Your Residents’ Association in Action

Thames Ditton Today Magazine

The RA’s quarterly magazine keeps residents informed, reporting on events, issues and matters of local interest.  It is compiled by editor, Paul Ovington and delivered by RA volunteers to more than 5,000 homes throughout Thames Ditton, Weston Green and parts of East Molesey.

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Open Meetings for all residents

The RA holds six meetings per year at which residents can hear about local issues at both borough and county level. Residents also have the opportunity to raise matters of concern with RA councillors and officers. None of the main political parties does this.

View meeting dates

Website

The RA website provides a valuable and searchable resource with important local news and information on local organisations, RA meeting dates, past issues of Thames Ditton Today magazine, councillors’ and officers’ contact details, links for reporting issues to our councils, as well as being a convenient way to become a member of the RA, by taking out an annual subscription. It also enables us to keep members informed by email when issues arise requiring urgent resident action. For example, council consultations, planning issues and major changes or potential threats to our community.

Christmas trees and lights

The RA provides the lovely Christmas atmosphere in Thames Ditton.  Organised by former RA Cllr, Tricia Bland, it funds the spectacular Christmas lights on the lime tree, and also contributes towards, and arranges (through Will Bland) the dressing and installation of the lit Christmas trees that line the shops and residences along the High Street.  In addition, the RA has funded Christmas lights on selected trees in Weston Green.

Flower planting at the Co-op

The entrance to the Co-op store, and its car park on Hampton Court Way have been much improved following RA’s Tannia Shipley’s arranging for garden planting of shrubs and wildflowers, helped by the local boy scout group.

Spring bulb planting

Each year, for over 25 years, RA member John Lyon, and more recently Will Bland, have planted hundred of bulbs in the verges and open spaces of Thames Ditton and Weston Green – all funded by the RA. They’ve made a huge difference to the Spring colour we enjoy.

Thames Ditton in Bloom

TDIB brings floral colour to Thames Ditton through projects like the garden planters on the station platform and rejuvenating garden beds and planters around the village – all done by enthusiastic RA volunteers led by former RA Cllr, Tricia Bland.

Village signs

Weston Green and Thames Ditton have been given greater identifiability by the bespoke village signs erected near the main thoroughfares.

First was Weston Green’s, located on Ditton Common by Hampton Court Way. This was an initiative by our Weston Green (as then) Cllrs Maureen Sheldrick and Tannia Shipley, the sign manufactured in a Surrey forge.

More recently the RA-funded Thames Ditton sign, made at the same forge following a design contest, was erected on Giggs Hill Green by Portsmouth Road.  It commemorates the many years service of Peter Hickman as our County Councillor and before that, RA Chairman (see the Winter 2018 Thames Ditton Today).

Litter picking every month

The RA organises monthly litter picks by volunteers in Thames Ditton (third Saturday, 11.00am) and Weston Green (first Saturday, 10.30am). It makes a huge difference, helping to keep our roads and green spaces clean. All volunteers are welcome – it just takes an hour.

For more details see our Litter Picking page or contact:

Thames Ditton
Tricia Bland (tdwgra@the-blands.co.uk)

Weston Green 
Tannia Shipley (tannia@nshipley.co.uk)

Reusable bags in our shop

Shoppers in Thames Ditton are now encouraged to avoid using disposable plastic carrier bags by having reusable Boomerang Bags provided free in many of the High Street shops. The scheme, originating in Australia, was spearheaded here by former RA Councillor, Tricia Bland, in conjunction with the Thames Ditton Crafters, followed by other community groups such as schools, churches, brownies & guides and the WI. The RA has funded sewing machines for the local school to make many more bags, with the aim of making the High Street a plastic-free zone.

Secret Gardens of Thames Ditton and Weston Green

Since 2012 the RA has organised the popular Secret Gardens event, alternating each year between Thames Ditton and Weston Green. This has allowed people to look round some lovely local back gardens, otherwise unseen, and raises funds for worthwhile projects in our neighbourhood. It’s held on Fathers’ Day each June.

Milbourne Pond restoration

Before 2018 Milbourne Pond had been steadily drying out, to the point where it was little more than a muddy puddle in winter and completely dry in summer. The RA undertook a long-term project to find the most effective way to restore it, driven by RA Exec. member Andrew Roberts. It began with a hydrogeological study in 2011, followed by boreholes drilled around the pond to monitor the water table’s seasonal variation. Based on this, it was decided to re-profile the pond to bring it directly in contact with the underlying aquifer, thereby guaranteeing year-round water. Following a topographic survey, the re-profiling was carried out in September 2018. Costs for the project were met by RA-led fundraising events and by Elmbridge Borough Council CIL funds (applied for by the RA).

Following the restoration of Milbourne Pond, the RA’s Andrew Roberts arranged for two attractive curved hardwood benches to be installed close to the pond for people to sit and enjoy this rejuvenated environment. The benches were funded by the RA and the Milbourne Pond fund, with a matching amount provided by Elmbridge Borough Council. With vegetation growing back vigorously, the RA then resumed organising a cut-back morning with local residents, removing excessive vegetation to maintain an open and accessible area around the pond.

Defibrillators accessible to the public

Thanks to RA County Cllr Nick Darby, the community now has 24-hour access to a defibrillator outside Thames Ditton Library, close to the Thames Ditton Centre and cricket club, and another one outside Manny’s convenience store in Fleece Road, Long Ditton.

Christmas Fair

The ever-popular Christmas Fair, held in Thames Ditton High Street in early December, is supported by the RA, and its volunteers help with road marshalling and information.

Farmers’ Market

The much-praised Thames Ditton Farmers’ Market was set up in 2015, spearheaded by then RA Cllr, Tricia Bland, and a small dedicated group of local residents.  It is held on the fourth Saturday of the month, initially in the George & Dragon car park, now moved to the Mercer Close car park opposite the library. With stalls selling a variety of delicious foods etc, entertainment and also promoting local organisations, it’s a great boost to our community.

For details go to: https://www.thamesdittonfarmersmarket.co.uk

Blue Plaque programme

To raise awareness of the history of Thames Ditton – Weston Green, the RA has funded a Blue Plaque programme to record the many houses and characters of historical interest in our area. To date, nine plaques have been put up, with more being added as the opportunities arise.