Issue 164

The Newsletter of the Byfleet, & Residents’ Association

Community spirit renewed during Thursday night clap for the NHS Carers and Support staff Each Thursday night since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents in the 3 villages including Romans Way, Pyrford (picture above) have come to their doorsteps and joined the rest of the nation in clapping and clanging saucepan lids in support of the many NHS Staff, Carers, Emergency Services and all Key Workers in their efforts to get this awful pandemic under control. A positive result has been the enhancement of the community spirit which has found many residents staying around for some time afterwards and talking to neighbours they either hadn’t spoken to for a long time or never at all!! featured ARTICLES Messages from Dealing with A message from our Competition our Churches the Coronavirus MP, Jonathan Lord Winners revealed P7 P11 P12 P17

Website: www.the-residents.org Email: [email protected] 2 Editorial

Membership Report The decision to publish this issue of The Resident online and make it available to all residents on our website, may mean that you are reading about this Residents’ Association (RA) for the first time. At a time when community cohesion is Message from County Council so important, the RA membership is We’ve set up a Community Helpline on open to all people over 18 years old, 0300 200 1008 (8am – 6pm Monday Welcome to my first edition of The Resident who reside, have a place of business or to Friday, Saturday to Sunday 10am - magazine which is our first online only version have resided in Byfleet, West Byfleet 2pm) to help direct residents who need due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. This will be or Pyrford and who pay an annual emailed out to members and is also available on added support and to provide advice to subscription of at least £5. Membership The Resident website – www.the-residents.org. residents on where they can register an entitles you to receive the newsletter 3 offer of help to support their community. The RA says thank-you to Isabelle David for times a year (it won’t be freely available being a fantastic and brilliant editor of The going forward) and to receive email Resident Magazine for the last 2 years. I would communications about matters which For full information on the Community like to personally thank Isabelle David for have an impact on life across our Three Helpline, and other Coronavirus her help and support during the handover Villages either now or in the future. advice and support, please visit www. of the editorship role, I know that I have surreycc.gov.uk/coronavirus. very BIG shoes to fill. I joined the Residents’ To find out more, email Association Committee in order to get to know [email protected] more people in the local community and to discover what is going on and to see how I can contribute. I am deeply indebted to Andy Grimshaw, who became “acting” secretary for At the time of writing we are experiencing several years (in addition to all his other a lockdown and social distancing guidelines roles). The current social restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It is a have meant that the handover process Some Good News... It has been worrying and difficult time for many people is being carried out through a series of confirmed that Boots the Chemist in with vulnerable people having to self-isolate weekly phone calls. And of course, I West Byfleet will stay open until early and many families are separated from each am unable to meet with the Assistant other. We must thank the NHS staff for all their August (opening times may vary). Please Membership Officers from each village dedication and professionalism when dealing contact Boots on 01932 343965 to to understand their critical input work. with Covid-19 patients. Praise and gratitude confirm opening times. must also go to key workers (e.g. carers, shop assistants, waste collectors, postmen/women, A big thank you to our network of Street delivery drivers, police officers, bus and train Representatives who were able to make drivers, volunteers etc…) contact with existing and prospective new members at the beginning of the Local Council and Police and Crime year, before the lockdown came into Commissioner elections have been postponed force. Through all of your efforts the until 2021 and many local events have been membership subscriptions collected Towpath gets overcrowded postponed or cancelled (check diary dates on back page). I hope that you enjoy reading so far in the first three months of 2020 The Authority are Issue 164 of The Resident magazine and that amount to £5,850, nearly 50% of what advising people to try and limit their it provides a slight distraction from all the was raised in 2019. use of the local canal towpath as it is worrying news about the Covid-19 pandemic. becoming overcrowded. The narrow This newsletter is the product of our committee Isabelle David, width of the towpaths makes it difficult and of the residents who give up their time to New Membership Secre tary contribute and support it. to follow social distancing guidelines.

Please check the Residents’ Association website for information and contact details for support groups that can provide assistance during Covid-19 pandemic Briony Gardner Beauty Clinic https://the-residents.org/covid-19 Est. 30 years

If you have any comments or suggested articles • CACI Ultimate non surgical face lift • Crystal Clear microdermabrasion for all skin types for future editions, it would also be great • Red Vein treatment, Milia and Skin Tag removal • Dermal filler, Electrolysis, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage • Shellac Gel manicure and pedicure • ‘Mylash’ perm lift and to hear what you have all been up to during volume for eyes • Diamond Peel and Glycolic Peel Facials • Gift Vouchers lockdown, please feel free to email at [email protected]. Enjoy wonderful treatments by friendly, experienced therapists

Thank you. Tel: 01932 354455 55a Station Approach, West Byfleet Robert Munford, the new Editor Chairman’s Message 3

I am delighted to I have communicated with the Inspector; our welcome Robert Councillors and our Member of Parliament and Getting to know members Munford as our he for his part has raised the matter with the of the Committee: new Editor of The Minister. The Government appears eager that Resident. In the the system continues to operate in a functional STEWART DICK current difficult and practical manner to permit Councils to Chairman of the Residents’ Association circumstances engage in a more “innovative” way. Let us (Byfl e e t West Byfl e e t and Pyrford) Robert has the hope that innovation does not result in the unexpected task community being deprived of its involvement of producing and right to discuss and comment. I await Q. What town were you born in? our first “online” edition. My very great thanks further information. A. Dunfermline in the Kingdom of Fife to Robert’s predecessor Isabelle David. As I said in my last report, Isabelle has done Perhaps when all this is over, we will have an Q. Could you provide a brief overview of a quite remarkable and outstanding job in even greater desire to protect our Green Belt your career? consistently producing a magazine that happily and an enhanced appreciation of the vital A. 5 years at University; 3 years in Accountancy; balances local news; local personalities; various purpose it serves in the well being of our 41 years in the City Of - Banking. campaigns and most importantly promoted environment, our mental health and our lives. all that is positive in our community. Isabelle Q. What is your favourite Food? As regards SADPD a fundamental issue is the has kindly agreed to become our Membership A. Grouse number and the location of the new homes to Secretary. be built between now and 2027. I am grateful Q. What is your favourite Book? to Councillor John Bond for bringing to my We are again seeking a Planning Coordinator. A. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities attention the recent work of the Office of This is a very important and hands on role George Orwell, Nine t e en Eighty-Four National Statistics that forecasts that Woking within the Residents’ Association. It is one area will be one of the few local authorities in where, working alongside the Neighbourhood Q. If you could live anywhere in the world and Wales that will experience a Forums, residents do look to us for support. for a year, where would it be? decline in population between now and 2027. A. Rome Lockdown resulted in the cancellation of our Given the wonderful weather that we have Q. Who are your top three real life heroes? community meeting with North West Surrey been enjoying it is all too easy to forget the A. “Hero” is not a word that I choose to use. Clinical Commissioning Group to discuss their extremely heavy and persistent rainfall that It is rather dramatic and all too often has Big Picture programme in general and the future we had over several weeks. It is therefore the potential to disappoint… of the Woking Walk-in Centre in particular. This encouraging to note that the investment in work is now delayed as the strategic and clinical improving flood prevention in Byfleet has heads for this programme have been reassigned However, three people who in some way largely been successful. have played an important part in shaping during the present crisis. The meeting will be my interests and have influenced my life rearranged as and when possible. Turning to COVID-19 I hope that you have all either through their scholarship, their found the Residents’ Association dedicated intellect; their wisdom, their teaching, their Lockdown also resulted in the postponement web page helpful and informative. As far as I am writing and their transforming political of our Annual General Meeting. Currently I aware all groups referred to have been doing philosophy are: Plato, Sir Roger Young and have no idea when it will be possible to hold it. outstanding work and deserve our thanks and Margaret Thatcher In the meantime, your Committee continues to continuing support. Of particular success have address day to day issues and is most grateful been the good neighbour street support groups Q. How do you relax? to our ward Councillors and our Member of which have resulted in a stronger, immediate A. Classical music, ballet and conversation Parliament for their assistance and advice. At community and in many instances actually times like this their workload actually increases discovering the name of that person whom one with the many problems, both social and has driven past for the last ten years! economic from residents and business owners, that have to be addressed and resolved. For all of us this crisis is unprecedented and Alan Greenwood & Sons we now find ourselves living through a time of deedet a uera retr

great uncertainty and concern with, for many All the usual summer events within the Three

Villages that we look forward to and enjoy of us, deeply personal consequences. With our response we all have a continuing part to play in and which many people work so hard on to ensure success have also of course joined the the solution. My best wishes to you all for your cancellation list. We will enjoy them all the health and that of all whom you care for. more in 2021! Thank you. Caring and Compassionate 24 hour Service A brief update on Woking Borough Council Latest Jaguar and Mercedes Site Allocation Development Plan Document Stewart Dick Hearses and Limousines (“SADPD”), the Examination in Public and Chairman of the Residents’ Association the Initial Findings (ID/10) published by the Inspector. The Final Modification Schedule 75 Road, West Byfleet, KT14 6LF has been agreed or will be in the immediate future. At that stage the minimum of the six- 01932 345 306 week public consultation may begin. However, 66 Send Road, Send, GU23 7EU with the current lockdown that gives rise to a 01483 210 222 number of logistical and indeed legal issues. The inspector is very aware of these and indeed Please Visit our Website for details of all our Branches it is he who has raised them. www.alangreenwoodfunerals.com 4 Village Representative Reports

very real and of great concern. page for the NHS, so please go below to WEST BYFLEET contribute from the West Byfleet Junior School The West Byfleet Community Festival known community. as West Byfleet Live has been cancelled for this The pandemic has shown the year but the Committee are working to ensure Wishing all the residents of West Byfleet and strength of the community spirit it runs in 2021. the surrounding areas a safe passage out of in West Byfleet. Neighbours Lockdown-from all the staff, governors and have been supporting Improved facilities for local children children from WBJS! neighbours and volunteers have As reported the RA is looking at ways to been very evident in delivering contribute for all three villages and one of our Best wishes and Keep Safe. food, medicine and offering a cheerful word. members (also a parent) will be conducting Most roads have set up support groups, Byfleet an initial survey on what is available and Lesley Lawrence Care has increased its already marvellous what are the perceived needs. This has been Headteacher West Byflee t Junior School efforts and a new West Byfleet Coronavirus understandably delayed. We will publish further Support group has come into being and is information in later issues. energetically helping out vulnerable residents The Marist Catholic in West Byfleet, Pyrford, Woodham, New Haw Of particular interest to Byfleet as well as West Primary School during and Maybury and sharing resources with the Byfleet residents, the excessive noise levels Lockdown similar Byfleet group. The RA welcomes and from the M25 concrete surface and banding is During May bank holiday appreciates everyone’s efforts. being partially addressed by rejointing following week, the children of significant pressure from local residents and our The Marist had a special Particular mention of our appreciation goes to SCC councillor Amanda Boote, with assistance week of home-learning the practices and staff of West Byfleet Health from our MP Jonathan Lord. This has offered dedicated to commemorating VE Day. They Centre. There is a separate article elsewhere in some partial relief but the noise disturbance are increasingly aware that they too are living the magazine. will not be fully alleviated until a new road through a significant time in world history. I surface is provided. wonder what The Marist children of 2050 will Your VR is having to endure the 12-week be studying in their history lessons? There lockdown, so has been unable to get out to see West Byfleet Junior School during Lockdown will certainly be several primary sources of the changes in the neighbourhood, particularly evidence! missing seeing the wonderful efforts of the Community Gardening Group on planting up Since the school closure in March, life has the borders of Birch Green, just to the north changed significantly for our Marist Learners. of the station. Many of the shops and other The majority of children are at home, accessing businesses are closed so most of village life is The most important news is that WBJS has learning in a variety of ways. We have sent centred around Waitrose, except for the round been open every day throughout Lockdown home books and worksheets, weblinks and the block constitutionals enjoyed by many. At for Vulnerable children and those of Critical interactive quizzes, as well as teacher videos least our gardens and allotments are getting Workers including Bank holidays and Easter. We posted on our website. Then there’s our Twitter lots of attention! Local churches have also will also have been open during half term too. page, where teachers recommend books or adapted to the present dilemma by providing The rest of our children have received a recipes as a way of keeping the children busy. services over social media, details can be found comprehensive Home Learning Scheme of work Meanwhile, the children of key-workers attend on their Facebook pages. supported brilliantly by parents. To say that school - albeit a very different school where Home Learning has not been easy for many handwashing and social distancing are top of The Sheer House lack of redevelopment parents is an understatement. Having said that the curriculum. continues to cast a pall over West Byfleet with they have all done an amazing job. Supported no progress at the time of writing. Of particular with daily feedback from teachers the strength At this point, we are unsure about the details of concern is the closure of the Post Office, of what we have been able to provide has been a return date, but school life will undoubtedly despite the best efforts of local councillors and matched with video and sound links. look and feel very different for a long time to others, no alternative premises have yet been come. identified. The Post Office Ltd are apparently Our Friday is now a Creative Friday, which gives Mrs Kate Licence, keen to retain a presence in West Byfleet but children the chance to relax a little and decide Headteacher, The Marist Catholic until such premises are provided, we will have what they want to learn, with a little help from Primary School to use the Co-op at New Haw as our nearest school, if they get stuck for ideas! Post Office with reasonable parking or Byfleet for those on foot or bike. We have had masks made by a local family for West Byfleet Businesses staff, which gives some confidence moving Most of the food takeaways are operating along One slightly better piece of news was that forward when we know we will have more with some restaurants who are also delivering Boots have delayed closing until August at children returning. to customers as is Sweet Passion. the earliest. Cohens have apparently still not committed to 6 day opening. The school has its own JustGiving fundraising James the Butcher is delivering only. It is worth giving a note of appreciation to As advised in the previous issue, the Woking Gary Elson for his assistance to local businesses BC Site Allocations proposals would result in their emergency grant applications to help in a massive reduction of our Green Belt. them over the lockdown. A Government Inspector review of these proposals took place just before Xmas. The To donate, simply click the link below - Until next time Inspector has issued a preliminary critical report thank you for your support :) which means the plans will require resubmission https://www.justgiving.com/ Y our West Byflee t Village later in the year. However the threat remains fundraising/wbjs 20 Representative team Village Representative Reports 5

building was closed. A phone number and email hours just three times a year. We will also need BYFLEET is available for requests. Any donors who could an Assistant Membership Officer for Byfleet. not get to the Co-op to drop off donations Please feel free to contact us on could contact the Foodbank Team, who would [email protected] or 07968 228417. Spring and summer 2020 collect from the housebound. events cancelled but village Events initiatives are plentiful Children’s Initiatives In other news, we think you will all have heard While we continue to think of There is a myriad of rainbows, bear hunts, and that, very regrettably, our 155th Annual Byfleet all those, across our villages, decorated driveways throughout the village to Parish Day will not take place. We all look who have been bereaved, be spotted by enthusiastic walkers doing their forward to our 2021 Parish Day. The Godfrey unwell, lonely or fearful for their livelihood daily exercise. Chapples’ Memorial Bench unveiling has been postponed with a provisional date of 23rd over the last few months, we are inspired by the On behalf of the residents of Byfleet, the RA September 2020. positive initiatives arising in the community. would like to thank all who have set up and supported these socially-distanced initiatives. We would particularly like to thank the local Street Tree Planting shops and businesses which have stayed open. Our Byfleet Churches and Primary Schools On the positive front, the new trees planted on Within the village, these include Boots, the verges in Church Road, Hart Road and Mowbray Post Office, Lodge and Boutell, the Co-op, Our faith communities have played an active Avenue have blossomed and are looking our two bakeries, our two convenience stores, role in initiatives for the community with healthy. The Council, through SERCO, planted our garage and our restaurants offering take- the Methodist Church keeping the foodbank these in locations requested by local groups aways or deliveries. We have valued the sterling provision going and St Mary’s instrumental and residents. If you see a sapling struggling and work of the West Byfleet Health Centre. All in bringing together community contacts to you live nearby, a can of water would be greatly of this has been achieved through long hours support the Byfleet Volunteers. appreciated! If your road would benefit from a of hard work and social-distancing ingenuity. new street tree, please feel free to let SERCO We would also like to thank the shops and With church buildings closed, many residents know or contact me on [email protected] businesses which were not permitted to stay were pleased to see a wooden cross erected by and I will pass on your suggestion. open, for their compliance and self-sacrifice, in Rev McCabe in his front garden and a decorated the interests of the health of the community. cross in the Methodist Church Foyer, visible Byfleet Flood Alleviation Scheme As we have seen across the country, Byfleet has from the pavement, over the Easter season. The We are grateful to Councillor Amanda Boote experienced both an outpouring of care and churches have been live-streaming services and and Justine Glynn from the Environment Agency help between friends and neighbours, as well as prayer, posting videos for reflection, offering for their article in this Issue on the flood vibrant community-support initiatives. friendly calls and checking-in on vulnerable defence scheme for Byfleet. It is envisaged that residents. They have been sending email this Flood Alleviation Scheme work will provide Byfleet Care, which has served Byfleet for 28 updates and printing off and delivering paper- environmental opportunities. A workshop was years, recruited 15 new volunteers to cover copy newsletters for those who are not online. held on 13th January 2020 attended by members shopping and prescription collection. The Our schools have worked tirelessly and of the RA. It is hoped that it will be possible COVID-19 Byfleet Volunteers initiative was set creatively in the interests of their pupils and we to organise a public drop-in later in the year at up by a local resident, as another community cannot thank them enough for their dedication. which we can all learn more. support helpline, in the interests of those who were shielding or isolating at home. A local Byfleet Primary School’s Values for 2020 Emerald House which sits, boarded up, in High telecoms company offered an 0800 freephone include ‘Patience, Co-operation, Responsibility Road near the War Memorial, is the subject number. The initiative has been widely and Understanding’. When these values were of a planning application. The application is acknowledged by Byfleet’s clergy, Councillors defined, I am sure the staff and pupils would to use the existing exterior and footprint for and our MP. Please see the article on COVID-19 not have envisaged how relevant and necessary residential accommodation. Details of this Byfleet Volunteers in this issue of The Resident. these would be during the lockdown. The application can be found and comments made school publishes their detailed and stimulating on the WBC Planning website. Applause for our Carers and Key Workers on Home-Learning for each Year class on their Thursdays at 8pm Applause resounds around website and encourages the children to read RA Street Representatives the village with some roads continuing with and to have plenty of fresh air and movement and RA subscriptions socially-distanced karaoke sessions afterwards! breaks, daily. We have suspended the collection of 2020 subscriptions to avoid door to door contact Byfleet Sings on Fridays at 8pm Strains of the Mrs Chambers, the Head Teacher of St Mary’s and to protect our wonderful Street Reps. likes of The Beatles’ ‘All you need its love’ and CE Primary School explains ‘St Mary’s is only Thank you to those of you who paid your The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ drift open to children of ‘key workers’ during this subscriptions before the lockdown or who across the evening air in Byfleet. time. School feels empty without the buzz and have paid directly into the RA bank account, chatter of our children and we are looking the details of which are now on the back of Front garden socially-distanced cups of tea forward to welcoming everyone back when it is the subs envelope. Your Street Rep looks on Sundays at 3pm safe to do so. The teachers have s e t the children forward to seeing you again later in the year. Residents bring their own mug of tea (or chosen online learning tasks to comple t e at home and We need more Street Reps in Byfleet so please beverage!) and chair out into their front garden created and hand delivered paper packs for do consider joining us once we are out of or chat with neighbours across the road - those who need them. The families, children, lockdown. The involvement involves a few keeping at least 2m apart. staff and local community have been brilliant, hours just three times a year. so supportive and patient. We feel very blessed Woking Foodbank at Byfleet to have such an amazing school community and Thank you all for your support and interest in Methodist Church local community.’ Byfleet. The Methodist Foodbank Team have worked tirelessly to give those in need, access to the We need more Street Reps in Byfleet so please Eleanor Grady and Jean-Pierre Frossard Foodbank, despite the fact that the church do consider joining us once we are out of RA Village Representatives for Byflee t lockdown. The involvement involves a few 6 Village Representative Reports

Forum website at https://pyrfordforum. Significant Pyrford Planning Applications PYRFORD org/2020/05/wilding-progress-at-the-old- There are three planning applications involving house. demolition of existing properties & rebuild:

Strange Times Regular cycle events through Pyrford 153 Old Woking Road Since I wrote my previous The Dulux London Cycle Ride has been “Demolition of bungalow & erection of three Pyrford Village Representative postponed from 9th May to 26th September. storey 7 apartment block” has been sought. Report in late January, our lives There are no road closures and usually there The current & proposed vehicular access is off have altered and as I write this isn’t much inconvenience to other road users. Lincoln Drive close to the junction with the Old article, we find ourselves in the Woking Road. As at the time of writing, two 7th week of the lockdown. Twisted Stone Golf Course consultees, Surrey Highways, and the Woking There has been some local concern about the Borough Tree Officer, have raised concerns It certainly has brought many changes in access to paths across Twisted Stone Golf Club. and 78 public comments have been made, Pyrford: There is a public Right of Way (FP88) which runs all objections including comments from the alongside the new wooden fence which divides Residents’ Association. The application is still • Fewer vehicles, more walkers, more cyclists, the 18-hole golf course into two. under consideration. clapping every Thursday evening at 8pm, meeting and talking to your neighbours, more The path which went in 16 Lovelace Drive people walking and acknowledging each other front of the Club House “Erection of a two-storey replacement dwelling

and around the boundary (3-bedroom) following demolition of existing • Social distancing, nursery & school closures, of the Golf Course was dwelling” has been sought. The application is shop closures, hall closures, drinking a diversionary path still under consideration. establishment closures, church closures encouraged by the owners but online services (see https://www. so as to discourage walkers Pyrford Place Pyrford Road wisleywithpyrford.org/online-church), going across the middle “Erection of two storey boathouse following spending more time at home of the then 18-hole golf demolition of existing boathouse, refurbishment course. This was never a public right of way and of existing fo o tbridge and erection of single During this time, I has now been closed to the public. storey storage building and associated works” have realised just has been sought. The application is still under how lucky we all are The Golf Course consideration. to live in Pyrford. We has installed have open fields with fencing at the West Byfleet Post Office footpaths literally on Bridleway end of Unfortunately, the West Byfleet Post Office our doorsteps. Last Autumn, I was part of a the footpath to is now closed. As the Post Office in Broadway Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum group, under the steer walkers onto New Haw has also closed the nearest direction of John Baker from the Surrey County the public right of alternatives are (note limited hours may apply) Council Countryside Access Team, that helped way. repair a bridge on Footpath 81 (see https:// Byfleet 136 High Road pyrfordforum.org/conservation-noticeboard) The planning New Haw 210 New Haw Road (Co-op) permission to Woking 41-43 Commercial Way (WH Smiths) If you find any footpath issues in Pyrford, West extend the Club Send 152-153 Send Road Byfleet or Byfleet villages do not forget we House, currently Ripley 40 High Street have a Rights of Way Officer, Marion Malcher closed to members, contactable via email approved on appeal Street Reps [email protected]. in March 2017 recently expired, but a new A big thank you to all Pyrford Street Reps who planning application for an identical scheme before the lockdown managed to collect £3,118, Cancelled Pyrford events was approved in May 2020. 14% more than at this time last year and 68% of Unfortunately, so many planned village events the full amount collected in 2019. had to be cancelled. A lot of hard work was Marshalls Parade shops undertaken in advanced planning, so a big thank Five of the eight shops remain open. They are Could you become a Pyrford street rep? you to those of you who had already given up the Co-op, Graham Turners the Butcher, Village Help needed your valuable time. Vintners, Voo Vets & Pyrford Bakery. They are There are a few streets in Pyrford without a certainly being used with queues often outside. Street Rep, such as: One of those cancelled events was VE Day on 8th May to be held at Pyrford Cricket Field. Dean Close, Old Woking Road, Pyrian Way, One incredibly positive outcome though, is how Rowley Close, Orchard Lea much community spirit has come to the fore in Pyrford, especially in helping each other during Could you spare a few hours a year? If so, these strange times. When telephoning various please get in contact with Andy Grimshaw. Street Reps, I was pleasantly surprised just how 07910 291983 or [email protected]. many self-help groups had been created in our local roads. Hopefully, by the time you read this the When the other three shops, closed since 23rd lockdown might have been lifted. I do hope so Another village event that has been cancelled March, open - Nails by Emily, Suzannes Hair in the meantime, stay safe. is the 2020 Pyrford Flower Show, but it will be Salon & Village Barbers - please do use them. back on Saturday 10th July 2021. The Old House The building of the additional two units has re- Andy Grimshaw Open Garden planned for 28th May has also commenced, after the key RSJ’s were installed VR Pyrford been postponed but wilding activities continue. twice. Further details can be found on the Pyrford Messages from our Churches 7

WEST BYFLEET BYFLEET

St John the Baptist Church St Mary’s Church Sunday Service at 10am - Weekly Sunday Service 10am – Live- online audio service - accessible steamed also at later times in the week. Monday - Thursday 8.30am - Facebook live - stream daily For Pastoral Care please contact prayers. the churchwardens by sending an email to [email protected] or Pastoral Care initiatives [email protected]. Regular ring-around system, 8am

For all other matters please contact the Parish Daily Hope number Office via [email protected] or Church Office: 01932 346605 Request for Scrubs from by telephoning 01932 342263. Byfleet Methodist Church Website: www.stmaryschurchbyfleet.org.uk For all those handy with a sewing machine or Website: www.stjohnswestbyfleet.org.uk needle and thread. Help a Great Cause - scrubs for the Royal Surrey County Hospital, The Methodist Church are needed urgently. The pattern Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church Sunday Service 10am via YouTube - video of pieces are cut out, ready for sewing, and devotional reflections and prayers. they just have to be stitched together. Sunday Mass Times Laundry bags to contain the Scrubs as soon Sunday 9.15am and 11am Channel https://bit.ly/DFYTChannel Videos as they are taken off are also needed. Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm posted on the church website and church Facebook page. Do you have good quality plain cotton or Weekday Mass Times poly cotton sheets or similar large pieces of Monday 7pm Pastoral Care: To receive a paper copy or fabric that you could donate? For further Tuesday - Saturday 10am electronic version of newsletters, please information about either request, or to get contact 01932 355972 or e-mail: involved, contact Jackie Ring at Merrow Adoration & Devotions [email protected] Methodist Church. Sundays 6pm Monday - Friday 7.30pm Website: http://www.byfleetmethodist.org.uk Tel: 01483 824450 Saturdays 10.30am Email: [email protected] All services live streamed on the Parish PYRFORD Facebook group, details on the website. Parish Office 01932 342892 - office usually open Wed-Fri mornings. Over the period of the virus buildings maybe closed the church which is which has brought communities people… is very much open! Website: www.ourladyswb.org to a virtual standstill, the Email: [email protected] churches in Wisley and Pyrford The Revered Canon Nicholas Aiken have very much adopted a policy of being a “Good Neighbour”. We have not wanted to centralise Pyrford Church is now online - check their and organize, but encourage church members website for more details: CD HEATING to be a good neighbour to those in their street PYRFORDS LOCAL HEATING & and roads in the community and that has been https://www.wisleywithpyrford.org/online- GAS ENGINEER 07703009567 wonderfully happening, and folk have got to church 01932 910118 know neighbours that they only had a passing EMAIL ; [email protected] 229921 relationship with before. But what we have done and has been very successful, is that we have recorded and posted on our parish New Boiler Installa�ons website and YouTube is a pre-recorded service Full Heating and Hot/Cold water systems on a Sunday morning and that has had a huge Unvented and Vented Systems response and encouraged hundreds of people. Alterations/Servicing/Breakdowns Power�lushing and system cleaning Under�loor Heating Installation Our Pastoral Assistants and Homegroups have Full Bathroom Installation also been highly active in practically, where possible, helping those in need, be it with shopping or delivery of prescriptions. Local friendly service for all your heating and hot/cold water needs Unfortunately, we are not allowed to have our churches open to visit and act as a place Please Call Chris of sacred space, but while the church 07703009567 01932 910118 8 Neighbourhood Forum Reports

date. PNF still need to raise £1,500 for the cost BYFLEET of the Heritage Conservation Assessment. Byfleet Care Really Does Care! Nearly everyone living in Byfleet and West Chair Byfleet knows and trusts Byfleet Care! For Thanks to everyone who I had initially agreed to be chair for 6 months the last 28 years our kind Volunteer Drivers voted for us with their tokens to May 2020, but as a result of the lockdown, I have been using their own cars to help when they did their shopping have agreed to stay on until the 2020 AGM. vulnerable residents get around. at Tesco, we are delighted to announce that we have been New Conservation Noticeboard We are still here and supporting people awarded a grant of £1166 to In early May PNF launched our Conservation during the current help pay professional consultancy fees for our Noticeboard. We are lucky in Pyrford to enjoy crisis, but in Neighbourhood Plan. a very varied environment and have residents different ways; who genuinely care about conservation so the our experienced Last month, our website had to be moved to a Noticeboard will provide a way to circulate team of Byfleet new platform. It can still be found at http:// news of what is going on. Care Volunteers www.byfleetforum.org and we have included are now doing a Coronavirus page of useful links and phone To kick things off we have a set of posts their best to help numbers for organisations and businesses that covering the maintenance of our footpaths, people who are are offering help or home deliveries during the Wheelers Farm and The Old House. self-isolating to pandemic, we hope it is useful. stay at home. Access is via the homepage item on Conservation at https://pyrfordforum.org or to We are also happy to report that our Facebook No need to worry about running out of go straight to the Noticeboard click on https:// page has had a sizeable increase in membership supplies or getting your medication, ring during the lockdown. You can find our page pyrfordforum.org/conservation-noticeboard. Byfleet Care. at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ If any of you have news that we could include, ByfleetForum. next time, please contact us by email at We will take a shopping list to your favourite [email protected]. supermarket and deliver your goods, pick Now that the Forum is over 5 years old, we must up Click and Collect orders or fetch your apply to Woking BC for re-designation for a Twisted Stone Golf Course prescription from the pharmacy. further 5-year period. We were hoping to call an Concerns have been raised about access to AGM during the first half of the year to discuss paths across Twisted Stone Golf Club. There is Do not be lonely, we can arrange for friendly our application with our Forum members and to a public Right of Way (FP88), which now runs phone calls. Dog needs walking? Ask us! enable them to view our draft Neighbourhood alongside the new wooden fence, but in the Some of our volunteers are experienced dog Plan. Sadly, this has had to be put on hold for past divided the 18-hole golf course into two. walkers. the time being. However, Woking’s Planning The Golf Club did encourage walkers to use a Department has recently reviewed our Plan and diversionary path which went in front of the We are dedicated to making it possible made recommendations so we have plenty to Club House and along the boundary edge. This for vulnerable people in Byfleet and West be getting on with in the meantime and we will has now been closed. The PNF did write to the Byfleet to follow government guidelines and arrange the AGM when it is safe to do so. Footpath team at SCC about these concerns stay at home. Finally, we have a couple of vacancies on our and SCC have confirmed they will assist in Advice on getting help committee, so if you feel you have something ensuring that FP88 remains open and safe for Call our Duty Line between 10am and 12 to offer, please do get in touch via our website the general public to use. noon on weekdays only on 07977 583995, or or by email to [email protected]. Andy Grimshaw ring our Coordinator, Beverly, between 9am Fiona Syre tt Chairman, Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum and 5pm on 07936 513863. Chair, Byflee t Residents’ Neighbourhood Forum Please note that Byfleet Care’s services are available only to vulnerable residents of PYRFORD Byfleet and West Byfleet. Beverly Leddy The Coordinator of Byflee t Care Covid-19 impacts PNF Since the last report written in late January, so much of our lives have changed due to COVID-19 A bit of light relief and it has also impacted PNF If you haven’t seen this video, then you might enjoy the Pyrford Song (Lockdown Version). It as well. has been produced by a local resident, Ian Wishart, and he asks that after watching you donate some money to either the NHS or Woking Hospice. Please do not be offended by criticism of Heritage Conservation Project other towns/villages he is only joking! Work is continuing in the background but the proposed visit to Surrey History Centre had to PLAY NOW be postponed.

Fundraising PNF had planned another Big Night Out fundraising event for early June 2020, but this has had to be postponed. When matters become clearer PNF hope to arrange another Neighbourhood Forum Reports 9

advertising. This is one for your Committee meeting every Tuesday from 8pm to 9.20pm WEST BYFLEET to ponder on. We just got in our Extraordinary in West Byfleet Infant School Hall. Everyone is General Meeting earlier this year to renew welcome - if you would like to join the choir our designation with Woking BC for a further just pop along for a taster session and no The Forum has not been able to five years. For obvious reasons, the process is auditions are required. operate during the Lockdown. on hold at present but will resume as soon as We were extremely excited possible. Stay safe, Amanda Rhodes-Smith about the spending of our first Neighbourhood Community Wade Pollard Infrastructure Levy monies. Chairman, West Byflee t Neighbourhood Forum, On behalf of This is for three new benches in the Recreation www.wbnf.org Woking Safer Ground. The supplier is not able to deliver Neighbourhood them at the present time and so we will have to West Byfleet Community Choir Team wait a little longer. This simple project involved West Byfleet Community Choir have had to Due to the lighter putting in place a process for future spending postpone their summer concert because of evenings and which we have now done with the help of our the current guidelines on social distancing. lockdown residential burglaries have slowed Local Councillors to whom we are incredibly However, this has not down, I would however recommend that grateful. With it in place we should be able to stopped them from everyone remains vigilant and in their spare accelerate spending on the many ideas we have ‘meeting’ regularly time look at their home security received from residents. to rehearse using the online video- There have been a number of breaches of the You may by now know that Boots is closing conferencing service government guidance in your area, businesses in August and has been unable to find Zoom, with varying and residential properties are being visited by suitable premises to relocate to. We are degrees of success but much laughter! The Woking Borough Council and all disappointed by this. Two of our Local choir, founded four and a half years ago by their offering advice and guidance before more Councillors, Amanda Boote and Gary Elson Conductor Andrew Broadbent, now has nearly formal action will be commenced on the next worked hard to find a solution as did our MP 40 members and are rehearsing ready for the breach. Jonathan Lord. The commercial world has been Woking Music Festival in November. rocked by recent events and hard decisions Amanda Rhodes-Smith, a member of the Your readers can assist during this time by have had to be made. If a viable outlet alto section, says “the choir is so friendly and following the government guidance about becomes available a chemist will take it. welcoming that we have really missed seeing social distancing and ensuring that members each o ther. But we have kept in touch via a of their families do the same especially young All of the retailers in the Sheer House group WhatsApp and one of our members people within that family unit, we continue Complex will have vacated by August which Lauren is producing fortnightly newsl e tters full to receive reports of youths defying the is an important milestone for the developer of cheerful updates from choir members about government guidance and congregating in to progress the scheme. As a reminder the how they have kept themselves busy during public places. approved outline planning application is lockdown. It has been important to us all that PLAN/2017/0128. The planned buildings can be we are there for each o ther, even on those If there are any nimble fingered seamstresses viewed on the Woking BC website. inevitable bad days”. amongst your readers you could suggest that they look up North West Surrey for the love of Those of you who have passed the Broadoaks The choir enjoy singing a wide range of music, scrubs. This organisation asks for people who Park site in Parvis Road will have seen how in harmony, from musicals to pop classics are able and willing to sew scrubs for the NHS. much the development is progressing. The and some more complex classical pieces, three social housing apartment blocks are up to accompanied by their pianist Jayne Parkin. They Donna Davey (nee Chandler) the roofline as is some of the private housing hope to start rehearsals again in September, Specialist Neighbourhood Officer for Woking and the new entrance is taking shape. Check out our Facebook page for the latest video of progress. Later this year a Pelican crossing will be installed across Parvis Road close to the entrance to the Recreation Ground.

Talking of Facebook brings me on to the tricky subject of social media. During Lockdown it has been an invaluable source of information and comfort to us all as we while away the many hours we currently have spare. The Forum has accepted every new member request from individuals and businesses, some with no connection with West Byfleet. There has Learn to sew classes with Claire Watson. been much duplication between local sites but Sewing and dressmaking courses are run from my studio in Byfleet and cater for beginners and that has not mattered as it gets information also those wishing to develop new skills. Morning, evening and weekend classes are available. disseminated as widely as possible. Once this pandemic is over we need to review the use Book online www.eli-b.co.uk of the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum or call 07852 953 602 Facebook page, as many businesses are using it to advertise meaning that residents’ messages Sewing for beginners Dressmaking for beginners One day sewing workshops get lost. The Facebook page is meant to inform Parent & child sewing sessions One-to-one sewing lessons Sewing groups and parties interested local residents about what we are doing for them. We receive no income from 10 Community News

Defibrillators in Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford In recent months two organisations, The Parish of Wisley with Pyrford and Byfleet United Charities have separately funded 6 additional Automated External Defibrillators in our three villages.

So, the RA has decided to create a living list of local locations with defibrillators starting with those it is aware of. The list will be loaded on to our website, so if you know of any more please do let Andy Grimshaw know via [email protected].

Location of Defribrillators

Village Location Outside Inside Notes Byfleet St Mary’s Church Hall, Outside To the right of the main entrance 124 Church Road, KT14 7NF Methodist Church, Outside To the right of the main entrance Rectory Lane, KT14 7LL Byfleet Community Library, Inside Behind the public computers next to the fire High Road, Byfleet, KT14 7QN exit Byfleet Village Hall, Inside Inside main entrance 54 High Road, KT14 7QL The Byfleet Boat Club, Inside Zoll defibrillator inside club house The Boat House, 4 Old Parvis Road, KT14 6LE St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Inside Hart Road, KT14 7NJ St Mary’s Centre for the Community, Inside Stream Close, KT14 7LZ

West Byfleet Cornerstone St John’s Church, Outside Camphill Road, KT14 6EH West Byfleet Library, Inside The Corner, KT14 6NY (Opening hours only) Stoop Court, Outside On wall to left of main entrance Leisure Lane, KT14 6HF

Pyrford Church of Good Shepherd, Outside Left of the entrance to the Parish Office Coldharbour Lane, GU22 8SP Old School House, Outside Left of the entrance (nr St Nicholas Church), Church Hill, GU22 8XH

Wisley Wisley Church, Outside To the right of the entrance to the Parish Room Wisley Lane, GU23 6QF

If you come across someone who is How to Access Defibrillators unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or not • If they are outside you need to ring 999 and breathing normally, they’re in cardiac arrest. The ask for the access code. most important thing is to call 999 and start • If inside and the building is open then just ask CPR to keep the blood flowing to the brain and around the body. After a cardiac arrest, every Instructions and Guidance minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces 1. If someone suffers cardiac arrest and has someone’s chance of survival by 10 per cent. stopped breathing 2. Call 999 and request an Ambulance If you are on your own, do not interrupt the 3. Advise them your position (the postcode is CPR to go and get a defibrillator. If it is possible, shown on the outside of the yellow box) send someone else to find one. When you call 4. Start CPR if you can 999, the operator can tell you if there is a public access defibrillator nearby. 5. Request Access code to defibrillator if required Updates & corrections please email: 6. Follow instructions on defibrillator [email protected]. Dealing with the Coronavirus 11

Information about services available at West Byfleet Health Centre and guidance about how to deal with the Coronavirus

Guidance for access to the Health Centre The main message for patients is that they should stay away from the Health Centre unless they have a confirmed booked appointment. If any patient has a query or concern (non- Coronavirus related) they should telephone their surgery first.

Nobody should bring down any prescription requests. If you cannot request them online there is a black postal box in the car park and requests can be left. All prescriptions will be sent electronically to a nominated pharmacy and not collected from the Health Centre. To help yourself stay well while you are Read the full advice to protect yourself The practices will continue to offer childhood at home: http://w.ww.gov.uk/coronavirus. vaccinations, high risk smears, certain injections and urgent blood tests but where possible the • Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media If you live with someone who has symptoms of management of long-term conditions will be coronavirus, you can get an isolation note from conducted remotely, usually by telephone. • Try to keep yourself busy, try activities like http://www.111.nhs.uk/isolation-note you do cooking, reading, online learning and films not need to get a note from a GP. Information is available on your Practice’s • Do light exercise at home, or outside website. observing social distancing guidelines Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. For further information go to http://www.nhs. You should be minimising time spent If you need medical help for any reason, do uk/coronavirus or www.gov.uk/coronavirus. outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or metres apart from anyone outside of your hospital. Call 119, introduced May 2020, for COVID household. testing. If you have symptoms refer to http:// There is separate advice about: ww.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ Liz Reynolds • http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus- symptoms-and-what-to-do/ (i.e. high Practice Manager, Wey Family Practice covid-19/advice-for-people-at-high-risk temperature or a new, continuous cough), use • http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus- the http://www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ Urgent medical help, use the covid-19/self-isolation-advice If you need help or advice not related to www.111.nhs.uk only call 111 if you’re coronavirus: Health information and advice, unable to get help online. For life- use the http://www.nhs.uk or your GP surgery threatening emergencies, call 999 for website. an ambulance.

GP Services and Ear Wax Removal Clinic Our GP services include: Our Aesthetics services include: Finding the solutions to all • Private GP Appointments • FREE Skin Consultation your computer and mobile • Travel Vaccinations • Skin problems treated • Blood Tests • Skin tags, moles, lesions removed device problems. • Health Checks • Laser Skin Rejuvenation and Hair Removal • Medicals • Fillers and injections for wrinkles Mobile: 07836 711866 • Menopause Clinic Landlines: 01932 348096 www.privategpclinic.co.uk www.surreyskincare.co.uk 01483 661555 01276 539236 Our ear wax removal clinicians use the Microsuction method Website: www.bigphilcomputers.co.uk Cost: £48 for one ear and £68 for two ears Email: [email protected] FREE hearing test for over 55’s All versions of Microsoft Windows & Apple Hearing Aids operating systems installed and repaired. Mobile www.earwaxremovalclinic.co.uk phone and tablet recommendations & set-up.

West By eet Health Centre, 2nd Floor, Purple Area, Madeira Road, West By eet KT14 6DH Areas Covered: , Bisley, Brookwood, By eet, Chobham, Cobham, Guildford, Horsell, Knaphill, Lightwater, New Haw, Tel: 01932 344004 Ockham, Pyrford, Ripley, Send, West By eet, West End, , Windlesham, Woking & Woodham 12 A Message from our MP, Jonathan Lord

both Woking and Surrey - so far. They have The Byfleet Volunteers interlinked with existing shown great leadership and put in place good organisations such as Byfleet and Woking Food contingency plans, and they have welcomed Banks and Byfleet Care to try to ensure all Thank and incorporated the offers of support that necessary coverage was in place for the village. you have come their way. Scarlett is in regular contact with Woking Borough Council where referrals are passed over We now not only have hundreds of wonderful either from the council to Byfleet volunteers A Message from Our volunteers helping the vulnerable across our or vice versa if the needs of the individual are MP, Jonathan Lord borough, we also have Woking businesses outside of our scope and with the appropriate I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone helping the Government, the NHS, our permissions. We are also in communication in Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford who Councils and our local care sector with PPE and with Surrey County Council who have their have been adhering to the Government’s with ventilators. own 0300 helpline. At times the SCC helpline national guidelines for helping us all to combat refers residents to the Byfleet Volunteers. We Coronavirus. I publicise some of these local success stories have also made strong relationships with the from my active Twitter account GP practices in West Byfleet along with local I also wish to send huge thanks to those who @JonathanLord and I tweet out important pharmacies. have been organising and participating in the local and national advice updates from there fantastic volunteer efforts of each one of our too. The words of encouragement and support from three villages. I know from my own postbag St Mary’s Church, Rev. John Hamilton McCabe and email inbox that many of our most So, I think the message to Byfleet, West Byfleet and our local Councillor, Amanda Boote and MP vulnerable residents are extremely grateful for and Pyrford residents is clear: keep safe, work - Johnathan Lord are most appreciated. the timely and friendly assistance that they if you can, stay alert to the latest advice, Scarlett Spratt was interviewed by Surrey Live have received from neighbours and from these and keep helping those nearby who need about Byfleet Volunteers which can be found organised volunteer groups. our support. By strong individual, family and online. community effort and discipline we will win As we enter the next stages of the gradual through this together. To make contact easy for the community and easing of the ‘lockdown’, I know that we will for volunteers Scarlett sourced a Community stay mindful of those who still need our help. Support Helpline. This freephone 0800 Our Residents’ Association, our Churches and telephone number was arranged as a donation faith groups, and our charities and terrific from a local telecoms company. The free-phone volunteer organisations will, I’m sure, continue line was activated within the first week of to do everything they can to offer assistance operations which allowed Scarlett and the core and advice to those who want or need it. team of 5 administrators to set up a rota of call- handlers with DBS checks in place. The Byfleet As someone who pursued a business career Volunteers put a leaflet through residents’ prior to being elected an MP, I know the letterboxes, recognising that not everyone who importance of business to our economy and might need help is online and this was enabled society and I fully appreciate the enormous by all of our volunteers in the community of challenges that many of our local businessmen Byfleet. The line is available 24/7 although call and women have been facing at this difficult handlers find most calls come in between 9a.m. time. I know, in particular, that some of the and 5 p.m. With safety and confidence in mind, restrictions that the Government has had to only the volunteer matched to the request put in place have been hugely detrimental to is given the details of the requestor. ID cards many businesses. for volunteers are being put in place to offer COVID-19 Byfleet Volunteers additional comfort to residents requesting help. I am fortunate, in my position as MP, to speak Soon after the lockdown came into force, the with a variety of businesses - both large COVID-19 Byfleet Volunteers initiative started. The Byfleet Volunteers received 201 requests and small - from across our borough every Founding member, Scarlett Spratt worked over the month of April despite a quiet Easter week. This has certainly been the case during with an initial group of residents who were period. this current crisis, with many businesses concerned that there would be vulnerable contacting me to seek my advice. From those residents who would need to stay at home and The COVID-19 Byfleet Volunteers’ Community conversations it is clear that the tenacity of our who might not have friends or family nearby to Support Helpline number is 0800 048 9991. local businesspeople is as strong and inspiring help with shopping and prescription collection. as ever, and I therefore feel sure that the vast Very quickly, helped by social media contact, Details are included on the RA website. majority of our businesses will pull through. a large number of volunteers came forward. In late March almost 500 volunteers had expressed an interest in being involved. During In the meantime, the Government has shown April and May, a core group of 150 volunteers that it will continue to take unprecedented steps to try to support the economy and to have been regularly involved.

support businesses and individuals through the worst impacts of Covid-19. I am liaising The level of volunteering enabled services very closely not only with Government, local to be offered such as; shopping, prescription businesses, our Residents’ Associations and collection, dog-walking and also the chance to have a chat on the phone. In a few cases, the SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY CAR PARTS volunteer organisations but with our local duty manager makes daily calls to check on the BYFLEET – KT14 7QG – 01932 340100 councils too. WALTON – KT12 2SW – 01932 220061 well-being of residents identified as being most WOKING – GU21 5LY – 01483 730026 NEW MALDEN – KT3 3NE – 020 8949 3535 isolated and vulnerable. TEDDINGTON – TW11 8PY – 020 8977 3383 I have to say, I have been very impressed with LIGHTWATER – GU18 5SB – 01276 489820 the performance of both of our Councils - Community 13

Optimism and Outrage - doing what we can. Even on a small scale such ensures only groups that store and prepare A Perfect Storm as - planting more trees, adding bird boxes and food are linked with the shop, guaranteeing all What can we do about water butts to buildings – every little really surplus food will go to organisations properly Climate Change? We helps. If every house had a water butt that equipped to provide meals to vulnerable can sit at home in grief, would really reduce the effects of flooding. It’s communities. West Byfleet is linked with: retreat, withdraw, indulge a simple thing to do. So, let’s do it – now!! Church of the Good Shepherd, Transform in social media and box Housing - The Crescent, Shah Jahan Mosque sets and open another bottle of wine. Or we Search Facebook for West Byfleet Community and Knaphill Community Fridge. can get out there and connect, really connect, Gardening Group - once your request is with others, our neighbours and people in our approved, you’ll be able to see all our events on Since launching this partnership in March 2017, community, work together and do something our Facebook Page. Waitrose & Partners has donated 2.44 million positive for our environment. I chose the latter. meals, or 1 million kg of donated food. h t t p s : // Louisa Bergman www.waitrose.com/ecom/shop/featured/ In West Byfleet there’s a lot of moaning (some groceries/sustainability. of it justified!) on social media about anti-social behaviour and the state of the “village.” It’s a The Trussell Trust ghost town, waiting, in limbo for the developers Twelve years ago, the vast Local outlets to move in and start a huge project. In the majority of people would The local main outlet for The Trussell Trust meantime, what happens? not have heard of Food is based in Woking at The Lighthouse (not Banks. They started to the Lightbox) near Woking Railway Station. After sharing frustrations with other school become known after the It currently has two satellite distribution mums, we came up with some simple ideas big financial crash of 2008. operations, The Mascot Centre in Sheerwater - inspired by nature. We wanted to promote Now, everybody has heard of them. They and The Salvation Army in Sythwood, Horsell. well-being, bring people together and put exist to provide supplies of food to those who the heart into the village again. West Byfleet cannot afford food, generally in an emergency Apart from the food collection by M&S and Community Gardening Group was born. A situation. Tesco at Brooklands, the Co-op and St Mary’s perfect opportunity to show residents that Church, Byfleet receive goods from individuals. there are plenty of people out there who want Living below the poverty line in the UK, These are taken to The Lighthouse at regular to contribute, who care about the environment according to one source, is experienced by one intervals. Byfleet Methodist Church operates and want to act now - to make the local area person in five. It is increasing due to benefits as an additional distribution outlet. more attractive for people and pollinators. cuts and the introduction of Universal Credit. Since our collaborative group started we’ve For further information or to get involved with harnessed the support of local businesses and There are many organisations operating Food the Food Bank operations please contact: over 100 members, allotment holders, parents, Banks in the UK and food is distributed in The Methodist Church, Byfleet – Vaughan headteachers, environmental activists and bee different ways. The main organisation is The Starkey 01932 355972 or keepers. We’re going from strength to strength Trussell Trust and there are over 1200 food [email protected]. and it’s inspiring to meet older people with bank centres in their network. They usually a wealth of knowledge and experience that operate in conjunction with churches. Food is The Byfleet Foodbank at the Methodist they’re enthusiastic to share. This really is an donated from many different sources, including Church is operating on a restricted basis antidote to loneliness - for all of us. individuals, supermarkets, schools and churches. during the Covid-19 pandemic, via telephone and delivery. We’ve spent breezy mornings planting Food supply vouchers are issued by care wildflowers and seeds outside Seymours Estate professionals, such as social workers, health If you are planning on making a donation, you Agents in the centre of the village. We’ve visitors, CAB (Citizen Advice Bureau) and job can either use the drop-boxes in our wonderful planted over 50 donated saplings in patches of centres. Byfleet Co-ops, or contact Vaughan to arrange neglected land outside Waitrose and the bus dropping them off at his house. In normal stop. Local school children helped to plant Emergency supplies vary in size depending times drops offs can be made at the Byfleet pretty pots with roses and given them to local on whether they are for a single person, Methodist Church but this is on hold due shops to brighten up their outside spaces. Our couple or single person or couple with to the current situation, so please contact latest project involved clearing and preparing children. Vaughan first. the allotments for rows of vegetables at West The number of emergency food parcels If you are interested in finding out more the Byfleet Junior School - with the support of given to people in crisis by food banks in website is http://www.Trusselltrust.org. Headteacher, Lesley Lawrence. the Trussell Trust network between April to September 2019 was 823,145. Byflee t Community Newsletter Since I joined Extinction Rebellion in January it’s galvanised me to take action - enough of being an armchair activist - it’s time to get Ever wondered what happens to Waitrose the message out there so change will happen. West Byfleet surplus food:- Catnaps Our group will have a ripple effect on the It has a food collection bank in the foyer. This is Going away? wider community. Connections are being in conjunction with the Trussell Trust, and the made, relationships are being forged, we feel food donated here goes to the Woking Food Let us care for your cat when you can’t supported and listened to. Bank, who collect 3 trollies each week. We work with a company called FareShare, which We’ve already got loads more events planned allows us to donate unsold surplus food to service covering Byfleet and surrounding areas and we’re involving local councillors. We’re local charities and groups. 01932 544012 asking Woking Borough Council and Surrey County Council to step up and show us that Charities receive a text alert from an app we www.catnaps.net *** [email protected] they’re taking the climate emergency seriously. use called FoodCloud, providing details of Trusted by our loyal customers And while we wait for their response, we’re available food for collection. FareShare 14 If Green Belt status is lost, all is not lost

Readers of The Muddy Lane Byfleet “Upper Path” The objective of raising this DMMO (Definitive Definitive Map Modification Order Map Modification Order) is to ensure that Resident will “Alleged Public Right of Way over the raised when the lower path floods, the upper path is be familiar with walkway underneath the M25 motorway accessible to pedestrians the emotive adjacent to Bridleway 3, Wisley, Guildford Borough.” If you have ever used this path at any time, issues relating please get in touch with either: to sites in the Muddy Lane runs under the M25 motorway. Green Belt, This area floods regularly. In the past it was Julie Iles, Surrey County Councillor, Horsleys possible to access a higher section of path both [email protected] or Marion Malcher, and recently removed from the Rights of Way Officer for Byfleet, West Byfleet Green Belt within the 3 villages. & Pyrford Residents’ Association. [email protected] Planning officers are acutely aware of the very special circumstances which must exist Marion Malcher to justify development in the Green Belt. But Rights of Way Officer. BWB&P some of the benefits of Green Belt status may Residents’ Association still exist and could be relevant to planning considerations for sites which have been removed.

Land formerly in the Green Belt may have become habitats for protected species over time. Protected species may have settled directly under the motorway and on either side there. Local leading to the underpass in flood conditions. inhabitants A Map Modification Order is being raised to may have add this “upper path” to the Definitive Map enjoyed of Rights of Way in Surrey. (NB. This is a new recreational DMMO unrelated to the earlier legal case at pastimes on Muddy Lane). parcels of land thereby FUNERAL DIREC T O R S AND MEMO RIAL S T O NEMASONS creating a town or village green, which is protected from development. Individual trees or copses of …the family you can turn to trees may have become worthy of permanent Seven generations of our family have been helping and advising local protection as a result of their features and the families in their time of need. For over 230 years we have been providing character they lend to an area. We recently funerals, both modest and traditional, with care and compassion. came across a copse of trees which had been used as a decoy plantation in World War II, which combined with lanterns drew German WEST BYFLEET: 33 Old Woking Road 01932 355897 bomber pilots away from vulnerable targets. The resulting Tree Preservation Order adds FUNERALS • FLORAL TRIBUTES • MEMORIALS • PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS • LEGAL SERVICES protection from development. It pays to do thorough research and analysis into sites. You have only failed to find the crucial key to winning an argument when you have stopped looking for it.

Planning applications are considered against the policies set out in the local plan. But those policies don’t exist in a vacuum. Those who decide the applications should consider them in the context of their local environment. If multiple potential sites offer similar or better benefits, planning officers may set a high bar for determining the threshold of very special circumstances required to justify granting planning permission. In relative terms the benefits promoted by the developer may be weaker when considered against competing locations.

Derek Austin Mackrell Turner Garrett, Local Solicitors Sanway Flood Alleviation Scheme 15

The flows through Guildford, Old Woking, Byfleet and Weybridge, before it discharges into the River Thames. Through the urban areas of Byfleet and Weybridge and the rural areas upstream, the river channel has been modified through mill structures and weirs along its length through the course of time.

The large catchment draining to the Wey along with its flat topography means many areas close to the river are in the floodplain and vulnerable to flooding.

Byfleet has a long history of flooding with several floods happening in recent years. Over 50 years ago the large September 1968 flood caused significant damage to properties throughout the Wey Catchment, especially Byfleet. See the aerial photo taken during the floods in 1968. Note there is no M25 in the photo!

More recently, during the winter 2013/14, the River Wey experienced some of the heaviest Aerial photo taken during the floods in 1968 rainfall and highest flows in recent history. Many properties in Byfleet were flooded with flooding in other areas of Byfleet and the Sanway area in Byfleet particularly severely Weybridge. In January this year, an environmental affected. opportunities workshop was held at St Mary’s The Sanway Flood Alleviation Scheme is Centre for the Community, attended by 50 As a result of this very severe flood in being developed jointly with the Environment people, including Councillor Boote, Chair 2013/2014, when up to 80 homes in the Agency, Woking Borough Council, Surrey of the Byfleet Flood Forum, local residents village were lost and some of them for up to Wildlife Trust, Surrey County Council and and landowners, environmental experts, the 11 months, local Councillor Amanda Boote the local community. When completed it Environment Agency and local Council officers. decided to set up a Flood Forum with fellow will provide protection for a 1% Standard of The objective of this workshop was to look at Independent Councillor John Bond. The aim Protection (that is, a 1% chance of flooding in the environmental benefits that the new flood of this Forum was to find a long-term solution any one year) taking into account the impact scheme could create. to prevent flooding ever affecting Byfleet in of climate change (see the plan showing the the same way again. Local residents who had indicative route of the flood embankment The area investigated at the workshop was been directly affected were invited to along the River Wey floodplain from the come along to the Forum, as was the confluence with the Broad Ditch to the Environment Agency, Thames Water, west of the M25, downstream to Byfleet Woking Borough Council, Surrey Road Bridge. There were some great County Council and a number of other ideas that resulted, such, as a the idea of relevant groups, such as the Byfleet a new footpath from Byfleet Rd to RHS Angling Association, the Residents’ Wisley, a mosaic of wetland habitats on Association and Surrey Wildlife Trust. Common Meadows with opportunities The Forum meets twice per year and for landscaping and the suggestion to is delighted to have now got to the try and bring the water vole back to point where it has developed a solution Surrey (where it is currently extinct). We called the Sanway Flood Alleviation now need to discuss these and other Scheme. ideas with local landowners and the local community. Sanway Flood Alleviation Scheme Following the 2013/2014 flood, the Forum worked with the Environment We hope to send out a newsletter Agency, who reviewed options to within the next couple of months, reduce flood risk at several locations in the around Sanway). Apart from a flood wall update our web site and have a public drop-in Byfleet and Weybridge area, to see if any were section between the M25 and the bottom of in the Summer/Autumn of 2020 (depending on viable. Sanway Road, most of the flood defence will Covid-19 restrictions) so that we can share all be an embankment up to 1.9 metres high in low of this with the local community. The appraisal highlighted the Sanway Flood lying areas and petering out in the north to 0.15 Alleviation Scheme as the most viable option metres high. If all goes according to plan, the £15m flood for Byfleet and Weybridge, providing the best alleviation scheme and the environmental value for money invested. The scheme will The scheme will also make sure the floodwater works should be completed by Winter reduce flooding for up to 153 properties in the is not pushed elsewhere, so that it does not 2023/24. future, taking climate change into account. increase the risk of flooding for others. To The Environment Agency, Surrey County offset the area of floodplain alleviated by the Justine Glynn, Flood Risk Advisor, Council and Woking Borough Council are flood walls and embankments, compensatory The Environment Agency continuously looking at ways to reduce flood storage will be provided close to the and Councillor Amanda Boote scheme. 16 Roads and Highways Update

M25 (Junctions 10 and 11) Noise Reduction Petition On Tuesday 17th March 2020, a Westminster Debate was held at the Houses of Parliament, in response to the recent petition that was delivered to the very heart of Government at number 10 Downing Street by the M25 resurfacing action group. Councillor Amanda Jayne Boote led the petition. This debate was requested by the MP for Woking Jonathan Lord and Dr Ben Spencer, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge. The petition contained over 3,000 signatures from both drivers and residents affected by the noise pollution.

The debate was chaired by Sir Gary Streeter MP and was attended by the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Andrew McDonald and Kelly Tolhurst, Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Transport. Where do you report potholes and who is Have you noticed cleaner signs Jonathan Lord spoke first to move the motion responsible for investigation and carrying out in the three villages? with the opening remarks - “I beg to move the remedial work required. This has been carried out by a company called that this House consider M25 noise pollution SuperClean and all FREE of charge! in Surrey. Mr Chairman, the issue at hand is a • You can report potholes to Surrey County simple one. Between junctions 10 and 11 on the Council – using website or telephone Travelling between jobs and during down time M25 the surface of the motorway consists of they are giving any dirty road signs they come • There is also a process for Highway Insurance concrete blocks. The concrete surface itself is across a quick clean to brighten the area up Claims that includes Potholes noisy and there are also gaps between each of and make them more visible to road users for the concrete blocks that constitute the road, everyone’s safety. and the repetitive buffeting that occurs as a vehicle’s tyres pass over these gaps adds very Whilst you are out on your daily exercise if you substantially indeed to the overall noise levels. come across a dirty sign or if you know of one Take it from me, it is unpleasant and noisy to on your road, then message SuperClean with drive upon, and it also causes noise pollution the details of where it is and they will come for several thousand of my constituents who and give it a clean for free! live in Byfleet, West Byfleet, and Pyrford. The noise is so loud and incessant that it can Stay safe and keep smiling! regularly carry for up to three kilometres or so, but when the wind is in certain directions it can Website: www.superclean-gutters.co.uk regularly affect those who live six kilometres Email: [email protected] away.” Contact Surrey County Council to Report and Repair: Councillor Boote did not attend the debate https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and- but added her thoughts ‘’I am delighted that transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/ we have moved the agenda forward about this report-a-highway-problem/road-or-cycle-lane- menacing issue which has caused and continues issues to cause so much misery to my residents. We are encouraged that the Roads Minister had offered to meet with Jonathan Lord and Dr Ben Spencer to look at potential solutions and to discuss the issues and challenges. I look forward to this happening in due course. I would like to thank Jonathan Lord and Dr Spencer for all of their hard work in securing this debate and for their excellent speeches. This debate will bring this major issue to the attention of the senior decision makers who can look to resolve matters and provide potential solutions.”

Councillor Amanda Jayne Boote Some Good News... A320 is now open both ways. Potholes Martyr’s Lane Household Waste Site is now Potholes are very annoying as they can cause open check website: https://www.surreycc. damage to car suspension, wheels and tyres gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/community- and can also damage bicycles and cause cyclists recycling-centres/woking. to fall off bikes. ‘Dream Home’ Competition Winners Revealed 17

Tillie (aged 10) Jacob (aged 3) Sophie (aged 8)

Winners revealed for Octagon’s ‘Dream Home’ Competition Octagon are delighted to reveal the We were inundated with fantastic homes, The winners are: five winners of our 2020 ‘Dream Home’ and our Head of Design - Tony Taylor, was competition, all of whom have received a £75 incredibly impressed with the level of John Lewis voucher for their inventive designs. imagination and attention to detail shown. Tillie (aged 10) The standard of entries was so high that Jacob (aged 3) Pupils of West Byfleet Junior School and the selected contestants were awarded Special local area were asked to design their ‘Dream Commendations, recognising the work and Sophia (aged 8) Home’ using materials found within their thought that had gone into their ‘Dream Home’. homes, from Lego and building blocks to Oliver (aged 6) cardboard boxes and recycling. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who entered the competition, Matthew (aged 11) The level of entries exceeded all expectations, they have certainly inspired our team of showcasing a creative range of designs, from architects for the next Octagon super-home! a house for NHS key workers, to a rainbow igloo (which doubled up as one contestant’s Kate Geraghty bedroom for three nights in a row!). Group Marketing Manager at Octagon

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020 8481 7500 broadoakspark.co.uk OCTAGON.CO.UK 18 VE Day Celebrations

Despite Coronavirus many people celeberated VE Day on 8th May - decorating their houses and front gardens with flags, bunting, balloons and other WWII displays. People celebrated in their front gardens having tea and cakes and in some cases something stronger, everyone followed social distancing guidelines. Photos taken by Bob Holmes and Andy Grimshaw

Anna and Neil said “We’ll meet again” Jane & Tony with Arthur Beekeeper Marion Malcher just back from tending her hives – bees aren’t in lockdown

Alan and his wife Tricia show off the picture of one of his pigeons that flew from Barcelona to Pyrford (Nothing to do Martyn with daughters with VE Day, but he wanted me to see it!) Isobel and Eleanor

Lewis, Howard and Karen Rob (editor The Resident), with Union Jack hats Zoe and Jackie Lizzie and Anne were out with the Pimms VE Day CelebrationsTitle 19

David and Christine had Pimms VE dates painted on road and a lovely set of cakes VE Day bunting for the occasion

Alan Tullett had released his homing pigeons for the occasion

Sam places some flapjacks in the Byfleet War Memorial road for his neighbours to share while maintaining social distancing

Lodge Brothers shop display

VE Day decorations on house frontage VE Day decorations painted on road for the occasion 20 Alfred Stollery & Major E. P. Griffin

Alfred Stollery was the first Chairman of The Residents’ Association in 1928 (it was then the Ratepayers Association) and he was a local councillor for 33 years and went on to become Chairman of Woking Borough Council between 1936 and 1937.

Mr. Stollery started the West Byfleet Football Club as well as the first Boys’ Club in West Byfleet, helped to form Byfleet Tennis Club and was largely responsible for the revival of Parish day after the 1914-18 war. He saw this day grow to be a major event in the Parish and his work as secretary and organiser was recognised by a public presentation after 14 years’ service.

At West Byfleet he was the first organist at the Church of St. John’s and formed a choir for the church’s dedication service by house-to-house canvassing. He was later organist at Pyrford Church for several years.

Born on 10th March 1889 at 31 St Ann’s Road, Kensington, Ernest Griffin married and lived at Eltham in Kent where he worked at Woolwich Arsenal throughout WW1 as an explosives In 1938, after the Munich crisis, it became there on Friday 16th August 1940 that there expert. In 1927 he and his family moved to apparent that war was imminent, and Woking was a raid on the airfield, and he shot down a Byfleet and lived in a house named Tilehurst Council started a civil defence scheme. Pop Messerschmitt Bf 110 with his Lewis machine which was in Oyster Lane. This house was and a Captain Duncan RN were enthusiastic gun. This incident led to him being presented demolished when Barnes Wallis Court was built founders of this service in the area and worked with a cartoon which was an exhibit in 2010 in 2007. hard and long hours helping to distribute over at Tangmere as part of its Battle of Britain 40,000 gas masks in the Woking vicinity and Exhibition. Major Griffin had a quiff like the cartoon began training for the larger bag-like respirators caricature Pop in the Daily Mail and he soon for babies. Additionally, hundreds of rolls of Upon his return at the end of the war Pop became known as Pop Griffin in the village and gummed paper were distributed as anti- found that his workforce had been dispersed therefore I will use this name from here on blast precautions for windows. The LDV, the (some were called up for war service) and in. However, this did not in any way detract forerunner of the Home Guard, was formed in the equipment was in ruins. Faced with this from the respect that he was held in by all who the village and Eric Griffin (Pop’s son) became situation and difficulties with the officials who came into contact with him. a member. controlled building supplies, he was only able to complete 4 more bungalows during the He had been working on improvements to a following two years. After the sale of Tilehurst The medals of Major Griffin RE (Service dry electric battery and held the patent (No. in Oyster Lane, Pop moved to 26 Winern Glebe. Number 127507) his two “dog” tags plus a GB 322285). He had formed a company called boxing medal won in Alexandra “Kodak” with a Mr. W. A. Buckley and they built Adrian Bird a factory situated behind the parade of shops Using information from his War Medals (From left to right) grandfather - Alfred Stollery in High Road with an entrance facing the shop 1939-45 Star, The Africa Star, The Italian Star where Binfield Bakeries is today. Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, Italian Pop then went into the building business Award Colonial order of the Star of Italy locally building in New Haw and Hare Hill. (5th Class) The opportunity presented itself to buy some Glebe Lands in Rectory Lane (Byfleet) for £6500 which he took and obtained planning approval for the erection thereon of 80 bungalows. In 1937 Winifred his son When can I retire? died and this led to the breakdown in Pop’s How much is enough? health. However, his daughter Lillian, aided by their Oyster Lane neighbour Mr Snook (a Can I afford to do all foreman bricklayer) and a Mr. Tickle (a foreman the things I want to do? carpenter) completed the bungalows which flanked Rectory Lane and had started on what For a confidential chat, is now Winern Glebe before the outbreak of please contact Noel Watson, the Second World War in September 1939. Independent Financial Woking Council refused them the right to Planner & Retirement name the road “Griffin Glebe” or any name The outbreak of the war saw Pop (then a Specialist: connected with the Griffin family. However, Second Lieutenant) called to active service 01932 645150 they did approve the name of “Winern Glebe” in the Royal Engineers and was based down [email protected] not realising that “Winern” was made up of in Sussex at Tangmere RAF airfield where he Mrs. Griffin’s name (WINifred) and his name and his team of Sappers were given the task of www.pyrfordfp.com (ERNest)!!! improving the airfield’s defences. It was whilst How our printers are navigating the ‘New Normal’ 21

Local residents and owners of Photo taken April 30th, 2019 Stag Print share how they have adapted their business and ways of working during these testing times.

It’s fair to say the past few weeks have been extraordinary. Since the arrival of coronavirus in the UK and the government’s lockdown announcement, what has occurred has been unprecedented and unforeseen. Crises come and go but this is unlike any other and will remain with us for some time; we must adapt accordingly.

Safety First At Stag Print we take the welfare and safety of our colleagues and customers very seriously. So we have introduced stringent hygiene and working procedures to enable us to remain open for business and support our customers providing essential products and services. From Other steps we have taken include disinfecting Welcome Support catering companies and food manufacturers, all deliveries as they come in and deep cleaning These are truly testing times and the to pharmaceutical and teaching organisations. surfaces and handles on arrival and before we government must be commended for acting They are all doing an outstanding job and we leave. quickly to provide the business support applaud them. packages they have. We, and many others we When we really can’t keep safe distances on know, have already made good use of them. For our customers to continue providing production lines our MD is enlisting the help of their essential products and services, we his family – we are a family business after all. The furlough scheme in particular provides must continue to provide their essential print reassurance for employees and certainty for and packaging employers. But there are still gaps in assisting requirements. owner-managed companies like ours. More Which, in attention here, Mr Sunak, would be much particular, appreciated. For now, it is what it is and we explains why are where we are. We will continue to adapt the packaging in adversity and navigate this so-called ‘New industry has only Normal’. seen a single digit decrease in Take care and stay safe. output thus far. LIVE together, WORK together, Sushil Patel, With the marketing print side of our business Stag Print Services Ltd taking a nosedive, unfortunately there isn’t IN THIS together. enough work to occupy the full team and so we have had to furlough some staff with Paper and Board Facts the remaining team entering the premises on While hard surfaces are high risk when it comes alternate days to enable us to practise safe to coronavirus, paper and board packaging social distancing. We have also increased are not. Recent research from paper industry production days from five to seven days a week organisation Two Sides Article shows: to help with this. The material itself is not a good location “ Stag Print is based in Surrey and has been a for the virus to exist… trusted name in the UK Print and Packaging coronavirus lasts industry since 1979. They produce printed longest on smooth, non- product packaging and marketing print at porous surfaces such as their UK-based factory.

plastic. Since paper and Telephone: 01483 303 333 cardboard are porous, Email: [email protected] they carry the lowest Website: www.stagprint.co.uk potency for the shortest Unit 2c, Merrow Business Park, period of time. ” Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7WA 22 WBC response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Update on the Woking Borough Council response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

This is a small snapshot of the valuable and excellent work that our Local Authority is doing to support and help those in most need during this awful Coronavirus crisis that we are in.

My thanks go to the Chief Executive at Woking Borough Council, his senior team and all the staff at Woking Borough Council who are going the council, which have been cancelled, will working closely with The York Road Project above and beyond the call of duty, many of continue (with some minor changes) on the support group. Night shelter accommodations whom are working from home and working dates previously advised but will be held have relocated to the Woking Hotel (26 ensuite long hours under very stressful conditions. My ‘virtually’ using the Zoom facility until further bedrooms) and HG Wells Conference Centre appreciation also goes to all my fellow local notice. For all public meetings the Zoom where 10 pods have been installed. In addition, Councillors who are in close contact with images will continue to be webcast. the Council has secured the exclusive use their neighbourhood residents and giving them of the Travel Lodge Hotel for a period of 3 much valued support. Business Rates and Grants months and is using 31 rooms currently. The The Council wrote to all 1200+ potentially team have also introduced the provision of A Borough Emergency Control Centre was set eligible businesses within the Borough to breakfast, lunch and now evening meals for up on March 23rd to manage the Council’s notify them of the various schemes that the those offered this temporary accommodation response to the Covid-19 global pandemic. government had authorised for available by the Council. financial support. During April, 795 Woking It operates with 2 separate officer teams businesses were provided with £11.055m in Gary Elson, resourcing the Control Room on alternating funding. The Council are actively contacting Councillor days. It provides resilience and operates 24 and following up on all known businesses hours a day, seven days a week coverage with thought to be eligible who have so far not an out of hours contact number 01483 743315. entered a claim.

Elections Council Tax This year’s Local May Elections have been An emergency ‘hardship’ fund has been set up. cancelled and as a result Cllr Beryl Hunwicks Residents who are having difficulty meeting CORONAVIRUS will remain Mayor for another year, Cllr their payments should get in contact with Things you can do to help yourself and your community Saj Hussain will remain Deputy Mayor and WBC. Cllr David Bittleston will remain Leader Keep up to date of the Council. The other political Group Supporting Vulnerable Residents You can get the latest official Leaders have agreed to work with David The Council has identified more than 2275 of information at: and the Conservative group during these the most vulnerable residents known to the www.nhs.uk/coronavirus unprecedented times to ensure that the Authority and has made contact to ensure that For the latest local Council concentrates all its resources on they were safe and have sufficient support in information go to: helping our residents. www.surreycc.gov.uk/ place during the ‘lockdown’. Regular telephone coronavirus contact continues with visits where necessary. Only share correct Accordingly, all appointments, The Mayor, information The Deputy Mayor, the membership of the Community Meals Don’t spread rumours or the Executive, the various Committees, task groups The demand for the daily ‘Meals on Wheels’ wrong information. and working groups etc. will remain in force service continues to grow, at the time of this Be sensible and without change until May 2021. Therefore, report 1374 hot meals were being delivered on a Wash your hands often. all current elected Councillors remain in office. weekly basis, an increase of 50% on last year.

Council Business and Meetings 2m Keep your distance The Homeless and Rough Sleepers from other people. All meetings with the exception of Mayor In response to the increase in these vulnerable Making and the first business meeting of persons, Woking Borough Council has been 1 Contacts & Information 23

WOKING BOROUGH COUNCILLORS Ward Councillor Party Phone Email Surgeries* (1st Wednesday of each month) Byfleet & John BOND Independent 01932 343351 [email protected] St Mary’s Centre, Stream Close, West Byfleet Byfleet 2-3pm Cornerstone, St John’s, Amanda BOOTE Independent 01932 344811 cllramanda.boo [email protected] West Byfleet 4:30-5:30pm Mary BRIDGEMAN Independent 07890 045375 [email protected] Byfleet Library 6-7pm Pyrford Graham CHRYSTIE Liberal 01932 343494 [email protected] Surgery 1st Friday each month, Democrat 9-12am, Church of the Good Shepherd, Pyrford Rashid MOHAMMED Conservative 07897 532823 [email protected] Gary ELSON Conservative 01932 340649 [email protected] 07824 628422

*Councillor surgeries for Byfleet and West Byfleet Wards have been cancelled until September.

SURREY COUNTY COUNCILLORS Ward Councillor Party Phone Email Surgeries Byfleet Amanda BOOTE Independent 07824 776961 amanda.boo [email protected] Woking SE Liz BOWES Conservative 01483 768257 [email protected]

Further details of elected councillors can be found at www.woking.gov.uk and www.surreycc.gov.uk.

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER Surrey David Munro Conservative 01483 630200 [email protected]

NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUMS Contacts Byfleet Pyrford West Byfleet Chairperson Fiona Syrett Andy Grimshaw Wade Pollard Secretary Lynn Cozens Andy Grimshaw Sally Cantello Email info@Byfle e tForum.org [email protected] Contact via website Website www.Byfle e tForum.org www.pyrfordforum.org www.wbnf.org Facebook/Twitter www.facebook.com/Byfle e t Forum www.facebook.com/Pyrford Forum www.facebook.com/groups www.twitter.com/Pyrford Forum /2004486373140529/about Postal Address The Secretary, The Secretary, N /A Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum, Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum, Byfleet Village Hall, Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall, 54 High Road, Coldharbour Road, Byfleet, KT14 7QL Pyrford, GU22 8SP

“The Resident” Newsletter Advertising rates and sizes (effective from Issue 160, February 2019)

RATES #HOPEFORHASTI • Newsletter produced 3 times a year Size 1 issue 3 issues (£) (£) • 16-page, full colour, A4 publication Hasti is a young local resident who attends West • 3500 copies printed Byfleet Infant School. Hasti however has a rare, SINGLE 30 80 - distributed across 3 villages degenerative genetic disease, Cornelia de Lange (50x58mm) using network of volunteer street Syndrome (CDLS), for which there is currently no known cure. DOUBLE 55 150 representatives (either option) - lodged in libraries, health centres, Please see how you can support (D1 - 50x124mm) local shops, etc Hasti and her family to raise funds for (D2 - 85x58mm) research:

TREBLE 80 220 www.gofundme.com/f/hope-for-hasti (either option) If interested, contact: (T1 - 50x189mm) [email protected] (T2 - 85x124mm) 24 Diary Dates 2020

RA Committee meetings take place on 3rd Wednesday of each month (except August & December) – check RA website for further details (www.the-residents.org).

Date & time Event Details Friday 8th May, 3pm VE Day 75th Celebration Pyrford Cricket Club Field, Coldharbour Road, Pyrford, GU22 8ST Saturday 9th May, 2pm West Byfleet Bowls Club Introduction to Bowls, West Byfleet Bowls Club, Camphill Road, West Byfleet, KT14 6EF Please bring flat shoes! Saturday 9th May, 9-12pm Plant Bring and Buy Sale Byfleet Methodist Church, Rectory Lane, KT14 7LL Saturday 6th June, 2pm RA Drop In Byfleet Village Hall, 54 High Road, Byfleet, KT14 7QL Saturday 13th June, 11-3pm St John’s Summer Fair St John’s Church, Camphill Road, West Byfleet Saturday 11th July, Start at 12:30pm Pyrford & Wisley Flower Show Pyrford Cricket Ground Saturday 18th July Byfleet Parish Day Byfleet Recreation Ground Saturday 18th July West Byfleet Community Choir - St John’s Church, Camphill Road, West Byfleet Summer Concert Saturday 1 August West Byfleet Community Festival West Byfleet Recreation Ground Sunday 16th August London Prudential Cycle Ride The Prudential London Ride is CANCELLED for Sunday 16th August. The next one is scheduled for 2021 but is subject to Surrey County Council review.In Pyrford, this involves the closure of Oakcroft Road, Coldharbour Road, Upshot Lane and Church Hill. Saturday 26th September The Dulux London Cycle Race Saturday 10th October RA Drop In Pyrford Village Hall Coldharbour Road The Committee 2020*

Chairman Stewart Dick [email protected] Deputy Chairman VACANT [email protected] You can write to the Treasurer Dharma Sivarajasingham [email protected] Association at the following address: Secretary Lynette Davies secre [email protected] New Membership Secretary Isabelle David [email protected] The Residents’ Association Planning Coordinator VACANT [email protected] c/o Byfleet Village Hall, Footpath Officer Marion Malcher foo [email protected] 54 High Road Events Coordinator Eileen Perryer [email protected] Byfleet KT14 7QL Newsletter Editor Robert Munford [email protected] Advertising Manager Isabelle David [email protected] Website Anita Flavell [email protected]

VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES (VRs) Byfleet VR Eleanor Grady [email protected] Join Us Deputy Jean-Pierre Frossard [email protected] If you are not already a member, West Byfleet VR Keith Creswell [email protected] please do consider joining. For an Deputy Emma Slaymaker/Liz Leese [email protected] annual subscription fee of £5 you will receive 3 copies of The Resident. Visit Pyrford VR Andy Grimshaw [email protected] our website Deputy Ernie Elliott [email protected] www.the-residents.org/ join-us NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM REPRESENTATIVES or contact the Membership Byfleet Lynn Cozens See previous page for contact Secretary, details West Byfleet Wade Pollard/Penny Hoskyn [email protected] Pyrford Andy Grimshaw

*Subject to approval at the 2020 AGM as and when it can be held.

Website: www.the-residents.org Email: [email protected]