Tadworth & Walton Tribune November 2017

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The Tadworth & Walton

Tribune

FRIENDS OF ST PETER’S Page 34

ISSUE No. 6 - November 2017

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Discover the home you’ve y alway l s dreamed d d of

Walled Gardens comprises 10 two and three bedroom homes

• 26 new two and three bed country cottages and four bedroom villas • 11 two and three bed apartments within the retained façade of the locally listed Mansion House

gy efficiency • Increased energ with zoned und der floor heating, improv ved levels of insulation, ener gy efficient boilers, sanitary yware, taps and showers an nd low energy lighting through hout

• A private, gated development set in 8 acres of parkland, formal gardens and ancient woods

FIRST PHAS E OF HOMES EXP ECTED EARL LY Y 2018

REGISTER FOR MORE INFORMATION AT

J O I N T V E N T U R E PA R T N E R S

frithpark.co.uk urbangreendevelo pments.co.uk residedevelopmen ts.co.uk

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TRIB U N E C O M M EN T

MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP he Tadworth and Walton Residents

T

virtually the whole letter on pages 20 to 32 so

Association under the Freedom of

that you can read for yourself the issues involved.

Information Act have secured details of

The full letter can be viewed on the Residents

the preapplication discussions held

Association’s website (see:

between the Council and Walton Heath Golf Club

www.tadworthwaltonra.co.uk/golfclub.html). You

regarding proposals for a new Clubhouse on the

can then make up your own mind regarding the

Beechams’ Field site.

pros and cons of such a development because the TWRA will be consulting you as a Member as

The pre-application meeting with Walton

and when final plans are submitted.

Heath Golf Club considered two proposals: Proposal A: Provision of a clubhouse with

You may recall the first issue of the Tribune back

ancillary staff accommodation within the roof

in August 2016 when I first introduced the magazine

space, separate Artisan's clubhouse, car parking,

that I was keen to point out that the Tribune is your

new access road and landscaping within the

magazine serving the residents of Tadworth and

Walton Heath Golf Course.

Walton with ‘no axe to grind’ or political affiliations.

Proposal B: Redevelopment of the current

I would certainly be interested in receiving any

clubhouse site for up to 14 residential dwellings

letters and views regarding the proposed

with associated parking and landscaping

development and I will of course will not take any

Assuming that final plans are submitted it

sides in the matter.

represents a significant development in the village

Richard Milbourn, Editor

and for that reason I have decided to publish

Email: richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk

The Tadworth & Walton Tribune Forthcoming issue dates: Magazine

Issue

Epsom Eagle Kingswood Village Voice Banstead Beacon Cheam Clarion Tadworth & Walton Tribune

Nov Dec Jan Jan Feb

Editorial/Advert’g Deadline 15th October 31st October 30th November 15th December 31st December

Print Run 4,000 1,600 3,600 3,400 3,200

All magazines are A5 and published quarterly with advertisements costing as little as £64 for a half page or £108 for a page with the series discount. For further details, please contact Richard Milbourn, Editor, on 0844 561 1230 or email richard.milbourn@carnah.co.uk Carnah Events Ltd., 3 Mount Hill, Mogador, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7HZ. Statements and opinions in the Tadworth & Walton Tribune, unless expressly written, are not necessarily those of The Editor. Material in the Tadworth & Walton Tribune may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Editor.

NOVEMBER 2017 3

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TA D W O RT H & WA LT O N R E S I D E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N

MORE HELP REQUIRED

G

iven the sustained level of pressure put upon our community in terms of planning applications, development proposals, concerns about volumes of traffic and its speed, parking facilities etc, your RA has no shortage of work on its hands. However, it is the restricted number of hands we have, that is our problem! We need more people prepared to become Committee members. If you believe the work we do is valuable to our community, why not join us? You’ll give up one evening a month and in return have an overview of local current affairs, have a say in decision making and perhaps get involved in one or other of our ongoing projects. Additionally, we have a particular need for a Membership Secretary; for someone to ensure our website content is kept up to date, and for someone to launch us into the world of social media.

Why not get in touch? (Clive Elcome: clive.elcome@ukgateway.net) Other than the activities I’ve listed above, what else have we been up to since the last issue of ‘The Tribune’?

I’m pleased to say that along with Cllr.

Rachel Turner, the Association took a strong lead in setting up the Tadworth Businesses Network (TBN). Its objective is to increase footfall by improving cohesion between the traders, and communication between the traders and yourselves.

Regular meetings are being held, a business directory on social media is in place. Look out for some exciting activities around Christmas!

Additionally, as you have hopefully 4 NOVEMBER 2017

already spotted, our tree planting scheme has gone from strength to strength under the stewardship of Patricia Brookwick. The latter secured welcome extra funding through the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme.

Importantly, under the Freedom of Information Act, we have secured details of the preapplication discussions held between our Council and Walton Heath Golf Club regarding proposals for a new Clubhouse on the Beechams’ Field site.

These may be viewed on our website (see: www.tadworthwaltonra.co.uk/golfclub.html).

As previously stated, we will consult with R.A. Members (hopefully you are one!) as and when final plans are submitted, in order to decide our collective response.

Date for your diary: Our Christmas Carol event will be held on Saturday December 16, beginning at 3.00pm, in the Jubilee Woodland. A barbecue will be included.

PLANNING - Walton on the Hill ‘Kitlands’, (Chequers Lane) Several months ago we met, together with local residents, the purchasers of the site.

We made comments on a draft layout, which showed 8 dwellings, and suggested that, in our opinion, the development was too cramped and that fewer units of the same type might be more appropriate.

Although discussions have taken place between the developers and the Council, to date no planning application has been made.

‘Frith Park’ Work is progressing quickly on the site, both on the new dwellings and major C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6

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landscaping works.

Members of the Committee were privileged to be given a tour of the site and were impressed with the quality of the new buildings. It was clear that it would have been impossible to retain the Mansion and even what remains of the front facade is in very poor condition.

Marketing will take place in 2018 and details are available on the Frith Park web site.

Other applications An appeal has been dismissed for 9 flats on the site of Cartmel Lodge, off Hurst Drive which is good news. Also, after the long saga of applications and appeals on developing the’ Little Ambrook’ site in Nursery Road, permission has now been granted for just one new dwelling with the retention of the existing house. We feel this is a good outcome for this important part of the Conservation Area.

After objecting to new development on the ‘Thickets’ site off Dorking Road, permission has now been granted for extensions to the existing building which we consider to be more in character with the surroundings.

Permission has been granted for a major extension to ‘Mafalda’, Nursery Road. Revised applications for 2 Rose Cottages and 2 Hernbrook on Chequers Lane have yet to be determined by the Council. A further application to convert a barn at Hurst Farm into a dwelling has been refused PLANNING - Tadworth There have been a number of interesting applications in Tadworth over the last few months.

Land at the rear of 9 – 15 Shelvers Way An application has been submitted to 6 NOVEMBER 2017

A S S O C I AT I O N

construct a further 5 dwellings to the rear of Shelvers Way, using an extension of the new access road which was won on appeal, taking access through the Stanford Lodge site. We, and the Planning Committee, were very concerned about highway safety as a result of increased traffic entering Shelvers Way near the A217 and also the increased parking which would result. However, largely because Surrey County Council did not object, the application was granted on appeal. The Association will be objecting again on traffic and parking issues, pointing out the cumulative impact of increased traffic using the local road network and likely increase in parking on Shelvers Way because of insufficient spaces within the development. However, unless the County Council, as Highway Authority, chooses to object, we do not consider it likely that permission will be refused. We propose to notify local residents on this latest application.

Farm Fencing site There is a current application for 10 flats on the Farm Fencing site at 124, Ashhurst Road in 2 two and a three storey blocks.

Our Committee supported the redevelopment of the site, particularly as this area is looking very rundown, but felt the development was too cramped. There was concern that 3 floors was too high, bearing in mind the very narrow depth and rise in the tree covered slope to the rear.

22 Downsway A planning application has been refused by the Council’s Planning Committee for modifications to 22, Downs Way, despite an officer recommendation to approve it.

This reduced the height but not the unauthorised front and rear extensions.

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 8

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Fortunately the applicant decided to revert to the original permission, rather than go to appeal, and has now demolished the offending extensions to comply with the permitted plans. Hopefully this will be the end to the long saga, although there are concerns over roof lights now being inserted.

Restaurant within the Station Buildings An application was submitted under the licensing legislation for drinking, dancing and live and recorded music at the proposed restaurant in Station Buildings on the bridge. There were some 90 objections to the proposed long hours, and as a result the restaurant operators reduced the hours considerably before the application went before the Council’s Licensing Committee. We and others expressed some concerns, and as a result some additional conditions were incorporated in the permission. The owners have promised to cooperate with the community if there are any problems as they hope to run a friendly, family restaurant.

We wish them every success and hope it will assist in reviving the centre of Tadworth.

ordinated it ever since, working with local authorities, voluntary organisations, parish councils and local partnerships, to set-up and develop Tree Warden networks in town, city and countryside across the UK. Today there are more than 8,000 Tree Wardens in local networks throughout the country, forming a volunteer group of immense value to the environment.

The Tree Warden scheme gives people who feel that trees matter an opportunity to: Champion their local trees and woods plant and care for trees Carry out woodland management survey trees and gather information about them Provide early warnings of threats, disease, decay or vandalism Get involved with like-minded people for training and field trips Spearhead Tree Council initiatives, such as its Hedge Tree Campaign to reverse the decline of trees in hedges We are a recently formed group so if you would like to get involved, or are keen to find out more, please contact the local co-ordinator Patricia Brookwick at p.brookwick@btinternet.com.

Tadworth & Walton Tree Warden Group he Tadworth & Walton Tree Wardens are a voluntary group hoping to make a real difference to the quality of your neighbourhood. There has never been a more necessary time to be involved in protecting trees and woodlands within the community.

The Tree Warden scheme was launched by the Tree Council in 1990 to harness the power of local volunteers for the good of their communities’ trees. It has co-

National Tree Week: 25th November – 3rd December 2017 ational Tree Week is the UK’s biggest annual festival of trees and marks the start of the tree-planting season. The Tadworth & Walton Tree Warden group is encouraging everyone to consider how they can change views for the better by planting and celebrating trees within their own neighbourhood.

This year, why not join the many thousands of people across the UK who

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celebrate Tree Dressing Day. We will be holding a Tree Dressing event in the Jubilee Woodland on the 3rd December 2017, further details of which will be available on the TWRA website nearer the time.

The event is free and open to all, you are invited to come along and learn how to plant and care for trees, you can even win a tree to plant in your own garden or school grounds. We will be asking visitors to make their own tree decorations, or to bring along colourful ribbons, which will be used to ‘dress the tree’ and decorate the woodland bunting strung up amongst the trees. The event will cumulate in a display of your decorative achievements at the annual Christmas Carols in the woodland on the 16th December. For further details please contact p.brookwick@btinternet.com

R E S I D E N T S

A S S O C I AT I O N

One of the 62 trees that have been planted over the last year.

www.roofsofesher.co.uk NOVEMBER 2017 9

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WA LT O N O N T H E H I L L F O R U M

FORUM BUSY IN THE VILLAGE

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he Walton Forum was established by residents in 1997; a platform to discuss matters of importance to the village and agree any necessary actions or improvements. The Forum meets three times per year, usually in the Breech Lane Community Centre, and all village residents are encouraged to attend. The Forum committee can be reached, throughout the year via email - with your ideas and concerns.

It has been a busy few months in the village and our various projects are moving forward.

On behalf of residents, The Forum has contributed towards the renovations of the Walton Scout hut which was in need of urgent attention before the cold weather sets in.

Following the repairs, a warm letter of thanks has been received from Walton Scouts (including Cubs, Beavers, Brownies & Rainbows!). We wish them well and look forward hearing news of their continued success. Volunteers are always required, for various roles, so do not hesitate to pop in and offer your services.

Meade Court car park has been at the forefront of residents minds with a series of works to improve visibility, general appearance and utility discussed. Weather and schedules permitting, it is anticipated the Council will begin cutting back some of the overgrown shrubbery in October allowing the planning and costing of future stages. It is hoped that a more

10 NOVEMBER 2017

open aspect will increase usage, deter litter and with reconfiguration increase the number of car spaces.

Although somewhat obscured by the temporary Gas Works, the fabulous works at ‘Gun Corner’ continue to be maintained and improved by the Gun Corner Project Team and the unstinting efforts of Tony Harte and his team at Surrey Hills Garden Management. The unsightly yellow grit bins have now been replaced with more attractive heritage style bins. Unfortunately we have no control over BT’s timeline but expect the removal of the existing kiosk to occur this year so that we can install an original red telephone box with community defibrillator.

As an aside, you may have noticed that Walton News is currently being internally reorganised and we are pleased to have been informed that this is due to an upcoming Post Office counter which will be operational in December. This is good news for Walton and we look forward to using it.

Upcoming and ongoing Village initiatives include: Meade Court car park project Community defibrillator project ‘Gun Corner’ (opposite St Peters Church) Mere Pond regeneration & Swan Island Village Disco in November 20 is Plenty A speed limit reduction campaign for Walton & Tadworth Toad Patrol If you have any views on these initiatives, would like to propose a new

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WA LT O N O N T H E H I L L F O R U M initiative of your own or would like to help your fellow villagers and neighbours improve quality of life in the village, please contact The Forum committee for further details and join us at our next meeting.

Whilst resolutely non-political, the Walton Forum enjoys excellent relations with the borough and county councils. Your local councillors regularly attend Forum meetings to talk about their activities, local issues, and to hear about issues residents should like them to deal with. Forum meetings are an excellent opportunity to make your voices heard. In line with our constitution, having been elected as one of your three local Councillors in May, I am not able to continue in my role as Chairman and will be delighted to introduce our new Chairman at

November’s meeting.

The Forum is directly involved in planning and development applications which require skilled technical input and are handled by the Tadworth and Walton Residents’ Association on our behalf. We are extremely grateful for their efforts to protect our village from inappropriate development.

The next Walton Forum meeting will be held in the Breech Lane Community Centre on Tuesday, 21st November 2017 at 8.00pm.

Warm Regards, George Curry The Walton Forum committee can be reached on info@waltonvillageforum.com.

Please follow for updates and support us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Walton-on-the-HillVillage-Forum-359384957575919/

Once a farming community. much that we take for granted in Tadworth is the result of the careful managed evolution of our local heritage. Today Tadworth is what we envisage as a traditional English village. The village shops in their arts and crafts style date back to when the railway was built.

They offer a wide range of individual services ranging from travel agent to greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers and fresh bread bakery. Tadworth has its own selection of fine schools for children of all ages, It has good communications, health facilities and even a bank. Surrounded by the North Downs, the locality retains its late 19th century vintage charm and scale yet offers all the modern services necessary for living in the 21st century.

“Tadworth the Village on the Downs” looks at aspects of Tadworth’s development in order to provide insights into how what we have today has been carefully sculpted from the past. The book seeks to cover in particular, aspects of local history that have not been detailed by earlier historians.

In A4 format with more than 50 pages and well-illustrated in colour, copies of the book are available from Bruce Osborne at Tower House, 15 Tower Road, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5QY for £10.00. Tel: 01737 213169. Email: b.osborne2@ntlworld.com

NOVEMBER 2017 11

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FRITH PARK THE PHOENIX RISES FROM THE ASHES Dr Bruce E Osborne updates on the building work at Frith Park, the former stately home, military headquarters and industrial site

I

n the Tribune for August this year we included an article detailing the history of Frith Park, Walton on the Hill’s former stately home. All that could be seen at the time were the remains of the c.1896 preserved facade of the mid 19th century house while the construction engineers proceeded with the necessary groundwork for redevelopment. Like a phoenix from the ashes, we predicted a new life for this park. From stately home to military headquarters to industrial site and now to residential complex, at the time we awaited the fourth stage with interest but also not without a little nostalgia.

We can now update readers on progress with this interesting development. The preserved façade is

12 NOVEMBER 2017

still standing but has undergone substantial renovation to ensure that it has adequate damp protection when it is incorporated in the new building. The façade wall, which is a mixture of brick, rubble and timber, still requires some reconstruction to restore the original window configuration on both sides of the central front entrance. In spite of the extensive supporting scaffolding the preservation of this potentially unsafe wall for the future is proving a major challenge for the contractors and it has now been underpinned to improve stability. Groundwork for the future recreated Frith House is completed and ground floor walls are now in place.

Bruce E Osborne, Tadworth Heritage & History, Tadworth@thespas.co.uk

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FR ITH PA R K

RESTORED AND ENHANCED

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ocal residents may have already read the background to Frith Park written by Dr Bruce E Osborne and chronicled in the local magazines distributed around Tadworth, Walton-on-the-Hill, Kingswood and Banstead. There’s also been additional historical research undertaken by TV historian and presenter Dr Nick Barratt who’s assembled a timeline of the Mansion House from 1503-2014 and it is hoped that this will be displayed when Frith Park launches early 2018.

So it’s obviously disappointing when a building like the Mansion House, which is steeped in history, is allowed to fall into disrepair and dilapidation. Unfortunately when the site was purchased in 2016, the majority of the site was in a perilous state. Fortunately two discerning local and environmentally conscious house builders came forward in the form of Urban Green Developments and Reside Developments who are committed to breathe new life into Frith Park and reinstate it to its previous prominence.

Both companies are firm believers in the historical context of Frith Park and fought long to ensure that the façade of the Mansion House could be restored and refurbished to its former glory. It was also opportune that Charles Brooking of The Brooking National Collection in Cranleigh was contacted, he made several visits to the Mansion House and was able to remove some early steel windows, stained glass oriel window and doors and door furniture prior to demolition of the rear of this unstable building.

The original entrance carriageway is also undergoing a complete transformation as it too is restored in conjunction with the recreation of the beautiful parkland, formal gardens to the rear of the Mansion House and the preservation of the ancient woods to the south that includes two tall Redwood trees that are believed to be over 100 years old.

Keen to reflect the appearance of the original Italianate Mansion House c.1857C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 4

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F RITH PARK C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

9, the 26 two, three and four bedroom houses will all be designed to resemble it with cream rendered walls, grey slate roofs and feature sash windows. Whilst mirroring the past with the external appearance, inside each property has been designed to be extremely contemporary and boasts features like open plan living areas and bi-fold concertina doors to the rear gardens.

The fully fitted kitchens are by renowned German manufacturer Leicht, a company that has been in operation for over 80 years and boasts some luxury modern handle less kitchens with sleek lines and a real ‘wow’ factor. The bathrooms are styled by another German company, Villeroy & Boch and the sanitary ware, taps and showers designed to be particularly energy efficient with a controlled water system in place.

Zoned under floor heating is

incorporated into every property including the two bedroom houses within Walled Gardens which in itself is quite unusual and each home at Frith Park is constructed with increased levels of energy efficiency with highly efficient boilers and low energy lighting throughout in addition to improved levels of wall and window insulation.

Two show homes will be released in early 2018; a three-bedroom house within Walled Gardens and a four bedroom house in neighbouring Stable Mews. The spring will see the launch of a show apartment within the Mansion House and also the release of Redwood Terrace: 4 three-bedroom homes with Orangery-style oval windows to the rear.

To register interest, please go to www.frithpark.co.uk and follow @frithparkhomes on social media.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE GAGE PLAYERS 20 Lyndhurst Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9LL Dear Editor, Saving Surrey’s ONLY Performing Arts Library am writing to bring to your readers’ attention the proposals from Surrey County Council (SCC) that would drastically change or close the Performing Arts Library (PAL) at Denbies, near Dorking. The SCC are planning measures to make PAL ‘costneutral’ by 1st April, 2018 (to make a saving of at least £180,000, they say) – that or it has to close. A consultation is out at the moment, closing date 17th September, 2017, and a decision will be made by the council in the autumn to be effective from 1st April, 2018.

Their proposals are: 1a. Separate the music and play sets and re-locate each in an existing library, borrowing/hiring terms as at present.

1b. All single copy items to become part of general library stock and distributed throughout the Surrey library network.

Transfer ownership in part or in full to a community or other organisation that will make all stock available to the public – no explanation as to what ‘in part or in full’ means or whether there may be any financial support to set up or run this.

If neither of the above options delivers required savings, close the PAL service and ‘signpost to the nearest alternative services’.

I

Time is short to protest or to put forward viable alternatives. None of the 12 libraries put forward as alternative PAL stockists has the capacity to absorb the collection, and if single items are re-distributed, they would be vulnerable to regular space-saving culling by staff not experienced enough to realise their value. The Denbies site also provides easy access with free and un-limited time parking. No other library can offer this, a boon to all groups and individuals who use the collection. No suggestion has been put forward about the possibility of increasing borrowing or hiring fees, which would be a financial improvement for the SCC. The proposals seem to indicate that there is actually no will on the SCC’s part to avert PAL’s closure.

Surrey should be proud to house the PAL. As well as great numbers of theatre, music and other groups there are a great number of professional actors, singers, musicians and dancers living in Surrey – Dame Judi Dench and Sir Michael Caine, for example – who would surely do their best to urge PAL’s retention as an entity or who might be able to suggest suitable sponsors – if they knew about the proposals, that is.

I hope the public’s voice can make itself heard on this important matter before the SCC take their decisions.

Yours sincerely, Jon Laws Chairman, The Gage Players NOVEMBER 2017 17

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TAD WO RTH &

WA LT O N O V E R S E A S A I D T R U S T

REFUGEE PROBLEM

A

s you may have read in previous issues of the Tadworth Tribune, TWOAT raises money locally to help small scale aid

projects in some of the poorest countries of the world where there is a personal link to this part of Surrey. Many of you will have seen details of the Rohingya refugee crisis with people fleeing from persecutionin the North of Myanmar.

Emmanuel primary school.

Unfortunately the Rohingya are not the only

throw the British backinto India. Later the

minority to have fled from the country we used

Burmese people found that Japanese

to call Burma. The TWOAT project described in

imperialism was even worse than rule by the

this article concerns support to a school for the

British and eventually Aung San switched sides

children of Karen refugees forced to live in

andjoined the Allies in driving out the Japanese.

camps in Thailand just across the South-

Before this change of heart some of the

Eastern border with Myanmar. The next two

minority groups allied to the British started a

paragraphs explain the historic background and

guerrilla war against both the Japanese and the

British involvement in this refugee problem.

new collaborating Burmese administrationunder

Burma became part of the British Empire

Aung San. One of these resistance groups was

after a war in the first half of the 19th century

the predominantly Christian Karens many of

which started over border disputes between the

whom fought and died helping the Allies. Aung

Burmese rulers and parts of India which were

San played a major part in negotiating

under British rule or protection. After a full scale

independence for Myanmar but was

invasion of India by a 60,000 strong Burmese

assassinated in 1947. Subsequently the country

army, the British used their naval capability to

subsided into a military dictatorship and Karen

land an amphibious force hundreds of miles

people have continued their resistance to the

further south at Rangoon and eventually

central authorities with many of their families

conquered the whole country. As with many

being forced into exile in Thailand.

colonial acquisitions British administration was

TWOAT was introduced to a project sending

facilitated by collaborating minority ethnic

funds to help these refugees by John Chiles, a

groups who had been oppressed by the

prominent Tadworth resident, now sadly

previous majority rulers. In the 1930s and 40s a

deceased, who had served in Burma during

degree of nationalist agitation started in Burma

WW2 and who was an active campaigner for

and some of these nationalistsleft the country

veterans of WW2. Our support is specifically for

to join the Burmese Independence Army

Emmanuel primary school in one of the camps

(BIA)which was created by the Japanese under

where we fund the wages for two of the

the leadership of Aung San (father of Aung San

teachers and all the costs of their teaching aids.

Suu Kyi). The BIA participated in the Japanese

For further details of TWOAT activities please

invasion in 1941. Manymore Burmesejoined the

visit our web site www.TWOAT.org or phone

BIA after the invasion and helped the Japanese

chairman, Mike Fox on 01737 350452.

18 NOVEMBER 2017

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Tadworth_pfw 09/10/2017 13:09 Page 20

NEW CLUBHOUSE ON THE HEATH Under the Freedom of Information Act the Tadworth & Walton Residents’ Association have secured details of the preeapplication discussions held between the Council and Walton Heath Golf Club Pre-Application Meeting Walton Heath Golf Club, Deans Lane, Walton on the Hill

greenkeepers complex.

The site is presently undeveloped and

Proposal A: Provision of a clubhouse with

comprises an area of woodland, which forms part

ancillary staff accommodation within the roof

of a woodland preservation order (TPO RE507A).

space, separate Artisan's clubhouse, car

The site is currently access by an informal access

parking, new access road And landscaping

track from Dorking Road. The site is wholly within

within the Walton Heath Golf Course.

the Metropolitan Green Belt, is designated as an

Proposal B: Redevelopment of the current

Area of Great Landscape Value and is within an

clubhouse site for up to 14 residential dwellings

area identified as a Site of Nature Conservation

with associated parking and landscaping

Importance. The main golf course itself retains an

From the details submitted and our discussions, I understand your proposals to consist of: a) Provision of a new clubhouse on a site within

open character despite its recreation use and the surrounding area characterised by heathland and woodland. The edge of the built up area of Walton

the golf course, to the east of Dorking Road. This

on the Hill is presently clearly defined by the dense

would include ancillary staff accommodation within

belt of woodland which flanks Dorking Road.

the roofspace, separate Artisan’s clubhouse, car parking, a new access road and landscaping b) Redevelopment of the site of the old

“Site B”, the site of the current clubhouse, is located on the western side of Dorking Road and is within the defined urban area of Walton on the Hill,

clubhouse to provide up to 14 residential dwellings,

albeit it is on the edge of the built up area. The site

associated parking, access and landscaping

comprises of the main clubhouse building (a

Having considered the information provided by you,

predominantly single storey building with some first

the policy background, relevant history, I would

floor elements) along with a number of smaller

offer the following “without prejudice” comments

single storey ancillary buildings. There is a large car

and advice based on the plans provided and

park to the rear (north) of the clubhouse with an

proposed development at the site:

attractive soft landscaped area in front of the

SITE CONTEXT

clubhouse incorporating a putting green. The car

The site consists of two sites, one being an

park is bounded by a dense hedgerow which

undeveloped area of land within the existing golf

largely obscures views of it and the buildings in

course and the other the site of the present

behind and imbues the site with a landscape

clubhouse.

dominated character. The majority of the clubhouse

“Site A”, which is proposed for the new clubhouse, is located in essence on the eastern side of Dorking Road. It is situated between the main golf course and the recently completed practice facility and to the south of the current

20 NOVEMBER 2017

site is within the Walton on the Hill Conservation Area.

The area surrounding the clubhouse is typified by detached properties set within generous well C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 4

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 0

landscaped plots. Appearance is mixed but

consideration in any application.

Secondly, the exception requires consideration

includes the more modern (1960’s/70’s) properties

of whether the proposal would preserve the

on Greenways, as well as the more traditional

openness of the Green Belt and not conflict with

properties to the south and east which are in the

the purposes thereof. Your pre-application

Conservation Area. This includes the locally listed

submission and points raised on this are

Dormy House which directly adjoins the site.

acknowledged; however, I have concerns from two

CONSIDERATIONS – PROPOSAL A

perspectives. I am not convinced at this stage that

The site is within the Metropolitan Green Belt, AGLV

the proposal, by virtue of both the scale of built

and is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation

form, associated hardstanding and parking activity

Importance (as well as being within woodland

would preserve openness (although your arguments

covered by a TPO). The main considerations

that the clubhouse would not incorporate any

relating to the proposals are therefore:

superfluous non-golf element is noted). Secondly, I

Development within the Metropolitan Green Belt

have concern that – by virtue of its siting on the

As we discussed, there are a number of key issues

opposite side of Dorking Road – the proposal

with the principle of development of this nature

would represent urban sprawl and encroachment

given the designations and constraints affecting the

into the countryside. As above, there is presently a

site. Chief among those is the fact that the

very strong boundary defining the built-up area of

proposal would involve the construction of new

Walton on the Hill and the introduction of a

buildings and associated works within the

complex of this extent (which would undoubtedly

Metropolitan Green Belt.

have an urbanising character) would breach this.

You explained, as per your submissions, that

Given the above, at this stage, I am not

you consider the proposal to fall within the ambit of

convinced that the proposal would fall within the

the exceptions in paragraph 89 – namely that

ambit of paragraph 89 and would therefore

regarding the provision of “appropriate facilities for

represent inappropriate development within the

sport and recreation…”. Whilst this is

Green Belt. Very special circumstances would

acknowledged, I explained that I remain to be

therefore need to be demonstrated as per local and

convinced that the proposal could indeed benefit

national policy.

from this exemption for two reasons.

Firstly, whilst the appeal and court decisions

We discussed the very special circumstances case. In broad terms, I expressed the opinion that

regarding what constitutes “appropriate” are

the considerations in favour of the proposal would

acknowledged, the circumstances in each of those

need to extend beyond simply benefits to the club

cases materially differs from this. In particular, in all

and its users (although some weight would accrue

of those cases, the proposals related to a facility

to benefits to sport and recreation). The case would

which was not already available whereas in this

need to focus on the additional benefit which

case the course already has the benefit of a

relocating the clubhouse to the Green Belt would

clubhouse (albeit it may not be optimally located).

bring over and above a new improved, high quality

Given the presence of this existing facility, I am not

clubhouse which could equally be built on the

convinced that a new clubhouse within the Green

existing site in the urban area. The additionality or

Belt could properly be considered appropriate in

criticality of a location in the Green Belt will need to

the circumstances. The presence of an alternative

be clear and convincing. A number of points are

site (i.e. the site of the existing clubhouse) in the

picked up from the submissions, many of which

urban area would be a significant material

would appear at this stage to be equally achievable

24 NOVEMBER 2017

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H through a new clubhouse on the existing urban site.

It is acknowledged that there would be some benefit associated with golfers not having to cross Deans Lane; however, clear evidence would be

should focus on providing clear evidence to demonstrate that very special circumstances do exist.

Design and impact on character and landscape

needed of a demonstrable highway safety issue.

(including AGLV) As above, the site for the new

The submission appears to indicate (Appendix 6 of

clubhouse is within the Area of Great Landscape

the statement from WHGC) that investigations with

Value. This designation reflects the landscape

SCC to address this issue have not proved fruitful

importance and quality of the land and countryside

at least in part because “at this time the collision

in this area.

history and personal injury were not high at this

In this regard, policy Pc1 of the Local Plan, CS2

point of the Dorking Road” (paragraph 6.10.2)

of the Core Strategy and the provisions of

which would tend to the weight to this case to a

paragraph 115 of the Framework place great

degree.

importance on protecting landscape character in

We also discussed the issue of Walton Heath

these areas. In the case of Pc1, the policy is clear

GC maintaining its international status. It is

that inappropriate development will be resisted. It is

acknowledged that a clubhouse on course would

noted that this area of the AGLV has been identified

improve the appeal and operation of the course;

for potential inclusion within the Area of

however, I am not convinced at this stage that the

Outstanding Natural Beauty (as part of the

evidence and testimonies submitted demonstrate

forthcoming boundary review by Natural England).

that the current arrangements (i.e. the clubhouse in

Policies Re2 and Re8 require any designs for new

its present location) are a proven risk to the future

recreational facilities to meet certain criteria and, in

use of Walton Heath for major tournaments or its

particular, not conflict with the Green Belt or

viability more generally. Indeed, the submission

landscape.

(Appendix 5 of the WHGC statement) suggests that

We discussed at high level the design approach

the club has “a strong stream of new Member

for the proposed clubhouse. We discussed the

applications, good visiting society…” which does

need for any buildings to melt and successfully

not suggest that the current facilities compromise

assimilate into the landscape given the sensitive

viability. More substantive evidence to this effect,

location. A building which is subservient to the

coupled with a clearer demonstration of the benefit

surrounding landscape and not prominent in terms

this would have to the local area, residents and

of scale or appearance would be important. It was

businesses - socially, economically and

noted that the building would be set at a lower land

environment – would be required to enable this

level than the adjoining Beechams Field practice

benefit to be properly assessed. With the present

green which would to a degree assist in minimising

information, I am of the view presently that only

visual impact and it was agreed that there was

modest weight would be attached to this point.

merit to a single storey, low level structure.

Overall, we acknowledged our divergence in

It is however noted that the proposal

views regarding whether the proposal falls within

incorporates a number of rooms at first floor,

the ambit of paragraph 89. I expressed that the

including two staff flats and that in terms of floor

Council would consider the proposal to be

area; the proposed clubhouse was c.5% bigger

inappropriate development and that, based on the

than the existing. Consideration should be given to

information provided at this stage, I remain to be

whether the quantum of floorspace proposed is the

convinced that a very special circumstances case

minimum necessary and/or whether some elements

could be made. I advised that any application

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 6

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

discussion with the Surrey Hills AONB officer in

(such as the staff flats) need to be relocated to the

relation to these proposals.

Green Belt or whether some of the accommodation

Trees, landscaping and ecology. The Council

could remain within the urban area.

attaches great value to its landscape character and

In terms of design/appearance, whilst it is noted

the retention of existing trees/landscaping can be a

that this seeks to adopt traditional vernacular and

valuable asset in achieving a good design/layout.

reinterpret elements of the existing clubhouse, we

Any development proposals will be expected to

discussed whether this was the most

retain tree cover/landscape features of significant

successful/appropriate solution. The challenge with

value and any pre-emptive felling will be strongly

a traditional design is that this would dictate

discouraged.

pitched roof forms which add to the height and

At present, the site for the proposed clubhouse

bulk of the building: in this case, these have been

is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation

avoided through long length of false pitch roofs

Importance and forms part of woodland covered by

with limited instances of proper pitch roof which

a Preservation Order. Given this arboricultural

results in a somewhat compromised roofscape and

interest, any application would need to be

a degree of prominence in the landscape. The

supported by an Arboricultural Implications

elevational detailing on the plans submitted is also

Assessment and appropriate Method

lacking for a successful traditional design. Given

Statements/Tree Protection details (as identified in

the sensitive location we discussed that there may

your submission). In general, substantial losses of

be merit in considering a more contemporary

tree cover in this semi-rural/countryside

design (flat roof, low level, highly glazed) which may

environment would not be supported and any

be more capable of melting and assimilating into

layout should both respond to the arboricultural

the landscape (as above). No elevations have been

information (in terms of retaining important

provided for the ancillary buildings (e.g. the

trees/specimens and ensure overall tree cover is

Artisans club) but similar principles would apply: a

retained (incorporating replacement planting). It is

high quality design would be expected and these

noted that your intention is to retain some tree

should be kept to a minimum in terms of their

cover and enhance this to provide screening to the

number and scale.

development and this is supported in principle.

Careful consideration would also need to be

As above, a high quality landscaping scheme,

given to landscaping of the site from the

including tree planting, should be an integral part of

perspective of screening, replacement tree planting

any proposal and should be designed to assist in

and breaking up and softening potentially areas of

softening any proposed built form (including

hardstanding. At present, the layout for the site

substantial car parking areas).

shows a relatively formal and unbroken area of

Given the nature of the site and its location

extensive car parking which would be incompatible

within a Site of Nature Conservation Importance,

with, and harmful to the landscape character of the

any application should be supported by appropriate

area: a more natural, informal appearance should

habitat, protected species and ecological surveys.

be considered.

As per Policy Pc2C, any proposal will need to

We discussed that, in addition to the

demonstrate that it would not materially harm the

submission requirements/deliverables identified in

nature conservation/wildlife interest and value of

your material, any would need to be supported by

the site. Appropriate mitigation should be provided

appropriate and robust landscape and visual

if any harm would occur.

impact evidence. I would also advise early informal

26 NOVEMBER 2017

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 8

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H Highways, parking and

Green Belt (and landscape character), careful

accessibility/sustainability of the site. We

consideration should be given to the level of

discussed briefly the highways, parking and

parking and striking an appropriate balance

accessibility considerations relating to the site.

between demand and visual/character impact. This

I advised that, given the nature of the proposals

could, for example, be informed by occupancy or

– in particular the proposed new access onto

parking accumulation surveys of the existing car

Dorking Road – you should give consideration to

park to support the level of parking provision.

seeking separate early pre-application discussions

In terms of the proposed new access onto

with Surrey CC as the Highway Authority. The

Dorking Road, this would need to be considered

Highway Authority would be a consultee to any

carefully in relation to highway safety and

application and their views in relation to highway

operation. It is not anticipated that capacity would

safety, operation and capacity would be given high

be a significant issue since it would be a largely like

regard.

for like replacement of the existing clubhouse (and

In terms of car parking, local plan parking

thus the movements already occur); however, any

standards seek provision of 1 space per 0.3 holes

Transport Statement should respond to all of the

or driving bays for golf courses or practice facilities.

above issues.

At present, it appears as though the proposed

Other site specific contributions or planning

parking provision would significantly exceed this –

obligations may be required in addition to CIL;

although it is noted that it would not be dissimilar

however, these will only become apparent through

to existing provision. Given the impact which large

the course of the application and following

areas of parking have on the openness of the

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 8

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 7

Given this context, the Conservation Officer and I

engagement with consultees and providers (e.g. the

expressed the view that the present proposals in

Highway Authority). These would be secured

terms of density, plot/site coverage and extent of

through a section 106 agreement.

built form represented an overdevelopment of the

CONSIDERATIONS – PROPOSAL B

site and did not adequately respond to the

As discussed, the site is largely within the Walton

spacious character of the Conservation Area. Even

on the Hill Conservation Area and this provides the

compared to Greenways to the west (which is

main constraint for future development of the site.

outside of the Conservation Area), the proposed

The site presently represents a facility which is

layout is much denser with significantly smaller and

integral to the sport/recreation of the golf course.

narrower plots and much tighter spacing of

The main considerations relating to the

buildings. I advised that strong consideration needs

proposals are considered to be:

to be given to reducing the quantum of

Principle of redevelopment. As above, the site is

development and increasing plot sizes in order to

presently the clubhouse for the golf course and is

better respect the character, pattern and grain of

therefore integral to its use and viability as a

development in the area. The present proposals

sporting and recreation facility. Policy Re1 (and

would not be supported. Reference was drawn to

CS12 of the Core Strategy) sets out that the

Deans Lane and some of the recent developments

Council will normally resist the loss of buildings

along this road as a better indicator of the plot

used for recreation and leisure, except where

sizes and spacing which may be expected.

alternative facilities are provided. This is consistent

In terms of layout, the plans presented show a

with the general thrust of the Framework at

quite rigid and formal layout which would be at

paragraph 74.

odds with the more organic and informal siting,

As such, a proposal for redevelopment of the

layout and building lines which characterise the

existing clubhouse for residential use would only be

locality and the Conservation Area. Consideration

supported where alternative provision was in place

should be given to how a more informal layout of

(or was capable of being made). Without alternative

buildings could be achieved.

provision, any proposal for the loss of the existing

In addition, whilst detailed elevations were not

clubhouse would likely be refused. This position

provided for the residential scheme as part of the

would likely be safeguarded through condition or

pre-app, we discussed that any proposals should

legal agreement preventing residential development

seek to respect and reflect the individuality of

until alternative provision was in place.

buildings which is a characteristic of the

Design and impact on character, including the

Conservation Area. Repetitive house types, building

Conservation Area. The existing clubhouse site is

forms and detailing should be avoided. In terms of

largely within the Walton on the Hill Conservation

design and architectural conventions, proposals

Area (save for a small northernmost section of the

should seek to reflect the Arts and Crafts vernacular

existing car park). Any development would need to

and identity of the Conservation Area, including the

respond to this, and the wider character of the

approaches of Lutyens and Morley Horder. Careful

area. It is also noted that the locally listed Dormy

consideration would need to be given to ancillary

House and its historic gardens adjoin the site.

structures such as garaging in terms of scale,

We discussed the character of the surrounding area which, as above, largely consists of large, single detached buildings which are well spaced and set within generous well landscaped plots.

28 NOVEMBER 2017

design, number and siting to ensure that these do not dominate or overly urbanise the development.

We discussed the need for any proposals to C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 0

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 8

House. The Conservation Officer advised that, in

preserve or enhance the character and appearance

principle, a buffer of this nature would be an

of the Conservation Area. The present clubhouse

appropriate response to the historic garden;

building and its setting (in particular the open vista

however, careful consideration would need to be

of the putting green and landscaping to the front) is

given to future management. Consideration would

considered to make a positive contribution to the

also need to be given to the setting of and

character of, and is a focal point to, the

approach to Dormy House itself which is a locally

Conservation Area. It is not benign or neutral.

listed building.

Whilst the Edwardian clubhouse building is a

Highways, parking and

modest building, the original architectural character

accessibility/sustainability of the site. As above,

of which has now been hidden by 1970’s shingles

the Highway Authority would be a consultee to any

and windows, it is a site that is central to the

application and their views in relation to highway

history of the arts and crafts settlement of Walton

safety, operation and capacity would be given high

on the Hill. Any replacement building or buildings

regard. In the case of the residential site, it is not

would need to have regard to this site being the

considered that highway matters would necessarily

core of the Edwardian Conservation Area and be of

be determinative or overriding.

a quality that enhances that special interest of the

In terms of car parking, local plan adopted

site, architecturally and historically, to a level

parking standards seek provision of 2 spaces per

appropriate to the positive character of the arts and

dwelling (3 or more bedrooms as proposed in this

crafts part of the Conservation Area. This would be

case). This would be the starting point for

a consideration in determining any proposal and in

consideration of any application. Careful

assessing the effect of any proposals on the

consideration would need to be given to how

Conservation Area.

parking provision is made (in terms of design,

Landscaping would also be an integral

layout and siting) to avoid a car dominated layout.

consideration in any proposals for redevelopment of

Impact on neighbouring properties and the

the clubhouse site. At present (as above), the site

neighbourhood. Any development should ensure

benefits from the attractive open landscaped area

that it would not give rise to a harmful impact on

and putting green to the front of the clubhouse as

neighbouring properties in terms of overbearing,

well as mature, established hedgerows and planting

overshadowing, loss of sunlight/daylight or loss of

along many boundaries (including to Greenways).

privacy through overlooking.

These features contribute, and are representative of

This would need to be assessed on site, with

the landscape dominated character of the area and

the benefit of full and final plans as part of a

Conservation Area. Any development should seek

planning application. Immediate neighbours would

to respond to this with an appropriate and well

be the prime consideration. Given the size and

considered landscaping proposal, particularly in

nature of the site, it is likely that any issues could

terms of retaining existing landscape features

be mitigated through appropriate design/layout;

where possible and through proposals for soft

however, this is an area where a high degree of

landscaping to the frontage of plots.

amenity is generally the norm.

We discussed the presence of the historic

Housing mix. In terms of housing mix, any

gardens of Dormy House, the designation of which

proposals for the residential development – given

covers a small part of the clubhouse site. The plans

the relatively small size of the development – would

presented show a landscape buffer would be

be treated relatively flexibly and the mix proposed

retained/provided adjacent to the gardens of Dormy

30 NOVEMBER 2017

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 2

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ON PRODUCTION OF THIS ADVERT

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N E W C L U B H O U S E O N T H E H E AT H C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 0

assessment in respect of any proposals for the

(large family dwellings) would be unlikely to be

clubhouse

objected to in the circumstances. Community

Infrastructure Levy, other infrastructure

necessary; however, each application should be

contributions and affordable housing. The

supported by a surface water drainage/SUDs

Flood risks assessments are unlikely to be

Council adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy

strategy which is a local requirement

on 1 April 2016. The Council adopted the

Community Infrastructure Levy on 1 April 2016.

Statement would not necessarily be sought at

Proposals for new dwellings such as this would be

application stage and would ordinarily be dealt with

liable for the levy in accordance with the Council’s

through condition.

Charging Schedule. The site falls within the

Construction Method Statements/Ventilation

In terms of bringing forward applications, I

£140/sqm charge zone. You will be required to

explained that for both sites the Council would

submit the CIL Additional Information Requirements

expect full detailed planning applications –

Form alongside any planning application to enable

particularly given the constraints affecting each

the Council to determine whether your

(Green Belt or Conservation Area respectively). In

development is liable for the levy. This is available

respect of Site 2, you explained that – as your

on the Planning Portal website:

client plans to sell the site on – you felt an outline

www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications

application would be preferable and that

/70/community_infrastructu re_levy/5

appropriate level of detail and codification could be

Core Strategy Policy CS15 and the Council’s

provided at design stage to provide sufficient

Affordable Housing SPD requires a financial

comfort to the Council to determine the application.

contribution towards affordable housing on sites

As discussed, if you are able to provide further

of 10 to 14 units (equivalent to 20%) – this would

clarification of the type of information you would

be secured through a legal agreement and a draft

anticipate providing as an outline proposal, I would

undertaking should be provided with any

be happy to review and consider whether the

application. The contribution is calculated based

Council would find this sufficient/acceptable.

on a £/sqm basis on net additional residential

I trust that this information and advice is

floorspace (similar to CIL), with the relevant

helpful in clarifying the development potential for

charge in this case being £155/sqm. It is noted

the site, and the design approach that you would

from your submission that any application would

be expected to demonstrate had been followed as

be supported by an Affordable Housing

part of any subsequent planning application.

Statement to support a viable level of affordable

Please note that while this advice is given in

housing. Any deviation from the policy

good faith, it is based only on the information

requirement would need to be clearly justified by

supplied and discussed at our meeting, and is an

a robust viability appraisal. The Council may seek

officer view only based my own personal

independent review of any such appraisal, the

judgement. It does not guarantee any subsequent

costs of which would be expected to be borne by

decision on a formal planning application by the

the applicant.

Council as Local Planning Authority.

GENERAL - OTHER MATTERS

Yours sincerely Billy Clements, Principal Planning

We discussed the deliverables set out within your

Officer. Direct dial: 01737 276087

pre-application material. The only comments on

Email: billy.clements@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

this were:

For the full letter, please visit:

The need for a landscape and visual impact

32 NOVEMBER 2017

www.tadworthwaltonra.co.uk/golfclub.htm

Tadworth_pfw 09/10/2017 13:09 Page 33

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A SELECTIVE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 4 - 16 WITH CO-EDUCATIONAL NURSERY @ManorHseSchool

manorhousesch

Is this the hall for you?

Ideal for meetings, performances, exercise groups, parties.

Seats up to 120 Raised stage Fully equipped kitchen Modern audio-visual system Car park Kingswood Village Hall Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB

For rates and availability contact Penny Chatfield (between 5pm and 8pm Monday to Friday) on 01737 353248.

NOVEMBER 2017 33

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FRIENDS OF ST PETER’S

LYCHGATE FULLY RESTORED

F

ollowing on from a very successful talk entitled ‘St Peter’s – A guided Tour of the Graves & Memorials’ by the Chairman of the Local History Society, Tim Richardson

and assisted by Philip Truett – One couldn’t miss the opportunity of pointing out the graves of a five times winner of the Open Championship, James Braid and a twice winner of the Amateur Championship, Sir Ernest Holderness, lying within

evidence of the work of Friends in that the 140-

a short putt of each other! - we are due to have

year-old lychgate (pictured above) has been fully

our Autumnal social gathering on the evening of

restored and entirely paid for by Friends, at a cost

October 2nd, being a wine tasting run by Vineking

of £7,000.

of Reigate.

This charming feature of the village was due to

These social gatherings are not fund-raising

collapse and finding this sort of money from

events, but represent the fun side of Friends –

Church funds would have been extremely difficult.

Bringing the village together and, hopefully,

There are so many other pressing priorities.

increasing the number of local people who feel it

If you believe in what we are trying to achieve,

is worth maintaining the fabric of St Peter’s and

please consider becoming a Friend of St Peter’s.

its immediate surroundings.

Contact Philip Truett on 01737 813832 or email

To this extent, we now have very tangible

philip@truett.co.uk

CALLING ARTISTS TO BREECH LANE Autumn colours, seasonal mists and shortening days.

F

or those inspired to capture the moments in paint, the Community Hall in Breech Lane,

Walton-on-the Hill is a warm and friendly meeting place to gather on Thursday afternoons, with the bonus of easy free parking.

Meeting from 1.30 -3.30 the Thursday Painters welcome new faces to join them as they enjoy afternoons of painting, conversation and a cup of tea. This is a friendly forum for those who enjoy painting as a hobby. Approx. £25 per term depending on numbers.

Unlock the inner artist in you and pop along.

All abilities welcome. Contact Barbara on barbrafelts@hotmail.com or Audrey on ajmitchellart@gmail.com 34 NOVEMBER 2017

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N E I G H B O U R H O O D WAT C H A S S O C I AT I O N

TECHNOLOGY FIGHTING CRIME

I

n my role as Secretary of the Surrey Neighbourhood Watch Association, I recently met with a senior member of the Surrey Police Management Team and asked her what were the 3 main issues absorbing Police time. After mentioning that Surrey Police had had to send a significant number of officers to join the investigation following the London Tube bombing and that Surrey Police were even being asked to assist in maintaining law and order in Caribbean islands devastated by hurricanes, these were the three areas she listed: Safeguarding Missing Persons Fraud The Safeguarding case she used as an example related to a vulnerable child who might be at risk of abduction but she could have easily used one relating to domestic violence. For Missing Persons she mentioned that significant numbersof individuals go missing from hospitals and these cases can require substantial Police investigative effort.

She went on to describe a Fraud case where an elderly man had handed over £15,000 as a result of a doorstep con.

My purpose in asking the question was to see if there were areas where Neighbourhood Watch could do more to help by using its communications networks and local knowledge. In fact spreading awareness about Cyber Crime and other types of Fraud is already a priority for Surrey Neighbourhood Watch and I have

interrupted my series of articles on that topic to bring you this report.

With respect to the other two Police priorities, possibly the one where spreading information rapidly could have the most impact would be with respect to Missing Persons, particularly in the case of vulnerable and confused elderly people. The Neighbourhood Watch organisations in some Boroughs have been experimenting with social media in various forms with alerts being spread rapidly and in real time via mobile phones, however, there is some fragmentation of users between different varieties of social media. In Tadworth and Walton we now have an email system that can deliver messages to nearly half of all households but this mechanism might be too slow when time is short to find a vulnerable missing individual. Technology is moving rapidly forward and we may soon have better tools to disseminate information costeffectively across several different platforms and target it to residents identified as currently being in the general area where the missing person might be. In the meanwhile the Police will be looking at ways to get information about missing persons quickly to the Neighbourhood Watch network and we will be looking at how we can further use technology and other existing social media groups to rapidly disseminate time critical information.

Mike Fox, Secretary Surrey Neighbourhood Watch Association 01737 350452.

NOVEMBER 2017 35

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TH E CHILD R EN ’S TR U ST

KIA MOTORS RAISE £65,000

S

taff at Kia’s UK head office have embraced their charity partnership with The Children’s Trust and have raised £65,000 in six months to help support children with brain injury across the UK. Kia launched the ‘Power of Wheels’ partnership with The Children’s Trust in February 2017 and has already raised more than half of its £100,000 target. Money raised will help to fund specialist brain injury rehabilitation for children and support for families.

Staff at Kia’s Walton-on-Thames head office have taken part in a series of challenges including runs, marathons, abseils and cycles. Twelve thrill-seeking employees even took part in a 12,000ft skydive. In fact, the Kia workforce have been so keen to get involved with the charity they have also donated time to volunteer at several events including helping to refurbish a sensory garden in memory of a child that passed away.

36 NOVEMBER 2017

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia said: “This has been a great partnership. Our staff have been really excited and keen to get involved and it’s been really motivating for the team. Many of the staff have pushed themselves to do something outside their comfort zone - I ran my first-ever marathon! Our target is £100k, but we’re hoping to beat that and raise as much as we can for the children and families supported by this fantastic charity.

Watch this space for our next challenge.”

Daniel Baker, Fundraising Executive at The Children's Trust said: “We’re delighted with how Kia staff have embraced the partnership, they’re really passionate about helping children with brain injury. We are so grateful for their support. All of the money raised will make a real and everlasting difference to the children we support.” www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Tadworth_pfw 09/10/2017 13:09 Page 37

Tree Dressing Day Tr 2-4pm 3rd Decem mber 2017 Jubilee Woodland Ta Tadworth free entry - everybody invited - refr e eshments available

National Tree Week 2017 - Tree Dressing Day Join us and learn about planting and caring for trees.

Bring along your own homemade decorations and ribbons to help us dress the newly planted tree and the bunting g hanging in the woodland.

Chance to win a beautiful tree to plant in your own garden or school, garden centre vouchers or a family ticket e to Westonbirt Arboretum.

Your special tree decorations willl then feature at the Yo Christmas Carol event on the 16th December

Org ganised by Tadwor Ta rtth & Walton Tree e W Wa ardens. For furrtther information please contact: p.brookwick@btinternet.com o

NOVEMBER 2017 37

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TA D WO RTH C R IC K ET C LU B

SEASON REVIEW

T

he cricket season has now ended and Tadworth Cricket Club can look back on another successful year.

Tadworth play in the Surrey Downs League, playing local village clubs, and as last year, the 1st XI came 3rd in the League. Tadworth play on a beautiful ground with a fine wicket opposite the Dukes Head Public House on the Dorking Road.

Tadworth fielded a number of very strong teams but unfortunately were unable to play three games in a row because of rain when we were due to play the top 2 sides. With strong sides available we were unable to play and possibly beat these two teams, thus securing a higher position.

It was particularly pleasing to see several young players making their mark – a good basis for the future.

The outstanding performance was from opening batsman Craig Stevenson who scored a remarkable 815 runs (by far the most in the League) at an average of 63. In addition Stef Sander scored 548 runs at an average of 50 and scored the most 6s in the League. Tadworth’s opening fast bowler Adam Baldwin

38 NOVEMBER 2017

had another good season taking 29 wickets - equal top in the League – at an average of 11.9.

The 2nd XI were less successful and came 10th in League 3. They were not helped by availability problems and calls from the 1st XI. This illustrates a problem in the Club in that we need more senior players.

If anyone would like to play cricket, please consider Tadworth CC. Please contact our 1st XI Captain, Mike Wren-Kirkham, on 07967 178989. E-Mail:- mwk94@sky.com The highlight of the season was President’s Day on July 2nd and thanks to Christoph Sander for organising this.

There was a 20/20 competition, with 4 teams competing, raising money for the Tadworth Children’s Trust. A number of attractions were put on and with a good attendance nearly £2,000 was raised and presented to the Trust.

We would hope to do the same next year, and with more attractions and advertising, raise more money.

Once again, if you are interested in playing cricket, please contact Mike Wren-Kirkham on 07967 178989 or email mwk94@sky.com

Tadworth_pfw 09/10/2017 13:09 Page 39

URGENT CHARITY SEEKING NEW PREMIISES

CAN YOU HELP USS? Local charity is urgently seekinng a new home to rent by end of 20017.

Dyscover has supported people with w aphasia for 23 years.

Without premises we cannot contiinue!

Main requirements:

Within a 5-8 mile radius of Walton-on-the-Hill in areas such as Dorking, Reigate and Banstead

1500 sq ft

Mostly ground floor

Disabled access

Parking spaces

www.ddyscover.r.org.uk

Contact: Julia Baker 01737 819419 email:info@dyscover.r.org.uk Dyscover Limited . Registered Office: Crown House Mews, Chequers Lane, Walton on the Hill, Surrey KT20 7ST Company Number: 4814618 . Registered Charity Number: 1099432

NOVEMBER 2017 39

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WHAT’S ON

The historical grounds of Tadworth Court where The Children's Trust's Fireworks Night is being held.

First ever public firework display at The Children’s Trust in Tadworth Fireworks, facepaint and fizz are what you can expect at The Children’s Trust’s Fireworks Night (Friday 27 October) at the historical Tadworth Court. The event, which is open to the public for the first time this year, is being hosted by the charity to raise money for children with brain injury across the UK. The family-friendly evening which promises a spectacular display at one of Surrey’s iconic landmarks begins at 6pm with the main display at 8pm. Food and drink will be available and includes German delicacies, posh potatoes and pancakes. Prosecco and beer will be on offer for adults, while children can join in the festivities with glow-in-the-dark face paint and

The Gage Players are holding their next

glow sticks.

production -

Hannah Vince, fundraiser at The Children’s

Waiting for the Train

Trust, said: “We want to make sure our first

written and directed by Pip Rolls - on

ever Fireworks Night goes off with a bang! The

30th November, 1st & 2nd December

historical grounds of Tadworth Court make the

at The Riddell Hall, Deans Lane, Walton-

perfect backdrop for the event and we’re

on-the-Hill KT20 7UL.

looking forward to welcoming the local

This new play is set on a railway

community to a very special evening. All of the

platform on the rural outskirts of

proceeds from the night will go towards

London. The timeframe stretches from the

helping some of the 40,000 children affected

1930s to the 1970s and during this we

by brain injury each year.”

learn of the lives of some of the people

Gates open at 6pm. Adults entry £6,

who pass through the station, many of

children’s entry £4. Details and to purchase

whom are left to fill in time there while

tickets www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/fireworks

waiting for the train.

40 JANUARY 2015

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WHAT’S ON Friends of the Children’s Trust at Tadworth Court present An Evening with Greg Bratza TADWORTH COURT MANSION Three centuries of history, Nine owners, One dark secret. A unique talk out the history of the beautiful building that is now home to the Tadworth Children’s Trust.

Saturday 3rd February 2018

Get your boots (and paws) ready for The Halloween

at Tadworth Court Mansion 7.30pm. For Tickets

Howl

Call Gerry 01737 812655 or Bob 01737 360035

A brand new event for people and their pets is coming

Follow us on Facebook

to Reigate’s Priory Park on Sunday 29 October. The

www.facebook.com/FriendsofTheChildrensTrust

Halloween Howl, which is in aid of The Children’s Trust,

and Twitter @TheFr1end5 or email us at:

is a sponsored walk of 3km or 5km with furry friends (or

friendsofthechildrenstrust@virginmedia.com

without) to raise money for children with brain injury.

BANSTEAD NEVILLE BOWLING CLUB

forward to taking part in the costume competition, open

Have come to the end of yet another enjoyable

for dogs and humans, as well as a post-walk dog show.

and successful season of bowling on their

Dance group Star Steppers will also be at the event

green in the Lady Neville Recreation Ground in

encouraging the audience to get involved in a special

Avenue Road

performance of the ‘Thriller’ routine. There will be

Participants of the sponsored spooky stroll can look

Their annual bowling holiday at the Bembridge Coast Hotel on the Isle of Wight, ‘Fun and Games’ at home on Bank Holiday

refreshments along the route as well as stalls offering gifts and craft items.

Hannah Beresford-Ward, a dog walker and

Monday, and the closely contested Finals – the

supporter of The Children’s Trust, is taking part in the

culmination of many rounds of internal

event: “Me and my friends were so excited when we

competitions played throughout the season –

heard about the Halloween Howl. It’s a great idea giving

are now a distant memory!

us the chance to walk our dogs, get our children and

However, during the Winter months weekly sessions of Arts & Crafts, Table Tennis and Darts take place in the Pavilion, plus monthly

grandchildren dressed up and outdoors, all while raising money for a very special charity. We can’t wait!”

Tracy Poulton, fundraising manager at the charity:

social events, including Whist, Quiz Nights,

“The Halloween Howl is a lovely opportunity for local

etc.

people to get together, take on a challenge, and have a

Make sure you keep

bit of fun! 40,000 children are left with a brain injury

Saturday, 11th Novemberfree when the Club

each year and without fundraising challenges like this

will be open from 10 a.m. to welcome you to

we wouldn’t be able to reach out and support as many

their

of these children as we do.”

Christmas Fair

Event opens at 9am. Entry fee £15, minimum

Further details about the Club can be obtained

sponsorship target £50. To register visit

from Gloria & Brice Corp - tel: 01737 370826.

www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/halloween-howl-walk-2017.

42 NOVEMBER 2017

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