a fresh look for our precinct - heathersidechurch.org.uk · spring 2011 a fresh look for our...

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Heatherside and Cheylesmore

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Spring 2011

A Fresh Look for our Precinct Anyone who has visited the shops recently cannot have failed to notice that the precinct has fallen into a state of disrepair. There have been long discussions between the precinct owners, shops and local councillors to resolve the issues of responsibility for the upkeep of the precinct. Heatherside Precinct Management Company Ltd (the owners of the precinct) has contacted Newslink, and we are pleased to announce that the last issues look set to be resolved very soon. Work will then start to repair the walkway roof between Martin’s and Sainsbury’s where rainwater is causing damage. We can then look forward to a re-decorated precinct.

New Crossing Ready for Use As Newslink went to press, the new crossing between Heather Ridge School and the Community Centre had just been completed. This gives residents of all ages a safe crossing between these two important buildings in our community.

You are invited to

AN OPEN MORNING AT

HEATHERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE ON

SATURDAY 7th MAY 9am – 12noon

Come and meet representatives from our groups and have a chat about what would

interest you. We have various activities on offer including; fitness, diet, badminton,

Pre-school, Parent & Toddler, children’s music group, ballet, youth club, senior citizens and more

Take a look around the Centre and

enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Heatherside Newslink

Savoy Singers Following their run of The Pirates of Penzance in March at The Camberley Theatre, members of The Savoy Singers will be taking part, together with the Hart Male Voice Choir, in a Charity Concert in aid of PARKINSON’S UK, Farnborough and District Branch. They will be performing at Farnborough Sixth Form College on Saturday 9th April. The Concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets, price £10, can be obtained by calling 01252 671048 or 07752 359545. Next October, by way of a change from a full production, Savoy Singers will be staging a special concert Rodgers meets Hammerstein, with songs from such famous musicals as Carousel, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. This will be at our usual venue, the Camberley Theatre. If you enjoy singing then the Society is always looking to recruit new members for this October concert and future musical productions. We meet at Heatherside Community Centre at 8pm on Wednesdays. For more information about the Savoy Singers visit our website www.savoysingers.org.uk or call 01276 23130

Senior Citizens A new year and a rather difficult start. Both Pat and I suffered accidents which resulted in hip problems. I’m pleased to report that club was able to continue with the very able help of our committee. We all enjoyed our Christmas festivities and are now able to get back to our regular games and fellowship. We meet every Thursday in the Centre between 2pm and 4pm. We enjoy meeting up and having our tea and biscuits and chatting with friends. We would welcome any new members. If interested just ring me. Hilda Cooper. 01276 23980.

County Councillor David Ivison Hopefully winter is now behind us and I think we coped well this year - certainly better than last winter. Despite having the coldest winter in over 100 years, at no stage were our roads impassable, no buses were cancelled and there were no school closures. We had almost double the tonnage of salt available for our roads - and I had purchased salt/grit spreading equipment for all our schools. With the whole of Cumberland Road now routinely gritted, travel for cars is much easier. We need more grit bins and I am trying to get more. By the time this Newsletter is printed, the much needed pedestrian crossing opposite Heather Ridge School will be operating, giving improved safety for children and parents. It will also slow down speeding cars in Martindale Avenue. I am also optimistic that the new developments on the Recreation Ground will have started - a Skate Park, outside gym equipment , a new Children's Playground and a number of benches will transform the area for young and old. We need to improve the appearance of our Heatherside Shopping Precinct. Falling plasterwork, unsightly appearance - it needs a re-vamp to make it an attractive centre for the community. The shop owners are happy to cooperate and we can make the Precinct an attractive meeting area. I have asked Borough Councillor Paul Ilnicki if he and the other Borough Councillors will take on this project and smarten-up the area to make it a welcoming venue we all can take pride in. I am always open to any other suggestions and my contact details are :- Cllr David Ivison CC, County Councillor, Heatherside & Parkside Tel; 01276 27778, e-mail: [email protected]

Two members of our swashbuckling crew!


From the Vicar’s Desk We all have things that rightly concern us but I wonder how much time we spend needlessly worrying about things that we cannot change or may never happen? As Christians we believe that God is with us in every experience however difficult and that we can take our cares to God and find solace in Him. The poem below helpfully challenges me as I hope it may challenge you?

Larry Bain Minister, Heatherside Church TTwo Days We Should Not Worry

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.

We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance; Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore, Live but one day at a time.

Author unknown

Please mention “Newslink” when replying to advertisements

HEATHERSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Spring is nearly here and slowly people are beginning to emerge from their hibernation. I was surprised when I was talking to people at the Christmas Fayre that several families said to me “you have a beautiful Centre here, we hadn’t been inside before”, so how about having a trip to the Centre and finding out exactly what activities take place there, we have plenty to suit everyone; fitness classes, badminton groups, ballet, Senior Citizens, Music with Mummy and many more. Or, you might want to hold your party here, our rates are very reasonable. Alternatively, we are always looking for help in the form of Committee members, to help make decisions on the running of the Centre. Meetings are held every 6 weeks. To encourage you to come, we are holding an OPEN MORNING at the Centre on Saturday 7th May from 9am until 12pm, free refreshments will be available. There will be an opportunity to meet representatives from some of our groups and see what’s on offer. Pat Parry Chairman HCA

On Thursday February 17th Heather Ridge Infant School opened its doors to over 200 Grandparents who came to spend the morning with us. Our wonderful Grandparents had travelled from as far afield as Wales and were treated to a performance by Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes in the Hall. The children had memorised very

long poems and stories and Y1 performed a Grandparents Rap! Some of our Grandparents performed for us and their talents astounded and delighted us all! The most extraordinary part of the day came when Grandparents were invited to share their feelings about their Grandchildren in public. A microphone was passed around the audience and individuals stood and spoke from the heart about the children. It was quite magical and everyone spoke afterwards about the special atmosphere we created together; many tears were shed and the school community felt very close and connected. I am so grateful for the way our Grandparents got involved and how responsive they were to the experience. After some fresh air and a cup of tea (thank you to our wonderful PTA!); Grandparents spent time in their grandchild’s classroom. They sketched each other, read to each other and shared class work. It is the first time an event of this nature has been held at the school and the feedback has been extremely positive. Many Grandparents commented on how school has changed since “their day”. I suppose the biggest compliment for us all is that so many wanted to stay all day and have asked for it to be repeated next year. Thanks to all staff, the PTA and our pupils and their families for all the organisation it takes to make such an event happen and for their engagement once here. Julie Langston, Deputy Head Teacher

Heather Ridge Infant School


Roll up, roll up for the GodzWorkus Circus! If you haven't already guessed by now, the theme at Kids Alive this term is the circus. Jonno the Clown is in charge and is ably assisted by Biff and Candy (puppets if you haven't met them). Each week nearly 30 children bring their parents, grandparents and childminders along for an energetic time of songs, stories and prayer. It is very interactive and lively. Why don't you come along and see for yourself?

Kids Alive meets every Thursday during term time at Heather Ridge School. Refreshments are available from 3.15, with them main event starting at 3.45. All primary school age children and their families are welcome. Contact the Church Office on 01276 678015 for more information.

Guides on HMS Belfast

Surrey Heath Gang Show 2011

Grandparents’ Day at Heather Ridge School

Kids Alive

Volunteer Supervisors Wanted

to work with small groups of participants during training evenings and/or on expeditions to deliver the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze and Silver levels. A Supervisor is essential as they are responsible for supporting a team of

4 -7 participants to ensure their safety and well-being whilst they are undertaking the expedition. You must be available on a Sunday evening between 7.00pm and 9.00pm, one evening per month. You need to be over 18 years old. A Criminal Records Bureaux check will be required together with an Induction Training Course which will be funded by the group. A minimum of one male and one female supervisor are needed. If you would like to know more then please call

Ian Loy, Leader 01276 516139 or Elisabeth Medley 01276 500154

First aid, an essential part of the expedition training has just been completed by the Bronze group who had experience of using a Resuscitation dummy. Are you one of the people who have been involved with the group previously doing any sections of the Award? Can you spare a few hours a month to help others to achieve their award? If you can then please contact us, we meet on Sundays once a month in the Heatherside Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm.

If you want to know more then contact Ian Loy or Elisabeth Medley

www.surrey-dofe.org.uk

4th Frimley (Heatherside) Scout Group


Beavers aged 6 – 8 Cub Scouts aged 8 - 10½ Scouts aged 10½ - 14

Following our annual Group census I am delighted that our numbers are up again on previous years and we now provide Scouting on a regular basis to over 70 young people ranging in age from 6 to 14. As always we have a waiting list for Beavers so I advise parents to get their child’s name down early to avoid disappointment. By the time you read this the Surrey Heath Gang Show starring Scouts and Guides from the local area will have just taken place at Camberley Theatre; this year we had three of our youngsters in the cast and although its is very hard work with lots of rehearsals over many weekends I know that all that take part fully enjoy the experience. We have a fantastic bunch of leaders running our sections at the moment assisted on most evenings by parents and helpers but we always need more help, even if only on a part time basis. We also have vacancies on the executive committee which is responsible for the administration of the Group. If you could spare some time or have a skill that you think would be useful then please get in touch. Graham Corser; Group Scout Leader; [email protected]

A very special day in the lives of Heatherside Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

After a very busy Centenary year which included a Rainbow Day to Birdworld, two Brownie pack holidays, two Guide camps and a special trip for 29 guides and five leaders to sleep on board HMS Belfast , we all celebrated the Centenary Finale at St Pauls Church at 20:10 on 20th October 2010 accompanied by past leaders and parents. Although it was the end of 100 years it was also the beginning of the next 100 years of Guiding. 150 girls joined in the party and then sang songs whilst they watched photos of all the trips and events they had enjoyed during the year. Some Rainbows, Brownies and Guides told us of their experiences and then we all reaffirmed our Promise via a live broadcast. The broadcast was led by our Chief Guide and linked us to all other girls in Guiding in the UK. A wonderful cake had been kindly made for

us by one of our Guide mums and everyone received a special Centenary Promise Badge. Not only did we enjoy ourselves but we also helped others by holding a Brownie Christmas Fayre which raised £500. This was matched by a Guider’s company and we were able to send £1000 to the Chase Children’s Hospice in Guildford.We are recovering from such a busy year but are now planning next year’s activities so why not join us and start building new memories for the next 100 years. June Cobbett –District Commissioner 01276 500476

Please visit the Group website for all the up to date news, events and information about Scouting on Heatherside. www.4thfrimley.org

Ian Cullen Heatherside IS the Big Society Anyone not sure what David Cameron means by the Big Society should visit Heatherside, an example of one of the myriad U.K. communities sustained and bound together by the cement of voluntary activity. Faced with financial cutbacks, health and safety regulation and restrictive new laws, it may seem hard for today’s volunteers to maintain their enthusiasm but the truth is that working for nothing and for the general good has never been easy. However, it can be great fun, and virtue, they say, brings its own reward. On Heatherside we have a community centre, brilliantly run by volunteers, and more thriving voluntary groups and activities than I have room to list. If you are not involved, perhaps you could give some thought to joining in. Fresh volunteers are always needed. Unfortunately there are many places today where the call goes unanswered and this, I believe, is the main purpose of Mr Cameron’s Big Society. There are towns and inner cities where people live in isolation among strangers and rely entirely on the Government or over stretched government services to keep things running and maintain some kind of order. Surrey Heath has one of the best run borough councils in the country and, in the past four years, much has been achieved by your local councillors on Heatherside but the truth is that politicians are pretty helpless without the active day on day support from the community they serve. On Heatherside our volunteer workers provide that support and, Prime Minister please note, the big contribution they already make to the Big Society. Tel 01276 23213 or email [email protected].

Paul Ilnicki We have all experienced, since the last edition of Newslink, some short, sharp periods of wintry weather. However, I have been thanked by residents on how well we have coped with these falls of deep snow and ice. The County led resources, ably carried out at Borough level, were better planned resulting in the main roads being kept fairly clear for all road users. The local schools were largely unaffected as a result. There is an ongoing scheme of repairing road pot holes. The pedestrian crossing outside Heather Ridge School should be completed fairly soon.

Margaret and I were very pleased to attend the special church service where Heatherside Church was visited by the Bishop of Guildford. It was a wonderful occasion, enjoyed by all who were there. For me personally, it was a chance to recall with the Bishop his induction which I attended in my Mayoral year. Just started and in its “preliminary stages” is the much awaited enhanced leisure facility on Heatherside recreational Ground. Many of us are very pleased with this scheme which was given overwhelming approval by the local residents of all age groups. Subject to the weather, the building programme should be finalized in about eight weeks. We look forward to its completion and its use by all. Ongoing discussions are taking place towards improving the Heatherside Precinct. It is heard that remedial improvements will take place in the near future, but I will continue to help where I can in what has been a challenging situation.

Finally, I am always available to help in my capacity of Heatherside Ward Councilor and matters that relate to the Borough of Surrey Heath and its functions and responsibilities. Tel 01276 66635 or email [email protected]

Pat Pearce

I would like to thank all the past and present editors and

people who have been connected with Heatherside

Newslink. It contains a lot of information and news. I think

Chobham and Heatherside are the only wards in Surrey

Heath to have a local magazine,

At last due to pressure by several local people, the ceiling of

the precinct is on course for a long awaited face lift. It is

lovely to see snowdrops and early signs of Spring after the

heavy snowfall in December, which made it difficult for

people to get around - although the children enjoyed

making snowmen and snowballs.

As you know, I will not be standing for election in May.

Thank you all again for your support and I hope that you use

your vote at the local elections.

Our Local Councilors


Paul Ilnicki says “this is just the beginning”.

Memory Lane Local videographer and former Heatherside Church youth leader, John Peddie is offering the unique opportunity to capture your stories on DVD for generations to come. Inspired by programmes such as, “Who Do You Think You Are?” (and his mother's fascination for family history), John's video company JProductions concluded, “Everybody has a story to tell, but not everybody has the chance to tell it.” A 'Memory Lane' video allows you to tell your story. Make it extra special by including photographs, letters, perhaps even old video footage. “The great thing about 'Memory Lane' is that your story can be told by you, in your words, to those you love, your children, grandchildren, family and friends. I would love to have had my grandparents' stories on record.” The DVD is fully edited and comes packaged in a personalised presentation box, making a special present that you will want to view for years to come. The venture is being supported by the Surrey Heath Museum who have offered to archive the DVDs for future reference if people are willing. “Documenting people's stories in this format is a fantastic way of preserving local social history and avoids the Chinese whisper effect of losing the truth in the memory.” If you have a story to tell/know somebody who does or would like information on prices, please go to www.jproductions.info or call 01276 682664.


Special Education breakthrough from Heatherside Couple Adele and Quentin Devine (a couple from Heatherside) have combined their talents to create SEN Assist (a new enterprise dedicated to improving education for children, particularly those with special educational needs and autism). “We wanted to create something that would save teachers a lot of time but also incorporate all the training that special needs teachers have into something that teachers or parents without that training could use,” says Adele (a full time SEN teacher at Freemantles in Woking). Adele’s husband Quentin, (talented artist and animator) was always making resources to help motivate Adele’s students. ‘I hope the hours that we have spent will save hours of teacher time and help children with special needs have access to the individual education they deserve.’ The software has had great reactions from teachers, Vanessa Whitney (Stepgates School, Surrey) says ‘"The Three Bears has been fabulously motivational for my KS1 group of children; they loved the control of choosing their own character and the knowledge that they could make it move by completing their tasks. The children love to interact with the computer and, as the layout is so clear and concise, they are constantly learning." So far there are six fairy stories to choose from. Adele and Quentin are now creating software for older students with learning difficulties based on Shakespeare. ‘We have been overwhelmed by the worldwide reaction to SEN Assist. The software is now being sold by a major distributor in Hong Kong to teach Chinese school children English.’ says Adele. Despite a busy schedule as a full time SEN teacher it is the amazing reactions and emails of thanks from across the globe that drive this couple to work non stop. There is more information and lots of FREE resources available from the website www.senassist.com

Heatherside Church invites you to our service on Mothering Sunday, 3 April.

10am for refreshments, service starts at 10.30.

All welcome

Forgotten stories

www.surreyheath-residents.co.uk The Surrey Heath Residents community web site features local news stories and promotes the very best of Surrey Heath. Particular emphasis is put on the many amazing community groups, voluntary organisations and charities. Many of the stories we publish don’t always make it into local media outlets and so is a vital networking opportunity for community groups to really get the word out to the community about their work. The web site has a very large readership so if you have something to say, the Surrey Heath Residents community web site is the place at www.surreyheath-residents.co.uk. To contact the site administration or to publicise your event email [email protected]


HEATHERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE R E G U L A R A C T I V I T I E S CONTACT TELEPHONE

MON Pre-school 9.05 - 11.45am Kate Clifford 01276 469733 Sure Start 9.30am -12 noon Diane Cox 01276 23791 Ballet 4.00 - 7.00pm Natalie Wraight 01276 472093 Slimming World 5.30 – 7.00pm Angela Williams 07879 471855 Badminton Club 7.45 - 10.15pm Bill Warren 01276 500166 TUES Music with Mummy 9.30 – 12 noon Ann-Marie Woodley 01276 670221 Pre-school 9.05 - 11.45am Kate Clifford 01276 469733 Parent & Toddler Group 2.00 – 3.30pm Church Office 01276 678015 Afternoon Fellowship 2.30 - 4.00pm Dawn Radford 01276 509463 Martial Arts 5.00 – 6.00pm Mr. May 07817 790259 Weight Watchers 6.15 - 7.15pm Melanie 077990 515281 Moves Fitness 6.45 - 7.45pm Alison Pascoe 01276 473717 Pilates Class 6.45 - 8.15pm Julia Foley 07890 963153 Youth Group 7.45 - 9.45pm Ciaran Cleasby 07968 833965 Badminton Club 8.30 - 10.30pm Dave 01276 20544 WED Pre-school 9.05 – 11.45am Kate Clifford 01276 469733 U3A Badminton 1.00 - 3.30pm Colin Glass 01276 501492 Pre-school 1.35 – 4.15pm Kate Clifford 01276 469733 Ballet 3.45 – 7.45pm Natalie Wraight 01276 472093 Women’s Institute 7.45 – 10.00pm Enid March 01276 507044

Savoy Singers 8.00 – 10.00pm Ann Cousins 01276 23130

THUR Pre-school 9.05 – 11.45am Kate Clifford 01276 469733 Music with Mummy 9.30 – 3.00pm Ann-Marie Woodley 01276 670221 Senior Citizens Club 2.00 – 4.00pm Hilda Cooper 01276 23980 Karate 4.30 - 5.30pm D. Bishop 07908 202273 Men’s Keep Fit 7.30 – 8.30pm Contact HCA 01276 63208 Rosemary Conley 8.00 – 9.30pm Sarah 07900 254395 FRI Sure Start 9.00 – 12 noon Diane Cox 01276 23791 Pre-school 9.05 – 11.45am Kate Clifford 01276 469733 Pre-school 1.35 – 4.15pm Kate Clifford 01276 469733 U3A Tap Dancing 2.00 - 3.00pm Colin Glass 01276 501492 Ballet 4.00 –7.00pm Natalie Wraight 01276 472093 SUN Heatherside Church

Services* 10.00am for 10.30am

Church Office 01276 678015

D of E Awards (1st Sun of month)

7.00pm – 9.00pm Elisabeth Medley 01276 500154

*See Church notices for further details or www.heathersidechurch.org.uk

HEATHERSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION All enquiries to: The Community Centre, Martindale Avenue,

Heatherside, Camberley, Surrey GU15 1BB. Tel: 01276 63208 Email: [email protected]

Heatherside Church

Easter Services All held in the Community Centre at 10.30am (refreshments from 10am)

unless otherwise stated

Palm Sunday 17 April All Age Service

Maundy Thursday 21 April

Eucharist with foot-washing & Easter Vigil

7.30pm St Barbara’s Church, Deepcut

Good Friday 22 April Morning Worship

Easter Day 24 April

All Age Holy Communion

All are welcome

Newslink Production Team Editor: Paula Huckle 01276 677457; Administrator: Julie Conner 01276 684524. Email: [email protected] Contributors and advertisers please note final copy date for next issue—Friday 17 June 2011, for distribution in July Printed by Imprint Colour Ltd 01252 547023 Heatherside Newslink makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all material including advertisements. However we will not be held responsible for inaccuracies and do not endorse or accept liability for loss or damage incurred by a user of any of the services of any advertiser.

Parent and Toddler Group

Why not come along to our Parent and Toddler group and make new friends?

Babies and children up to the age of 4 welcome. We meet in the Community Centre every Tuesday

2-3.30 pm (Term-time only)

£1.50 per family, which includes refreshments. For more info please contact Heatherside Church Office

on 01276 678015, or just pop in and join the fun, you will be very welcome

Heatherside Church Men’s Midweek Walks Men’s Midweek Walks are organised by Heatherside Church. Each month there is a not very strenuous ramble of around five miles culminating with a pub lunch. Last year was very successful with 11 walks being completed and only one cancellation due to heavy snow in January! Locations for the walks in 2010 included Frensham, Arborfield, Minley, Pirbright and Chiddingfold. We currently have a loyal band of around a dozen regular walkers, but not everyone makes each walk. Since the walks take place on Thursday mornings, attendees are mainly retired men but we welcome all men who find themselves free on the day of a walk and are in the need of some exercise and good company. The dates of walks in the upcoming months are April 14th, May 12th, June 9th, July 14th, August 11th. For further details email [email protected].

For advertising enquiries please contact 01276 684524 or email [email protected].

a fresh look for our precinct - heathersidechurch.org.uk · spring 2011 a fresh look for our...

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