Posted by: tteditor | May 20, 2013

Develop your scientific skills with a NPL apprenticeship

NewsNPL, the world-leading centre of excellence for accurate science, technology and standards, is looking for bright candidates with a genuine interest in science for a Laboratory and Science Technician apprenticeship.

Up to 10 successful candidates, whilst receiving in-house training for BTEC in Applied Science and NVQ in Laboratory Associated Techniques will assist in designing and building experiments, running tests, taking measurements analysing results, producing reports and presentations from this process.

This is not a graduate scheme, closing date for applications is 3rd June 2013. The successful candidates could start work as soon as July and be part of a close-knit professional team, working alongside world leading scientists and laboratory technicians.

You can find more details and apply online here – telling the NPL why would like to be considered for an apprenticeship in 500 words.

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Posted by: tteditor | May 17, 2013

Squatters move into the Causeway

NewsSquatters are currently occupying the former Bottoms Up unit in the Causeway and offices in the three storeys above.

Notices from the occupiers in the window state that “This is not a ‘residential’ building within the meaning of section 144, legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders Act 2012 because it was NOT designed or adapted, before the time of our entry, for use as a place to live.

The provisions of section 144 are therefore not applicable to this building or to our occupation of it… we live in this property, it is ours and we intend to stay here.” Full text here.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Marcus King, managing agents for the building, have begun action to evict the squatters.

Squatting is only a criminal offence if in a residential building. In commercial ones, this is a civil matter that the owner is responsible for, although police will assist any home owners or landlords by attending any eviction if a court is obtained.

[Update 21/05/2013] A notice has been posted for a hearing court date on the 30th of May.

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Posted by: tteditor | May 12, 2013

Chestnut Sunday 2013

NewsDo you really need a human-sized bear to tell you go head to the park for Chestnut Sunday? You do?


Park Lane Stables pony rides (with Build-A-Bear)

The parade itself will start at approximately 12:30pm from Teddington Gate, heading up towards Diana Fountain where a huge gathering of stalls and attractions will be available near the children’s playground throughout the day.

  • Traditional Fairground ‘Galloper’ Carousel plus other rides and stalls
  • Arena displays, showing historical military re-enactments and riding displays
  • 50s – 60s Band
  • Historical re-enactment groups from the Ancient Greeks and Vikings, English Civil War, WW1 though to the Gulf War
  • Military Vehicle camp and stationary vehicle display reflecting Bushy Park’s wartime history
  • Classic cars, motorcycles and cycles
  • St. John Ambulance and Police information and advice
  • Displays about Bushy Park’s wildlife and history, Pony rides, Lift up a tree, The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks, The Horse Rangers Association, Sports Clubs, NPL, etc.
  • A number of local charities’ information stands and fund-raising activities
  • Refreshment kiosks

The parade include Claire Lomas, the paralysed London Marathon walker, who is part way through cycling 400 miles around the UK on her special hand-bike. It will will also feature :

  • Historical Re-enactors
  • The Horse Rangers’ Band
  • Veteran and Companion Cycles
  • Classic Cars
  • Motorcycles and Military Vehicles
  • City of London Police Horses

Chestnut Avenue will be closed to through traffic from 12.15pm to 1.30pm on the day in order to allow the parade. The car parks will also be closed to entry and exit during this period.

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Posted by: tteditor | May 10, 2013

Teddington businesses celebrate success

The Loft were pleased to recently reach the finals of Independent Gift Retailer of the Year 2013 – finalists are nominated by their suppliers.

At an awards ceremony this week there were five finalists who were chosen because they had shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gift, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marking and display.

The Loft were extremely pleased and honoured to walk home with the trophy for winning Independent Gift Retailer of the Year for London! The trophy will now take pride of place in their window display.

Staff at a In-toto are enjoying a double celebration this month after reaching two impressive milestones.

The In-toto Kitchens Teddington showroom, run by husband and wife team Paul and Louise Wheeler, is now 25 years old after setting up in The Causeway in 1988 and is one of 45 successful In-toto franchises across the country. To prove the quality and experience provided by the Teddington team, celebrations are also underway for kitchen designer Greg Varney, who has recently created his 1,000th kitchen!


In-toto Teddington’s Paul Wheeler (left) and designer Greg Varney (right)

Mr Varney, who has been working in the industry for nearly 30 years, is now seeing some customers return to him for a second kitchen design having been so impressed with their first experience of In-toto.

Early methods used to design kitchens used to involved moving pieces around on a magnetic board, but kitchen designs are thankfully all computerised now! The fitting team can also project manage kitchen installations and related building work.

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Posted by: tteditor | May 4, 2013

Fire closes Bushy Park to traffic

NewsSeveral fire engines were seen in and around Bushy Park this afternoon, tackling a fire within the park near the Pheasantry Cafe. Some visitors to the park reported smelling smoke several hours earlier but were not aware of a fire was being fought nearby.

Firemen just before 6pm told a crowd of onlookers that the fire couldn’t be controlled by initial efforts so hoses were being prepared to supply water from outside of the park.

Hoses from several fire engines were connected to cover the distance of just under half a mile from the water main in Park Road/Sandy Lane.

Billowing smoke could be seen behind the fence surrounding the storage area at the back of the Pheasantry Cafe – a bank of built up material containing tree stumps looked to be the source.


Initially ramps were put over the hoses in Park Lane to allow cars to pass, buses were stopped and passengers had to disembark. Cars were then also asked to turn around and find alternative routes. Chestnut Avenue was closed from the Teddington end but cars were allowed to leave via the Hampton Court Gate which was still open to allow cars in and out of Diana Fountain car park.

[Update] TFL reported that the road was re-opened by 8:35pm. The fire was 100 tonnes of peat that caught alight from a “controlled fire”.

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Posted by: tteditor | May 1, 2013

Resident consultations: have your say

PlanningRichmond Council is asking for feedback for proposed re-planning schemes for two parks in central Teddington – Elmfield and Jubilee Gardens: these are the green spaces near Elmfield house, where Lights-Up switching-on takes place in November and opposite, near Travelodge.

This work will form part of the Parks Improvement Plan II which aims to improve parks and open spaces across the borough. This work and consultation has been driven directly from the results of the All-In-One survey where locals were asked what they like best about their local area – with open spaces and parks being the top answer.


Click here for more details on the proposals

The current Elmfield Garden design is 30 years old and based on Hidcote, Lawrence Johnston’s famous garden in Gloucestershire. Depending on feedback, updated plans could see grass mounds levelled, additional trees, picnic tables, benches, flowering areas and bike stands.

The Jubilee Gardens design was based on a woodland and trees planted here have grown to the point that too much shade was preventing planting underneath – now stripped back and waiting for confirmation of final plans. The seating area could be extended and include new planting. You can add your feedback for either scheme via this online survey by the 3rd of May 2013.


Heathrow likely Easterly departure routes with a 3rd runway

From its humble beginnings in the 1940′s when a small airfield near a small hamlet “Heath Row” was earmarked for a larger airport, combining military and civilian flights. The risk of landing into the prevailing wind (flying westwards) over such a large city was justified at this location because it was linked to an ideal spot to cater for long-range troop-carrying planes, so war-time powers were used to requisition the land.

Heathrow is now one of the world’s biggest and busiest airports but studies have shown that more capacity is needed in the South of England to keep up with demand. On Saturday, 27th April thousands attended a cross-party rally held to protest the potential West London expansion.


Plane spotted taking off over Teddington, a common sight when the prevailing wind direction changes (approx third of the time)

Richmond Council seeks to involve local people in decision-making in the development of ideas and issues that affect the borough and they are asking that voices “Be Heard” on the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport with the borough’s first local referendum. If you missed the ‘Have Your Say’ information stand on Broad Street, there will be a further one at Chestnut Sunday on the 12th of May – the deadline for this vote is 16th May.

Last week every eligible voter in the borough should have received a ballot card with instructions on how to vote on this issue by post or online. There are facts and estimates concerning the proposals online for you to consider before you vote and you can request a lost or missing ballot card by Thursday 2nd May.

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Posted by: tteditor | April 19, 2013

Photo Update

Yarn-bombing, or guerilla knitting comes to Teddington This CPZ parking sign on Bridgeman Road had an unexpected and anonymous wooly overhaul last week and has been brightening up the day of passers-by ever since!


Staff at Teddington-based Beating Bowel Cancer take the streets to promote their “Bowel Movement” to help beat bowel cancer. Details are on the site: you can wear your own fake bottom, put up posters, host a donation box or send a letter or email to your MP.


“Bushy park looking like a scene out of Dr. Doolittle this afternoon!”. Photo: Dominique Fraser.


A project to take microscopic photographs of pennies from all over the world has used Europe’s best microscope, an infinite focus 3D optical microscope which is owned by NPL. The study comes as governments debate whether to do away with lower denomination coins. The study will form an exhibition of large prints of pennies that serves also to preserve the images of these coins for future generations.


“360-degrees of Spring snow in Teddington”. Hopefully soon it will seem hard to believe that it was only recently that we had a brief covering of snow in early April! This was captured by 360 degree photographer Marcus Hamilton after a brief but heavy flurry in Bushy Park.


Officers from local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, Richmond Police, Richmond Council and the Environment Agency checking moored boats for licences between Teddington and Kingston. 60 illegally moored boats had eviction notices served and 20 unregistered boats were reported as part of Operation Riverside.


Shambles restaurant wine tasting at Antinori in Tuscany to bring the best back to Teddington – with wines from “Peppoli” through to “Solaia” now available. Also available at Shambles is Prosecco on tap!


A popular sight for train users, this tree on Adelaide Road usually heralds when Spring has started properly so we’re well on the way now! Photo Raf_Al_II.

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Posted by: tteditor | April 19, 2013

Charity Update

NewsChildren and horses at Park Lane Stables dressed up in odd socks to help raise awareness of Down’s Syndrome on the 21st of March.

Cakes and balloons were given away and children were taught about the condition on World Down Syndrome Day. Around the world, supporters wore mismatched socks and some wore 3 – to symbolise trisomy 21, a genetic disorder caused by the presence a third copy of chromosome 21.

Teddington Baptist Church minister Richard Littledale will be among the 2000 riders taking on the 100km ‘Nightrider’ event through London to raise money for Princess Alice Hospice (PAH). After a member of his church spent the last few weeks of his life at PAH, Richard noted that the staff treated him and his family “with the utmost warmth, humanity, dignity and compassion” before he passed away.

Richard has had to increase his fundraising target twice already to help raise funds for the charity that cares and supports for patients with cancer and other illnesses in South West London (costing £8 million per year). As well as donating towards his new target, businesses can also appear as a sponsor for £25 on his racing jersey.

This year’s Pink Ribbonwalk will be taking place on Saturday 15th June 2013. The 10 and 20 mile distances both start and end at Marble Hill Park taking sights such as the Thames Path, Bushy Park, Ham House and Hampton Court Palace on route.

A Teddington resident is taking part in this year’s walk in memory of her mother, who she lost to breast cancer when she was 15. Jakki Meads Road took part in last year’s walk in Marble Hill Park and along with her team The Abercorn Belles (from the Abercorn Arms) raised £3,000. The team is currently in training for this year’s event and are hoping to smash their fund-raising target (sponsor sheets are in the pub) along with a further charity night on the 8th of June.


The Abercorn Belles training for their 20 mile Pink Ribbon walk

The sixth annual Mundays Charity 5k fun run for Princess Alice Hospice is on 22nd May this year. Supporters are encouraged to watch with a picnic and for competitors there will be team prizes, chip timing, same night results and race photos. You can donate to this fund via their JustGiving page.

Suki Hubbard is running this year’s London marathon to raise money for the Scoliosis Association, a condition that her daughter Ella suffers from. Ella will be having an operation on her spine in May which will take six months to recover from. Money raised will go towards support and research to help people with the condition – you can donate towards this cause here.

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Posted by: tteditor | April 17, 2013

Events Update

EventsThe Dead Parrot Society are returning to the Bloated Mallard this Friday (19th April) for a night of comedy.

Tickets are £10 for the show that’s 8pm till midnight, hosted MC’d by Teddington’s Viv Groskop and professional rib-tickers will include:

  • Viv Groskop: “Viv is brilliant. But I still quite like Billy Connolly.” – Jo Brand
  • Evelyn Mok: “Evelyn Mok who charmed the crowd from the off” – The Velvet onion
  • Chris Gau: “I have genuinely never seen so much promise in a newcomer” – BBC Producer, New Comedy Awards
  • Darren Walsh: “A real crowd-pleaser, with originality and personality by the bucketload.” – Chortle
  • Dan Green: “Dangerously funny new comic with a sweet on stage persona that bites with bitterness” – The Age
  • Lindsay Sharman: “Michael McIntyre on a sugar overdose” – Three Weeks
  • Gerry Howell: “Surreal Rambling Brilliance” – TimeOut

This will be the last chance to catch the comedy night at the Bloated Mallard as it changes ownership and closes for refurbishment from Sunday. Current owners will be ensuring they go out with a bang starting with this comedy evening, then live music on Saturday night. From Sunday to Tuesday, all furniture and fixings will be sold so pop down to grab a bargain.

Venues of note in the fashion calendar are New York City, London, Milan, Paris and now Teddington! Haymarket have organised a Feel Good Fashion Night at the Royal Oak on Thursday 9th May 2013.

Catwalk, high-end and charity clothes will be on sale so why not come along, enjoy the evening, socialise and support this great charity and head home with some bargains too! There will also be a raffle drawn for thousands of pounds worth of prizes including audio systems, speakers, champagne and jewellery (top prize is a £1,750 hi-fi system!).

Proceeds from the evening will go Shooting Star Chase Hospice, doors open 7:30pm and the fashion show and make-overs start at 8:30pm with tickets at £5 or £10 for VIP experience that also includes front-row catwalk seats and a glass of prosecco. Thanks go to Haymarket for organising the show, Elements and Simply Me Boutique for hair and make-up.

Raffle tickets will be on sale from the Shooting Star Chase Teddington shop from Thursday 18th April, which will also take donations of clothes for the show & sale (the more high-end and fashionable, the better). If you drop some off on Thursday 18th, you can swap bags of donations marked ‘fashion night’ for one of their homemade cakes. If you have bought nice items but agonised over actually wearing them, they could be ideal for the evening!

After the sold-out success of last year’s wine tasting masterclass, The Wharf is to welcome back Master of Wine Adrian Garforth for another evening of wine tasting, education and fine food by the river. This time the theme will be a comparison between well known wines from traditional areas versus some more obscure, unknown grape varieties.

You don’t need to know a thing about wine to attend – you won’t be tested and the evening is very relaxed and friendly! Each course will be accompanied by two wines to compare and contrast and you’ll definitely leave being more knowledgeable about grape varieties.

The carefully selected fine wines from top estates in both the New and Old World have been expertly paired with an inspirational four course menu from The Wharf kitchen. The evening will take place on Friday 10th May 2013 (from 7pm) and the £55 price includes all tasting wine and four course meal.

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Posted by: tteditor | April 15, 2013

High Street Update

Mackenzie Gallery closed it’s doors for the last time on Easter weekend after hosting a platform for artists to provide art to locals for seven years. A note was left on the door thanking their customers and artists they have worked with or sold to over the years.

Some art pieces were sold to anyone who made a reasonable offer, proceeds from this went to Help for Heroes charity. The artistic pedigree will continue at this spot though, 1of1Design will be opening here in the summer – selling work of local designers and artists, including contemporary jewellery, fashion & textiles, also providing courses for children and adults.

At the license hearing last week, the alcohol license for the proposed Sainsbury’s was granted after arguments from both sides and an acceptance from local Police that alcohol trading hours would be revised to 8am-10pm. Amongst the 14 stipulations also included joining the local PubWatch scheme and helping clean nearby Udney Hall Gardens twice daily.

This is separately decided from the planning permission which is still to be debated. Owners have discussed with some protesters longer terms plans for the site that would be much more feasible with a tenant such as a national supermarket – the building does need repair and has an asbestos roof. If Sainsbury’s does open here, a ‘phase 2′ plan could then see the building demolished and rebuild with flats above.

Due to objections to the plans, Sainsbury’s has created a leaflet, distributed to nearby roads that lists how it would provide responsible retailing, support the high street and contribute to the conservation area. This and other information about the plans and licensing protest and meeting with Vince Cable can be found on sainsburysteddington.wordpress.com and statement from Calligaris via the TBC.

To the dismay of loyal regulars, The Nearest Cafe in Church Road has now closed for business and a note in the window teases with some info about the business that will be opening here in its place: “A new breed of coffee shop. Some of the best coffee and fresh organic food you’re likely to try. Watch this space.” Simply Skin are this week celebrating their 7th anniversary in Teddington with 7 days of special offers.

Well-known Adelaide landlord Dermot will be hanging up his bar towel this month to retire and hand over the reins to a familiar face. If you haven’t already checked out Caffe Toscana on Stanley Road then definitely visit to try their delicious lunches, coffee and range of desserts.

The grand opening of Mary Portas ‘Living and Giving‘ will be happening on Saturday 20th of April at midday – designer labels at discount prices and a free goody bag if you bring a bag of donations (limited offer). There will be also be information about volunteering opportunities for the shop that supports Save the Children. Flying Cloud Cafe has recently re-opened after hibernating for the winter and will again be serving tea, coffee, cakes and ice-cream next to Teddington footbridge.

From today, the Totally Locally Teddington “Amazing April Draw” will starts, lasting two weeks. At participating traders, every spend of at least £5 will make you eligible to receive a draw ticket to win one of three great prizes in the form of vouchers to spend right here on your high street in Teddington!

First prize is £240, second is £100 and third £60. See the Totally Locally Teddington site for more detail and list of participating traders and keep an eye out for posters in windows that will tell you your £5 purchases will result in another chance of winning a prize – the more you spend, the greater the chance!

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