Newsletter RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Issue 10 Autumn 2018

Inside:

Fetcham remembers P.6

Glamping threat to Norbury? P.3

From left: Fetcham United Charities Chairman David Dufill, Morley Court residents Madge Fuller and Isobel Blake, MVDC Chairman Raj Haque. Charities’ 100th year!

By Ian Anderson Dufill, Chairman of the Trustees, Residents, volunteers and explained that although Fetcham United Charities was formed in 1918, it can trace Fetcham supporters of the Fetcham its history as far back as 1627, when United Charities came together goldsmith Henry Smith bequeathed 50 Christmas in September to celebrate its acres of land in Fetcham and Bookham. Fayre! 100th birthday. Another of the founding charities was set Everyone enjoyed tea, cake and an up in 1670, in memory of George and Saturday Elizabeth Shiers, to support the st exhibition in The Reading Room before 1 Dec 2.30 pm moving across to the garden of Morley disadvantaged of Fetcham. By the early Full details P. 4 Court, now home to 10 pensioners with 1800s almshouses were built on the site strong links to the Fetcham area. David of the present Reading Room. (cont. P.7)

Supporting your community www.fetchamresidents.co.uk Page 2 Chairman’s letter

A very warm welcome to our new look autumn Newsletter, and especially to those of you who have recently moved to our area. As you can see in these pages we have much to celebrate! Our very own Fetcham United Charities marked its Centenary, with a party in September, and we helped celebrate the achievements of children at Oakfield School with our annual bursaries. We erected flags for the Royal wedding and we’ll be celebrating our community once again with our Christmas Fayre. A big thank you to the local traders who are supporting us, and also to those who, by advertising with us, make the Newsletter possible. Our project this year is the Splash in River Lane. Working with the district council and conservation groups, we hope to enhance this beautiful and historic section of the Mole, for both visitors and wildlife. We submitted roads to be considered for repair under the Winter Damage Scheme and believe The Street and Guildford Road/Hawks Hill have been accepted. We also await the results of the Annual Parking Review. Our proposals, at residents’ request, include extending the restriction in Cannon Grove. We continue to grow our team of volunteers and forge new partnerships. Linda Tippelt of the Flood Action Group and Caroline Cardew-Smith of and District Countryside Protection Society have joined us as associate committee members. Ian Anderson has joined our committee as Newsletter Editor, and Phyllis Avery has generously agreed to be our Minute Secretary. Finally, November is the month in which we remember those who gave their lives for our country. So in this centenary year of the Armistice, we are particularly proud to honour the 12 men of Fetcham who died in the 1914-18 conflict, not only by laying a wreath at the memorial but also by erecting the Silent Soldier and our poppies in the village. Susanne Taylor Email: [email protected]

Make a special occasion ‘Newsletter’ is published twice a year by the Fetcham Residents Association and Exceptional distributed to more than 3000 households in the Fetcham area.

Advertising: Tim Waller at [email protected]

Editor: Ian Anderson at [email protected]

Printed by Peter James Printing Ltd, Shepperton, Middx. TW17 8AS Distributed by Three Colours Ltd, London Editorial Copyright: Fetcham Residents Association, 41 Pound Crescent, Fetcham. KT22 9JW Contact us today and let us Whatever the occasion, help plan your perfect event. All care has been taken to ensure editorial Fetcham Park provides accuracy. The publisher will not accept the perfect setting for an 01372 371 000 [email protected] liability for any loss or damage resulting from unforgettable family event errors or omissions, howsoever caused. or celebration.

www.fetchampark.co.uk

Page 3 Norbury ‘glamping’ Tudor Motors delay The latest application to develop the old Tudor Motors garage was plan provokes outcry expected to be considered by Planning Committee (DCC) in early November. However, it’s been delayed until December because of the workload on the council’s planning officers. The proposal seeks to address criticism of the previous application, refused by the Committee and later by an Appeal Inspector. Principle changes are a more typical pitched roof, replacing large feature windows at third floor level with roof lights and removing an overhang at first floor level. After considering feedback from Fetcham residents and traders, and noting the comments submitted to MVDC's website, the FRA’s Letter of Representation is supportive of the application. We acknowledge remaining concerns about vehicle By Richard Bradfield lack of consultation with and pedestrian sight lines and potentially affected communities parking. Following representations The prospect of Phoenice Fields, and users of , and the by the FRA, the developers have within the Hills AONB, of lack of safe, sustainable and painted the hoarding around the site being used for up to 30 tents, 6 unobtrusive vehicle access. to cover graffiti. We remain hopeful serviced camping huts and Progression of the application that a satisfactory outcome and rd associated WC and shower ended on the 3 October with the conclusion is eventually reached to facilities, with adjacent parking for Planning Office decision: “No allow the site to become a positive up to 50 cars, created a huge public Further Action”. A message focal point within the village. outcry during September. The posted on the planning website Norbury estate land, most easily further stated that: “This Planning accessed from the Bocketts Farm Application is currently invalid Planning breaches roundabout, is owned by Surrey pending receipt of further A number of incidents have County Counil and is leased and information.” At the time of recently been brought to the FRA’s managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. writing the longer term attention. Residents have been The FRA added its objections to significance of the decision and frustrated at difficulties in obtaining those provided in over 190 letters statement is not fully understood. timely responses and action from from householders, of which at least However, a clear message has MVDC’s Planning or Buildings 42 were Fetcham residents. A been delivered to SWT about the Control functions. When requested, petition raised by one resident hostility with which commercial the FRA has offered advice where attracted 180 signatures over 8 days development of the supposedly possible. By supporting residents’ during daily dog walks. There were protected green areas around us, justified complaints to the also objections submitted by over a will be greeted. authorities, often in conjunction dozen other representative societies Updates on this application, and with sympathetic councillors, some or consultees. Principle amongst the others of concern, are posted by progress can be made ... eventually. objections raised in the FRA’s Richard in the ‘Planning’ representation was the inadequacy section of our website: Richard Bradfield of ancient woodland protection, the www.fetchamresidents.co.uk

www.fetchamresidents.co.uk Page 4 It’s Christmas Fayre time folks - December 1st!

Get your Come and enjoy: Christmas Help us on shopping off to a the day! *Santa’s Grotto Contact great start this Sylvia.oliver *Bouncy Castle year in the heart 3@ntlworld. of Fetcham on com st *Tombola with star Saturday 1 Dec prizes 2.30pm-5.30pm.

*Hot Chocolate stall

*Waffle Van

*Christmas light-up Visit my Grotto and watch me *Car-free zone on turn on the village lights The Street from at 4pm! Cobham Road to Cock Lane

Litter Picks – help to keep Fetcham looking clean and smart!

Meet 10am outside Greenwise in Fetcham village centre

Next dates: November 25th, December 16th, January 20th

We provide collecting sticks, gloves and bags. After one hour we have coffee and chat at Greenwise. Why not come and join us?

More info: Patty Harrison [email protected] Page 5 Award winners at Oakfield

At the end of the summer term, the Fetcham Award (below) recognises one child from each class Residents Association funded two awards at who has shown resilience and perseverance, with the Oakfield School. The John Piper Award winners ability to learn from mistakes and challenge (below) showed excellence in presentation of their themselves. Each child received a £15 gift voucher, work throughout the year. The Growth Mindset presented by Patty Harrison and Susanne Taylor.

John Piper award winners last July with their gift Growth Mindset award winners after their presentation by vouchers presented by FRA Chair Susanne Taylor FRA Committee member Patty Harrison

There’s a potato here somewhere!

The FRA has also given £400 to Oakfield to help fund the gardening element of its outdoor learning project. The money will pay for garden tools, seeds, growbags, birdfeeders and nestboxes. Head Debbie Willemse said: “This is fantastic news. A big thank you to the Fetcham Residents Association. I am sure the staff and children at Oakfield will make good use of this funding to develop their gardening and design and technology skills.” It’s hoped that year groups 3- 6 will each manage to grow a crop of vegetables – weather permitting! Patty Harrison

Page 6 Fetcham in the Great War Around the time of the outbreak perish. The Belton family lost two sons: of World War 1 there were just Charles in June 1916 and Thomas three over 400 inhabitants of the village. months later. All five of the Diment boys Most of them were farm workers, served, two of them John and 19-year-old servants or gardeners working in the Albert perishing. Another lost was Leslie larger properties. Woods who was awarded the Military Cross. One of the wartime Rectors of St. In 1919 his father applied for consent to erect Mary's was William Caldwell, Chaplain a Memorial Cross, funded by local to the Egyptian Expeditionary contributions. This originally stood at the Campaign in Alexandria whose voyage road junction adjacent to the Reading Rooms. there in November 1917 was eventful. Twenty-two more names were added at the His ship the SS Aragon was torpedoed. end of WW2 and the Memorial was re-sited Although many of the men were in the Garden of Remembrance off The rescued and taken onto the SS Attack, Ridgeway in 1948. Lyn Rozier this ship itself was then torpedoed by Lyn Rozier and Janice the same submarine, almost blowing it Steele’s book ‘A Salute to in two. The Rector was eventually Fetcham’ is out this month. landed in Alexandria and confined to It tells the story of the hospital for some time. Back home his village, the school, and the wife Jessie served as a Matron in the people who served. You Red Cross. Tragedy struck for the will find it in the couple when their son Gavin, was killed Leatherhead Museum, in action in October 1918, his name is Bartons bookshop, and The The Silent Soldier, funded by Wishing Well Bookham. the FRA, and (below) placing inscribed on the WW1 memorial along one of our poppies. with the other 11 Fetcham men to

There is a Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Fetcham, Sunday Nov 11, at 10.45am

Valid until 31/12/2018 Valid until 31/12/2018 Page 7

Anti-flood measures outlined About LAFFAG…

By Linda Tippelt to increase the storage capacity within After the severe floods in The Environment Agency (EA) has the field. The computer generated Fetcham in 2013, the presented to LAFFAG the computer time-lapse sequence with those Leatherhead and Fetcham modelling of the river so far. The measures in place shows that it would Flood Action Group was model seemed to match the events prevent flooding to Cannon Grove for set up. Chaired by Linda experienced on the ground in the the 100 year flooding event. However, Tippelt, it holds regular Christmas Eve 2013 event. The further investigation of the meetings, improving modelling indicated that Cannon hydrological and archaeological impact dialogue between residents Grove had some water entering needs to be done and none of the and official bodies. Go to: proposals are definite, they are through the culverts under the leatherheadandfetchamflo railway embankment but most of suggestions. odgroup.wordpress.com the flooding was caused by water It was noted that the 100 year flowing along the south side of the projections may need to be embankment from Mill Lane. reconsidered to model climate change. Minchin Close will divert a very As a result of that finding EA has EA stressed that there is no scheme small part of the total flood water made a more detailed simulation of that can solve both the surface drainage volume and it will not have a possible flood alleviation measures and river flooding problems – summer detrimental impact in other areas. in the Mill Pond field alongside storms and prolonged winter rain must The funds available from central Raymead Way and the eastern end be treated separately. The Mill Pond government will not be sufficient of Cannon Grove. The model field storage option under for any of the candidate schemes considered a bund along the edge of consideration will alleviate river and partners will be sought to fill part of the of the field plus measures flooding. Use of a temporary barrier at the funding gap. (cont P 14)

Fetcham Charities 100th birthday

(from Page 1)

Today’s accommodation for elderly independent people, was constructed as Morley Court in the 1980s, across the road from the Reading Room. It bears the name of the then chair of trustees Eileen Morley, who was instrumental in ensuring that Tea, cakes and an exhibition inside the Reading Room Picture:Fetcham Charities almshouses built in the 1880s were modernized and extended. Fetcham, by District The Reverend Andrew Smith Council, and by the trustees. proposed a toast to the next 100 Morley Court’s oldest resident is 96 David Dufill is one of the well- years of the charity’s work, and year-old Madge Fuller. She’s been organised group of volunteers who Councillor Raj Haque, the current living there for 18 years. maintains the buildings and gardens chair of MVDC said he was “For me it’s been wonderful,” she to their current high standards. privileged and proud to be present at says. “I wouldn’t have chosen “Morley Court still fulfills a need for the centenary celebrations. anywhere else. I always think I was people who cannot afford to live on If you want to know more about lucky to get a flat here.” their own,” he says. Contributions becoming a resident in Morley The charity’s trustees are appointed from the residents cover running and Court, contact the Hon. Clerk Mrs by the Rector of St Mary’s in maintenance costs. Pat Varney (376908).

Page 8 1st Fetcham Scouts’ big appeal! The Scouting community in Fetcham has embarked on its biggest adventure - taking on the challenge of building a new scout hut. Scouting in Fetcham dates back to 1942 and there are now over 190 boys, girls and young people up to 18 years who participate in Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer groups at the Cock Lane hut. But sadly, the hut is falling apart and does not offer the facilities to accommodate the many children, and those with special needs, who want to get involved. So far the group has raised over £50,000 towards a target of £500,000. There’ve been some amazing contributions from parents – one who raised over £2,000 by running this year’s London Marathon. Grant funding applications will be made, but there’s still a long way to go. If you have a passion for scouting or want to support young people in the area, the 1st Fetcham Project team want to hear from you! Email: Chief Scout Gold Award winners: Elliot Jordan (left), Tom [email protected] or Els (right) and Fetcham Assistant Scout Leader Andy call her on 07753 226586. Jane Geary Chamberlain.

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[email protected] wwwThe .springelectrical.com & Leatherhead Local - June 2018 73 Page 10 Survival summer for our trees…

After a dry summer Looking ahead, we are the trees have been hoping to get funding to enjoying the autumn plant trees on the mill pond field, immediately to the rain. Many of Fetcham’s right of the fence that runs street trees continued to look alongside the path, from the good through the drought, so Cobham Road end up to the a big thank you to the many new seating area beside the residents who helped by pond. If you are thinking of watering them. But trees that planting a tree in your were not watered, especially garden, now is the ideal those planted recently, have time. Trees planted between suffered, and a few have October and March thrive died. If a tree has been better than those planted in planted close to your house the summer and need less in the last year or two, aftercare. A Field Maple in Nutcroft Grove. This was please continue to water planted about 3 years ago and has a strim regularly next summer Betty Williams and Diana guard on the base. during any dry spells. Morgan, Tree Wardens

Page 11 …and plants in containers too

Our Brighter Fetcham volunteers, Margaret Clarke and Sylvia Oliver (right) also wanted to pass on their thanks:

“We have received compliments from many residents for our Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer planter displays. Watering is always a problem particularly with the exceptionally dry weather. We are very grateful to residents and shopkeepers who assist so ably by watering the planters. Also to those who help planting in the village, Cannon Grove, Penrose Parade and top of River Lane. On a sadder note, we have experienced vandalism when two planters by the garage site were overturned. Also plants have been pulled out from planters on other occasions.”

A village medical centre? Leatherhead With the ever increasing age of Theatre signer the local population, and more By Tim Waller, FRA patients from new housing, Vice-Chairman delays obtaining appointments Last spring the Fetcham have increased noticeably over Residents Association helped the past months. I am together working well for out of hours fund a signer at the Leatherhead with Councillors investigating a appointments on weekday Theatre for a Saturday matinee location for a new medical evenings and at weekends, and show at which deaf children from centre in an attempt to give this helps alleviate delays. All Mole Valley were present. The more space for the existing three GP practices mentioned FRA and the League of Friends practices and to bring in have vacancies for residents to of Leatherhead Hospital each ancillary services to the local join their PPGs and assist with gave £250. There were over 200 community. the issues they face. children at the performance. The Patient Participation Group The saga at Epsom Hospital The same company is returning th Chairmen (PPGs) from continues. There has been no to Leatherhead between the 6 to th Fairfield Bookham, Eastwick decision as yet for the location of the 24 November 2018 and I Keswick and Molebridge an acute service building, be it at hope that local Fetcham residents Fetcham medical practices St Helier, Epsom or Sutton. I will give their full support to have been discussing all these will post any new information on this excellent group of actors. issues. The “Hub” at our website. (Tim Waller is Leatherhead Hospital is Chair of Eastwick PPG) Tim Waller

Page 12 www.fetchamresidents.co.uk

Page 14

Fond memories of Jean Smith – owner of Contact cards

There were many tributes to Jean Association, Marion Doherty said: Smith, the owner of the Contact card “She was Fetcham. She was such a shop in Fetcham village, who died in character and when you came in May, aged 85. Jean set up the card she always made everyone feel shop in 1985 with her daughter special.” Maxine, who continues to run the Her daughter Maxine said: “She business. Her contribution to Fetcham was my mum, my employer and life was recognized in 2016 when she my best friend.” received the Fetcham Residents’ Maxine thanks all of their Community award. The former customers and friends who have Jean Smith, who died in May. secretary of the Fetcham Residents’ sent cards and condolences. (Picture: Maxine Webb) Learn iPad for free!

If you are over 55 and live in the If you already own a laptop or an interest by telephoning 07442 Mole Valley area, you can use iPad/Tablet bring that to learn on. 017169 / 01306 899104 or by email: Age Concern’s free computer Computers can be provided as well courses based in either – it’s up to you! Before coming to [email protected] or Leatherhead. the course, you must register your

The course runs once a week for 6-8 weeks. Topics covered will include: browsing on the internet, basic keyboard and mouse skills, using an iPad/Tablet, setting up and using your own email or Skype accounts and how Registered Charity No: to shop online as well. 1111678

It isn’t clear whether the standing Winter weather: EA provided Floods: Latest LAFFAG water on the path for the first 6 Ground Water Situation data for the months of 2018 and the larger than period January 2016 to September Meeting (from P.7) normal pools at the bottom of the 2018. field were caused by poor drainage The soil moisture deficit for the Fetcham to Leatherhead path: of the ditch or by water leakage Mole is currently low so there is Network Rail (NR) is planning works from the field. SESW confirmed capacity to absorb a lot of rainfall. in the next 5 year budget cycle to repair that there has been no change to the Above average rainfall would be the railway embankment Leatherhead abstraction of water and no leakage needed in autumn and winter to to Fetcham which is in a poor structural from the Mill Pond. bring the soil to saturation level. condition. The ditch adjacent to the tow Network Rail pointed out that EA reported that swallow holes path has been cleared this year. SES additional surface water at the base have opened in the river at Water has held discussions with NR of the embankment may be Mickleham. This is a sign that the about laying additional pipes under the contributing to the damage to the aquifers are low. footpath to drain into the ditch. embankment. Linda Tippelt, LAFFAG Chair

www.fetchamresidents.co.uk Page 15

Fetcham Village W.I. Clubs and Societies Established 63 years ago, Fetcham Village W.I. meets on the first Friends of The Leatherhead & District Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. in Leatherhead (FoRML) is open to Countryside Protection Society the Rumble Room. We relocate to the anyone who wants to be kept up to date (Leatherhead, Bookham, Fetcham and larger Village hall in 2019 due to a about the Leatherhead stretch of the Ashtead) exists to: defend the Green steady increase in membership. River Mole; a designated nature reserve Belt, champion 'meritorious buildings', Speakers are first tried and tested to from Thorncroft Bridge to Fetcham encourage high standards in planning and ensure excellent presentation, and we Splash. Volunteers help monitor and architecture, preserve trees, footpaths, pride ourselves on a variety of activities manage this stretch with tasks such as flora & fauna, and address litter and fly- and Pat’s delicious catering. Rosemary litter picking, clearing invasive tipping issues. L&DCPS is part of a 01372 376906 or Maureen 842498 Himalayan Balsam, and reporting any lively network of local and national environmental issues. If you want to go organisations committed to Fetcham U3A is your local branch on our email list please contact understanding and nurturing aspects of of the nationwide University of the [email protected] our District that we believe are worth Third Age. Your first age is in looking after, for the sake of ecology and education, your second age is when Fetcham Royal British Legion: people. you're working, and the Third Age is Volunteers needed for British Legions when you're retired. We meet monthly Poppy Appeal. Collectors are a vital One example of the work we do is for interesting talks, and have over part of The Royal British Legion during keeping green spaces open to the public eighty specialist groups you can join. we the Poppy Appeal. Volunteers help and managed for optimum biodiversity - have frequent trips to the theatre and raise money to support service men and Splash Island in Fetcham is our main places of interest, and we organise women, veterans, and their families. current project. Membership is just £5 quizzes, parties, dances etc. Please join For further information please contact pa, family membership £10pa. Contact us so contact our Membership Secretary David Ford on 01372 376 210 us at www.landdcps.com Mick Joy on 01372 453959