When Shepperton and District Business Community started to put together this year’s Big Tree Night, they were particularly keen that the evening would contain something for everyone. Six month’s later, the programme for the evening looks to have done just that.

The evening on the 14th December begins at 4.00pm with Christmas Storytime at the library for children aged up to 5. The hour will include reading of Christmas stories and some singing. Also, from 4.00pm, stalls will be open in the slip roads in the High Street. At the time of writing, 22 stalls had booked, ranging from food stalls to charities and reindeer food to local businesses. There will also be a few small fairground rides for younger children. Stalls will remain open until 8.30pm.

The Thames Court Vintage Inn on The Towpath will re-open its doors on the evening of Thursday 27th October (work began on the evening of Sunday 23rd October) after a £150,000 renovation that includes new fitted seating for extra comfort, a warm and welcoming colour scheme, plus mood enhancing lighting. Six new jobs have been created (made up of front-of-house staff and extra sous chefs) as well as the original staff being retained.

Dear Shepperton Residents.

I am writing you thinking you might help me find information about some relatives (my grandmother's sister and her husband) that used to live in Shepperton.

Their names were: Maren Mathews, born in Norway 1891, died in Shepperton 9 January 1978, and William Henry Mathews, born 1893 and died 28 April 1978.

Surrey County Council has prepared extensively for winter in the event the county experiences the poor weather conditions seen last year.

The council’s winter fleet has been extended to provide greater mobility and coverage. Adding to last year’s efforts, 50 farmers will support the Highways team, alongside Surrey’s 4x4 group and a further ten snow ploughs. These will help the council clear and maintain Surrey's main routes during winter. 

Additionally, forty tonnes of grit is being given to district and borough councils to spread in town centres this year – more than double the amount provided last year. 

Residents are being invited to pick up a free Surrey Trading Standards Service sticker pack from their local council offices, library or police station, as part of a new anti cold-calling trader campaign. 

The initiative will aim to tackle the rising number of doorstep traders who prey on vulnerable residents and carry out shoddy work, often at extortionate prices. Traders who ignore the door stickers and requests to leave could be breaking the law.

Would you like to make new friends and attend fun social events?
Enigma Social Group (18-40 age range) is a small, friendly group. We have events and activities on every weekend and also some week nights.

I received this from a Shepperton resident regarding the proposed Eco Park which raises many excellent points.

The proposed Eco Park is relevant to everybody who lives in and around the Shepperton area and I urge you to read it.

'Shepperton Against The Eco Park' are a group of like-minded residents in the Shepperton, Charlton Village, Lower Sunbury and Upper Halliford area. It became apparent that many in the area where completely unaware that the proposed "Eco Park" was being planned, and that it had got to the stage it had with little or no major publicity.

This in itself is worrying, and means that the communication is not getting through from Sita and SCC (Good for them I guess), but it is also a concern because if you are not receiving information about such a development, then how can you make informed decisions about how your local council can represent you !

Surrey's public services are facing significant spending reductions and their delivery will change. To keep our county special, we want to keep you informed and hear your views.

The Surrey debate will take place on 18th November 2010, 7pm - 9pm at Salesian High School, Chertsey. Panellists will include Dr Andrew Povey - Surrey County Council, Savid Clayton-Smith - NHS Surrey, Peter Williams, Surrey Police.

With thanks to Judith.