Communities - Addlestone

Suspected Drug Use Investigated

2009-06-12T09:43:09Z

Police are investigating suspected drug use in the garage areas in Prairie Road, Addlestone.

Residents have raised the issue repeatedly at meetings with officers, who will now be stepping up patrols at weekends and between 12 noon and 5pm, which is when people seem to gather in the area.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 125 2222.

To vote or not to vote

2009-05-29T21:41:26Z

With the expenses saga going on, the big political party's telling us not to vote for the fringe/small/extreme political party's. Give us time, we can sort it out, (they have had 400 years to sort it out), we are getting rid of all the old wood, if you would like to get into politics, come and join us, come under our umbrella, our policies, our ways, do not go independent, Why!

]]> Why can't I vote for whom I like?

Why can't I stand as an independent and do the job I was voted in to do, that is, looking after the needs of Runnymede and not the needs of the party?

Do party policies come before Local needs?

Do you, the voter, vote for the person, or the party?

The way the government is run at the moment, is it a democracy or dictatorship?
I.e., one rule for you, the voter and none for us, the government.

Why is it, that I am the only candidate showing his personal telephone number and email details on Runnymede Council internet election page, so that the voters of Runnymede can get in torch with me easily?

Are any of the candidate's from the other party's brave enough? To answer any of the above.

Keith Collett

Equal Parenting Alliance

Standing up for SCC Addlestone and Runnymede Ward Woodham.

Jubilee High quiz raises £151

2009-05-28T11:49:43Z

Staff, pupils and parents helped raise £151 for Jubilee High School in Addlestone at a quiz
night held last week.

The Friends of Jubilee High School quiz was held in the main hall in School Lane, and staff are now busily planning the next fundraising event.

Plan for wind turbine at Tesco leads to row

2009-05-28T11:49:43Z

A 10-METRE tall wind turbine could be installed at Tesco in Addlestone if Runnymede Council gives the go ahead.

The supermarket giant is seeking planning permission to build the structure in the car park of its Station Road store and if approved, it will be used to partly power the 24-hour shop, to the dismay of neighbours.

]]> Surrey County Councillor Ray Lowther, 85, who lives in nearby Finlay Gardens, said: "I think Tesco must employ somebody just to upset their neighbours.

"They just put in planning application after planning application and we don't want any of them. To want to put a wind turbine in the middle of a car park in a town centre is just daft.

"I really hope the council throws this application out because a lot of people are very unhappy about it. They can't seriously be thinking about leaving it on 24 hours a day. It's
going to be so noisy."

Tesco has been planning to roll out the wind turbines to about 10 stores in the country as a renewable energy source to see how well they work.

Mr Lowther's neighbour, Iris Reed, 74, added: "Not only will it be an eyesore but the constant noise from it will be unbearable. They should stick to putting them in the sea and in the middle of fields, away from people who would like to get to sleep at night."

Bosses have known for months which stores had been chosen for the new scheme and have been negotiating the finer details of the plan with Runnymede Council and contractors.

A spokesman for Tesco said: "As a company we are always looking for ways to become greener and to improve the way we run. This wind turbine trial is being carried out at a number of stores around the country to see how viable wind is as a future power source.

"Addlestone is a store in a town centre location but we are trying a range of locations just to see what suits us. Of course, as with any planning application there is a long public consultation process before it goes before the council, and we're very keen to
know what people think."

The plans for the wind turbine can be seen at Runnymede Civic Offices in Station Road, Addlestone, and on www.runnymede.gov.uk

Shelia wins award for her French teaching

2009-05-28T11:49:43Z

Sheila Sen, who teaches the La Jolie Ronde French course in the Addlestone area of Surrey, has beaten more than 300 others to take the coveted title of La Jolie Ronde Licensee of the Year.

Sheila was chosen as she has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to La Jolie Ronde since becoming a licensee in 2005.

]]> She has rapidly built up her business; starting with only 6 pupils in her first term, she now teaches almost 100 course pupils and over 50 nursery pupils.

La Jolie Ronde's General Manager Steve Baker said, "Sheila's drive, enthusiasm and of course excellent teaching, make her an extremely worthy winner.

"Sheila has a positive, can-do attitude and a cheerful disposition, always conducting herself in a professional manner especially in relation to running her business and communicating with parents, head teachers and nursery managers."

A mother of one of Sheila's pupils said "Edward thoroughly enjoys his French classes and has gained additional confidence as a result of attending La Jolie Ronde lessons. The combination of teaching methodologies, such as learning through activity and music has fed Edward's interest, which has been extended even into completing additional activities outside of the classroom"

As well as teaching at several local schools and nurseries, Sheila also holds classes in Addlestone Community Centre.

For information about Sheila's classes e-mail sheila.sen@ntlworld.com.

Mayor Jim Broadhead hands over to successor

2009-05-19T19:16:49Z

After a busy diary as Mayor and attending what is nearly one event every day of the year, Cllr Jim Broadhead (pictured) is ceremonially stepping down from office on Wednesday 20 May at Runnymede Civic Centre, in Addlestone.

The Mayoral gown, chains and tricorn hat are the dress the Mayor wears when present at all sorts of events each week.

]]> In this non-political appointment, Cllr Broadhead has had a memorable year, clocking 302 events, meeting and greeting people from all over the country, at openings, launches or other occasions in Runnymede and beyond the borough.

Cllr Broadhead enjoys singing second tenor in a male voice choir, and he has enjoyed an entertaining year calling on the Weybridge Male Voice choir to perform at several mayoral functions for him.

It has been a year that marked the Borough Council's move into new open-plan purpose built Civic Centre, in Station Road, Addlestone, and the year the Duke of Gloucester officially opened the building.

During the year as civic head of the Council Cllr Broadhead has incorporated charity fundraising for three charities, Runnymede Alzheimer's, Eikon and Eyesright. and the total sum raised through donations, functions and support will be announced shortly. Cllr Broadhead lives in Addlestone and elected as an Addlestone North councillor. He currently works in Weybridge in credit management.

His wife Peggy is also a borough councillor (Addlestone Bourneside) and is renowned for wearing glorious hats to the numerous functions she is invited to attend with him.

Cllrs Jim and Mrs Peggy Broadhead have served as Mayor of Runnymede six years apart. Mrs Broadhead was Mayor in 2002-2003.

Incoming Mayor, Cllr Paul Tuley (pictured) has selected to support the following four charities: Age Concern Runnymede; Runnymede Scouts, Surrey Women's Aid (The Englefield Green Refuge), The Rotary Club of Chertsey's "Daisy Appeal" for the Early Birth Unit at St Peter's Hospital.

He lives in Chertsey and has worked in the town for more than 30 years, in finance and insurance. He is married to Mrs Inga Tuley. He enters his tenth year as a Runnymede Councillor and was originally elected in 2000 for the New Haw Ward and on re-election in 2002 was returned for the Chertsey Meads Ward where he is currently serving. Prior to this he was a local councillor for the London Borough of Hounslow for seven years.

The Mayor making ceremony will occur in the Council Chamber at the Runnymede Civic Centre, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20 May, when Cllr Tuley will be sworn in to office as Cllr Broadhead steps down.

This will lead the Annual Council meeting for 2009-2010.

A cyclist and pedestrian collide in High Street

2009-05-18T07:06:23Z

A 10-YEAR-old pedestrian was in collision with a cyclist in High Street on Monday May 11 about 4.02pm.

The young boy was taken to St Peter's Hospital, in Chertsey, suffering leg injuries.

Dear Dilys social groups near you

2009-04-17T15:28:28Z

Are you new to the area or looking to make some new friends? If so there is a social group in the area that may be just right for you.

Groups have been established thanks to the Dear Dilys agony column which is published in editions of the Informer newspaper, and they've been going strong for 18 months.

]]> Dilys said: "My readers particularly wanted something to do on a Sunday, when so many other people are out and about with their families. So the first group was arranged. Someone came up with the idea of meeting in a garden centre as they are friendly, approachable places for people on their own."

The first group took place in Addlestone; it took off quickly and firm friendships have been formed. People meet regularly every Sunday and arrange further activities like pub quiz nights, days out, theatre trips, weight-loss groups and even weekends and holidays away.

More groups followed so that there are now 5 regular meeting places and two more to follow at the end of the month.

All you need to do to join in is to turn up. At the new groups it will be important to identify yourself - so we suggest carrying either a copy of the newspaper, or maybe a printout of this web-page, but Syon Park and Merton garden centres are providing leaflets too, so you can pick up a leaflet on your way in and if you're first there, display it prominently on your table.

Regular meeting places: Sundays 1230

Squires Garden Centre café, Knaphill, Littlewick Road, Woking
Wyevale Garden Centre café, New Haw Road/Brighton Road, Addlestone
Notcutts Garden Centre café, Staines Road, Laleham for the Ashford/Stanwell area
Squires Orangery Cafe, Halliford Road, Upper Halliford, Shepperton

Sundays 230pm

Squires Garden Centre café, Burwood Road, Hersham for Walton/Weybridge

New Groups from 26th April
Wyevale Garden Centre Cafe, Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex
Lower Morden Garden Centre Cafe, (previously known as Wyevale Garden Centre Merton), Lower Morden Lane, Surrey SM4 4SJ
Sundays 1230 26th April onwards

Scout Jumble Sale

2009-04-09T08:57:03Z

The 1st/4th Addlestone Scout Group is holding a jumble sale in aid of group funds on Saturday April 18.

The sale will be at the scout headquarters in Spinney Hill, Addlestone from 2pm.

For more information, call 01932 844215 or 01932 841731.

Jubilee High holds boxing extravaganza

2009-03-25T17:04:37Z

Students at Jubilee High School took part in a boxing event to raise money for their school.

The five hour extravaganza was put on at the school, in School Lane, Addlestone by Woking Boxing club on Saturday March 7, in an attempt to drum up funds for the new performing arts centre.

]]> The school is trying to raise £50,000 so that it can build a new internet cafe.

The boxing evening, which saw students competing over 16 rounds for various titles, raised £2,000.

At the end of the evening, three students were awarded with titles, for their hardwork and effort.

Year 7 student, Georgia Claiden won best newcomer, Year 11 prefect Sophie Sewell, won a trophy for her contributions to after school boxing lessons, and year 10, Shannon Arlord was awarded the ultimate school contender, for winning the overall event.

Ollie Wilson, motivational officer at the school, and boxing instructor, said: "It was a brilliant night, and there was a definite sense of community spirit.

"It's interesting that the prizes were won by three girls.

"When girls are saying that they need to take up some sort of self defence, it is going to be really good for their safety and also their self esteem."

Man injured in crash

2009-03-02T17:28:55Z

A 19-year-old man was treated for shock and minor injuries after a two-car collision in Brighton Road, Addlestone on Friday (27) afternoon.

An ambulance was called at about 3pm, and the man was taken to St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, but later released.

'Best Job in the World' applicant has sights on victory

2009-02-26T16:44:51Z

'I want to make sure those fish get fed.'

Those are the last words of a video CV created by David Taylor for a job that sounds too good to be true.

]]> Fifty four-year-old Davi, of Derwent Close, Addlestone created 'Taste in Heaven on the Barrier Reef' - a movie of song and news reading - for the position of caretaker on a sun swept island in the Great Barrier Reef.

'The Best Job in the World' is the name penned by the Queensland Tourism board for a six-month contract of 'work' which will consist of writing a blog, hosting interviews with the media, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, bushwalking, and taking picnics.

The idea is to promote the Great Barrier Reef through someone fun and energetic who will write regular articles on the internet, and Davi believes he fits the bill because of his collage of hobbies.

More than 30,000 people have applied, and the winner, to be announced in late March, will get a £70,000 salary and a three-bedroom house on Hamilton Island.

He said: "When I was at school one of my friends called me action man, because he said there is nothing I can't do. I have tried to do as much as possible, because life is too short."

Davi plays keyboard and saxaphone and writes his music, has a pilots licence, a scuba diving qualification, engineering skills, and can ski, sail, and write.

He came up with idea for the song in January, but couldn't film it until mid-February because he didn't have a camcorder.

He said: "The reason I chose to do it that way is because there was going to be thousands of people applying, some with lots of experience. I wanted to make it stand out from 30,000 other applications, and make it very special.

"They are asking for someone who is fun and enthusiastic, which is why I came up with the idea. But half of it is made like a news cast, because I wanted to show my serious side as well."

The one minute long movie starts with bohemian rhapsody style footage mixed with pictures of himself, and Davi singing "This job on the reef, it does sound great, so give it to me please, don't hesitate. I can swim I can dive, I can sail the seas, I'm the best person for the job so come on give it to me."

In the second half he goes on to talk seriously of his experience and how it would help him on the island, in the style of a news broadcast.

Rubbish not collected because lorries break down

2009-02-26T16:44:51Z

Rubbish was not collected from parts of Addlestone on Tuesday February 24 after two Runnymede Council lorries broke down at the same time.

Residents living in the Bourneside Road area of the town were due to have their bins emptied on Tuesday morning, but with no word from the council, it was not collected.

]]> A spokeswoman for the council said: "Unfortunately, two of our refuse lorries broke down at the same time on Tuesday morning, and so some collection rounds could not be carried out.

"There was no time to let people know about the problem, but the four-year-old lorries have now been repaired and those residents affected had their rubbish collected on Wednesday morning instead."

Industrial bin outside Oxfam is damaged

2009-02-24T17:37:48Z

An industrial bin has been charred and badly damaged outside a well-known Addlestone shop.

On Thursday February 12 at around 9.30pm an industrial bin in the back yard outside Oxfam caught alight, causing it to disintegrate.

]]> A fire engine from Chertsey was called and put out the fire at around 9.40pm, and police are looking for witnesses.

A worker in the shop, who did not want to be named, said: "The people who did it appeared on CCTV. When I came in the next day i thought it was horrendous, and I thought why would someone want to do that."

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference P09046516 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Addlestone man charged with robbery

2009-02-24T17:37:48Z

A 33-year-old man has been charged with robbery following an incident in a supermarket in Addlestone earlier this month.

The incident took place between 1.30pm and 2pm on Monday 2 February when the 61 year old victim, was robbed in Iceland in Station Road, Addlestone.

]]> Malcolm Edwards, 33, of Station Road, was arrested several days after and charged.

He stole the victim's brown purse which contained a number of items including £20 in cash.

Edwards has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court in the coming weeks, although a date has yet to be confirmed.