The most unusual find here though was a distinctive bronze dragon statue – quickly identified on the stolen arts database as originating from Teddington. The weight of this item shows how much effort thieves put into the illegal scrap metal trade – it weighed over a tonne along with it’s concrete base and required four men to originally put it into place! The statue, worth over £3,000 was one of a pair stolen from a Teddington garden overnight.

£20,000 in cash and copper cabling was also found – cable is stolen from train signalling equipment causing massive delays on train networks and a recent cable theft in Hampton left some residents and businesses without phone or internet access for several days.

Around 100 metal thefts are reported across London each week and an increasing number of objects are stolen including cables, drain covers, lift panels, playground slides, fire escapes and cemetery memorial plaques.

If you see what looks like legitimate workers removing cable (even in high-vis vests) they may be taking cable illegally – some crimes are stopped by eagle-eyed neighbours calling the police as they are still occurring. The theft of metal from homes and building sites has been noted around Cedars Road, Vicarage Road and High Street in Hampton Wick over the last year – items are usually taken by lorry/van and even some metal dustbins have been taken with the rubbish still inside.

Twickenham Road has had sections resurfaced recently in preparation for the Olympic cycling road races. Now ageing gas pipes are causing concern – Richmond Council have held urgent talks with the gas board and brought forward repair work in order to minimise any impact along the Olympic cycling route.

From Monday 21st May, Park Road will be closed in one direction when work starts to replace the ageing Victorian gas mains that have led to many leaks over recent months. The work that will lead to traffic and parking disruption in the area, is expected to last for 7 weeks but be completed well before the races on July 28th/29th.

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.

While she was at NPL to discuss TeenTech, an initiative she has developed to give teenagers hands on experience of real-world engineering and science.

Happy Potter Ceramics were featured in Woman’s Weekly this week, showing you how to make your own Jubilee commemorative teapot for your own street & Jubilee parties!

A collage of a walk in the park by Deon Scheppel – showing the many seasons in one day that we have experienced with the poor weather lately!

The wall of fame in Teddington Studios – past and present stars that have recorded TV shows here in Teddington. Photo: Ian McGraw.

Vince Cable & team campaigning & handing out balloons on Teddington High Street before the recent elections. Photo: SirSmartin.

“Swan and Statue – an hour before sunset. Altered slightly to give it a moonlit feel”. Diana Fountain is again under scaffolding for repairs. The current drought might also lead to the fountain being switched off alongside various water features in other Royal Parks. Photo (c): 4orty7even

“Romance” a moment captured at the station by gwingwyn.

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).

Iwan gave an inspiring talk to the school children and afterwards held a track and field masterclass covering the principles of running, jumping and throwing.

Watson said of the day: “Meeting Iwan was a fantastic experience that our pupils will never forget. He delivered a captivating and inspirational assembly as well as a very honest and insightful Q&A session.. It was a wonderful opportunity for the school to work with the Aviva Athletics Academy and showcase how brilliant and inclusive their scheme of work is and how it is developing our very talented athletes.

Proposals for a new free school in Twickenham have now progressed to the next stage of the Free School application process. On May 15th the group of parents behind this proposal will be interviewed by DfE officials.

As well as bagging many trophies this year, the year 6 boys team from Collis Primary School have trounced opposition in The Southern NPower Kids Cup regional final, scoring 33 goals and conceding just one and are now thrilled that they will play at Wembley for the League 1 playoff final on 26th May.

The Tumble cafe on The Causeway has been granted permission as has a new nursery on the high street (opposite Nova Fortuny) despite concerns from neighbours about lack of parking or dedicated dropping-off spaces.

If you have children could benefit from extra tuition on popular school subjects, Kumon should be able to help. The study centre provides maths and English programmes for students of all ages and abilities – the Teddington branch of Kumon is based at Teddington Baptist Church (Church Road).

Kumon helps your child study these subjects by working at a pace tailored to their individual needs, develop invaluable study skills and concentration establish a positive attitude to study. Kumon’s long-term focus provides children with the self-assurance and the transferable self-learning skills to realise their potential throughout school and life.

The hugely popular Theatrebugs workshops are coming to Teddington this summer. Theatrebugs hosts classes for children age 3.5-8yrs to help them improve their confidence and communication skills through drama and play, increasing the vocabulary and concentration but whilst having so much fun that they won’t notice that they’re leaning!

Theatrebugs provides extracurricular activity for your nurseries and schools as well as magical children’s birthday parties. Established in 2005 by two LAMDA graduates as a means for children to learn through play, Theatrebugs carefully designs each adventure to ignite your child’s imagination and allow their confidence to bloom.

Theatrebugs will be running our Summer course ‘The Animal Games’ at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Langham Road from 13th – 17th August 9:30-12:30, and anyone who is interested can find out details on their website or by phoning 0800 9755290.

Also based at the Baptist Church is Messy Mittens where theme based projects are held every Thursday to encourage fun, creativity and gentle learning through play for 2-4 year olds. Their aim is to bring something fresh and fun to pre-school classes in Teddington and for your little ones to experience messy fun without you having to tidy up afterwards!

Messy Mitten’s trained Early Years teacher is a great way to introduce your child to becoming a little more independent and focused on structured activities by taking part in “splodgy, sticky fun”! Onsite is room to park your buggies.

Incidentally if your pushchair or pram gets a puncture, just a reminder that Moore’s Cycles (based in Kingston Road Teddington, Twickenham and Isleworth) can fix these and also have spare tyres for popular brands in stock if needed.

This year’s Richmond Borough In Bloom season is hotting up – the winners of the local school’s poster competition have been chosen with the overall winner Chloe Booth from Waldegrave School for girls with this colourful design.

Suggested colours for the posters as well as this year’s hanging basket and garden displays were colours of gold, purple, crimson and white to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee year.

Ebay (based in Richmond) also sponsor a schools project to engage pupils in imaginative and practical gardening projects at their schools.

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.

Work is underway at other locations for refurbishment – Red Peppers is closed for this reason and should be open in mid-May (3 weeks from 23rd April), The Loft is also undergoing a major renovation but will re-open soon. Work has also begun transforming the former tattoo shop on Stanley Road into new Italian “Cafe Toscana”. Caffee Teddington (near Sorrento) should open next week.

The Fish Bar on Kingston Road has successfully applied for permission to open for longer hours – now 7am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am-9pm Sunday and bank holidays. Nearby the application for change to use from office space to cafe on Kingston Road refused – possibly because this would have led to too high a concentration of cafe’s in this parade of shops.

The Cavan Bakery has launched a new range of sandwiches with eye-catching names including Poultry in Motion, Colonel Mustard and The Full Money. The Nearest Cafe are now open until 5pm every Wednesday and now offer a new text coffee-ordering service. *See comment under the article for more Nearest Cafe news.

After last year’s sold out talk by Teddington Cheese, the library will be hosting a ‘From Bean to Cup‘ talk by everyone’s favourite coffee roaster Astrora Coffee – including the origins of coffee, harvesting, processing, roasting, tasting and how to brew the best coffee at home. Tickets including refreshments are £2 for the talk on Wednesday 16 May 6-7pm.

Teddington Travelodge is now open and nearby businesses have already started to notice the effects of this – spotting customers visiting their shops with suitcases trailing behind them.

Mela Mela celebrated their four-year anniversary recently with a celebratory pink bubbly day, attendees were encouraged to wear their favourite vintage outfit and the wearer of the winning outfit was crowned Miss Mela received a sash and shop vouchers.

Nutritious Delicious chocolate truffles (74% dark chocolate) are a creation of Teddington resident Carey and are manufactured by Montezuma’s. The Healthy Chocolate range in additional to being very delicious are packed with vitamins, zinc, magnesium and high in anti-oxidant values, and currently available at Cook which itself has recently launched its home delivery service.

Recent studies have shown that UK retailers are abandoning the high street in increasing numbers in favour of moving to out-of-town locations – this effect adds empty units to towns that are already suffering from closing businesses so it’s never been a better time to support your local high street by using it first before you consider shopping elsewhere!

There has been lots of talk about a potential farmers market in Teddington again – if anyone is interested in taking part in discussions and potentially going forward with this idea then email the local go-to lady for cakes, Trudi Harrison (CakesByTrudi) at info@cakesbytrudi.co.uk.

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.

As a TLC Family member, you’ll have access to exclusive local discounts which are listed on their website along with information on what products and services are available locally, details of classes and activities for children and party venues.

The idea for TLC Family was born after Felicity and Kat found it difficult to find out local information for families in one place and they wanted to incentivise people to further support our local community.

To celebrate the launch of this service, the introductory joining fee is only £26 for a year’s membership. Once you receive your loyalty card, you can start spending and saving straight away!

You’ll receive your TLC Family loyalty card, a free copy of Baby London magazine from their sponsors and additionally the first 300 Founder members will receive a complimentary goody bag.

Businesses in the discount scheme will display a sticker on their window – already on board are: Cook, Diners Delight, The Nearest Cafe, La Bottega, The Happy Potter, The Loft, It’s a Wrap, KC Pharmacy, The Orange Tree Clinic, Desi Fontaine Studios, Zeldaland Florists, Teddington Photographic, Teeney Weenies Play Cafe, Caterpillar Music, BabySteps courses, Jamie McKenna Window Cleaning, Park Lane Stables and The Teddington Arms.