The magazine of Residents’ Association The Resident Free! Published and distributed by volunteers to the 4,200 households of Horsell

Summer 2012 Inside this issue

WWF development latest

Village Show: coming soon

www.Horsellresidents.com Blog: http://horsellresident.wordpress.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/Horsellresident Jubilation celebrations

In the party spirit at the Jubilation. Photo copyright Geoff Banks The Resident A word from the Editor Published by HORSELL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION LTD As I write we seem to be having more rain than sun this summer, but happily that has not put anyone off having a good time at the May Fayre (see page 9), Jubilation (see pages Magazine team: 6-7) and Garden Safari (more in the Autumn issue). Editor: Linda Banks – With the Olympics taking place this month, too, we have an interesting article focusing on email: [email protected] the history of Wheatsheaf Common (page 11), which has been used as a sporting venue Ann Harington – Tel. 761624 since Victorian times. Peter Hobbs – Tel. 824069 The HRA is continuing its work to marry the various Horsell-related websites to give local Dorothy Smith – Tel. 836031 people a comprehensive source of information on community events, photos and news. Janice Worgan – Tel. 762526 If you have any ideas on this, please contact Brian Henry, who is coordinating the plans. Please email comments, articles, letters or Horsell photos to: Please contact me if you have any articles or suggestions for the Autumn edition and [email protected] remember that we have the blog and Twitter feeds online to keep you abreast of all the events and news in between print magazines. Published by Horsell Residents’ Association Happy reading! Limited. A non-profit company limited by guarantee. Registered number 5377490. Linda Text and photos copyright individual authors and Linda’s Email: photographers as named. [email protected]

Printed by: Red Eye Print, 56 Goldsworth Rd, GU21 6LE. E-mail: [email protected] The Resident Blog Tel: 01483 772111 Thank you to everyone who’s visited our blog recently – we had more visitors in May and Artwork by: TBB Design. www.tbbdesign.co.uk Tel: 01483 829185 June than ever before! Do get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to have featured on the blog, or added to one No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the of our ‘What’s on in Horsell’ posts. publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. No part of this magazine may be reproduced Around the time of the Titanic centenary, we were contacted by Lesley Barnard, who lived in any form whatsoever without the prior permission of the Publishers. The Publishers do not necessarily agree with in Horsell in 1972-3 and lodged with ‘a lovely lady’ called Frances Burt in Thornash Road. the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept Lesley was reminded by the media coverage of the centenary that someone who lived any responsibility for errors of interpretation in the subject matter of this magazine. All reasonable care is taken to opposite had been a child passenger on the Titanic, possibly called ‘Kay’. ensure accuracy in preparation of the magazine but the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for errors in Paula Jenkins, a great-niece of Frances who has lived in the house since 2004, the articles or the return of unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or projects. Whilst every care is taken, no responsibility can commented on the blog that she remembers the lady, who lived at number 48 and was be accepted for the safety of material submitted. called ‘K’, just the letter. Rosemary and Richard Christophers kindly checked the Encyclopedia Titanica website, Horsell Residents’ Association but found no trace of a child survivor fitting the description. I wonder if anyone else Contacts remembers K, or knows her full name? President: Dorothy Smith Tel. 836031; [email protected] Greta Chair: Janice Worgan Tel: 01483 762526; Greta’s Email: [email protected] [email protected] Blog: Hon. Secretary: Carol Cheesman http://horsellresident.wordpress.com Tel. 01483 766696; Twitter: http://twitter.com/Horsellresident [email protected] Hon. Treasurer: Brian Henry Tel. 01483 760066; [email protected] The Resident print magazine: Linda Banks – email: [email protected] Membership Secretary: Peter Hobbs HRA blog and twitter feed: Greta Hughson – email: [email protected] Tel. 824069; Advertising: Peter Hobbs – email: [email protected] [email protected] HeritageNEXT ISSUE: Handles Autumn Horsell 2012 – Advertcopy deadline: 60x65:Layout August 31.

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Page 2 The Resident – Summer 2012 NEWS

will be more from Janice in the Autumn edition, would remember for years to come. (See pages No Tesco for Horsell but please read her AGM report below in the 6-7 for a report and photos from the day – Ed). There have been a lot of rumours in recent meantime… Finally, Diane Fagence related some very months about who may take over the former interesting facts about the annual Village Show. Glass Centre site plus the adjacent vacant AGM thanks In preparation for the Jubilee History Project, Valerie French and Horsell Hardware shops on For the members who didn’t attend the HRAL Diane had undertaken some research and the High Street.” AGM on Friday, 11 May, I would like to say that amazed us all by revealing that, according to the HRAL has been in contact with Tesco and has you missed three really special speeches, for records, a flower and vegetable show has been been assured by its Corporate Affairs Team that which the Board offers sincere thanks. held in Horsell for around 150 years. (Read more on page 5 – Ed). If you would like to volunteer to it has not acquired premises in Horsell. Tesco had First, Richard Mackie told us about the May help or have suggestions for this or future shows, been aware that the premises were for sale, but Fayre with its many successes, adding that the please email me [email protected] was not interested in acquiring them. HRAL will rain could not stop the fun and games or even continue to investigate and monitor developments. the dancing performed by some very talented Janice Worgan At the June HRA Committee meeting, local dancers from the Summerscales Performing Arts Chair – HRA councillor Tony Branagan explained that there had Group. (See Richard’s full review on page 9 - Ed). been no approach made to Woking Council by However the finale of Richard’s speech was Horsell development plans anyone, including Tesco or Sainsbury’s. The only a surprise presentation for a member of the Plans for the updating and redevelopment of the reason that the Council would be involved was if audience: Ann Harington. Ann, who can be Village Hall, Scout and Guide HQ and Institute there were a planning application for a change of found at many of the Horsell Scouts’ and Guides’ building were passed at the Woking Borough signage, change of use or exterior building works. events year after year, was presented with an Council Planning meeting on 14 June and the The premises have current planning permission official Scouting Thanks badge for her many funding for these was agreed by the Executive as Class A1 retail outlets. Therefore any retailer years of devoted help. Her surprise and gratitude Committee on 28 June. Once the legal documen- taking over the premises would not need to apply were a delight to see and it was our privilege to tation has been finalised, work should commence to the Council for a change of use. be part of the occasion. See the photo on page 9. in September/October 2012. Next, Tony Kremer brought us up to date with New HRA Chair the plans for the Jubilee Celebrations, which Allotment site The HRA is delighted to announce that Janice were then still three weeks away. Some ideas The new allotment site in Carthouse Lane was Worgan has agreed to be its Chair following had evolved and materialised, while others had opened in June. All 70 plots are taken, with 31 the resignation of Rob Harris earlier this year. been discarded. Nevertheless, the occasion names on the waiting list. Contact David Inns for She was voted in at the AGM in May. There promised to be a ‘Jubilant’ one that residents information on: 07732 503313.

‘Quite outstanding diligence, tenacity and patience in this transaction Patron Matt Flint (winner of so you think you can dance) Independent Day School for Girls & Boys aged 3-13 and gave us wise counsel.’ Modern Tap Ballet Commercial Jazz Recent Morrisons Solicitors client Singing

Developing children into young Come and try our classes free of charge! performers ready to move onto We pride ourselves with providing vocational schools and the the best teaching in the area from professional stage Local legal experts highly qualified teachers and examiners. No other school in • Wills • Family is more qualified! • Probate • Employment l for life Devel potentia • Tax planning • Debt recovery oping • Residential • Dispute resolution conveyancing • Corporate & Commercial Focusing on training students into a ~ Caring, family atmosphere ~ Personal attention ~ • Personal injury • Commercial property triple threat performer with dance, singing and acting techniques. ~ High academic achievements ~ ~ Strong emphasis on Music, Sport & Art ~ Looking after you, your family Based in Horsell Village Hall with and your business classes held during the week ~ Extensive programme of after school activities ~ and on a Saturday Contact Michael Kirtley | [email protected] Church Hill House, Horsell, Woking, Surrey GU21 4QW Telephone: 01483 760943 REDHILL | WOKING | WIMBLEDON | CAMBERLEY Reg. Charity No. 297580 2nd Floor, Cleary Court, 169 Church Street East, Established to promote and provide for the advancement of education Woking, Surrey GU21 6HJ (01483) 726 146 | morrlaw.com www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk

The Resident – Summer 2012 Page 3 WWF building update Living Planet Centre

both sides of the canal, to the car park and to Design of new building WWF-UK. “At our community meetings most people ask about the car park and bridge, which remain the property of Woking Council and will re-open to the public next year,” stated Katie Randerson, Head of Brand Communications at WWF-UK. “We’re working closely with Willmott Dixon to keep neighbours informed. We’re looking forward to seeing the Living Planet Centre take shape and expect the main structure to be complete at the end of this year. So we’d ask people to bear with us during development, as we really believe WWF’s new building will be an asset to Woking and the local community as well as a fantastic way to help people understand and get involved with our work.” Main works on-site scheduled for Autumn- Winter 2012 include constructing the roof and Willmott Dixon began development of After local consultations, Hopkins Architects outdoor podium and installing the photovoltaic WWF’s new building, the Living Planet designed the Living Planet Centre to sit on (solar) panels and wind cowls. Centre, on the Brewery Road car park a podium above the public car park, which remains the property of Woking Council. No For more details visit site in February 2012. The Centre is ex- spaces are allocated to WWF. The two-storey wwf.org.uk/livingplanetcentre pected to be fully complete in Autumn building with its curved roof sits below the Text and image supplied by WWF-UK 2013, when WWF-UK will relocate from eye-line of the surrounding trees, most of which its current Godalming headquarters. are retained within WWF’s landscaping plans. The Living Planet Centre was designed to The Centre will provide an open-plan support the charity in achieving its mission workplace for 300 WWF UK staff, who will be – a future where people live in harmony with encouraged to take public transport or cycle nature, within a fair and sustainable share of to work wherever possible, in line with WWF’s the planet’s natural resources. So WWF’s ethos. As well as the public area, there will new building aims to meet the highest level of be a 150-seater auditorium and an Education environmental sustainability, with key features Suite so that pupils and teachers can take part such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in special visits and workshops within WWF’s certified wood throughout, solar energy, passive schools programme. heating and cooling through natural ventilation, As part of the Brewery Road development, and water recycling. In addition, for the first Woking Borough Council is also replacing time the charity will be able to invite visitors the Basingstoke Canal pedestrian crossing, Bye bye, bridge! The old pedestrian crossing from the community, schools, businesses and with diversions in place until early 2013 spanning the Basingstoke canal between government contacts to engage directly with as the towpath is closed for safety during the former Brewery Road car park and Victoria Way was removed in spectacular staff and their conservation work worldwide construction. The new footbridge will provide fashion in May to make way for the new through the ‘WWF Experience’ public area of improved mobility access via stairs or ramps Bedser Bridge. Photo: Dave Barker. the building. for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users on

Page 4 The Resident – Summer 2012 Horsell Village Show

members know or contact me on dianefagence@ hotmail.com or Marion Piper on 01483 855108 or Display your skills email [email protected]. Diane Fagence Continuing this summer’s long list of celebrations, Over the winter our website has been redesigned. Horsell Village Show Committee the annual Village Show takes place on Saturday, Check it out at: www.horsellvillageshow.co.uk. 21 July, offering the chance to display your skills Here you can find details of all the classes that can History of the Show in categories ranging from bra decorating to be entered and download an entry form. Children’s photography. classes are free to enter and this year there are There has been a Village Show for many years in Horsell. Horsell Village Show or Horsell Flower As many readers will know, last year the Show three categories for photographers aged 12 to 14, Show or Horsell Cottagers’ Show has not only had moved from Horsell Village Hall to the larger, who can submit their photographs in Class 71: a variety of names but it has had many homes, more flexible site at Horsell CofE Junior School in Jubilation or May Fayre, Class 73: Horsell Garden including Horsell Grange, the Vicarage garden, the Meadway Drive. Safari, and Class 99: Jubilation or May Fayre. Horsell Sports Ground and obviously the Horsell We would like to encourage as many of you as This move involved not only planning for our new Village Hall. But how many readers know how long possible to have a go at decorating a bra. This was venue but erecting a host of marquees to house the it has been running? Show. We managed to beg and borrow marquees very popular last year and all the entry fees for this from a number of generous contributors and we class go to Walk the Walk, a breast cancer charity. The Surrey Advertiser shows that in July 1865 were also awarded a community grant which We strive to be a community event and for the last the Horsell Cottagers’ Show was held and there allowed us to invest in our own marquee. two years we have been developing our links with were exhibitors with familiar local names, including Cobbett, Daborn, Gosden and Jackson. Plus it’s no We received a great deal of positive feedback about , which has promised more surprise that members of the Cobbett family, being the move. Visitors seemed to enjoy the atmosphere help from its students again this year. Our links with long-established in Horsell for generations, were and clearly many found the site more accessible all of Horsell’s schools are vital and we hope that also involved with the Show in 1895 when it was and spacious, so it has not been a difficult decision these will continue to grow year by year. held at Horsell Grange. to re-book the new venue this year. We also have Beavers and Brownies running So this event’s history dates back at least 147 We have the flexibility to expand the area which we games stalls and dancing. years. We have to move with the times and utilise this year to introduce additional attractions. Our perennial battle, however, is finding sufficient Principally, it is a fruit, vegetable, flower, art and volunteers to help to set up the Show and to play perhaps create some new tradition, so that in 2015 craft show, with a host of judges, trophies, rosettes an active, albeit brief, role during and immediately we could really have fun celebrating at least 150 and fun, but also a McLaren F1 car, craft stalls, after the Show. If you have just one spare hour years of Horsell Village Shows. tombola, Morris men, maypole dancing, Punch and on the afternoon of Friday, 20 July, or any time on Diane Fagence Judy, a hog roast and a Pimm’s tent. Saturday, 21 July, please let any of the committee Horsell Village Show Committee

The Resident – Summer 2012 Page 5 Jubilation

And thanks to the efforts of many, Ann Harington Horsell’s Diamond was able to put together a fascinating History exhibition in premises generously made available Jubilee and its legacy in the Valerie French hair salon. This was Horsell Jubilation will live in our collective complemented by Geoff and Caroline Hughes’ memory for many years to come. More than work on developing a digital Memory Lane, which 1,000 people thronged in our High Street! On will be passed on to the Lightbox for long-term care. the day, the heavens opened and the bunting, About £500 was raised for Macmillan Cancer barbecue and bandstand got soaked. Yet our spirits weren’t dampened. Everything we had and the HRA by Studio 101, while Libby Davis’s worked for over the months did take place, Tea Team raised a similar amount for her African Thanks to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly. despite the weather. Thanks to marquees and Charity, the Talents Children’s Mission. I am gazebos and to the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ delighted that the proceeds from sales of the and enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism lie Brochure and other donations mean that we have approach, the street party still proved to be there in the community waiting for an opportunity to almost £3,000 to invest in small-scale community very enjoyable and great fun. come to the fore. No-one can quite imagine in advance how difficult it projects that residents can bring forward. So we as a village community made it happen. is to create a major event using volunteers only, who So the next task is to find out what the community Some 20-or-so core individuals, supported by have jobs and families and other concerns in their another 40 to 60 residents, went from a standing needs and how we can set about doing it. lives. Equally you may not believe how much talent start at the Open Meeting on 6 January to a This is where the Second Thursday Club comes full-blown day of celebration five months later. I in… cannot avoid singling out Fiona Banks, whose leadership of the main Big Lunch team and as Person-in-Charge on the day was outstanding. I am now a Brown Owl fan. So many people have told me that they thought that the Souvenir Brochure was excellent. It has joined my Coronation Commemorative Brochure and Silver Jubilee booklet as a family legacy. Many thanks to Peter Hobbs for his skilful setting and to Red Eye Print for quality, well-priced printing. Woking Mayor Michael Smith plants a comm- Throughout the afternoon, we were entertained by emorative tree in Jubilee Gardens, watched by music from our DJ Roger Thomas, the Barbershop (left to right) Mayoress Anne Murray, ‘Her Majesty Choir, Tony the Sax player and finally the Charley Calm before the storm for Fiona Banks (left), Big the Queen’, HRA Chair Janice Worgan, Jubilation Farley Sunday Four, all excellently compered by Lunch Team Leader, and Lizzy Blanchard, Fun & Games Team Leader. organiser Tony Kremer and the people of Horsell. Robin Hoyle.

Page 6 The Resident – Summer 2012 Second Thursday Club issue calls for extra volunteers as the need arises. It is of course very important that we get to tell On the Second Thursday of every month we’ll everyone about the Club and where we are be inviting anyone who lives or works in Horsell meeting. So we want to keep the email network to come along to the Cricketers, Red Lion, Café of Road Reps going – and in fact carry on Primo or a similar venue. It’s a chance to meet expanding it. and chat and drink a glass of wine. And it’s also The next meeting will be on September 13, but in the place where anyone could put forward ideas the meantime I would love to hear from you with for new projects and where volunteers would be your thoughts on this idea, so please email me recruited to work on them. on [email protected] so that I can invite you to register on Google Groups. We would also use the Second Thursday Club to tell people how our projects are coming along and Tony Kremer

Of course there had to be a huge cake! All photos on pages 6 and 7 are copyright Geoff Banks Thank you Tony! I am sure everyone in the local community will join me and the HRA committee in thanking Tony Kremer wholeheartedly for masterminding and co-ordinating the Jubilation. As you can see from the photos on these pages, and many more online (via http://www.flickr.com/ photos/horselljubilationphotos/), the music, food, sports, games and activities were enjoyed by young and old and will be remembered fondly by all. Linda Banks Ann Harington supervises the history display. Bingo and teas out of the rain in the Village Hall. HHHH ‘JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY’DAILY MAIL PATRICIA NICHOLAS HODGE LE PREVOST THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE COMEDY

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The Resident – Summer 2012 Page 7 Out and about

the 1420 or 1520. For those without passes, ticket on the first bus for £5 (£2.50 for kids) Days out by bus just ask for a return (great value). which allows unlimited travel in the Woking There are plenty of places to visit easily by bus Retail therapy and transport of delight area, including Weybridge. from Horsell this summer. This is especially at Brooklands. Take bus 73 into Woking at Clandon House and picnic or pub lunch. useful if you want to have a pub lunch with 0944, 1029, 1129 or 1239. Get off at Toys R Us Visit the Royal Surrey Regiment Museum a glass of wine. If you have a concessionary and cross the road to the other stop and catch and National Trust site of Clandon House and pass, available to all those of state pension the 436 at two minutes past the hour. This picnic in the gardens or take a short walk to age and the disabled, you can travel on all of bus can then take you to Brooklands Tesco the Onslow Arms, sister pub to our own Red these services free of charge. and M&S, Mercedes Benz World, Brooklands Lion. Take the 73 at 1029 or 1239 and get off Lunch in . This is an easy trip. Bus Transport Museum (including a Concorde and at Toys R Us, cross the road and board the 463 73 runs along Well Lane, Ormonde Road and the recently relocated bus museum), and if at 52 minutes past the hour. Note that this is Meadway Drive hourly to Chobham, where you want to have lunch there is the Hand and a tight connection. Get off the bus just after there is a splendid choice of places to eat. Spear at Weybridge Station or loads of places station for the Onslow Arms or One of my favourites is the Greek restaurant in Weybridge itself. If you want to visit some or half a mile later for the House. There is only The Green Olive, by the Village Hall. The bus all of these attractions, the 436 runs every half one suitable return journey and that leaves the stops right outside. As well as the pubs and hour. Coming back, get the bus that leaves House just after 1530. Get off at Woking station restaurants in Chobham village itself, there is Weybridge at 10 past the hour (a few minutes and get the 73 at 1620. Alternatively, there are the option of taking the bus to the terminus at later at the station and museum; 27 minutes frequent trains to from West Clandon. Bowling Green Road, from where it is a short past at Tesco. Get off at the station and get Unfortunately there are no tickets for those with walk to The Cloche Hat restaurant. Take the bus 73 from bus stop 3 at 1620, 1710 or 1810. no passes, so two returns! 1213 or 1306 bus to Chobham and return on Non-pass holders can buy a Woking-wide John Doran

Holyoake Crescent residents celebrated 100 years of their Co-operative Society-built ‘Garden Suburb’ on 2 June, with an afternoon of picnics and fun. The full history of the houses was related in the Spring 2012 edition of The Resident. Photo: Linda Banks

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THE HRA BLOG AND TWITTER FEEDS

Page 8 The Resident – Summer 2012 Scouts and Guides

The Beaver competition for the Beaver No spirits dampened Challenge Trophy was won by Adventurers (previously held by Trailblazers – Adventurers at May Fayre gain); the Cubs Tug-of-War for the John On a cold, wet and grey day in Horsell you Marsden Trophy was won by Brownsea might have been thinking that the 34th (previously held by Brownsea – no change) Grand May Fayre could have gone to the and the It’s a Knockout competition for the May dogs; but in fact the dogs came to us. Fayre Trophy was won by Walsh (previously The Southern Golden Retriever Dog Display won by Walsh Troop – no change). Ann Harington receiving a Thanks badge team provided a great show of dog obedience However, the real winners were the Scouts from Richard Mackie at the HRA AGM for cleverly put to music. It was obvious that the and Guides, who showed once again just how her long support of Horsell Scouting events. dogs liked performing the show with their good they are at providing Horsell with a truly Photo: Georgina Harington. owners as the wagging tails and smiles never impressive community event, together with faltered! their parents and friends and those members of the community who very generously gave GIRLGUIDING NEEDS NEW LEADERS! The Summerscales Performers, too, showed their time and support. A very sincere thank The demand is there... just what a team of dedicated dancers could The facilities are there... you to all of you. achieve when they performed a number of The training and support are there... really impressive dance routines. The cold Richard Mackie Would you like to be involved? and wet weather, and possibly slippery grass, In Horsell we are currently looking for a Leadership seemed only to spur them to greater things! Team to run a new Rainbow Unit, and another to An estimated 2,000 visitors came to the re-open a Brownie Unit. Wheatsheaf Common to enjoy the Fayre and Help girls fulfil their potential and discover all the some £4,700 was raised for funds that will be opportunities, fun and friendship that Girlguiding has used to run the groups for the coming year to offer. No previous experience required - training provided. and to furnish the soon-to-be-started new Interested? Please get in touch to find out more. Horsell HQ. Email: [email protected]. However, as far as the Scouts and Guides Carol Brook were concerned, the only things that mattered Walsh Troop team receives the May Fayre Trophy. Chobham & Horsell District Commissioner were the results of the arena contests. Photo: Tom Cheyney.

The Resident – Summer 2012 Page 9 Interview

for an independent butcher for 18 years has been in the ordinary interaction between Stephen Prince, before setting up his own shop when one was the people serving the food and the guests’ Village Butcher offered to him in Midhurst. appreciation of it.” His business continued to thrive, but after 15 We are lucky to have a committed and It has probably not escaped your notice, but years of the journey to and from Midhurst and enterprising new butcher and I am sure many our village butcher has changed. a realistic appraisal of how he saw his family’s local residents sampled the burgers and Last October, Graham Turner left the High future, he was over the moon (with the cow) hot dogs he and his team provided at the Street shop in the very capable hands of when the prospect of owning the shop in Jubilation. Stephen Prince, the new owner of Prince and Horsell came up in 2010. For further information on Prince and Sons, Sons, Family Butcher. “I have been here just a few months and I Family Butcher, produce or services please Graham had finally decided, after more than really enjoy the fact that Horsell retains a call in, ring 01483 767114, or visit the website a year of consideration, to sell the Horsell good village atmosphere with such a variety www.princeandsons.co.uk. business and to concentrate on his of customers to meet,” he told me. Janice Worgan shop, his family and his health. I’m certain He is now well settled in to the task of offering that I am one of many who wish him well free range meat, an array of delicatessen in the future and will miss his friendly face goods, game and eggs, as many products as and chatter. possible sourced from local suppliers, as well However, Stephen is an experienced butcher as an excellent individual service, particularly who is just as friendly and brings to Horsell if advice is sought in how to prepare or cook a fresh and keen personality befitting a certain cuts of meat. Stephen and his staff are traditional butcher, along with much the same always willing to impart their cooking tips so produce and high quality goods as we expect. that you can enjoy the food at its best. Stephen is a local lad, living in with In addition I was surprised to learn that his wife, two teenage sons and their dog. He Stephen organises hog roasts and that he has told me that he started working in a butcher’s also rubbed shoulders with the some of the shop at age 15½ at Dewhurst’s (I can still more famous members of society. “I have lots remember the shop) in Woking and knew of funny stories I could tell about some of the immediately what profession he wanted to hog roasts and barbeques I have organised Stephen Prince outside his High Street shop. learn. He continued his training and worked for the celebrities. But most of the time the fun Photo copyright Janice Worgan

Page 10 The Resident – Summer 2012 HISTORY

covered the expenses for the dressing room Wheatsheaf Common – at the Wheatsheaf. In all, the Cards appeared home of sport to have played a total of 28 (recorded) games on the Wheatsheaf before they moved just up As London hosts the Olympics this summer, the road to a venue at the corner of Chobham it is fitting to reflect upon the sporting Road and Woodham Road in 1891. activities that have taken place over the In 1893, at prompting and with finance from years on Horsell’s Wheatsheaf Common. gentry from the Kettlewell area, Horsell parish There are records of athletics on the area authorities laid down a small recreation opposite the Wheatsheaf pub as early as 1865. ground, half the size of the originally planned That year, on 24 June, 1,200 people came 10 acres, which Woking Urban District Council Bill Nankeville training with Terry Evans from Guildford, Weybridge and Chertsey to took over by 1910. In 1921 the park was see Moore beat Mills, handicapped by three extended to cover the 10 acres as part of an last bend in the 5,000 metres at the Helsinki yards (no first names, as they were profes- unemployment relief scheme and after World Olympics, went on went on in 1954 to break sionals!) in a 200 yards race. Moore was War II a second football pitch was added. the world three miles record (in July) , to pace contracted to run at Horsell the following year The ground was seen as both a recreation Roger Bannister when the first four-minute in a 400 yards race, for which he was paid ground and an area for cricket and football, mile was run (in May) and to be the BBC’s first £15; he lost the race, and later ran against on a hiring basis, but its glory days were when Sports Personality of the Year (in December). Samson over 200 yards for £10, which it was a home for Woking Athletics Club. The In 1953 Ian Burnett broke Chataway’s 880 caused a local resident to write a letter of club was formed in October 1947 as the Old yards club record in a match against Farnham, protest to the Surrey Advertiser complaining Woking Athletic Club and, when first moving during which the pavilion was broken into and of the rowdy behaviour of the crowd of 100. from , it used the Boundary money and the suspender belts of two lady Cricket had started on the field by 1867, when Road recreation ground. This tended to be members were stolen. Horsell (34 and 77) beat Knaphill (19 and 45), waterlogged, so the club used the Wheatsheaf In August a reader wrote to Woking Opinion followed by a public dinner at the Wheatsheaf as its main training ground and the pub, and saying he was surprised, first at the high hosted by its new landlord. The low scores later the pavilion, as changing rooms, until standard of athletics, but second that indicate a less than perfect pitch. As John the present track at Blackmore Crescent, members of the public could walk across the Craig observes in his history of Eastern , was opened on 29 April 1962. ground while events were in progress, as the Horsell, the 1871 Ordnance Survey map A concrete circle for shot put was made near ground could not be railed off. The sports shows a space cleared for a cricket pitch, but Ferndale Road and this was visible until the editor replied that as the ground was common only just large enough for the wicket. late 1980s. land this was inevitable and said that a sports Woking Football Club can trace its roots back A dip into the first year of Woking Opinion, ground was under consideration, but as a to a match against Chertsey, on Wheatsheaf a short-lived local newspaper, shows that in long-term project. Common on 5 November, 1887. The players 1953 there were many references to training With the move of athletics to Sheerwater, changed in the Wheatsheaf Inn and had to and matches held on the Wheatsheaf. We Wheatsheaf Common today is a much-used take their own soap and towel and draw water liked the picture of members digging for and pleasant playground, an area for jogging from the Wheatsheaf well. The income from improved jumping facilities that Spring, having and dog walking, with pitches for cricket and their first year was 12/- (60p), which just about received no Council support. football, as well as housing a re-built pavilion. Better round-the-year training was seen as the Plus, it is the venue for the Horsell Scouts’ reason for improved performances in mid-1950s and Guides’ May Fayre and the annual visit of UK athletics, notably by renowned track runners Carters Steam Fair. Bill Nankeville and Chris Chataway. Nankeville, Rosemary and Richard Christophers who often trained at the Wheatsheaf although Woking History Society he was a member of Walton Athletics Club, References: had represented Great Britain in the Olympics Woking Opinion. 4 Mar and 21 Oct of 1948 and 1952 in the 1,500 metres race, 1953. Courtesy of The Lightbox. coming sixth in 1948. He was a member of John Craig. Eastern Horsell’s development after the coming of the railway (2006). the world record-breaking squad for the 4 x Alan Crosby. A . 2nd edition (2003). 1 mile and 4 x 1,500 metres relays at White Rolling the track in 1953 Mark Doyle, Archivist to Woking Football Club. City in 1953. Chataway, although falling at the Personal communication.

The Resident – Summer 2012 Page 11

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