RESIDENTS VOICE FULLERTON COURT

JANUARY 2017 21

Chinese Year of the Rooster

THE CHAIRMAN REPORTS

John Blackwell

Fullerton Walkers: I include this item each

month, not entirely to report on the walk

itself, however enjoyable, but to indicate how

a small group of Owners have a good morning

out, a light lunch and enjoy each other’s

company. Any suggested outings welcomed.

This month’s walk on a dry but rather misty

morning, that seemed to really enhance the winter countryside and took us from

‘The Anglers’ at Pyrford, South along the Wey Navigation, past the ruins of

Newark Priory and back through Pyrford village.

Melton Court: Late in October I spent three nights

in the Guest Suite of Melton Court, mainly with a

view to visiting Poole harbour and the surrounding

countryside. It was like home, so much about the

Court that was similar, but of course not as special as

ours.

Newcomers: We would all wish to extend a very warm Fullerton Court welcome

to: Helene Easton (No 35); Hedy Law (No. 16); Joyce McMyrtrie (No. 15) and

Kathleen Plumtree (No 2).

Udney Park Playing Fields: The diagram on the following page gives some idea,

admittedly in plan view only, the scale of the development proposed (December

2016) by the Quantum Group. We understand that further Consultation will be

in the spring, when presumably we will be able to see the full scale of the

proposed buildings which I understand will be at least 3 stories On the brighter

side, due to pressure by local community organisations Richmond Council have

designated the Playing Fields ‘Local Green Space’ status which I understand

implies that no major building or construction would be allowed on the site. The

‘Friends’ (FUPPF) are looking into the possibility of setting up an alternative;

separate Community Interest Company to that supporting Quantum and to

manage the whole of the Playing Field for sport and community involvement.

Newsletter 17 and a copy of the article from the R&TT are now available from

me, if you would like a copy.

Finally, could I please take this opportunity to wish you and your families, near &

far, a really Joyful and Peaceful New Year.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE WHO SHARE

FULLERTON COURT WITH YOU?

Profile of Jeannette Stebbings Jeannette was born in 1927 in Aylesbury,

Buckinghamshire, where her father was a

medical consultant for the local council.

He had been through a very tough time in

the First World War and sadly only lived

until Jeannette was 11yrs old. Another

tragedy followed a few months later

when Margaret, Jeannette’s younger

sister died from TB. It was 1939, the war

had just started and Jeannette and her

mother had to move from their home in

Aylesbury to go and live with Jeannette’s

elderly and very Scottish grandmother in

Guildford, Surrey. Jeannette was sent off

to boarding school, Cheltenham Ladies

College. The war ended but it was too

late for Jeannette to become a WREN,

very disappointing for her at the time.

Jeannette went to Trinity College, Dublin to study sociology, later to become a

hospital almoner. She enjoyed the work immensely.

Jeannette married her husband David in 1950. He was already a qualified solicitor

having studied and passed his law exams while in a German prisoner-of-war

camp. After the war, he became a senior partner in a large City firm of solicitors.

David established branches of his firm in Paris, New York, and Singapore.

Jeannette had a wonderful time travelling to these places with him. Sadly, during

a holiday in Venice David died suddenly. However, during earlier years, after her

husband’s retirement, they had many happy years in Cornwall. David was a

fishing addict and they spent holidays in Cornwall whenever possible, eventually

buying a house on the River Tamar. Since Jeannette has been on her own

(over 20 years now) she has lived in their Cornish house. She has three grown-up

sons, one living nearby in Twickenham. Jeannette and her sons bought a flat in

Fullerton Court a few years ago and Jeannette would travel up by car every few

months. However, they have now made the decision for Jeannette to live here

permanently. She is very happy to be here.

Felicity Marks

‘LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’ RETURNS - A TRIP TO MOROCCO

A strenuous trip began at

Stanstead, to the new and

massive airport at

Marrakesh. We set forth

early next day across an

impressive panorama along

the foot of the Atlas

Mountains to the university town of Fez, an attractive town with

steep hills. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, with

traditional coppersmiths. From there to the World heritage site of

the well preserved, Roman town of Volubilis. A day at Maknes

with its massive city walls then on to the capital Rabat, with its

royal palace a large mausoleum.

The next stop was Casablanca where we visited the ‘play it again, Sam’ nightclub.

The town bears all the signs of French influence. It has long, straight boulevards

with ill-disciplined traffic. We visited the Hassan II Mosque with its 200m

minaret. Then back to Marrakesh.

We visited the Sultan’s Palace, the massive market

square with its snake charmers and fire-eaters, and

Mediouna in the old town and the former Jewish

quarter. The next day we went to Essaouira, a

pleasant fishing port with sardine boat. The rest of

the trip was spent exploring the Souk alleys full of

tradesmen, bargainers and stray cats. The visit

culminated in a spectacular drive through the Atlas

Mountains. At the end of an 8 hour drive we engaged in a camel ride – a very

painful experience to a distant desert camp and staid the night in tents.

The return to Marrakesh took

eight hours, not a good precursor

to a 2.00am start the next day for

the airport. All-in-all the trip

provided a remarkable

experience a totally different

environment

Bill Small and Sue Shaw (photos)

MARY’S DAYTIME LADIES CHOIR

Friday 9th

December

It was good to have an afternoon

event when over 30 of

Mary's Ladies Choir came to

entertain us with their very

professional harmonies - songs

and carols from around the

world, including France, Italy

and Hawaii. Finally they joined

with us to help us sing 'Winter

Wonderland' and 'White

Christmas', followed by tea and

cakes. A great way to begin our Christmas programme. Joyce

Southern

CSRF CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Wednesday 14th

December

Thirteen Owners travelled by car to

Cole Court in Twickenham. For the

annual Civil Service Retirement

Fellowship Christmas Lunch. As in

previous years the location and

meal first class, traditional

Christmas dinner, followed by a

raffle, and the audience was

entertained by the Branch

Chairman, our own Jill Wood.

SHOOL CHOIR

Monday. 19th

December

On the afternoon of Monday, 19th

December, the children of St. Mary's &

St. Peter's CE Primary School returned

to Fullerton Court, this year with over

forty children including a boys choir,

soloists and musicians Photo: Lin Sutcliffe

.

EARLY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Sunday 18th

December

Twenty residents and visitors sat down to a superb Christmas meal. At the

conclusion, John Blackwell introduced those who provided and served our meal,

Sharon our cook, Diane the Duty Manager, Sarah and Shakun, so that we might

thank them. John Bourne

MARK BLACKWELL LEADS CAROLS

Tuesday 20th

December

The annual carol evening was well attended with the music provided by

Mark, the son of Jack Blackwell. Jack Nolan presented the carols giving

account of their origins and history. Nine carols were sung followed by

wine and cakes. CHRISTMAS EVE WITH MULLED WINE AND MINCE

Saturday 24th December

A small group of those remaining at the Court over

the Christmas period gathered together to be served

mulled wine and mince pies by Diane

Calendar of Events

January

Thursday, 5th

. Communion. Hobbies Room. 11.30am

Thursday, 24th

. Hess Explained. Tony Eaton. 7.30pm (Soc. Comm.)

February

Thursday, 2nd

. Communion. Hobbies Room. 11.30am

Thursday, 23rd

. The Profumo Affair. Terry Johnson. 7.30pm (Soc. Comm.)

March

Thursday, 2nd

. Communion. Hobbies Room. 11.30am

Tuesday, 28th

. Hurbs Ukuleles Band, 7.30pm (Soc. Comm.)

April

Thursday, 6th

. Communion. Hobbies Room. 11.30am

Tuesday, 25th

. Monologues & Comic Songs from the Music Hall. Alan &

Vera

Baker. 7.30pm (Soc. Comm.)

Weekly Events

Monday evening: Film Night

Wednesday afternoon: 'Use it or Lose it' exercises

Friday evening: Residents Choice: Music

BOXING DAY LUNCH

Thank you for your contributions. Please send us your stories,

comments, thoughts, ideas, wants, etc.

Editor: David Pegler; Assistant Editors: John Blackwell and

Felicity Marks; Technical Advisor: John Bourne. Printing and

circulation - Lin Sutcliffe