“I recall attending the public meeting of the founding of the Association. My recollection of the Association’s beginnings is of some young men meeting up in a local pub, the White Hart (now long defunct) and deciding to form a group where Hook and Chessington residents could meet to exchange opinions and propose ideas for better local community planning. The group also wanted to help create more opportune, ready contact between residents and local authorities. Its advocate, Mr Gardiner, a keen leader, alongside local resident supporters.
“I was aware of this activity as a staff member at Hook Public Library. The library was not only the hub of general information and a ready source of bestseller entertainment, but it was the known lynch pin for budding news, a council contact point and the local gossipings.
“Mark Davison, then a cub newspaper reporter, occasionally paid a visit, maybe hoping to pick up likely titbits from the flow of the area’s interesting colourful tapestry. Snippets such as the young Hook readers’ days at the BBC’s wardrobe department, who could draw inspiration from the library’s first-rate collection of volumes detailing varied fashion and costume design over the decades. Also, the outbursts of a local prima donna, a self-declared offspring of Edward VII, announcing her regal bastardisation to those who thought to listen.
“Throughout a number of years, the outstanding character who led with foresight and courage within the Association was Jim Taylor. Jim took on various battles on behalf of residents. His retirement then a severe loss. It was Jim who foresaw Chessington’s future traffic chaos with the proposed Junction 9 of the M25 and organised the lobbying of Parliament.
“It is heartening to know the Association continues with lively spirit and enterprise. This is thanks to all past and present individuals who determine to uphold the quest for pride and democracy in maintaining rightful and harmonious residential living conditions locally for Hook and Chessington.
“Due congratulations and appreciation.”
Jean, Chessington resident