Spring 2020
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and that current events are not causing you too much anxiety.
Role as Chair and upcoming AGM
After giving my position on the committee a great deal of thought, and in the absence of anyone wanting to take over at this point, I have agreed to remain as Chair for the next two-year term. I have the support of the committee, each of whom have their own responsibilities ensuring the Society runs smoothly. It will be an honour to continue to represent you, the members, at events and meetings.
Space for two!
There are currently two positions that could be filled on the committee. We are not looking for any particular skills but for someone who is enthusiastic about things that happen in the village. However, if you have design skills and experience of using creative apps on your computer, I would be interested in speaking to you in regard to the production of our quarterly newsletter.It’s a great feeling being involved with The Hampton Society and a good opportunity to meet other neighbours. You may even want to stand as Chair in a couple of years time.
The rising cost of talks and events...
I have seen the draft of our upcoming events for the membership year 2020/21 and there are some really interesting talks for you to enjoy. However, the cost of speakers’ fees, hall hire and printing have all gone up over the last few years. In the meantime, we have resisted increasing membership fees.After discussing this issue at length with our treasurer and fellow committee members, I would like to ask if you would consider making a small donation to contribute to the costs incurred. There will be a collection box at all events from now on and although there is absolutely no obligation, if you have enjoyed the evening we would really appreciate your support.
£50s and £20s feature local past residents
The honouring of Alan Turing on the next £50 note (see page 3) accompanies the recently launched £20 note depicting J.M.W. Turner, showcased at the restored house he originally designed and lived in on Sandycoombe Lane, Twickenham. There is currently a small display of original paintings by Turner in the house (up to 30 April).
Parking survey update
The last Hampton Village Traders Meeting was attended by Mick Potter, the council’s planning officer. He listened to the requests by local shopkeepers who are concerned that inconsistent restrictions have a negative impact on their businesses. Mick also wanted to reassure attendees about the recent parking survey and reiterated that it was only right to consult a wider area if three residential streets had requested a controlled parking zone (CPZ) (see November’s newsletter) as there would be a knock-on effect to other roads. He said there was a reluctance from him and his colleagues to introduce a CPZ and it was likely the parking situation will stay as it is.
Invitation to petition for the extension of Zone 6
There have been suggestions from residents to extend Zone 6 so that people ‘down the line’ won’t feel the need to drive to Hampton and park up, in order to save a few quid. Our new MP has had several talks with TfL and South Western Railways about the poor state of the service and with some success. It is my understanding that with the operator in a weakened position, it is an opportune time to propose the extension of the zone if TfL take over the rail franchise. If you feel strongly about this issue, please write to MP Munira Wilson and copy me in at enquiries@thehamptonsociety.org.uk.
Kind regards to you all,
William Redfern, Chair
March 2020
Summer 2020
We’re not out of the woods yet, but I for one will reflect on these past months as a time when I’ve been reminded of the strength of our community.
From the moment we were instructed to stay at home, I’m sure, like me, you have witnessed an extra kindness within our community where neighbours have made absolutely sure that they are there for each other.
The clap for carers has been a heart warming beacon of unity in our streets. This could be the springboard for another seismic shift in how our country recognises the respect (and better pay) our nurses, doctors, teachers, bus drivers, municipal workers and delivery drivers deserve. Let’s not forget the sacrifices these people have made for us when this all blows over.
Daily and weekly updates
Many of us will be a bit more tech savvy as a result of having to use new methods to keep in touch with each other, near and far. During the crisis I increased the number of eNewsletters (daily, then weekly) to members with the intention of sharing as much information that came my way at a time of uncertainty. I am pleased that they have been well received. As well as highlighting some of the informative updates from Richmond Council, I have also included information from our cultural treasures such as the National Theatre, Southbank Centre, Tate, and more local institutions the Orange Tree and Rose theatres. I have been amazed at the wealth of entertainment that has been on offer to help us through. What I’ve especially enjoyed are the plays that I didn’t manage to see in person at the time. However, as good as they’ve been, I am keen to return to the theatre and concerts as soon as possible.
Helping hands
We have also seen a great number of acts of support. Close to home, members of the Society reached out and donated laundry products to the staff at Teddington Memorial Hospital at a time when an immediate gesture was most welcome. Thank you again to all those that contributed. The League of Friends of the hospital have also been feeding the staff in their time of need and the Jolly Coopers with Hampton & Richmond Borough FC have helped by delivering the public’s donations to the Hampton Food Bank. There are many more examples of kindness so at the risk of missing anyone out, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.
AGM postponement
Like all of our scheduled events, the Coronavirus has impacted on our plans. We have been advised that under the current situation that it is acceptable for a body such as ourselves to postpone and reschedule “as soon as is practicably possible”. We hope to provide you with a new date as soon as we can.
Finally, I would just like to say how much I have appreciated being able to enjoy our wonderful Bushy Park. The Woodland Gardens have been magnificent this spring.
Please continue to look after each other and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
William Redfern, Chair
June 2020
Autumn 2020
It might not look it but I am smiling behind the mask! What a lovely Indian summer we are having. I hope you’ve managed to make the most of the weather, near or far from home, before the possibility of further restrictions being introduced to control the spread of Covid-19.
My wife and I have had several trips away from Hampton – mainly to help our children move into their university accommodation in Nottingham and Bristol. I am very familiar with Nottingham having studied there but Bristol was a pleasant revelation – a fascinating city with great architecture and atmosphere. Highly recommended for a visit but expect a lot of hills!
Information and reassurance
Whilst I was sending out the regular emails to members during Lockdown, I mentioned a BBC Radio 4 programme called More or Less. I still strongly recommend listening to this entertaining weekly show if you want an honest report on how the virus actually affects the community; how testing does – or doesn’t – work; and many other statistic based answers to spurious claims from politicians and advertisers. I find that it helps put things into perspective. Catch up with the podcast or listen on BBC Sounds.
On another positive note, I was fascinated to hear Professor Sara Gilbert’s account of how her Oxford University department’s research into vaccines for other viruses such as MERS and SARS have placed them as frontrunners in the race to find a Covid-19 vaccine. They had already successfully developed a generic ‘vehicle’ and once the case information was released by Chinese scientists, ‘all’ they had to do was add the unique protein. So confident are they that production of the vaccine began in April. However, before we get too excited about a return to complete normality (uncomfortably crammed trains, buses and tubes!), the vaccine has had to undertake rigorous clinical trials which take time (you may have heard of a trial being suspended as one subject fell ill recently – it has now resumed). The vaccine is slated for release later this year/ early 2021 – an unprecedented short amount of time for this sort of thing. Then comes the roll-out with health care workers the top priority. But with a UK population of around 68 million, you can only imagine the amount of time it will take to inoculate the rest of us. I still think this is very encouraging news and certainly a beacon of hope. Well done Sara and the many other people involved.
Events update
I joined an online seminar with voluntary sector councillors and officers from Richmond Council to see what their advice would be for us holding our talks and events. I’m afraid that although our venue, St Mary’s community hall, would be big enough to manage (with reduced attendance numbers), the council are advising that meetings and events should still be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Our initial thoughts are to roll the events planned for this year over to next, including a double-year AGM in April.
Restart news
Along with the Eat Out to Help Out extensions reported by Maura in this issue on page 3, I wanted to share with you the work that the staff at Hampton Pool have undertaken to re-open the facility so that customers can enjoy it in safety. In order to meet the government’s guidance, all swim, gym and class sessions must be booked in advance. This can be done through the rapidly adapted smartphone booking app or on the Hampton Pool website. You must register with Hampton Pool first. I swim everyday and besides pre-booking, the main differences are that the changing rooms are out of bounds and pool users have to arrive ‘beach ready’ and towel off at the side of the pool. Temporary cover and new ‘beach huts’ have been put in place to help although we all hope we’ll be let back into the changing rooms when the air temperature starts to drop! Although our community-owned pool has lost a lot of revenue during Lockdown, out of adversity the booking system might actually be beneficial for all. If you find that some sessions are booked out you can clearly see when a quieter time of the day is available. This has helped spread pool use throughout the day and avoided ‘pinch-points’ – a much more pleasant experience for all.
Another sign of a successful reopening is that the number of registered users of the pool has risen from 5,000 to over 15,000 since July. Details and guidance at www.hamptonpool.co.uk. Well done to the pool staff who have turned this around for us all.
Take care, give each other room and I wish you all the very best for the autumn.
William Redfern, Chair
September 2020
Winter 2020
As we come to the end of an unusual year, with the loss of loved ones and our own liberties, not to mention the impact on businesses both locally and nationally, the news of a reliable vaccine gives us hope. We’ve all had to do things a little differently – and that includes The Hampton Society. With the use of St Mary’s community hall denied us, in November we conducted our first Zoom talk with members dialling in to a fascinating talk by Laurence Shafe featuring ‘the Windsor Beauties’. If you were unable to attend, the talk was recorded and can be viewed here youtu.be/XhudWusuMIs. We’re hoping to hold more virtual talks until we are able to return to normal.
Remembrance at a distance
I represented the Society at a very different Remembrance service in November. The public were requested not to attend and social distancing was observed by representatives of local organisations who laid their wreaths. A short service was conducted by The Reverend Ben Lovell of St Mary’s in subdued but respectful proceedings.
Hampton High on Newsnight, again
Headteacher Rebecca Poole featured on Newsnight for the second time in the last two months. Following a piece on students returning to school in September, she contributed to the discussion on 11 November on whether school exams should be cancelled around the UK in 2021 on BBC Newsnight. Ms. Poole said that the situation requires “a great deal of consideration as many vulnerable children could be left more vulnerable under current conditions”. It’s great to see one of our own schools asked to join the debate and I wish all our students in Hampton the very best with their exams – should they go ahead – next summer. You can see the interview here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08y1vx6
Police Station update
Committee member Sylvia Bridge Le Cluse has been pursuing the progress of the planning application for a care home on the site of the old police station on Station Road. Apparently the application will be going to committee but the developers, Cinnamon, are considering having another public consultation first. They have been trying to create extra parking and make some revisions to the existing plans to respond to some of the objections that the Society and other neighbours had raised in regard to the welfare of residents (due to over-development) and the impact from staff and visitor cars on local streets. The earliest meeting would be in February next year and councillor Suzette Nicholson will be keeping Sylvia informed. We will share any further information when we hear it.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in person as soon as we can get together again.
William Redfern, Chair
December 2020
Summer 2019
I was saddened to see that the Rose Theatre in Kingston is threatened with closure.
The theatre, set up by Sir Peter Hall and opened in 2009, has said that it faces possible closure after Kingston council said it was withdrawing support. They are threatening to strip the Rose Theatre of its £265,000 annual funding by 2022 and will not replace a £147,000 bursary, which it paid the final instalment of this year.
To which I have to ask, what is the real ‘value’ of culture in our community when it is live, entertaining, inspiring, social and even palliative? I believe that a theatre shouldn’t be expected to be a profit centre when it offers rewards in so many other ways to so many. The Rose Theatre is far from ‘elitist’, as some would like to describe theatre, offering affordable £10 seats to performances as well as giving the opportunity for the youth of the Kingston area, including Hampton, to experience taking to the stage.
If you agree, please support the Rose Theatre by signing this online petition (and by attending an upcoming performance) and encourage your friends to do the same. Sign the Save Kingston’s Rose Theatre petition here.
Tricia Mole retires
On another note, I’m sorry to report that a member of the committee has decided to retire. I would like to thank Tricia Mole for all her support over the last two years. She has said she wishes to continue helping at Society events.
William Redfern, Chair
May 2019
Spring 2019
This April will be my tenth Hampton Society AGM since taking over as Treasurer and then Chair three years ago.
As I announced at last year’s meeting, this will be my final year as chair of the Society. It is an honour to represent the residents’ association of Hampton. It involves being invited to many different events in the borough and meeting interesting people. It is not a ‘job for life’ or a ‘closed shop’ so we welcome any of our members who might be interested in the role of Chair to first consider joining the committee.
I had three important goals to achieve when I joined the committee back in 2010:
• Build awareness of The Hampton Society within the community
• Increase membership
• Improve communication amongst members through our newsletter, website and emails
We are fortunate that we have a strong committee which shares a number of responsibilities, including: events (talks, visits and the summer party); membership; finances; writing, editing, designing and organising distribution of the quarterly newsletter; monitoring planning applications; website and social media updates; and the minuting of meetings.
I invite any of our members who think they would like to be more involved in these activities to contact me.
I’m pleased to say that the goals I set have been more than fulfilled. In the last ten years the Society, one of the longest running associations of its kind in the country, has gone from strength to strength. I invite you to support the committee and maintain this momentum.
20 mph limit likely to go ahead
Alongside many other London boroughs, it is looking very likely that a blanket speed limit of 20mph is going to be introduced in Richmond following the agreement from the council’s Scrutiny Committee in February. The council claims that it is more efficient to include all roads rather than just residential areas and effective for the safety and wellbeing of residents as it removes confusion over speed limits from one street to another.
However, it does exclude the A308 between Kingston and Hampton, including Hampton Court Road, Upper Sunbury Road and Lower Sunbury Road (but includes Thames Street) as a result of the views expressed by residents in the 12 week consultation period. The A316 is also excluded as it is managed by Transport for London.
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Cabinet Member for Transport, Streetscene and Air Quality has said: “I understand the strong feelings on both sides of this debate. A majority of residents who took part in this consultation acknowledged that a borough-wide 20mph limit would improve road safety. The oldest and youngest in our communities were overwhelming in favour and it simply cannot be denied that the slower vehicles drive, the safer our roads become.”
I attended our consultation session with the council in November and as a driver myself, I was surprised by the opposition to the lower speed limit by some of our residents. I think it is only fair that we take responsibility as car users if it improves both safety for pedestrians and cyclists and air quality for all residents.
William Redfern, Chair
March 2019
Winter 2018
I was honoured to represent the Society by laying a wreath on its behalf at the newly refurbished War Memorial on the corner of Oldfield Road.
The Remembrance Sunday service is usually well attended but this year there appeared to be many more in the crowd commemorating the centenary of the First World War Armistice. With respect and precision, representatives from local churches, organisations, councillors, schools and residents gave another example of how we do things well in Hampton.
During the ceremony we were reminded that the first soldier of the British Commonwealth to be killed by enemy action in 1914 was from the Middlesex Regiment. John Henry Parr was just 17 years of age. At 5’3”, he had joined up in 1912 aged only 14, claiming to be 18 years and one month old, to meet the minimum age requirement.
Great stories – all on your doorstep
If you have not yet attended one of our many talks, I’d like to share a little secret with you. Neither had I until I joined the committee! What with a business to run and also young children, a talk on local history was not really a priority.
But what a treasure trove I had been missing. From the first talk that I attended in 2010 on the history of Taggs Island (which we repeated in 2017 to a full house) I have been hooked, rarely missing an opportunity to find out more about aspects of our wonderful area.
This year we have been treated to fascinating talks by professional speakers. Starting in April, we hosted a talk on Hampton in 25 Objects by our local historian, John Sheaf, which revealed some real surprises.
In warmer months our talks are both active and outdoors. Nicholas Garbutt hosted a Bat Walk around Home Park in May. We have also had special guided visits to Syon House and Turner’s House in Twickenham.
Our autumn programme began with the 300-year history of one of our local schools, Lady Eleanor Holles, by Elizabeth Hossain. In October we held the final talk on the events of the last year of the Great War. Paula Kitching, a Commonwealth Graves Tour battlefields guide, has given four talks over the last five years that havebeeninsightfulandthoughtprovoking.Theyhaveprovidedthecontextfor each year’s events that challenged often a one-dimensional viewpoint of the global conflict and highlighted the repercussions that would follow.
In November, another large audience was entertained by TV and Historic Royal Palaces historian Tracy Borman on Henry VIII and the men who made him – the subject of her latest book.
Our year of talks ends on 6 December at St Mary’s community hall The King’s Chocolate Kitchen at Hampton Court will be presented by Mark Meltonville. Do come along – you’ll be hooked as well, I’m sure!
Have a wonderful festive season and I look forward to seeing you all at some point.
William Redfern, Chair
November 2018
Autumn 2018
What a lovely summer we have had this year. The amazing hot weather has made me appreciate our wonderful surroundings even more.
Whether I was taking pictures of the locations of the community funded 24/7 life saving defibrillators; walking beside the Longford river in the woodland gardens of Bushy Park; enjoying the sell out Summer Picnic Concerts and swimming in the open air at Hampton Pool; or ambling along the Thames footpath and looking back at Hampton after crossing the river on the ferry, the sunshine really brings out the best in the area.
I walk into Bushy Park most lunchtimes and, although I love the way that the scenery changes through the seasons, it is the warmer months that I really enjoy. But as the nights start to draw in, it indicates that our programme of fascinating talks on local history (and more) will resume. I hope you manage to make some of them this year if you have not been to one before.
Safe as houses?
Representing the Society, I regularly attend HVTA meetings. Unfortunately our shopkeepers have been subject to a series of recent burglaries, some of which follow a very similar pattern. The last traders’ meeting was attended by Constable Ian Salmond and Police Liaison Officer John Murray. They reported that contrary to the traders’ concerns, Hampton is not experiencing a crime wave, but is, on average, no better or worse than any other area in the borough. So don’t be overly anxious, but also don’t be complacent by overlooking the basics. Make sure your house is secure and don’t forget to lock your back doors and windows. This alone should be just enough to put off this type of opportunist.
William Redfern, Chair
September 2018
Spring 2018
Our fascinating and very enjoyable talk in March was given by Pieter Morpurgo about Bushy Park and the restoration of the Water Gardens and the Diana Fountain.
The results of our 2015 village survey clearly showed how important and valued Bushy Park is to residents. I was amused to hear that Oliver Cromwell thought the park to be an ‘indulgence’ and ordered its sale when he became Lord Protector in 1653. However, when he took up residence at Hampton Court and realised how wonderful the park was, he promptly had it bought back by the State in 1654. Pieter’s involvement with the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks illustrates how we can all have influence on our surroundings if we get ‘involved’.
We seem to be facing insurmountable challenges in this country and throughout the world. The chance of us having any real influence on these as individuals is extremely unlikely. It’s easy to either just get angry or depressed about a situation. But we can take small steps to make a difference that may in future have very positive long-term benefits. By joining The Hampton Society, you have already taken a ‘small step’ of wanting to be a more active part of your community and together, we can do remarkable things.
My aim as Chair of the Society is to improve the way we communicate through this newsletter and our regular email updates (please make sure you have sent me your email address or a new one if it has changed from Tiscali, AOL etc). As a result, we are able to inform, enlighten and entertain you and share any concerns with our councillors, council officers and MP.
I am a firm believer that local actions and behaviour have national impact over time. I encourage you all to share any of your concerns with our elected councillors and MP directly as well as through the Society. As public servants, they can only act on issues they are aware of. So it’s time to stop grumbling at the newspaper and the television, and open a dialogue with your representatives.
Let’s get talking.
Have you heard of the website Nextdoor?
Nextdoor is a private social network that has been created for local communities. It’s like Facebook but much more local. I’d encourage you to join as requests and offers are shared by your neighbours. The council and the police also regularly post useful information to the site that you might find of great interest.
...play on
On another note, Hampton is rapidly becoming the music capital of the borough. We have Hampton Pool with its six annual open air summer concerts, but are you familiar with the hidden gem that is the Hammond Theatre on Hanworth Road? This modern seated and intimate venue will host jazz legend Georgie Fame on 20 April. If you saw him at Hampton Pool in 2017, you’ll know he is not to be missed.
Click here for Georgie Fame tickets.
Click here for Hampton Pool Summer Picnic Concert information and tickets.
William Redfern, Chair
March 2018
Winter 2016
Great to see Hampton making the papers recently. A freelance snapper took the initiative and captured my early morning swimming colleagues on a crisp November morning.
One of Peter Macdiarmid’s pictures was picked up by Wednesday’s Telegraph, Times and Mirror.
It is a terrific picture and really captures the wonders of swimming in the fresh air at all times of the year, no matter what the weather’s like. The constant 28°C temperature makes every swim a pleasure – especially on such a beautifully clear day with the sun burning through the mist.
Christmas card competition
These pictures have certainly inspired me to get out and shoot a new winter scene of Hampton for future Society Christmas cards. I encourage the photographic enthusiasts amongst you to do the same. Please send your snowy or frosty scenes from around the village to me and you could see your image printed and win a prize.
Kingsbury Garage update
An updated planning application has been made for the Kingsbury site and can be found on the council’s website. Kingsbury would like to stress that there will still be a showroom and car business on the site if the application is granted.
Christmas celebration success
I’d like to thank the Hampton Village Traders Association for another wonderful ‘Christmas Celebrations’. They go to a lot of trouble to give so many people a lovely start to the festive period. It was great to see so many people turn out to see what our shops have to offer. See pictures on right. I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
William Redfern, Chair
October 2016
Autumn 2016
At a recent borough volunteers group forum hosted by Lord True and the council that I attended, the greatest issue arising from the event was communication.
How can we get important and useful messages spread around our community? Over the last few years, the Society has improved the way it regularly sends information out to members via email.
But what about members of our community who don’t have access to email, a computer or a smart phone? Other than word- of-mouth, printed notifications are still the most dependable way of getting messages through people’s doors – but it can be prohibitively expensive.
The answer to this could be ‘micro-volunteering’. Lots of people in the community prepared to do a little, so that it doesn’t encroach on their daily lives too much, but they can still feel they are making a contribution. Our many valued newsletter deliverers already meet this description. I would like to appeal for representatives from each neighbourhood who are accessible via email who would be prepared to kindly volunteer to print out such important or useful messages and deliver them to their immediate neighbours. This could be a two-way street, if you’ll excuse the pun, as those reps could then feedback any concerns to the Society, your residents’ association. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.
We are also looking to build a contact list of local groups and organisations to share with residents. The large number of clubs and associations that arose from the Village Survey was surprising which resulted in the Society and Janet Fisher from the Village Traders building a database. Please get in touch with your details if you would like to be included.
William Redfern, Chair
September 2016
Summer 2016
This is my first letter as Chair since taking over in April from Sam whom I’d like to thank for doing such a marvellous job for the last five years.
My wife and I moved to Hampton 20 years ago this year. We only joined the committee in 2010 when I took on the role of treasurer. In this time, we have seen the Society flourish through attending local events where it has attracted many new members. The Hampton Society truly represents the whole village, north and south, and we have members in practically every street.
Since getting more involved in the Society, I’ve got so much out of living in Hampton. My first 10 years as a resident were spent commuting to and from London, leaving at 7.00am and returning at 8.00pm, simply ‘just sleeping’ in Hampton. Of course, at weekends I was free to enjoy the leafy streets, Bushy Park and living by the Thames but I wasn’t really able to appreciate all the village had to offer or get to know my fellow residents.
I started working from home in 2006 and that’s when I really started to see the pleasure of this place and its people. It’s an outstanding and caring community where people work together to achieve great things that we can all enjoy.
I swim daily at the wonderful outdoor heated Hampton Pool, saved from closure by a community action group in the early eighties and still owned by a charitable trust. I have also been involved with the local shopkeepers’ association since its formation in 2011. As a result, I have a far greater connection with the people that make our community strong, including our local councillors.
I would also like to encourage those of you who have not yet attended any of our talks or events to come and see what you’re missing!
The first talk I went to was by Dave Raven about Taggs Island. I had no idea what a fascinating history it holds and it highlighted what an interesting place we live in. As you will see in the events calendar it has come full circle for me as Dave will be giving an updated talk next March. I urge you not to miss it–you will get hooked I’m sure. And don’t forget that all our talks are free to members – what a bargain!
Finally, I’d like to congratulate my fellow committee members, both past and present, for 60 years of outstanding service to this local Society and the community of Hampton. Here’s to at least 60 more!
William Redfern, Chair
June 2016
Spring 2016
After five fun-packed years as Chair of The Hampton Society, my tenure is now coming to an end and this will be my final report for the newsletter. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I apprehensively agreed to take over the role from long-standing committee member, Bill Weisblatt, and it has proved to be a fruitful experience. I’ve learnt a great deal about the local area, its history and its community and I’ve made lots of new friends and acquaintances – many of you reading this are among them.
Committee changes
The committee is delighted to announce that our treasurer, William, has put himself forward to fill the post of Chair and will be standing for election at our AGM on 14 April and I’d like to thank him for all his hard work managing the society’s finances over the past six years. William’s role as treasurer will be taken up by new committee member, Brian Brignall. Brian was financial director at Hampton Hill Theatre for 15 years. He is the current treasurer for the Hampton Hill Association and we hope that his presence on our committee will provide closer links between the two Residents’ Associations. We’re also pleased to have secured the services of society member Anselm Frost as our independent examiner of accounts and that Alice Fordham, after a one-year break, has offered to stand again as deputy Chair.
A big thank you to our helpers
Members will be familiar with our call for volunteers to help out at talks and events and I’m pleased to say we’ve had more people come forward in the past year than ever before. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those on the list, even if you haven’t had the opportunity to help yet. It makes an enormous difference having lots of people doing a little, rather than the same few people struggling to juggle lots of balls. It was particularly heartening to have several members answer a last minute cry for help this month when we needed bar staff for our annual Quiz Night.
All that now remains is for me to wish William and Brian every success in their new roles and to thank you all for your ongoing support of the Society.
Best wishes to you all,Sam Redfern, Chair
December 2015
*The Village Plan for Hampton will be presented early in the new year. This will inform the quality of life in Hampton in regard to planning and council budgetary spend for the village.
Winter 2016
Great to see Hampton making the papers recently. A freelance snapper took the initiative and captured my early morning swimming colleagues on a crisp November morning.
One of Peter Macdiarmid’s pictures was picked up by Wednesday’s Telegraph, Times and Mirror.
It is a terrific picture and really captures the wonders of swimming in the fresh air at all times of the year, no matter what the weather’s like. The constant 28°C temperature makes every swim a pleasure – especially on such a beautifully clear day with the sun burning through the mist.
Christmas card competition
These pictures have certainly inspired me to get out and shoot a new winter scene of Hampton for future Society Christmas cards. I encourage the photographic enthusiasts amongst you to do the same. Please send your snowy or frosty scenes from around the village to me and you could see your image printed and win a prize.
Kingsbury Garage update
An updated planning application has been made for the Kingsbury site and can be found on the council’s website. Kingsbury would like to stress that there will still be a showroom and car business on the site if the application is granted.
Christmas celebration success
I’d like to thank the Hampton Village Traders Association for another wonderful ‘Christmas Celebrations’. They go to a lot of trouble to give so many people a lovely start to the festive period. It was great to see so many people turn out to see what our shops have to offer. See pictures on right. I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
William Redfern, Chair
October 2016
Autumn 2016
At a recent borough volunteers group forum hosted by Lord True and the council that I attended, the greatest issue arising from the event was communication.
How can we get important and useful messages spread around our community? Over the last few years, the Society has improved the way it regularly sends information out to members via email.
But what about members of our community who don’t have access to email, a computer or a smart phone? Other than word- of-mouth, printed notifications are still the most dependable way of getting messages through people’s doors – but it can be prohibitively expensive.
The answer to this could be ‘micro-volunteering’. Lots of people in the community prepared to do a little, so that it doesn’t encroach on their daily lives too much, but they can still feel they are making a contribution. Our many valued newsletter deliverers already meet this description. I would like to appeal for representatives from each neighbourhood who are accessible via email who would be prepared to kindly volunteer to print out such important or useful messages and deliver them to their immediate neighbours. This could be a two-way street, if you’ll excuse the pun, as those reps could then feedback any concerns to the Society, your residents’ association. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.
We are also looking to build a contact list of local groups and organisations to share with residents. The large number of clubs and associations that arose from the Village Survey was surprising which resulted in the Society and Janet Fisher from the Village Traders building a database. Please get in touch with your details if you would like to be included.
William Redfern, Chair
September 2016
Summer 2016
This is my first letter as Chair since taking over in April from Sam whom I’d like to thank for doing such a marvellous job for the last five years.
My wife and I moved to Hampton 20 years ago this year. We only joined the committee in 2010 when I took on the role of treasurer. In this time, we have seen the Society flourish through attending local events where it has attracted many new members. The Hampton Society truly represents the whole village, north and south, and we have members in practically every street.
Since getting more involved in the Society, I’ve got so much out of living in Hampton. My first 10 years as a resident were spent commuting to and from London, leaving at 7.00am and returning at 8.00pm, simply ‘just sleeping’ in Hampton. Of course, at weekends I was free to enjoy the leafy streets, Bushy Park and living by the Thames but I wasn’t really able to appreciate all the village had to offer or get to know my fellow residents.
I started working from home in 2006 and that’s when I really started to see the pleasure of this place and its people. It’s an outstanding and caring community where people work together to achieve great things that we can all enjoy.
I swim daily at the wonderful outdoor heated Hampton Pool, saved from closure by a community action group in the early eighties and still owned by a charitable trust. I have also been involved with the local shopkeepers’ association since its formation in 2011. As a result, I have a far greater connection with the people that make our community strong, including our local councillors.
I would also like to encourage those of you who have not yet attended any of our talks or events to come and see what you’re missing!
The first talk I went to was by Dave Raven about Taggs Island. I had no idea what a fascinating history it holds and it highlighted what an interesting place we live in. As you will see in the events calendar it has come full circle for me as Dave will be giving an updated talk next March. I urge you not to miss it–you will get hooked I’m sure. And don’t forget that all our talks are free to members – what a bargain!
Finally, I’d like to congratulate my fellow committee members, both past and present, for 60 years of outstanding service to this local Society and the community of Hampton. Here’s to at least 60 more!
William Redfern, Chair
June 2016
Spring 2016
After five fun-packed years as Chair of The Hampton Society, my tenure is now coming to an end and this will be my final report for the newsletter. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I apprehensively agreed to take over the role from long-standing committee member, Bill Weisblatt, and it has proved to be a fruitful experience. I’ve learnt a great deal about the local area, its history and its community and I’ve made lots of new friends and acquaintances – many of you reading this are among them.
Committee changes
The committee is delighted to announce that our treasurer, William, has put himself forward to fill the post of Chair and will be standing for election at our AGM on 14 April and I’d like to thank him for all his hard work managing the society’s finances over the past six years. William’s role as treasurer will be taken up by new committee member, Brian Brignall. Brian was financial director at Hampton Hill Theatre for 15 years. He is the current treasurer for the Hampton Hill Association and we hope that his presence on our committee will provide closer links between the two Residents’ Associations. We’re also pleased to have secured the services of society member Anselm Frost as our independent examiner of accounts and that Alice Fordham, after a one-year break, has offered to stand again as deputy Chair.
A big thank you to our helpers
Members will be familiar with our call for volunteers to help out at talks and events and I’m pleased to say we’ve had more people come forward in the past year than ever before. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those on the list, even if you haven’t had the opportunity to help yet. It makes an enormous difference having lots of people doing a little, rather than the same few people struggling to juggle lots of balls. It was particularly heartening to have several members answer a last minute cry for help this month when we needed bar staff for our annual Quiz Night.
All that now remains is for me to wish William and Brian every success in their new roles and to thank you all for your ongoing support of the Society.
Best wishes to you all,Sam Redfern, Chair
December 2015
*The Village Plan for Hampton will be presented early in the new year. This will inform the quality of life in Hampton in regard to planning and council budgetary spend for the village.