The Sheppertonian (for Shepperton village)

This is a heartwarming episode that dives into the incredible work being done at the Swan Sanctuary over on Felix Lane, where the love for these majestic birds flows as freely as the water in their lakes. We meet Mel and Gemma Nelson, a mother-daughter duo carrying on the legacy of Mel's late mother, Dot Beeson, who started this sanctuary over 40 years ago in her back garden. We chat about the ups...

This episode features a live recording from the Bishop Duppas Bowls Club on 3rd June 2026. We’re diving deep into the heart of Shepperton this time, chatting with Farrah Charles and Dan Burton from Shepperton Studios. They’re on a mission to bridge the gap between the iconic studios and the vibrant local community. From the rich history of the studios - celebrating a whopping 95 years - to the exc...

Shepperton has a heartbeat, and that pulse is the Shepperton Village Fair, a beloved summer event that brings together the community in celebration year after year. In this live podcast episode, we dive into the rich history of the fair with Dik Gregory, who has been at the helm for the past 25 years. We reminisce about the fair's humble beginnings, where the community spirit and charity focus wer...

Today, we're diving into the heart and soul of Shepperton with Vivienne Leighton from the Shepperton Village Conservation Group. This episode is all about community spirit and making our village shine. Vivienne shares how their mission is not just about pretty flowers, it's about keeping Shepperton vibrant and supporting our local shops, which really is the lifeblood of the community. We chat abou...

Middlesex is more than just a name on a map; it’s a vibrant part of our identity and history that deserves to be cherished! In this chat, we dive into the heart of what it means to be from Middlesex, especially as changes loom on the horizon for local governance. Our guest, Russell Grant, shares his lifelong connection to the area and argues passionately for the preservation of our county's herita...

Beverage of the Wise, a local rock band, is shaking things up with their debut single 'Empty,' and we’re diving deep into their story. These young musicians didn’t just fall into their roles; they crafted their band from the ground up, starting with a simple school project and a bit of parental encouragement. They share how they went from jamming at school to winning the Basement Doors Battle of t...

We're diving into the heart of the Spelthorne Business Awards this time around. This year marks the eighth and final round of these awards, and they’re all about celebrating our local business heroes - especially the micro businesses that really pack a punch! Julia Owen, our guest and Senior Economic Development Officer at Spelthorne Borough Council, spills the beans on how these awards spotlight...

Today, we're diving into a topic that’s shaking things up in our neck of the woods: Surrey's local government is about to undergo its biggest makeover in half a century! Yes, you heard it right - two shiny new unitary authorities are stepping in to replace the old county council and a whopping eleven district and borough councils. To help us decipher this big change, The Sheppertonian met with loc...

Meet Andy, a man who turned a stage four lymphoma diagnosis into a beacon of hope for our community. After facing his own battles, he created the Patient Cancer Support Group, a warm and welcoming space where people can share their stories and find camaraderie in their struggles. This isn't your typical support group; it's all about real talk, empathy, and the kind of laughter that makes the tough...

After a long musical hibernation, Sheppertonian Sally Kemp dusted off her old reel-to-reel tapes from the '70s, restored her past gems, and dropped an album called 'Songs From Then'. But that’s not all! She’s also writing new tunes, including a heartfelt piece titled 'Don't Look Away', aimed at raising awareness for hungry children around the globe. We dive into her journey of rediscovery and the...

Imagine a group of runners who are more than just friends - they're family. That's the heart and soul of the Shepperton Running Group, a vibrant community that's been running together since its inception ten years ago. What started as a simple Facebook post from a newcomer has blossomed into a colourful gathering of spirited individuals who lace up their shoes, don their purple gear, and hit the p...

This episode takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together. This isn't your usual podcast episode; it’s a heartfelt look back at how this community has grown and thrived over the past year. We’ve transformed from a simple audio project into a vibrant hub, filled with stories, laughter, and genuine connections. From switching to a weekly newsletter to embracing a narrative...

Today, we dive into the vibrant world of artist Daphne Clement, who paints picturesque scenes of Lower Sunbury and surrounding areas with a splash of colour and a heart full of stories. From her home gallery, Daphne shares her journey from the beaches of Dunkirk - where her father was rescued by a ship that bore her name - to her blossoming love for watercolour painting. She reflects on how her sc...

In this special business episode we're diving into the delightful world of nikibakes, where gluten-free treats meet community spirit! Niki, the mastermind behind this award-winning bakery stall, has transformed her kitchen into a local favourite, serving up sweet and savoury bakes that are as friendly to the palate as they are to those with dietary restrictions. We chat about her journey from a co...

The annual Lower Sunbury Christmas Street Market is back! Picture this: fairy lights twinkling, the smell of mulled wine wafting through the air, and a community coming together to celebrate all things festive. We caught up with Jackie from Avenue Opticians and Dennis from van Wonderen Flowers, part of the organising committee behind this delightful event, to dive into how this magical market came...

We're diving into the heart of Shepperton this week, at the iconic Shepperton Lock! Steve Newman has been the friendly face of this historic landmark for over 50 years. Steve shares his journey from a printing job to becoming a lock keeper, a role he stumbled into after a serendipitous chat with a colleague. He feels incredibly lucky to work in such a picturesque spot, especially with the stunning...

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of the Autumn Craft Fair in Shepperton! This episode is all about the creative magic happening at the Shepperton Village Hall this Saturday, October 11th. We chat with Alice Shanahan, the mastermind behind the fair, who spills the beans on how her passion for crafting sparked the idea for this community event. With a mix of local artisans showcasing their h...

We’re diving into a delightful recap of all the amazing voices and stories that have graced our show over the past year! From the charm of local events like Big Tree Night to heartwarming tales about community-driven initiatives, this compilation is like a cosy cup of tea on a rainy day. We’ve chatted with a whopping 19+ incredible guests, each adding their unique flavour to our Shepperton tapestr...

We're diving into the heart of community and competition at Bishop Duppas Bowls Club, where bowls is more than just a game - it's a way of life! This episode highlights how this cosy little club has been a cornerstone of village life since the '70s, bringing people together for friendly matches and serious competitions alike. Whether you’re a newbie looking to roll a bowl or a seasoned pro aiming...

Water is the lifeblood of Shepperton, and it has shaped its history and community in ways that are both fascinating and vital. In our latest chat, we dive deep into the waterways that define our village - from the mighty Thames, which has served as a crucial trade route since Saxon times, to the Queen Mary Reservoir, which dramatically altered the landscape and lives of locals when it was built in...

We’re diving into the heart of Shepperton this time, where community spirit is kicking off in style with the Sheppertonesses - a women’s walking football club that’s all about friendship, fitness, and some good ol' footie fun! Founded by the enthusiastic Denise Johnson, this club is not just about scoring goals; it’s about finding a supportive space for all women, regardless of fitness level or fo...

This podcast dives into the heart of Shepperton's community spirit, spotlighting the upcoming Shepperton Village Fair as it gears up for its 51st edition! We chat with Dik Gregory, the chair of the fair committee, who takes us on a nostalgic journey from its humble beginnings after a football match in 1972 to the vibrant celebration it is today. You'll hear all about what makes the fair a cherishe...

In this episode, we celebrate 80 years since VE Day with heartfelt stories and reflections on wartime life, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the Shepperton community. Shepperton resident Dallas Barnes-Hughes shares her vivid memories of wartime celebrations, including the excitement of jelly as a rare treat and the joy of street parties that brought people together. Shepperton Now! admin To...

Playing an instrument is the best thing you could do for your brain, and we're diving deep into that idea in this episode! We chat with David Bruce, the conductor of the Spelthorne Orchestra, who shares his journey and the joy of making classical music accessible to everyone. Plus, we’ve got Steve Oakes from CAST Youth Theatre joining us, highlighting the transformative power of performing arts fo...

This podcast episode is all about the powerful impact of community through music and support networks. We kick things off with Kelly Stewart, the founder of the Stewart Academy, who shares heartwarming stories from the Spelthorne Dementia Choir. Imagine a moment where someone living with dementia hears "Dancing Queen" and suddenly transforms into a young dancer again! That’s the magic of music - i...