Contacts

The Teddington Society
21 Teddington Park
Teddington TW11 8BD

Contact by e-mail:
secretary@teddingtonsociety.org.uk

The Spring 2006 issue of Tidings includes the following:

• Letter from the Chair
• From the Editor
• Letters
• Reports from the Groups
• Teddington on TV
• Policing Teddington
• 125 Years of History
• Peg Woffington Cottage
• Our chestnut trees in danger
• Rock on Scarlet Blue!
• Diary and Events

Jenny Hilton

Letter from the Chair Writing this during the current bitter spell of Easterly winds it is hard to remember what a long dry autumn we had, with fuchsias in flower until nearly December. One of the Teddington events that I greatly enjoyed at the beginning of December was the Christmas concert in the splendidly restored theatre at Normansfield in aid of the Down's Syndrome Association.

I took two friends who have a Down's daughter and, although we greatly enjoyed the singing by the adult choirs, it was the singing and miming (with which we were encouraged to join in) by a group of Down's children and their two extraordinary teachers which was the moving high-point of the evening.

A sadness for me, and I'm sure for many Teddington residents, was the closure early in January of Broad Street Books – a symptom of the apparent decline in the retail trade in Teddington and the problems of small specialist shops faced with higher rents. If anyone has any bright ideas about how to stop Teddington becoming a wasteland of charity shops and coffee bars we would be delighted to hear from you.

The New Year party in January was a great success - with a good turn-out despite the weather and, due to our energetic committee members, well supplied with food, drink, music and amusing competitions!

For those of you who were not at the party may I take this belated opportunity to wish you a very happy 2006.

Jenny Hilton

From the Editor
It was good to see so many members at the Society’s party in January.We hope to attract an equally enthusiastic turnout for the AGM on April 4th, which will be preceded by an illustrated talk by Greg McErlean about developments in Bushy Park.

May I remind those of you who have not done so already that it is time to renew your subscription to the Teddington Society? A renewal form is enclosed in your newsletter, although many people now prefer the convenience of setting up a standing order. Thank you to everyone who has sent me ideas and items for publication in Tidings over the past year. Please keep the contributions coming in.

Copy date for the next issue will be April 20th. Please note my new email address, which is margaret.chan@blueyonder.co.uk

Margaret Chan

Teddington Baptist Church: 125 Years of History
125 years of history will be celebrated this year by Teddington Baptist Church. Although founded in Craig Hall, Clarence Road on 28th April 1881, the Church has been on its Church Road site since its first building, the ‘Tin Tabernacle’was opened there on 30th March 1884.

The Tin Tabernacle

The Church grew rapidly in its early years. By 1908 it had replaced the "Tin Tabernacle" with a church and hall each capable of seating 600 people. Episodes from the Church’s history will be acted out during the morning service on Chestnut Sunday (14th May), to which all will be welcome.These episodes will include the fateful night of 29th November 1940 when Teddington shook under the impact of enemy bombing and half of the church’s buildings were destroyed. An innovative feature of the anniversary celebrations will be the issue of a CDROM packed with photographs and scanned documents from the Church’s history.The CDROM will, for example, include a copy of the minutes of the foundation meeting and a modern video of believer’s baptism by total immersion – one of the key distinguishing features of the Baptist denomination.

The church premises today have a strikingly modern appearance. Behind the glass façade is a suite of versatile rooms (built in 1908, 1956 and 2004) many of which can be hired for community events. 125 years on, the Church continues to serve its members and the local community in many ways. Its activities range from Sunday worship, youth groups and children’s clubs to a vibrant mother and toddler group and a reading room.

Colin Hicks

Teddington Baptist Church website: www.TeddingtonBaptist.org.uk

We are delighted to announce that Teddington Baptist Church is to receive a Teddington Society award for the excellent design of its new porch and its refurbishment.

Peg Woffington Cottage
Sad to report, 22nd December saw the closure of Peg Woffington Cottage, the favourite restaurant in Teddington for my husband and I. After 43 years, the amiable hosts, Betty and Tony Mansell (see picture on page 2) have decided to retire.

Their retirement has been accelerated by the draconian increase in licensing fees under the recent new alcohol laws. All their customers, and in particular the faithful regulars, will miss their cheery welcome and friendship, as well as the good traditional lunches and teas.The building known as Peg Woffington Cottage, at the river end of the High Street, dates from 1759, possibly even earlier. Although the famous 18th century actress whose name it bears lived in Teddington, it is uncertain whether in fact she actually lived on this very site. She is buried in nearby St Mary’s church.

In spring, the exterior of this real cottage is clothed in beautiful mauve wisteria. Inside it is cosy and snug, with wooden beams and wooden tables, the walls decorated with much theatrical memorabilia.These include photographs of Anna Neagle, who memorably played Peg Woffington almost a half century ago. Here we have enjoyed countless home-cooked delicious meals. In summer, these could be taken in the pretty walled garden, so peaceful, with no traffic to be heard.

We shall really miss visiting Betty and Tony, and we wish them a long and healthy retirement.

Elisabeth Cox