Editor: Steve Bax | Email: [email protected] | Web: http://themoleseynews.blogspot.com | Twitter: @MoleseySteve

BE A COUNCILLOR The Conservatives are looking for Molesey people with ideas, energy and integrity to stand for election to Elmbridge Coun- The Molesey News cil in May. If you are over 18 and would like the chance to Voice of the Molesey Conservative Residents Jan/Feb 2012 serve your community please email us for more details.

Hello and a warm welcome to the first ding officiated by Rev. Carole Bourne Molesey News of the new year! before she retires, and is therefore a great It’s been a busy couple of months since A word from the Editor honour for my fiancee and I. the last edition. In late November the Pa- You and I will also have the chance to vilion Appeal hearing took place at Elm- to be a truly memorable year for Mole- and it will be great to our town centre elect new councillors on May 3. bridge Civic Centre to decide whether 76 sey. The Olympic cycle races in July and bustling with tourists. I hope this gives I will be standing again in East Molesey homes could be built in Hurst Lane, on August will give our town a welcome boost to our local and will be putting forward some positive land that was supposed to be reserved for unprecedented exposure to shops who have endured some ideas on how to improve our area. community leisure and sport. a massive global audience. very difficult times recently. It would mean the world to me if I were I was grateful for an opportunity to The spectacular views Regrettably the road clo- elected your councillor this time, and speak at the hearing and was hugely of Hampton Court Palace sures will bring disruption and when you next hear from me I will set impressed by the passion and profession- and the Thames are sure to inconvenience, but overall the out what I hope to bring to the role. alism of the Molesey Community Action inspire UK and overseas benefits will outweigh the bad. In the meantime I want to hear what Group, who were more than a match for visitors to come here for a 2012 will be a big year for your priorities are so that I can reflect the opposition and carried the day. long time to come. me personally as I will be them in my manifesto so please email A big well done to all of those residents Many of us may have a getting married in July at St your thoughts to the address above. and congratulations on a great victory. chance to see the Olym- Mary’s Church, East Molesey. My best wishes to you for a happy and Looking ahead, 2012 has the potential pics up close and for free, It is likely to be the last wed- prosperous 2012. The eyes of the world on Molesey OLESEY will be seen by millions of people from all over the world Mthis summer when it hosts three cycling races in the 2012 Olympics. A massive global TV audience is expected to tune in to watch the fastest men and women on two wheels, as they race past the grounds of Hampton Court Palace and along the length of Hurst Road in Molesey. They will race on to Walton, Weybridge, Woking, Guildford, the Surrey Hills and Dorking - passing hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route - then lapping Box Hill several times and heading back to Hamp- ton Court Way in Molesey (via Leatherhead, Oxshott and Esher). The Men’s Cycling Event on Saturday July 28th will see the first gold medal awarded of the 2012 games, and one of the favourites is expected to be the BBC British Sports Per- sonality of the Year (2011) Mark Cavendish. The women’s cycling takes place the fol- lowing day, Sunday 29th, with a time trial cycling event on Wednesday August 1st. Community wins ‘Vast opportunities’ Conservative councillor Jan Fuller (pic- Pavilion appeal tured right) has been overseeing Elmbridge ELMBRIDGE Council’s firm refusal borough’s preparations for more than three to a developer seeking to build 76 years, and told The Molesey News what the homes adjacent to the Pavilion Health Olympics will bring. and Sports Club in Hurst Lane has “There is going to be tremendous media been upheld by a planning inspector. interest from around the world, and Molesey JS Bloor (Newbury) went to appeal in is a key part of the route,” she said. the hopes of overturning the council’s “Elmbridge has taken the view all along that decision, and a public hearing took this has vast opportunities for the residents g Above: Scenes from the Olympic cycling trial event in Surrey last August (pics by place in Elmbridge Council chambers and businesses of the borough. In 2009 our Vicky jg and reproduced with her kind permission). Above right: Cllr Jan Fuller. on November 22-23 with inspector ‘visitor economy turnover’ was worth nearly Lesley Coffey presiding. £230million. The Olympics will be a wonder- host borough, added Cllr Kelly. “This year you are going to get the tour- Her report dismissing the appeal ful advertisement for us.” One Olympic-inspired innovation the coun- ists,” she said. was published on January 10th to the Surrey County Council, which is respon- cil plans to roll out is a ‘tourism App’, which One downside of the Olympics passing delight of campaigners in Molesey. sible for roads, will be decorating the route visitors to the borough can download to their through Molesey is that the Hurst Road and Sharon Bolton of the Molesey Com- with bunting and flags and Elmbridge will phones to get directions and information on Hampton Court Way will be closed before, munity Action Group - which mounted be using funds which it has secured from approved local attractions and businesses. during and for a time after the race has a vigorous campaign against the Bloor Central Government for ‘one off projects’ to Cllr Fuller said: “People will be flooding moved on. proposals, told The Molesey News: celebrate and commemorate the games. into Hampton Court Station. There will be This will mean residents in some streets will “This is an absolutely fantastic result tourists coming in, whether British or from be unable to leave except on foot. However if and just shows what can be done when ‘Lasting legacy’ overseas, and station is the emergency services need Cllr Fuller, who is the Elmbridge Cabinet the community pulls together. going to be an enor- “Hampton Court Station to reach any homes cut off “Now we need to get the site in use for member for leisure and culture, set-up a mous hub. by road, then the race will cross-party task group of back bench council- will be an enormous hub. leisure and sports purposes as it was “People will walk be stopped. intended.” lors to draw up a list of projects to celebrate out and be right on the People will walk out and For the Saturday and the Olympics and the Queen’s 60th Jubilee. When planning permission was route. We hope they be right on the route.” Sunday races the roads will granted for Kings Chase in 1984 it was The idea being to leave a “lasting legacy” in will watch the race and shut in the early hours to be the borough. - Cllr Jan Fuller agreed that the remaining land would then come to Hamp- swept clear of debris. Any be retained for recreation. Walton councillor Andrew Kelly, who ton Court Parade or cars left on the street will be chaired the group, said: “We will mark the Bloor had sought to mitigate this by the Walton Road shops to buy a coffee or a towed away, but residents will receive leaflets promising football pitches at Waterside route in a permanent way and this will allow meal. I would encourage businesses to think in advance to warn them of the danger. cyclists to enjoy it in future; we will invite Drive in Walton and money for play outside the box and make the most of this Cllr Fuller said: “We hope this will be a re- facilities in East Molesey. sports clubs to apply for funds; put table ten- opportunity.” ally good celebration and will leave a lasting nis facilities in some parks; as well as extra An offer of 30% affordable homes The Molesey News heard anecdotal evi- legacy for the borough. It will be a once in a was increased to 50%. But the inspec- plants on roundabouts and hanging baskets in dence that some businesses lost trade during lifetime opportunity and I hope people enjoy Olympic or Jubilee colours.” tor decided Waterside Drive was “too the Olympic trial run in August, but Cllr the spectacle.” remote” from the appeal site, and the The ‘Welcome to Elmbridge’ signs includ- Fuller believes this is because many specta- Will the Olympics be good for Molesey? ing the one in Molesey will be replaced to harm to the surrounding area would tors last year were local people who simply Go to http://themoleseynews.blogspot.com outweigh any benefits. reflect the borough’s status as an Olympic went home after the action had passed by. to post your comments. COMMUNITY ‘Free car park could de-clutter roads’ NEWS SURVEY conducted by in the last financial year due to its WHAT was it like to live in the Molesey Conservative £48,000 ‘operating costs’, which Molesey during the dark days AResidents suggests there include lighting and maintenance of World War Two? is a groundswell of support for and enforcement, and business A new exhibition from the the Walton Road car park to be rates. However the council made Molesey Local History Society made free to stop town centre us- a £950k profit from Elmbridge car will offer an insight for those ers parking in residential streets. parks as a whole. of us too young to remember Following the lead article in The survey asked whether people or a trip down memory lane the last Molesey News we invited were in favour of residents parking for those who were there. householders to go to our website permits as a way of de-clogging The exhibit will be at the to tell us their views on ‘nuisance residential streets, such as School Royal British Legion in Wal- parking’ in side streets. Road or Palace Road (pictured left). ton Road, East Molesey, on Some 87% felt the Walton Road A resounding 80% said they did March 9th and 10th. car park charges of 10p for half not want permits and would be- Find out more at www.mole- hour, 20p for an hour and a £2 all grudge having to pay for them. seyhistorysociety.org day were reasonable. Steve Bax of the Molesey Con- But many expressed a view that servative Residents said: “My A resident of Spencer Road who supports the status quo, said: MOLESEY has a new police a free car park would be the ‘only thanks to those who took part in the added: “I object in principle to “If the business comunity need a sergeant following the appoint- way’ to entice shoppers, shop survey or who sent emails. It helps charging for the car park. I walk or free car park let them fund it.” ment of Andy Grapsas, who workers and commuters, to use the to build up a picture of the scale of cycle around Molesey due to park- An Arnison Road correspondent replaces Sgt Greg Turner. Walton Road car park instead of the problem in Molesey and what ing difficulties, but every resident claimed free parking would not de- Andy, who takes charge of clogging up residential streets. people want - and do not want - to I speak to wants to return to free ter commuters from parking in side policing East and West Molesey, A Bell Road resident said: “This see done about it. parking. It would be a brave and streets because they “wouldn’t be Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood is the only solution. Even the small- “The prevailing view at the coun- honest council who admitted it was prepared to walk to Hampton Court and Esher & Claygate, is ‘de- est charge is an incentive for people cil is that the cost of running car a mistake and hasn’t worked.” Station from Walton Road”. lighted’ to be back in Elmbridge to park in the streets. I have lived in parks should be borne by those who One view from Kings Chase Elmbridge has 28 car parks and as he spent five years at Mole- East Molesey for 22 years. When it use them, rather than from council was that there should be signage only one is exempt from charges - sey Police Station earlier in his was free, I used the car park regu- tax which everyone pays regardless at Hampton Court Station asking the tiny 21 space Thamesmead car career. larly. Now, I never do; not because of whether they own a car. commuters to use the car parks and park in Walton. If you have any questions or I can’t afford it but because I worry “But I think further debate is “show more respect to residents”. Molesey’s 128-space town centre concerns about policing, the I may get delayed and end up with needed and would encourage you to However a Manor Road resident car park generated a £16,011 loss next panel meetings will be on a parking fine.” email me your views and ideas.” March 7 from 8.15pm at Mole Hall, and March 20, 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall. Boatman landscape offer HISTORIC Royal Palaces, which supported in Molesey where many THE 3rd Molesey Scouts has runs Hampton Court, has offered people fear a hotel will obscure asked The Molesey News to to landscape the Jolly Boatman views of the palace. pass on its thanks to all of the site in time for the Olympics. In November the Supreme Court families who supported it by It will pay for the derelict, fly- refused to hear the appeal, meaning attending the Santa’s Grotto tipped site to be transformed in that as things stand the way is clear at their headquarters in St time for the August cycle races, or for the developers to proceed. Peter’s Road, West Molesey. it will send in its own gardeners. Elmbridge will make enquiries at The group made £1,000 profit Elmbridge Council is backing the the February meeting about what which has gone towards the idea and will press the site owner, the developer intends to do. purchase of a new minibus. Gladedale Ltd, to agree, at a meet- Under planning law construction ing scheduled for early February. must begin by June 16th 2013 or SURREY County Council has Conservative candidate for Mole- the developer will need to go back invited worthy local groups to sey East, Steve Bax, also welcomed to the council for fresh planning apply for a share of a £750,000 the move, saying: “I am fully sup- permission. Community Improvement Fund. portive of this generous offer from We will keep you posted on what Council leader David Hodge the Historic Royal Palaces and I happens with the Jolly Boatman. unveiled the initiative in Decem- would urge Gladedale to agree to it. ber saying it will allow residents “The idea of clearing up and to bid for money to “realise their landscaping the Boatman site for ‘Molesey Shield’ found after seven year search aspirations.” the Olympics - when we’ll have TV A DOGGED pair of local resi- sheild was sold by Pitt’s grandson is the Molesey historian Rowland Bids must be between £10k to crews and aerial filming - is some- dents have tracked down one to the Hunt Museum along with Baker) are creating a Wikipedia £50k and be for one off projects. thing I have raised with the leader of Molesey’s most significant two other items from North-East page on the internet to tell the of the council on several occasions historical artefacts. Ireland. It became known as the fascinating story of the shield. ANYONE planning on using since last year. Paul Gossage and Steven Baker Antrim Shield, a name still used. And a display has been put up at the Molesey Road to get to “I am delighted it has a chance of spent seven years searching for the Paul, 57, a former ambulance Molesey Library in Walton Road. Hersham between April 1 and becoming reality but we mustn’t ‘Molesey Shield’ - a 3,000-year- technician, said: “We think there The shield is 64cm in diameter 16 should be prepared for forget that the site is in private old Bronze age shield which was is a really strong case for it to be with a dome shaped central ‘boss’, heavier traffic and delays. hands and the council can try to discovered in the Thames near renamed The Molesey Shield - its and is a superb example of the This is because the Hersham persuade the owners, but ultimately Molesey in 1864, and has been a far more honest and descriptive craftmanship of its time. Station bridge is being part- it is Gladedale’s decision. I hope missing for four decades. title - and the museum has ac- It will have been created from a demolished and rebuilt after they will snap up this offer.” They painstakingly trawled cepted its provenance.” single block of bronze, forged in being weakened by impacts Gladedale and Network Rail cur- through records at Surrey Ar- He added: “When we found out an open fire and beaten thinner - a with lorries. rently have planning permission to cheological Centre, and enlisted it was in Ireland my first thought painstaking process that will have Diversions will be in place build a 46-bed hotel at the Boatman the help of Marion Uckelmann was to get it into the British been repeated at least 200 times. while the work is completed. site, as well as homes, retail, park- - the leading expert on European Museum’, but the irony is it is It most likely had a ceremonial ing and a care home on land sur- Bronze Age shields - to determine being better displayed at the Hunt use and may have seen battle MOLESEY FC has submitted a rounding Hampton Court Station. that an artefact on display at the Museum and has pride of place.” before it was placed in the Thames planning application with Rush- But the scheme has been on hold Hunt Museum in Ireland was in Paul and Steven (who’s father as a ‘votive offering’ to the gods. mon Homes for 20 houses to be for three years due to a legal appeal fact the ‘Molesey Shield’. built on land by the club. brought by the former Hampton Paul told The Molesey News that It says the deal is vital to safe- Court consultant architect, Keith the shield was first discovered by guarding its financial future and Garner. The appeal has been widely a boatman in the 1860s, during has appealed for the community a low river, and about a mile up- to support it. RESIDENTS will go to the polls stream from Molesey. The council has received in November to elect a Police and Shortly after its discovery it around 200 letters some in sup- Crime Commissioner for Surrey. was bought by a James Milner of port and others against. Last The Conservative Party would Palace Road, Molesey, and was year a scheme for 11 homes on like to field a candidate for this featured in the prestigious Victo- the land was refused by Elm- important role is looking for a rian periodical ‘The Gentleman’s bridge councillors. high calibre candidates. They Magazine’. In 1867 it went on might be from business, police display at the emminent Society of THE Friends of Molesey or military backgrounds, or even Antiquaries in London. Library hold their inaugural politics. Paul and Steven believe the AGM at the library on Janu- Commisioners will set policing shield stayed in Molesey until ary 31st from 7pm. priorities and be accountable to 1882 when it was sold to a collec- The meeting will appoint a the local electorate, so if you or tor named Augustus Pitt Rivers for committee and adopt a consti- someone you know would make his private museum in Dorset. tution. If you can’t attend visit a good candidate, please apply at Over the years its provenance http://moleseylibrary.blogspot. www.conservatives.com/police- was lost and in the early 1970s the com for more information. commissioners The Molesey News, Jan-Feb 2012, published by Steve Bax of 2 Cambridge Road, West Molesey, KT8 2AU on behalf of The Dittons & Molesey Conservatives and paid for with party funds.