The increasingly famous “Union Jack House” on Wick Road. A poster in the window describes how residents were asked “Don’t forget to decorate your house for the Jubilee Street Party“. Consider that request satisfied!

Events will be listed here alphabetically (& updated throughout the week) – these can be street parties, events at pubs & restuarants or in local schools and businesses. If your event is not listed, add a comment below and the list will be magically updated as if by the Queen herself with a Royal wave. You can login using WordPress, Facbook or Twitter (or just ping a message via Twitter itself to @Teddington_Town).

The Builder’s Arms will be having a good old-fashioned knees-up with BBQ, live music, games for the kids and dancing into the evening.

Carluccio’s have been working long hours to get the new restaurant ready as soon as possible but this won’t be in time for the Jubilee weekend. This will now be opening on Friday 8th June.

Cavan Bakery have a busy Saturday planned with ginger queens & guards, mini shortbread crowns, mini Victoria sponges and fairy cakes!

Cook has a large selection of street party food and Jubilee/Union Jack themed snacks & cakes!

Happy Potter Ceramics have a whole range of Jubilee plates, teapots and other ceramics as well as mini Jubilee cakes made by LousKitchen. Happy Potter will be open everyday during the bank holiday weekend 11am-5pm and will be hosting Jubilee workshops.

Kings Head have a live band on their front terrace from 1pm, we will be selling Pimms from here (£2 from each glass goes to charity) and will be holding a competition to name their new dog statue (£1 entry – all proceeds to charity).

Kitchen Sync have been hosting a ‘decorate the Jubilee plate’ competition (now closed) and are generally well stocked with lots of Jubilee bunting, cupcake stands, flags, doilies, napkins, sugar decorations and more for your street party needs.

Moores Cycles are running a very special offer for the very special weekend – 3 for 2 on all accessories (2nd-5th June).

Nearest Cafe have live music from Orquesta Sin Fronteras and a hog roast (bring your own bottle).

The Park Hotel have a packed weekend of events: Best of British menu, fun day for the kinds on Saturday (crown decoration & gem hunt) and Jubilee celebration dishes on Tuesday with British classic dishes.

Park Lane Stables are hosting a special jubilee fancy dress ride with prizes for best fancy dress, followed by a Jubilee street party to remember with face-painting, pony rides, bouncy castle & more. Everyone is welcome – just bring some food or drink!

Play Inside Out will be hosting a ‘decorate the crowns and tiaras’ mosaic workshop for local children on Saturday 2nd June from 11am.

Shambles Bar-Restaurant will be keeping us full with a hog roast over the jubilee weekend Sunday-Tuesday (only £5.95)

Simply Skin are moving to their own new premises on Friday 1st June. Come along for a glass of bubbly from 7:30pm.

Teddington Arms are celebrating the jubilee weekend with loads going on – DJ Sweet2th on Friday, Derby Racing, & footy on Saturday, Hampton Wick Band on Sunday, roast lunch & Jubilee concert live on TV on Monday, Tuesday Jubilee Parade live on TV with Royal Quiz at 8pm. Afternoon and champagne teas throughout.

Teddington Business Community with local businesses have organised the Union Flags that are adorning shops areas in Teddington.

Teddington Cheese have a great Jubilee British cheese selection and a Jubilee cheesecake (as featured on the Alan Titchmarsh Show)! The last day you can get your hands on this will be Saturday.

Vet4Life are having a ‘name the dog’ competition from this Wednesday until Saturday where the winner gets to bring home a lovely Steiff Dog.

The Wharf will be continuing their Best of British menu and prize-draw and on Sunday will be their Big Jubilee Lunch with Jazz.

Locally produced postcard that will be available in shops. Email info@facesplaces.co.uk for more info.

The Sommelier (one of only 299 Masters of Wine in the world) introduced himself and how it would be a relaxed evening of wine comparison and tasting – it’s up to you if you prefer each classic region vs New world wine. With each new delicious dinner course, two mystery wines A & B were sampled, slurped, savored and compared before their grape and origin revealed.

The set menu included a tasty starter of beetroot & dill marinated salmon, cornish crab, pink ginger and coriander. The next three courses followed the same relaxed, yet informative setup as the wine master visited each table to discuss the intricate flavours of each glass. Further wine-tasting and other events to follow at the Wharf!

Retro Bistrot continues their popular Jazz nights this Tuesday, 29th May with a quartet that includes international guitarist Robin Banerjee, who played with Amy Winehouse and in classic venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Cafe. The band will be playing a blend of Jazz/Latin/Soul and Reggae takes on a mixture of original and arrangements of well-known jazz classics.

Retro’s Vincent Gerbeau: “We’re very excited to get a talent such as Robin to play at the restaurant. Our jazz nights are fun and informal with a great atmosphere and the passion of the musicians plays a big role in creating that relaxed feel”.

The now regular evening has been described as “Thoroughly enjoyable evening, great band, wonderful food, lovely people.” and “An excellent evening, good music, good food and good company.”. Clearly the award-winning Retro Restaurant is a perfect setting for dinner and jazz!

The Kings Head are just nearing the end of their special seafood week, have just started their new dine with wine menu, their next monthly live music is on June 1st and their summer menu will be launched on June 28th.

The Kings Head new fortnightly Quiz ‘n’ Chips quiz night starts this Tuesday 29th May at 8pm – it’s free entry, includes free chips and you can win big prizes! The terrace has been packed out lately with drinkers and diners enjoying the hot weather. Remember there is a garden at the back if the front terrace is full.

Red Peppers has re-opened after their extensive refurbishment – regulars are enjoying the fresh new look as they dine at this popular local restaurant.

La Cloche at The Lion have been hosting popular CineClub nights that have been selling out – check out their website for up-and-coming events including the next cinema nights for £15 per person that includes a glass of wine, canapés and a two course set dinner.

La Cloche also host a quiz night every Wednesday at 8pm, run by local journalist & author Sarah Onions. £1 entry per person with a maximum of 6 per team with bottles of wine, rounds of drinks and cash prizes to be won.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy fine food in the recent hot weather, try one of Teddington’s best kept secrets – Shamble’s beautiful Mediterranean garden where you can relax and enjoy eating outdoors. Shambles also has a bowling alley and does a ‘cozze e bocce’ (moules and boules) if you book in advance. You can enjoy the brunch menu and a full English breakfast in the same surroundings for only £5.95.

Hosted by Nicholas Owen, the Mayor was in attendance at one of her last public engagements, MP Vince Cable also dropped in to join 12,000 other visitors that helped raise approx £10,000 for two local charities. It shouldn’t be forgotten of course that the bus garage was open as usual and the fleet of 120 buses still managed to run on time for the whole day!

Photo: Peter Denton.

A wide selection of historic buses and support vehicles were on show for families and children to happily clamber over and look around – the first time for some young visitors and bringing back memories for the older crowd. Some historic buses looked out-of-place in Bushy Park at Chestnut Sunday but as local resident Alan points out, buses used to run through the park on their routes during the 1940′s/50′s – quite the scenic bus route.

The weather always has a strong bearing on how well attended Chestnut Sunday is and the relentless rain in the run-up to this year’s festival was casting a shadow over the weekend. Fortunately this stopped before the weekend with enough time to dry out the ground and the sun shone strongly on the day.

Over 10,000 people (and slightly more than last year) lined the route of the parade and joined in the fair and displays afterwards in the park. The usual suspects paraded along the historic Chestnut Avenue (designed by Sir Christopher Wren) including classic cars, military vehicles, police horses, historical actors and marching bands.

A huge queue showed how popular Park Lane Stable’s pony rides are and riders from the Horse Rangers Association performed choreographed formations to music.

There are plenty of Jubilee & Olympic events coming up for the area (news to follow soon) but in the meantime put this in your diary for next weekend. On June 8th-10th, Friday to Sunday, The Teddington Society and local businesses are hosting a Charity Celebration Weekend to help raise money for local charities.

Various goodies will be available in and outside shops on stalls and there will be live music, bubbles & balloons, quizes & games, raffles, 1940s tea party, design a tiara, cupcake competition and more!

Also on June 10th is this year’s Teddington In Flower where private gardens are open to the public to also raise money for local charities and not forgetting the first charity Vet4Life Dog Olympics – even if you are not entering any events, please register your interest if you are planning on attending.

BBC newscaster Nicholas Owen will be in Teddington Waterstones signing copies of his new memoirs ‘Days Like This’ from 9:30-11:30am. Afterwards he will be heading over to Fulwell Bus Garage with many others for the Trolleybus 50 day to compere during the proceedings that will mark the 50th Anniversary of the last trolleybuses to run in London.

The monthly antiques and collectibles market will be visiting Teddington at Elleray Hall on Saturday 9:30am-4pm.

The Teddington Society Environment Group will be carrying out one of their many litter picks, this time at the station from 10-12am. The Society are keen for the station to give a good impression to visitors to the town and to be welcoming for all that use it. If you see the team on the litter pick, say hi and you can even join in if you wish!

Finally wrapping up Saturday St Mary With St Alban will have arranged a Sports Quiz starting at 7:30pm to kick-off a series of community Olympics events. £12 per person will let you join a team for Olympic-themed trivia and includes curry provided by Teddington Tandoori.

Historic TFL Chestnut Sunday poster

First thing on Sunday there is a car boot sale at Sacred Heart Primary School 7:30-11:30am. Next up Bushy Park will be the destination for thousands of visitors for the historic Chestnut Sunday celebration. There hasn’t been much sun lately but the bloom has none-the-less appeared on Chestnut Avenue’s trees, let’s hope the at least that the rain stays away!

The parade Starts at 12:30pm on Chestnut Avenue at Teddington Gate leading towards the fountain and the grass area by the children’s playground.

On offer year will be:
• Traditional Fairground ‘Galloper’ Carousel plus other rides & stalls
• Arena displays, showing historical re-enactments and riding displays
• 50′s-60′s band
• Pony rides from Park Lane Stables
• Historical re-enactment groups from the Ancient Greeks & Vikings, English Civil War, WW1 through to the Gulf War
• Military Vehicle camp & stationary vehicle display reflecting Bushy Park’s wartime history
• Classic cars, motorcycles and cycles (including the Teddington Squadron)
• St John Ambulance & Police information and advice
• Displays about Bushy’s wildlife & history, lift up a tree, The Friends of Bushy & Home Parks, The Horse Rangers Association, Sports Clubs, NPL & more
• A number of local charities information stands and fund-raising activities
• Refreshment kiosks

Chestnut Avenue itself and access to car parks will be closed to traffic around the parade (12:15-1:30pm). After the parade the main fairground, vehicles and stalls event will take place all afternoon until 4.30pm. PS you can always get the Trolleybus there!

Four local watersports clubs are joining together on Sunday for a joint open day so that everyone can enjoy the fun on the Thames. Visitors will be able to learn how to canoe, dragon boat, outrig, row or skiff from 2-4:30pm at the end of Trawlock Way, next to Teddington School.

Their ‘Best of British’ Diamond Jubilee Celebrations include a Soul & Blues Night on Friday 1st June and The Big Jubilee Lunch with Jazz on Sunday 3rd June – participating in the fourth year of the nationwide “Big Lunch”. Their nostalgic 50′s menu of family favourites (3rd-8th June) is all based on British produce and classics such as prawn cocktail, fish and chips with mushy peas, steak and London Pride pie and of course the entirely appropriate Coronation Chicken.

Throughout the week The Wharf will be supporting Shooting Star Chase’s Hampton Children’s Hospice with a ‘Best of British’ Prize Draw. Oodles of bunting will decorate the restaurant to enhance the atmosphere.

Moiduls Indian restaurant has hit the high street with a bang! The opening night on Thursday was clearly the place to be – the restaurant was packed with crowds sampling the Indian tapas menu and being serenaded by entertainer Paul Weaver who switched between Elvis, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner! The party spilled out on to the street and there are unconfirmed reports that a conga line may have formed at one point.

Diners were impressed with the food and with the restaurant which has had a glamorous make-over to suit the new cuisine. So impressed in fact that the following night (official opening night) was fully booked.

In addition to their popular Wednesday belly dancing extravaganzas, Diners Turkish Delight will now also hosting pizza evenings on Thursdays with Turkish toppings – Turkish sausages and Mediterranean vegetables, all stone baked with fresh dough. Also on offer is a weekly special Turkish dish starting this week with lamb shank and then Karniyarik (stuffed aubergines).

Al Borgo recently launched their new season menu that adds to their reputation for fine Italian food. This includes pan-fried scallops with mushrooms, speck and puff pastry parcel stuffed with scamorza cheese, home-made potato gnocchi with sun-dried tomato pesto and buffalo mozzarella and for dessert Zabaglione flavoured Panna Cotta with a wild berry sauce Their set-dinner menu is still as popular as ever at £17 for 2 courses and 3 for £21.

Shambles have their first batch of summer truffles on their specials menu and shouldn’t be missed – this also recently included scrambled duck eggs on toast and grilled squid with garlic. Once the weather finally clears up, don’t forget that you can enjoy the sun in their leafy garden for breakfast, lunch or dinner (also Sunday roast dinners).

This will be taking place at Normansfield on Sunday 20th May 2012, 3-5pm. Tickets are £4 in advance, £5 on the door and children go free. There will also be a Summer Concert on Sunday 10th July 2011.

Fran is a classically trained pianist and holds an Associate Diploma (Distinction) in Piano Performance from Trinity College of Music, London. She runs a popular private teaching practice in Teddington for children and adults, from complete beginner to early intermediate students.

The studio was established in 2006 and enables students to study for exams or play purely for pleasure in a relaxed, friendly learning environment. Regular student concerts, and opportunities to perform in festivals and competitions.

More information can be found here on the studio’s website or read about “piano playing and music, art and life” via the blog.

Photo: Peter Denton

Also coming up at Normansfield Theatre is a Blue Apple Theatre production for adults with and without learning disabilities. They are now developing a touring production of Hamlet which will play across theatres in the south of England, ending with a gala celebration of this huge achievement at the Normansfield Theatre.

For a full list of forthcoming events at this treasured theatre, check out the Langdon Down centre’s website and remember that the Museum of Learning Disability is now open to the public 2-5pm Mondays and 9:30am-1:30pm on Saturdays.

Voter turnout in the UK is generally low but it is important to have your say. The Mayor and London Assembly make decisions that affect many aspects of your daily life from transport, policing, housing and the environment. As well as leafleting homes, candidates have been handing out material at Teddington Station that has a strong emphasis on transport policy – one of a few hot topics for the area.

You can cast two votes for Mayor (or choose to not cast a second vote) – if one candidate gets more than half of all the first choice votes they will be declared the winner. Otherwise the two candidates with the most first choices go into a second round, with the second choices added to their first totals to decide the winner.

In the London Assembly voting process, you will vote for one person to represent your area (South West constituency for Teddington) and one to represent the whole of London.

All voters should have received an information booklet that includes mini-manifestos for the Mayoral candidates (7 this time) and those standing for the London Assembly. If you don’t have this to hand and are looking for last-minute info to help decide your votes, you can download it from here.

Before you leave don’t forget your polling card as this speeds up the registration process, but if misplaced you can provide personal details to register your vote. Polling stations will be open from 7am – 10pm. You can only vote at the polling station listed on your individual card.

The film is a frame by frame reconstruction of the journey and has now been edited together alongside the original, with the equivalent modern brand-new London United Scania bus, current Mayor and a computer replacing the original trolleybus, mayor and older technology.

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The film, recorded from an open-topped double-decker, has been shown side by side to local schools so they can learn about the old forms of transport and will also be shown at the Open Day at Fulwell Garage on Saturday 12th May (full line-up of buses on display here). BBC Newscaster Nicholas Owen will be compering on the day and before this, signing copies of his new memoirs ‘Days Like This’ at Waterstones (9:30-11:30am).

Schools have been provided learning material, fact-sheets and a presentation about the subject and as part of a lesson plan children will work in groups to create their own artistic take on the Trolleybus and it’s historical and environmental significance. Each school will select one piece of artwork to submit to a competition – prizes include book tokens from local businesses a school trip by London United Busways.

On 21st and 22nd of April 2012, everyone from the local community (including non-members) are welcome to help celebrate the centenary and join in the fun during a special open weekend.

On Saturday 12-4pm there will be a mini sports tournament for teams of 6-10 players and competing in tennis, bowls, football, rounders and hockey – all followed by prize-giving BBQ and bar, all in the salubrious grounds overlooked by historic Bushy House.

On Sunday 9:30am-1:30pm there is a ‘Marathon Breakfast’ with kids activities followed by a fun-run or orienteering course. Email pavilion@nplsc.co.uk to enter your team.

Admission is free across the whole weekend and no registration is required to visit. The entrance to the club is on the corner of Queens Road and Park Lane. Dogs are not allowed on the sports ground.

The historic club was originally the Sports and Social Club of the NPL and other companies based on the site but now has open membership for all.

As well as the original team room, the clubhouse’s facilities now include Sky Sports HD on several TVs, free WiFi, several function rooms, PA system, pool table, snooker room and outside a bowling green, grass & astroturf tennis courts, table tennis courts and open grass areas for football, hockey, cricket, volley ball, rounders and archery.

A recent renovation is now being extended to include new changing rooms and any donations or sponsorship from private or corporations is welcome.

On show and for sale in this elegant and spacious venue will be a variety of paintings, original prints, botanical subjects, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture as well as cards and prints from local talented artists.

Ten regular members of this professional group will this year be joined by four invited guest artists. All fourteen exhibit widely elsewhere, often in national and international exhibitions. Each artist will show work marked by distinctive personal vision. All items will be for sale and all the artists will be in attendance and pleased to discuss their work with visitors.

Admission will be on the basis of donation, with a suggested amount of £3 per person or family group. A proportion of the proceeds will be donated to charity. There will this year be two local beneficiaries: Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital and Shooting Star CHASE.

The spring exhibition at The Architects Gallery is “Tread Softly” and features paintings, drawings and prints by eight artists from Britain, Spain, Russia and Estonia.

At Mackenzie Gallery, as always, there is a wide variety of works for sale including a charming print of Teddington town in art form by Lisa Tolley and pretty embroidered works by Priscilla Jones.

Also don’t forget that the Richmond and Twickenham Photographic Society Annual Exhibition at the Landmark Arts Centre starts this Wednesday 4th April and as well as the usual mixture of inspired photography, will also include rare photos of the Queen taken by Joan Williams.