Surrey raids on vice ring2 July 2009

Police report that operation Icefall led by the Met has netted five people including a couple based in leafy Leatherhead suspected of organising a vice ring in which Oriental ladies were brought into the country, in some cases illegally, and forced to work as prostitutes. Police believe that they have rescued seven such ladies as they closed a number of suspected brothels including premises in Surbiton, Sunbury and Egham where sexual services were on offer for between £60 and £120

Consultation on the Elmbridge Core Strategy1 July 2009

"Consultation on the Elmbridge Core Strategy Preferred Approach and Final Options June 26 – August 7 " is not the kind of title that excites active interest during the heat of summer but that's exactly why you should look closely at it and get engaged. Please don't fall asleep!

The Core Strategy will set out a plan for the future development of the Borough up until 2026. It provides a strategy to deal with "particular challenges and issues that have been identified as being of local importance and co-ordinates the delivery of development and accompanying infrastructure, taking account of National and Regional Policy".

In plain words, if you are worried about:

• preserving our green spaces
• avoiding high-density development
• absence of provision for school places or other infrastructure when more homes are built
• inappropriate development in conservation areas or inadequate enforcement of planning conditions
• or any other Borough planning issues you can think of

... now is the time to put your views into the pot before the bureaucratic process locks the strategy until 2026. Please don't, through inaction, let it become a developers' charter.

How to see what's being planned and put your views

You can read the supporting documents on Elmbridge's website here and the proposals, plus a council planning officer to talk to, will be on hand in the Dittons Library in Watts Road from 3 to 7 July inclusive or from 29 July to 7 August - the final day of public consultation - at the Civic Centre, Esher.

The council would like you to put your views online if possible. You may do this here. Note that this consultation 'portal' is a 72-strong firm of consultants under the title "Engage Group - Creative Engagement Specialists" (make of that what you will, as a taxpayer and sceptic!).
If you'd like to use the postal services then Elmbridge would like your comments to fit the most convenient form for them to process: you may download and use a comments form here. This can be sent via email at tplan@elmbridge.gov.uk or by post to:

Planning Policy Team
Town Planning Division
Elmbridge Borough Council
Civic Centre
High Street
Esher
KT10 9SD

Everyone’s comments will be considered prior to publication of the final Core Strategy which is scheduled to take place in December 2009. You should be aware that in accordance with regulations governing such consultations all comments will be able to be viewed publicly.

Naturally our Residents' Association will be putting a deal of effort into monitoring and contributing to this process, but if helps greatly if our input is lent weight by a significant direct response from residents to the planners. Please copy your comments on the proposed strategy to our Planning Convenor Graham Cooke whose particulars are on our contacts page.

International cricket on the Green28 June 2009

The weather stayed dry and hot on Sunday for the two international 20-20 cricket matches organised by Thames Ditton Cricket Club through Richie Richardson. Most of Giggs Hill Green was fenced off for the event, which occasioned a few dry comments among some non-cricketing villagers beforehand. Yet with the proceeds going to charity and to help the Club fund Richie's coaching fees there was nothing but goodwill shown for the venture. Organisation was thorough and generally professional, with an excellent sound system for the commentators, good access controls and plenty of security for a well behaved crowd with not a spliff in sight. Eventually the caterers arrived with jerk chicken and other Caribbean dishes, and there were dozens of cricketing celebrities to sign autographs for adoring small boys - and big ones. Some photos here.

The cricketers clearly enjoyed their surroundings - the very roots of cricket were in Surrey villages like ours - and there was some cracking cricket, particularly in the second match between Lashings International XI and Richie Richardson's International XI by which time the crowd had swelled to impressive numbers and the atmosphere was festive. Our cricket club acquitted themselves with honour. With captain Oliver Turnbull opening the batting for the home team and scoring a solid 46, TDCC made 116 for 3 wickets in reply to Lashings 121.

In the second match, some delightful batting from Graeme Hick (55) in particular saw Lashings rack up 211 for 6, a sizeable score for twenty overs. In reply, a powerful Richie Richardson invitation XI made 201 before their overs were up. Later, Richie and the immensely tall Curtly Ambrose joined other musicians to play reggae on the Green.

In all, a very good occasion, attended by the Antiguan High Commissioner, Dr. Roberts. The only thing lacking was a steel band! We look forward to the presentation of cheques to the charities supported. Perhaps this will become an annual event?

Paying the piper?28 June 2009

The Conservatives are the bookies' choice to form the next government. The Daily Telegraph today draws attention to large cash payments to the Conservative party by many City donors including hedge fund managers and City 'advisers.'

Among others of this ilk, the co-founder of Lansdowne, the hedge fund that made tens of millions betting on the demise of UK banks, donated £50,000 in the first three months of the year according to the Electoral Commission (the Telegraph reports) and Stanley Fink, the former boss of investments house Man Group and co-treasurer of the party, gave more than £1m in the first quarter.

Does this make you question the likely commitment of the Conservatives to reforms and regulation in banking, investment and credit that are needed? Or not?

"He who pays the piper calls the tune" is an old saying founded on practical experience. After the next general election, ordinary citizens of this country now suffering from past excesses of the Tories' rapacious friends in the City could be left whistling in the wind.

Residents' Association brightens up Thames Ditton27 June 2009

For years Ted Woolley, the Home of Compassion's gardener, planted and watered the troughs of the Fountain roundabout at the end of the High Street. Alas, Ted has had to move away with the impending development of the Home. The Fountain planters - and also the Octagon opposite the Post Office - were looking in a sorry state until our energetic Highways convenor, Andrew Roberts, stepped in this week (you will recall that Andrew also got on with the job of cleaning graffiti off the railway bridge in Station Road when the railway companies shilly-shallied about it).

With the help of a gardening discount card from Maison Bleu and a bit of effort during this sunny week, Andrew bought flowers to which the Association will contribute, dug out and planted the beds around the Fountain and the Octagon. Andrew will keep the Fountain ones watered and Nick from the Secret Garden will ensure that the ones round the Octagon don't die of thirst. Click here for larger photo of the results.

If you'd be prepared to help out in this way with this or other locations around the villages let us know.

Meanwhile our efforts continue to get Surrey / Elmbridge to replace the light fitting that was ripped off the top of the Fountain on Good Friday by mindless zombies. And also to resurface the High Street which is in appalling condition for a conservation area in Surrey.

Cole lets ambition show27 June 2009

21 year old Rowan Cole, a student who was made a Conservative councillor in 2008 when in his first year at Surrey University, has let his ambition show with a premature page on Facebook, since removed. In it, he declared he was 'currently running for office' as prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives in Esher and Walton. The Facebook page was subsequently withdrawn as a mistake on his part. The estimable Elmbridge Guardian has the full story here.

We understand that while the youngster is evidently full of ambition for a career in politics, he has not yet actually gone through the Conservatives' central vetting procedure as a prospective candidate on 'the list' of those approved by Central Office. As Member of Parliament for this our constituency of mature voters, he would have little experience of this world to bring, but then again the present lot in Parliament are clearly in another world altogether. The Facebook slip-up is not an encouraging augury of competence.

Tornado passes through Esher21 June 2009

Many will have read about, or seen on TV, the efforts of a group of railway enthusiasts and engineers who have built a brand new express steam locomotive. 'Tornado' first took to the rails less than a year ago and was officially named by the Prince of Wales some months back. You can read more about the project here.

At 3pm on Sunday, Tornado came roaring through Surrey on its way back to Waterloo after a special excursion for Father's Day. Our trainspotting correspondent Graham Cooke was on hand to witness the scene as the train sped through Esher Station - "As with so many of the good things in life it was all over too quickly" writes Graham*, who nevertheless managed to secure a few pictures for the record. One of which is shown here.

*We have asked Mrs. Cooke for further details to clarify this - Ed.

Henry VIII's arrival with bride20 June 2009

In a fairly shambolic - if somehow wholly English - reenactment of what must have been an imposing waterborne procession 500 years ago, Henry VIII and bride Katherine Parr arrived at Hampton Court Palace from the Tower of London, via the Thames, in the royal shallop 'Jubilant'. They were accompanied by a file of older rowing craft fore and aft, crewed by some extraordinarily costumed personages including Lord Nelson and what appeared to be a ladies' karate team with members in white combat dresses.

Henry's subjects had admittedly grown somewhat restive in generally cloudy and drizzly weather, waiting around for his arrival an hour behind schedule (there was treasonable speculation that Katherine must have taken a long time getting ready). But then the sun broke through the gloom. On his arrival the substantial number of spectators on the Thames Ditton bankside, including several disabled in wheelchairs, were unable to view the landing ceremonies thanks to the selfish behaviour of large plastic pleasure boats both private and hired from Parrs and Turks boatyards and others. They idled in the centre of the river, blocking out the view and shrugging off attempts by the valiant Environment Agency vessel to move them along. The crowd roundly booed and jeered these boorish watermen and had a rattling good time doing so.

Meanwhile the scene on the Palace bankside was also more for connoisseurs of sociology and comedy than for those of history. Henry and Katherine, dressed to kill in heavy costumery, made a rather undignified landfall on the pontoons affixed for the occasion and milled around for ten minutes before some way was found through the throng.

One was left with the distinct impression that this time, his reign would not be a protracted one.

The verdict of one bankside veteran:

"His promises were, as he then was, mighty;
  But his performance, as he is now, nothing."
(Henry VIII Act 4 Scene 2).

Some indifferent photos here

Georgina and Emily raise almost £65 with yard sale for the Guide Hut20 June 2009

Nice to see two ten-year-olds giving their time to sell their books and toys in order to raise funds for the Guide Hut Appeal. Georgina and Emily took over the small front yard of Laurel Cottage in Thames Ditton High Street on Saturday 20 June to raise almost £ 65 for the Brownie and Guide Hut. The weather smiled, and so did passers-by.

Well done, girls. More photos here.

Ian Taylor MP's resignation sparks comments from contenders20 June 2009

For our initial piece on Ian Taylor's announcement that he will stand down, see below. There are some revealing quotes this week from leading Conservatives in the constituency, including some with ambitions of their own:

• Cllr. Roy Taylor, leader of the ruling Conservative group at Elmbridge Borough Council: "expenses would have something to do with it" (Surrey Advertiser) (Comment: Roy Taylor failed in his bid to oust his Conservative colleague Nick Skellet as County leader two years ago)
• Cllr. Rowan Cole, young careerist politician: "Certain people in the constituency were looking for an excuse to get rid of him. People who didn’t like his European views were using MPs’ expenses as an excuse" (Surrey Advertiser)
• Mark Ashley-Hacker, Deputy Chmn (Political): "The public wants a change in their political class and from that point it is a good thing." (Surrey Advertiser)
• Cllr David Archer: "Any MP who has even a grey shadow over him should stand down and give the Conservative Party some options." (Surrey Advertiser) (comment: Cllr. Archer was recently defeated by vigorous octogenarian athlete Nigel Cooper in his bid to add a County seat to his Elmbridge one)
• Cllr. Tim Grey: "Before the speculation begins that it may be something to do with expenses I should say that there has been no suggestion that he has done anything outside the rules, or even close to the grey area of the rules." (Blog. Comment: could this be the 'Grey shadow' to which Cllr. Archer referred?)

It is an earnest hope that the Constituency Association will take wide soundings before choosing, wisely, a candidate who can enjoy the positive support of a large proportion of the Esher and Walton electorate rather than some party placeman (or placewoman). For the candidate selected will indubitably become our MP to represent us taxpayers all.

Enhanced Bin Collection :: Elmbridge Borough Council18 June 2009

In an intervention that will strike a chord with residents who think that wheelie bins on our frontages, or those big ones along the High Street, detract from the visual and olfactory environment, Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government Bob Neill has expressed support for a campaign by the Daily Mail against wheelie bins. "Households up and down the country are being hit by the curse of wheelie bins - an obsession of bin bureaucrats," he said. There are some spectacular photos in another Mail article here.

Well, now. You also note a firm policy promise by Conservative Central Office last September: "councils should offer full weekly collections, ending and reversing the Labour policy of bin cuts, which are harming public health and the local environment."

Well, well, well. So what do our local Conservative rulers do? Also last September, we saw the Conservative leader of Elmbridge, Cllr. Taylor, stating in Council that his Administration would introduce an "Enhanced Bin Collection Service ('EBC')" including:

• Weekly bin collection of food waste (comment: new enhancement, extra - smallish - bin to house)
• Continuation of fortnightly recycling collections (comment: same)
• Continuing garden waste collection subscription service (comment: same)
• Collection for disposal of other non-recyclable rubbish every fortnight (comment: cutting the current service by half)

Needless to say, Cllr. Taylor rushed to make this commitment to Alternate Weekly Collection of rubbish by his Administration before the multi-party Council committees who would examine the proposal had been allowed properly to report on its pros and cons.

Not for the first time, one is driven to conclude either that the Conservatives say one thing, then do another; or that our local Tory diehards are very much out of sync with their own party's national leadership.

Or both. Make up your own minds. Meanwhile, there is a decent recycling case, and a decent budgetary case, but are those the only factors to consider? You can put your questions to EBC's EBC team at our Open Meeting on 30 June.

Elmbridge killers more efficient than Surrey's18 June 2009

Elmbridge Borough Council's Environment Department now carry out weed control on streets and pavements in Elmbridge on behalf of Surrey County Council, whose contractors (you will recall) dismally and consistently failed to keep huge weeds from proliferating around the village in the past (photo shows Peter Hickman dwarfed by a rogue buddleia two years ago).

Elmbridge officials are, as so often, far more responsive, efficient and proactive than the County, it seems. They are arranging for weeds to be treated and killed two to three times a year normally around April, July and September. It generally takes two weeks for the treatment to be effective. After this the street cleaning service provider, Veolia, should remove the dead weeds when they clean the road.

To report badly weeded areas, contact EBC's helpline on 01372 474 775 or email envcare@elmbridge.gov.uk .

Bingo!18 June 2009

Microsoft's brand new search engine Bing - in beta - is reportedly taking market share from Google. It must be pretty good: for although we've never submitted our web address to Bing, if you search for "residents association" worldwide, this site is in pole position! (Makes it all worthwhile somehow. Ed.)

Other things that amuse us: if you search for "Thames Ditton Conservatives" we occupy first and second position on Bing (third on Google after the local Tories' constituency site), and as for "Weston Green Conservatives" we're first on Google, second (after the conservatives of Weston-Super-Mare) on Bing. "Thames Ditton Liberal Democrats" we're fourth on Bing, ninth on Google. "Thames Ditton Labour" we're first on Google, fourth on Bing. Proof yet again that your Residents' Association cares not about party.....but about residents: search for "Thames Ditton residents" or "Weston Green residents" and we have the first two positions on both. And about Thames Ditton and Weston Green, where we are on the first page of search results for both villages on both search engines.

Recalling the daft results from Google two years ago that had Thames Ditton as a world leader in porn searches, you may be relieved(?) to know that searching either engine for "Thames Ditton porn" does not bring up the Residents' Association.

News miscellany17 June 2009

The police helicopter over Thames Ditton at 1700 Sunday 14 June in the airspace of Station Road / Speer Road was involved in pursuit of a suspect who was arrested.

The Elmbridge Guardian of 11 June reported the two poorest attenders of Elmbridge Borough Council meetings were Cllr. Packer (Conservative, Hersham North) and Cllr. Popham (Molesey Residents' Association), who attended half of the 12 full meetings. Mr Packer is quoted as saying that he paid £1000 "out of my own pocket" to fly from Paris to UK (clearly First Class at that price). This was in order to vote with his colleagues en bloc for the Jolly Boatman proposals - that will see an overly massive hotel built opposite Hampton Court Palace against the majority views of local residents and all the local ward councillors of that area.

The Daily Telegraph reports today 17 June that Ian Taylor MP's resignation came after he faced criticism last month over second home claims on a flat in London although his main home is within 40 minutes’ commuting distance of Westminster. The flat was also used as the postal address of a consultancy he set up to advise defence contractors, reports the Telegraph. Worth reading the full report on the link above. The Elmbridge Guardian also has a report on Mr. Taylor's resignation here.

After walking the wards with our County councillor Peter Hickman and with contributions from other RA councillors and residents, our Residents' Association Highways Convenor Andrew Roberts has compiled a list of actionable ( deeper than the arbitrary criterion of 40mm ! ) potholes in Thames Ditton and Weston Green and reported them to Surrey CC Highways officials. They replied by email undertaking to repair them within 28 days. We'll be watching.... There are no less than thirty-two potholes that deep. You can read the list here. You can add to it by contacting Andrew or posting in this forum thread.

Ian Taylor MBE, MP, will stand down at elections: succession race is on!15 June 2009

News is just breaking that our local Member of Parliament Ian Taylor has sent a letter of impending resignation to the Esher and Walton Constituency Association and to the office of Conservative party leader, David Cameron. In it, he sets out at length his reasons. The letter in full may be downloaded here.

This development is not wholly surprising. Ian Taylor has had a long innings and is approaching 65 years old. He had expected an earlier General Election, at which he intended to stand again, but will now serve out no more than the present Parliament. Cynics may note the timing and point to the turmoil over expenses. But while the brouhaha, and the general opprobrium with which the public has come to view politicians, have clearly added to stress, wear and tear, there is no evidence yet to support a view that Mr. Taylor was so far out of line that there might be risk of deselection. In general, he has devoted a good deal of time at weekends to a constituency where he's been well enough liked. While our Association has had differences with Ian Taylor over planning issues, he has on other occasions lent support to causes that we pursue, particularly concerning community hospitals and health. Mr. Taylor has also been quite independent-minded for a cog in the Conservative machine, where "Central Office" (the Politburo by another name) and the parliamentary Whips between them hold an iron grip. He knows that some of his statements and votes have on occasion not endeared him to his Party masters any more than some others have endeared him to his constituents. He is to be respected for having views of his own and sometimes expressing them.

And so, the race is on for selection to the safe Conservative seat of Esher and Walton. A race that might perhaps be made more interesting by pressure from Mr Cameron for constituencies to carry more weight in the process, and even to consider 'open primaries' whereby local residents, whether or not they are party members, may attend an open meeting to express their preferred choice among candidates for selection. For local Conservatives with ambition, the current upheavals offer the chance of a lifetime for selection. Hitherto it has been widely rumoured that Cllr Tim Oliver would be a shoo-in as Ian Taylor's preferred successor. But Cllr. Oliver was not put forward by his party to stand again for the County seat he lately held, and was diverted to a Borough seat instead, which he only narrowly won in Conservative-dominated Esher ten days ago. An apparent demotion? Other hats that might well be thrown in the ring include those of Mark Ashley-Hacker, the constituency Association's able and bright deputy Chairman and Political Director who lost to Lorraine Sharp in a strongly-contested campaign for the Weston Green wards last year; and possibly Cllr Grey, a dark - or at least grey - horse reputed to show burgeoning signs of ambition.

Your views? Post in the forum

Police axe River Officer post15 June 2009

We regret to report that Surrey Police have axed the post of River Officer. Jim Halstead, who policed the Thames around here and played a role in tightening up on unacceptable behaviour by fishermen camping along Albany Reach, has been withdrawn and will not be replaced.

This is part of the continuing tussle with the Home Office for adequate funding for Surrey Police. Under the government funding system in place, the reward for keeping crime down is to have your budget reduced. Surrey is particularly attractive to out-of-county criminals and the funding does not reflect that. However, we would require some persuasion that small neighbourhood services are the right priority for cuts. Neighbourhood and other local policing has been a success over the past three years and is valued by residents who fund the police one way or the other.

Meanwhile, there is a petition at the Surrey Police Authority site that you may wish to consider signing. It calls for fairer funding from the government for our police. We support that. However, it also calls for the cap on funding that arises from Council Tax to be lifted. Over the past two years, the tactics of the Surrey Police Authority in this matter have been questionable. In the absence of fairer government funding, the lifting of the cap will be borne by you, the taxpayer, again, via council tax increases. Some will wonder whether the inclusion of the tactical as well as the strategic proposal, in the same petition, amounts to gamesmanship.

Tuberculosis follow-up continues at Junior School15 June 2009

The unfortunate instance of tuberculosis at the Junior School in Thames Ditton has been widely reported. Parents report that at least 27 children and one member of staff have so far been confirmed as testing positive for (latent) tuberculosis following a foreign trip by the person believed to be the origin of the infection. Further children who were in regular contact with the person believed to be the source are likely to be screened. The disease in its latent form is held to be not contagious. The children are undergoing treatment involving antibiotics, together with associated tests to detect unwanted side-effects of the treatment. The Health Protection Agency is engaged in ensuring that the right action is taken in a systematic way.

Local Tories vote en bloc again to demolish Moore Place and build on adjacent Green Belt15 June 2009

As predicted, and predictably, all Conservative councillors attending the full Council Planning Committee last Tuesday voted together in favour of knocking down historic, locally-listed Moore Place on the edge of Esher, and building yet another large hotel of 50 bedrooms on adjacent Green Belt land.

This is the the second time in seven months that the Conservatives have voted en bloc to build an hotel on Green Belt land despite their manifesto promises to defend it. But as with many other issues, what politicians say and what they do are often very different things.

Waitrose in Surbiton adopts Guide Hut as one of three causes for shoppers to support this month9 June 2009

The Guide Hut in Thames Ditton is one of three charities featured in June at Waitrose, Surbiton. Waitrose will donate funds in proportion to the number of green tokens placed in the Guides' box at the store during this month.

You can get the tokens when you check your shopping out at any local Waitrose and if you do a big shop, ask for another token or two! Save the Esher Waitrose ones for Surbiton and if you're not going to visit the Surbiton Waitrose before the end of the month, pass the tokens on to Bronach Hughes at 73, Hampton Court Way or Lesley Evetts at 6 Church Walk and they will ensure they are put into the right box at the Surbiton Waitrose. The Guide Hut Appeal needs every bit of support we can muster.

Harrowing9 June 2009

Just as one set of proposals has been to appeal, another one appears for the Olde Harrow site, for eight houses of up to three floors. It's rather big. You may view the plans and elevations for application No. 2009/0854 on the Elmbridge Planning website, where you may send in your own views on the proposal. You may also email them to tplan@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Bear in mind that whatever is agreed for this site may be used in part as a precedent or starting point for the next application expected across the road for The Newlands. What do you think?

You have to laugh5 June 2009

It is very hard to explain Britain to foreigners. Here we are, our economy ruined, our politicians exposed as rip-off merchants, our government falling to pieces, so what do we do?

We laugh. Uproariously. At least, in Colets changing rooms there has been so much hilarity of late as we watch the TV: MPs with serious faces justify duck hotels and receipts that 'inadvertently' were claimed against, and all the pathetic wriggling they've done on the hook along with "I've done nothing wrong." And today, after an invigorating workout and shower, what do we hear within the space of five minutes?

Quote of the day: "Gordon Brown is still a member of the Cabinet..." (Sky News team)

Quote of the week: "For Labour to hold a general election now would be like calling for British Pork Week in the middle of a national outbreak of swine fever." " (Rory Bremner, commenting on Sky)

We love this country!

Local elections: Residents resurgent5 June 2009

In the Dittons and Weston Green:

Peter Hickman (Residents): 2635 elected
Conservative 1193
LibDem 874
Labour 184

In Esher and Molesey:

Nigel Cooper (Residents) 1818 elected
Conservative 1742
LibDem 350
Labour 68

Elsewhere, incumbent Tom Phelps-Penry of The Walton Society (our sister association in Walton) beat the Conservative in Walton, and Ernest Mallett of Molesey Residents won again easily in West Molesey, while Roy Green came within a whisker of doing likewise in Hersham. In the by-election for Esher Borough Council, Joan Leifer came very close to defeating the Conservative in a locality where the Conservatives hold all the seats. More widely, the Conservatives across the county have lost 3 seats overall, somewhat against the national trend. The Conservative vote in Elmbridge was down 40% compared with four years ago, reports the Surrey Advertiser in its comprehensive roundup. Residents gained two seats overall (the other in Epsom and Ewell) and LibDems 1 overall.

Our thanks to the very many who volunteered to help Peter's campaign and all those who turned out to vote for him. It is heartening to see these results, and the degree of popular engagement in Elmbridge, in the face of nationwide polling apathy and a massive swing to the Conservatives across Britain as Labour founders. Until four years ago, Elmbridge residents did not put up candidates for the county elections, but the national parties' unresponsiveness to the real concerns of local residents drove us to do so. Residents now hold four of the nine Elmbridge seats on the County Council. We hope this will galvanise the County's rulers into doing a better and more responsive job for local people and taxpayers, and we will work with them pragmatically wherever this appears to be the case.

County councillors' expenses1 June 2009

In an article on 29 May, the admirable Surrey Advertiser reports that over the past year, the taxpayer has funded 195,710 miles of travel by county councillors over Surrey's potholed roads, claimed for among their other expenses.

Executive Leader Cllr. Skellett (Conservative, Oxted) claimed for £47,170 in expenses, Cllr. Mitchell (Conservative, Cobham) just over £35,000, and Cllr. Harmer (Conservative, Waverley) £33,283.

Read The Advertiser for the full story, recalling that several Conservative county councillors also draw a second set of public money and expenses as Borough Councillors, and if we remember correctly, no less than six Conservatives from Elmbridge Borough Council, where their executive hiked their own allowances by 40% last year, are standing for seats on the County Council as well. Our own hardworking County Councillor said: "I don't see how a County Councillor can also be a Borough Councillor and do a proper job as either."

Cobras strike Thames Ditton1 June 2009

Belgian owners of AC Cobra cars visited Thames Ditton in early May with 8 cars, 2 support vehicles and some partners. to meet with local fans of the marque, the best-known product of the village's motor industry in its hey-day, and enjoy lunch at the Swan near to AC's old factory.

AC Cars bought the Ferry Works factory in 1911. In the first World War it was commandeered to make munitions although at least one vehicle was produced for the War Office. Afterwards, AC designed and made many good cars. before, hit by the Depression, they went bust in 1929. The company was reconstituted in 1930 and produced cars, at Ferry Works then the factory in the High Street where the Harvest Lane development now stands, until 1980. The AC Cobra was its finest product, and widely acclaimed by enthusiasts.

Ferry Works then declined, and was a gleam in housing developers' eyes. This historic set of industrial buildings was preserved and redeveloped to retain its commercial uses and its links with the past, following a successful campaign by the Residents' Association.

Taking a pride: Queens Road residents brighten the way with flowers30 May 2009

We love it when residents take a pride in their streets. Pamela Bannister has organised a hanging basket/window box competition among the residents in Queens Road. Pam writes: "Squires will judge the entries during the week of 29 June and the winner/runner-up will be announced during the week of Hampton Court Flower Show in July. The Albany Pub, situated at the end of Queens Road, runs a little daily ferry to and from the Flower Show and many local people walk down our road to make use of this. I thought it would be nice to support the Albany and generally enhance the appearance of the road by encouraging residents to show off their floral skills! The Albany chipped in with a meal for two, and Squires are giving a £50 voucher to the winner to support this initiative."

Excellent. We took a look at the baskets and planters the other day - coming along nicely. And it's always nice to have an excuse to stroll down to the Albany! Thirsty work...

PS: our spies tell us that with prizes and prestige at stake, Queens Road residents have grown so competitive that they’re all bringing on their baskets in their back gardens, intending them to reach perfection just in time for the judging on 2 July! Thereafter, the road should suddenly blossom....

This has all the makings of a classic BBC television play!

Neighbourhood policing back up to strength imminently26 May 2009

Nigel Oates, a replacement Police Community Support Officer for Laura Deyoung in the Dittons and Hinchley Wood is in the final stage of training, and will be deployed any day now.

PC Jane Eames has been replaced by PC Pete Bazley as Weston Green's neighbourhood police constable. We've updated our links page and await their contact phone numbers and email addresses.

Hands across the Channel26 May 2009

In a delightful story illustrating the outreach of our website and the attractions of high-quality productions at the Vera Fletcher Hall, a young couple from Germany brought their three children to an excellent performance of 'Cinderella' by the English Pocket Opera last Friday night. Searching from Ulm, they had seen it advertised on the website, and included it on their programme while visiting London. They expressed delight and astonishment at both the welcome they found and the quality of art and culture to be enjoyed in this small corner of suburbia. We wish them well and hope they may return.

Tories grapple with inconvenient truth26 May 2009

You have to laugh. On the Conservatives' local websites, they state: "There was no plan to close the Ember Centre."

The truth is otherwise. In several Council documents, for example the agenda of the Community Affairs Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 20 January 2009, were the words:

"Total closure of centre." "Major service implications." "All services withdrawn."

The conclusion: not only do they vote as instructed, they don't bother to read the documents. And it seems they rely on neurolinguistic programming to make themselves believe their own spin, afterwards.

"So are they all, all honourable men"24 May 2009

A reader writes in to flag up an interesting website that compares what MPs claimed in expenses to the proportion of debates in the House on which they bothered to vote. On another page of the site, what they claimed in travel expenses is divided by the distance of their constituency home from the Westminster and related to their participation in votes.

According to these calculations, our reader notes that the Honourable Member for Esher and Walton, Ian Taylor (Conservative) racked up over £250 per voting mile. He voted on only half of business in the Commons and on this participation ranked 583rd, close to the bottom of the league with non-participating Sinn Feiners ranking joint 638th along with ex-speaker Michael Martin whose office precluded participation.

The data was collated by Matt Riggott using a combination of the They Work For You API and the great circle distance algorithm. The full list is here and licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 UK: Scotland Licence.

Ian Taylor's published expenses are here. In 2007-2008 he is shown to have claimed £152,963 in expenses. Far more details are expected in due course as the Daily Telegraph works through its material. Above those expenses you will also find a list of his Parliamentary activities and votes (he was 'absent' for most of those concerned with Parliamentary transparency in the last year), and his declared business interests - he works for five companies when he's not busy representing your interests and voting against a referendum on the European Lisbon Treaty.

Locally, we last recall a recent public-relations type photograph of Ian Taylor in front of the Ember Centre, a splendid community institution which his party in fact tried to close! Ian Taylor has also been writing to constituents concerned about garden-grabbing developments, citing the efforts of Caroline Spelman to inhibit them (the former Conservative Party Chairman who funded her nanny out of almost £10,000 of your taxes and was formally reproved by the Parliamentary standards process - but not sacked by her party - for so doing). But the Hon Ian Taylor omits to mention that gardens were designated under a Conservative government as brownfield sites suitable for development. And that the Chairman of his Constituency Association lately sold off part of his Thames Ditton garden to be grabbed for development. Also within the past year, Ian Taylor, who had earlier spoken publicly about the desirability of preserving a green view from Hampton Court Palace, apparently wrote privately to Ministers urging that the issue of the massive hotel to be built opposite Hampton Court Palace - one of our national treasures, surely, and of international interest - should be handled locally. By his party, that meant, in effect. They voted for the developers' case.

On the plus side, Ian Taylor does not appear to have been ambitious for Ministerial office. He seems assiduous in cultivating his constituency, albeit in a "Yes, Minister" like way with a view to publicity and, by association, implying credit that may not be his due. He has tried to have a positive influence on matters to do with railway travel, street lighting and hospital care although his effectiveness is open to doubt. He has argued that his wife offers administrative support commensurate with the amount he claims for her as a parliamentary assistant. We have no reason to suppose that is not the case. We await details of his expenses shortly. The electorate in these parts is highly intelligent and will make up their own minds about these things.

Meanwhile other, ambitious, Conservatives (we can make out at least three) are waiting in the wings ready to offer themselves for selection....!

Guide Hut Appeal: Guy Salmon carwash raises £450 21 May 2009

For the second year running, staff at Guy Salmon turned out on a Saturday last weekend and together with Guides and Brownies, offered a professional car wash and valet service for a most reasonable sum.

Many thanks to those who took advantage of the offer. While drivers enjoyed complimentary coffee and cakes, the industrious washers raised no less than £450 for the Guide Hut Appeal. Since staff at Guy Salmon decided last year to adopt the Appeal as a focus for local fundraising, their sponsorship and help have contributed not far short of £1000 in all, including sponsorship of two races at the recent Race Night held by Joe of the George & Dragon which raised over £1700. Together with the £280 raised by the girls at the Scout Fair, the past four weeks have seen the sum raised for the Appeal grow significantly.

Progress report:

A professional building project manager and an architect have volunteered to oversee matters, and surveys are in place: the aim is to have all the works carried out in one go for the sake of efficiency. That means the Guides have to raise pretty much the full total before works begin. There's still a way to go, but we're now confident the necessary funds will be raised for the new roof and other necessary works within a reasonable period of time, thanks to all the wonderful support from local businesses, parents, and the community at large.

Ancient Holm Oak gets necessary tidivation12 May 2009

Work started today to take down the diseased trunk of the three-trunked Holm Oak at Harvest Lane. Unfortunately the crack in this diseased stem of the tree opened perceptibly over the past three months and was now clearly visible from the street. The owners thoughtfully write to keep villagers informed: "We have decided that the only sensible option is to move ahead with taking down that stem and carrying out the other works agreed in our planning application (2008/1616). These works cover addition of new bracing between the two remaining stems and reduction of their crowns. This will also entail cutting the ancient metal band linking the two stems nearest the street. Obviously all this will significantly affect the appearance of the tree, but we are hopeful that it will recover in time and remain an asset to the village skyline."

Idyllic weather sees packed Scout Fair - photos11 May 2009

Update: Almost £10,500 was raised from happy villagers - Scouts well pleased with this worthwhile effort. Bravo!

Idyllic weather saw a packed Scout Fair that, together with cricket on Giggs Hill Green, made a quintessentially English scene on Sunday. It was wondeful to see so many enjoying these simple pleasures: traditional coconut shy, rides, and the arena with its karate show, touch-rugby and the always entertaining dog show! We await news of the proceeds but it must have been very successful. And for the punters, a painless and enjoyable way of subsidising the Scouts, who deserve a big cheer all round for organising this unmissable occasion that brings life to the green each May.

Loads of amusing photos here.

Race Night at the George & Dragon raises over £1,700 for Guide Hut11 May 2009

The Guides write:

"Race Night at the George and Dragon on 29 April was a funtastic evening; lots of punters, lots of shouting; lots of horsing; and of course, raising funds in aid of 'The Thames Ditton Guide Hut Appeal'.

Thank you to our Race Sponsors:

• Laurie Miller – The Hut Appeal Derby
• Guy Salmon – The Jaguar Leaper Cup; and The Land Rover Challenge Cup
• Dixon Ward Solicitors – The Insurmountable Legal Chase
• Colets Health and Fitness – The Colets Health and Fitness Classic
• Aldous Craig Estate Agents – The Aldous Craig Devon House Stakes
• Max Impression – MaxImpression Hunters Chase
• Jelly Communications – The Jelly Communications Handicap

The last race of the evening, sponsored by Jelly Communications, was an auction race. We had:

◊ A signed Harlequins Rugby Shirt - donated by 'Guy Salmon'
◊ 2 Tickets for 'Fulham v Aston Villa' - donated by Fulham Football Club
◊ Van Gansen Necklace - donated by Any Van Gansen
◊ iO Talk Car Kit - donated by Jelly Communications
◊ A Meal for Two at 'The Tryst' - donated by 'The Tryst', Weston Green
◊ A Meal for Four at the Riverview Restaurant, Holiday Inn - donated by the Holiday Inn
◊ A bottle of Champagne - donated by Geraldine and Alex Batchelor
◊ Lime Tree Goodies - donated by 'The Lime Tree', Thames Ditton

And THANK YOU to Joe and Evelyn of the 'George and Dragon', not only was Joe a wonderful MC, in charge of the evening, Joe also sponsored the whole event.

Total Raised: a fantastic - £1785.20 – to add to the Guide Hut Fund!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who came along to support us."

Some photos here

Joe also raised £400 for the Guide Hut during the Christmas Fair.

Looking on the bright side20 April 2009

Brightening the High Street scene on Saturday: Alan Weston in trousers his mother sent him from Antigua. Our village Fishman has had a colourful impact on Thames Ditton in the past six months. Not only through the rather good fish he sells from sustainable sources, but in a number of characteristically West Indian contributions to local life - chief among which was the recruitment of Richie Richardson to play for Thames Ditton Cricket Club over the next three years, while the former captain of the West Indies team will also coach the club including the colts and senior sides.

Update: There will be a Club benefit match for Richie on Giggs Hill Green on Sunday 28th June. Famous Test match pacer Curtly Ambrose is down to play along with Courtney Walsh, and Darren Gough. Brian Lara will be attending, but we don't yet know whether he'll be playing. Former England captain Michel Vaughan is another likely to make an appearance if he's not selected to play in the 20/20 world cup game.

We also hear of West Indian barbecues at TDCC imminently...... watch this space! It can't be long before Richie's reggae band makes its appearance there.

Snow Laughing Matter5 February 2009

It was wonderful to see the whole village out having fun at the beginning of February, after six inches of snow overnight and another two inches still falling. For once, there was plenty of snow, of the right soft kind for fun, and children were given a day off school to enjoy it.

Lack of grit..

Later, it was no fun to tackle icy and ungritted roads and pavements the following day - although the snow was firmly forecast and in plenty of time. Your webmaster fell over near the Swan - stone cold sober! (Camera was OK though). School was still out, trains not working properly, refuse not collected, post office and mail collections still suspended. Hmnnnnn.....not what would have happened in Britain when I was a boy. All rather pathetic. No grit!

The milkman, however (Dairy Crest - private sector) showed no such lack of 'can do' drive and determination, no exaggerated fear of 'Health'n'Safety. He got through every day including Monday, and did the job. Three cheers for him! One or two posties also got through, and neighbours helped out the elderly in case they needed things they couldn't get out for. Well done - community spirit thrives in Thames Ditton and Weston Green.

Lots of photos on our site here including the biggest snowball you ever saw, that surely would stand a chance in Hell !

SCC Highways shirk routine maintenance of drains, with inevitable consequences at Esher Station5 February 2009

Long-suffering residents will recall that a year ago, with yet another enormous heave, Residents' councillors Tannia Shipley and Peter Hickman managed to get Network Rail and Surrey County Council Highways, along with sundry riparian owners, to discharge their responsibilities to clear the drains and culverts in the two-mile network that drains the low-lying areas round Esher Station. This cured the flooding, but we warned that they would need to ensure that routine clearance and maintenance was carried out to prevent it recurring. As reported here and in Thames Ditton Today, this was not done despite repeated lobbying by our councillors, and the inevitable occurred ten days ago when the road under the station bridge was flooded after a night of persistent rain.

We regret to report that Surrey Highways initially tried to deny that it was their problem. So Tannia managed to dig out a memo from their Head of Engineering in 2002 - she has been trying to get them to do their duty for a long time - which stated:

"The Highway Authority (SCC) has a responsibility to maintain "highway drains". By definition and in this context the word "drain" includes ditches, watercourses, culverts and pipes situated in the highway or in land adjoining or lying near the highway. SCC will therefore continue to maintain ditches and watercourses that are adjacent to the highway and lie within common land, providing they take surface water run-off from the highway."

Alas, we have had at least two other matters during the past year when SCC Highways officials' first line has been to deny responsibility for something - in those cases, adopted footpaths - and we have had to go to considerable trouble to research documents to prove that the responsibility is theirs and cannot simply be shirked.

The County Executive Member for Highways is David Munro (Conservative, Farnham South). He has been telling the media what a wonderful job Highways are doing.

Good Time Had By All11 December 2008

Again we were lucky with a clear, cold night for the village Christmas fair on 10 December. The turnout was excellent and fun was had by all at a rattling good, villagey occasion. A tribute to the organisers and in particular, Sarah Searle who again did a good deal of coordination this year.

Nick's nuts and the bouncy castle each raised over £120 for the Guide hut Appeal, the Guides raised over a thousand pounds from selling hot choclate and the raffle that has been so generously supported by local businesses and sponsored by Guy Salmon, and other returns for the Guide hut and for other charities are not yet known at the time of writing. We will add details here of other contributions when we receive them.

Professional (and Thames Ditton Today) photographer Scott Hortop took photos that you may view here. Amateur photos from your webmaster are here and may be used for non-commercial purposes with attribution, but please email webmaster first - see contacts page.