Residents Association Chairman: David Patel Secretary: Robert Brown Treasurer: Faye Miles VILLAGE NEWS www.lowerkingswood.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2016 Autumn Edition 2016 Inside this issue: Chairman's Report to Residents Welcome to our Autumn 2016 issue of Village News vehicles seen to be fly-tipping. Such details should Councillor Mrs. Joan Spiers 2 and we would like to extend a warm welcome to all be reported to the & Joint County Council report 3 those new residents who have moved into the village Enforcement Team. over the past few months. Please remember that all LK Watch 4 residents of Lower Kingswood are members of the COUNCILLOR MRS. JOAN SPIERS Kingswood Primary School 5 Residents’ Association, if you have any concerns Members of the Residents’ about the Village, the Residents’ Association Association Committee Wisdom of God Church 6 Committee is here to try and help you and represent were very saddened to Wisdom Stories; Church 7 your interests. learn of the sudden death Hall; Monthly Coffee Circle Unlike most other local Residents’ Associations there of Mrs. Joan Spiers on 29th August. LK Evangelical Church; 8 is no annual subscription payable – our running costs Crumbs; CAMEO Club are met from the revenue of advertisements in our She had served as one of newsletter. So please help support our local LK Village Fete; Residents’ 9 our local Borough council- Association Committee businesses and advertisers; if using the services of lors since 1984 and was report; Kingswood Village one of our advertisers please mention that you always supportive of our Hall Trust saw their advertisement in Village News. local community and deter- Girl Guiding 10 mined to try and solve the varying problems en- PLANNING countered by residents. Scout Group; Gage Players 13 The Reigate & Banstead Development Manage- A more detailed article appears on page 2. ment Plan has recently been published by our Bor- ough Council - with consultation running until POLICE 10th October 2016. The non-emergency numbers remain at 101 or The plan can be viewed on-line (218 pages!) via: 01483-571212 (with on-line reporting facilities also www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp or, for available) and these should be used for reporting those without internet access, the consultation such issues as anti-social behaviour, substance/drug documents can be viewed at the Town Hall or abuse, vandalism etc. local libraries. Any comments can be submitted on-line, by email or by letter. VILLAGE NEWS Whilst the Association’s Committee will be sub- Once again thank you to all who have contributed mitting their own comments, an overview of the articles and helped with both the production and documentation seems to indicate that there should distribution of this newsletter. Village News is be no major impact as far as Lower Kingwood and distributed free to all households in (and around) the surrounding areas are concerned. The Plan Lower Kingswood, and this is only possible because also affirms the status of the ‘Green Belt’ land of the assistance given by a number of volunteers. We very much appreci- surrounding the village. If you can help with distribution please contact our ate the support of our Chairman. advertisers but their ap- pearance in our newslet- STUBBS LANE RECYCLING AREA AND FINALLY…. ter and/or our website It seems as though the Stubbs Lane recycling point, We should also like to take the opportunity of does not constitute a which is an invaluable facility for Lower Kingswood's thanking Fidelity International for their assistance in recommendation. residents, is becoming increasingly used by fly-tippers the printing of your Residents’ Association’s - dumping non-household waste - and anyone wanting newsletter Village News. to avoid a trip to the (or Epsom) BREAKING NEWS Community Recycling Centre (CRC) to dispose of their rubbish. Although the recent recommendations from the Boundary Commission propose an overall reduction The Borough Council are seriously considering the in the number of Parliamentary seats from 650 to future of such “outlying” facilities and the 600, there appears to be no changes proposed for introduction of charges for certain types of waste at our own Reigate parliamentary constituency. Surrey’s CRCs may well serve to increase fly- Reigate’s electorate of 71,778 falls (just) within the tipping. Where practicable residents are asked to recommended range in terms of numbers of voters. provide the appropriate authorities with details of any Councillor Mrs. Joan Spiers

It was with deep sadness we learnt that Councillor Mrs. Joan to help many different groups across the borough, the theme for Spiers, ward member for Kingswood and , passed her mayoral year was ‘Encompass All.’ away on 29th August 2016.

My ward colleague Simon Parnell and I were deeply saddened to Paying tribute to Cllr. Mrs. Spiers, Council Leader Cllr. Victor learn of Joan Spiers’ unexpected death. Joan has helped and Broad said: “I am extremely saddened by the news of Joan’s advised hundreds of our residents over the long years she has sudden passing. She will be remembered for her dedication and served as both local Councillor and Leader of Reigate & Ban- hard work for the Borough Council as its Leader, as a councillor stead Council. for 32 years and as Mayor of our Borough during 2015-16.” As a new Councillor she was both my mentor and friend and, “Cllr. Mrs. Spiers was respected by her ward and borough resi- over the past ten years, we worked together to resolve local is- dents, on whose behalf she worked tirelessly and by the Council- sues and strive to retain the special character of this ward. lors and officers she worked with. We should not forget her I will miss her greatly. significant contribution as Mayor – a role she made her own with her energy and enthusiasm.” Councillor Ros Mill “She was committed to the well-being of our residents, deter- Executive Member for Leisure & mined to solve their problems and she will be missed. I am priv- Wellbeing ileged to have been able to work with her and experience her complete dedication to her work here, at first hand.” [Employment and Executive] Email: Cllr.Mill@reigate- “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.” banstead.gov.uk Telephone: 01737-833705

Cllr. Spiers was the elected Ward Member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath from May 1984 until her death. Councillor Simon Parnall In addition to her twice serving as Leader of the Council from Member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath 2003-2007 and 2008-2014, she chaired the Housing & Commu- [Planning and Overview & Scrutiny] nity Services Committee and the Housing Sub-Committee as Email: Cllr.Parnall@reigate- well as served on a number of Committees including the Over- banstead.gov.uk view & Scrutiny Committee, Employment Committee, Planning Telephone: 01737-830888 Committee, the Local Joint Forum, Partnership Committee,

Policy & Resources Committee, Community Services Commit-

tee, Housing Sub-Committee and Contract Services Board.

She was also a representative to the Surrey Local Government Association (2003 – 2007) and to the Local Government Associ- Editor’s note ation General Assembly (2008 – 2009). Members of the Residents’ Association Committee were very Amongst her valuable ward work, Cllr. Mrs. Spiers was the first saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Joan Spiers. Over Leader under the new Leader and Cabinet structure introduced the many years she served as one of our local councillors, she in 2003 and guided the Council through the establishment of this had, whenever possible, attended the Residents’ Association’s new model. She also ensured the Council maintained a strong regular Committee meetings as well as its AGM and other meet- financial position throughout her tenure and in particular during ings. During that time she was always supportive of our local the global financial crisis of 2008. community and determined to try and solve the varying prob- During her time as Mayor Cllr. Mrs. Spiers’ role saw her officiate lems encountered by residents. at the opening of Leisure Centre, represent the Bor- At the Committee meeting held on 12th July Cllr. Spiers had stat- ough at the Magna Carta Festival of Liberty, regularly take part ed that “…she was delighted to be able once again to attend in Armed Forces events including Armistice Day, Poppies at the Meetings of the Committee now that her Mayoral duties had Belfry and Remembrance Sunday, lay the VC Stone in Memorial come to an end...”. Sadly this was the last meeting she attended. Park for Rupert Price Hallows and participated in many fetes, carnivals and flower shows, always keen to meet residents, par- All those local residents who attended this year’s Village Fete (on ticularly the children in the Borough. She was particularly proud Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May) will recall Mrs. Joan Spiers of introducing the concept of ‘Mini Mayor’, which provided a opening the Fete in her official capacity as Mayor and crowning child from the Borough with the opportunity to step into that George Allen and Rebecca Whittle, King and Queen of the 2016 role for the day to help with civic engagements. Fete. Along with all the other attendees at the Fete, she also enjoyed the ‘Lower Kingswood’s Got Talent’ show and was so She was keen to support YMCA East Surrey and the Royal Brit- impressed by the various participants that she awarded them ish Legion as her charities during her time as Mayor, raising each a voucher (paid out of her own pocket) - see page 3 for a £28,500 in this year for charity – a combination of money raised couple of pictures from the Village Fete. from events during the year, a donation of her remaining Mayor- al Allowance and through her personal donation. Always keen

Autumn 2016 Page 2 Lower Kingswood Village News Surrey County Council report

Dear Residents The Borough Council are now monitoring the current abuse of this facility and I am sorry to advise that the few abusing the DRIVERS’ “U TURNS” service could cause it to be withdrawn by the Borough Council. Buckland Road (at its junction with the Please only use it for what it is designed for. A217) is continually blighted by drivers COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE performing illegal “U turns” resulting in at least two accidents with drivers losing The two nearest Community Recycling Centres (CRC) are at control of their vehicles and crashing Road, Earlswood and Blenheim Road, Epsom and both through the Wisdom of God Church are open: fence: we are sooner or later going to have serious injuries or even a fatality if this practice continues.  Mondays to Fridays – 8:00am to 4:00pm I am resisting the pressures to close the crossover point, as it will  Saturday & Sunday – 9:00am to 4:00pm add delays to local driving. However, both centres are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing SPEEDING Day and New Years Day Speeding throughout the day is becoming a real hazard, and not Please note that you may be asked to prove that you are a Surrey just on the A217, it’s a problem in the side roads and near our resident when visiting any Surrey CRC. schools. Please also note that, from 1st September, charges have been We have a plan of action to resolve the speeding on the A217 as introduced for certain types of non-household waste: average speed cameras are to be installed on our section of the  Tyres from cars, motorcycles and all other motorised road. Another good point is that the cost will be self-funded vehicles from the fines and driver awareness courses.  PARKING Waste from construction, alteration or repair of your home and garden such as plasterboard, breezeblocks, We are seeing parking of vehicles on our footpaths and roads bricks, rubble, soil, stones, turf, ceramic bathroom fit- that are not taxed or hold a current MOT certificate, the com- tings, tiles etc. ments by vehicle owners being that the footpath is not part of the public road, this is incorrect. I think it’s worth clarifying this A full list of the types of waste that will be charged for is detailed for motorists as the footpaths and verges DO constitute part of on the Council’s website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/recycling the Surrey road network. Regards FLY TIPPING/ RECYCLING POINT STUBBS LANE Bob Gardner Can I ask that if you spot a vehicle please report it; as the of- County Councillor for & Banstead South fenders are damaging OUR Village. We have in Stubbs lane a valuable facility of a village recycle centre but this is not for car Email: [email protected] body parts, mattresses or garden waste etc. We have this facility Telephone: 0845-643-1112 in Earlswood (and Epsom).

nd Mrs. Joan Spiers officiating as Mayor at the Village Fete held on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May (photographs © Rod Ashford)

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 3 Autumn 2016 FRAUD Both the email and letter are fraudulent and should not be replied to. Fraud has become the fastest growing crime across Brit- ain, some say across the World. Many people believe STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FRAUD that if they do not own a computer they cannot fall victim As students prepare to start a new term, many are to fraudsters. But sadly, all too often criminals will ring searching for suitable accommodation. Fraudsters have you up or knock on your door. Fraud crimes can involve been using a variety of websites to advertise properties identity theft, computer crime often called cyber-crime for rent; often at very attractive rents and in convenient and frauds involving the telephone. Age appears not to locations. The adverts appear genuine and are often matter; both the young and the old are now targets. accompanied by photos and contact information. Youngsters are being offered fake jobs, non-existent products and too-good-to-be-true rental accommodation, As finding good student accommodation can be difficult, while older members of the community are often contact- students have been duped into paying upfront fees or ed by criminals posing as bank officials or the police. deposits to secure a property quickly; sometimes without viewing it first. Any money paid is then lost as the fraud- has recently issued details of the latest ster does not own the property and often there are ten- frauds being operated in our area. ants already living there. FAKE ‘PHONE UPGRADES To avoid being conned, the Police advise: Criminals are impersonating telephone service providers to offer “too good to be true” ‘phone upgrades.  Only use reputable letting companies. The caller asks for personal and financial details, which  Using Google maps to check the property really will then be used to contact the true service provider and exists. order a new phone handset. The new ‘phone and any  Make an appointment to view the property in per- other goods ordered would then be diverted or intercept- son and always view the property prior to paying ed before the unsuspecting victim knows what has hap- any advance fees. pened.  Be aware of warning signs such as landlords ask- To avoid being duped scammed, Surrey Police recom- ing for a ‘holding deposit’ because the property is mend the following: in high demand.  Never provide your personal information to a third  A genuine landlord will usually want references, party from an unsolicited ‘phone call. be very wary of handing over cash before the  Verify the call is genuine by asking the caller to landlord asks for employment or character refer- call back and then phone your service provider to ences. confirm the offer is genuine.  If the offer is too good to be true it probably is. Surrey Mirror ‘Borderlines’ EMAIL FRAUD We should like to correct the comments in the previous issue of You might receive an email claiming to be from the City Village News regarding the ‘Borderlines’ column, which ap- of London Police. The departments that it claims to rep- pears in the weekly Surrey Mirror. resent include the ‘Fraud Intelligence Unit’ and the Just after we went to press, Judy Parfitt advised us that, in con- ‘National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’. The email is titled junction with Mark Davison (community news editor of the ‘compensation fund’ and has a letter attachment offering Surrey Mirror), it had been agreed that Rod Ashford would take financial compensation to victims of fraud. The letter over responsibility for collating details of events, news or obser- uses the City of London Police logo. vations from in and around Lower Kingswood. The letter says that to receive compensation, you should We should like to extend our thanks to Judy for providing the reply to the email providing your personal information. regular updates for the ‘Borderlines’ column over very many The letter also states that HSBC and the South African years. Reserve Bank have been chosen to handle the compen- sation. All of these claims are false.

Autumn 2016 Page 4 Lower Kingswood Village News Kingswood Primary School

the Year 6 children to finish at the school, hopefully taking with them many happy memories. The term also ended with a Forest School celebra- tion event for the Reception parents. They joined their children in Wood for a morning and took part in a range of activities that the children had been doing throughout the year including build- ing dens, making fires, creating forest artwork, bug hunting and eating the homemade cakes cooked on the camp fire! It was a fantastic event and the school looks forward to organising Forest School for the new academic year and extending it to other year groups. The year ahead looks an interesting one, as schools have to consider how they are structured as part of I would firstly like to welcome the new Reception children and the governments drive for schools to become academies. any new families to the school who have started in September. Kingswood has been working closely alongside four other local I would also like to welcome Mrs. Yates who has joined the primary schools in order for staff to share ideas and expertise. school as the teacher in charge of inclusion and special educa- As a head-teacher of a fairly small primary school, I find this tional needs. She replaces Mrs. Heller who had held this post for kind of collaborative approach very important. It enables the nine years and who retired at the end of the summer term. school to fully evaluate our own practices as we strive to ensure the children have the best possible education at At the end of a very busy summer term all the children in the Kingswood. school took part in the production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, which was performed in the Church Hall. The children were Duncan Steele superb, despite performing on the hottest days of the year, with Head-teacher wonderful singing and acting! It was also a wonderful way for

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 5 Autumn 2016 The Wisdom of God Church

In the coming weeks our Pastoral Visiting Team will begin to operate within the Parish. These are members of our congrega- tions who have been trained and DBS checked and who will visit on behalf of the church. If someone you know, within our Par- ish, would benefit from a visit, please contact me (by telephone or email) to discuss this. Rev’d Chris Colton Priest-in-Charge - Parish of Kingswood Email: [email protected]

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 25th September at 12:30pm Church Hall, Buckland Road - Harvest Bring and Share Lunch Saturday 8th October at 7:00pm Dear Friends Kingswood Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane - Jazz Supper Even- We had great fun with the Wild West Family Fun Day back in ing July and were not put off by the weather! You may have seen some of the pictures in the Surrey Mirror. The day raised much- Live Music by Josephine Arthur and her musicians. A talented needed funds for the Church and we were very happy to wel- singer, Josephine Arthur has a warm velvety voice drawing influ- come so many people from the community into the building ence from Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. when the rain began to fall. Cash bar and raffle. Tickets £22.50 (including 2 course meal); These last few months, at The Wisdom of God Church, have contact Parish Administrator, Lindsay Cole on 01737-201199. seen one or two changes capitalising upon the flexibility of the Sunday 30th October at 6:30 pm building and, in my opinion, making the worship space more accessible and user friendly. The Wisdom of God - All Souls Service to remember the de- parted Following the success of Wisdom Stories at Tea Time we will begin again on Wednesday 14th September and are now formalis- Sunday 13th November at 10:45am ing our pick-up from Kingswood Primary School by organising a The Wisdom of God - Remembrance Day family service ‘walking bus’. If you think you would like to make use of this, further details can be obtained from Jackie Cox on 07979- Sunday 11th December at 6:30pm 424964. The Wisdom of God – Nine Lessons and Carols with the parish I haven’t failed to no- choir tice that The Wisdom Friday 16th December at 7:30pm of God Church is a ‘Pokémon Go’ Gym Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square – Illuminare and this game has brought young visitors Illuminare are a chamber choir of 20 of London’s finest young into the grounds as singers (conducted by Jeremy Cole) and organist Peter Holder they battle their mon- will perform Christmas music from Rutter, Howells and Dove sters against one anoth- …… er to gain possession of A minibus will leave St Andrew’s Church at 4:45pm and then the Gym for their team. from the Royal Gurkha/Fox on the Hill, Lower Kingswood We welcome gamesters shortly thereafter. Tickets £30 (minibus and concert); contact of all ages to the Parish Administrator, Lindsay Cole on 01737-201199. church and if you want th help in battling the Saturday 17 December at 7:30pm many other demons The Wisdom of God - Rejoice and Wassail - a celebration of that afflict our lives Christmas with the parish choir. from time to time, you may find that the Saturday 24th December Church is not out of The Wisdom of God at 3:00pm – Crib/Christingle ser- touch with the realities vice of life and has far more to offer than just a The Wisdom of God at 9:00pm – Christmas Communion location on a gaming app.

Autumn 2016 Page 6 Lower Kingswood Village News Church Hall

Church Hall affairs have been fairly quiet, with no major events or work to report. There has been the usual maintenance jobs carried out, including hedge cutting, re-polishing the floor and painting the hand rails and supports leading into the main doors. The refurbished flowerbed to the left hand side of the Hall has continued to mature and fill out over the past year and now looks great due to regular work from a small, dedicated team. We are always looking for some extra help in this area, so if you could spare a couple of hours to help maintain this border, please contact Claire, whose details are at the bottom of this article. The Hall bookings always increase towards the end of the year, so to avoid disappointment remember to plan ahead and book early for your Christmas and New Year events. Please also recommend the Lower Kingswood Church Hall as a venue to others outside the village. Enquiries regarding booking the Hall can be made by emailing: [email protected] or by calling Claire Slee on: 01737-246619.

MONTHLY COFFEE CIRCLE 1ST Wednesday of the Month 10:30 am to mid-day WISDOM STORIES AT TEA TIME Church Hall, Buckland Road Every Wednesday in term time 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm If you haven’t been along to try our home-made cakes in the Wisdom of God Church, Buckland Road coffee morning yet do give us a try. This is just a social morning Well, we have been running for a whole year now and to either catch up with friends the numbers of children and parents who come along in the village or perhaps to get for a story, prayers and action songs continues to to know a few people locally. grow. Not to mention the tea, which we provide for We have a number of gentlemen who enjoy a good chat, and of course the cake too, so this is an everyone, which seems to keep the hungry school- event for all. children happy and full of energy. Mind you it isn’t just the older children who love the music and songs – Refreshments are free and everyone is welcome. our toddlers and babies seem to really enjoy it too! If you are new to the village or know someone who might like to come but has mobility problems This term our pick up process from the school play- please let us know and we will try our best to help ground will become a little more formal with a with transport to and from the Hall.

properly organised ‘walking bus’ to the Church. Look We look forward to seeing you at any (or all!) of out for our Wisdom Stories high viz jackets in the play- the following dates: ground. We are happy to collect any children if parents pre-arrange this. WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 2nd NOVEMBER So, if you haven’t been yet please do come along WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER and join us.

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 7 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Evangelical Church

Crumbs are a friendly and welcoming Toddler Group in Lower Kingswood. SOME OF We meet on Friday mornings during term-time be- THE NEW tween 9:15am and 11:00am at the Lower Kingswood FACES Evangelical Church on Smithy Lane. Our first ses- THAT HAVE th RECENTLY sion of the new term is Friday 9 September. We JOINED play with different toys each week indoors and THE CON- outside (weather permitting!), and we try to pro- GREGATION vide a craft activity every week too.

At about 10:15am we all stop for snack time. While we’re all sat down together, we listen to a true sto- ry from the Bible being retold. Before home time As a child I went along to my local church with my family and we enjoy singing some of our favourite songs and enjoyed the games, activities and bible stories. But, by the age rhymes, sometimes getting out instruments too. of twelve, I wanted to play computer games rather than go to Do contact us or pop along for fresh coffee and church. cake on Friday mornings at Lower Kingswood Evan- At eighteen, like most youth today, I was living life as I wanted, gelical Church on Smithy Lane; you will be sure of enjoying the girlfriends, the drinking, partying, and fast cars. I started work as a postman and whilst sorting mail a fellow work- a warm welcome. er invited me along to his church. As an adult reading the bible again, it was as if it was a different book, rather than old and irrelevant stories, it was as if God was speaking to me through the words of the bible. Over the com- ing months it became clear, that there was something stopping CAMEO Club ‘Come And me from going to Heaven, when I inevitably died. This was sin, that is the things we do against God's law. Meet Each Other’ I was never going to be this perfect person that God requires to enter Heaven, and thankfully that is where Jesus comes in. The & Strollers bible says that he lived his life perfectly and gave his life as a sacrifice for the world to pay for sin so we do not have to. A In June we enjoyed our Strawberry Tea and also celebrated the great bible verse is: “For God so loved the world that he gave Queens 90th Birthday with a “Royal Quiz”. his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not per- ish but have eternal life.” In July we had another visit from ‘Wheels for the World’ and heard more about the work they do in sending reconditioned Eventually I turned to God in prayer and asked for his for- wheelchairs to disabled people in Africa. Many of them have giveness, and turned from the wrong things I was doing to Jesus never even seen a wheelchair before and what a difference it and living his way. The weight of sin had been lifted, the worry makes to them getting around. The August meeting will be over of the after life had gone, life now had a purpose and meaning. before this is read, but we will be having a “Holiday Memories” I am not now magically sinless, but I know that he has taken the afternoon. punishment all away and that I have a heavenly home waiting because of Jesus. We will be meeting on Friday 23rd September and will be watch- ing a video on ‘Classic Train Journeys in Scotland’ and then on Twenty years on, I now attend Lower Kingswood Evangelical Monday 24th October we have our Rumanian Aid Foundation Church with my wife and two children and enjoy hearing about afternoon when folk can bring any “Shoe boxes” they have pre- the amazing truths of the bible and our kids have lots of fun in pared for ‘Joy in a Box’. the new Sunday club. We welcome any new members who would like to join us. All I would urge you to take a look in the big book for yourself or meetings are held at the Evangelical Free Church in Smithy Lane why not drop in one Sunday at 10:30am, we would be glad to at 2:00pm. see you all, especially the children, more the merrier.

God bless Don’t forget Lower Kingswood Strollers continue to meet once Richard Barnett a month for a “stroll in the countryside”.

Autumn 2016 Page 8 Lower Kingswood Village News VILLAGE FETE NEWS like to take part in the Fete? The 2016 Lower Kingswood Village Fete was a huge  Do you have experience of Event Organising? success, with a record crowd attending and a record We need ideas people and doers to help organise amount of money raised. Each of the community groups the Fete. who took part in this year's Village Fete has received  Could you spare an hour or two during the week £390. before the event to help deliver programmes in Of course, it's all very well saying 2016 was a record your street? year. The challenge ahead is to improve on 2016 and make next year's Village Fete an even better and more  Could you help with setting up or clearing away on successful event. Fete Day? Even an hour or two is incredibly help- ful. I am currently looking for people to get involved in the Lower Kingswood Village Fete 2017. Planning for the 2017 Village Fete will start in October. If you could offer any help or would like to get involved in  Maybe you have an idea for a new event or attrac- organising the event - I would love to hear from you. tion?

 Are you involved with a group or activity that Rod Ashford would be willing to put on a display or perform on Fete Day? Fete Chairman  Do you belong to a community group that would Residents’ Association Committee

A Meeting of the Committee took place on Tuesday, 17th May 2016. In addi- tion to Committee members, Councillors Bob Gardner & Simon Parnall were in attendance. Police report: Although no Police representatives were present, it was reported that arrests had been made in relation to recent burglaries, which had taken place in the village. It was also reported that, during the Village Fete, youths had damaged the door of the Recreation Ground pavilion. It was noted that local criminals were now using a technique of “fishing” for bunches of door or car keys through letterboxes. Councillor Parnall reported on: A recent planning application by a local business. The forthcoming publication of the Council’s Development Plan. The possible availability of funding towards community projects, with the pro- viso that such funding was limited to initial capital expenditure. In the ensuing discussion reference was made to both the pavilion and recreation ground and, in particular, to ensuring that the local village football clubs should be given a better opportunity to use the pitches. Councillor Gardner reported on: Irresponsible vehicle parking in certain roads in the village. The Stubbs Lane recycling facility being used for “fly tipping” and the introduc- tion of discreet CCTV to identify misuse. Specific remedial work on the A217/Brighton Road near the Buckland Road/ Smithy Lane junction. A planned inspection of all roads and footpaths (within the ward) so that any remedial work could be identified and scheduled. The success of the Village Fete and offered his congratulations to all those involved in its organisation. The Chairman in turn thanked all the Councillors for their participation in the event – and also all those village residents who helped in the “clearing up” operation after the closure of the Fete.

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 9 Autumn 2016 We did the assault course which was very challenging, kayaking when we all got very wet, then the crate challenge when one guide conquered climbing on top of 20 crates before they came crashing down to the ground and she was left suspended in the air! Thursday, Friday and Saturday were all scorching hot but on Sunday we got rather damp but the rain stopped just in time for our camp fire and sing song. Monday morning dawned bright and fine and we all looked for- ward to a swim in the pool but sadly the Deputy Warden had to TO ALL GIRLS WHO ARE 10 YEARS OLD disappoint us as the pool had gone green and it turned out the Have you thought about becoming a guide? Guides are a move- boiler had blown up. We were offered the zip wire instead – ment that has been going strong for over 100years. whizzzzzzzz! It aims to give girls between the ages of 10 and 14, the chance to Later on that morning we had a water assault course ending with develop their individuality, grow their life skills, while making a water-bomb fight – everyone, including the Leaders got com- new friends and getting involved in the community. pletely soaked and a bowl of water tipped over one!! During the summer term we were getting clued up on camp. The afternoon was spent taking down and packing our tents. The girls made a fantastic meal from scratch on an open fire, We were sad at the end of a fantastic camp and we all said a and sussed out the complex world of tent poles and tents. We huge thank you to our Leaders. We had learned and done so were very excited about going to camp at Blacklands Farm in much that we were awarded our Campers Badge. East Sussex, a Girlguiding Activity Centre where we were look- More excitement to come in September! ing forward to kayaking and crate building. The Leaders could- n’t wait to teach the girls more outdoor skills! We also travelled Do you like the sound of this? We would love to have you around our guiding world centres for an evening and did a total come along and meet us and discover what we do and help our wipe out themed assault course, with lots of water! unit grow. We are happy to welcome you to any evening meet- ing, at 7:00pm on Fridays (during term time) at the Church Hall, So, following on from our summer term’s activities we headed Buckland Road. off to Blackland Farm. We had a brilliant time for four days over the August Bank Holiday. All of our camp preparations If you would like to find out more, please contact our local last term were so good that we set up our tents in double quick leader. time so we had more time to enjoy ourselves and explore the area and activities that were on offer.

Autumn 2016 Page 10 Lower Kingswood Village News SOME MORE QUOTES FROM MARK TWAIN ….

Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned. Everything has its limit - iron ore cannot be educated into gold. Familiarity breeds contempt - and children. Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. He is now rising from affluence to poverty. He is useless on top of the ground; he ought to be under it, inspiring the cabbages. Honesty is the best policy - when there is money in it. I have made a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time. In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards. [N.B. You can always substitute your own least favourite organisa- tion!] It is better to deserve honours and not have them than to have them and not deserve them. Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul. Man - a creature made at the end of the week’s work when God was tired. Man is the only creature that blush- es - or needs to. Man will do many things to get him- self loved, he will do all things to get himself envied. Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertis- ing. Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins. Necessity is the mother of taking chances. Nothing so needs reforming as oth- er people’s habits. One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 11 Autumn 2016

Autumn 2016 Page 12 Lower Kingswood Village News 9th (Reigate) Lower Kingswood Scout Group www.9thReigate.co.uk

The summer of 2016 in the history of 9th Reigate all actions that affect the Scout Group will be remembered for our group progress of children camp which involved all three sections - Beavers, through the group and Cubs and Scouts, each of which moulded a com- scouting fraternity. mon programme to suit the respective age groups. All leadership and help- The youngest members slept and ate inside a coun- ing opportunities present tryside building, the Cubs slept outdoors but were chances for anyone over fed in relative comfort indoors whilst the Scouts slept and the age of 18 years to cooked for themselves outdoors. Can you spot the relative glee work with children and present new experiences in outdoor ac- on the faces of the children involved from the photos?

Nevertheless all joined in the fun of activities around the Downe tivities such as camping, canoeing etc., indoor skills and crafts, camp site including an assault course, grass sledging, archery, and enjoying experiences together with their friends. It presents rifle shooting and a series of challenge bases. One of the latter an opportunity for a few adults, e.g. mums and dads to get to- required each six or patrol to devise a short sketch to be per- gether and do something of value for the community and it can formed at the evening campfire. It would appear that we have be great fun. Whilst no previous experience is necessary, a full discovered a number of aspiring thespians!! sequence of training is available. You will be backed by a com- prehensive network of local and national support structure and As reported in the last newsletter we are approaching the end of resources. an era for Scouting in Lower Kingswood when 6 adult leaders leave the group. The good news is that new leaders have Geoff Dunstan come forward to maintain the continuity of at least Beavers Group Scout Leader BEAVERS - (6 -8 year olds) are now being lead by Helen Hop- kins, Mimi Filer and Graeme Hopkins on Thursday evenings at a slightly later time of 5:15pm. This is an extremely positive step especially as these three adults are already experienced in dealing The Gage Players with children and they are excited about the new venture. We would like all parents to support the new leaders and it may be The Gage Players’ next production will be the comedy ’Over My necessary to instate a regular rota of occasional helpers. On Dead Body’ by Derek Benfield, directed by Debbie Nichols. behalf of the group I would like to welcome and thank them and also thank Martin and Jo Luckins for all that they have done for Following his wife's recent death, Gerald hopes to spend the rest Beavers in the past 5 years. of his days alone with his memories. But he reckons without his late wife's “forward planning”, which results in a series of events CUBS - Two of the current leaders are stepping down at the that Gerald had not anticipated. With the help of his daughter end of the year as age overtakes them! At the moment a few and son-in-law, Gerald strives to maintain his independence and adults have expressed interest in maintaining the Cub pack and keep unexpected visitors at bay . . . we hope others may come forward. Performance dates: 24th, 25th and 26th November 2016, at We are also still looking for a new Group Scoaut Leader 8:00pm at the Riddell Hall, Dean’s Lane, Walton-on-the- (manager) to replace the present incumbent who has to retire at Hill. Doors and bar open at 7:30pm. Tickets £10, box office the end of the year. This is principally an administrative and 01737-812703. leadership role with flexible opportunities to take strategic over-

Lower Kingswood Village News Page 13 Autumn 2016

Autumn 2016 Page 14 Lower Kingswood Village News

Business Directory KINGSWOOD VILLAGE CLUB Friendly village social club offering entertainment (snooker & darts) with draught beers & A P S GAS & HEATING drinks well below pub prices. New members welcome and two halls with bars available for Central heating, other household gas work & plumbing (including kitchens & bathrooms); Gas hire. Contact: 01737-832082 – also see main advert in Village News Safe registered engineer. Contact: 01737-245798 or 07956-232485 or email: [email protected] LANDSEER HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS Local company with expertise in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, building A WOMAN’S TOUCH works, and repairs. Member of the Federation of Master Builders for 15 years. “We do it all, Exceptional lady decorator – attention to detail we all crave. Contact: 07814-013077 or email: big or small”. Contact Phil Twiddy on: 01737-831172 [email protected] LET YOUR BODY TALK BARR CO – solicitors Personal Training & Pilates to enhance the quality of your life. A leading trainer with over 15 Specialist solicitors in all areas of employment law – for both employers & employees. Green years’ experience; based in Kingswood serving a 10 mile radius. Contact: 07916 275136 or Lane, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6YB. Contact: 01737-833850 or email: email: [email protected] or see our website: www.letyourbodytalkuk.com [email protected] or see our website: www.barrco.org.uk LIL DRAGONS – for children 3-5 years old BUTTERCUP & DAISY CHILDMINDERS Improve your child’s confidence and social skills while having fun and exercising at the same A warm, safe and friendly environment; where children will experience lots of activities & time. Contact: 0800-298-7096 or see our website: www.eackd.com enjoyment and you have peace of mind. Contact: 07761-808272 or 01737-833087or email: [email protected] LITTLEYEARS CHILD DAY CARE SERVICES OFSTED registered childminder with full and part time vacancies, ages 1-8 years. First Aid & CHOI KWANG DO CRB accredited. Committed to providing a safe, happy, fun & stimulating home from home Full time martial arts centre in Redhill, offering classes for children & adults from 5 to 101 environment for your child. Contact: 07787-548477 or email: [email protected] years old! Get fit and learn to defend yourself. Contact: 0800-298-7096 or see our website: www.eackd.com MALBY PHOTOGRAPHY - children and pet photography Creating memories that will last a lifetime; local photographer, based in Lower Kingswood. CHRIS – 1st CLASS DRIVING SCHOOL Contact: 07831-173773 or email: [email protected] or see our website: Free first lesson for all, fully qualified, patient, high pass rate, competitive prices. Contact: www.malbyphotography.co.uk 01737-223034 or see our website: www.chris-1stclassdriving.co.uk MASSAGE CINDY KIRKLAND AT CREATIVE WORKS Relaxing Swedish massage by Rob. VTCT qualified. Contact: 07789-687358 or email: A fresh & exciting floral & garden design service based in Kingswood. We are fanatical about [email protected] all things floral design and garden design and provide an infusion of ‘Creative Inspiration for Living in Style’. Contact: 07976 449681, email: [email protected] or see our website: ORCHARD COTTAGE RIDING STABLES www.ckworks.net B.H.S. & A.B.R.S. approved – established 1926. Babylon Lane, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6XA. Contact: 01737-241311 or see our website: www.ocrs.co.uk – also see main advert DECORATING SERVICES in Village News Interior/exterior decorating, fencing/garden work/handyman services etc. Contact Tony Richards on: 07717-008693 POOCH PARLOUR – dog grooming Over 30 years experience; we groom/bath/clip. Contact: 01737-841010 or 07831-621227 DEXTER CONTRACT SERVICES Ltd Surrey’s painting specialists. Contact Wayne Freeman (projects director) on: 01737-233513 PRIORY PROPERTY SERVICES – for a quality finish and a reliable service every time or 07590-106375 For a complete range of interior & exterior property services including painting & decoration, fitted kitchens, wooden floors, carpentry, fencing and garden maintenance. Contact: 07831- DIANA MURRAY INTERIORS – bespoke curtains & blinds 525459 or 01737-240611 Free, no obligation initial consultation in your home. Quality soft furnishings made in fabric of your choice. Contact: 07939 028670, email: [email protected] or see our RED CARPET ENTERTAINMENTS website: www.dianamurrayinteriors.co.uk We provide entertainment acts for parties, weddings etc. and can also provide discos, live bands and tribute acts. Contact Susie Homes on: 07958-478620 or Ray Lowe on: 07852- DISCOTRONICS – computer sales, upgrades & repairs 351620 or email: [email protected] or see our website: We also advise on and can install wiring for computers, networking, Contact, CCTV, digital www.redcarpetentertainments.co.uk TV & satellite. Contact: 01737-833254 or email: [email protected] – also see main advert in Village News REIGATE CLEANING SERVICES Professional tenancy cleaning, carpet cleaning & regular weekly cleaning. Established 10 DIVINE FOOTCARE – reflexology years, fully insured & emergency call outs. Contact: 01737-400150 or email: reigateclean- Let me help you reduce your stress, improve sleep and circulation. Contact: 07850-049750 or [email protected] email: [email protected] or see our website: www.devinefootcare.co.uk S.D. SERVICING DOG COMMUNICATION - adult dog socialisation classes Mobile mechanic. Contact: 07877-107246 Socialise your dog in a secure controlled environment with teaching dogs - dogs that help other dogs to learn social skills. Contact: 07831-173773 or email: pen- SEETHRU WINDOW CLEANING [email protected] or see our website: www.dogcommunication.co.uk Residential & business. Contact: 07877-107246

DUVAL PRODUCTS STORAGE EQUIPMENT Ltd THE SMART LOFT COMPANY Suppliers of shelving, racking and associated equipment for over 50 years - 80 Brighton Specialising in loft conversions and extensions in Surrey. Contact us on (office): 01737- Road, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6SY. Contact: 01737-832568 or email: 831460 or (mobile): 07711-780547 or email: [email protected] or see our [email protected] or see our website: www.duvalproducts.co.uk website: www.thesmartloftcompany.co.uk

ENCORE ARTS – vocal & drama group STONEMAN FUNERAL SERVICE – 5th generation family funeral director Contact: Sarah Locke on 07941-368860 or see our website: www.encorearts.co.uk Local offices at Redhill (01737-763456), Reigate (01737-243164) & Tadworth (01737- 814406) – also see main advert in Village News FOCUS CARPENTRY Creating bespoke solutions around the home. Quality workmanship designed to make you THOMAS PLUMBING & HEATING home more functional & investing in your property. Contact: 01737-830956 or 07545-325040 Boiler & central heating installation, servicing & breakdown and plumbing work from tap or see our website: www.focus-carpentry.co.uk washers to bathroom installation. Gas safe registered. Contact: 01737-832836 or 07834- 607082 or email: [email protected] or see our website: HAIR BY EMMA www.thomasplumbing.co.uk Mobile Hairdresser: 07984-497690 TOP HAT STAGE & SCREEN SCHOOL SURREY HAIR BY THE STRAND Every Friday during term time at Kingswood Primary School 4:30-7:30 “no experience neces- Ladies & gents hairdressing at your local village salon (72a Brighton Road, Lower King- sary just bring your enthusiasm”. Contact us on: 01737-831184 or email: sur- swood). Contact: 01737-832835. [email protected] or see our website: www.tophatstageschool.co.uk

HYPNOBIRTHING® - local antenatal classes Classes with a difference for couples; HypnoBirthing® the mongon method allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing. Contact Leila Gardiner on: 07775-425301 or email: [email protected] or see our website: www.inspiringbirths.com WHY NOT FEATURE YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS IN THIS SPACE?

KINGSWOOD PLASTERING & CONSTRUCTION Please contact our Chairman for further information Plastering, screeding, extensions, loft conversions, kitchens, bathrooms - the best quality work at competitive prices. Contact: 07930-647040 or email: kingswoodconstruc- [email protected] Lower Kingswood Village News Page 15 Autumn 2016