The Sheppertonian Weekly: 22nd-28th October
David Packer on Hampton Court’s ghosts, the Hepworth Studios talk, a half marathon and Halloween at the marina.
Hello Sheppertonian 👋
The clocks go back this Sunday, the evenings are drawing in, and it’s very much ghost story season. This week’s Weekly starts with a Hampton Court ghost story keeper, then the best of what’s on in and around Shepperton.
🎧 New on the podcast: David Packer
David Packer spent fifteen years telling the ghost stories of Hampton Court Palace, and he has removed more of them than he has added. One was traced back to a novel. Another was dropped because the guides telling it kept having a bad time. Listen to David Packer: Hampton Court Tour Guide
Here are the top picks for what’s happening in and around Shepperton in the next week. Visit the Events page on the website for the full listings.
🗓️ What's On
🎬 Thursday 22nd October, 7.30pm
Talk: the history of Hepworth Studios, Walton-on-Thames.
United Church of Egham, High Street, Egham. A talk by Dr Simon Brown for Egham by Runnymede Historical Society on the studio founded in 1899, which became a major name for trick films and shorts. Non-members £2 cash on the door. More info.
🏃 Sunday 25th October, from 8.30am
River Thames Half Marathon.
Start and finish at Walton Bridge. A flat, fast, scenic and largely traffic-free route along the Thames towpath to Hampton Court Bridge and back, now in its 12th year. Worth knowing if you're out and about on the towpath. Info and entry.
🎃 Monday 26th - Friday 30th October
Halloween Fun at Shepperton Marina.
Felix Lane, Shepperton. All in aid of Momentum Children's Charity. Bring a carved pumpkin to the Marina Office between 26th and 30th October for the pumpkin carving competition, with the winner picked on the 30th. Guess how many sweets are in the jar for £1 a go, or predict the Halloween item for a chance to win £50. Call in at the Marina Office to enter.
Looking for great coffee in Shepperton? The Ferry Coffee Shop is a much-loved riverside café near Shepperton Lock on the banks of the River Thames, serving excellent coffee, generous breakfasts and lunches, and freshly made cakes. It’s a go-to spot for relaxed meetings, weekend catch-ups, and quiet working sessions with a view of the river. Whether you’re searching for breakfast in Shepperton, a café near Shepperton Lock, or somewhere by the Thames to meet friends or clients, The Ferry Coffee Shop delivers. Next time you’re heading into the village, make it your stop by the river. Find out more at ferrycoffeeshop.com.
👀 Looking ahead
🎷 Friday 30th October, from 7.30pm
Runnymede Jazz Club: Tim Eyles Jazz.
The Addlestone Centre, Garfield Road, Addlestone. An evening of jazz, swing and gospel, from New Orleans to the Great American Song Book. Tickets £14 on Ticketsource, by phone on 01784 441694, or on the door.
🎃 Saturday 31st October, from 4.30pm
Children's Halloween Disco.
7th Ashford Scout Hut, 26 Ashford Road. From the Charlton Village Residents Association: spooky music and dancing, games and a costume competition. £3 per child, with a drink and goodie bag included. No need to book, just turn up. Children must be supervised at all times. More info.
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Got an event coming up? Make sure your business event reaches local readers in The Sheppertonian Weekly; just £10 per listing via the Events page on the Sheppertonian website. Your event will also be added to the calendar.
If you’re running a small business and feeling stretched, this might help. Meon Media is a small business support partner based here in Shepperton, offering flexible support to help you stay organised and keep things running smoothly. We can manage your inbox and diary, handle client communication, take care of invoicing and follow-ups, and help with day-to-day admin. All of this can be tailored to what you need each month. It’s like having a reliable extra pair of hands, without taking on a full-time employee. To find out more, visit meonmedia.uk or email danielle@meonmedia.uk.
🏅 Sport
🛶 Sunbury Skiff & Punting Club: from first-timer to ten wins
Mike Watkinson joined Sunbury Skiff & Punting Club last year with no previous rowing experience and had one win. During the winter he kept his oar in, completed the SSPC Thames Meander in the spring, rowed in the pre-Oxford and Cambridge festival of rowing Boat Race, and was in the winning cutter at the Admiral of the Port race from Waterloo to Chelsea. Then he launched into the local skiff racing season and picked up 10 wins, including two in singles. He finished the year with the SRA Most Improved Skiffer award for 2026. Next season this could be you 🫵🏼 Find out about learning to row.
⚽️ Sheppertonians FC are unbeaten after three league games. A 3-1 win away at Surrey Athletic last Saturday follows a goalless draw at home to Worplesdon Phoenix Reserves, leaving them fifth in the Youth to Adult Transition Division. League table and results
📰 News
Sad news for The Barley Mow pub community. Rob Keary posted last Saturday 17th October on Facebook: 'John Keary, our beautiful Dad has sadly passed.' Read more...
A warm welcome to our brand new sponsor for The Sheppertonian Weekly. Guardian Angel Carers provide friendly, professional home care from their office at 3 Thurlestone Parade on the high street, helping Shepperton’s neighbours stay independent, connected, and at home. Their support helps keep this newsletter free for everyone, so if you or someone you love could use a helping hand, say hello to Louise and the team.
Businesses in Staines-upon-Thames have voted to renew the Visit Staines Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five years from 2027 - 2032, securing continued investment in the town centre. Read more...
Sunbury Dry Dock has reopened to passenger vessels following a sustained British Marine campaign supported by members and local MPs. Read the full article.
Are you new to Shepperton, or just never got round to exploring? Our guide to the village covers the river, the village, the pubs and the landmarks, everything worth knowing in one place.
🎧 On the podcast
David Packer spent fifteen years telling the ghost stories of Hampton Court Palace, and he has removed more of them than he has added. One was traced back to a novel. Another was dropped because the guides telling it kept having a bad time. In more than twenty years at the palace he has been frightened exactly once, at three in the morning in Fountain Court, with nothing to see and nothing to hear. We talked about all of it in The Mitre, along with his new tour of the streets outside the walls and the view of the palace that almost nobody bothers to find.
More episodes...
If you know someone who deserves to be featured on the podcast - whether a local voice or a community group - do get in touch.
The Sheppertonian Business Club
The Sheppertonian is paid for by a handful of local businesses through the Business Club, which is what keeps it free for everyone else. This week, thank you to:
Guardian Angel Carers: Friendly, professional home care from a team on your high street.
The Ferry Coffee Shop: purveyors of fine coffee, tea and snacks, by the lock.
EJ HR Solutions: HR support specialising in logistics.
Meon Media: small business support.
Island Motors: family-run MOT and servicing, who will collect and return your car.
They sit at the top of the Shepperton business directory search results, alongside lots of other local businesses. If you are looking for a plumber, a pub or a dentist, that is the place to start.
Run a business here? A listing is free and always will be. Add yours in two minutes.
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