat and grown-up children Jenny and Andrew have lived in Ashley Road, Thames Ditton, for the past 20 years. Graham was steeled by the recent successful battle against inappropriate backland development between Ashley and Station Roads. We owe gratitude to his predecessor Simon Hacker, whose four years saw unending applications for intense development and in-filling including those on the White Gates site at Giggs Hill Green and ever larger and denser development on Thames Ditton Island. Simon inspected plans and worked with Peter Hickman, Chairman of the Conservation Area Advisory Committee and with local residents to protect our environment.

• 39 and 41 The Island
  The appeals to erect two houses on these sites were both dismissed by the Secretary of State's Inspector on the grounds that they would exacerbate the flood risk elsewhere, would harm the character and appearance of the Island and would harm the living conditions of the occupiers of adjoining houses in relation to overlooking and privacy.

Remembrance Sunday

On Remembrance Sunday Councillor Edward Rowe and our Chairman Martin Wilberforce laid wreaths at St. Nicholas Church and at the war memorial on Giggs Hill Green. Councillors Maureen Sheldrick and Tannia Shipley laid wreaths at the Weston Green war memorial.

Winter Flowers, Spring Bulbs

Special thanks to Ted Woolley, the gardener at the Home of Compassion, for planting the winter flowers in the fountain at the Boyle Farm roundabout. This autumn John Lyon planted more spring bulbs, both daffodils and crocuses, along the roads and on the commons in Thames Ditton and Weston Green. For 15 years the Residents' Association has funded these bulbs, now spreading naturally to gladden our spring.

Congratulations

To Ron Cox, the Thames Ditton stationmaster, on being voted South West Trains customer service employee of the year by appreciative customers in October. And to Pat Farmiloe and Alison Derrick, organisers of the Autumn 'Good as New' sale at Esher College which raised almost £3,000. These sales, held every six months, have raised nearly £70,000 for Cancer Research over the years.

New Vera Fletcher Hall Manager

Welcome to Helen Mason, who took over from Irene Mclean on 1st November. Helen, her husband Paul and young sons Alex and Matthew live just around the corner at 52 Thistledene. Her telephone number, for booking birthday parties, classes, social events etc., is 08456 528 529.

Wanted - New Lollipop Person Sue Hall turned in her distinctive coat and lollipop on 19 October after seven years as our Lollipop Lady. She's crossed thousands of children and their parents safely across Station Road on their way to Thames Ditton Infants and Junior Schools, rain or shine. Mothers and children arranged a handsome collection to send her off. We urgently need a new lollipop person for the crossing at Thames Ditton station. Paid hours are 8.30 - 9.0 am and 3.00 - 3.30 pm during school terms. If you would like to learn more please contact Sally Burns at the Infants School Tel: 8398 5842.

Christmas Celebrations

• The Residents' Association will again provide a Christmas tree in Thames Ditton High Street This year's Residents' Association Christmas Party is on Saturday 9th December at the Vera Fletcher Hall. Sheena and Tony Davies are organising the evening complete with three course dinner. For tickets phone Fiona Elliot on 020 8398 1788.
• The Thames Ditton High Street Christmas Fayre is on Wednesday 13th December between 6 and 9.30pm. The High Street between Ashley Road and the George and Dragon will be closed to traffic and there will be festive late-night shopping, complimentary beauty consultations and massages, mulled wine, roast chestnuts, mince pies, carol singers and Father Christmas. The evening is the inspiration of La Clinique and Stitchery under the auspices of the Residents' Association and we hope that everyone will bring their family and friends for some old-fashioned festive fun.
• The Marvellous Magical Coat - a perfect Christmas entertainment for children comes to the Vera Fletcher Hall on Saturday 9th January for two performances at 11.30 am and 2.30pm. For children from 5 - 9 years, the show was described by the Little Angel Theatre as "One of the best children's shows I have ever seen".
• Ember Centre - Christmas Dinner for members of the Ember Centre, prepared by Cordon-Bleu chef Corinne Livesey, will be served on 21 December, followed by entertainment from the 'Showtimers.' Latterly members enjoyed a sunny tour of Surrey's autumn leaf colours and a visit from children of the Infants' School. They welcome new faces - visitors may like to drop in to the Vera Fletcher Hall on Monday and Thursday mornings.

Real-time news

Keep abreast of community news as it happens, by visiting the news page on our website. Email your news to webmaster@residents-association.com. We've had some racy items!

Email addresses please

We want to make better use of email to communicate with residents, without overloading your in-box. Please remember to send your email address to Peter Haynes at membership@residents-association.com along with your subscriptions (see page 3).

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Good wishes to all residents and our grateful thanks to the generous souls who help us with material, produce Thames Ditton Today and walk it around to every house in Thames Ditton and Weston Green. Thanks also to subscribers and to advertisers - without you we couldn't publish the content that ensures the magazine is read and retained, keeps residents informed and contributes to a sense of community in these frenetic times. Now, as you ponder Christmas gifts, think local! There are many quality items to be found with our advertisers. We urge you to take a look…