LOXWOOD Parish Council ~ Newsletter ~

Issue No. 10 June 2009 YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

There are 9 Members of the Parish Council: Alison Sanderson (Chairman), LOXWOOD Charlie Whitmarsh (Vice-Chairman), Elizabeth Dugdale, Mirus Kuszel, Sarah Lane, Sacha Pawley, Scott Taylor, Howard Thomas and David Parish Council Townsend. ~ Newsletter ~

The Parish Clerk is Jenny Hartley. 88, Rusper Road, Horsham RH12 4BN, e-mail: [email protected] If you wish to contact the Parish Council, please address all correspondence, whether letter or e-mail, to the Parish Clerk. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Parish Council minutes and agendas are available from the Clerk, prefera- As well as local residents, the meeting was attended by Chichester bly by e-mail, or on the Loxwood village website: www.loxwood.org District Councillors John Andrews and Brian Hooton, and West Sussex

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS County Councillor Chris Duncton, all of whom addressed the meeting following the Chairman and Parish Councillors‘ briefings. Chichester District Council: East Pallant House, 1 East Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TY. Tel: 01243 785166. Website: www.chichester.gov.uk There were static displays arranged by The Loxwood Society, The North Hall Management Committee, and the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. An West Sussex County Council: County Hall, West Street, Chichester, PO19 1RQ. Tel: 01243 777100. Website: www.westsussex.gov.uk officer from Chichester District Council attended, with useful information 24-hour information line: 0845 758 1232. on how to make your home greener and a supply of low energy light bulbs to take away. Countryside services, footpaths, bridleways: 01243 777620.

Highways repairs and maintenance, pavements, grass cutting: The Chairman of the Parish Council welcomed everyone and thanked 01243 642105. them for taking the time to attend the meeting. The minutes of Annual Parish Meeting for 2008 were verified and signed. The Chairman re- Police: emergencies: 999, non-emergencies: 0845 60 70 999. minded attendees that the purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting was to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111. report back on the activities of the Parish Council throughout the last Newsletter articles: any local clubs or societies who would like to publicise year, and to touch on initiatives already planned for the next. For that their activities, or individuals wishing to submit articles for the Newsletter reason it was much more of a briefing session than one of open discus- should contact the Parish Clerk:: [email protected]. We reserve the sion or debate, and that if anyone wanted to raise a new matter, then right to edit material, and we cannot accept the correct forum was regular Council meetings usually held on the first political material. Monday of the month. The agendas for these meetings were posted on Advertising: any busi- nesses wishing to adver- the PC notice board by the Post Office. tise in the Newsletter should contact the Parish Clerk by Email. The Chairman informed the meeting that the land at Willets Way/Station

16 1 Road was finally in the possession of the Parish Council, and arrange- PURPLEHall Hurst BUS Farm: The Chairman informed the meeting that she had ments were in hand to clear the site and to check over the trees, all of been in contact with Bewley Homes and had received assurances which have TPO‘s. Thethat all Purple recommended Bus is actions best had described been carried as aout youthwith regard club on wheels! to ‗Bat Welfare‘ before work had commenced on demol- Staffed by the West Sussex Youth Service and owned by a charitable trust, the The Council had as usual considered a number of planning applications Busishing trundles the barns. around Groundwork West Sussex was visiting expected small rural to start towns and villages that have including that of Dunsfold Park, which although it was outside the juris- earlylittle in May or with no an estimated other 12 month facilities build pro- for teenagers. diction of the Parish Council, was felt would have a great impact upon the gramme. They intend to build out the whole site in one village. For this reason the decision had been taken to oppose the devel- go, not just the affordable units Onas was the at Purple one time Bus thought we use to loads be the of toolscase. andThe resources to have fun and look at issues that opment. affordable units will be owned andaffect administered young people by the aged Downland 13-19. We Housing have lap-As- sociation. tops, digital cameras, music, quizzes, games, art, The Chairman talked about the controversial new parapets over the ca- The Parish Council will continueand to information monitor activities leaflets to to name ensure but that a few! Bewley nal. A sub-committee of the Parish Council, which includes two members Homes fulfil all their legal site requirements. We are at North Hall, Loxwood every Tuesday of the Loxwood Society, is working with WACT to try to come to a mutual evening from 7pm – 9pm for the rest of this term. agreement as to how to improve the appearance of the parapets and Allotments: Loxwood has 5 allotments, handled by Hyde Martlett. These are in- associated side barriers, whilst still fulfilling the health and safety require- Ifdividual you‘re interestedplots located in finding behind out the more Lakers check Lea outproperties http://thepurplebus.org.uk/ and one in Nicholsfield. or ments. She reminded the meeting that this was not a clear cut situation, http://www.bebo.com/ThePurpleBusAnyone wishing to apply for an allotment will need to contact Hyde Martlett

and negotiations were still under way. directly and join the waiting list. NORTH HALL BOOKINGS North Hall continues to be actively supported by the PC, although man- IfThe you Chairman would like thanked to make all a bookingParish, District you can and either County call CatherineCouncillors on for 751617 their help or aged by a separate committee, which is working hard on planning the sendthroughout an email the to [email protected] year, and reminded the audience . of The the calendar importance is pub- of peo- renovations as well as updating the booking and access arrangements. lishedple putting on our themselves website at forward www.loxwoodvillage.org.uk/calendar.htm when vacancies occurred on the PC. should you want to check when the hall is available before making your booking. Elizabeth Dugdale, the PC rep on the management committee informed the meeting of the plans for renovation and announced that the Youth Sarah Lane, the Councillor responsible for overseeing finances, gave a report on Services ‗Purple Bus‘ would be visiting North Hall weekly throughout the the current situation. summer.

District Cllr Andrews spoke about Government efficiency targets, and said that Charlie Whitmarsh spoke about the PCs ongoing attempts to get the despite being limitedA by DATE the government, FOR YOUR CDC has DIARYsound plans to cope with the roads around Loxwood improved. He explained that the work on Station st reduced funding. He talked about the increased targeting of speeding motorists Road was scheduled to begin on the 1 June, and would involve the road 'Loxwood Beer and Music Festival 2009' by the Police, and announced that people should contact him if they wish to being closed temporarily. The work would cost around £120,000. The PC 20th June at North Hall, Guildford Road, Loxwood become part of a network seeking to get speeds controlled. is also continuing to seek ways of reducing the speeding through the vil- From 12 noon until 11pm

lage, although a number of the schemes that were being researched had Visit: www.loxwoodbberfestival.com for all info. County Cllr Duncton reiterated the comments by Parish Cllr Whitmarsh, telling not proved successful in the villages which had imposed them. All money raised goes to Loxwood Pre-School the meeting that the planned road renovations in Station Road were one of

In the absence of Mirus Kuzel, PC Police Rep. the Chairman reported on only three planned for the county, due to low funding. He then talked about the improved relationship the PC had achieved with the local Police, who the improvements to the recycling facilities with the opening of the Ford Recy- were now carrying out far more frequent tours of Loxwood. cling Plant.

2 15 NORTH HALL Hall Hurst Farm: The Chairman informed the meeting that she had been in contact with Bewley Homes and had received assurances REFURBISHMENT that all recommended actions had been carried out with regard to ‗Bat Welfare‘ before work had commenced on demol- The North Hall Management Committee have commissioned the local award ishing the barns. Groundwork was expected to start winning architect Valerie Hinde, based in Petworth, to design the work. Valerie has handled many community projects including youth centres, church and early in May with an estimated 12 month build pro- school extensions, outpatients‘ clinics, a new café at Chapel Royal Brighton and gramme. They intend to build out the whole site in one the Amberley tea rooms. Several of the projects have involved Grade I or Grade II go, not just the affordable units as was at one time thought to be the case. The listed buildings. affordable units will be owned and administered by the Downland Housing As-

Several open days were held recently where the plans were on display and visi- sociation. tors had an opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions. There was an The Parish Council will continue to monitor activities to ensure that Bewley excellent turn out and some valuable suggestions have been added to the pot. Homes fulfil all their legal site requirements.

To be eligible for funding it is vital that we show the village wants the hall refur- bished – if you were unable to attend either of our recent open days but would Allotments: Loxwood has 5 allotments, handled by Hyde Martlett. These are in- still like to show your support then please pop along to the shop and sign the dividual plots located behind the Lakers Lea properties and one in Nicholsfield. book. Alternatively, you can email suggestions or comments to Anyone wishing to apply for an allotment will need to contact Hyde Martlett [email protected]. directly and join the waiting list.

WHEN WHAT WHO The Chairman thanked all Parish, District and County Councillors for their help

Mon Line dancing classes – all abilities Andrea: 07710 038068 throughout the past year, and reminded the audience of the importance of peo- 6:30pm – 10pm welcome ple putting themselves forward when vacancies occurred on the PC.

Tue Nia – dance and movement Rachel: 07825 988701 9:30am 10:30am classes www.equilibriumforu.com Sarah Lane, the Councillor responsible for overseeing finances, gave a report on

the current situation. Tue Purple Bus – youth club on Bookings: 751617 7pm – 9pm wheels www.thepurplebus.org.uk Wed Mothers and Toddlers Cat: 0781 468 2332 District Cllr Andrews spoke about Government efficiency targets, and said that 9:30am– 1:30am despite being limited by the government, CDC has sound plans to cope with the Wed Parent and toddler activity class Bookings: 751617 reduced funding. He talked about the increased targeting of speeding motorists 2pm – 3pm Wed Yoga Helen: 0771 571 1037 by the Police, and announced that people should contact him if they wish to 7pm – 8:30pm become part of a network seeking to get speeds controlled. Thur Ladies badminton Jill: 752787 9:30 ish Once a month Lunch club – everyone welcome. Gina: 751722 County Cllr Duncton reiterated the comments by Parish Cllr Whitmarsh, telling on a Monday Sign the book in the shop if you want to come along or call Gina the meeting that the planned road renovations in Station Road were one of only three planned for the county, due to low funding. He then talked about Once a month Women‘s Institute Pat: 752645 on a Friday the improvements to the recycling facilities with the opening of the Ford Recy- cling Plant. WHENT

14 3 District Cllr Hooton informed everyone that the CDC were reviewing all ex- penses and services to ensure that as many savings as possible could be made.

He went on to say that the Council Tax increase of 3% was the lowest increase, and that West Sussex had the fourth lowest increase in the South East.

DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE: JUNE 4TH EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY—SOUTH EAST REGION & WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS YOUR VOTE REALLY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. POLLING STATION: NORTH HALL 7am to 10pm

NEWS FROM THE WARD

One advantage of being a District Councillor is meeting lots of people with ideas new to me. At the Annual Meeting of Electors of Plaistow & Ifold PC I met two volunteer ‗First Responders‘. Vetted and trained by our Ambulance Service to be able to save lives of those suffering from certain heart emergencies. Often the First Responder can reach the sufferer before the ambulance team who, Peaslake‘s own Maestro, conductor Christopher Warren-Green, and his vir- then provide further emergency attention and transport to hospital. Clearly this tuoso violinist wife Rosemary Furniss will be performing with The London Cham- is a most valuable adjunct to our Ambulance Service in a rural area like Lox- ber Orchestra on Saturday 11 July. Chris and Rosie are former Peaslake School wood. More volunteers are needed! parents once again generously giving their musical gifts to help raise money for Volunteers need to be reasonably fit, prepared to be available for significant this unique and special school. The concert takes place in the beautiful Speech amounts of time including exceptionally thorough training. If you‘re interested Hall of Cranleigh School with a gorgeous programme of Mozart, Edward Elgar‘s you can have an informal exchange with Mrs. Jane Price at evocative Serenade for Strings, Haydn‘s Symphony No.45 (the ―Farewell‖ sym- [email protected], and review the web site at : phony), and two truly magical pieces for violin and orchestra: Ravel‘s Tzigane http://www.beatresponders.org/whatwedo.html or make enquiries at : and Massenet‘s Meditation from Thais. [email protected] or talk to a local team leader, Paul Berry on Bring your picnics, family and friends from 5.30pm and enjoy the Cranleigh 01403 786 185. School lawns, the Pimms tent and other refreshments, and of course, the fabu-

lous concert at 7.30pm. At the Annual Meeting of the Electors of Loxwood one of Chichester DC‘s Offi- Tickets are £24.50 or £10 for children under 16. Telephone 01306 731779. cers, Nicola Winser, had a stand showing how to lower energy use with inde- Generously sponsored by Accenture. All proceeds to Peaslake School. pendent advice on low energy appliances, better insulation and ventilation,

4 13 DEVIL‘S HOLE NATURE CONSERVATION AREA source heat pumps and so on. I hope those who attended and took Nicola‘s leaflets – not to mention low-energy light bulbs! - have

passed on the message to others who might benefit. If you want Simon Carter, who owns the area known as Devil‘s Hole, is trying to create a independent trustworthy advice you can contact Nicola directly: nature conservation area, and to that end has erected fences to keep walkers Home Energy Efficiency Officer, Home & Community, Chichester Dis- and dogs away from the nesting birds. Unfortunately the fences have been de- trict Council, East Pallant House, East Pallant, Chichester PO19 1LQ, Tel: liberately cut twice already. Simon has fixed notices complete with his contact 01243 534690, Fax: 01243 534621, details, to the fences, should anyone wish to speak to him about the matter. e-mail: [email protected] . Please help him to improve the diversity of the wildlife in the area.

The economic and financial straits of Britain are going to affect all Local Govern-

ment. At CDC we think that, despite being rated very highly both for service qual-

ity and financial effectiveness by the Audit Commission, in the year from April 2010

we‘ll have an income 12% lower than our expenditure, and 18% and 21% lower in

the two successive years unless we make very significant changes. You‘ll under-

stand how such a drastic reduction is not readily overcome. We‘ll be spending a

good deal of effort in the intervening period reviewing how to provide services

even more effectively, which services might attract higher or new charges, and

even be reduced. I‘ll keep you posted through your excellent Parish Council.

I hope in the next edition to have some news about St Richards and the Local De- velopment Framework.

THE LOXWOOD LUNCHEON CLUB John Andrews Conservative Councillor for the Chichester DC ward of Loxwood, Lurgashall, Northchapel, and Plaistow & Ifold. Tel: 01403 752 170 The Loxwood Luncheon Club is aimed at village people of all ages who meet to socialise and enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch at a very reasonable cost. We meet once a month, usually the 4th Monday each month. If you ANTI –SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR would like more information, please ring Gina Moore on 01403 751722.

The 2009 dates are:- Local residents cleared numerous drinks cans and June 1st September 28th over 100 empty bottles, mainly 1/2 wine bottles plus June 29th October 26th some 1/2 spirits bottles from the bridleway behind the July 27th November 23rd PO. and the footpath alongside the Conifer Nursery. August - no meeting December 14th The Police have been notified and are carrying out more frequent checks on the area. Do not throw your rubbish into the hedges where it provides a danger to wildlife as well as an unsightly mess — take it home!

12 5 Built by Colecraft Engineering Ltd of Long Itchington, Southam, Warwickshire, THE ROYAL SURREY COUNTY HOSPITAL, GUILDFORD the boat is 18.5 m (60ft 8in) long and will fit in the existing original locks on the canal. Its gross weight (without passengers) is 19 tonnes and the power supply Who Are We? is two banks of 24 volt, lead/acid traction batteries, connected in series to give Leading general hospital with specialist cancer services. 48 volts. The batteries have a capacity of over 1250 ampere hours. Considera- 215,000 outpatients seen, over 72,000 A&E attendances. tion has been given to fitting solar panels. At this time they do not give a finan- 2007/08 - Annual Health Check – excellent rating. cial return on the cost. However, the system has been designed with a future State of the art diagnostic equipment, among the lowest mortality installation in mind should such panels become financially viable. rates countrywide. Peter Foulger, Chairman of the Canal Trust, said: ―It was a very exciting day to Looking forward to our future see the boat in the water and it was marvellous to see it travelling up to Continue development of existing services delivering the best for all and being Brewhurst bridge for the first time‖. the patient‘s first choice. Dusty Miller, Chairman of W & A Enterprises Our vision and commitment to our patients: Limited, the trading arm of the Canal Trust, Extending and developing cancer services via delivery of new and said he was also delighted at the outcome. ―We had thought of extending an existing innovative treatments. boat, the Zachariah Keppel. When we were Working with NHS partners to deliver more services outside Guildford. asked by the Wiggonholt Association if the No avoidable hospital acquired infections by 2011. diesel engine could be replaced by an electric one it became clear that this was impractical, Benefits of Foundation Trust status hence the birth of the new boat, thanks to the Association‘s generous support.‖ Firmly part of the NHS, members have a greater say and support us in future plans. Peter Flatter, Chairman of the Wiggonholt Association said ,―There is great admi- Membership consisting public, patients and employees will elect a ration for what has been achieved and we are pleased to have been able to give Council of Governors (total 24) from among their number to repre- our support for a silent, non-polluting boat which will greatly increase the num- sent them. ber of passengers able to enjoy the very popular canal trips. We particularly ap- preciate the Trust‘s efforts to protect and enhance the canal environment and How we will run the Foundation Trust we hope to widen support for our own work to protect the Sussex countryside The Board of Directors continues to run the Trust and chaired by the Trust Chair- and rural life, through our contacts with the Trust and its conservation enthusi- man who also chairs the Council forming the link between the two. asts. ― Further information and pictures of the new boat can be obtained from the Wey Join us and help shape our future & Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: [email protected] Membership is free, your support will help us develop and shape services around For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please the needs of local communities. telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403 or visit www. weyandarun.co.uk Join online - www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/join-us or by tel 01483 571122 ext 2318 For information and contacts for the Wiggonholt Association, please see www.wiggonholt.org

6 11 We raised £1579 in 2009 and since the PPG (as it was then) was inaugurated in ACTION IN RURAL SUSSEX 2004 we have raised £5473. By far the greatest amount is raised by Jo and Bob Cliffe with their plant sales, raffles and car boot sales. As always, they are looking Action in rural Sussex has launched its ‗Heart of the Village‘ Campaign that for bric a brac, unwanted presents etc to sell. Their telephone number is 01403 aims to raise awareness about the important role that community buildings – 752118 and they are always happy to collect. Our grateful thanks to them for all village halls, church halls, community shops etc – play in ensuring that a village their hard work and enthusiasm. has a meeting place, a place where services can be developed and delivered and

where vital social activities take place. These facilities are managed and operated You will have heard or read that the Application to turn the Dispensary into a by local volunteers who give their time and energies to ensuring that they re- Dispensing Pharmacy was turned down but the proposed changes to Dispens- main open and that they meet current needs. This is an unenviable task. The ing Practices have been withdrawn so we remain with the status quo. main help that these voluntary committees need is funding to ensure that major

refurbishment, modernisation and new builds can take place. There are some changes to the availability of Doctors' appointments. Please look AirS has therefore set up a petition to the Prime Minister to call for a dedicated in the Waiting Room for details. They are also in the new Surgery Booklet and fund to assist rural communities to maintain and retain these vital facilities. Please on the Practice website - www.loxwoodmedicalpractice.co.uk help by signing the petition by visiting the AirS website:

www.ruralsussex.org.uk and following the links there.: Last year our membership was 57 households - a number we would like to in- http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/VillageHeart/ crease. It is time to ask you to renew your membership for 2009 – we do appreci- We will be doing a lot of work to raise the profile of the petition and the cam- ate your support. Subscriptions are £2 per person or £4 per household. There are paign but the aim is to try to build momentum so that it remains high up on the forms in the Friends of Loxwood Surgery box in the Surgery near the Dispen- Downing Street listings in terms of numbers of signatures. sary. If you are not a member please consider joining. Cheques should be made Teresa Gittins out to LOXWOOD PPG. Please encourage other patients to join.

The 'Friends' Committee. WI REPORT

We begin the business part at 7.30 and promise to be concise so that we can all We will have a stand and will be working alongside West have plenty of time to enjoy the great food and company. Sussex Countryside Rangers and West Sussex Composting Advisors. We will be looking to get young children in- This years hot village issues such as the canal bridge para- volved in surveying exercises to help them recognise pets, Dunsfold Park development and the latest on Hall plants, trees, birds, flowers etc. We will also be look- Hurst Farm will be touched upon. ing to note down names of interested people to join The barbecue will include a choice of local butcher John the Community Garden Initiative once we are fully Murray‘s succulent chicken, burgers or sausages with salad functioning. Please come along and find us. and bread and there will be, of course, a vegetarian option. SCHOOL/EDUCATION The price for the food is just £5. The licensed bar will open from 7.15. One of the major aims of the organisation is to work with the local school and local children to promote wildlife, horticulture and a better understanding of Please come, all are welcome. nature. To achieve this we have formed excellent links with the Headmaster Tim McMath, and Chairman of the School Governors Jeremy Glynn-Jones, who have given us great support. We will be working closely with the school to in- LOXWOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS INITIATIVE volve the children in as many areas as we possibly can. Graham Moore WHAT IS HAPPENING?

THE FRIENDS OF LOXWOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE Lots has been happening in the background since the last newsletter. We are still having discussions with reference to available land for the Initiative, as this has revealed some issues around boundaries which require resolving before we The ‗Friends‘ continue to support the Practice practically, socially and finan- can move on. cially. Help is given at the Baby Clinics, 'flu' clinics and with keeping the leaflets and Whilst this is going on we are in a position to carry out some very valuable work magazines up to date and tidy. Sally Cave, a Committee member, gave time to in conjunction with our local West Sussex Countryside Ranger. Over the coming teach people to use the new Blood Pressure Machine. There have been two suc- months we will be carrying out various surveys of the potential site to identify cessful fund raising Coffee Mornings in the Surgery, and we also participated in what wildlife and plant life already exist. We will use this information together the annual Macmillan Big Coffee Morning. A talk was arranged, in November, with the Biodiversity Report that has been carried out by the Sussex Biodiversity about Virtual Wards, a new Care in the Community Initiative.

8 9 LOXWOOD SOCIETY SUMMER BBQ AND AGM Records Centre. This information will be compiled to assist us with our own — Thursday 25th June 2009 Management Plan of the site, so that we can plan for the future to improve and enhance the area for wildlife, plants etc. Do come along to our Summer BBQ and AGM at North Hall on Thursday 25th TH June at 7.30pm. CHURCH FETE JUNE 6

8 9 We raised £1579 in 2009 and since the PPG (as it was then) was inaugurated in ACTION IN RURAL SUSSEX 2004 we have raised £5473. By far the greatest amount is raised by Jo and Bob Cliffe with their plant sales, raffles and car boot sales. As always, they are looking Action in rural Sussex has launched its ‗Heart of the Village‘ Campaign that for bric a brac, unwanted presents etc to sell. Their telephone number is 01403 aims to raise awareness about the important role that community buildings – 752118 and they are always happy to collect. Our grateful thanks to them for all village halls, church halls, community shops etc – play in ensuring that a village their hard work and enthusiasm. has a meeting place, a place where services can be developed and delivered and

The 'Friends' Committee. WI REPORT

" S.O.S. for Honey Bees" is the resolution put forward for the A.G.M. at the A NEW ELECTRIC VISITOR BOAT ARRIVES AT THE WEY & Albert Hall in June. Mrs. Judy Wilson took the meeting and explained why the ARUN CANAL bees are under threat from pests and diseases. The W.I. is urging the Govern- ment to do more to help combat these problems. Members The Wey & Arun Canal Trust‘s new electric visitor boat has arrived. On were almost unanimous in voting for this resolution which th Monday, 27 April 2009 the 50-seater boat was craned into the water at Lox- Mrs Paige, our President, will take to London. This is a mat- wood. A Maritime & Coastal Agency (MCA) team was on hand, and as soon as ter of great concern to bee keepers who have lost many of the boat was moored, it underwent the MCA heeling/stability test. This involved their hives. volunteers loading 220 25kg bags of cement onboard (total of 5.5 tonnes). After the test, the volunteers of course had to unload the bags. The dates for the next regular meetings are: 12th June; The boat will be named ―Wiggonholt‖, after it‘s main sponsors. and will carry 10th July; 11th September; 9th October; 13th November; 11th December. information about the activities of the Wiggonholt Association. A private dona- Do come and join us. tion was also provided by a benefactor, also a member, who much admires the Canal initiative. 10 7 Built by Colecraft Engineering Ltd of Long Itchington, Southam, Warwickshire, THE ROYAL SURREY COUNTY HOSPITAL, GUILDFORD the boat is 18.5 m (60ft 8in) long and will fit in the existing original locks on the canal. Its gross weight (without passengers) is 19 tonnes and the power supply Who Are We? is two banks of 24 volt, lead/acid traction batteries, connected in series to give Leading general hospital with specialist cancer services. 48 volts. The batteries have a capacity of over 1250 ampere hours. Considera- 215,000 outpatients seen, over 72,000 A&E attendances. tion has been given to fitting solar panels. At this time they do not give a finan- 2007/08 - Annual Health Check – excellent rating. cial return on the cost. However, the system has been designed with a future State of the art diagnostic equipment, among the lowest mortality installation in mind should such panels become financially viable. rates countrywide. Peter Foulger, Chairman of the Canal Trust, said: ―It was a very exciting day to Looking forward to our future see the boat in the water and it was marvellous to see it travelling up to Continue development of existing services delivering the best for all and being Brewhurst bridge for the first time‖. the patient‘s first choice. Dusty Miller, Chairman of W & A Enterprises Our vision and commitment to our patients: Limited, the trading arm of the Canal Trust, Extending and developing cancer services via delivery of new and said he was also delighted at the outcome. ―We had thought of extending an existing innovative treatments. boat, the Zachariah Keppel. When we were Working with NHS partners to deliver more services outside Guildford. asked by the Wiggonholt Association if the No avoidable hospital acquired infections by 2011. diesel engine could be replaced by an electric one it became clear that this was impractical, Benefits of Foundation Trust status hence the birth of the new boat, thanks to the Association‘s generous support.‖ Firmly part of the NHS, members have a greater say and support us in future plans. Peter Flatter, Chairman of the Wiggonholt Association said ,―There is great admi- Membership consisting public, patients and employees will elect a ration for what has been achieved and we are pleased to have been able to give Council of Governors (total 24) from among their number to repre- our support for a silent, non-polluting boat which will greatly increase the num- sent them. ber of passengers able to enjoy the very popular canal trips. We particularly ap- preciate the Trust‘s efforts to protect and enhance the canal environment and How we will run the Foundation Trust we hope to widen support for our own work to protect the Sussex countryside The Board of Directors continues to run the Trust and chaired by the Trust Chair- and rural life, through our contacts with the Trust and its conservation enthusi- man who also chairs the Council forming the link between the two. asts. ― Further information and pictures of the new boat can be obtained from the Wey Join us and help shape our future & Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: [email protected] Membership is free, your support will help us develop and shape services around For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please the needs of local communities. telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403 or visit www. weyandarun.co.uk Join online - www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/join-us or by tel 01483 571122 ext 2318 For information and contacts for the Wiggonholt Association, please see www.wiggonholt.org

6 11 DEVIL‘S HOLE NATURE CONSERVATION AREA source heat pumps and so on. I hope those who attended and took Nicola‘s leaflets – not to mention low-energy light bulbs! - have