Weybridge Society

Your Residents’ Association – Working to keep Weybridge a green and pleasant place to live

Autumn 2010 Hon. Patron - Michael Aspel, OBE

Would you like to join To Join the Weybridge Society? By joining us you will be able to add your voice and weight to our campaigns. The Society has been going for over 50 years and during that time has gained the respect of borough and county councillors. We support new initiatives and guard against inappropriate development. We also work closely with Neighbourhood Watch and the police to ensure a safe and secure environment for all who live and work in Weybridge. Please contact any member listed on Page 2 for details

Mr Philip Hammond Councillor John Margaret Hicks, Chair The Next Meeting of the Weybridge Society MP, Secretary of State O'Reilly, Leader Elmbridge Local will be held on for Transport Elmbridge Council Committee WEDNESDAY, 13 OCTOBER, 2010 Transport Panel meet at 8 p.m. in the hall of the Catholic Church Christ The Prince with MP and councillors of Peace, N FRIDAY 23rd July and the Transport and Planning Portmore Park Road, 2010, Committee Panels. Weybridge members of the We discussed the long term needs (please note the different venue Weybridge Society for the town's transport infrastruc- compared to recent meetings) met with our elected ture, based on the Society Transport representatives and officers from Panel presentation to the AGM. All The Speaker will be SurreyO and Elmbridge to discuss the recognised that current financial INSPECTOR STEVE Society's views on a the need for a constraints will restrict expenditure transport infrastructure vision for the in the short term but that economic CHEESEMAN next 20 years, against which shorter conditions will change and we need of Surrey Police term strategies such as the Local to know what we want for the town Development Plan and Local in the medium to longer term. who will give an illustrated talk about the Transport Plan can be considered. Together we agreed that we would Surrey Police Air We were honoured that, with our work together to: County Councillor and Borough 1. Develop and maintain a vision, a Operations Unit Councillors representing all shared set of aspirations, for our Members free – Guests £1.00 Weybridge wards, attendees transport infrastructure, and included Mr Philip Hammond MP, 2. Promote and jointly publicise a Secretary of State for Transport, stream of regular successes that will Councillor John O'Reilly, Leader encourage continued engagement. Elmbridge Council, County It was also agreed that the Society Weybridge Thames-side Festival, Councillor Margaret Hicks, Chair would collate all ideas, from all Elmbridge Local Committee, Rob local elected representatives and Saturday 4th September 2010 Moran, Chief Executive Elmbridge the Weybridge Society, about how in support of Sam Beare Hospice and other Weybridge Charities Borough Council and James Painter, to deliver the above objectives Area Director Surrey County and would circulate a prioritised l FREE boat trips l FREE music, Council. All attendees generously action plan. gave their time and support for this Members are invited to send any dance, canoeing, rowing, sailing, event. Society attendees comprised ideas to the Transport Panel on: members of the Main Committee transport @weybridgesociety.org.uk narrowboats, riverboats, model Core Strategy Inquiry Delayed boats, food, stalls, car parking FOLLOWING the recent Government decision to revoke Regional Spatial Policies and revise certain other National Planning Guidance, the planned Inquiry into Elmbridge's Core Strategy (submitted to the Secretary of State in March) has been deferred to allow a new public consultation to be carried out. This will allow the new changes to be taken into account in the www.weybridgesociety.org.uk Core Strategy. or write to us at: The new consultation is expected to take place during September, and the Pre-Hearing meeting is likely to take place in January 2011, Weybridge Society, PO Box 492, followed a few weeks later by the main Inquiry. Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8WX 2 The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 Walton & Weybridge Weybridge open The sixth Elmbridge Local History Society gardens weekend Literary Competition ORIGINALLY named the Walton and ORGANISED by Jackie Roberts of the HIS year stories and poems at Weybridge Historical and Elmbridge's Friends of Weybridge Hospital. Riverhouse Arts Centre, Preservation Society, it Literary Walton-on-Thames, in was formed in 1964, This year the event was shared with the Sam Competition November 2010. following requests made Beare Hospice. On the Sunday, Friends of will be linked The best entries will be by members of the public into The Elmbridge for a history society to Weybridge Hospital provided the teas and on published on the RCS and HundredT project. the Hon. curator of EBC websites. the Saturday they were provided by Sam Weybridge Museum, Contestants will be To learn more about Beare Hospice supporters. asked to choose one or Mr. Tony Martin, and the The Elmbridge Hundred District Librarian of The event raised two thousand pounds and more of the 100 personali- project and to choose Walton and Weybridge these proceeds were shared equally by both ties and write themselves characters for your story, Mr. G E Mawson. into their story. The first general meet- organisations. go to www.elmbridge Join them as they lived, hundred.com. ing was held on April 11, at Weybridge Museum loved, or journeyed The application form News of our Patron through Elmbridge, (then situated in the for- may be downloaded or mer Weybridge UDC AFTER his successful Christmas pinpointing their place in hard copy requested from offices in Aberdeen House pantomime role as Baron Hardup, our our history and marking lhowells@rcsherrifftrust. (where Baker Street Patron, Michael Aspel is taking to the their time in our lives. org.uk, or simply call: meets Church Street). The competition, Mr Martin agreed to boards again! This time he is to be the 01932 229 996 for more promoted by Elmbridge details. act as Chairman and Mrs Grenside, local historian narrator in Woking’s New Victoria Borough Council and the There are four age and Hon Curator of the Theatre’s, Rocky Horror Show from 1 to 4 RC Sherriff Trust, will be categories: 5 to 8, 9 to 13, Museum for many years, September. Box Office 0844 871 7645, or judged by a panel of 14 to 18 and 19 plus. accepted the invitation to www.ambassadortickets.com/woking. professional authors. Closing date is on be the Society’s first Quite a change from drawing the raffle at Winners will receive book November 1, 2010. President. The main l objective of the Society the Weybridge Society’s Summer Party! tokens and certificates, See Page 5 for more which will be presented at details of The Elmbridge was to research, write and record the history of public readings of their Hundred Walton and Weybridge. Committee list Several special groups Chairman: Barry Judd Summer party – Splash, were formed within the 13 Barham Close KT13 9PR 853895 Society to look at chairman@weybridgesociety .org.uk particular subject areas. Vice Chair & Education: Derek Lindfield at Wey Meadows Tony Martin took photo- 17 Marlborough Drive KT13 8PA 849020 IT COULD not have been Barton, graphs of the Society's [email protected] a better setting than that Devon; activities in 1960s. Treasurer: Andrew Davis enjoyed by the over 90 Scarlets, A Junior Section was 20 Holstein Avenue KT13 8NX 840888 members and friends who Baker started, led by Mrs. Le [email protected] joined together with our Street; Plantation, Fevre, with support from Secretary: Carolyn Pennycook Patron, Michael Aspel and Woburn Hill; local schools. This section Redstairs Brooklands Rd KT13 0QZ 848244 his partner, for the Society's Obsessions, Church Street; continued until 1970. [email protected] The Society still annual summer party on Lequest, Baker Street; Membership: Maggie Alderman holds regular meetings on June 27. Constant sun- Browns Beauticians; 8 Melrose Road KT13 8UP 843344 Saturday afternoons [email protected] shine, and the delightful Waitrose; The Kitchen alternating between Distribution: Anne Lindsay surroundings of our Shop; The Ship Hotel; Weybridge and Walton, Splash Wey Meadows KT13 8XY 854204 Committee Member Anne Hill House Interiors, with outside speakers lec- [email protected] Lindsay and her husband Baker Street; The Linen turing on a wide range of Planning: Raymond Spary Ray’s lovely garden, Splash, Shop, Baker Street; historical subjects relating Shambles Round Oak Rd KT13 8HT 888214 at Wey Meadows, and Weybridge Arts and to this area. Lately we [email protected] music from a jazz band too! Frames; Fleurs have heard about Prince Footpaths: Richard Marshall Annette Davies and her Amanda; Dandini Florist; Frederick and his family 12 Churchfields Avenue KT13 9YA 849513 team of helpers put on an Maurice Jones, at Kew, Timber-framed [email protected] excellent spread. The raffle Butcher, Oatlands; buildings in Surrey, and Events : Annette Davies and profit from the event is Pollingtons, Oatlands; a Victorian Bobby’s 11 Churchill Drive KT13 9HE 844664 hoped to result in approxi- Not Just Silver, notebook. [email protected] mately £700 being donat- Oatlands; Church Research has been Minutes: Trevor Tarring ed to Sam Beare Hospice, Pharmacy, Oatlands; undertaken by members Robin Hill Brooks Close KT13 0LX 843428 the Weybridge Society's Treasures, High and published in the [email protected] chosen charity for this year. Street; Weybridge quarterly Dial Stone, or Transport: Joe Hall published as Monographs Our thanks go to the Books, Church Street - 242 Brooklands Road KT13 ORD 859595 or books. If you would generous businesses in and last but not least [email protected] like to know more about Newsletter: Guest Editor, Kevin Walker Weybridge (and beyond) Helen Mills, for her the Society, call the 07768 930001 [email protected] that so kindly donated to lovely painting of Chairman, Jean Smith the raffle:- Westcott Weybridge. 01932 846 081 The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 3 HELP – Weybridge Thames-side festival, September 4 Communities FTER con- visitor moorings at the neighbours, this is an when you get there. can defeat cerns about the ‘initial opening.’ ideal opportunity to Some people do not sponsorship We were hoping to involve the whole com- know of this great terrorism and the com- advertise the event with munity and maybe even location – so encourage ENCLOSED with this Apletion on time of the banners across the road make new friends. them to come and see – works currently at Baker Street and Walk down to the end they can check out our newsletter is a small card occupying the Thames elsewhere. However of Thames Street to Weybridge Society published by Surrey Police this was denied. We are ‘Weybridge Waterfront’ website – under Path, meetings in mid with useful information now VERY concerned on September 4th, ‘soak ‘Events’ page – to find July with both the about how to report any that Weybridge up’ and enjoy the an aerial photo of the Environment Agency residents should know atmosphere, alternative- Thames waters at:- suspicious activity, and our Sponsors, about the event as well ly there is a free vintage http://www.weybridge- confidentially. Curchods, confirmed as finding it on our own bus service to the site society.org.uk/Events/ Everyone has a role to play that we will be able to website (see address from stops at the Rail Weybridge_Thames in helping to prevent properly celebrate the below). Station, Library and Side_Festival_2010. terrorism. The smallest piece completion of brand Please spread the Ship Hotel with free l See ‘Weybridge Waterfront’ new ferry access and word amongst your boat rides and lots more on page 8 for more details of information could be the last link in the ‘jigsaw’ which could prevent a terrorist attack. Don’t rely on others, if you suspect it, report it. The confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline is 0800 789 321. It is very important to report any suspicious activity whether thought to relate to terrorism or local crimes or incidents. A -– Entertainment The contact number for area B-C – One-way boat trips Surrey Police is: 0845 125 C-B – One-way boat trips SSS – Stalls area 2222. M m – Moored boats Please use this to report W – Waterspace F– First Aid Post any information relating to (safety boat on patrol) crime or incidents that you T – Toilets may be aware of. P – Disabled Parking only However, if you wish to Weybridge Thames-side Festival, Saturday 4th September 2010 ECP – Event Car Park in support of Sam Beare Hospice and other Weybridge Charities BUS (in field) Set down report such information l FREE boat trips l FREE music, dance, canoeing, rowing, sailing, stop (from Library, confidentially, you can Ship Hotel, & Rail narrowboats, riverboats, model boats, food, stalls, car parking Station always call Crimestoppers anytime, anonymously on http://www.weybridgesociety.org.uk/Events/Weybridge_ThamesSide_Festival_2010 0800 555 111. Socialism in Surrey?! Surely not... Our membership secretary, MAGGIE ALDERMAN recently attended a lovely production to develop their talents and, most by the Fast & Loose Theatre Company at the Riverhouse Barn, Walton-on-Thames. importantly, to grow in self- esteem and confidence and use BOUQUET to the Fast & more different yet they could be contrast between the different professional technicians to train Loose Theatre Company! sisters, comrades, companions for life-styles of Lottie and Alice and work with youngsters from I hope lots of our mem- life. being lived on what is now an local schools in lighting, sound bersA were able to attend ‘The Part comedy, part time travel, affluent estate is explored in this and stage management. Diggers Daughter’, a production part coming of age, part political exciting new play written by If you would like to be involved at the Riverhouse Barn, recently epic, ‘The Digger’s Daughter’ Jonathan Kemp. or want more information about advertised on our Society website. told the story of Britain's first The Diggers’ action paved the this innovative company call I found it to be thoroughly enjoy- experiment in social life – that of way for future political ideologies Celia Andrews on 01932 226 458 able, bringing fun and laughter to the Diggers. which are still in evidence today. or email Celia at:celiaandrews a rather serious subject: Educated, idealistic Puritan Well done to Celia Andrews, @yahoo.co.uk Socialism in Surrey?! families, under the charismatic one of our members, the produc- For details of forthcoming Lottie, a thoroughly modern leadership of the preacher, er of this top quality perform- events at The Riverhouse Barn misfit from 2010, and Alice, a Gerrard Winstanley, came from ance. The Fast & Loose theatre call:01932 254 198 or email: preacher's daughter from 1649, the North to farm unused private company, which is based at [email protected] stumble upon each other one land, choosing as their base St Riverhouse, believes in encourag- Maggie Alderman, night. Their lives could not be George's Hill in Weybridge. The ing both young people and adults Membership Secretary 4 The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumnr 2010

Planning Focus: By Geoff Banks Oatlands Park 1. 75 and land to the rear of This information is summarised from the Weybridge 4. 77/79, Oatlands Drive (2010/0836) 75, St. Mary's Road (2009/2042 and Society Planning Panel's records, it is up to date at THIS is an amendment to an 2010/0458) the time of writing and we hope that it is a true application (2008/1207) which THESE applications were report- representation of the committee's opinions. was permitted on appeal in ed in the last Newsletter. 2008. It concerns a terrace of 6 Both applications, one for 5 Application (2096) proposed to place 3. 1, Oatlands Close (2009/2158) two storey houses(2042) and 2 detached, 5-bedroom houses, both THIS ongoing application was two storey houses, 5 with rooms one for 4 two storey houses with basements on this site. reported in the last Newsletter. in the roof space. (0458) have been refused by the THIS application was withdrawn This is a proposal to build a The changes include moving Council and both have been detached house on part of the by the developer before it could the end house (plot 1) slightly taken to appeal and the results be considered by the West Area garden of 1, Oatlands Close. backwards and retaining the are still awaited. Planning Sub-committee. The application was refused by A new, but similar application the Council in February and has existing access in Beverley 2. 4 Woodland Grove (2009/1996 (1695) has now been submitted. now been taken to appeal, the Close to serve that house. and 2010/1695) result of which is still awaited Permission was granted in June. Weybridge North & South 1.20&20A CHURCH STREET (2005/0184, 1437, appeal. objections were that such a development 2576 & 2006/0156, 0950, 1813, 2288, 2007/0367, The eighth application for 4 houses which would not fit in with the street scene and offered 70% of the private land for public use would create parking problems. 0980,1797,2501 & 2850, 2008/0229, 0858, 2417 & was permitted and we await the detail of the 2771, 2009/0362, 0732,1832, 0502, 0953, legal agreement for the use of the land. 6. QUEENS HEAD 1 BRIDGE RD. (2010/1151) 2010/1495) PLANNING permission has been granted for THE NARROW site of the old bakery, adja- 3. UNIT 4 ST. MARTINS COURT YORK RD. 3, non-illuminated signs which, in our cent to the entrance of Weybridge Hospital (2008/2751 & 2009/1664,1665) opinion, will be an improvement on the now has a complicated history of 22 plan- DESPITE objections from both the local resi- original signs. ning applications and 3 appeals. dents and ourselves at the appeal hearing, Following permission on appeal for access the least objectionable of the latest two 7. ST. MARTINS COURT 37 QUEENS RD. to the entire site by a nominal 1.5 meter applications for eight flats and retail space wide path, the second application for change (2010/1123) was permitted and the other one refused. of use for the rear building to 4 houses has ELMBRIDGE Council gave planning permis- now been permitted. 4. CHURCHFIELD HOUSE (ADULT EDUCATION CEN- sion for 8 flats despite very many objections The only minor matter outstanding is the TRE) (2009/1319, 2299, 2010/1410 & 1411) from local residents. change of use for the area behind the shop THE PLANNING Panel has objected to the The Planning Panel were of the opinion to an office. latest planning applications for an even that there were no valid planning reasons to greater number of large signs in brushed refuse this application. 2.CHURCHFIELDS AVENUE (2004/2380 & steel. In our opinion these would be out of keeping with the important features of this 8. 3 BRIDGE RD (2009/0371, 1131 & 2010/1164) 2006/2810 & 2007/2666, 2674 & 2008/2686 & Grade II listed building in consideration of PREVIOUS applications to demolish or 2009/0301, 1546 & 2010/0406) size, quantity and construction. extensively change this significant building in THIS SITE was the playing fields of Wallop the Conservation Area have been refused. School and has been defined as Strategic 5. 31-33 RADNOR RD (2008/0861, 2627 & The most recent application for a two storey Open Urban Land (SOUL). There have now rear extension, single storey side extension been 8 applications and 1 appeal for houses 2010/0387,1454) THE WEYBRIDGE Society has supported and a detached garage have been on this site. approved. It is hoped that with good use of The seventh application for 5 houses, the residents of Radnor Road who are opposed to another proposal to replace a appropriate and matching materials the reported in the last newsletter, was refused integrity of the Conservation Area will be by Elmbridge Council and is still under commercial building with 8 flats and a house. As for previous applications the maintained.

4. Decisions to issue notices (enforce- members of the PC (not necessarily Making development control decisions ments; TPOs; etc.) are reported to Ward members of the SC, but they must have Members prior to issue. been present during the whole of the Decisions referred to Area Planning DEVELOPMENT control decisions Committee(SC) for decision. debate on the item). This must be done Sub-Committees: should be taken to include: 3. Applications initially designated for before the SC meeting moves on to the 1. Those ‘conditionally’* promoted by a l Planning applications officer decision can be promoted as fol- next item Member of the SC l Enforcement actions lows. 2. The applications where the SC 2. Those recommended by officers for l Lawful Development Certificates Decisions Made by Officers decides that permission should be grant- approval but having an unresolved l Section 106 agreements 1. The relevant officer is normally the ed and there are unresolved planning l objection from 5 or more households Tree Preservation Orders Director of Environmental Services objections from more than 40 house- l 3. Those applications within the Advertisement consents (DPES).. Some decisions (e.g. enforce- holds l Initial assignment of delegation level ment notices) are dealt with by the Government's ‘major’** category l 4. Those submitted by or on behalf of 3. Those ‘major’ At registration, planning applications Borough Solicitor. category applications where the SC are assigned a level of delegation. In the 2. Decisions are taken on a daily basis by Members or Officers of the Council 5. Enforcement actions promoted by a decision is contrary to the officer rec- vast majority of cases the decisions are the DPES or by the Head of Town ommendation delegated to officers . Planning Ward Councillor. 4. All departures from the development 2. A few larger or contentious applica- 3. All officer level decisions are reported Decisions referred to the Main tions are assigned to an Sub- to the next available meeting of the SC Planning Committee (PC) plan which have to be submitted to the 1. Those referred to the PC by two Government Office for the South East. * ‘Conditionally’ means only promote if the officer recommendation is in one particular direction: permit or refuse. No reason needed ** ‘major’ means a residential development of 10 or more units or more than 0.5 hectare. in area or a commercial development or change of use covering 1000 sqm. floorspace or more than one hectare in site area The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 5 The Elmbridge Hundred Did You Know? HE CURRENT Elmbridge Hundred website worked with Claremont APTAIN Alcock and exhibition at both at the Museum, and on Landscape Gardens, Lt. Brown, who made Elmbridge www. Painshill Park, the Surrey the first transatlantic Museum, which elmbridgehundred.co.uk History Centre and all flight were welcomed comes to an end on Michael Aspel, OBE, TV Elmbridge secondary T Cback to Weybridge to attend a Septmber 15, is a history of presenter and Honorary schools. l people and place. Freeman of Elmbridge Elmbridge Museum, in ‘hurriedly arranged’ reception on The exhibition is the Borough was joined on the Church Street, Weybridge, 18 June 1919. result of an ambitious Final Selection Panel ulti- is a wonderful place to The Vickers Factory at community project to put mately responsible for explore local history. It is Brooklands had built the choosing the Elmbridge open on Monday, Tuesday, the Borough’s human converted Vimy bomber used in history on the map. Hundred by David Taylor, Wednesday and Friday from the crossing. So not only was the Find out which of the 552 Cobham historian; Tony 11am until 5pm, and on historic figures (and still Hutchings, Archivist at Saturday from 10am until aeroplane built locally, but the counting!) have made it Brooklands Museum, and 1pm, and 2pm until 5pm propellers were made in through to the exhibition. Heather Hawker, Chair of (closed all-day Thursdays, Addlestone, castings from Using objects from the the Surrey History Trust. Sundays and Bank Chertsey and it was designed by In addition to Elmbridge Holidays). Museum collections their the son of Chertsey’s former intriguing stories have been Museum, the following On the second Saturday vicar. John Alcock had lived in brought to life. organisations are partners in the month free family See what tales lie behind and/or funders of the fun events are also Weybridge as a boy. Elmbridge Hundred project: arranged. In recognition of, and to Queen Victoria’s boots, RC l l Sherriff's letters, or the Brooklands Museum; For further information celebrate the achievement, The Friends of Elmbridge and details Call: 01932 Duchess of York’s dog Vickers workers were granted a Museum; Landskip 843573, or email: collar. Student artworks day's paid holiday; Alcock and inspired by the historic fig- Organisation; MLA South ebcmuseum @elmbridge Brown were knighted as national ures are also on display. East and the RC Sherriff .gov.uk, or view the website heroes. They subsequently There is also the opportu- Trust. at: www.elmbridge .gov.uk/museum. nity to search further on the Elmbridge Museum also presented £2,000 of their £10,000 prize money to the men Your chance to add to the Elmbridge Hundred at Vickers who had worked on Visitors to the Elmbridge Hundred web- 843573, or by email on: jtapp@ their machine. site: www.elmbridgehundred elmbridge.gov.uk to let her know the fig- l Information from ‘A Window .co.uk can access biographies of more than ure you intend to research - in case on Weybridge’, by DM and JL 600 people who have made a difference in research is being undertaken by someone Barker, in which there is a fine the Borough. else already. These biographies were researched by Joanna will be able happy to offer some picture of the celebrations. This local AS and A-level students, and at the guidance on how to structure the biogra- interesting pictorial book is launch of the website, Alistair Grant phy, which should be typed and emailed to available from Elmbridge opened up the research phase to wider the Museum. Museum - perhaps a ‘must’ for participation. Many historic figures’ This is a chance for keen local historians anyone who is interested in how stories remain to be told, and keen to add to what is becoming a very popular Weybridge was! biographers are invited to browse the website – the more research that can be website to discover those still waiting. included, the more informed visitors will Don't forget you can see If you, or someone you know, is be about the illustrious past of Elmbridge aeroplanes from the Vimy to interested in researching and writing a Borough – and from Weybridge Society’s Concorde at Brooklands Museum biography, contact Joanna Tapp, point of view, historic figures who had along with all with the Weybridge Elmbridge museum officer on 01932 connections with our town. connections. ADVERTISEMENT Your local Sure Start Children’s Centre has moved!

You can now find us at the from 11am to 1pm for great fun, wide range of issues: l Healthcare Churchfield Pavilion, fabulous food and friendly faces. l Pre and post natal support l Specialist financial Churchfield Road,Weybridge Every day your Weybridge l Early learning opportunities for advice All families with 0-5 year old Children’s Centre is open to give 0-5 year olds l Training and development children are welcome to join us advice and information about a l Childcare for adults For more information on our services please visit our website: www.weybridgechildrenscentre.co.uk or phone us on 01932 300 106 We look forward to your call or visit 6 The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 Transport: The final piece of the long-awaited jigsaw NEW pedestrian ward councillor Peter built with help from from the station to and cycle path Harman. Mercedes Benz World and it Brooklands – for access to the from Weybridge We congratulate all has taken many years to get stores, Brooklands Museum, Station to involved in the latest phase the route completed. MBW and Brooklands BrooklandsA opened on the of the project – especially The Weybridge Society Community Park. 15th July, signalling the first Peter Harman, Ian Gayton, has lobbied for recognition The works on the final new positive provision for Parks and Recreation of the public right of way link were carried out by Weybridge pedestrians and Manager at Elmbridge through the Dell for mainte- Elmbridge Borough Council. cyclists. Borough Council and nance on the paths and for The route provides for After years of hard work David Morris from MBW to support the path staff and visitors to and campaigning by the Network and Brooklands to walk and Weybridge Society and Rail. include it cycle off-road from the many others, a path now This in their station and will contribute to joins the public footpaths route has travel plan. reduced car traffic to MBW from Weybridge Station for been high All paths and Brooklands Museum. those wishing to access on the are suit- We will now be asking Brooklands, giving off-road Weybridge able for Surrey County Council to access to Mercedes Benz Society pedestri- publicise the new route on World (MBW) and the priority ans; their interactive maps and Brooklands Museum list for although cycle and footpath reducing the time taken by almost 20 the Dell publications. foot and bike. years and we have support- path is not really suitable Elmbridge Borough The new path goes under 7 ed proposals in discus- for cyclists. Council are now hoping to Arches Bridge along side sions with Mercedes Benz For the last 5 years Peter arrange ‘healthy walks’ the west side the banks of World, Network Rail, Harman and Elmbridge along the new path later the River Wey. Elmbridge Borough Borough Council have been this year. This final part of the path Council and Surrey County negotiating with Network has taken 5 years of hard Council. Rail to make the final link FIRST FOOTING: Left, Weybridge Society members embark on a walk of the new work and was spearheaded The paths to the boundary between the paths and thus completed route BELOW: A map showing by former St George’s Hill of the former racetrack were complete the off road route the pedestrian route

Clear paths for pedestrians and cyclists along the route INSET: Overgrowth at the arches prior to completion. The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 7 Strong leader or elected mayor? What do you think? Elmbridge Borough Council is interested in hearing your opinion on how it should govern itself Why is this important? as a councillor. This could be up to 4 Timetable A change in the law means that the years (although if there are concerns The Council must choose one of the Council needs to vary its current the other councillors can still vote to above options by December 2010 for Council Leader and Cabinet arrange- replace him or her). In the current implementation in May 2011. We are ments, or take a bigger step and system the Leader stands for election consulting electors and other interest- change to an Elected Mayor and or re-election by councillors each ed persons with a view to drawing up Cabinet. year at the Annual Meeting - this will proposals. It is important that you let us know change if this option is chosen. Once The consultation period closed on which of the two options you would the Leader has been chosen by the August 9, 2010. and the intention prefer so that the Council can take Council it will then be up to the now is to develop proposals and this into account when deciding Leader to choose which councillors, report to the Cabinet on September which of the two options to propose up to a maximum of 9 others, to 22, 2010. The resolution to adopt a for Elmbridge. include in the Cabinet. new form of Executive Arrangements We want as many people as possi- Under this option the role of the tra- will be made by Council at a Special ble to register their opinion by email ditional Mayor is unchanged. Meeting on 6 October 2010. or by post. We also want to hear any Option B - Mayor and Cabinet Views comments you may have so that we With this option there would be a We want to hear the views of the can consider these when we come to specific election process for the vot- public and other interested parties. draw up our final proposals. ers of Elmbridge to directly elect an Anyone wishing to comment can do What are the options? individual as Mayor. so by email or post, stating your name The Council has two options, both The Mayor would be elected for a and address and any body you of which are different from the cur- term of 4 years and if there were any represent. rent arrangements: concerns the councillors would not be Comments will be made available Option A - Strong Leader and able to vote to replace him or her. The to Borough Councillors and a sum- Cabinet elected Mayor is not a councillor and mary of consultation responses will The Leader would be supported by does not represent a ward. As with be made in public reports. a Cabinet chosen by the Leader. This option A, the Mayor would choose is similar to the Council's current sys- his or her Cabinet. All comments via email to: tem but instead of the whole Council An elected Mayor is a political [email protected] (all 60 councillors) deciding who will leader and this is entirely different Or write to: be the Leader and which other coun- from Elmbridge's current Mayoral Head of Legal Services, cillors will make up the Cabinet, they arrangements, where a Mayor is would only be able to decide who appointed annually to carry out a Elmbridge Borough will be the Leader. civic and ceremonial role and chair Council, The Leader will then remain in the meetings of Council. The Council Civic Centre, office until the first Council meeting would no longer elect a traditional High Street, after they have stood for re-election Mayor if this option were adopted. Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD FACT BOX REVIEW BACKGROUND The Cabinet is normally formed by the New legislation requires any local Elmbridge Borough Council is Under its existing leadership arrange- majority political party and has a wide authority currently operating exec- range of executive responsibilities, utive arrangements to move to a reviewing its political leadership ments, Elmbridge Borough Council including the power to determine all new form of governance. There are arrangements. Legislation requires has a Cabinet comprising ten proposals within existing policy that two options. The Council is seeking the Council to change its executive Councillors, one of whom is the require member approval. The the views of local residents/elec- decision-making process to one of Leader.The Council at its Annual Cabinet, or its individual members tors and other interested persons two leadership options, namely Meeting in May appoints the Leader acting within their portfolio responsi - on which option to adopt. Strong Leader or Elected Mayor. The and also the other members of the bilities, can carry out all functions that The decision will be made by a Council would like to find out your Cabinet. These appointments remain are not reserved to the Council, its Special Meeting of the Council on 6 views on the two options. in force for one year. Committees or delegated to officers. October 2010. 8 The Weybridge Society Newsletter - Autumn 2010 Weybridge Waterfront – a brief history by Brian Roberts aters of the river Wey, after the Conservancy’s Chairman 500m) from Beijing Olympic through the Wey Navigation. Of which once passed a Lord Desborough. Games 2008 and bronze (KI these three, the first was re-opened gunpowder wharf at Weybridge Waterfront standing at 1000m) from the Sydney Games. in 1990 but only fully completed in Stonebridge, a boat the confluence of these many cours- He was Worlds Best 1000m in 1996, the second was reopened in buildingW yard at Dapdune and an es has been the scene of much boat- Athens 2004 and has a day job as a 1991 after 17 years of volunteer iron mill at Coxes Lock now carries ing activity over the years, includ- local Doctor. He started caneoing dredging, and the last is moving for- pleasure boats down to join the ing sporting clubs which nurture a here in 1987 when he was just ten ward steadily. Thames at its southernmost point at competitive spirit among local peo- years old. Steady improvements have been Weybridge Waterfront. ple leading to achievement at inter- Weybridge Rowing Club member made to the waterfront over the last Parish boundaries of the County national levels. 20 year old Matt Tarrant won a sil- 30 years resulting in a generously of Surrey still follow the centres of The Second Olympics of the ver medal for Great Britain at World wide towpath. Designated both as the ancient riverbeds of both the modern era in Paris (1924) saw a Rowing Junior Championships 2008 long distance Thames Path and Wey and Thames, but since these Weybridge Rowing Club Coxed is now representing GB in World Sustrans Cycleway Route 4 it is boundaries were established man Four representing Great Britain, and Rowing U23 Championships 2009. also used by local dog walkers, has played God with the joggers and other fitness rivers themselves. seekers by land. Over 350 years ago Recent improvements (1653) at the height of the include picnic tables, land- political scape changes and better turmoil of the car parking. Finally, this Commonwealth and summer, the towpath has Restoration, Sir Richard been closed to all users for Weston achieved his three months to allow the ambition of deepening Environment Agency to and straightening the improve the approaches to river Wey – to form the the landing stage of Wey Navigation from Shepperton/Weybridge Guildford. ferry – uniquely linking It involved seven miles two lengths of the Thames of improved river bed and Path - adding easy-gradi- nine miles of artificial ent ramps, and improve channels the safety of the moorings MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER: There’s always something to smile about while floating along on the river forming ‘short cuts’ for visiting boats by around regrading and providing shallows and meanders of the river, right now we have at least three The Waterfront also hosts public proper landings. especially as it enters Weybridge elite athletes whose current interna- gatherings of boats, in the 1900’s a When these works are completed forming Whittets Ait. tional careers started at one of the gentle regatta took place with skiffs, and the towpath finally re-opened Pharaoh’s Island on the Thames, seven sports clubs on the Weybridge punts, early steam cruisers all the Weybridge Society and seven of was formed 100 years later (1774) Waterfront. watched from an extended beach the sports clubs along here are hold- by cutting an artificial channel to Weybridge Ladies Amateur along here. The gentry leaving their ing a celebration on Saturday 4 th the north of the natural stream, and Rowing Club member Sarah Birch horse drawn carriages on the bank September called the Weybridge 50 years after that a lock island was represented Great Britain at Junior much as cars are now parked here. Thames-side Festival (see below) created by the cut for Shepperton World Championship level and later In 1975 the local branch of the to which all members of the public Lock (1813) to the north of at Senior level at World Inland Waterways Association are welcome. Come and enjoy the Hamhaugh Island – itself defined by Championships from 1997-2004 in arranged a Rally of Boats of many area, now an amenity to be proud the two Shepperton Weirs. More various lightweight crews. types promoting three of the then of. recently Desborough Island was She started rowing here in 1984 current canal restorations accessible Plus on the following Sunday, created in the 1930s by the Thames after a period with Thames Valley from the Thames– the Kennet & September 5th, the Dunkirk Little Conservancy’s work constructing Skiff Club. Avon Canal from Reading (86 Ships return on their annual visit, to the straight Desborough channel Elmbridge Canoe Club canoeist miles), plus the Basingstoke Canal complete a splendid Weybridge and demoting the old meandering 33-year-old Tim Brabants has a gold (31 miles) and the Wey & Arun Waterfront weekend. river past Halliford, both named medal (KI 1000m) and bronze (KI Canal (18 miles) both connected BRIAN ROBERTS Our Thames-side Festival takes place on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 in support of Sam Beare Hospice and other Weybridge charities. The festival will be supported by local sports clubs and Estate Agents Curchods EYBRIDGE Waterfront starts ing the mouth of the Wey Navigation. Station and stops at the Library and Ship at the bottom of Thames Over 30 stalls will be arranged facing Inn. Also cross by ferry from Shepperton. Street, passes along the wide these views and there will be live music and Open to the public on Saturday from towpath to the Thames Path’s entertainments on the lawn. Up to 50 boats 11am till 4pm with formal opening at noon. Wunique ferry across to Shepperton and ends of all types – riverboats, narrowboats and After an illuminated boat parade on with the Council owned Walton Lane open barges will be moored on the improved Saturday at dusk, the week-end will be space – where the Society hopes to install a landing stages from Friday Lunchtime ‘rounded of f with a visit from Dunkirk Little new public sculpture. There are wide views onwards. Ships on Sunday . across the water to the weir system of Fr ee boat rides from the rowing club and All details are regularly updated on the Shepperton Lock and of the historic D’Oyly canoe club steps will encourage the public Weybridge Society website: www . Carte Island with many boats passing to ‘get afloat’ and access will be possible by weybridgesociety .org.uk/Events/Weybridge towards Teddington and Windsor, or enter- Fr ee vintage bus rides from Weybridge _ThamesSide_Festival_2010 Weybridge Thames-side Festival l Saturday September 4th 2010 11am - 4pm Sponsored by Bottom of Thames Street opposite Shepperton Lock