yourHampton.net Meet Your Neighbours

Meet your Neighbours

I think this page might be of interest to us all and will help with building relationships with our neighbours, I would like to get a views from a cross section of our community and will try and get new neighbours at least each month.
If anyone would like to be on this page, feel free to contact me.

Tim Cowell

How long have you lived in Hampton?
2 years. We moved here to be closer to our best friends who live in Hargate (the regular 2 hour journey from Hampshire was getting tedious).

What are your hobbies?
Motoring (I have a Mercedes CLK coupe and an old Porsche 944 Cabriolet), sport (too old now to do anything other than watch), travel (been to over 30 countries), music (a wide range of tastes depending on my mood), surfing the Internet (so much information out there – some of it accurate) and reading (mainly during long flights).

What would you like to tell us about yourself?
Met my wife Tuya 15 years ago whilst in Mongolia as part of my job as a business development manager for BT’s overseas consultancy arm. We married in England two years later. I ended my career as the IT and Marketing Manager for a prestige and sports car dealer. I’m now retired, apart from looking after the marketing and accounts for Tuya’s hairdressing business.

What did you think of the area when you moved here?
We already knew Hampton quite well before deciding to move here, and nothing has happened since then to spoil our enjoyment. We’re still getting to know Peterborough, but Tuya’s not keen on the shops (all shops are hell for me!) or how flat the countryside is.

What do you like about Hampton?
The layout is good with all the lakes and the wide mix of housing. It’s a nice place to walk around, and there are some good walks close by too. We’ve met some great people since moving here. The Serpentine shopping centre is handy. I particularly enjoy the local information that’s available in this website and the Hampton Gazette.

What do you dislike about Hampton?
My biggest dislike, that I shouldn’t let upset me, is the inconsiderate car parkers – although not unique to Hampton, it does seem worse here. I wish the developers would finish the building work around the Western end of Serpentine Lake so that we could walk all the way around it without having to make a big detour past one of the less attractive areas. Ideally I’d like to see a community/leisure centre. But I would have thought that the empty space at the Serpentine and out-of-hours school facilities could be put to better use for now.

What do you think of the community spirit?
Despite the sterling efforts of a few people, there’s still not a great sense of community here. The success of the Autumn Fair proves that there is an underlying desire, but most of us are reluctant to leave our houses and get involved.

Are there any community groups you would really like to see in Hampton?
The more groups there are, the better it will be. Variety is the key because not everyone has the same taste. I’d like a cookery group (I don’t think I’m eligible for the WI) to exchange recipes/ideas and broaden skills.

Is there anything we can all do to help people live happily in Hampton?
a) Smile. b) Consider how our actions affect others.

Is there anything else you would like to see on the website?
I’d like to see more people contributing to the forums. Perhaps a section that’s more for youngsters. Other than that, it’s great.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?
Please support Hampton businesses, especially the best hairdresser in Peterborough – my wife Tuya (www.tuya.co.uk), so she can keep me in the manner to which I’d like to become accustomed!

Darren Peake

How long have you lived in Hampton?
I moved into rented accommodation in Hampton Vale about 18 months ago. We’re in the process of buying a new build which should hopefully be completed in December.

What are your hobbies?
I help coach my son’s football team (Gunthorpe Harriers Under 9s) and go to the gym a couple of times a week. We like to eat out a couple of times a week too and with the variety of eateries we have in Hampton now, we’re spoilt for choice without needing to get in the car.

What would you like to tell us about yourself?
The less you know, the better! Thanks to Google though you can probably find most of it out if you try!

What did you think of the area when you moved here?
Initially, quite depressing. You would very rarely see anybody walking around and if you did it would you wouldn’t get eye contact, let alone a cheery hello. But things have changed since then…

What do you like about Hampton?
I think the usual things people say – the open spaces, play areas etc, and linked to a couple of the other questions I think since we’ve had the shops and pubs open in Vale it does feel more like a proper township, which is what swung it for me when we were considering where to buy.

What do you dislike about Hampton?
Again, the old chestnut – parking can be problematic, but not that it would ruin my life. But for some, it seems a very big issue – too big considering its relevant importance in the grand scheme of things, so it’s that kind of intolerance and snobbery that is more of a ‘dislike’ for me.

What do you think of the community spirit?
As mentioned earlier, when we first moved here I felt it was very poor. But last year’s Autumn Fayre, the Moorhen and other shops opening and the Vale fireworks display all happening in quick succession seemed to make a change and create a momentum.

Are there any community groups you would really like to see in Hampton?
Not particularly, but I always have preferred a less formal arrangement anyway. If the rumours of a new coffee shop are true, that would be a welcome addition in my view as it could create a daytime focal point for families.

Is there anything we can all do to help people live happily in Hampton?
Smile, say hello when you’re out and about. Befriend your neighbours. Use local shops and restaurants to keep the centre thriving. Encourage people to visit the website so they begin to feel part of the community if they don’t already.

Is there anything else you would like to see on the website?
More people visiting and contributing! The content is excellent but considering the amount of people who live in Hampton, the forums could be busier.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?
Yes, A Childrens’ Italian language group is now being held at Serpentine Green on term time Saturday mornings. It is aimed at 4-8 year olds and lasts for an hour and includes lots of play, some craft and games. Private language tuition (Italian and French) is also available for 1 to 1 or small groups of adults or children.
For more information please contact Rebecca on 07951 785668 or rebecca.nuzzo@btinternet.com

Lorraine Clark

How long have you lived in Hampton?

5 years, have lived in Peterborough since I was 9.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, yoga, running, I love music especially all the old northern soul!

What would you like to tell us about yourself?

I run the Hampton Gazette magazine which keeps me really busy; I am also a mother to two young boys who keep me on my toes!

I love Hampton and very passionate about keeping it a great place to live and getting the community to work together.

What did you think of the area when you moved here?

To be honest we were not sure about it and did think about moving again in the first year, but then it kind of sucked us in and can’t imagine ever living anywhere else!

What do you like about Hampton?

It is a great place for children, great open spaces, with walks and cycle routes.

It is really friendly and have made some really good friends since being here.

With the new pub, restaurants, etc you do not have to leave!

What do you dislike about Hampton?

At the moment the litter, dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs.

Also the lack of facilities such as a community centre, where is it? It should have been built a long time ago. Also we really need a good leisure centre.

What do you think of the community spirit?

In one way it is good, I have met some great people from children being at school also being involved in community groups.

BUT I still don’t think enough people come out and support local groups that are trying to help the community – such as the proposed parish council.

If people want things to change, don’t just sit at home moaning get proactive!

Are there any community groups you would really like to see in Hampton?

We really need something for the youths in Hampton, also more book clubs etc?

Is there anything we can all do to help people live happily in Hampton?

Clean up after yourself! Report any anti social behaviour.

Read the Hampton Gazette, it is a great read – honest!!

We are lucky in Hampton that we have a great mag and a really good community web site.

Is there anything else you would like to see on the website?

I don’t think so, I think it is doing a really good job and is a credit to you.

The more people that come on and chat the more it will develop, but need positive stuff as well as the negative, which you are doing really well.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?

Well if I can blow my own trumpet!!! Watch out each month for your Hampton Gazette, it takes many hours and hard work to put together, if you have any comments on the magazine please email me on info@hamptongazette.co.uk

Nikki Jessop

How long have you lived in Hampton?

7 years

What are your hobbies?

Surfing the net, reading, gardening, card making and of course this website.

What would you like to tell us about yourself?

I talk too much, always getting told off by the hubby and the kids, but can't imagine life without chatter! I always speak my mind which usually gets me in trouble somewhere along the line, so if you don't want to know the truth don't ask me. I spend far to much time on the computer and as little time as possible doing the housework!

What did you think of the area when you moved here?

I thought it was really lovely and everything was new and clean, it felt like home as soon as I put the key in the door.

What do you like about Hampton?

Just about everything, I feel we don't appreciate the area we live in and we certainly can't see its full potential which is a shame because we could be a fantastic community with just a bit of effort.

What do you dislike about Hampton?

Parking, litter and the lack of community facilities but all of these things could change if people would bother to make an effort! It doesn't take a minute to park in your designated parking space or to pick up your litter. These are really the things that will put people off buying our houses if we ever want to move!!

What do you think of the community spirit?

We do have it but in small pockets around Hampton and it would be great to extend those little groups to make a community.

Are there any community groups you would really like to see in Hampton?

Youth group, reading group. Maybe Lorraine and I could set up a reading group considering we both said the same.

Is there anything we can all do to help people live happily in Hampton?

We could all start thinking about Hampton as our home, rather than a meal ticket. One thing the credit crunch might have done, is open people's eyes to what is important, not how expensive your house is or if your detached or have a double garage but what is inside your house (family) and what is around it (community).

Is there anything else you would like to see on the website?

Erm, loads I have in mind but I only have so many hours in the day!!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?

Just how great I think this site is!!
No really I would like to ask you all to continue to support this site and the forum, I do this voluntary and need support to keep me going.

Your Hampton

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