Communities - Walton

Contestants needed for 'Elmbridge has talent'

2009-07-17T15:41:08Z

Elmbridge youngsters aged between 11 and 19 are being encouraged to take part in an 'Elmbridge has talent competition'.

Although the final is not until Saturday, October 24, youth organisations and schools are being encouraged to enter up to three acts, who would perform at Reed's School, in Sandy Lane, Cobham.

The winner, who can showcase any skill, will receive £1000 for their school or organisation.
For more information contact leisure and cultural services on 01372 474576.

Celebrity chef launches Summer Sizzler for the Princess Alice Hospice

2009-07-13T13:54:11Z

Celebrity chef Tony Tobin announces the return of the new Summer Sizzler campaign to raise money for The Princess Alice Hospice.

The chef famed for BBC's Ready Steady Cook and Saturday Kitchen is supporting the hospice's campaign in association with sponsors Garsons Farm to encourage everyone to fire up their barbecues for the charity.

]]> The Summer Sizzler scheme, which launched in 2008, by the West End Lane hospice, called on local social groups, companies and supporters to hold fund-raising barbecues, with the aim of hitting and exceeding a £10,000 target.

It was a great success and raised vital funds and the profile of the charity and its work throughout its large catchment area.

The hospice, which cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses, is now calling for supporters, schools, social groups, sports teams and local businesses to hold a Summer Sizzler barbecue in July and August.

Emma O'Hara, community and event fund-raiser, at the hospice said: "Last years campaign was very popular amongst our supporters, we had a great deal of interest from families and social groups both young and old.

"The idea is a simple one following the format of very successful national coffee morning and afternoon tea events, I hope that everyone will once again enter into the spirit of the summer and hold some great fund-raising barbecues and help us to beat last year's fund-raising figure."

The first to hold their Summer Sizzler was the 1st Hinchley Wood Guides, who raised hundreds of pounds for the hospice.

The next event in the diary will be at the newly refurbished Plough Pub, in Ashley Road, Walton, on Saturday July 25.
If you want further information about holding a "Summer Sizzler" and raising funds for Princess Alice Hospice call Cathrine Alexander on 01372 461869 or email cathrinealexander@pah.org.uk.

Core strategy public meeting to take place at Civic Centre

2009-07-09T14:50:30Z

A public meeting is being held on Thursday, July (16) to discuss the Elmbridge Core Strategy.

Taking place between 2pm and 4pm at the Civic Centre, in Esher High Street, the consultation will act as an opportunity for residents to give their views on the future of the area.

For more information or to confirm attendance at the meeting, phone planning policy on 01372 474829.

The Riverhouse holding four night run of The Rivals

2009-07-09T14:50:30Z

The Riverhouse barn is holding a four night run of Richard Sheridan's famous 18th century comedy, The Rivals.

Running from Wednesday, July 22 until Saturday, July 25, tickets are available to all shows, at the gallery barn, in Manor Road, Walton.

Tickets costs £12, for all shows starting at 8pm, and for the Saturday matinee, which starts at 2.30pm and are available by phoning 01932 253354.

The story of the play sees the wide selection of characters fast becoming love rivals after a succession of white lies spirals out of control.

Plans to tackle crime in Elmbridge

2009-06-25T16:25:29Z

Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership has launched its 2009 Partnership Plan to tackle community safety issues across the borough.

As part of its requirement to make the Crime and Disorder Partnership more accountable to the community its work of last year was reviewed at a annual public meeting on Wednesday (June 17) and its new plan set out.

]]> The priorities identified are to reduce anti-social behaviour, including anti social driving and parking of vehicles, to provide positive youth activities, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and reduce substance misuse and violent crime, including domestic abuse.

Peter Kipps CSP manager, said: "We had some pleasing results last year, crime was reduced by 16.5% which means 1,399 less victims of crime.

"The overarching priorities we will focus on are similar to last year with the addition of anti social driving and irresponsible parking which has been a growing concern of residents."

Th CSP has also announced the introduction of a new survey to find the views of residents about the actual level of crime being experienced.

To complete the survey online log onto http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/snap/ccs2009.htm.

Mr Kipps added: "It's important that we obtain the views of the public on how they perceive Elmbridge.

"We also want to look at the levels of unreported crime and antisocial behaviour against what is actually being reported to see if there are any large gaps."

If you have any community safety issues or would like any further general information or a paper copy of the survey form please contact the Community Safety Team in confidence, by telephone on 01372 47 4399.

Elmbridge council give tips on garden safety

2009-06-22T14:28:21Z

Elmbridge council have produced a new leaflet aimed to give residents simple advice on shed and garage security.

Thefts from garages and sheds in the borough have risen over the last two months, resulting in an increase of 53% from the same period last year.

The majority of items stolen are mainly tools, garden equipment, pedal cycles and items that can be sold on with relative ease.

]]> Elmbridge community safety partnership have produced a leaflet giving advice on how to protect sheds and garages as well as giving advice and tips on improving garden security.

Peter Kipps, the community safety partnership manager, said: "Hopefully residents will find the information contained in the leaflets useful in helping to stem the increase in this crime however carrying out the simple measures we have been promoting for several years such as marking their property so that it is less attractive for resale by thieves or ensuring items such as pedal cycles or mowers are locked together or to larger items such as ladders when put into shed or garages would go a long way to reducing this type of crime."

The leaflets are available from all police stations in the borough as well as from the Civic Centre, in High Street, Esher.

Anyone with any community safety issues, please contact the community safety team on 01372 4743.

Pupils learn how to be responsible citizens

2009-06-15T12:49:21Z

Pupils from across Elmbridge are learning how to be safe and responsible citizens thanks to the Junior Citizen Scheme.

The scheme is taking place at Walton Fire Station in Hersham Road from Monday June 8 until Wednesday June 24.

]]> The main focus of the day is safety, and is run by a number of agencies including Surrey Police, Elmbridge Borough Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue, St John's Ambulance, EDF Energy and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Elmbridge visited the children from St Lawrence Church of England Junior School, in Church Road, East Molesey, taking part in the variety of workshops on Friday (June 12).

Just under 1,300 youngsters from across the borough in Year 6 (aged between 10 and 11) will take part in a number of different workshops on issues including crime reduction, 999 calls, stranger danger, road safety, fire safety, first aid, water safety and electricity dangers together with sets on how to recycle and the importance of the environment.

Youth affairs officer for Elmbridge PC Jerry Milford said: "I'm hoping the children enjoy Junior Citizen and learn from the experience.

"We want to make them think for themselves and to raise their awareness in a fun and effective way that helps them understand the contribution they can make to preventing crime and increasing their own safety.

"The children are about to move onto secondary school and it presents a great opportunity to educate them about safety issues, especially at a time when they really do need to be aware of how to look after themselves."

Firefighter rows one million metres for charity

2009-06-10T17:51:44Z

A Walton Firefighter is facing the challenge of a lifetime as he rows from Land's End to John O'Groats for charity.

Richard Gatward will row one million metres in a year on a Concept 2 rowing machine to help raise funds and awareness for the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Association.

]]> Mr Gatward's mother was diagnosed with PSP last year. It is a devastating brain disease which progressively robs its victims of the ability to walk, talk, see, swallow, eat and drink, leaving many sufferers eventually unable to communicate effectively with the world around them, yet remaining mentally alert.

He began rowing in March as part of maintaining his fitness for work as a firefighter and would keep a record of his times and distances on the Concept 2 website, where he saw someone else taking part in a similar challenge.

He decided to help raise awareness of the disease and much needed funds for research into finding a cure by virtually rowing across the country.

Mr Gatward, has been rowing for one month and has rowed 160,000-metres. He hopes to raise £2,500 for the charity.

He said: "My mum was diagnosed with PSP last year. I had never heard of it before and realised that not many people had either.

"I wanted do something positive at the same time as working out to support the PSP Association, who are doing a fantastic job at supporting many people and families affected by this disease.

"If I row 20km each week I will complete the challenge in 50 weeks. I need to aim to do more each week in case I get called out on any emergencies or am away on annual leave, so it will certainly be a challenge to see it through to the end.

"I have received some very generous sponsors from far and wide; such places as Hong Kong, Spain, France and the UK and I am so very grateful for the support and encouragement that everyone is giving me."

To sponsor Mr Gatwood log onto www.justgiving.com/richardgatward or read how he is getting on at http://richardgatward.blogspot.com.

Boat owners encouraged to stay safe

2009-06-10T17:39:50Z

Boat owners were encouraged to take simple steps to stay safe from fire during Boat Fire Safety Week.

Firefighters from Walton Fire Station spent the week, at the end of May, down by the River Thames urging the boat community to be more fire safe onboard.

]]> They checked boatowners had their boats equipped with the correct fire safety equipment.

Firefighter Stef Morley said: "Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, when they do occur, they can have devastating consequences.

"Boats are often in remote locations with difficult access, which may result in firefighters taking longer to arrive at an incident and allowing a fire to totally destroy a boat and everything onboard."

For further information about boating fire safety, please contact the Boat Safety Scheme on 01923 201353 or visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com.
For a boat fire safety visit call 0800 085 0767.

Time capsule making at Elmbridge museum

2009-06-09T15:41:13Z

As part of Elmbridge Museum's centenary celebrations, a session is being held on Saturday June 13, for children of the borough to make time capsules.

The session is being held at the museum in Church Street, Weybridge between 11.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The idea is for children to create a legacy, either with a drawing, a few mementos or some favourite items, which are then to be taken home to be buried for future generations to discover.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services, said: "Making time capsules is a fantastic way to join in with Elmbridge Museum's centenary celebrations. This really gives children the chance to create their own slice of history for future generations to enjoy."

Any child under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.elmbridge.gov.uk/leisure/museum or by phoning the museum on 01932 843573.

The Promenade Choirs to celebrate 1st birthday by holding concert

2009-06-09T15:41:13Z

The Promenade choirs are holding a concert on Sunday June 28 to celebrate their first birthday.

Being held at the hall at Cleves school, in Oatlands Avenue, Weybridge, the concert will feature both the Promenade junior choir and the Promenade youth choir.

The concert will start at 7.00pm and tickets cost £5, or £3 with concessions.

For more information phone 01932 242805 or visit www.promenade.org.uk

The choirs will be performing Musical Pie by Jonathan Willcocks and Liebeslieder Waltzes by Brahms.

Leader of the council Roy Taylor retains seat as does County Councillor Tom Phelps Penry

2009-06-05T05:00:25Z

Walton
John Baldwin (Labour) - 291 votes
Rachel Lake (Conservative) - 1243 votes
Tom Phelps Penry (The Walton Society) - 1298 votes
Bruce Porter (UKIP) - 435 votes
Paul Smurthwaite (Liberal Democrat) - 393 votes

Walton South and Oatlands
Matt Barr (Liberal Democrats) - 1165 votes
Peter Hawkes (Labour) - 328 votes
Roy Taylor (Conservative) - 2969 votes

Walton library holding family history research session

2009-06-02T16:19:37Z

Walton library is holding a history fun day on Tuesday June 16, aimed at researching family history on the internet.

Being held at the Library, in the Heart, the morning will run from 10.30am to 12 noon, and admission costs £5.

The workshop is aimed at those who are new to family history research, and will enable people to search online catalogues as well as look at censuses.

Booking for this event is available by phoning 0300 200 1001, or by visiting the library.

Dog Show and Celebrity Chef to join in Hospice Fete Fun!

2009-06-02T10:39:59Z

Matilda and Pandora are two very pretty pooches who will sadly miss the opportunity to compete in a brand new event at Princess Alice Hospice on Saturday 6 June. For the first time the very popular annual Hospice Summer Fete will feature a fun dog show, classes will include best trick, best veteran, waggiest tail, prettiest pooch and handsome hound to name but a few.

]]> The emphasis is on fun and the show is open to mongrels and pedigree dogs alike. There are a few classes requiring owner involvement. Maybe you have great pins and you fancy winning the best six legs contest or perhaps you and your pooch bear a striking resemblance to one another and you will walk away with the dog most like its owner award.

Matlida and Pandora will not be able to take part in the show as their owner will be acting as one of the judges and we do not want any allegations of vote rigging. Their owner Ann Flew is a Friend of Princess Alice Hospice and sits on the Cobham committee. The dog show is just one of the many attractions that will be taking place at the fete. Each year the Friends of Princess Alice Hospice central committee arrange a very popular day of family fun and last year's event raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

This year there will be a steel band, Punch and Judy show, childrens' games, silent auction, complementary therapies, cream teas, BBQ complete with celebrity TV chef TONY TOBIN from Ready Steady Cook, cake stalls and many other activities and entertainment to keep the whole family happy.

The fete on Saturday 6 June is open from 11:00 to 4:00pm. Entry is £3 with children under 16 getting in free. There is car parking available at Garsons, West End, Esher with a minibus shuttle to the Hospice from 11:30am. For further information, please call Cathrine Alexander at the Hospice on 01372461869.

Alcohol stolen from off-license

2009-05-29T12:26:24Z

A 20-YEAR-old stole cans of beer from an off-licence in Walton on Thursday (28).

The thief, described as white, between 5ft and 6ins tall, with short spiky hair and wearing a grey hooded jacket stole beer, valued at £30 from Wine Rack, in Terrace Road, before fleeing on foot.

]]> A member of staff from the store and another man who was walking nearby chased the suspect, who dropped several cans of beer during his escape, but were unable to stop him.

He was last seen running towards Sandy Lane and First Avenue.

Surrey Police is investigating the theft and is asking for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference EL/09/4235, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.