Last updated 24/7/08

A424:(See also 400) What a suprise to see the Outrigger and me mentioned. I had many mad, crazy happy times working there with Eva and getting Roy 'Captain Carruthers'to go to bed with his hot chocolate after a hard day of vodka and apolinaris!Yes,Johnny Please affectionately known as the Windsor Pig,Charlie wellie (he always wore them)Dave the garage (in Water lane) Peter Littlt Belinda (his boat)all the other boat guys. Caroline (skinny) Is it Keith the lorry or Keith I spy in Totnes Devon? Oh can't forget Noble and Nero the alsations. John Du Gay, Twinkle, Linda and Greg from the White Hart. Many, many more characters. Happy days. Brenda Bangor N Ireland

A424: I lived above the Outrigger along with a collection of other flotsam & jetsam. Very happy days.
Went to the Captain's funeral in Southampton & then the RAF Yacht Club @ Hamble - very sad, but also a great celebration of his life and a show of of all the friends he'd made along the way. pubs like that are thing of the past now. Chris Brighton

Q423: just a quick warning to all you female cyclists out there. Cycling along Grove Lane in Kingston last Monday 28 April 2008 at 4.20pm, I was unlucky enough to have a bucket of water thrown over me with full force. Looking back, I saw no-one and heard no noise. Whoever did this was hiding between two parked cars and as I hate confrontations I kept cycling. On reporting this to the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team I discovered that they had also received similar complaints. If this has happened to you and you were brave enough to confront them please inform the Grove SNT. I am now really angry at myself for not confronting them and cannot understand their reasoning or logic behind this stupid and dangerous act. Thanks.: Lisa Worcester Park

Q421:We are thinking of moving to the area, and are currently considering near Norbiton station.  Any advice or knowledge on particular streets or areas would be very welcome. Do you know if there are many young families living in that area? Also, can you get to local shops, amenities etc without a car and how safe are the railway stations late at night/early in the morning? Thanks.
Mortlake

Q420: Does anyone know the name of the department store that was in the market place? I'm going back to my student days 1970-73

A420: The department store in the market place was Cheesemans. It's now Borders (book shop) part of the Charter Quay development and the old staircase (Elizabethan I think) is listed, so it's still being used!

A420: The dept store was called  F W HIDE & SONS: Finchley: Rob (fred)

Q419: Does anyone know it there are any shopsin Kingston for beading/jewelry making items?

Q418: Does any one know of a shop in kingston that specialise in whisky ?

A418: Yes there is a shop call vom fass within bentalls department store lower ground floor.

A418: vom fass shop has good selection of aged balsam vinegar i got from them a 25 years vinegar from Modena Italy

Q417: I recently got a parking ticket in Kingston but didn't know because either someone removed it from the car or it was never put on the car in the first place. So I had to pay £100. I appealed but they said if it gets removed it is not their responsibility. It's not hard to inform someone immediately by post if they have a ticket so this seems like a scam. Is this a scam? Has anyone else had this problem?

A417: Screwed up residents might take tickets off just to make tings worse for people who have the cheek to park in their street. Kingston.

A417: This happened to me in Kingston. Where did you park? I think that the Kingston Guildhall are gangsters. How else can they justify taking such a large amount of money from someone with out any back up. They don't have to show their paperwork they can just say yeh well we put a ticket on your car and its not our fault if someone removes it end of.It just so happens that they then get £100 off you instead of £50 with out any effort or comeback and they get away wit it. I just can't see how that can be right. It has got to be a scam.

Q416: Does anyone know about the planned extension to the tube to cater for richmond, twickenham, teddington and kingston?

Q416:Could anyone tell me more about a display or re-enactment held in the 1945-1950 ?  era possibly at Hampton  Court  where a Viking Ship was part of the event.   I ha ve very vague memories of this and would like to know what it was.  I lived in Kingston for many years. Now living in Southampton, Esme

Q415: I used a very good painter/decorator recently, he works in  Kingston-upon-Thames & surrounding areas.
He deals with all aspects of building work, is reliable & has competitive pricing. As it's difficult to find trustworthy & honest builders, I just wanted to recomned him, LG Contractors: 07894535813 email: lgcontractors@yahoo.co.uk
Kingston-upon-Thames

Q414: My Mother was in a Church of England Mother and Baby Home in Kingston in 1937 when I was born. I don't know where it was/is. Does anyone know anything about it, please? 

Q414 I think I was born there too in 1954.  I dont know anything about it either but would like to know if you find anything out.

Q413: does anyone remember the bentalls christmas prosession it used to march through kingston a few weeks before christmas and it did'nt matter what the weather was like kids turned out in there thousands to watch father   christmas come to town. leighton buzzard

Q412: Hi does anyone have pictures of what was i believe the Liverpool arms pub which is now a block of flats above carphonewarehouse next to Asda and the Church on the corner of London and Cambridge rd? Would really like to get some history on it too But really would love to see the old building that stood there: Jo

Q: 411: I'm a female in my 20's and new to Kingston. Are there any friendly clubs or groups that I could join that cater to people my age?
keli

Q: 410: Does anyone know what the name of the pub was on London Road that got burnt down and is now flats with a Carphone Warehouse below (next to Asda and the church)? Trying to win a bet!

A: 410 the pub was the liverpool arms. Berrylands

Q: 409: I am looking at moving to the berrylands end of Surbiton hill park rd, does anyone know if this area is affected by the sewage works and if so how bad does it get? should I avoid this side of Surbiton?

A: 409: It doesn't smell all the time - depends on the weather and wind direction. I lived close to Surbiton Hill Park Road and maybe it was bad 4 or 5 times in the 3 years I was there. I wouldn't let it stop you moving there.

A: Chris from fairfield if you ARE seriously considering moving please let me know! I'd love to live on the Fairfield! Anna, Tolworth


Q: 408: Hi. I was at Dempster Nursery with my brother Raymond in the early 60's before being fostered. Does anyone have any info about the place, we also went to Cambria Nursery. Denise, East Preston

A:408 my mom is now 80 she was deputy matron at dempster during the early 60s she does remember a child named Denise.
Oldbury west midlands. Nancy

Q:407:  3 on a Sunday morning is supposed to be the quietest time of the week for traffic. So how come there is so much traffic all along the London Road at this time? The noise from the road is getting so intolerable that I am seriously considering moving so I am not so near it (I live near Fairfield). Chris, Kingston


Q: 406: Hi everyone. Have you received any leaflets through your door lately asking for clothing donations to clothe the poor in 3rd world countries? I got one through my door a couple of days ago and did a bit of research - turns out Kingston Council has said it's a scam - even in the small print, it says they (A&P Collection Ltd) are a company, not a charity, and it is rumoured that they sell these clothes for their own profits. Has anyone given clothes to this cause??? If so, I would really appreciate it if you could get in contact with me - I'm writing a feature about this and it'd be great to interview someone who has unknowingly donated to them. My e-mail address is rachel21@hotmail.co.uk Thanks!! Rachel

Q: 405: I am looking for a old shop or building not in use to install a temporary sound installation for an art project, in kingston or the surrounding area. Kingston

Q: 404: I am looking for  my uncle GEOFFREY POWELL he lived and lectured in Kingston upon Thames, he had three daughters Alison, Helen and Stella and is the brother of DONALD POWELL who lived in Cheadle, Cheshire. Essex G. Johnstone

Q:403: Does anyone have any idea how we can get rid of ant upright piano , its in perfect working order but is too large for the house and heavy, We don't want alot of money for it just want it to go to a good home.

A:403:If you don't mind giving the piano away for free, you can offer it on Kingston Freecycle.  You put an 'ad' on the site, then replies come into your private e-mail address and you choose the one you consider the most deserving.  The recipient will usually arrange to collect the item from you.
My sister was very appreciative of the upright piano she obtained from the Birmingham Freecycle group.  She certainly wouldn't have been able to buy one for herself. Kingston

A:404: Love this website! very funny! Always wanted to learn the piano, not sure if I've got enough space. A book club would be great too! Oh yeah, everyone knows that Villers Rd smells, so does Dickerage Lane ( much worse in the summer PHEW!)

Q:402 :I was a 1942 – 1946 pupil at Surbiton County Grammar School that closed in the 1960’s. I would appreciate details of the school’s history.Ivor Davies ivord@iinet.net.au

Q:401: 'Gassing the pigeons in Kingston' what a fantastic idea. We could make it into an annual festival like Pamplona's Running of the bulls. And for added entertainment we can capture the old ladies who think they are being kind throwing shedloads of white bread on to the streets and put them into stocks in the market place. (Norbiton)

A:401: That is an illinformed and wreckless comment. White bread can often have vitamins added to it making it quite a healthy choice for our beaky friends.

Q:400: Does anyone remember the following pubs in Kinston & have stories to tell on them -
Dophin, Seven Saxons, Liverpool Arms, Outrigger, Row Barge, Two Brewers,
& in Surbiton - Toby Jug, Britannia, Railway Tavern, Rising Sun, Bun Shop, Southampton,
PJB, Berrylands

A: 400 What a suprise to see the Outrigger and me mentioned. I had many mad, crazy happy times working there with Eva and getting Roy 'Captain Carruthers'to go to bed with his hot chocolate after a hard day of vodka and apolinaris!Yes,Johnny Please affectionately known as the Windsor Pig,Charlie wellie (he always wore them)Dave the garage (in Water lane) Peter Littlt Belinda (his boat)all the other boat guys. Caroline (skinny) Is it Keith the lorry or Keith I spy in Totnes Devon? Oh can't forget Noble and Nero the alsations. John Du Gay, Twinkle, Linda and Greg from the White Hart. Many, many more characters. Happy days. Brenda Bangor N Ireland

A: 400 With regard to the various requests from people remembering the Outrigger pub,here's some of the charactors who used to drink there-- George and Tony(the Bear), driving instructors who worked for BSM--Ernie Russel,Bill Scrivens,Nick Hart,Keith Mountain,Len Hazeldene all skippers who worked for Turks---Monty,a digger driver---Johnny Please,a dredgerman---Dodgy Reg,who did a bit of anything, and the lovely Irish Brenda who worked for many years behind the ba: Keith Now in Totnes, S.Devon

A:400: To number 400, I remember all the pubs you mentioned, who are you? F. West

Q400. Anyone who remembers The Southampton in Surbiton, may be interested to know this.  in 1995 I worked in an English style pub called The Cock and Bull in Cairns, Australia.  Turns out that the owner of this pub, who was visiting relatives in Surbiton when The Southampton was being demolished, purchased the panelled interior and all fixtures and fittings, shipped them to Oz and ressurected The Southampton inside a typical Queensland detatched property.  Mandrake don't play there, but the food's good!
Mat

Q:399: I am currently putting together a family history.  One of my children was born at Bearstead Memorial Hospital in 1963.  I have been trying to get a picture of the place on the net and have found absolutely none.  Can anyone also help me with a picture PLEASE.  I cant get there to take one as I live in Western Australia.  A picture of around the 1960 would be nice, but later will be great also.  Thanks for your help: Colin Perth, Western Australia

A:399: I think I have a photo of the Bearsted Memorial Hospital somewhere (I was born there).  If you haven't got one yet, I'll try and find it and send it to you if I can have your address. Farnborough, Hampshire L Hartop

Q:398: I am in the process of buying a property and have heard a lot of things about the Coombe Estate Successor Limited & Spencer Whitworth. Can anyone advise if they have challenged the value of the "approval" or just not paid it (does he go away or sue?)

A. 398.  The Malden & Coombe Estates Successors have been a concern for some years.  A good number of New Malden residents have raised this with the Council, Councillors and the police. The Council was following up with them whether they had the right to enforce the covenants, but I don't know where these efforts got to.  Try speaking with your Councillor to see what progress there has been - enough residents are affected by this to justify the Council taking up the case rather than everyone having to do this individually.  If you don't pay for the approval, M&CES won't chase you up, but I have heard rumours that there may be problems later when you come to sell.  I am no expert, but I would be surprised if the covenants were enforceable by M&CES, as they have no obvious beneficial interest in seeing them enforced.


Q:397: What is the standardised point score required for successful entry to Tiffin Girls School?

A:397: When you're up against the whole country, does it matter? This is one of the boroughs where the Greenwich Agreement works against us residents. The reality is that these girls would get A stars even if they taught themselves from home. I also resent my council tax contributing to the education of girls form Portsmouth and Scotland. This agreement desperately needs a review particularly as stopping the school run is a priority.

Q:396 I went to Hollyfield School in Lamberts Road, Surbiton from '67-'72, and have since read many times that Eric Clapton went to the 'old' Hollyfield in Hollyfield Road, nearer Tolworth. It's a piece of trivia, I know, but it's always bugged me just the same: given that he was born and raised in Ripley, how and why did the young Eric manage a daily trip of some 24 miles to get to and from such a distant school?
A second question: I well remember places in Kingston such as the old Crown Arcade and it's caff (where Eric is said to have busked), the Toggery, which supplied me with a pair of Dickies straight-leg jeans in 1971 when loons were still king, the Kingston Hotel (haunt of the much-feared skins back in those gentler days), the Outrigger and the Row Barge pubs by Kingston Bridge, the little colony of houseboats squatting by the South bank after they'd flattened the Horsefair to make way for what was eventually to become John Lewis etc.(does anyone recall a character we knew as 'Filthy Paul' - he lived on a small, equally filthy motorboat by the bridge?), but I can't remember the name of the pub on Eden Street, just along from where the entrance to Brady's Arcade used to be.

A. I remember "filthy Paul". He was a great unshaven character, he used to ride an old triumph motorcycle,wearing an even older leather jacket and suck his thumb (not at the same time)His 2nd home was a black 1950s Rieley that was parked near the old Gridley Miskins site. His 3rd home was the Copper Kettle cafe in Hampton Wick. An oily establishment run by a nice Irish lady.This was all back in late 60s, I moved way back last century My older brother went to Hollyfield School he remembers uncle Eric,although he did,nt know him. My misspentyouth was mainly the Fishes and the Jolly Brewers. Finchley, Fred (rob)

A:396 This is what Eric Clapton says: "Around the age of 12 or 13, I was still spending all my time in the country, at the secondary modern school in Ripley. But then I passed something called the 13-plus on the strength of my art accomplishment and got a scholarship to a school in Tolworth, near Surbiton. I had to go on a Green Line bus up there and I met a bunch of people at that school. They were all bright and they were all talented at art and we were all nutcases and it was a perfect breeding ground for this stuff."  Kingston

Q:395 How many people who walk into Canbury Gardens have noticed the lovely houseboats and their gardens at Railway Wharf - just next to the Railway Bridge?  If you think they are a good addition to the area and would like to see them stay there permanently then call on the boats when you next pass by and sign their petition.

Q:394 Does anyone know a cleaner in the Kingston area?
A: 394 I am a cleaner in Kingston area.If interested call me on 07810698405 or email me langley@abv.bg


Q:393 I am looking to move to Villiers Avenue / Cheyne Hill and noticed on saturday 9th September the sewage smell was really bad. Does anyone know how often this happens?

Q:392 I am looking to move to around Villers Road/Auckland Road, but am worried that the smell from the sewage works is unbearable.  Does anyone know if it is really bad, or can you live with it?

A:393 I live near the sewage works and also went to kingston uni which is very close and never noticed anything.

Q391: Does anyone know a female builder called Jane, who has a building company in the area, possibly nearer Worcester Park.  She was so kind to my mother in the Royal Marsden hospital, but I don't have any contact no/address for her. Tadworth

Q390: What are the nicest areas to live in in Kingston? I'm looking to rent there with my boyfriend, we're moving from Richmond.  We want to be close to the town centre but in a good area where would anyone recommend? Richmond

A390: Some nice parts in Norbiton close to the park. You will be in walking distance of Richmond park and the town centre but it's a little pricey.

A390: I'd go for Surbiton. You can get a bit more for your money and the trains are much better. You can walk to Kingston in 20 mins depending where you are or get the bus.

Q389: Would it not be a great deal simpler to contact the local history room -based at the North Kingston Centre on the Richmond Road for details of Kingston past, what the area was like, old photographs, when childrens' homes were opened or closed... etc. They have all the local history records and also qualified and very helpful staff- go and find out- look at a few local history books or old newspapers... they will help you, why bother scratching around on the internet... ?

Q388: Adam Toomey, street singer....where are you? have called mobile you gave on your CD a few years ago.....want to book you for an event: Jen

A388: adam toomey is now living in northern spain , he sings occasionally but earns a living as a builder. he has lived there for 5 years with his partner and child.

Q 388 Adam Toomey was singing in Bournemouth town centre in April 2005. I would also like more info.

Q387:i cant believe the amount of young scum walking the streets of tolworth and also terrorising the roads on their tuned hairdrying machines (mopeds)etc. On leaving the tesco garage the other night several youths standing by a white peugeot 205 with black roof , first four digits of reg were G441 , launched a full can of soft drink at myh car denting it . does anyone know them? we need poice presence in tolworth especilly at nght-  never see any about .

Q386: Hello residents of Coombe Vale Ward. Your safer neighbourhood team have moved to the CI Tower, making us a lot closer to all of you. We have also been issued with mobile phones which will make it easier to get in contact with us. Our new number is 0208 7212515, although this is a land line number it diverts to a mobile so when i am at work it will be possible to always contact me.
Safer Neighbourhoods Launch meeting is Tuesday 25th April 06 at Christ church on Coombe Road from 19.30hours. Please all come along to meet us and express your views.
This will mean that there will be more officers patrolling and working Coombe Vale area. There will be 2 community support officers, myself and a sergeant. Look forward to meeting you all soon
Coombe Vale Safer Neighbourhood Team CI Tower

A386: Nice of Tolworth tower Police to announce their presence shame there were names to go with the announcement.

Q385: Could anyone let me know of any book groups/ clubs local to the area that I could join? Kingston

A385: look in Kingston Library. There's nothing in Kingston itself though except for the Library's own Reading Group. Would you like to start one?

Q384: Hi, just a quick note of thanks. I recently had a girls get together at my house to catch up and relax with all my friends. I found a beauty company listed on this called Aurora beauty who come to your house for beauty treatments. My friends and I were totally blown away by the massages and pedicures we had and how nice and professional the girls were. Thank you Kingston on line for helping me find them!!! Kingston, Sarah

Q383: Dear long lived residents of Kingston.  In about 1973 (when i was three years old),  I was put into a childrens home in Kingston (as far as i know).  It was called Dempster Nursery and there was a childrens park near by and an old church (we used to go to sunday service there).  I can't find any reference to this childrens home - It was in the most beautiful house with lovely gardens and a cellar.  Does anyone remember it?  I'm beginnig to think my childhood memories are not real.  I would love to see the old place (if it hasn't been knocked down).  I would be very grateful for an addres if anyone does remember it.  If anyone reading this was there (staff or child)in the early 70's that would be better still - please get in touch.  Thankyou  in anticipation.  Janey  (Hookwood, Surrey)

Q383: Regarding Dempster Children's Home. You are not going mad, Jane - I lived in the home with my brother and sister in about 1978 or so. It was a lovely house, but I don't remember the cellars. I understand that it doesn't exist anymore.

A383:My Mom is now 80. She used to be deputy matron at Dempsterin the early 60s. Her collegue was staff nurse there too and remembers the place and children well. If you want to know more, she is willing to contact you. OLDBURY  WEST MIDLANDS

Q382: Where can I find the areas affected by the odour from the Berrylands sewage?
I am looking at living on Auckland Road (near Villiers Road), Do you know if that road gets the "bad smell". I searched on the internet but couldn't find the answer. Not even sure if the smell is a problem anymore! Cheers.

A382 Well I moved to Australia in the early 80's and I can't smell it from here!

Q381: I have heard about a history tour of Kingston, but rumour has it there is a ghost tour too. Does anyone know anything about this and who to get in touch with? Kingston


Q380: Can the borough ban chewing gum in Kingston and clean up our footways? Please! Kingston Upon Thames

A380: how would the Borough enforce this ban on chewing gum? Appoint a Chewing Gum Czar and a host of street wardens, who would be empowered to throw masticating adolescents to the ground, force open their mouths and remove the offending gum? Yes, streets can be cleaned, and they are, but chewing gum is well known to be almost impossible to remove without special freezing techniques. A far worse problem anyway is dogs fouling the streets and parks - now that really is disgusting!

Q379: Town Rangers... What a wonderful job they are doing trying to keep the town centre clean from Graffiti, I am constantly seeing them clean or paint over the horrible tags the youngsters are puting everywhere. What would this town look like if nothing was being done? If only the bridge could be cleaned too... but I know its not the Rangers job, but who's is it? RBK??? Keep up the good work chaps. Kingston Upon Thames

Q378: Am I the only one who is fed up with irresponsible cyclists?  If a car or motorcycle were to ride on the pavement or travel without lights at night or ignore traffic signals, stop lines and one way streets they would soon be stopped and fined, however these rules don't seem to apply to cyclists.  Any cyclist will tell you he or she has just as much right to the road. I disagree. Until cyclists pay Road Tax and carry Third Party insurance they don't have any right to the road. Surbiton

A378: Why assume that cyclists don't have cars? The way I look at it is that if they werent on their bikes then it would be yet one more car in front of me on the road. I have been driving for 20 years in and around London and apart from a few bikes moving off the lights on red (great coz I don't have to wait for them to gather speed) I haven't seen a cyclist do anything bad. I think it is all in the mind. Think positive and be thankful that the cyclist isn't pumping toxic fumes in to the air and is clearing a space for your fuel guzzler. Be courteous and aware. It works for me and I can see cyclists at 500+ metres, with or without their lights and react accordingly. Then I have good eyesight and my car has headlights. Richmond

A378: cyclists shouldn't ride on the pavement when there are pedestrians nearby, but the reason they do it is because of fear of irresponsible car and van drivers. When was the last time you saw a car driver kileld or injured by a bicycle? Car drivers - I speak as one myself - should be grateful for cyclists choosing to take the risk and reducing the number of cars on the road.

Q377:Any pictures/information old or new about Regent House hawks road would be greatly appreciated. Our family owned the store under L. White from approx. 1930's - 1957 then we moved to Canada. It was located on the corner of Hawks Road & Bonnerhill Road. This was my birthplace. My email is; m.theo-winst@hotmail.com  Thank you so much: Canada

Q376:CHELSEA BUILDING SOCIETY, THAMES ST. KINGSTON
As part of my final year project in Building Surveying at Kingston uni i am 'championing' this building (o.e. trying to get it listed)  I just wondered if anyone has any useful information or know the history of the site or building?  Any info at all is very much appriciated.  you can email: alillywhite@hotmail.com  you replay here if not.  Manyt thanks. Tolworth

Q375: Hi Kingston residents, I am from Australia and have found in the 1881 census of England that my great grandfather was the landlord of a pub called the Liverpool Arms in Richmond Rd, Kingston on Thames. His nave was Thomas Kent. Any info on the area, pub or family would be appreciated. His son, my grandfather left England in the mid 1880s. Ann, Sydney

A:375 I have a connection to the Liverpool Arms although this goes back to the 1841 census when the landlord was John Pettit. One of his daughters was called Temperance and she married my great great great granfather in 1844
Nigel Thomas, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Q374: at 77 and 79 robin hood way in kingston vale there are students living in and the mess they are making is amazing. They've been there for the last 3 years. Would there be any possibility that somebody can fine them or even evacuate them? All their rubish is stored outside on the communal terrace(private property) just in bin bags. The cats, foxes are just waiting for that. All together with the noises are out of order. Please help a.s.a.p. Letters to the council, Kingston Univ. have been sent but nothing changed the situation. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AQ374:I was surprised to read how much bad feeling there is towards students on this forum.  I am a post-graduate student, living in Norbiton. Sure students can be a bit messy and a bit noisy, but on the whole they are nice kids who will make an effort if you ask them.  Besides, without the university, Kingston would be even less culturally diverse and interesting than it already is.

A374: if there's a public health issue with bin bags, you need to contact Environmental Health. Or find out who is their landlord and complain to her. Or why not just buy some bins for them yourself? It won't cost much for some peace of mind. I agree with the last reply however that this problem isn't because your neighours are students per se - plenty of "normal" residents are stupid and only use bin bags as well - generally students need to be supported and talked to and negotiated with just like anyone else. Kingston resident

Q373: tips how to avoid street sellers, info collectors, car cleaners, religous nuts ,foul market researchers ,big issue,100 charities lookin for bank-details ( i actually witness poor sods giving out these details. ) All this and more just in and around the carpark .Eden walk here i come.
please get lost all of you. i just want to shop and spend my hard erned money on me.  scrooge xx Anne, Surbiton

A373: Re: street sellers.They are really giving charity a bad name. I used to support Amnesty International but have stopped my subscription because I detest this selling technique so much. You can be stopped 4 times walking up and down Surbiton high street . A polite no ' thank you' can take a quick nose dive into verbal abuse when you are forced to interact with some cheesy, spotty youth who can't make it to drama school.

A373: Think they only have to get 2 sign ups a day to make it worth their while. Could make more if they sell the details to fraudsters. Banks should take note and make the people who sign up take out insurance. They are mad.

Q372:ATTENTION JOHN PERRY you emailed me in Australia regarding photoes of two houses in Kingston. I accidently wiped the email and am hoping you see this.  I would love the photos if you can still do them - the addresses are in Bonner Hill Road, Kingston  -  and Richmond Park Road, Kingston.  Thanks for your reply and being new to computers I stuffed up.  Regards from Oz, Chris New. Australia Chris New (To JP. Email entry@kingstononline.co.uk for contact details)

Q371: TESCO at Tolworth. What do you think? Is the proposed development overall a good thing or a bad thing? Personally I object to the vice-like grip that TESCO has on trading and I don't think that having escalators and steps makes their so-called 'green bridge' very accessible. Their bridge is not like other green bridges in this country which are actually very wide and green because they have grass  and trees on them. They were fined £25,000 last year for 5 breaches of food safety at New Malden so I don't trust TESCO. Kingston

A371: They need something there which will bring the area up not drag it down to the depths of the Tesco near New Malden. It just seems to have brought a desolate and depressing feel to the area. The colours, the depressed staff, the dirty interiors and the lack of traffic flow. They don't give a damn.

Q370: I am a nurse, currently looking at moving into accommodation on the kingston hospital site, just wondering if anyone knows if there is any suitable parking in or around the area? Aberdeen

Q369: Hi, I have just come across this site as have been searching for a picture of where I was born - Bearstead memorial Hospital. I was born there on 11 Dec 1957 and is there anyone out there who was born there around the same time? Newcastle upon Tyne, Kath

Q369: I was in Kingston yesterday and sought out the Bearstead Memorial Nursing Home as I was born there in August 1946. It is now called Rotary Court and is just across from the Palace on Hampton Court Road. I spoke to a lady who said it is now a home run by a Housing Association for elderly people made up of bedsits.  Originally from East London the Bearstead was moved out to Kingston during the war.  My family lived in the East End of London and my mother was sent there for the birth of me her only child.  How my father visited I do not know!!!! Rosalind. South Oxfordshire

Q369: I do have a photo and can forward this on to you by email. (see Q:359) Rosalind. South Oxfordshire

Q369:I was born at Bearstead memorial hospital as well (23 01 65) Its now called "Rotary Court" ( Private residential flats i believe) Can supply photo next time i drive past it!


Q368: I've just used an excellent gardening service for tidying my garden. It's just ben setup by a fellow who's just left school. It's called Dean's Garden Service. Very clean and excellent quotes. Nothing like those gypsies who knock on your door! He's number is 07916 160297. Another Richard Branson in the making?

Q367: Has anybody seen a dark striped cat like creature, on the banked-side of the first field nearest to the Northamber end at Tolworth farm fields? New Malden

Q367: Hello Kingston, I'm from Australia and in tracing family history wondered if there is anyone descended from Mary Anne Wright who married George Lewendon in late 1800's. George was a master builder and lived  at 115 Richmond Park Road, Kingston upon Thames. Does it still exist?  This couple are my great grandparents and had seven children - George, Florence, Daisy, Mathew, Laurence, Nellie and Edward. Daisy was my grandmother and married Oliver Frank Beach  who lived at 45 Bonner Hill Road, Kingston,in 1909. Oliver had two barber shops there before migrating to Australia about 1910 or 1911. Do these two residences still exist and are there any Beach or Lewendon descendants still about. I would be most grateful for any information. Regards Chris. My email address is Misfits@dodo.com.au : Orange NSW Australia.

Q366: I am sick to death of the parking arrangements I have fines of £20,000 for parking in my own street since we have 2 cars bought on HP the council have refused another permit for our second car as both cars are in my name since I got the loans. Everywhere I turn I get no help I have given up the residents actually asked for the parking control here but we did not ask for this... Kingston

Q365: WARNING: Handbag thief at large in Surbiton. Several reports. This man buys a cheap drink in bars and sits near women, steals what he can. Last theft in Gordon Bennett's Maple road Monday 12 September 05. He is late 40s balding with a jowly, saggy face.

Q364: I am looking to buy a house in Elmbridge Avenue. Is there a sewage smell there?

Q363: Hi Kingston, I'm from Australia and in tracing family history wondered if anyone is descended from my great grandparents Mary Anne Wright and George Lewendon who would have married in the late 1800's.  They had several children one of whom was my grandmother Daisy Lewendon who married Frank Beach. They later migrated to Australia {early 1900's}. I have a photo of a pageant at Kingston-on Thames taken in June 1917. Would this be the same festival that is held on September 10? It shows people marching along a street with horses and carts etc. with people lining the street. Cris Australia


Q362: I was just wondering if someone could explain to me who the person was that designed the NEW!! New malden High Street.  Having ridden on the buses up and down the NEW!! High Street how is it possible that pavements have been made larger which now hardly gives any room for the buses to travel up and down the High Street.  The emergency services are in great difficulty as they cannot pass vehicles, ordinary motorists that can now pay for parking in the High Street are not parking correctly - what madness!! Resident of New malden

Q361: Does anyone know of a social cycling club in or near Kingston upon Thames?  I'm not looking for a competitve club but pleasant 10-20 mile rides (or sometimes shorter!) at an even pace. Thanks.

Q361. Yes, the Kingston Cycling Campaign www.kingstoncycling.org.uk sounds just like the sort of sociable cycling group you are looking for. See also Q308. They run sociable rindes on a couple of Sundays each month and some weekday evenings in the summer. The distance is tailored to the ability of people who turn up. Ride date info: http://pages.britishlibrary.net/rjames/kcc/Rides.html

Q360: Are there afro carribeans living in teddington?
Q360: Yes. Why?

Q359: Does any one know of a maternity nursing home in Kingston during the 2nd war where my sister was born in 1939? This was 'possibly at 284 kingston Park Road', depending on our elderly mothers memory. Is there anywhere that records might be available? Does anyone remember my sister's mother she stayed on at the nursing home after giving birth, working as a cook. After about 2 years she left and went on the buses as a conductress from the Kingston garage - whilst living in Tudor Drive with a lady who took in mothers and children, until returning to Norfolk in 1947. Jane Norfolk

Q359 see answer to Q 369.  I have a photo taken yesterday if you contact Kingston on line and they can forward your email address on to me I will send it on.: Rosalind South Oxfordshire

Q358: Is anyone else experiencing the really unpleasant smell at night which, I think, is coming from the Berrylands sewage treatment works? It's so strong we have to close the windows in order to sleep. (see also Q325)

Q357: Can someone please give me some information about a particular building on London Road called chichester House-we have being experiencing some strange things-and would really like to find out the history of the building and what its purpose may have being before???

Q:356: If there are any Southern Africans looking for a taste of home, there is a new South African shop - Bizzi B's opened on Surbiton Road that has the most amazing biltong/droewors and boerewors to die for. I know where I'm shopping for my barbeque.

Q:355: I was born and grew up in kingston, but please can anyone tell me where the royal grand theatre was i dont remember it. i have got a old postcard of this theatre. Leighton Buzzard

Q:354: Hi, I'm a teacher currently living in Birmingham and am moving to start a job at Tiffin Girls in Kingston in September.  I'm wondering if anyone has advice about where would be a good place to rent?  Looking for a one/ two bedroom for less than £800 a month. Is this unrealistic? Are there any areas that I should avoid?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Q:353: Greetings,
Are their any former 1345 ATC Squadron (Malden & Coombe) 1941-1945 friends around.
Cheers 'Digger' Arculus. Auckland , New Zealand

Q:352: Hiya, I live at Charter Quay, Kingston and have no where to park my car, as there is only one parking space allocated per flat, which my partner uses! Does anyone know of or have a parking space they would be willing to rent to me.

Q352:CAR PARKING SPACE offered., Central Kingston location. Permit valid until end of the year.
Sheltered and Secure. Offers to Victor (07957362172)

Q352 Answer: Check the notice board in Garricks House there is always spaces for rent on there.

Q:351: Hi i was wondering if any one could help with finding information /history i am trying to find the history of Cambridge Gardens as apparently it hasn't always been council property i am also know that pre to the current building there was a place called Cambridge Asylum which was for soldiers widows which apparently burnt down in 1853.
It would be great if any one had any further information thanx.

A:351 I am also looking for any information on the Cambridge Asylum which was on Cambridge Road, Norbiton. I have recently located a Census for 1891 for the asylum and located my Gt Gt Gt Gt Grandmother- so the building was still there in 1891 ! (I also have a date of 1853 but suspect that was when it was built.) Would appreciate a photo of the building or any other info about this. Any ideas where the local cemetry would be for these old residents ?
Lincoln Mike Cullen

Q:350: hi, i'm a student coming from the midlands, derby. To study at the university, what is the city like? in terms of safety at night, shops during the day, and general people and places to keep clear from, thank you. Derby, Derbyshire

Q350: anyone complaining about crime at night is exagerrating wildly. I've lived here for three years and the centre's fine! A bit rowdy sometimes with the clubs but I generally like the life and energy they bring. Until they built the Rotunda the town was creepily dead at night. In fact, Kingston Borough is just about the safest place in London you can live. It's a regional centre with very good mainstream shopping, reasonable transport and loads of middle-class graduates who work in office jobs in SW London or central London, plus some lower-middle class areas and a couple of sink estates. The arterial roads divide the housing enclaves: you'll work out the "nice" places to live pretty quickly. In facilities it's much the same as Reading, and has a similar demographic to Oxford and Cambridge or the posher areas of any big city: North Kingston is probably the best area but not as nice as The Park in Nottingham. The town's main problem is it's so *dull* culturally. There's no theatre (though the Rose is gradually coming to life), no rep cinema, little theatres or any other arts venue except the odd tiny museum or gallery, very little live music, and the so-called arts festivals are almost exclusively focused on music, especially classical. The central library is tiny for the size and wealth of the area. Even the central post office is a disgusting always-crowded add-on to a convenience store. Most of the town has been hollowed-out of any character in favour of chain stores and night-clubs. As a university town it's a dead loss: there's almost none of the coffee shops, interesting book shops, video stores, arts venues and other places to hang out that I associate with a proper dynamic town-and-gown environment and active intellectual sub-cultures. If however you just want a decent university for classes and some social life, and are prepared to travel into central London or not-as-sophisticated-as-it-likes-to-think Richmond for your culture, you'll be fine. Tony, Central Kingston

A: Kinston is a good place to be a student. It isn't a city though. Lovely riverside. Good town centre. Some good pubs doing cheap deals. You have to watch yourself at night just like anywhere.

A: Once the shops shut in Kingston, the town turns into a very sinister place. There really needs to be something done about the gang culture that hangs outside of Burger King and MacDonalds. These youths were the ones responsible for the stabbing in Kingston two years ago, which resulted in a South African Barnman being slit from top to bottom and left fighting for his life. This is not LA, but for the young it is becoming a no go area where street muggings and threats of violence are rife. Last weekend 15th January 2005 a young man was stabbed casually in the back outside Burger King by a gang of youths. What is happening to Kingston? We need more police patroling after 5.30p.m and these gangs need to be taken off the streets.

Q:349: Hiya, does anyone know what happend to doggie style? the pink dog shop on london road, i have heard that the shops on the parade are going to be demolished and they had to leave, but the dry cleaners is still open. me and my wife loved the shop, and it brought a bit of cheer to a dull stretch of road. the shop i belive was before in park road. i hope to see doggie style back in kingston again one day!!

A:349: So pleased to see its not just us who are missing doggie style, London roads just not the same now

A:349: Sorry to see Doggie Style (pet grooming shop Kingsto Road) going too. What a shame, with all the hard work they put in to make the place different and eye catching.  Hope they will be successful somewhere else.  That stretch of road is pretty dire, and has been for years. A coffee shop tried their best there to, but had to close.  It's so unfair on people who try so hard in a duff location.  In fact the whole road from the bottom of Kingston Hill up to Kingston town is devoid of any personality.  The council should not let derelict shops sit for years on end.

A:349:In response to Q349 the last I heard they were being investigated by the police for fraud. I bought a `pedigree`daschund from them last year. That`s in inverted commas because when asked to supply the pedigree papers Doggie Style gave me a false name and address. Everytime I phoned them to enquire why, they were either out or busy.  When I finally managed to get down to the shop they had scarpered with £800 of my money gained under false pretences. I now know that I wasn`t the only one fleeced. So no!  I`m not sorry to see the back of them, no matter how colourful they were.

Q:348: Can anyone recommend a good painter and decorator to work on a house in fairfield in kingston?

A:348 I know a painter/decorator & I can say he is very good & reliable& he charges less than most other painter/decorators. You can contact him at :
lgcontractors@yahoo.co.uk

Q348: Answer. I used a very reliable local painter and decorator in Kingston recently. His number is 07931547781

Q:347: Does anyone have any information on the Old Police Building in London Road, Kingston, i.e. who it was built by? Also when the new police station was built in the High Street. Twickenham

A.347  The present police station was opened in 1968. Finchley: Rob (fred)

Q:346: Hello i work in laser quest in kingston and have seen and heard many random things going on in my work place. i have heard about chalky and many stories linked with his death and things that have happened. can anyone tell me more about 'chalky' please. laser quest is part of the old empire cinema located in clarence street in kingston. we have a ladder which i believe chalky hung himself from. is this true?

Q:345: Can anyone provide photos of the Lido at Teddington about 1960-70'S. Thanks.

Q:343: Can anyone tell me what has happened to Moses?
For those who don't know him by his name , he is the guy that dresses up in top hat/tails or Bmx uniform and stands around in Kingston or New malden by California road... I havent seen him about for a few weeks....New Malden

A:343: To answer your question about moses i did hear that he was beaten up and injected with Heroin.. Also he has diabetes and is now in a diabetic coma............
Some idiot who has done this rearly does need help I tell you after all Moses was NO harm to anyone..

A:343: Another rumour that has spread around the California road area apart from Moses, is the discovery of a homeless guy in the allotments area behind kingsmeadow...
Could this be the guy who sat outside the church on the corner of California road?

A:343: Moses is out and about again... A little under weight...

Q:341:I know that it was demolished some years ago, but does anyone remember the Outrigger pub, in Water Lane, and the liscensee, Roy Stringer?: Totnes, W . Country

Q:341 Sadly Roy Died at the end of july and his ashes were scattered on the 27th oct in 3 different spots all of which roy would have wanted

A:341 i remember the Outrigger. Kingston ! I worked there, had my first pint there. knew Roy "stuntman" Stringer. but what happened to him and all the gang? And who knocked down the pub? merde. anybody,with any info. that be good.

A:341. This was a picture after it was too late.

Q:341 Unless I miss my guess this has to be a question from Keith? Of course I remember it - and blush at the many happy memories. Roy now lives in Hamble, I understand. I live on the Ox/Bucks border and have long since lost contact with any of the old croud. I saw you mentioned in the trade press recently, though. Still stiring up trouble, I see! Best regards to any old friends who read this. Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire

Q:340: Controlled Parking Zones for residential roads - are they working for you? Residents who don't own a car but who have partners/friends visiting every weekend have to manage on visitors tickets and these are restricted to 10 books of tickets a year amounting to just 50 days parking for the princely sum of £100. North Kingston

A:340  I live near Kingston Uni and until the introduction of Resident Permits the parking situation was almost impossible - the entire road was occupied with students cars Monday to Friday and shoppers on Saturday and Sunday. The priority here has to be residents rather than their guests. Kingston

Q:339 Could anyone recommnend a good cleaner in the North Kingston Area - nr Sainsbury and Esporta?

Q:338 I'd be interested to hear what the borough's residents think of the recycling service in Kingston. If you have a green recycling box does that system work well for you? The council's surveys have shown that about 30% of residents don't have a green box. All householders should have one and the contents collected every fortnight. At the moment you can put papers, cans, plastic bottles and textiles in it but not glass yet (June '04) or card/cardboard. I think adding these materials would see much more stuff recycled. I find that frequently the bottle banks are full and overflowing. At some recycling sites there isn't the full range of recycling banks i.e. nowhere to deposit cans or cardboard or plastic.If you don't recycle why not? What would have to happen to get you to "do your bit"?

A338: I too had a horrible struggle getting a green recylcing box and I live about 300 yards from the main council offices! The vans also stopped coming down our cul-de-sac for about a year, so people stopped bothering. Things have improved however. The early pickups (7 a.m.) are a bad idea because you have to remember to put the boxes out the night before, and who remembers *fortnightly* pickups? I disagree that the boxes attract vermin: what does are the stupid people who are too cheap to buy a dustbin and put black plastic bags with food in them out at night, and the students who steal bin lids (which you can't replace) and the foxes turn over the bins. That plus people dumping half-finished burgers is one of the reasons we have rats in public view in the central Kingston car parks. Kingston

A:338: I would hope that the council will make more of an effort to increase the participation of their scheme as they will have strict targets to meet. I can understand the problem they may have with the glass however. As a recycling officer in Nottinghamshire, I have found that our contractors simply cannot keep up with the volumes of glass that people are recycling. Taking the collections 'in house' can be an expensive option. Not having lids and the bin men coming early IS NOT a valid excuse to stop recycling. If you wanted to recycle, why not use your own box or even go to the council yard yourself rather than phoning 10 times!!

A:338:Re: the recycling debate, I am one of the 70% who doesn't yet have a green box despite phoning the council to get one 6 times and putting my name and address on the council list at the green fair! Each time I speak to the council they say it will be with me in 2 weeks. It's now been about 3 years!

A:338: Have to say the new 7am collection is mad. I was committed to recycling but I think I'm going back to putting everything in the bin. Don't say leave it out overnight. Scrubbed or not the cans/glass/plastic attract vermin. They even ripped a clothes bag up.

A:338: I think the later collection time is better. I have to get the papers from the front door, the plastic and tins from the garage, the glass from the bin in the back garden, the clothes from the house. Like the other person, leaving it out overnight is not an option. How many people are up and about at 7am? I've got school kids and I'm not.

A:338: Why can you not put plastic with the recycling logo into the plastic recycling? It looks like some supermarkets are really trying with yoghurt pots, cream, sandwich fillers etc. but you can't put it in the plastic recycling. And why is cardboard not picked up?

A:338: I have a green box and it does work well apart from the fact that they are way too small for plastics and carrier bags of tins/plastics sometimes get left behind if they are not in the box. As I have to go to the tip to take the cardboard and glass I kind of wonder about the logic of the door collections in my case.

A:338: I think it is ignorance and poor communication. I have a family of 4 and my rubbish has been reduced by drastically through recycling. Once you are in the habit it is easy. I would like to know what happens to the plastic though. I put all plastic in there and I don't know if that is good or I am stopping a huge batch from being reused. Does anyone know?

A338: In response to the person putting all their plastic in with their plastic bottles I would respectfully suggest that you stop doing that. I know how it's tempting to do that though. What will happen is that the plastics other than bottles will be sorted out at a later stage and dumped. It would be a waste for the recycling scheme to be collecting stuff like yoghurt pots, (some made of polystyrene), and plastic bags when they won''t be recycled. The company that buys the plastic bottles will pay a lower price if the bales of bottles are contaminated with other stuff and that won't help either. The recycling company wants Hard PE (like washing up liquid bottles and PET (like fizzy drink bottles) because they have particular uses which other types of plastic are no good for. They'll be making buckets, dustbins, crates, pipes etc and they need a standardized supply, which by saying 'bottles only' they generally get because bottles are made from a limited number of materials. Oh, and remember to remove the bottle tops please. Thanks for replying & please keep recycling.

A:338: No one seems to want to take responsibility for bags like supermarket carrier bags. All supermarkets should be forced to have a bag recycling point. The community recycling points should have a place for them financed by the supermarkets.

A338: In response to the point about the green box being too small, you can request an additional box or boxes from the council by phoning tehrecycling officer on 020 8547 5567 or 020 8547 5560. The other good news is that the council will, I'm assured, be increasing the number of properties it collects glass from starting in September 2004, [some homes in Berrylands and Tolworth already have a glass collection]. Unfortunately the council's contractors stopped collecting card & cardboard, which it previously did, because the council gets a better price for the paper if there is no cardboard mixed in. If we can convince the council to collect cardboard again we'll have a pretty comprehensive door-to-door recycling service and special trips and unsightly overflowing recycling banks will be a thing of the past. Kingston Friends of the Earth.

A338: I think supermarkets shouldn't provide an endless supply of 'one trip' carrier bags. They should be providing 'bag for life' type carriers that are useable again and again. Waitrose in Kingston has been out of them for weeks now. Sainsbury's on the Richmond Road advertise that they'll give you a penny for each bag re-used but in practice they NEVER do. They don't publicise their charity box, (which people at other stores put the pennies in), and they don't state what the charity they are collecting for is - which is dubious.

A: 338 Having recently moved to the area I feel that there is a real lack of information available with regards to recycling. It took a while to find out all the information. All the details I gained I had to find out myself by ringing the council. Prior to living in Kingston we had leaflets about recycling and dates of collection. Also rather than the green box we had clear bags. Each item e.g papers, bottles etc were placed in seperate bags. This allowed for a lot more recycling. I also find in Kingston that due to the green box having no form of cover I can't easily put it out the night before collection and the dustmen come extremely early! It is also quite a hard to store bulky box for a small house to keep. Furthermore for those of us who are keen on recycling collections every other week just aren't enough. (Kingston)

A: 338 I agree with the person recently moved here. Our recycling used to be after 9am. The last 2 have been collected around 8am. Not wanting to miss it, I put the plastics and tins out the night before. Sure enough the foxes or rats had been at them and they had ripped the bags to shreds so they had to be rebagged. Perhaps the council could only collect from 9am-5pm if they don't want to fork out for covered boxes etc. (Surbiton)

Q:333:Does anybody know of a nursing home/maternity home very near to Hampton Court Palace. My partner was born there in 1963. She jokes that she was actually born in Hampton Court itself but I suspect it was close by. Does this home still exist. Any details would be welcome. Thanks

A:333 I was also born in in 1963 in Bearstead Maternity Home and so was my brother in 1968. It was a Jewish home but they fed the mums black pudding for breakfast!

A:333: There is a home in Thames Ditton just around the corner from Hampton Court called the Home of Compassion...

A:333: Bearstead Maternity Hospital was situated on the main Hampton Road. Now a block of flats I believe. One of my daughters was born there in 1965

A:333: Bearsted Memorial Hospital, my brother and I were also born here. If you leave the roundabout by the Palace on the Hampton Court Road, it is along on your left hand side before you reach the Royal Mews. It shut down many years ago.