Weybridge Society

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

Spring 2011 Hon. Patron - Michael Aspel, OBE

Why our river needs some TLS Would you like to join the Weybridge Society? ociety Chair, Barry Judd A survey of each area is under - By joining us you will be able to add your voice and weight to welcomed the 50 or so taken in a similar way to a our campaigns. The Society has been going for over 50 years members and friends to Conservation Area Appraisal, and and during that time has gained the respect of borough and the last meeting on strategies for implementing the S county councillors. We support new initiatives and guard December 8, and introduced Jason proposals are detailed. An exam - Debney, Co-ordinator of the ple of TLS work is the opening of against inappropriate development. We also work closely with Thames Landscape Strategy the view from Richmond Park to Neighbourhood Watch and the police to ensure a safe and (TLS) St Paul’s Cathedral – some 10 secure environment for all who live and work in Weybridge. Jason explained the background miles away. Towpaths are Please contact any member listed on Page 2 for details to the TLS which started in 1994, managed, litter collected, and even and covers the Thames area from the flotsam and jetsam left by full Kew to the middle of Hurst Park. moon high tides are gathered. The aim now is to increase this Jason Debney in Church Walk, This work has resulted in an 85% Blacksmith brothers retire area to Weybridge, ending at the Weybridge – an area he feels reduction in litter and is undertak - old Wey bridge and Town Lock of would benefit from a little TLS or en by volunteers, probation pris - the River Wey Navigation. maybe TLC oners and vulnerable young peo - The area around Richmond Hill landscapes in the world. ple. Vegetation is managed but not was known as the Arcadian Rural The TLS is not just a vision but ‘manicured,’ trees are cared for, Paradise, and the royal palaces a day to day link with potholes filled, street lights paint - along the Thames, with the other Environment Agency, National ed, scrub cleared, hedges layered large houses and estates connected Trust, and other funding partners, and planted. Biodiversity is man - the landscape for the nobility. 180 local groups, supported by a aged in different habitats – first by Gradually others enjoyed the rural grant of £76,000, plus £3,000 monitoring, then researching, and Thames, but over time the ‘rural from County Council and a then managed. The zebra mussel bliss and escape from the hustle generous £7,000 from Elmbridge from Russia is an example of a and bustle of city life’ was lost. Borough Council. There are three problem causing invasive species However, in 1902 local spaces members of staff, and £20m has – 5 years ago there were none, but were protected, and the landscape been raised since 2000. A stagger - recently in an area of one square connected, providing as Jason ing 160,000 volunteer hours have metre of river bed believed, the best parks and river been recorded. Please turn to Page 2 Thames Gate-Wey –still a way to go Tony Davis, the champion of the project on which from Walton Lane have been reduced to improve he has been working for more than five years sight lines and safety. writes that he has spoken with the environment Near the new moorings a large notice board Agency regarding the on-going maintenance of has been erected, and it remains to be seen if the new moorings and the plans to improve the Weybridge society will be able to display notices Fired-up for the last time, Derek and Ronald Anstead are finally car park by Weybridge Ladies Amateur rowing there – or if it will be purely for environment hanging up their hammers Photo by Simon Dray artist and photographer Club, also the bend by The Minnow (formerly Agency and bank-side information. MeMbers may remember es, 10 ship Yard, Weybridge. The Lincoln Arms Hotel) in Thames street. At the time of writing there are two directional that in the summer 2009 issue On 17 December 2010 they The environment Agency (eA) has undertaken notices – both pointing towards reading one in of the newsletter this business ceased trading – and ended a planting of trees and shrubs along the toepath each direction. It appears however to be a recy - was featured, with a photo - very long tradition of metal between this car park and the next one where the cled notice board from further up the Thames – graph of Derek and ronald work, ranging from the origi - picnic area and landscaping has already been very welcome in Weybridge nevertheless. Anstead taken by our mem - nal car body work to wrought undertaken. This work was through Tony’s lob - Tony hopes to recruit volunteers from ber raymond spary iron gates, fencing and bying of elmbridge borough Council and the eA Weybridge society to do some maintenance work, The brothers had our arti - railings, not to mention the on behalf of Weybridge society, which resulted in such as cutting back scrub and litter picking cle enlarged, and displayed many repairs to metal toys the eventual excellent outcome of this now much along our stretch of the towpath, once or twice a in the works for all to see. and household items! used area. stunning views of the river have been year. Please let him or the secretary know if you After many, years of work Their skills and friendship opened up, and the hedges around the entrance would like to help. and service to our area, the will be greatly missed, and it is Ansteads decided to retire certainly the passing of an era l Do you have a contribution for inclusion in the next newsletter? Maybe you or your friends are upon the ending of the lease – we wish them every involved in a local activity that may be of interest to our members. Email your contribution with on their blacksmith’s premis - happiness in their retirement. photos if possible to: [email protected] . Starting with WS in the header field. Carolyn Pennycook

Please make a note of this date in your diary as this AGM, there are panel groups for education, transport, newsletter serves as the formal notice of the AGM. planning and marketing and the chair or lead representa - YOUR NEXT AGM The agenda, minutes of the previous AGM and chair - tive of each panel is a member of the main committee. The Annual General Meeting of Weybridge man’s report will be presented at the meeting. All those currently on the main committee are willing Society will be held on Following the business part of the meeting, members to stand again – Barry Judd, Derek Lindfield, Andrew are invited to submit ‘Any Questions’ to the officers, com - Davis, Carolyn Pennycook, Maggie Alderman, Anne Wednesday, April 13, 2011 mittee and panel members present. Lindsay, Raymond Spary, Richard Marshall, Annette at 8pm If you have a detailed question to which you would Davies, Trevor Tarring and Joe Hall. Officers (Chair, like an in-depth reply, please submit it to the Secretary in Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary) are elected at the in The Hall of Christ the Prince of advance of the meeting. Also any resolutions or nomina - first committee meeting after the AGM from the members Peace Church tions to serve on the main committee may also be sub - elected then. Individual responsibilities such as off Portmore Park Road, Weybridge mitted to the Secretary in writing before the meeting. In membership, distribution, events, etc, are also addition to the main committee which is elected at the confirmed at this meeting.

www.weybridgesociety.org.uk or write to us at: Weybridge Society, PO Box 492, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8WX 2 The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 Thames Landscape Strategy Remember women on March 8 Continued from page 0ne: 15,000 comments. hen i suggested a people from the village (that were found! Himalayan Balsam, All the strategies which had piece to mark the Weybridge then was) came to an extremely invasive plant, is been and continued to be imple - international feast, dance and leave their trou - cleared by volunteers. A rare mented in the Kew to Hurst Park Women’s Day bles behind. species, the ‘German hairy snail’ section of the Thames were W (iWD) centenary on 8th March, l Amy Gentry: Born in 1904, was discovered, and is now pro - anticipated for the Hurst Park to my Editor said fine but make it Amy learned her way around a tected and monitored. Bird Weybridge area, and a report relevant to Weybridge. My boat holidaying on Hamhaugh boxes are erected, and it is hoped would be drawn up by sum - heart sank. Not oNE cam - The Mimosa flower, a symbol of island. Women were not allowed to build a sand martin bank mer2011, when it would be pub - paigning KT13 woman sprang International Women’s Day to row competitively so there which will be monitored by web- lished after consultation. Jason to mind. Happily the wonderful small gift or flowers or wear a was no real outlet for Amy’s tal - cam. Bats are protected and mon - explained that involvement of staff at Elmbridge Museum Mimosa buttonhole to show ents, already very apparent itored street lights affect them local groups and volunteers was came to my rescue (thank you) solidarity with women in the when she took part in a regatta and a project to put up ‘bat essential for the success of the producing four, two of which World still fighting against in 1914. When a “Victory” friendly’ lights is proposed. Thames Landscape Strategy in feature here. hardship and exploitation. oK, regatta was arranged in TLS runs education sessions the Weybridge area, and asked For those of you thinking scene set, on we go: Weybridge, as a bit of a in schools and on the river, and that his contact details be pub - “iWD? Huh?”, iWD was con - l Frederica, Duchess of York: novelty act, the organisers encourages community events. lished here: www.thames-land - ceived in the early 1900s as a on moving here i assumed ‘The decided to stage a Ladies Fours Public access is important – scape-strategy.org.uK; j.deb - day to focus attention world - Monument’ was a war memorial race. The rest, as they say, is his - walkers, runners and cyclists are [email protected], TLS wide on campaigns for when of course it remembers a tory. Amy drummed up not just catered for with signage and Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, women’s rights to work, vote, lady who lived exercising every one crew but four. A Ladies interpretation boards, improved and telephone: 07761169343. be trained, to hold public office Christian virtue and died univer - “wing” was duly added to the paths and car parks. The lively questions session and to end discrimination. sally regretted. Weybridge Men’s Rowing Club Jason talked about climate that followed confirmed the Happily for us in Weybridge Frustratingly the inscription and in 1925 Weybridge Ladies change and how the River enthusiasm which Jason’s excel - iWD is now less about struggle says nothing about what moved Amateur Rowing Club was Thames has been affected in the lently illustrated presentation had and more about celebrating the people to mark her passing in formed. There is not room here last 10 years, and also the Lower inspired. Tony Davis, the lead strength, achievements and con - stone. Frederica’s obituary gives to do justice to the clubs Thames Strategy and flood man - member of Weybridge Society’s tribution women have made a clue. At her funeral 4 mute achievements or, indeed, to agement (a project to which Thames Gate-wey project directly (mothers, teachers, children on horseback and 40 Amy’s who was an undefeated Weybridge Society had made offered to meet with Jason ‘on friends, co-workers) and indi - more led the procession. single skulls World Champion. representation, particularly in site’ and walk the area, and this rectly (Pankhurst, Stopes) in Having no children of her own, one of the clippings i liked the respect of the proposed widening he was pleased to accept. Barry our lives. The Duchess had paid to support most tells how, to improve her of the . Judd thanked Jason and pledged Not widely observed in uK, and educate the children of oth - breathing and develop her lungs, The suggested improvements the Society’s support for the in many countries iWD is a ers less fortunate than her. At Amy took up singing and to Desborough island were Thames Landscape Strategy in holiday and in a few, the equiv - her stately home (oatlands Park became so good at that she won touched upon, please see page 7 Weybridge. alent of Mothering Sunday. you Hotel is on the site now) she a gold medal in a singing for Weybridge Society members’ Carolyn Pennycook can mark the day by giving the threw a party each Christmas competition. i would like to important women in your life a and on her birthday to which the have met her. Claire Dyson www.weybridgesociety.org.uk You are what you eat, Michael Aspel on the radio Committee list digest and absorb OUR patron, TV and radio personality Michael Aspel appeared on Brooklands Radio recently, Chairman: Barry Judd DiD you know that as you age, your levels of 13 Barham Close KT13 9PR 853895 talking about his life and career and played some of stomach acid are likely to drop? Stomach acid his favourite tracks. [email protected] is vital for digesting food; defending against The Weybridge resident, whose TV credits Vice Chair & Education: Derek Lindfield bacteria; and absorbing certain nutrients. An include This Is Your Life and Antiques Roadshow, 17 Marlborough Drive KT13 8PA 849020 excess, or more commonly a deficiency, can be began his broadcasting career on radio, as an actor [email protected] linked to many issues including indigestion, in Children’s Hour. He went on to present a daily Treasurer: Andrew Davis osteoporosis, morning show on Capital Radio for nearly 10 years constipation, low energy, poor skin, body odour 20 Holstein Avenue KT13 8NX 840888 in the 70s. and brittle nails. Michael, who was awarded the OBE in 1993 for [email protected] l if we do not have enough stomach acid, food Secretary: Carolyn Pennycook services to broadcasting, said: “Brooklands Radio may not be digested properly and can trigger an does a great job and I’m more than pleased to be a Redstairs Brooklands Rd KT13 0QZ 848244 overgrowth of bacteria or food intolerances, guest on the station. It’s 55 years since I made my [email protected] with symptoms such as bloating, wind and first broadcast, and to be back at the mic so near Membership: Maggie Alderman stomach cramps. home will be a real treat for me.” 8 Melrose Road KT13 8UP 843344 indigestion is often attributed to excess levels l Brooklands Radio is an online station and has [email protected] of acid, but more commonly, levels are low and been streaming online, after failed attempts to win subsequently trigger heartburn and burping or Distribution: Anne Lindsay an FM community radio licence for North Surrey. bloating after meals. to listen in log on to: www.brooklandsradio.co.uk Splash Wey Meadows KT13 8XY 854204 l Bad bacteria thrive when stomach acid is low [email protected] and Helicobacter pylori becomes increasingly Planning: Raymond Spary common as we age, can cause inflammation and What our members do Shambles Round Oak Rd KT13 8HT 888214 is strongly associated with stomach ulcers. MANy of you may know of the tremendous task Dr [email protected] l Stomach acid is necessary for the absorption Dave Brown recently set himself, which was to cycle Footpaths: Richard Marshall of iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12 and poor 100,000 sponsored miles for the Sam Beare Hospice 12 Churchfields Avenue KT13 9YA 849513 absorption of such nutrients can impact the and Leukeamia and Lymphoma Research. you will, health of our bones, muscles, nerves and [email protected] no doubt read about his challenge in the local press. immune system. He himself, was diagnosed with cancer and Events : Annette Davies l Amanda Cleghorn is a qualified nutritional endured successful treatment at St Peter’s Hospital. 11 Churchill Drive KT13 9HE 844664 therapist who can suggest simple ways to test That was 13 years’ ago. [email protected] your stomach acid, as well as dietary and His amazing 100,000 mile goal was achieved just Minutes: Trevor Tarring lifestyles measures to try to maintain appropriate before Christmas and his fundraising figure amounted Robin Hill Brooks Close KT13 0LX 843428 levels. Based at Weybridge Natural Therapies www.weybridgenaturaltherapies.com, Amanda to more than £18,000, which was donated equally [email protected] between the Sam Beare Hospice and Leukeamia and Marketing: Joe Hall is available to discuss any health issues and like Andrea Lecky, registered osteopath, is offering a Lymphoma Research. Dave hopes to raise even more. 242 Brooklands Road KT13 ORD 859595 £5 discount to members for a private consulta - Dave also helps the Weybridge Society too, by [email protected] tion. Please see www.figtreenutrition.co.uk or delivering the newsletter near his oatlands home, and Newsletter: Guest Editor, Kevin Walker call 0800 433 4523. he will probably be a be familiar face to our members 07768 930001 [email protected] Amanda Cleghorn, Nutritional Therapist in that area. Good luck with your fundraising Dave. The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 3

There is an currently online petition against the closure of Weybridge Hall go to: www.ipetitions.com/petition/weybridge_hall/ Or alternatively you can sign a petition which is located on the noticeboard of The Weybridge Centre in Churchfield’s Road From Mickey Mouse to Gone with the wind With the future of Weybridge Hall in Church Street currently in How the surrey Herald’s sister the balance, Carolyn Pennycook looks back at the history of paper the informer reported the this building nestled in Weybridge town centre conservation area. news last december ANGRY residents recently hit out at HE QuEEn’S Parade Elmbridge Borough Council’s plans of which weybridge to close Weybridge Town Hall. Hall is part, was built The council is planning closure of Tin 1899 by Horace the hall, in order to save running Thompson, and in 1920 a cine - costs of £17,000, ma was opened and named Councillors agreed at the full ‘The Kinema’, being convert - council meeting on Wednesday, ed from two unused shops. December 8, to keep the target in 1927 it was refitted by saving in the budget for 2011, even wg Tarrant, the well known though some councillors called for a local builder, to seat 500 peo - consultation. ple. in 1929 it was sold to the Weybridge Old Folk Club has County chain of cinemas and used the hall for 40 years. It meets renamed King george’s every Thursday and regularly holds Cinema, in 1937 the name was other social events there including changed again to The County, their annual Christmas lunch. a name which survived until it Chairman of the club, Graham closed in the 1950s and the Winton – a former Elmbridge mayor, building was purchased by said: “This proposal to seek efficien - walton and weybridge urban cy savings from the transfer of hirers District Council to provide the from Weybridge Hall to the public hall it is today. Weybridge Centre is causing concern Films shown at the official and astonishment. opening of the Kinema in June “Various attempts to determine 1920 were ‘Across Canada Weybridge Hall on Queen’s Parade, pictured when there were ‘just three cars’ in all of Weybridge Photo by Courtesy of Elmbridge Museum, part of Elmbridge Borough Council’s Leisure & Cultural Services Division the reasons, timing and the rationale with the Prince of wales’ and have been fruitless. The current Mary Pickford in enhancement to the thorough - ‘gone with the wind’. The Jeremy irons; Back to users of the hall took more than ‘Ragamuffin’. A specially fare of this prosperous looking Children’s Club was called Yesterday, never Say never 2,000 hours of bookings in 2009.” selected orchestra was Thames-side town’. it was The Mickey Mouse Club. Again (then the latest James The hall also currently accommo - engaged for the performances, claimed as the largest and most in its later life as a village Bond release); The Shooting dates regular dog training, salsa and prices were from comfortable picture house in hall it was regularly used for Party – and for the children classes, shoe sales, parties and ninepence (unreserved to the district, and ‘the most events such as horticultural ‘Biggles’ and a morning psychic fairs. Three shillings (15p) for the beautiful in Surrey’, with the shows, lectures, jumble sales, Children’s Film Show. Tickets best numbered and reserved l RegulaR WeybRidge Hall useRs: up-to-date seating, safety film society meetings, dances, cost £2.50 for adults and £1.00 socatots, gKR, Orbit Club of ; balcony seats. The female appliances, two of the best pro - concerts and even blood donor for children, and the Society manager, Miss Bebby wore a shofar Christian Church, Childrens jectors and excellent ventila - sessions. in the 1980s even supplied soup and rolls to Parties, dance Club, Old Folks Club, long evening dress, usually tion. The interior, designed by weybridge Society through the help ward off the winter chill! Walton and Weybridge Operatic soc, black, with a red rose. The Mr wallace of Baker Street enthusiasm and hard work of l information obtained from adult and Community learning Centre, Kinema and its performances was of ‘Rose du Barry and two member Jim Buckley brought archives in Elmbridge Rock Choir, Totsdance, gN Footwear, were described in a report by tints of French grey embellish - the cinema back to life by hav - Museum; EBC’s Conservation dance education Centre, Weyworders, The Herald newspaper of the ments’. ing film shows on a number of Area Appraisal Document, and Friends of Manby lodge school, Rbli time as ‘A splendid perform - The first ‘talkies’ were occasions, showing up-to-date neal white’s book ‘weybridge employment, eP Training CPC exams, ance in a delightful building’ shown there in 1927 and the movies such as The Mission Past’. Cashmere Centre, The great Tour and ‘the building a decided last film was reputed to be with Robert de niro and Carolyn Pennycook Reunion gathering. People, places and plaques – in and around Weybridge Following a successful sem - 1925 which adorns a house heritage and interest to the pass - that plaques should be readily inar last spring, the Surrey opposite the Ship Hotel, in er-by, resident or tourist. seen from the public path or History Trust (SHT) is currently Thames Street, weybridge once the Surrey History Trust road, without having to venture undertaking an audit of plaques There is also another blue audit of plaques is complete we onto private property. and other historical plaque in oatlands Chase shall turn our attention to i would be very grateful if commemorative material. dedicated to Emile promoting new ones members could send me i know of several Zola. through local soci - details of any other plaques attached to The Elmbridge eties and individ - plaques that they weybridge houses. 100 project may uals. the trust know about, Eastlands in well produce has produced particularly in Brooklands lane plaques, either some guide- the weybridge has four, temporary or lines which we area. including one to permanent to hope will be My e-mail the actress Fanny commemorate taken into con - address is: Kemble; Another famous citi - sideration. heather@ slightly battered zens in signifi - it is our view, thehawkers blue plaque to E M cant locations. which is also .co.uk. Forster, who wrote Plaques do shared by English there between 1904 and encourage a sense of Heritage, Heather d Hawker 4 The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 Planning applications

Weybridge Nort & South 31-33 RAdnoR Rd (2008/0861, 2627 & Oatlands 2010/0387, 1454) This information is summarised from the The residents of Radnor Road have 4, Woodland Grove (2010/1695 and2010/3047) Weybridge Society Planning Panel’s opposed all proposals for this site, the latest The outcome of the appeal on the application for records, it is up to date at the time of writ - of which is to replace a commercial building two detached 5-bed houses (1695) reported in the ing and we hope that it is a true represen - with 8 flats and a house. Weybridge last Newsletter, is still awaited. tation of the committee’s opinions. Society also objected that such a develop - Meanwhile an application (3047) for two 4-bed 20&20A CHuRCH STReeT ment would not fit in with the street scene houses (each with one less bedroom in the roof The complicated history of 21 planning and would create problems with parking. space) has been received. The external appear - applications and 3 appeals on this narrow The latest application has been refused by ance of this proposal is, however, very similar to site of the old bakery, adjacent to the the Elmbridge Council and is now the sub - that of the one under appeal. entrance of Weybridge Hospital is com - ject of an appeal. plete. Residents are now moving into the The Hall, Vale Road (2010/2725) houses which are still behind the tall fence. 22 mAyfield Rd (2010/1688) This application is for a detached two storey This is another application for a building CHuRCHfieldS AVenue (2004/2380 & building with additional rooms in the roof containing 4 small flats, to replace the present 2006/2810 & 2007/2666,2674 & 2008/2686 space containing 6 flats with basement building, which is the subject of a demolition & 2009/0301,1546 & 2010/0406) parking. The Weybridge Society has order. This new building is intended to take This site, formerly the playing fields of objected to the above application in support account of the sloping nature of the site, but it Wallop School, has been defined as of the very large number of local residents. does not resolve the problem of poor sightlines at Strategic Open Urban Land (SOUL). There In our opinion the proposed development is the junction of Cross Road and Vale Road, have now been 8 applications and 1 appeal not only out of character with the road, which make the exit from Cross Road into Vale for houses to be built on this land. which comprises a variety of large and Road hazardous for cars, etc. We are pleased to inform you that the sev - small family residences, but also is over Geoff Banks enth application for 5 houses, was refused dominant, being effectively a 3 storey struc - by the inspector on appeal. We now expect ture and also has potential flooding issues. the preferred application for 4 houses offer - The application has been refused by the ing 70% of the private land for public use to Elmbridge Council but is now subject to an St. George’s Hill be completed. appeal. Planning Application 2010/3010 Heatherley St.George’s Road uniT 4 ST. mARTinS CouRT yoRk Rd. Wey CoTTAGe Wey Rd (2004/0313, Another application has now been submitted to (2008/2751 & 2009/1664,1665) 2008/0850, 2010/2280) The latest two applications for the develop - develop this site. This Cottage backs on to the River Wey and ment on this site were refused by Elmbridge The proposal is to build a pair of semi-detached the Conservation Area. The application is Council. The Weybridge Society took an houses, and two detached houses. for a detached two storey house with base - active roll in speaking at the appeal in sup - We have objected to this application on the ment, integral garage and additional rooms port of the objections raised by local resi - grounds that we believe proposals are out of char - in the roof space. The Weybridge Society dents. Unfortunately the slightly less domi - acter with the other houses on the south side of objected on the grounds of the bulk, height nant building was permitted. the road and are too tall and large for the location, and massing as well as the underground and would be to the detriment of the street scene. CHuRCHfield HouSe (AdulT voids containing sealed living accommoda - The proposals represent an overdevelopment of eduCATion CenTRe) (2009/1319, 2299 tion and thus reducing the flood plain. this small site. 2010/1410,1411) The previous application 2010/1212 for a similar Weybridge Society has had significant suc - HAnd & SPeAR old HeATH Rd proposal was refused by the council on the cess in limiting the impact of the proposed (2010/3112) signs on this important Grade II listed build - The Planning Panel will be objecting in sup - grounds that the proposals represented a ing. The detail of the final design of the port of the local residents who are con - “cramped overdevelopment “of the site. signs is now under discussion between the cerned about this application which is to An appeal against this decision has been regis - owners, Weybridge Conservation install 3 Mobile Phone antennas on the tered by the applicant, and we await the Committee and the Weybridge Society. chimney of this listed building. Inspector’s decision. Ray Spary Peter White Elmbridge: The Beverly Hills of EOPLE living in It was found that 95 per cent Elmbridge has topped this poll council, believes it is Elmbridge might do well of residents in towns like again. Elmbridge’s ‘unique mix’ which to forget the old adage Walton, Weybridge “All the council’s hard work makes it such a desirable and Pabout the grass being and Esher reported to be in in enhancing the borough in prosperous place to live. greener on the other side of their good health and the area’s life collaboration with our residents He said: “It’s a place people neighbouring borough’s fence. expectancy is higher than aver - and businesses will have no want to move to and, once here, The borough has, for the third age at 81.4 years. doubt contributed to this fine they want to stay. Elmbridge year running, been ranked as the School qualifications in the result.” residents have high expectations number one place to live in borough were also found to be The area has been dubbed and as a local authority we try Great Britain. above average, England’s answer to Beverly to meet these in all that we do. The recent Quality of Life with 77 per cent of students Hills, with residents such as “Elmbridge offers a unique Survey, carried out by Halifax, achieving five or more GCSE Rolling Stones bassist Ronnie mix of towns and villages, a took into account local perform - grades A-C, compared to 74 per Wood, Tottenham goalkeeper, wealth of common land and ance across a number of differ - cent for the rest of the country. Peter Crouch and Jamie and open spaces, good motorways ent indicators, like the housing Leader of Elmbridge Council Louise Redknapp all calling the and airport access, all within market, labour market and stan - Councillor John O’Reilly said: borough home. Robert Moran, a comfortable 30 minute dard of healthcare and education. “I’m absolutely delighted chief executive of the borough commute of London.” The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 5 There’s a lot going on at Churchfields allotments

he ChurChfields allotments are owned by the Weybridge land Charity and are Tsituated in the centre of Weybridge. Plots are let to people residing in the KT13 area. Owners grow a large variety of vegetables and fruit to help feed their families. Children are also very enthusiastic and to encourage them we have regular little competitions for the largest pumpkin and the tallest sunflower, they get some incredible results – the largest pumpkin produced on site so far was 68 kilos! We encourage local gardeners to join our association, Weybridge Allotment holders and Gardeners Association (WAhGA) for a small fee which enables them to purchase seeds, composts, seed potatoes, onions and garlic for spring planting, from our Trading hut at com - petitive prices. We do have a waiting list for plots, if you live in KT13 and would like to be put on the list please call in to our trading hut at the top of Curzon road on a saturday or sunday morning between 10am and 12 noon. We operate a ‘use it or lose it policy’, it’s unfair to have unat - tended plots when people are waiting. A Community challenge unfortunately we sometimes suffer group from Walton Leigh from vandalism and thieving so local school and volunteers Community police keep an eye on the prepare for a day at site. stealing produce from plot owners is the allotments in a despicable act as the growers put a lot Churchfields Road. Come rain or shine they of time and effort into their crops. spend valuable time and We are proud to have two sponsored get geat enjoyment from plots for the use of Walton leigh school. cultivating their crops The project was originally started by from mere seedlings Carillion and rhs Wisley in 2005 and from the specially built we are grateful that other companies have raised planters that allow since participated in making the plots wheelchair access even more user friendly. Walton-leigh school is dedicated to special Needs students, many of which have Profound Multiple learning difficulties (PMld). We are fortunate that Wates living space (affordable hous - ing contractors) together with their col - leagues from Ground Construction limited (GCl) elected to use their Community day to help pupils from Walton-leigh school both at the school ents are encouraged to bring their and their Allotment plot at Churchfields. children down to the allotment to help A large patio area was laid at the weed, plant and harvest. school which makes life a lot easier for At the end of last year a team from wheelchair students and staff. A shed and Office Network spent a busy day in benches were also painted in lively frightful weather digging, mowing, paint - colours which have brightened up an ing and planting with the help of some of otherwise dull area. The students the students from the school. All the enthusiastically assisted in the rubbing bulbs they planted are now popping up. down and painting activities. The Community day support help is At the allotment four more large greatly appreciated. We have found that raised Beds were made and filled with the participants get a great deal of pleas - good quality soil. The areas surrounding ure and satisfaction from supporting the beds were paved to enable easy Walton leigh school and the appreciative wheelchair access for the students and staff and students dedicated staff. Again, the students thor - We have a visit from st. James’ school oughly enjoyed helping with all the jobs. in Weybridge every year, usually around All are now looking forward to planning 60 year one and two children. They seem and planting their new beds. to really enjoy the visit and go back to head Teacher, linda Curtis, is very produce. Also they occasionally prepare a the festive season. To crown it all they school with sticks of rhubarb or a bean pleased that her students are interested in meal for the staff and make cakes and have produced a Cookery Book and all and any other treasures they collect on growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, pies for Parents’ evenings and other the recipes have been successfully made the way round. We are always impressed which they will harvest and take back to school events. in school. The Book costs £5 per copy with the questions we are asked. They school. Walton leigh has an after school food and all the proceeds go to the school. also have their own allotment at school. linda can see the results in the school Club where students make all sorts of The school has a Gardening Club The Churchfields website is Tech room where the students are taught dishes to take home to their parents. They which is held on the first sunday in the www.Weybridgeoasis.org to prepare and cook their home grown also make splendid Christmas Cakes at month (weather permitting) where par - Dee Stone 6 The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011

The busy Ops Room at RAF Uxbridge located in a bunker 60 feet below ground Inset, Helen’s official WAAF identity photo and an all quiet Ops room Helen Mills – Plotting in the women’s Auxillary Air Force elen Mills was the The plotting facility was opera - guest speaker at the tional 24 hours a day all through Society’s meeting on the war. HDecember 8. Visits by ‘scrambled eggs’ (so Introduced by Rev. Derek called because of the extensive Lindfield, Vice Chair, Helen gold braid on their uniforms) all described how she had joined the important senior officers includ - Women’s Junior Air Corp, based ing Air Chief Marshall Hugh in Walton where she learnt air - Dowding, Keith Park, and Lee craft recognition and morse code Mallory. (Keith Park was a New and even the inevitable ‘drill’. Zealander and recently his statue She joined the Women’s occupied the 4th plinth in Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in Trafalgar Square). Winston 1940s London. Helen’s exten - Churchill also visited – and all sive collection of memorabilia watched the plotting operation. that was exhibited in the hall, Today there is a memorial at included her service cap, which Uxbridge, above the plotting she modelled! skirt and silk room – still an MOD property in stockings, and her RAF badge – the care of English Heritage, and there was no WAAF badge. visits can be made. It is remark - Each WAAF had two pairs of able that the 1939 air condition - shoes. Once kitted out she had a ing still works! three-week posting to Morcambe, After VE Day, Helen was which entailed more marching redeployed to Gloucester, and drill, injections and lectures, and demobbed. Helen said she had billeting with a seaside landlady. enjoyed the camaraderie of the service, and having been born in Eventually Helen became a Walton, later moving to ‘plotter’ at Hornchurch, plotting Weybridge, she hadn’t experi - aircraft with hostile planes identi - enced ‘the outside’ and her war fied by black and yellow (wasp) service had taught her a lot. markers, whilst the red and white In his vote of thanks, Derek markers were the friendly air - Lindfield cited the cost in human craft. After Hornchurch closed life the war had caused both in in 1943 her main time was spent the air and on land, and how we at Uxbridge, 60 feet under - owe a great deal to those who ground, where the information made the ultimate sacrifice. Their gleaned via Radar was transmit - service was built on teamwork, ted to the Operators’ Table, discipline and trust. allowing the fighter pilots to see Helen wearing her original WAAF cap after her fascinating talk to Society members the enemy and engage. Carolyn Pennycook Photo by Kevin Walker

The Battle of Britain and a celebration of Weybridge’s wartime contribution Friday, March 4, 2011 WJoin the Frieends’ of lSt Jlam es’sM Church, eWeeybritdge . Again! Weybridge, on 4th March 2011 for an The evening will also include music, evening of music, memories and story- entertainment as well as canapés and For more information and tickets, telling. Stephen Carver, the celebrated a pay bar. We would also like to please contact the Parish Office on raconteur, will tell the unforgettable include some personal memories if 01932 856 339 or Trish Dodds on: story of the Battle of Britain, featuring possible. If you have any photos, let - 01932 840 288 Brooklands, the home of the Hurricane ters or war-time memorabilia that could Ticket Price: Adults: £12.50 fighter plane and the people of be featured during the evening. Children: £6.50 The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 7 Desborough Island improvements Have your say FOllOWinG an invitation which was elightful Desborough island is Hence the public consultation with an I and my family have been sent to those who are on the Elmbridge a tranquil open space lying extremely short timetable (we had no enjoying desborough Island Borough council’s Residents panel, i between Walton lane and the knowledge of the plans until Jan 6th) since we moved to Weybridge attended the ‘Have your Say’ meeting on , with access by inevitable because of the need for Veolia to D in 1977. despite the fact that it 15 november 2010 in the Walton centre. two bridges over Desborough cut, in make a financial decision by a fixed date. has a Before the meeting proper started from the eastern, Walton end, and out As I understand it, the consultation reputation, we have never had residents had the opportunity to speak by the Weybridge end. it is popular, response, with some 80 views expressed any problems, although there informally to the 25 or so local council - especially with dog walkers and fisher - has been, according to Council reports, are obviously dubious activities lors who attended. men in the summer, but possibly not so largely positive, although I know from that go on particularly in the Robert moran, chief Executive of well-known as it deserves. recent personal conversations that some summer. There is no doubt that Elmbridge Borough council introduced In mid-December Elmbridge Council dog walkers are concerned that the ‘wild - single ladies are wary about the three speakers – cllr John O’Reilly, issued some outline thoughts on their ideas ness aspects’ of the area will be spoilt. walking on the island, and they leader of the council, peter Williams, for improving the area, such as:- The pitch should have been submitted probably keep their misgivings chair of the Surrey police Authority and l Scrub clearance for enhanced views by January 22nd, but the outcome is under wraps! There is also a continuing problem with fly tip - Surrey county councillor, ian lake. He l Path improvements to provide a circular unknown. Provided the Veolia response is ping, and refuse. then invited each of them to briefly ‘put route positive the Countryside team will presum - The Council has given it’s their case’ prior to opening the discussion l Better signposting ably firm up their thoughts, which, hope - proposals to improve certain and questions session. l Wheelchair accessability fully, will be publicised. aspects. all I would say is that I Robert moran gave an overview of l Carefully sited benches with an Coincidently, the January 19th would not like the island to be how the current financial state was invitation to interested residents to make Weybridge Society talk was given by made into a park – it has a affecting and likely to affect Elmbridge comments. Jason Debney, was most encouraging, TLS lovely wildness which I and into the future. He explained measures The background to this project is that has been operating very successfully for a many others enjoy. Improving that had already been taken to reduce sometime last year the Council learnt that number of years so they are very experi - the footpaths would be appreci - council expenditure including job sharing our water company, Veolia, had some enced in building ated, but it should not be made with other authorities, reducing hours of money in their Environmental community involving and recruiting too “twee”! some officers and not replacing staff that Improvement Fund that could be made volunteer labour. It is to be hoped that The other issue I have is that had left. He said, the continuing available for such work, so they decided to these two projects can be linked together, the planting by the boundary unfolding details of the Government’s make a pitch for a grant. so that Weybridge residents get with the shooting club done a comprehensive Spending Review were The pitch was submitted by the maximum benefit from the limited few years ago did not include likely to be an ongoing challenge. Elmbridge Countryside management team, available funds. any blackthorn which gives us councillor O’Reilly put the council’s with Veolia expressing an interest, but Alan Smith and the birds sloes! Please can responding, reasonably enough and fore - l Do you have fond memories of we have some in the Council’s case by explaining how the council tax seeable, that they would like to have some Desborough Island? Why not put pen programme. was divided between Surrey county Tony Sutton feedback on what residents thought before to paper and share them with our council, Elmbridge Borough council and they made a decision. members? Surrey police. Elmbridge is the largest Borough in Surrey, with the lowest ‘per head’ grant, and of the funding available See the Olympics in Olympic cycling road Kingston upon £12m was budgeted for ‘must do’ race route Thames services, whilst £10m was available for Weybridge for free services EBc chose to do. An amount of An Olympic cycling event has been con - approximately £450,000 was earmarked firmed in Surrey. The Olympic cycling Road Esher M25 Weybridge for the ‘Soul to Street’ strategy to Race will be coming through Weybridge improve Walton High Street, and cllr during the Games in July 2012. O’Reilly stressed the value and impor - For many residents this is a once in a life- tance of volunteers. time opportunity to witness a worldwide event Hampton Court Palace cllr lake said Surrey was the largest unfold on their doorstep. With over One Woking contributor, and he described Surrey as billion people watching the Games, and the the ‘Golden Goose’ for the country. Road Race event spending over 50% of the M25 The county council spends £1m a day on race within the Surrey borders, it is a great Leatherhead M25 care for the vunerable. opportunity to showcase Surrey to the world. peter Williams explained the work of The Olympic cycling Road Race will be a Guildford the Surrey police Authority and its fund - race of 150 men and 70 women covering up to ing from council Tax and Government. 240 kilometres of terrain. The route will start Questions from the floor were varied in london and do a loop of Surrey speeding and comprehensive, including grants to through Weybridge before returning to the voluntary sector; responsibility for london. With riders reaching speeds of Dorking drains, drainage and gullies; increased nearly 90 kilometres per hour through activities for centres for the retired; Weybridge’s roads it will be quite a spectacle. business rates; 50+ group and the provision of better services to the community; parking restrictions and Big changes at Redhill Road difficulties; library service; Elmbridge EVEr since the connection between what it seeks would be of concern to demolition sites across London. local committee access; footpath and redhill road and the A3 was closed in residents living to the north-east of the Now there is a new twist to the story, traffic lights in Walton and hazards the 1980’s, this has been a relatively quiet site (downwind of the prevailing wind) in in that Challenge Fencing of Cobham especially for the partially sighted and cul de sac. Situated in the Green Belt and a broad band either side of Brooklands have applied to move their operation handicapped. with its access to open land it has become road. The proposal is to erect a waste from its longstanding site in Cobham to When a question of development was popular with walkers, cyclists and horse wood-burning incinerator to generate redhill road – planning application raised, including the ‘affordable’ element, riders. There is now a cycle lane on both electricity. 2011/0026. cllr O’Reilly drew attention to and sides of the road. At the same time, it The incinerator itself would be 80 feet Challenge Fencing obviously generate complimented Weybridge Society on the carries the vehicular traffic to Silvermere high and would be supported by a lot of waste wood, though whether it work it had done in encouraging local golf course and the pedestrian move - treatment sheds for storing and chipping would be enough to meet the involvement and comment on the core ments of golfers who cross the road twice the wood up to 48 feet high. With its incinerator’s projected 95 tons per day Strategy and local Development in the course of a round. So the Society apparent environmental-friendliness, this requirement is uncertain. Nevertheless, it Framework in its various stages of public has been carefully following reports of type of installation attracts Government is clear their relocation to redhill road consultation. an impending planning application grants. would be helpful to the incinerator in his closing remarks cllr O’Reilly that would totally change the character of However, the original impending plan - project. The question for local residents is encouraged those present to keep on the road. ning application somewhat neutralises its whether they want it to be helped. ‘Having your Say’ and added that he The application is still not officially in environmental credentials by making representations about the Challenge hoped that similar meetings would be existence, despite having first been clear that the wood would be transported application need to be made to Elmbridge planned in the future. submitted to Surrey last November. But by large trucks to the plant from various Borough Council. Carolyn Pennycook 8 The Weybridge Society Newsletter – Spring 2011 Always someone at the end of the line New Sam Beare CEO hatever faces up to challenges you’ve done, Woking Hospice and Sam Beare Hospice in whatever Weybridge have appointed a new Chief Executive Wlife’s done to officer. you, Samaritans are at nigel Harding took over the end of the line to as CEo in november listen and support you, 2010. The appointment anytime. came at a time when the Weybridge Samaritans has Hospices had just com - been in your corner since July 1964 when it was established as a pleted a very turbulent registered charity, to provide 18 months. They had confidential emotional support to been forced to suspend people in distress in the area. day care services and That was nine years after Chad launch an emergency Varah, a vicar in the City, had appeal, which thankfully founded Samaritans in response had seen the local com - to the suicide of a 14 year-old girl munity and Weybridge in his parish. Society support in many This girl, like many others, different ways. had no-one to turn to when in suicidal. Many are struggling to well. Last year we received nigel explained, “Since despair and Chad felt that a safe cope with the pressures of life 16,500 callers. starting work here i have place to talk might have helped. such as bereavement, depression, When our volunteers are not been struck by the com - At the time, suicide was illegal loneliness, loss, job pressures, providing listening emotional mitment of people to in the UK. redundancy, money worries, support, they are attending their local Hospice and We opened in the Sunday relationship problems, illness, village fetes – like the Weybridge due to this support we New broom: Nigel Harding, CEO school annexe of the Queen’s gender confusion, addiction. Society Thames-Side Festival are starting 2011 in a of Sam Beare Hospice Road Congregational Church When Weybridge Samaritans last month – visiting Feltham much stronger position. and early volunteers tell amusing was opened by founder of Prison, prisoners are 7 times in fact we have just reopened Day Care to the stories of having to walk down a Samaritans, Chad Varah, many more likely to take their own same level as before the appeal which is a wonder - narrow, unlit passage between of the initial volunteers were lives than an average person, the annex and the church’s members of the church. giving emotional health talks to ful way to start the year. But of course as a chari - kitchen to fill the kettle for tea. Samaritans today is not a community groups and schools ty we are not out of the woods yet as there are still In those days the centre was open religious organisation. Our and colleges or fundraising. many challenges facing us.” daily from 1 pm to 11 pm after volunteers come from all walks Fundraising is an ongoing nigel added “We still don’t know how govern - which volunteers went home and of life. activity and our volunteers and ment cuts will affect us and how much funding will the telephone exchange was In 1965, the bursar of St friends are always thinking up be available to us in 2011, which is both worrying notified of a volunteer’s home Georges College, Father Aidan new events to raise the £22,000 a and frustrating. There is so much more we could number and he or she would Rossiter, enabled Weybridge year needed to keep the branch and want to do for our community, we want to expect to take calls from home, Samaritans to move to a dedicat - open and supporting callers 24/7. expand our services so that we can support more through the night. ed centre in the grounds of the Popular events include our patients in their own homes, we have the skills to Those early Volunteers gave College. The new centre was ‘Paws for Support’ annual do this and the will. “ people a safe space to talk about open 24 hours a day and was our sponsored dog walk which takes The Hospices are currently operating at maxi - their feelings so they could find home till 1982, when it became place in Windsor Great Park mum capacity on the inpatient units and their objectivity and perhaps a way necessary to move to our current in May. community teams are at full stretch. Future plans forward. The confidential location in Ledger Drive, We are always looking for are to develop their Hospice at Home services, emotional support services Addlestone, because of the more volunteers. To be a which could help avoid many unsatisfactory offered by Weybridge widening of the road outside the volunteer, you have to be able to admissions into the nHS Hospitals. Samaritans today are based on College to accommodate traffic listen without passing nigel summarised “My aim is to build on the those same principles. travelling to and from the M25. judgement. You will be given full tremendous support that we have received during Our vision is a world where Today, 64 years later, the cen - initial training and support. fewer people die as a result of tre is manned by around 100 If you would like more infor - 2010, which will allow my specialist team to suicide and we continue to volunteers of all ages – 18 years mation please contact us on expand on the services that we offer to the believe that by providing a safe and above – and our coverage 07948 448 966 or by email on: community.” space for callers to explore their extends to Elmbridge, [email protected]. nigel grew up on Dartmoor and trained as an feelings without being judged, Spelthorne and Runnymede. If volunteering as a listener is Actor. Working in the Performing Arts he previ - and without being given advice, We provide support by phone maybe not for you, but you ously worked for English national Ballet, London they can find objectivity and pos - 01932 844 444, in person to are interested in getting involved Symphony orchestra and was instrumental in sibly a way forward through their callers to the centre in Ledger as a fundraiser please do get in converting Soho Theatre Company from an old difficulties. Drive, or by email and we will touch. We’d be delighted to hear synagogue. He is a keep-fit enthusiast, and has also Not everyone who calls us is shortly be introducing texting as from you. completed 5 marathons. ACCESSORISE: A Story of Superficial Splendour and history in a handbag A new exhibition of fabulous frip - brooch, a princess’s slipper, a gold l Elmbridge Museum is open on pery is running at Elmbridge mourning ring, Edwardian Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Museum, Church Street, evening shoes and a veritable Friday from 11am to 5pm and Weybridge until 8 June 2011. clutch of handbags. from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm. to Come into the Museum’s closet If you thought that accessories 5pm on Saturdays. It is closed on and be seduced by the exquisite were simply frivolous and fun, Thursday, Sunday and Bank costume collection on display. See then think again. ‘Accessorise’ Holidays. all manner of accessories – shoes, reveals how these small posses - l Family Fun Days are on the sec - fans, hats, gloves, purses, watches, sions tell significant stories about ond Saturday of the month, when activities are organised – children jewellery and parasols. society: shifting gender roles, 10 and under must be accompa - Discover some of the embellish - social moves, conspicuous con - nied by an adult. ments fashionable men and sumption, materials and manufac - l For further information, visit women have prized across the ture. You really can read history in www.elmbridge.gov.uk/museum, centuries. Amongst the Museum a handbag A pair of golden princess slippers that are call 01932 843 573 or email treasures you will find a Roman Carolyn Pennycook currently on show at the museum [email protected]