INCORPORATING THE VILLAGES AND HAMLETS OF BROOK, …witley-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2012-Summer-Newslet… · Supernova – which is a roundabout. So hopefully that will

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To celebrate the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee,Witley ParishCouncil has offered an Awardfor Service to our Community.It has been awarded to JoyMowat and will be presentedto her as soon as possible.

Have a look at the three newJubilee benches – one on JubileeField, one on Witley RecreationGround and one on Robertson’sGreen.The one on Jubilee Field is abespoke bench carved by RuthWheeler, a local sculptor.

We will be planting a bare-rootedtree in the autumn – we’re not surewhat or where yet – supplied by the

Surrey Tree Wardens.You will also see or have seen the

Witley Parish Council marquee at allthree fairs and fetes - Brook, MIlfordand Witley - three in a month!

The DiamondJubilee in the Parish

P a r i s h C o u n c i lN E W S L E T T E RSummer 2012

INCORPORATING THE V ILLAGES AND HAMLETS OF BROOK, ENTON, MILFORD, SANDHILLS , WITLEY & WORMLEY

Tel: 01483 422044 Website: www.witley-pc.gov.uk

I N C O R P O R AT I N G A N N UA LR E P O RT 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2

Above L: bespoke bench at Jubilee Field. Above: One of two waiting to be installed

INSIDEChairman’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Amenities and Environment .3Finance & General Purposes . .3Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Highways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Reducing Garage, Shed andGarden Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62011 Christmas Trees . . . . . . . 6Adult Volunteers Needed forBeavers, Cubs, Scouts andExplorers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6How to contact your County,Borough and ParishCouncillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Fairs and Fetes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Dates for Your Diary . . . . . . . . . 8Council Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2011/12, you are all aware, hasbeen a difficult time to makeends meet and a ParishCouncil has the sameconcerns with budgets as anycompany would. Through carefulmanagement the Council havecontinued to keep your Parish in tiptop condition and made someimprovements.

You will read in this Annual Reportthat long awaited improvementshave been made to play areas andopen spaces with furtherimprovements planned andbudgeted for in 2012/13.

Unscheduled works always put astrain on finance and the last twosevere winters proved just too muchfor the ancient walls around ourParish, two of which had to berebuilt and repairs, one in thecemetery and one by the JubileeField.We have also been informed

that one of the other walls in thecemetery will need extensive worksoon and this is planned for2012/13.

Along with looking after the manyopen spaces and buildings, we alsorepresent and support ourparishioners when necessary.

Many of you who use the localshops in Milford will be aware thatWaverley Borough Council (WBC)has implemented charges to thesmall car park in Station Lane.During the consultation period wewere contacted by local residentsand employees in the area as it wasfelt locally that any charges wouldimpact upon the traders and healthworkers, not to mention the knockon effect it would have with peopleparking elsewhere.

We supported our parishioners bywriting to Waverley and speaking atthe Council meeting where thistopic was under discussion.Unfortunately WBC went againstour better judgment and the chargescame into effect on 1st February.They have promised a review in July.

We have been contacted byresidents, shop keepers and localemployees and our intention is tobe in contact with WBC in Julywhere we will again present ourcase for a free car park and takeforward any letters/emails wereceive from the local community. Ifyou feel strongly about the newcharges, please write to our Clerkand your comments will also betaken forward by the Parish Council.

Witley Parish Council is a very’active’ Council and we cover a largearea taking in all of Milford,Witley,Brook and the surrounding hamlets.To do this we have a dedicatedteam in our office staff andgroundsman and 15 Councillorswho are all volunteers giving uptheir evenings/weekends free ofcharge to care for your area.

But we need your help to keep usinformed of anything happening onyour doorstep which you think weshould be involved in.Your help isalso needed to keep the Parishlooking good.We have a bigproblem with litter and dog messwhich is not really necessary ifeveryone picked up after themselvesand their animals.There is little wecan do about the traffic passingthrough our Parish dropping litter soto minimise the effect, take yourlitter home and recycle it if you canand report fly tipping and illegalposters on bus shelters, lamp posts,traffic signs.Maxine Gale, Council Chairman,2011-12.


2Tel: 01483 422044 Website: www.witley-pc.gov.uk

CHAIRMAN’S NOTE

. . . we need yourhelp to keep us

informed of anythinghappening on yourdoorstep which youthink we should be

involved in.

Fly-tipping like this ruins thecountryside for everybody



The primary focus of thisCommittee is to ensure thatour recreation areas, villagegreens and allotments aremaintained to a high level,whether they are used forfootball, cricket or playgroundsformally or informally or keptmore natural for general useand enjoyment.

The ‘new’ allotments have settled inwell.They are available only forresidents so bear in mind that if youwould like one you need to get onthe waiting list.

Our two parish walks each yearhave become regular events. PeterHerring, our tree warden leads them– see p8 for the next one. Peter is afund of information on trees, fungiand all manner of other things

We’ve had two consultations thisyear - one about Robertson’sGreen in Sandhills and one aboutJubilee Field in Milford. In both ofthem we were asking how you

would like to see these openspaces used in the future.

Regarding Robertson’s Green, theverdict was to continue keeping itpartly mown and partly natural andclearing the undergrowth, nettles,brambles etc more regularly so wehave allocated more time to that andwill be improving the pond very soon.

The Jubilee Field consultation hasnow ended.The questionnaire washand delivered throughout the parish.Your views are important to WitleyParish Council so we would like to

thank all those who took the troubleto respond either on-line or on paper.We will be considering the resultsover the coming weeks and afterseeking quotes for the preferredoptions that can be accommodatedon the field we will be looking intogrant funding.We were able to seesome of you at the Milford VillageFete where more information wasmade available and we will continueto keep you informed.

The other project we will beprogressing this year is the SunnyhillPlay Area.We put in a new piece ofequipment for older children earlier in2012 – a nest swing – and that seemsto have proved a great success andwe are in the process of ordering thelast piece of equipment – aSupernova – which is a roundabout.So hopefully that will be installedbefore too long.After that, we’ll see.

Julie Grist, Chairman,Amenities andEnvironment Committee 2011-12.

The financial year 2011/12 wasa challenging one forbusinesses, people and localgovernment alike and WitleyParish Council was noexception.We managed tokeep the precept (that portionof your council tax levied by theParish Council) down,increasing it by only the currentrate of inflation. Income for theyear is made up of:

£

Precept 137,000

Local authority grants 27,000

Other income 13,000

TOTAL INCOME 177,000

Other income arises from rental ofsports grounds, land, allotments, andcemetery income.

We were able to maintain the land,buildings, play areas etc., for whichwe are responsible to a goodstandard, provide grants anddonations to local organisations,

The group were fascinated by this tree.The burrs and grooved bark on the trunk

of an old False Acacia (or Locust tree)create a natural sculpture.

continued on page 4

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Amenities & Environment Committee


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Communication with people in theParish is important to Witley ParishCouncillors.We seek to let youknow what we are doing byproducing regular newsletters,posting notices on the Parishnoticeboards and by keeping ourwebsite updated with news andevents.We are also keen to hearyour views on local matters.

Every year we produce threenewsletters which are delivered toyour home by volunteers.Thisedition, Summer 2012, contains theAnnual Report as well as items ofnews and information.

Our ten noticeboards are distrib-

uted around the Parish and newnotices are posted regularly on themby Councillors. As a trial, we havedecided to only post the agendas ofup-coming meetings on three of thenoticeboards – the one at Milfordstation, the one opposite the Star inWitley and the one outside theParish Office in Milford.This leavesmore space on the other boards forpromotional material. If you have anyviews on this we would be delightedto hear from you.

This year our website www.witley-pc.gov.uk has been upgraded, givingus the ability to add items morequickly. In addition to items of local

news, you will now find the agendasof up-coming meetings and theminutes of full council meetings andstatutory committee meetings. Ourpopular directory of localinformation continues to attract alarge number of hits on the website.We have, however, decided toremove the directory of localbusinesses, as this is a serviceprovided better by otherorganisations in the area.You cancontact us via the website - just clickon Contact Us on the front page.Gillian McCalden, Chairman,Community Communications WorkingParty, 2011-12


CCOOMMMMUUNNIICCAATTIIOONNSS

PPLLAANNNNIINNGGWitley Parish Council continues toprovide consultation responses toWaverley Borough Council onplanning applications.

I was voted in as Chairman and

Patrick Stewart as Vice Chairman,with the Committee made up ofother Councillors who havevolunteered for this Committee.TheParish Council has recently had some

new Councillors, which has givensome welcome new judgement tothe applications we have considered.

Witley Parish Council has limiteddirect power over planning matters,

supply new playground equipment, new signs and holdcommunity events. Expenditure consists of:

£

Ground and machinery maintenance 18,000

Grants to local organisations 6,000

Playground equipment 6,000

Local events, signs, newsletters 10,000

Cemetery and war memorial maintenance 8,000

Salaries, NHI, etc. 75,000

Legal, professional, insurance 30,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 153,000

Organisations receiving grants and donations includedChichester Hall, Milford Hall, Pirrie Hall,TheClockhouse, Surrey Air Ambulance and GodalmingMuseum. New playground equipment was installed atSunnyhill as part of the continued development plan.

Some of the excess of income over expenditure of£24,000 has been used for recommended auditreserves and the rest will be used in 2012/13 forworks deferred from 2011/12 for the continueddevelopment of Jubilee Field, Sunnyhill and other landmaintenance costs.

Catherine Maxwell-Miles, Chairman and Stephen Mills, Vice Chairman, Finance and General PurposesCommittee, 2011-2012.

continued from page 3



HIGHWAYS

but is a Statutory Consultee.We tryto use our local knowledge torepresent parishioners views as muchas we can.There is always a 10minute slot before meetings for viewsto be heard and this can be arrangedthrough our Parish office.

The Council have considered manynew applications within the Parish forthe usual extensions, conservatoriesand garages – few have beencontentious. Redevelopment of the

Milford Hospital site is currently beingconsidered by Waverley and we arein consultation with the other localParish councils to find a suitableproposal for this contentious site.

Concerns have been expressed byparishioners over applications and wehave tried to take their views intoaccount when we have made ourdecisions.

We try to provide Waverley with abalanced view of public opinion and

that is why we have the 10 minuteslot before each planning meeting.Parishioners, who wish to viewcurrent applications can do so viawww.witley-pc.gov.uk/planningOn Planning we always welcomeparishioners’ views, in order that wecan reflect local concerns.Talk to us –you know where we are!

Donald Johnstone, Chairman, Planning2011-12.

The past twelve months havebeen a busy time for theHighways and TransportationSub-committee. As well ascontinuing to monitor the conditionof our roads and pavements, we haveworked with parishioners and SurreyCounty Council (SCC) on variousproblems. Successes have been:

• Liaising with the Co-Op in Milfordto have the uneven pavementoutside the shop re-surfaced.Wecontinue to talk with neighbouringshopkeepers about theirpavements.

• Working with Surrey Area ofNatural Beauty to erect new,unified village name signs on a50/50 cost sharing basis – wewould like to thank them for theirgenerosity.

• Supporting residents in New Road,Combe Lane and Station Road,Wormley on problems caused bycommuter parking. As a result, SCCwill, this summer, install acombination of double and single

yellow lines to improve road safetyand traffic movement.

• Listening to concerns raised by thecare homes and residents in BrookRoad and residents living near KingEdward’s School about problemscaused by commuter parking.Theresults of our survey were passedto Surrey County Council andWaverley Borough Council whohave undertaken to include this intheir parking reviews for 2012/13.

• Working with SCC to improvedrainage in Wheeler Lane.

• Writing to SCC proposing lowerspeed limits on some sections ofthe A283 and A286 as well assome minor roads with the aim ofhaving these reviewed in 2013/14.

• Requesting SCC to undertakemajor vegetation clearance alongthe footpath opposite WitleyRecreation Ground which has beendone and what a difference itmakes!

• Working with SCC to remedydrainage problems outside the

Milford Surgery and on BrookRoad in Sandhills, these works aredue to be carried out thisfinancial year.

Most of the above works wouldnot be possible without the co-operation of SCC for which we aregrateful.We will continue to monitorour highways and bring problems tothe attention of SCC but the mosteffective way for members of thepublic to resolve minor issues likepot-holes, overhanging branches andblocked drains is to report it directlyto SCC either via telephone or theSCC website.The Sub-Committeeand Parish Council are always willingto take up problems on behalf of thepublic, especially where safety isconcerned.To report any highwaysrelated issues, please contact SurreyCounty Council by telephone on03456 009 009 or on-line atwww.surreycc.gov.uk/do-it-online/report-it-online

Stephen Mills, Chairman. Highways andTransportation Sub-Committee, 2011-12


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You can prevent your garages andsheds from offering ‘easy pickings’ fora criminal, using these precautions:

• Lock the doors and windows ofsheds, garages and outbuildings using goodquality fixings and a padlock. Prevent aburglar tampering with the hinges by usingquick-setting glue in the screw heads.Install a shed alarm.

• Use a forensic coding product to ‘propertymark’ all valuable tools and equipment. Securelawnmowers and other valuable equipment to a shedor garage wall or fit a lockable wire cage.Valuableequipment can be registered at www.immobilise.com

or photograph items and note the make,model and serial numbers.

• Lay crunchy gravel on the approachto your house. Padlock your wheelie bin toa wall so that thieves can’t use it to gainaccess or to transport stolen property. Lowhedges or fences leave a burglar feelingexposed. Create an effective barrier with

prickly plants on boundaries and against walls.• Use lighting as a deterrent

Taken from the Surrey Police leaflet.To download acopy go to:www.surrey.police.uk/safety/pdf/reducing-garage-shed-crime.pdf


The waiting list is getting longer and longer - all we need are some moreleaders.You choose the age group you wish to work with – we have 4 sections ranging

from 6 years to 18. As part of the leadership team you would plan and deliver anexciting balanced programme - there are outdoor opportunities and environmentalprojects. Full training, induction and ongoing support is part of the deal, as well asmaking new friends and having a great time! Why not phone us for a chat.

If you are interested contact Barrie Wyithe on 01483 [email protected] for Milford or

Dave Gunner on 01428 683491 [email protected] for Witley.

This year Witley Parish Council again providedthree Christmas trees for the villages ofBrook, Milford and Witley. The twinkling treesoutside Chichester Hall in Witley, Pirrie Hall in Brookand the Village Hall in Milford looked very festive.

The three events to switch on the Christmas treelights took place on the first Friday in December.Theywere attended by an estimated 600 people. As usual,local clergy led the three events, supported by choirsfrom the churches, King Edward’s school and Milford

guides.We were grateful for the contributionsof Penelope Keith, who lit the Milford tree, andJoy Nye, who lit the tree at Witley.With thehelp of local volunteers, mince pies and mulledwine were served after the lighting ofthe trees. It felt like a great wayto start the Christmas season.

Gillian McCalden, Chair,Christmas Tree Working Party, 2011.

RREEDDUUCCIINNGG GGAARRAAGGEE,, SSHHEEDD AANNDD GGAARRDDEENN CCRRIIMMEE

2011 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENTS

Leaders needed for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and ExplorersADULT VOLUNTEERS ARE WHAT MAKES SCOUTING HAPPEN



MILFORD WARD

Donald Johnstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .07833 616131(Chairman, Planning Committee)Jack Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 684853Catherine Maxwell-Miles . . . . . . . . . . . 01483 682045Stephen Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682414Myra Newnes-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01483 423001Patrick Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01428 681586(Chairman, Finance and General Purposes Committee)

WITLEY WARD EAST

Christy Crouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682181

Steve Dale (Council Vice Chairman) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 681356

Maxine Gale (Lead Member, Enton) . . .01428 683055 Julie Grist (Council Chairman) . . . . . . .01428 683448Barbara Kinnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682870Jill Longmore (Lead Member, Brook and Sandhills) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 683942Gillian McCalden, (Chairman, Amenities and EnvironmentCommittee; Lead Member,Wormley) . . .01428 682405Louise Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682414

WITLEY WARD WEST

Nick Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682402

It seems a long time ago now, but in May/June 2011 we attended BrookFete, Milford Fete and Witley Fair.The Witley Parish Council tent proved tobe a popular stopping point, particularly during the torrential rain! We usedthe occasions to publicise our campaign for faster broadband in the area,to outline our plans for bio-diversity on Witley Parish Council land and topromote our popular Walks on the Web.

FAIRS AND FETES

WITLEY PARISH COUNCIL COUNCILLORS

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Godalming South, Milford and WitleyPeter Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01483 [email protected]

Waverley Western VillagesDavid Harmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 [email protected]

WAVERLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Elstead and ThursleyJenny Else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01252 [email protected]

Bryn Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01252 [email protected]

MilfordLynn Graffham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01483 [email protected] Leigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01483 [email protected]

Witley and HambledonElizabeth Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 682640 [email protected] Taylor-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01428 [email protected]

YOUR COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS

Council Office,Milford Village Hall,Portsmouth Road,Milford, Godalming,Surrey GU8 5DS

Office hours:Monday to Friday8.30 am – 12.30 pm Telephone: 01483 422044Fax: 01483 411957

Clerk – Fiona Fox(email: [email protected])Assistant Clerk – David Ralf (email: [email protected]) Website: www.witley-pc.gov.uk


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Where to find us

Council MeetingsMeetings of the Full Council are held in the Burton Pavilion, Milford Heath Road, Milford at 8.00pm on thelast Thursday of each month except August and December. Meetings are open to the public.The building is

accessible for people with mobility problems. Residents wishing to raise any matter with the Council areasked to notify the Council office at least 5 days prior to the meeting.

Printed on recycled paper


Witley Parish Council manages allotment sites at Redgate Farm andEnton. There is currently a short waiting list, but plots do becomeavailable. Please contact the Clerk for more information or to jointhe waiting list.

ALLOTMENTS REMINDER

FOR YOUR DIARY

Autumn Walk The Autumn Parish Walk,

led by Tree Warden Peter Herring,will be on

Sunday October 21st,starting from the

Chichester Hall car park at 2 p.m.

Wilfrid Fox, the creator of Winkworth Arboretum,said that October 20th was the best time for

autumn colour. It is also the peak season for fungi,so there will be plenty of both to enjoy.

CONTACTING SURREYPOLICE

For non-emergency calls or to contact yourlocal police officer call

101 or 01483 571212, 24 hours a day,7 days a week.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired,TEXTPHONE on

08001 101 (non-emergency) or 08000 101 (emergency) or

text us on 07786 204020 or 999 (register at www.emergencysms.org.uk).

Documents

INCORPORATING THE VILLAGES AND HAMLETS OF BROOK, …witley-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2012-Summer-Newslet… · Supernova – which is a roundabout. So hopefully that will