lower kingswood residents association chairman: david patel … · 2016-12-06 · september 2016...
TRANSCRIPT
VILLAGE NEWS
Welcome to our Autumn 2016 issue of Village News and we would like to extend a warm welcome to all those new residents who have moved into the village over the past few months. Please remember that all residents of Lower Kingswood are members of the Residents’ Association, if you have any concerns about the Village, the Residents’ Association Committee is here to try and help you and represent your interests.
Unlike most other local Residents’ Associations there is no annual subscription payable – our running costs are met from the revenue of advertisements in our newsletter. So please help support our local businesses and advertisers; if using the services of one of our advertisers please mention that you saw their advertisement in Village News.
STUBBS LANE RECYCLING AREA
It seems as though the Stubbs Lane recycling point, which is an invaluable facility for Lower Kingswood's residents, is becoming increasingly used by fly-tippers - dumping non-household waste - and anyone wanting to avoid a trip to the Earlswood (or Epsom) Community Recycling Centre (CRC) to dispose of their rubbish.
The Borough Council are seriously considering the future of such “outlying” facilities and the introduction of charges for certain types of waste at Surrey’s CRCs may well serve to increase fly-tipping. Where practicable residents are asked to provide the appropriate authorities with details of any
www.lowerkingswood.co.uk
Chairman's Report to Residents
Councillor Mrs. Joan Spiers 2
County Council report 3
LK Watch 4
Kingswood Primary School 5
Wisdom of God Church 6
Wisdom Stories; Church
Hall; Monthly Coffee Circle
7
LK Evangelical Church;
Crumbs; CAMEO Club
8
LK Village Fete; Residents’
Association Committee
report; Kingswood Village
Hall Trust
9
Girl Guiding 10
Scout Group; Gage Players 13
Inside this issue:
Lower Kingswood Residents Association
Chairman: David Patel Secretary: Robert Brown Treasurer: Faye Miles
SEPTEMBER 2016 Autumn Edition 2016
vehicles seen to be fly-tipping. Such details should be reported to the Reigate & Banstead Joint Enforcement Team.
SURREY POLICE
The non-emergency numbers remain at 101 or 01483-571212 (with on-line reporting facilities also available) and these should be used for reporting such issues as anti-social behaviour, substance/drug abuse, vandalism etc.
VILLAGE NEWS
Once again thank you to all who have contributed articles and helped with both the production and distribution of this newsletter. Village News is distributed free to all households in (and around) Lower Kingswood, and this is only possible because of the assistance given by a number of volunteers. If you can help with distribution please contact our Chairman.
AND FINALLY….
We should also like to take the opportunity of thanking Fidelity International for their assistance in the printing of your Residents’ Association’s newsletter Village News.
BREAKING NEWS
Although the recent recommendations from the Boundary Commission propose an overall reduction in the number of Parliamentary seats from 650 to 600, there appears to be no changes proposed for our own Reigate parliamentary constituency. Reigate’s electorate of 71,778 falls (just) within the recommended range in terms of numbers of voters.
We very much appreci-ate the support of our
advertisers but their ap-pearance in our newslet-ter and/or our website does not constitute a
recommendation.
PLANNING
The Reigate & Banstead Development Manage-ment Plan has recently been published by our Bor-ough Council - with consultation running until 10th October 2016.
The plan can be viewed on-line (218 pages!) via: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp or, for those without internet access, the consultation documents can be viewed at the Town Hall or local libraries. Any comments can be submitted on-line, by email or by letter.
Whilst the Association’s Committee will be sub-mitting their own comments, an overview of the documentation seems to indicate that there should be no major impact as far as Lower Kingwood and the surrounding areas are concerned. The Plan also affirms the status of the ‘Green Belt’ land surrounding the village.
COUNCILLOR MRS. JOAN SPIERS
Members of the Residents’ Association Committee were very saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Joan Spiers on 29th August.
She had served as one of our local Borough council-lors since 1984 and was always supportive of our local community and deter-
mined to try and solve the varying problems en-countered by residents.
A more detailed article appears on page 2.
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 2 Autumn 2016
It was with deep sadness we learnt that Councillor Mrs. Joan Spiers, ward member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath, passed away on 29th August 2016.
Paying tribute to Cllr. Mrs. Spiers, Council Leader Cllr. Victor Broad said: “I am extremely saddened by the news of Joan’s sudden passing. She will be remembered for her dedication and hard work for the Borough Council as its Leader, as a councillor for 32 years and as Mayor of our Borough during 2015-16.”
“Cllr. Mrs. Spiers was respected by her ward and borough resi-dents, on whose behalf she worked tirelessly and by the Council-lors and officers she worked with. We should not forget her significant contribution as Mayor – a role she made her own with her energy and enthusiasm.”
“She was committed to the well-being of our residents, deter-mined to solve their problems and she will be missed. I am priv-ileged to have been able to work with her and experience her complete dedication to her work here, at first hand.”
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
Cllr. Spiers was the elected Ward Member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath from May 1984 until her death.
In addition to her twice serving as Leader of the Council from 2003-2007 and 2008-2014, she chaired the Housing & Commu-nity Services Committee and the Housing Sub-Committee as well as served on a number of Committees including the Over-view & Scrutiny Committee, Employment Committee, Planning Committee, the Local Joint Forum, Partnership Committee, Policy & Resources Committee, Community Services Commit-tee, Housing Sub-Committee and Contract Services Board.
She was also a representative to the Surrey Local Government Association (2003 – 2007) and to the Local Government Associ-ation General Assembly (2008 – 2009).
Amongst her valuable ward work, Cllr. Mrs. Spiers was the first Leader under the new Leader and Cabinet structure introduced in 2003 and guided the Council through the establishment of this new model. She also ensured the Council maintained a strong financial position throughout her tenure and in particular during the global financial crisis of 2008.
During her time as Mayor Cllr. Mrs. Spiers’ role saw her officiate at the opening of Tadworth Leisure Centre, represent the Bor-ough at the Magna Carta Festival of Liberty, regularly take part in Armed Forces events including Armistice Day, Poppies at the Belfry and Remembrance Sunday, lay the VC Stone in Memorial Park for Rupert Price Hallows and participated in many fetes, carnivals and flower shows, always keen to meet residents, par-ticularly the children in the Borough. She was particularly proud of introducing the concept of ‘Mini Mayor’, which provided a child from the Borough with the opportunity to step into that role for the day to help with civic engagements.
She was keen to support YMCA East Surrey and the Royal Brit-ish Legion as her charities during her time as Mayor, raising £28,500 in this year for charity – a combination of money raised from events during the year, a donation of her remaining Mayor-al Allowance and through her personal donation. Always keen
to help many different groups across the borough, the theme for her mayoral year was ‘Encompass All.’
My ward colleague Simon Parnell and I were deeply saddened to learn of Joan Spiers’ unexpected death. Joan has helped and advised hundreds of our residents over the long years she has served as both local Councillor and Leader of Reigate & Ban-stead Council.
As a new Councillor she was both my mentor and friend and, over the past ten years, we worked together to resolve local is-sues and strive to retain the special character of this ward.
I will miss her greatly.
Councillor Ros Mill Executive Member for Leisure & Wellbeing [Employment and Executive] Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01737-833705
Councillor Simon Parnall Member for Kingswood and Burgh Heath [Planning and Overview & Scrutiny] Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01737-830888
Editor’s note
Members of the Residents’ Association Committee were very saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Joan Spiers. Over the many years she served as one of our local councillors, she had, whenever possible, attended the Residents’ Association’s regular Committee meetings as well as its AGM and other meet-ings. During that time she was always supportive of our local community and determined to try and solve the varying prob-lems encountered by residents.
At the Committee meeting held on 12th July Cllr. Spiers had stat-ed that “…she was delighted to be able once again to attend Meetings of the Committee now that her Mayoral duties had come to an end...”. Sadly this was the last meeting she attended.
All those local residents who attended this year’s Village Fete (on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May) will recall Mrs. Joan Spiers opening the Fete in her official capacity as Mayor and crowning George Allen and Rebecca Whittle, King and Queen of the 2016 Fete. Along with all the other attendees at the Fete, she also enjoyed the ‘Lower Kingswood’s Got Talent’ show and was so impressed by the various participants that she awarded them each a voucher (paid out of her own pocket) - see page 3 for a couple of pictures from the Village Fete.
Councillor Mrs. Joan Spiers
Page 3 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
Dear Residents
DRIVERS’ “U TURNS”
Buckland Road (at its junction with the A217) is continually blighted by drivers performing illegal “U turns” resulting in at least two accidents with drivers losing control of their vehicles and crashing through the Wisdom of God Church
fence: we are sooner or later going to have serious injuries or even a fatality if this practice continues.
I am resisting the pressures to close the crossover point, as it will add delays to local driving.
SPEEDING
Speeding throughout the day is becoming a real hazard, and not just on the A217, it’s a problem in the side roads and near our schools.
We have a plan of action to resolve the speeding on the A217 as average speed cameras are to be installed on our section of the road. Another good point is that the cost will be self-funded from the fines and driver awareness courses.
PARKING
We are seeing parking of vehicles on our footpaths and roads that are not taxed or hold a current MOT certificate, the com-ments by vehicle owners being that the footpath is not part of the public road, this is incorrect. I think it’s worth clarifying this for motorists as the footpaths and verges DO constitute part of the Surrey road network.
FLY TIPPING/ RECYCLING POINT STUBBS LANE
Can I ask that if you spot a vehicle please report it; as the of-fenders are damaging OUR Village. We have in Stubbs lane a valuable facility of a village recycle centre but this is not for car body parts, mattresses or garden waste etc. We have this facility in Earlswood (and Epsom).
The Borough Council are now monitoring the current abuse of this facility and I am sorry to advise that the few abusing the service could cause it to be withdrawn by the Borough Council. Please only use it for what it is designed for.
COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE
The two nearest Community Recycling Centres (CRC) are at Horley Road, Earlswood and Blenheim Road, Epsom and both are open:
Mondays to Fridays – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday – 9:00am to 4:00pm
However, both centres are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Please note that you may be asked to prove that you are a Surrey resident when visiting any Surrey CRC.
Please also note that, from 1st September, charges have been introduced for certain types of non-household waste:
Tyres from cars, motorcycles and all other motorised vehicles
Waste from construction, alteration or repair of your home and garden such as plasterboard, breezeblocks, bricks, rubble, soil, stones, turf, ceramic bathroom fit-tings, tiles etc.
A full list of the types of waste that will be charged for is detailed on the Council’s website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/recycling
Regards
Bob Gardner
County Councillor for Merstham & Banstead South
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0845-643-1112
Surrey County Council report
Mrs. Joan Spiers officiating as Mayor at the Village Fete held on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May (photographs © Rod Ashford)
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 4 Autumn 2016
FRAUD
Fraud has become the fastest growing crime across Brit-ain, some say across the World. Many people believe that if they do not own a computer they cannot fall victim to fraudsters. But sadly, all too often criminals will ring you up or knock on your door. Fraud crimes can involve identity theft, computer crime often called cyber-crime and frauds involving the telephone. Age appears not to matter; both the young and the old are now targets. Youngsters are being offered fake jobs, non-existent products and too-good-to-be-true rental accommodation, while older members of the community are often contact-ed by criminals posing as bank officials or the police.
Surrey Police has recently issued details of the latest frauds being operated in our area.
FAKE ‘PHONE UPGRADES
Criminals are impersonating telephone service providers to offer “too good to be true” ‘phone upgrades.
The caller asks for personal and financial details, which will then be used to contact the true service provider and order a new phone handset. The new ‘phone and any other goods ordered would then be diverted or intercept-ed before the unsuspecting victim knows what has hap-pened.
To avoid being duped scammed, Surrey Police recom-mend the following:
Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited ‘phone call.
Verify the call is genuine by asking the caller to call back and then phone your service provider to confirm the offer is genuine.
If the offer is too good to be true it probably is.
EMAIL FRAUD
You might receive an email claiming to be from the City of London Police. The departments that it claims to rep-resent include the ‘Fraud Intelligence Unit’ and the ‘National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’. The email is titled ‘compensation fund’ and has a letter attachment offering financial compensation to victims of fraud. The letter uses the City of London Police logo.
The letter says that to receive compensation, you should reply to the email providing your personal information. The letter also states that HSBC and the South African Reserve Bank have been chosen to handle the compen-sation. All of these claims are false.
Both the email and letter are fraudulent and should not be replied to.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FRAUD
As students prepare to start a new term, many are searching for suitable accommodation. Fraudsters have been using a variety of websites to advertise properties for rent; often at very attractive rents and in convenient locations. The adverts appear genuine and are often accompanied by photos and contact information.
As finding good student accommodation can be difficult, students have been duped into paying upfront fees or deposits to secure a property quickly; sometimes without viewing it first. Any money paid is then lost as the fraud-ster does not own the property and often there are ten-ants already living there.
To avoid being conned, the Police advise:
Only use reputable letting companies.
Using Google maps to check the property really exists.
Make an appointment to view the property in per-son and always view the property prior to paying any advance fees.
Be aware of warning signs such as landlords ask-ing for a ‘holding deposit’ because the property is in high demand.
A genuine landlord will usually want references, be very wary of handing over cash before the landlord asks for employment or character refer-ences.
We should like to correct the comments in the previous issue of Village News regarding the ‘Borderlines’ column, which ap-pears in the weekly Surrey Mirror.
Just after we went to press, Judy Parfitt advised us that, in con-junction with Mark Davison (community news editor of the Surrey Mirror), it had been agreed that Rod Ashford would take over responsibility for collating details of events, news or obser-vations from in and around Lower Kingswood.
We should like to extend our thanks to Judy for providing the regular updates for the ‘Borderlines’ column over very many years.
Surrey Mirror ‘Borderlines’
Page 5 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
I would firstly like to welcome the new Reception children and any new families to the school who have started in September.
I would also like to welcome Mrs. Yates who has joined the school as the teacher in charge of inclusion and special educa-tional needs. She replaces Mrs. Heller who had held this post for nine years and who retired at the end of the summer term.
At the end of a very busy summer term all the children in the school took part in the production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, which was performed in the Church Hall. The children were superb, despite performing on the hottest days of the year, with wonderful singing and acting! It was also a wonderful way for
the Year 6 children to finish at the school, hopefully taking with them many happy memories.
The term also ended with a Forest School celebra-tion event for the Reception parents. They joined their children in Margery Wood for a morning and took part in a range of activities that the children had been doing throughout the year including build-ing dens, making fires, creating forest artwork, bug hunting and eating the homemade cakes cooked on the camp fire! It was a fantastic event and the school looks forward to organising Forest School for the new academic year and extending it to other year groups.
The year ahead looks an interesting one, as schools have to consider how they are structured as part of
the governments drive for schools to become academies.
Kingswood has been working closely alongside four other local primary schools in order for staff to share ideas and expertise. As a head-teacher of a fairly small primary school, I find this kind of collaborative approach very important. It enables the school to fully evaluate our own practices as we strive to ensure the children have the best possible education at Kingswood.
Duncan Steele Head-teacher
Kingswood Primary School
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 6 Autumn 2016
Dear Friends
We had great fun with the Wild West Family Fun Day back in July and were not put off by the weather! You may have seen some of the pictures in the Surrey Mirror. The day raised much-needed funds for the Church and we were very happy to wel-come so many people from the community into the building when the rain began to fall.
These last few months, at The Wisdom of God Church, have seen one or two changes capitalising upon the flexibility of the building and, in my opinion, making the worship space more accessible and user friendly.
Following the success of Wisdom Stories at Tea Time we will begin again on Wednesday 14th September and are now formalis-ing our pick-up from Kingswood Primary School by organising a ‘walking bus’. If you think you would like to make use of this, further details can be obtained from Jackie Cox on 07979-424964.
I haven’t failed to no-tice that The Wisdom of God Church is a ‘Pokémon Go’ Gym and this game has brought young visitors into the grounds as they battle their mon-sters against one anoth-er to gain possession of the Gym for their team. We welcome gamesters of all ages to the church and if you want help in battling the many other demons that afflict our lives from time to time, you may find that the Church is not out of touch with the realities of life and has far more to offer than just a location on a gaming app.
In the coming weeks our Pastoral Visiting Team will begin to operate within the Parish. These are members of our congrega-tions who have been trained and DBS checked and who will visit on behalf of the church. If someone you know, within our Par-ish, would benefit from a visit, please contact me (by telephone or email) to discuss this.
Rev’d Chris Colton Priest-in-Charge - Parish of Kingswood Email: [email protected]
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Sunday 25th September at 12:30pm
Church Hall, Buckland Road - Harvest Bring and Share Lunch
Saturday 8th October at 7:00pm
Kingswood Village Hall, Waterhouse Lane - Jazz Supper Even-ing
Live Music by Josephine Arthur and her musicians. A talented singer, Josephine Arthur has a warm velvety voice drawing influ-ence from Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone.
Cash bar and raffle. Tickets £22.50 (including 2 course meal); contact Parish Administrator, Lindsay Cole on 01737-201199.
Sunday 30th October at 6:30 pm
The Wisdom of God - All Souls Service to remember the de-parted
Sunday 13th November at 10:45am
The Wisdom of God - Remembrance Day family service
Sunday 11th December at 6:30pm
The Wisdom of God – Nine Lessons and Carols with the parish choir
Friday 16th December at 7:30pm
Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square – Illuminare
Illuminare are a chamber choir of 20 of London’s finest young singers (conducted by Jeremy Cole) and organist Peter Holder will perform Christmas music from Rutter, Howells and Dove ……
A minibus will leave St Andrew’s Church at 4:45pm and then from the Royal Gurkha/Fox on the Hill, Lower Kingswood shortly thereafter. Tickets £30 (minibus and concert); contact Parish Administrator, Lindsay Cole on 01737-201199.
Saturday 17th December at 7:30pm
The Wisdom of God - Rejoice and Wassail - a celebration of Christmas with the parish choir.
Saturday 24th December
The Wisdom of God at 3:00pm – Crib/Christingle ser-vice
The Wisdom of God at 9:00pm – Christmas Communion
The Wisdom of God Church
Page 7 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
WISDOM STORIES AT TEA TIME
Every Wednesday in term time
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Wisdom of God Church, Buckland Road
Well, we have been running for a whole year now and the numbers of children and parents who come along
for a story, prayers and action songs continues to grow. Not to mention the tea, which we provide for everyone, which seems to keep the hungry school-children happy and full of energy. Mind you it isn’t
just the older children who love the music and songs – our toddlers and babies seem to really enjoy it too!
This term our pick up process from the school play-ground will become a little more formal with a
properly organised ‘walking bus’ to the Church. Look out for our Wisdom Stories high viz jackets in the play-
ground. We are happy to collect any children if parents pre-arrange this.
So, if you haven’t been yet please do come along and join us.
Church Hall affairs have been fairly quiet, with no major events or work to report.
There has been the usual maintenance jobs carried out, including hedge cutting, re-polishing the floor and painting the hand rails and supports leading into the main doors.
The refurbished flowerbed to the left hand side of the Hall has continued to mature and fill out over the past year and now looks great due to regular work from a small, dedicated team. We are always looking for some extra help in this area, so if you could spare a couple of hours to help maintain this border, please contact Claire, whose details are at the bottom of this article.
The Hall bookings always increase towards the end of the year, so to avoid disappointment remember to plan ahead and book early for your Christmas and New Year events.
Please also recommend the Lower Kingswood Church Hall as a venue to others outside the village.
Enquiries regarding booking the Hall can be made by emailing: [email protected] or by calling Claire Slee on: 01737-246619.
Church Hall
MONTHLY COFFEE CIRCLE
1ST Wednesday of the Month
10:30 am to mid-day
Church Hall, Buckland Road
If you haven’t been along to try our home-made cakes in the
coffee morning yet do give us a try. This is just a social morning to either catch up with friends in the village or perhaps to get to know a few people locally. We have a number of gentlemen who enjoy a
good chat, and of course the cake too, so this is an event for all.
Refreshments are free and everyone is welcome.
If you are new to the village or know someone who might like to come but has mobility problems please let us know and we will try our best to help
with transport to and from the Hall.
We look forward to seeing you at any (or all!) of the following dates:
WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 2nd NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 8 Autumn 2016
SOME OF THE NEW FACES THAT HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE CON-GREGATION
As a child I went along to my local church with my family and enjoyed the games, activities and bible stories. But, by the age of twelve, I wanted to play computer games rather than go to church.
At eighteen, like most youth today, I was living life as I wanted, enjoying the girlfriends, the drinking, partying, and fast cars. I started work as a postman and whilst sorting mail a fellow work-er invited me along to his church.
As an adult reading the bible again, it was as if it was a different book, rather than old and irrelevant stories, it was as if God was speaking to me through the words of the bible. Over the com-ing months it became clear, that there was something stopping me from going to Heaven, when I inevitably died. This was sin, that is the things we do against God's law.
I was never going to be this perfect person that God requires to enter Heaven, and thankfully that is where Jesus comes in. The bible says that he lived his life perfectly and gave his life as a sacrifice for the world to pay for sin so we do not have to. A great bible verse is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not per-ish but have eternal life.”
Eventually I turned to God in prayer and asked for his for-giveness, and turned from the wrong things I was doing to Jesus and living his way. The weight of sin had been lifted, the worry of the after life had gone, life now had a purpose and meaning. I am not now magically sinless, but I know that he has taken the punishment all away and that I have a heavenly home waiting because of Jesus.
Twenty years on, I now attend Lower Kingswood Evangelical Church with my wife and two children and enjoy hearing about the amazing truths of the bible and our kids have lots of fun in the new Sunday club.
I would urge you to take a look in the big book for yourself or why not drop in one Sunday at 10:30am, we would be glad to see you all, especially the children, more the merrier.
God bless
Richard Barnett
Crumbs are a friendly and welcoming Toddler Group in Lower Kingswood.
We meet on Friday mornings during term-time be-tween 9:15am and 11:00am at the Lower Kingswood Evangelical Church on Smithy Lane. Our first ses-sion of the new term is Friday 9th September. We play with different toys each week indoors and outside (weather permitting!), and we try to pro-vide a craft activity every week too.
At about 10:15am we all stop for snack time. While we’re all sat down together, we listen to a true sto-ry from the Bible being retold. Before home time we enjoy singing some of our favourite songs and rhymes, sometimes getting out instruments too.
Do contact us or pop along for fresh coffee and cake on Friday mornings at Lower Kingswood Evan-gelical Church on Smithy Lane; you will be sure of a warm welcome.
In June we enjoyed our Strawberry Tea and also celebrated the Queens 90th Birthday with a “Royal Quiz”.
In July we had another visit from ‘Wheels for the World’ and heard more about the work they do in sending reconditioned wheelchairs to disabled people in Africa. Many of them have never even seen a wheelchair before and what a difference it makes to them getting around. The August meeting will be over before this is read, but we will be having a “Holiday Memories” afternoon.
We will be meeting on Friday 23rd September and will be watch-ing a video on ‘Classic Train Journeys in Scotland’ and then on Monday 24th October we have our Rumanian Aid Foundation afternoon when folk can bring any “Shoe boxes” they have pre-pared for ‘Joy in a Box’.
We welcome any new members who would like to join us. All meetings are held at the Evangelical Free Church in Smithy Lane at 2:00pm.
Don’t forget Lower Kingswood Strollers continue to meet once a month for a “stroll in the countryside”.
Lower Kingswood
Evangelical Church
CAMEO Club ‘Come And
Meet Each Other’
& Strollers
Page 9 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
VILLAGE FETE NEWS
The 2016 Lower Kingswood Village Fete was a huge success, with a record crowd attending and a record amount of money raised. Each of the community groups who took part in this year's Village Fete has received £390.
Of course, it's all very well saying 2016 was a record year. The challenge ahead is to improve on 2016 and make next year's Village Fete an even better and more successful event.
I am currently looking for people to get involved in the Lower Kingswood Village Fete 2017.
Maybe you have an idea for a new event or attrac-tion?
Are you involved with a group or activity that would be willing to put on a display or perform on Fete Day?
Do you belong to a community group that would
like to take part in the Fete?
Do you have experience of Event Organising? We need ideas people and doers to help organise the Fete.
Could you spare an hour or two during the week before the event to help deliver programmes in your street?
Could you help with setting up or clearing away on Fete Day? Even an hour or two is incredibly help-ful.
Planning for the 2017 Village Fete will start in October. If you could offer any help or would like to get involved in organising the event - I would love to hear from you.
Rod Ashford
Fete Chairman
A Meeting of the Committee took place on Tuesday, 17th May 2016. In addi-tion to Committee members, Councillors Bob Gardner & Simon Parnall were in attendance.
Police report:
Although no Police representatives were present, it was reported that arrests had been made in relation to recent burglaries, which had taken place in the village.
It was also reported that, during the Village Fete, youths had damaged the door of the Recreation Ground pavilion.
It was noted that local criminals were now using a technique of “fishing” for bunches of door or car keys through letterboxes.
Councillor Parnall reported on:
A recent planning application by a local business.
The forthcoming publication of the Council’s Development Plan.
The possible availability of funding towards community projects, with the pro-viso that such funding was limited to initial capital expenditure. In the ensuing discussion reference was made to both the pavilion and recreation ground and, in particular, to ensuring that the local village football clubs should be given a better opportunity to use the pitches.
Councillor Gardner reported on:
Irresponsible vehicle parking in certain roads in the village.
The Stubbs Lane recycling facility being used for “fly tipping” and the introduc-tion of discreet CCTV to identify misuse.
Specific remedial work on the A217/Brighton Road near the Buckland Road/Smithy Lane junction.
A planned inspection of all roads and footpaths (within the ward) so that any remedial work could be identified and scheduled.
The success of the Village Fete and offered his congratulations to all those involved in its organisation. The Chairman in turn thanked all the Councillors for their participation in the event – and also all those village residents who helped in the “clearing up” operation after the closure of the Fete.
Residents’ Association Committee
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 10 Autumn 2016
TO ALL GIRLS WHO ARE 10 YEARS OLD
Have you thought about becoming a guide? Guides are a move-ment that has been going strong for over 100years.
It aims to give girls between the ages of 10 and 14, the chance to develop their individuality, grow their life skills, while making new friends and getting involved in the community.
During the summer term we were getting clued up on camp. The girls made a fantastic meal from scratch on an open fire, and sussed out the complex world of tent poles and tents. We were very excited about going to camp at Blacklands Farm in East Sussex, a Girlguiding Activity Centre where we were look-ing forward to kayaking and crate building. The Leaders could-n’t wait to teach the girls more outdoor skills! We also travelled around our guiding world centres for an evening and did a total wipe out themed assault course, with lots of water!
So, following on from our summer term’s activities we headed off to Blackland Farm. We had a brilliant time for four days over the August Bank Holiday. All of our camp preparations last term were so good that we set up our tents in double quick time so we had more time to enjoy ourselves and explore the area and activities that were on offer.
We did the assault course which was very challenging, kayaking when we all got very wet, then the crate challenge when one guide conquered climbing on top of 20 crates before they came crashing down to the ground and she was left suspended in the air! Thursday, Friday and Saturday were all scorching hot but on Sunday we got rather damp but the rain stopped just in time for our camp fire and sing song.
Monday morning dawned bright and fine and we all looked for-ward to a swim in the pool but sadly the Deputy Warden had to disappoint us as the pool had gone green and it turned out the boiler had blown up. We were offered the zip wire instead – whizzzzzzzz!
Later on that morning we had a water assault course ending with a water-bomb fight – everyone, including the Leaders got com-pletely soaked and a bowl of water tipped over one!!
The afternoon was spent taking down and packing our tents. We were sad at the end of a fantastic camp and we all said a huge thank you to our Leaders. We had learned and done so much that we were awarded our Campers Badge.
More excitement to come in September!
Do you like the sound of this? We would love to have you come along and meet us and discover what we do and help our unit grow. We are happy to welcome you to any evening meet-ing, at 7:00pm on Fridays (during term time) at the Church Hall, Buckland Road.
If you would like to find out more, please contact our local leader.
Page 11 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned.
Everything has its limit - iron ore cannot be educated into gold.
Familiarity breeds contempt - and children.
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
He is now rising from affluence to poverty.
He is useless on top of the ground; he ought to be under it, inspiring the cabbages.
Honesty is the best policy - when there is money in it.
I have made a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.
In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards. [N.B. You can always substitute your own least favourite organisa-tion!]
It is better to deserve honours and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.
Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul.
Man - a creature made at the end of the week’s work when God was tired.
Man is the only creature that blush-es - or needs to.
Man will do many things to get him-self loved, he will do all things to get himself envied.
Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertis-ing.
Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins.
Necessity is the mother of taking chances.
Nothing so needs reforming as oth-er people’s habits.
One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.
SOME MORE
QUOTES FROM
MARK TWAIN ….
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 12 Autumn 2016
Page 13 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
The summer of 2016 in the history of 9th Reigate Scout Group will be remembered for our group camp which involved all three sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, each of which moulded a com-mon programme to suit the respective age groups. The youngest members slept and ate inside a coun-tryside building, the Cubs slept outdoors but were
fed in relative comfort indoors whilst the Scouts slept and cooked for themselves outdoors. Can you spot the relative glee on the faces of the children involved from the photos?
Nevertheless all joined in the fun of activities around the Downe camp site including an assault course, grass sledging, archery, rifle shooting and a series of challenge bases. One of the latter required each six or patrol to devise a short sketch to be per-formed at the evening campfire. It would appear that we have discovered a number of aspiring thespians!!
As reported in the last newsletter we are approaching the end of an era for Scouting in Lower Kingswood when 6 adult leaders leave the group. The good news is that new leaders have come forward to maintain the continuity of at least Beavers
BEAVERS - (6 -8 year olds) are now being lead by Helen Hop-kins, Mimi Filer and Graeme Hopkins on Thursday evenings at a slightly later time of 5:15pm. This is an extremely positive step especially as these three adults are already experienced in dealing with children and they are excited about the new venture. We would like all parents to support the new leaders and it may be necessary to instate a regular rota of occasional helpers. On behalf of the group I would like to welcome and thank them and also thank Martin and Jo Luckins for all that they have done for Beavers in the past 5 years.
CUBS - Two of the current leaders are stepping down at the end of the year as age overtakes them! At the moment a few adults have expressed interest in maintaining the Cub pack and we hope others may come forward.
We are also still looking for a new Group Scoaut Leader (manager) to replace the present incumbent who has to retire at the end of the year. This is principally an administrative and leadership role with flexible opportunities to take strategic over-
all actions that affect the progress of children through the group and scouting fraternity.
All leadership and help-ing opportunities present chances for anyone over the age of 18 years to work with children and present new experiences in outdoor ac-
tivities such as camping, canoeing etc., indoor skills and crafts, and enjoying experiences together with their friends. It presents an opportunity for a few adults, e.g. mums and dads to get to-gether and do something of value for the community and it can be great fun. Whilst no previous experience is necessary, a full sequence of training is available. You will be backed by a com-prehensive network of local and national support structure and resources.
Geoff Dunstan
Group Scout Leader
The Gage Players’ next production will be the comedy ’Over My Dead Body’ by Derek Benfield, directed by Debbie Nichols.
Following his wife's recent death, Gerald hopes to spend the rest of his days alone with his memories. But he reckons without his late wife's “forward planning”, which results in a series of events that Gerald had not anticipated. With the help of his daughter and son-in-law, Gerald strives to maintain his independence and keep unexpected visitors at bay . . .
Performance dates: 24th, 25th and 26th November 2016, at 8:00pm at the Riddell Hall, Dean’s Lane, Walton-on-the- Hill. Doors and bar open at 7:30pm. Tickets £10, box office 01737-812703.
9th (Reigate) Lower Kingswood Scout Group
www.9thReigate.co.uk
The Gage Players
Lower Kingswood Village News Page 14 Autumn 2016
Page 15 Autumn 2016 Lower Kingswood Village News
A P S GAS & HEATING
Central heating, other household gas work & plumbing (including kitchens & bathrooms); Gas
Safe registered engineer. Contact: 01737-245798 or 07956-232485 or email:
A WOMAN’S TOUCH
Exceptional lady decorator – attention to detail we all crave. Contact: 07814-013077 or email:
BARR CO – solicitors
Specialist solicitors in all areas of employment law – for both employers & employees. Green
Lane, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6YB. Contact: 01737-833850 or email:
[email protected] or see our website: www.barrco.org.uk
BUTTERCUP & DAISY CHILDMINDERS
A warm, safe and friendly environment; where children will experience lots of activities &
enjoyment and you have peace of mind. Contact: 07761-808272 or 01737-833087or email:
CHOI KWANG DO
Full time martial arts centre in Redhill, offering classes for children & adults from 5 to 101
years old! Get fit and learn to defend yourself. Contact: 0800-298-7096 or see our website:
www.eackd.com
CHRIS – 1st CLASS DRIVING SCHOOL
Free first lesson for all, fully qualified, patient, high pass rate, competitive prices. Contact:
01737-223034 or see our website: www.chris-1stclassdriving.co.uk
CINDY KIRKLAND AT CREATIVE WORKS
A fresh & exciting floral & garden design service based in Kingswood. We are fanatical about
all things floral design and garden design and provide an infusion of ‘Creative Inspiration for
Living in Style’. Contact: 07976 449681, email: [email protected] or see our website:
www.ckworks.net
DECORATING SERVICES
Interior/exterior decorating, fencing/garden work/handyman services etc. Contact Tony
Richards on: 07717-008693
DEXTER CONTRACT SERVICES Ltd
Surrey’s painting specialists. Contact Wayne Freeman (projects director) on: 01737-233513
or 07590-106375
DIANA MURRAY INTERIORS – bespoke curtains & blinds
Free, no obligation initial consultation in your home. Quality soft furnishings made in fabric of
your choice. Contact: 07939 028670, email: [email protected] or see our
website: www.dianamurrayinteriors.co.uk
DISCOTRONICS – computer sales, upgrades & repairs
We also advise on and can install wiring for computers, networking, Contact, CCTV, digital
TV & satellite. Contact: 01737-833254 or email: [email protected] – also see main
advert in Village News
DIVINE FOOTCARE – reflexology
Let me help you reduce your stress, improve sleep and circulation. Contact: 07850-049750 or
email: [email protected] or see our website: www.devinefootcare.co.uk
DOG COMMUNICATION - adult dog socialisation classes
Socialise your dog in a secure controlled environment with teaching dogs - dogs that help
other dogs to learn social skills. Contact: 07831-173773 or email: pen-
[email protected] or see our website: www.dogcommunication.co.uk
DUVAL PRODUCTS STORAGE EQUIPMENT Ltd
Suppliers of shelving, racking and associated equipment for over 50 years - 80 Brighton
Road, Lower Kingswood, KT20 6SY. Contact: 01737-832568 or email:
[email protected] or see our website: www.duvalproducts.co.uk
ENCORE ARTS – vocal & drama group
Contact: Sarah Locke on 07941-368860 or see our website: www.encorearts.co.uk
FOCUS CARPENTRY
Creating bespoke solutions around the home. Quality workmanship designed to make you
home more functional & investing in your property. Contact: 01737-830956 or 07545-325040
or see our website: www.focus-carpentry.co.uk
HAIR BY EMMA
Mobile Hairdresser: 07984-497690
HAIR BY THE STRAND
Ladies & gents hairdressing at your local village salon (72a Brighton Road, Lower King-
swood). Contact: 01737-832835.
HYPNOBIRTHING® - local antenatal classes
Classes with a difference for couples; HypnoBirthing® the mongon method allows women to
use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing. Contact
Leila Gardiner on: 07775-425301 or email: [email protected] or see our website:
www.inspiringbirths.com
KINGSWOOD PLASTERING & CONSTRUCTION
Plastering, screeding, extensions, loft conversions, kitchens, bathrooms - the best quality
work at competitive prices. Contact: 07930-647040 or email: kingswoodconstruc-
KINGSWOOD VILLAGE CLUB
Friendly village social club offering entertainment (snooker & darts) with draught beers &
drinks well below pub prices. New members welcome and two halls with bars available for
hire. Contact: 01737-832082 – also see main advert in Village News
LANDSEER HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS
Local company with expertise in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, building
works, and repairs. Member of the Federation of Master Builders for 15 years. “We do it all,
big or small”. Contact Phil Twiddy on: 01737-831172
LET YOUR BODY TALK
Personal Training & Pilates to enhance the quality of your life. A leading trainer with over 15
years’ experience; based in Kingswood serving a 10 mile radius. Contact: 07916 275136 or
email: [email protected] or see our website: www.letyourbodytalkuk.com
LIL DRAGONS – for children 3-5 years old
Improve your child’s confidence and social skills while having fun and exercising at the same
time. Contact: 0800-298-7096 or see our website: www.eackd.com
LITTLEYEARS CHILD DAY CARE SERVICES
OFSTED registered childminder with full and part time vacancies, ages 1-8 years. First Aid &
CRB accredited. Committed to providing a safe, happy, fun & stimulating home from home
environment for your child. Contact: 07787-548477 or email: [email protected]
MALBY PHOTOGRAPHY - children and pet photography
Creating memories that will last a lifetime; local photographer, based in Lower Kingswood.
Contact: 07831-173773 or email: [email protected] or see our website:
www.malbyphotography.co.uk
MASSAGE
Relaxing Swedish massage by Rob. VTCT qualified. Contact: 07789-687358 or email:
ORCHARD COTTAGE RIDING STABLES
B.H.S. & A.B.R.S. approved – established 1926. Babylon Lane, Lower Kingswood, KT20
6XA. Contact: 01737-241311 or see our website: www.ocrs.co.uk – also see main advert
in Village News
POOCH PARLOUR – dog grooming
Over 30 years experience; we groom/bath/clip. Contact: 01737-841010 or 07831-621227
PRIORY PROPERTY SERVICES – for a quality finish and a reliable service every time
For a complete range of interior & exterior property services including painting & decoration,
fitted kitchens, wooden floors, carpentry, fencing and garden maintenance. Contact: 07831-
525459 or 01737-240611
RED CARPET ENTERTAINMENTS
We provide entertainment acts for parties, weddings etc. and can also provide discos, live
bands and tribute acts. Contact Susie Homes on: 07958-478620 or Ray Lowe on: 07852-
351620 or email: [email protected] or see our website:
www.redcarpetentertainments.co.uk
REIGATE CLEANING SERVICES
Professional tenancy cleaning, carpet cleaning & regular weekly cleaning. Established 10
years, fully insured & emergency call outs. Contact: 01737-400150 or email: reigateclean-
S.D. SERVICING
Mobile mechanic. Contact: 07877-107246
SEETHRU WINDOW CLEANING
Residential & business. Contact: 07877-107246
THE SMART LOFT COMPANY
Specialising in loft conversions and extensions in Surrey. Contact us on (office): 01737-
831460 or (mobile): 07711-780547 or email: [email protected] or see our
website: www.thesmartloftcompany.co.uk
STONEMAN FUNERAL SERVICE – 5th generation family funeral director
Local offices at Redhill (01737-763456), Reigate (01737-243164) & Tadworth (01737-
814406) – also see main advert in Village News
THOMAS PLUMBING & HEATING
Boiler & central heating installation, servicing & breakdown and plumbing work from tap
washers to bathroom installation. Gas safe registered. Contact: 01737-832836 or 07834-
607082 or email: [email protected] or see our website:
www.thomasplumbing.co.uk
TOP HAT STAGE & SCREEN SCHOOL SURREY
Every Friday during term time at Kingswood Primary School 4:30-7:30 “no experience neces-
sary just bring your enthusiasm”. Contact us on: 01737-831184 or email: sur-
[email protected] or see our website: www.tophatstageschool.co.uk
Business Directory
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