LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

2016 is a right Royal year! The visit of HRH Princess Anne to reopen the Park Lane Stables is reported inside and Her Majesty The Queen had her 90th birthday on April 21st. For her official birthday some 30 roads are closing for street parties on June 11/12 or 18/19.

We are hoping lots of you will decorate your front gardens in our one- off competition "A Garden Fit For The Queen" thought up by Kathy Gold. On June 12th the winners, chosen by Colin Squire of Squires' Garden Centres, will be announced at St Mary's Church. Full details inside so do have a go and paint the town Royal. There'll be teas in the churchyard and at 6.30 there'll be a Special Festival Service. We'll film the best entries. It's free and it's fun.

The whole Borough will be blooming itself up for the annual Richmond Borough In Bloom Merit Awards. You can enter in any one of 10 categories before June 24th. Full details and entry form are at www.richmondboroughinbloom.co.uk, or from Richmond Borough in Bloom, c/o 7 Strawberry Hill Rd., TW1 4QB. Corporate member Elleray Hall have entered in the Community Buildings category so we wish them well. Why don't you have a go?

Our MP has been very supportive, coming to the AGM, a Merits lunch and Chestnut Sunday. Next it's the Teddington Village Fair preceded by the Annual Pram Race on Sunday June 26th. This year Lensbury have stepped up to become our headline sponsor for which we thank them. Before that the council will plant a Black Walnut tree in memory of our late Vice President, Joan Freeman, in Park Road. A great honour for a lady who organised Teddington in Flower for many years. We hope you'll find something you like to do and see in Teddington. This is your town and your Society so join in and tell us what you want and help us to do it. SHEENA CONTENTS 1 Welcome 8 Treasurer's Report 13 Chestnut Sunday 2 Teddington Society 9 Words and Music 13 Panorama of the Thames 2 Editorial 9 SENTimental Puzzle 14 Quantum Group 3 Princess Anne's Visit 10 Slowly down the Thames 14 Teddington Carpets 3 Mr Teddington 11 Borough WW1 Blog 14 Teddington Theatre Club 4-6 AGM 11 Pram race & Village Fair 14 Parking in Teddington 6 Letter from Josette 12 In the Footsteps of Drake 15 Corporate Members 6 Welcome, Nick 12 Merits Lunch 15 Membership Matters 7 Teddington Archives 13 Garden fit for the Queen 16 Events Page

The Teddington Society LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 1 Avenue Road, Teddington TW11 0BT Donald Bell Reg. Charity No. 802026 www.teddingtonsociety.org.uk Lots of personnel changes were announced at the AGM and are

President: Jenny Hilton reported elsewhere in this edition of Tidings. Vice Presidents : Roger Avins, John Demont, Paddy Ching We said farewell to Josette Nikiforou, our Secretary for many years, and we welcomed Nick Picton in her place. Chairman Sheena Harold 020 8977 2700 Alan Hopgood, "Mr Teddington" at the Station, had just taken [email protected] (slightly) early retirement and he received a presentation, recognizing his decades of service. Vice Chairman and Website Alan Benns 07768 078667 And Paddy Ching was invited to become a Vice President of the [email protected] Society. We asked for her reactions. Here is what she said: Secretary Nick Picton Those of you who were at the AGM will [email protected] realise what a shock I received at the end of the meeting when Sheena asked Treasurer if I would become a Vice President of Sally Howland 020 8977 9404 the Teddington Society. I had no idea [email protected] whatsoever that this was coming!

Publicity & Promotions (inc. Gardens) Many of you know me through the Sheena Harold work of the History Group but I think it is appropriate to say a little more Membership Secretary about myself. I came to Teddington in Jenny Michell 020 8977 0772 1960 as one of the scientists at the Admiralty Research Laboratory in Queen’s [email protected] Road, alas no longer there. My outside interests at that time were mostly sport, especially badminton and tennis, but in the 1970s I attended an evening Magazine Editor: Donald Bell class and became interested in Local History. I then spent much of my spare [email protected] time at the Record Office, which kept the early documents regarding the history of Teddington, copying all the information regarding the manor of Minutes Secretary: Judy Asher Teddington I could find and I then joined the Society’s History Group. In 1980 I became less energetic and took up golf but became more involved with local Planning Group history and am also one of the Vice Presidents of the Twickenham History James Sinclair 07535 629165 Society. [email protected] I have given many talks on the history of our village to the Teddington Society, Roads and Transport Group to other History Societies and many smaller groups in the area. I have also led Brian Holder 020 8977 1579 walks around the old parts of Teddington looking at older buildings still [email protected] standing and I can’t count how many times I have sat at a table trying to sell booklets, postcards, mugs and now tea towels! Environment Group Geoff Howland 020 8977 9404 The Society has been a great success in allowing us to have considerable [email protected] contact with the council and putting Teddington on the map. How many Societies can fill a hall at their AGM? The film this year was a great success but History Group most of you stayed to hear what your committee had to say. For those of you Ken Howe 020 8943 1513 who are new to the area I recommend that as well as joining the Teddington [email protected] Society you also join one of the working groups where you will make friends and find yourself doing all sorts of odd jobs to benefit our town. Riverside and Open Spaces Group Andy Weston It is an honour to be a Vice President of this Society which I much appreciate. [email protected] There is only one snag and that is that I must be getting old but one is only as old as one feels! Flood Working Group Brian Holder

Page 2 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

PRINCESS ANNE’S VISIT The Stables are run as a commercial business for local and visiting riders. This enables the charity arm to work. TO PARK LANE STABLES The Park Lane Stables RDA charity is part of the Riding Natalie O’Rourke for the Disabled Association’s national network of specialist facilities. The charity provides equine therapy Back in 2015 the future of the stables was looking pretty and lessons for riders with additional needs, irrespective grim. The building was in a very sad state. The roof was of age, and free of charge for those who cannot afford dilapidated and leaking, the facilities were worn out. them. To fund these and the specialist riding equipment, Plans had been drawn up to redevelop the site into we have an on-going fund-raising campaign so we are housing. Our landlord insisted that we renovate the really chuffed to be made one of the beneficiaries of this whole structure or the lease would not be renewed. year’s Teddington Pram Race.

MR TEDDINGTON

Alan Hopgood has worked at Teddington Station for many years and is well known to all the regular travellers.

The many friends and supporters of Park Lane Stables and local businesses all rallied round and we were able to mount a legal challenge to renew the lease with the help of The Original Maids of Honour Tea Rooms in . We’ve been able to re-build the entire building as well as adding some super new amenities in just five months. The architect Dean Griffiths, of Astronaut Kawada Architecture, came up with an amazing design free of He has finally retired and at the AGM he received charge and local builders, Reed Construction Ltd of this very elegant tankard in recognition of his Hampton, undertook all the building work, just charging decades of service. us for the materials.

So we were absolutely thrilled and delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal agreed to re-open the The engraving reads "Just the Ticket. Thanks a stables on Wednesday 17th February and make the day Million. With best wishes from Teddington Society so special for our riders, instructors, helpers and friends. and Friends". The Princess saw a riding demonstration in and went on to see the new stables and facilities.

Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 3

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the AGM, Sally Howland began by thanking Pete Shaw, Minutes by Judy Asher the independent examiner, for his support. The accounts were available on the website and also tabled at the The Meeting was held on Tuesday 12th April 2016 at St meeting. She noted that the accounts showed a healthy Mary with St Alban Church Hall, Langham Road, cash balance of £12,323, of which £9,817 was available Teddington. to spend after adjustments for provisions and debtors.

Members Present: John Demont (Vice President), Details of these adjustments are given in the Sheena Harold (Chairman), Alan Benns (Vice Chairman), Spreadsheet. There had been a surplus for the year of Sally Howland (Treasurer), Josette Nikiforou (Secretary), £1,834 which, after adjusting for prior year items and Jenny Michell, Brian Holder, Geoff Howland, Andy uncleared cheques, gave a profit of just over £1k which is Weston, Donald Bell, Judy Asher and about 65 available to be donated for charity purposes. Teddington Society members. This has arisen as the income from subscriptions, gift aid 1. The Chairman opened the Annual General Meeting by and sales was greater than administrative costs. asking Pamela McHutchon to publicise the tours she is running and the Merits Spring Lunches. She explained that the gift aid related to 2014 subscription and the gift aid on 2015 subscriptions will She then introduced Bill Reid, the Community Links be received in 2016. Officer of the London Borough of Richmond, who has been the point of contact for the Village Plan events. She then made detailed comments on the various items of income and expenditure, including the increased income from the Pram Race after using an online fundraising programme. Expenditure was significantly lower than 2014 due to one off costs in 2014 for the purchase of books, mugs and tea towels and the website development not being repeated.

He said that after the London elections he would be looking for even more feedback from local residents about the issues they would like to be addressed by the council. Sheena Harold urged everyone to go to the 6. Group Leaders’ Reports Quantum Community Consultation meetings and give These detailed reports were available on the Society their opinion about their proposed development plans website and also tabled at the meeting. The group for the Udney Park Playing Field site. She then leaders detailed further items which they considered welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. important.

2. Apologies for Absence Environment: Geoff Howland highlighted the litter Apologies had been received from Tony Arbour, picking work completed by the group by showing a Elisabeth Cox, Elizabeth Foster, James Sinclair, Janet and photograph of a broken glass vase which could have David Pollock, Ken Howe and David Lawton. severely injured a citizen. He drew attention to the leaflet showing the location of toilets available for public 3. Adoption of the Minutes of the AGM held on 14th use in the community toilet scheme. Alan Hopgood April 2015 suggested Teddington Station as an ideal place for a Adoption of the minutes was proposed by Jenny Michell supply of these leaflets. and seconded by Jayne Chase and accepted. History: In the absence of Ken Howe, the Group Leader, 4. Matters Arising from the Minutes whose report had been tabled, Paddy Ching spoke for the There were no matters arising. History Group which had had a busy year. The work around the Valerie Sullivan archive in updating the 5. Treasurer’s Report names of the dead from WW1 has continued with David

Page 4 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

Neller and Colin Hicks at the forefront. Following a (CPZ) to central Teddington and a delay in the question from the floor by John Roxby about the missing consultation on this. names from the Stanley Road School memorial Sheena Harold assured the questioner that this work is ongoing Flooding: The judicial review, initiated by but it is a slow process. and Pinenorth, on the procedures leading to the acceptance of the Teddington and Ham Hydro proposal Planning: Diana Gillespie spoke for the Group Leader, took place on 13th/14th April. Meanwhile a much James Sinclair, as he could not be present. She summed improved design, based on the one at Romney and which up their active year by saying that the group’s 10 should not greatly increase the flooding risk, is taking members had considered 106 applications. The larger shape. There are still concerns that the more rapid ones concerning the sites at , Udney release of flood waters by bypassing the natural holding Park Playing Fields and Ham Hydro all feature areas upstream will lead to higher levels of water prominently. The group meet with Council Planners downstream to areas such as Teddington, making the once a year. risk of local flooding more likely.

Trees and Gardens: Sheena Harold said that sadly this Donald Bell, the editor of Tidings, said that he is always year it has not been possible to organise Teddington in interested in receiving items for the magazine which are Flower but to honour the Queen’s 90th Birthday, a of general interest and contain roughly 350 words and a fantastic achievement, residents are being encouraged to couple of suitable photographs. produce a front garden ‘Fit For The Queen’. Joan Freeman, who organised Teddington in Flower for 17 7. Adoption of the Accounts years, sadly died last year and a black walnut tree is to The adoption of the accounts was proposed by Alan be planted in her memory opposite the Park Road Benns and seconded by Andy Weston. All agreed. doctors’ surgery. She noted that the whole town benefits from brightening up front gardens. 8. Vote of thanks to the Treasurer and the Independent Examiner John Demont added that St Mary's with St Alban's church A vote of thanks was given to the Treasurer, Sally will mark the Queen’s official birthday on June 12th with Howland and to the Independent Examiner, Pete Shaw. a competition to produce a one metre square floral design, teas in the churchyard and an evening service. 9. Motions: none Bhavna Patel pointed out that the High Street will have hanging baskets and a flower tower to improve the 10. Election of Officers and Committee Members atmosphere and sense of wellbeing in the town. John Demont took proceedings at this point. He said that all the Society’s Officers were standing for re-election except Josette Nikiforou, the current secretary, who had tendered her resignation. He proposed a vote of thanks to Josette for all her hard work on behalf of the Society. Sheena Harold echoed this feeling and personally thanked Josette for her support.

On behalf of all the Committe she presented Josette with a Tunisian Mezze Platter as a thank you. He was pleased to say there had been one nomination for Secretary, Nick Picton, proposed by Sheena Harold and seconded by Alan Benns. Nick was duly elected.

The following Officers were then re-elected by a show of

hands: Riverside and Open Spaces: Andy Weston noted the Chairman – Sheena Harold improvement in the Riverside area gained by help from Vice Chairman – Alan Benns the litter pickers. He thanked them for their support. He Treasurer – Sally Howland commented on the Environment Agency latest Flood Membership Secretary – Jenny Michell Relief plans for the which will include a Publicity Officer – Sheena Harold new sluice at , planned for 2018/25.

All the current Group Leaders are able to continue: This would fundamentally change the weir at Environment – Geoff Howland Teddington and he drew attention to the details in his Roads and Transport – Brian Holder report. The removal of illegally moored boats History – Ken Howe progresses, but only slowly. Mike Pemberton of Reclaim Trees and Gardens – Sheena Harold our Riverbank was invited to update us on his activities Planning – James Sinclair in this area. Riverside and Open Spaces – Andy Weston

Roads and Transport: Brian Holder drew attention to John Demont thanked the Committee for their hard work the proposed extension to the Controlled Parking Zone during the past year which was heartily applauded by those present. He hoped that the Teddington Society Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 5

would continue to thrive as Teddington would be all the poorer without it. Sheena Harold thanked John for his continued help and support since his Chairmanship and said he was her mentor.

12. Appointment of Independent Examiner Pete Shaw agreed to continue as independent Examiner for another year and was duly appointed. Proposed by Brian Holder and seconded by Diana Macdonald.

13. Any Other Business: Sheena Harold said that following the death of Joan Freeman there was a vacancy for an Honorary Vice President. She was delighted to be able to ask Paddy Ching, who had worked tirelessly for the society for many years and been History Group convenor for 20 years, to accept this position. Paddy had much pleasure in accepting. Thank you all once again for welcoming me into the Teddington Society from the very beginning. Thanks to Sheena for taking me under her wing and being there for me if I needed advice and to you all for all your help in assisting me to fulfil my role as Hon. Sec. I will miss seeing you all at the monthly meetings but as I have said before I am still going to be around and happy to help out if needed at events, gate sitting etc.

Best wishes Josette

Alan Hopgood MBE, who recently retired from his post at WELCOME NICK Teddington Station where he was well known for cheering up local travellers, was presented with a glass When we heard that tankard to recognise the contribution he made over Josette would no longer many years to the life of Teddington. He will now help be our Secretary, we the Society with their publicity efforts. wondered who could possibly take her place. 14. Close of Meeting The meeting closed with thanks to Diana Macdonald and Up stepped Nick Picton as Peter Roche for manning the bar, to Peter Denton for his a willing volunteer. "Does photography and to all attending. he realize what he is taking on?" we asked. Yes he does! And he is very LETTER FROM JOSETTE welcome. We asked him for a few lines:

Dear all, I have lived in the area I would just like to say 'Thank you very much for the since 1980 (having lovely Mezze Platter you presented me at the AGM. I will definitely put it to good use, especially now the weather moved here from far away Osterley!) and am is warming up, I am looking forward to sitting in my currently enjoying a career break, having spent many garden on one of those hopefully warm, balmy evenings years working in the insurance and banking and enjoying the dips it will be filled with. industries.

I would also like to say it has been my pleasure and a I look forward to becoming more involved in the great privilege to have worked with you all. I truly activities of the Society. My particular interests are admire your energy and 100% dedication that you put the history of the area and, as a supporter of the into keeping Teddington a better place. Keep up the good London Wildlife Trust and the Wetlands and work! Wildfowl Trust, I am also interested in environmental

issues.

Page 6 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

TEDDINGTON IN THE ARCHIVES include the records of the Bridgman Charity Trust dating from 1834-1968. Felix Lancashire Archivist Local Studies Library & Archive

Many wonderful windows into Teddington’s past can be found amongst the collection of Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library & Archive. As the Borough’s archive, Local Studies holds records dating from 1489- 2016, which tell the story of the development of the Borough and the lives of its people. The records include those created by local authorities and organisations, and the personal papers of individuals. Described here are just a few highlights that relate to Teddington.

Local Authority records This organisation was established to help fund the You can discover the history of your house or other education of poor children in Teddington, and annually buildings, using records such as old maps, rate books, awarded payments to local schools for the children and building plans. deemed to be the most deserving. The records contain lists of all the children who received awards.

These were discovered a few years ago by a lady shortly Here is a plan for houses in Gloucester Road. after she moved into her house in Teddington: she found them in the garden shed and very kindly donated them The Examination of the Poor records we hold date from to us. 1802-1841. These are the accounts of people moving to Teddington and seeking support from the Vestry (the equivalent of the Council). If they had a connection to the local area, such as having been born or married there, they were more likely to be granted the right to settle in Teddington; otherwise they were returned to the Parish they had travelled from.

The accounts provide the life stories of ordinary people, in their own words. For example on 7th December 1833 Sarah Baldwin told of how her niece, Mary Love, working as a servant for a Mr Clarke in Teddington, became pregnant (possibly by her employer) and gave the baby, George, to her aunt to look after. Mary had since died, and Sarah applied to the Vestry for support for George. Shown here is part of a site plan for , the Sarah signs her testimony with a cross, a common Second World War American airforce base in Bushy practice as many people were illiterate. Park, from which the D-Day landings were planned.

Organisational records If you have any records relating to the history of the area, including your own family records, we are always We hold records from local businesses, schools, charities, grateful for offers of donation, so please get in touch. hospitals, societies, and other organisations. These

Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 7

We also have several boxes of documents produced by Verena lived in Kingston Lane and describes in Teddington Studios, and our school records include the wonderful detail what life in Teddington was like during log books of St Mary’s & St Peter’s School from about the the war, including the routine hassle of getting her 1890s to the 1910s. husband Leonard to sleep in the air raid shelter.

Personal papers R.D. Blackmore, the author of Lorna Doone, lived in Teddington from about 1854 to 1900. We have his Amongst the records of individuals are the letters Verena handwritten manuscript for his novel, Kit and Kitty, as Simmons wrote to her sisters during the Second World well as a series of charts he produced recording the War. rainfall levels in his garden. A keen gardener, he got up early every morning to take these rainfall measurements, and they provide a fascinating glimpse of the man behind the books.

You can search Local Studies’ online catalogue at www.richmond.gov.uk/localstudies.

If you have any enquiries about the history of Teddington or other parts of the Borough, please contact us (020 8734 3309), [email protected] or visit us to discover the secrets for yourself at The Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1TP.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER 2015 Summary of income and expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2015 a detailed breakdown is available on the website and from the Secretary 2015 2014 £ £ £ £ £ £

Bank balance brought forward 10,489 10,070 Income Subs, Donations, Gift Aid Refund 6,488 6,479 Sales: (Publications, Mugs, other) 862 820 Teddington in Flower 1,323 1,192 LBRUT and Env Agency grants and 2,390 1,840 donations Teddington Fair and Pram Race 8,143 5,187 Other 614 621 19,820 16,139

Expenditure Newsletter 3,341 3,522 Donations 10,804 5,384 Other 3,841 6,814 17,986 15,720 Surplus for year 1,834 419

Balance carried forward 12,323 10,489

S A Howland - Hon. Treasurer P J Shaw - Independent Examiner

Page 8 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

WORDS & MUSIC Returning to the Normansfield a week later on 18th June with String Serenade, the London Dvořák String As Teddington Summer Music enters its fourth season, Ensemble (conductor, Tom Higgins) performs Mozart, Tom Higgins gives a background to the festival and an Elgar and Holst. Tony Lamb is the soloist in Gerald overview of this year’s events. Finzi’s Clarinet Concerto.

Finally, at the Landmark Arts Centre on 25th June, the Richmond Symphonic Concert Band (conductor, Tom Higgins) returns with its ever popular Favourites of Stage & Screen.

A significant development for TSM this year has been Teddington Society’s three-year commitment to provide financial assistance. Tony and I would like to record our grateful thanks to the Society. We also thank Sir Vince Cable for continuing to be our Patron.

There is a romantic idea that great schemes are hatched over informal lunches. Proving that it can happen in Teddington, Tony Lamb and I met one day (yes it was over lunch), to discuss setting up a music festival.

Our first concert, we determined, would mirror a Royal Academy of Music event we had recently promoted in memory of the late Sir Charles Mackerras – a legendary conductor with whom we had both worked at English National Opera. We invited the same musicians – the London Dvořák Ensemble – to come to Teddington and present the same repertoire: Mozart’s Gran Partita K361 and Dvořák’s Wind Serenade in D Minor. This, we felt, constituted our mission statement, which was to promote the best possible music-making. It only remains for us to say that we hope you like the above series of programmes and we look forward to Two further concerts completed the first series. In seeing you in June. addition, we implemented a New Year Viennese Concert as a fund-raising event, which also allowed us to give Details of tickets etc are on the web site: promising young musicians performing opportunities. A http://langdondowncentre.org.uk/event search for a soprano for our 2014 event yielded Gemma /teddington-summer-music-festival/ Lois Summerfield, a student at the Royal College of Music, whose outstanding voice made a big hit with the Tom Higgins (picture on left) and Tony Lamb (picture on audience, so much so that we asked her to return in right) are joint artistic directors of Teddington Summer 2015. Music.

Our faith in Gemma was rewarded when that year at the A SENTimental PUZZLE prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award she ‘swept the board’ by winning both the 1st Prize and the Loveday I don’t know why, but most of us get a perverse pleasure Song Prize. out of making up sequence puzzles. While invigilating an

exam, I was reading a puzzle book and the following Now we look forward to our 2016 series commencing pattern occurred: SENT. I then realised that this can be with A Summer Garland on Saturday 11th June at the continued as: . Soprano Alison Rayner, Tony

Lamb (clarinet), Roy Stratford (piano), and actor Paul SENTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. What is the next letter? Alexander present a programme of words and music, featuring works by Shakespeare, Kipling, Mozart, Joplin, (answer, well, just a clue actually, on page 11) Rachmaninov and others. It will reflect the theme of the weekend of "Teddington In Flower" which this year will be "A Garden Fit For The Queen".

Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 9

SLOWLY DOWN THE THAMES pillboxes were part of the General Headquarters (GHQ) Alan and Hilary Benns line of defence constructed during World War II to Number 3 in an ongoing series contain an expected German invasion and protect the industrial midlands of . Over 28,000 of these Lechlade to Newbridge were built in less than a year and although some were Our chapters for the walk are based on two Ordnance disguised as boathouses and dwellings the vast majority Survey books covering the Thames Path but with remain as curious concrete structures in otherwise Chapter 3 advertised as 16¼ miles we decided that this undeveloped landscape. was not something we’d attempt in one day. After all we were on our holidays. We set off from Lechlade on a Not much to note between our start and the waymark of misty morning during October to see how far we’d get Radcot Bridge which is one of the oldest on the Thames that day. (no one seems quite sure which is the oldest so all bets are hedged). We arrived too early on a Sunday morning Having safely negotiated the first field (and cattle) we for a soothing pint at The Swan so pressed on via lonely passed by St. John’s lock and inexplicably missed the first fields, with threatening skies, to another Trout and a bed Trout Inn of the route (we did return). Then we were for the night. We had an amusing evening in the Trout at into soggy, slippery terrain. The river meanders here Tadpole Bridge, aided and abetted by Punk Dave from and every few hundred yards we encountered an old Aston Somewhere (a musician of a certain age) plus his “pillbox”. Since my formal education in history had extended family and the lovely staff. Thanks to all of you. ceased at age 14, I had no idea what these structures Storm Katie arrived whilst we (I) slept! Apparently there were. Our guide book mentioned Stop Line Red so I was were 60 - 70 mph winds and lashing rain. However our determined to find out more about them. room was cosy and dry and I’d had no idea of how much water had fallen during the night. We set off (with me) confident that we’d just have a brisk morning 6 mile stroll to Newbridge for lunch then a cab to Oxford and home for tea.

The start was reasonable through the Chimney Meadow Nature Reserve. No sign of the advertised Adonis Blue butterfly here, but it was good weather for the ducks and geese who were enjoying the extension of the river up to, and in some parts over, the river path. We had to divert around a number of fallen trees and some very sticky mud and, having ended up face down in the grassy bank a couple of times, I’d had enough so we decided to divert to a bridleway by Shifford Lock which looked to be less hazardous than the towpath. A couple of hundred yards of uncertainty (and new ponds to wade through) As it happened we didn’t get much further on our first convinced us that we’d made the wrong decision so we morning. Dismal weather and a lightly twisted knee returned to an increasingly boggy towpath. At this stage meant that we left the river at Kelmscott, which was I adopted my new best friend. NBF, was a dead hazel much to our advantage. We (I) limped up the road into stick, which initially prevented me from falling into a the village and were rewarded by the sight of the Plough puddle worth of Dr Foster, and subsequently became my Inn. It was a little early for lunch but we were made third leg to assist with wading through the mud. We’d welcome with beers and an arrangement for a taxi to wondered why other walkers carried “Norwegian” Swindon. Some six months later we returned, via walking poles but realised they would have been Swindon and the first Trout Inn (both better missed if invaluable after the previous night’s weather. you have the option) to Kelmscott. Finally the (13th century) New Bridge appeared in our Kelmscott (apparently) is famous as the country sight – the flood plain approaching it was slightly soggy residence of William Morris. He lived in the Manor here but we almost skipped across it. NBF hazel stick was for over 25 years and the building is now open to the abandoned (hopefully for the convenience of another public (subject to the vagaries of the London Society of walker) and as we climbed the steps up to the road and Antiquaries who decided that Easter Saturday would be the Rose Revived (PH) we vowed to continue as only fair- an ideal time to be closed). However it is more famous to weather walkers in future! the Benns walkers as the source of splendid sausages, bacon, black pudding and pork which were on the menu Next time Newbridge to Oxford. at each place where we ate breakfast or dinner Official National Trail Guides. throughout the Cotswolds. - Thames Path in the Country, David Sharp and Tony Gowers, ISBN 978 1 84513 717 5 and After a relaxing night in The Plough we set off in light - Thames Path in London, Phoebe Clapham, ISBN drizzle to continue through the bends in the river and for 978 1 84513 706 9 pillbox spotting, as there was little else of interest. The

Page 10 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

BOROUGH WW1 BLOG PRAM RACE and VILLAGE FAIR, 2016 Ken Howe This year's Pram Race will start at the Masons' Arms on In conjunction with the overall WW1 commemorations, Sunday 26 June, starting at 1:00 pm with many the London Borough of Richmond has created a blog to decorated prams and teams running through the town to highlight Village Stories of events that took place during raise money for local WW1from the 14 villages and towns in the borough. charities and finishing at the Village Fair in Udney Hall This is now up and running and may be viewed at : Gardens. The prizes will be https:ww1richmond.wordpress.com/ presented by the Deputy Mayor at 3.30pm.

The Teddington Village Fair will have another packed programme of FREE family friendly entertainment. Back by popular demand will be Juggling Jake’s Circus Skills where you can try your hand a plate spinning, juggling, walking the tightrope and more.

The project will run through to 2018 with a view to showing the highlights in an exhibition in the Gallery in 2018. In the meantime, new entries will With Rio 2016 in mind, The Snailympics will see two be added as and when received. intrepid gastropods risk life and shell in the most gruelling race known to snaildom plus a brand new show The Teddington Society has registered with the project called Phone Box which takes an affectionate look at an and hopefully will be making a worthwhile contribution ordinary red telephone box. The Village Fair wouldn’t be to it. Our activity is included under a blog page entitled the same without some local talent too and this year “WW1 Partners”. pupils from Turing House School and Teddington Dance Studio will take to the stage. We would like to see as many Teddington WW1 stories as possible included in this project and that is where we All this plus fabulous live music, lots of stalls, Pony Rides, need your help. Inflatables, a Lifeboat, the Toylander car, Ice Creams, Mr Pig burgers, Dexters Pimms tent, Pram Race Beer tent Do you have any family stories to tell? Was any member and much more. It's all in a good cause with any profits of your family closely involved with the war? Have you going to local charities. heard any unusual stories connected with WW1? If so, I would be very pleased to hear from you. You may write Special thanks to the Lensbury Club to me at 1 Cedar Road, Teddington, TW11 9AN or email for being our main sponsor this year me at [email protected]. and to TW11 Magazine for giving us publicity. Alternatively you may wish to contact the Borough WW1 And to the NPL for their support, Outreach Coordinator direct and she is Daniella Hadley too. and her email address is [email protected]. SENTimental – 17, 18, 19, 20 so the next letter is .....?

Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 11

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DRAKE What makes them junkies in the first place? The game of Gerrard Raven bowls is simple in concept – score “shots” by getting your woods closer to the little white “jack” than your opponents’ – but seriously difficult in practice. The most-celebrated game took place 428 years ago. But the sport is still alive, well, and flourishing in Bowls are biased – heavier on one side than on the other. Teddington. Which sport? Why, bowls of course. So when you send a bowl across the grass, you can’t aim directly for the jack or it will end well to the side. You think you’ve got the hang of it when one day your first bowl caresses the jack. Your next two efforts generally disabuse you of this idea by being far too short, long or wide. Then to make matters worse an opponent hits your good bowl out of the way. Frustrating? Yes. But fun too. So cheers to Sir Francis. Drake three shots, King of Spain none.

In 1588 Sir Francis Drake was interrupted while playing on Plymouth Hoe by a messenger with urgent news. He MERITS LUNCH replied that he had time to finish his game before dealing Sheena Harold with the little difficulty that was the Spanish Armada. Not being able to book our usual Christmas lunch at Nowadays, obstacles to finishing a game at Teddington Merits, we asked Pamela McHutchon if she could Bowls Club (TBC) or the NPL Sports Club are less organise spring lunches to commemorate the Queen's intimidating. But bowlers still show a determination to actual birthday. April 22nd and 29th were booked and don waterproofs and play on in rainstorms which would well attended by Society members, although you needed send cricketers scurrying to the pavilion. a degree in orienteering to find the restaurant as it's in the middle of an enormous demolition site!! TBC, founded in 1910, has long been based on The Grove in Teddington. It has a busy schedule of matches against other local clubs throughout the summer, as well as internal club competitions and weekly practice afternoons. A junior section debunks the myth that bowls is only for pensioners.

The Grove green is Council-owned so anyone can play on it for a fee, one-off or seasonal. TBC runs “Come and Try it” sessions every spring. But remember – flat-soled shoes to protect the green, please.

In the winter, local bowls junkies head for indoor rinks, such as those at Cambridge Park, because a few months without a “wood” in their hands would be intolerable.

Elizabeth Cox, who took this photo of Tania Mathias, attended the first lunch and reported : "Food was excellent. Delicious, well presented and served with a smile by the students of Twickenham Catering College." Our congratulations to Daniele Giraud, Food & Beverage Lecturer and all his students.

We'd like to know if you would like: (a) a Christmas Lunch 2016 (b) a Spring Lunch 2017 (c) or both. Please let our Secretary, Nick, know your preferences.

Chris Caswell, Club Secretary, bowling with County champion bowler Eileen Ball in the background.

Page 12 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

A GARDEN FIT FOR THE QUEEN Teddington in Flower This year something a little different!

The photo shows Sally, Geoff, Sheena, Paddy and Elizabeth.

Celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with a front garden display to commemorate this amazing occasion. PANORAMA OF THE THAMES Social Change along the River Thames Plant up with the royal colours, make a model of a Corgi in flowers, decorate an enormous 90, make a crown in Just before the AGM, John Inglis, supported by his co- flowers – the possibilities are endless …… worker Jill Sanders, gave a brief introduction to the Panorama of the Thames project, the aim of which is to There will be 2 competition categories. One for the 18+ create a visual record of the Thames Riverside from and one for children. Prizes will be awarded for the best Hampton Court to Tower Bridge. He said that the project in each category. started in 1999 and aims to compare the pictorial record of the Thames published in 1829 with the modern day To register your interest and receive an entry form riverside and to provide a historical background to the please email Kathy Gold on: changes. [email protected] or by post to There then followed a video of the work they had been The Teddington Society, 1 Avenue Road, TW11 0BT doing which showed the changes.

CHESTNUT SUNDAY

Probably the hottest day of the year so far. The crowds came to Bushy Park on 8 May to see the parade, eat lots of ice-cream and visit the many stalls, amusements and exhibitions.

Their newly published book "Panorama of the Thames – a Riverside View of Georgian London" was available for perusal and purchase.

Sheena Harold thanked both John and Jill for their excellent presentation which was obviously much enjoyed by the audience.

The Teddington Society stall was in a prominent position and we got lots of visitors (and even a few new members). Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 13

QUANTUM GROUP ROTARY CLUB The Group specialises in the development of Care Homes Sheena Harold and Retirement Living facilities. Based in Bournemouth, they have recently bought the Udney Park Playing Fields. As Chairman I get invited to quite a few functions and for the first time I was invited to speak to a Rotary Club. There are 5 Clubs in our area and this was Twickenham Rotary Club who meet at Fulwell Golf Club. Rotarians are local businesspeople who raise a lot of money for charity so accordingly I went along on March 14th to tell them about the charitable work of our Society. Paddy Ching came with me to tell them the history of the area around the Golf Club. We found Corporate Member, Colin Squire there and two members of my Richmond in Bloom committee.

Pictured at the old clubhouse during a lengthy period of community consultation are Joel Jackson, campaign LITTERPICKS WITH THE BROWNIES manager at Quantum Group; Naomi Shinkins, community The Environment Group had an evening with the engagement manager; and Simon Hammond, director At Brownies, teaching them the gentle art of litter picking. the end of the consultation the Society will be meeting with Quantum to hear more of their plans.

TEDDINGTON CARPETS We’re delighted to welcome one of Teddington’s oldest traders as our latest Corporate Partner – the Teddington Carpet Centre, which has been a familiar name in Broad Street for more than half a century.

The flash photo shows that the Day-Glo on the tabards really works! A few days later, the "real" work of litterpicking began.

Founded by Leslie Wilks in 1962, his son Rob continues the business today. As well as providing floor coverings for the people of Teddington, the shop’s more unusual customers included Thames Television in its heyday. “We supplied floor coverings for various sitcoms down the road as well as This is Your Life and the Des O’Connor Show,” recalled Rob. “Thames TV’s set designers were frequently in here.”

Today, Thames Television may have gone – but the Teddington Carpet Centre is still going as strong as ever. Geoff Howland writes: Very many thanks to all of you who turned out on this “That’s because of the fantastic community here,” Rob freezing cold morning to "Clean for the Queen". We had a declared. “People come back to us time and again truely excellent turnout this morning with our numbers because they like dealing with a family-run business, and being swelled by Brown Owl, Barn Owl and Eagle Owl of we love Teddington in return.” the 2nd A Teddington Brownies

Page 14 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016

CORPORATE MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Jenny Michell 1 of 1 Design email: [email protected] Architecture:wk British Maritime Technology GET A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOUR TO JOIN THE Broom Water Association TEDDINGTON SOCIETY. Byrne Group PLC We always welcome new members so after you have Curves of Hampton read this Tidings you may wish to pass on to a friend or Dexters Estate Agents neighbour and encourage them to join the Teddington Elements Hair Salon Society. Elleray Hall Social Club Elmfield House Dental Practice SUBSCRIPTIONS for 2016 Fairwater House Residents Association Individual £7, Joint/Family £11 Faststream Distribution Ltd Senior £4, Joint senior £5 Fiona Evans Dental Surgery Corporate Membership :£25 Haymarket Media Group Postage for Tidings £3.50 (For those who live outside Kagan Moss & Co Solicitors TW11 postcode or in flats without individual accessible Kindle Stoves letterbox.) La Casa Del Habana Landmark Arts Centre PAYMENT ONLINE Mela Mela www.teddingtonsociety.org.uk Milestone Residential OR BY CHEQUE OR CASH TO National Physical Laboratory Mrs J Michell, (membership Secretary) 5 Broom Park, Patrick O'Donovan (Maritime and Commercial Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9RN. Arbitrator) Park Lane Stables New Members Parsonage &Co Solicitors Mitra Smith Jane Barron Quantum Group Amanda Hodges Patricia Tivendale Roger Sutton &Co Accountants Mrs H Ransom Christopher French S & N Electrical Contractors Alison and Trevor Mann Marcia Bullen Seed and Bean Organic Chocolate Company Julie Thorpe Mark Jopling Shambles Bar and Restaurant Rosalind Graham-Hunt Raymond Waddington Sims (Opticians) Ltd Jayne Chace Snellers Estate Agents Squires Garden Centre New Corporate Members StageCoach Performing Arts for children Simon Hammond, Quantum Group Stepping on Out Robert Wilkes, Teddington Carpet Centre Stevens Tyres Stone Rowe Brewer Solicitors PARKING IN TEDDINGTON Stoneydeep Residents Association Studio 148 Brian Holder, Roads and Transport Group Take2Therapy Tamesis Club The new yellow lines have caused the loss of about 20 Teddington Artists spaces in Waldegrave Road, a major concern for the Teddington Bowling Club Waldegrave Clinic's injured patients and local residents. Teddington Carpet Centre Teddington Cricket Club Teddington Theatre Club The Fallow Deer The Financial Planning Group The French Tarte The Lensbury The Park Hotel The Strawberry Hill Trust The Tree Agency Turing House School

TW11 Magazine Waterstones To make matters worse, consultations on extensions of Woodgate-Loydor Ltd the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) are about to take Zeldaland place in nearby streets, with further losses of parking spaces possible.

Tidings 174 – Summer 2016 Page 15

EVENTS PEG WOFFINTON'S COTTAGE COFFEE TEDDINGTON VILLAGE FAIR & PRAM MORNINGS RACE Tony & Betty open their historic cottage just for us.

From 11am at 157 High Street on Tuesdays : May 17th June 14th July 12th August 16th

FROGMORE HOUSE & DORNEY COURT Tuesday 23 August 2016

Bought for Queen Charlotte by her husband, George III. (don't miss the Snailympics!) Her passion for art and botany is reflected throughout the house and the delightful garden. A guided tour of the Sunday 26th June 12 noon - 5pm house, then see the historic plantings, lake and gothic Udney Hall Gardens ruin in the gardens.

Details inside on page 11

VILLAGE PLAN DROP-IN SESSIONS

Drive onto Dorney Court Café & Garden Centre for lunch Residents in Teddington are invited to take part in (own expense in the popular cafe). The Dorney Court Village Plan drop-in session and walkabouts. You will be Kitchen Garden is a hidden gem set within an historic asked about the look and feel of your village, what you walled garden while the plant nursery is described as would like maintained and what you would like ‘outstanding’. improved.

Meet: Teddington Library, 9.45 for 10am departure. Drop-in: 21 May 2016, 10am - 4pm at Elleray Hall, Travel by private coach, entrance and guided tour of Teddington, TW11 0HG Frogmore House included. A great opportunity to see Walkabouts: 22 May 2016,11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm. the house which only opens to the public for a few weeks

each year. If you would like to attend the walkabout RSVP by calling Return: 4.30/5pm approx. 020 8831 6273 or email [email protected] Cost: £35

Bookings & payment: Pamela McHutchon by Fri 23 June. More information: www.richmond.gov.uk/village_plan_events Flat 3, 86 High Street, Teddington TW11 8JD. Tel: 07802 822812

Printed by Woodgate Loydor , 2 Elmfield Avenue, Teddington TW11 8BS

Page 16 Tidings 174 – Summer 2016