Welcome to the LOSRA Website
As with any other local neighbourhood, the policies and actions which affect the character and future of Lower Sunbury are generally framed and implemented by a combination of local and national government, along with the vested interests and market forces which operate within those frameworks. Lower Sunbury is by no means unique in being under threat from a creaking infrastructure brought about by rapid urban development, the growth of traffic, and other pressures affecting the quality of life and the character of the area.
Working with the local authorities, we see it as the responsibility of residents’ and amenity groups such as LOSRA to address the underlying issues which fundamentally affect their members’ lives, as well as the minutiae of everyday life with which such groups are often concerned.
Please sign up to receive our regular e-bulletins by subscribing via the facility at the top left hand of this page. It goes without saying that, without your continued support we would cease to function so we urge you to join, or renew your membership now Subscriptions (£5 per household) for 2024 are now payable.
Crest Nicholson Apply for Additional Units at Old London Irish Site at Park Avenue
An application by the developers, Crest Nicholson, as an addendum to the approved scheme for Park Avenue, has been lodged with the Council. In their design and access statement the company states:"Following considered evaluation of current and anticipated market conditions and demand within the context of the Park Avenue development as proposed and the surrounding local area, it is felt that the area fronting the entrance green which previously proposed the addition of four large 3-storey, 5-bedroom villas (plots 52-55) would be better served by a single 3-storey centrepiece appartment building.... Parking provision for the proposed building meets the local authorities parking standards and provides a total of 36 parking spaces of which 24 are allocated. Additionally the 4 unallocated spaces on the adjacent street have been retained."
The developers intend to meet their affordable housing obligation based upon the precedents set by the previous consent and the viability work undertaken previously. It is proposed that the 35% proportion of affordable housing agreed in regard to the implemented consent be mirrored in this application. Based upon a net gain of 20 additional dwellings, this would require a contribution toward seven off-site dwellings of £335,125.
To view the application in its entirety and to make representations, please visit: http://my.spelthorne.gov.uk/planning/ quoting reference: 16/01357/FUL
The Annual Picnic in the Park with a Difference on Saturday 10th September
The annual Picnic in the Park run by the Friends of the Sunbury Embroidery will be held on Saturday 10th September. The event will feature Music Night favourites, The 60s All Stars - the Friends fancied a change from the orchestral music that's been the norm at past events.
For those of you who've never been, the Picnic in the Park takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Garden in Thames Street where the Gallery is situated and it's really an atmospheric event where you can bring your tables, chairs, picnic, drinks and whatever else (candelabra have been spotted on several tables); and enjoy the music as the dusk falls.
Gates open around 6pm with music from 7pm. Tickets may be purchased at the Gallery for £12.50 in advance or £15 on the night and funds raised by the event support the work of the Gallery.
Petition to Abolish the Proposed Charges at Waste Transfer Stations
Further to the publication on this site of new charges to be introduced at Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre (scroll down to article of 2nd August) we are pleased to publicise a petition calling for their abolition.
To add your name, click here: http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/Waste-charges/
The formal notification of Surrey CC's introduction to charging may be viewed by clicking here
Simon Allen to Celebrate Coltrane at the RAC on 4th September
Simon will be performing at the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street, on Sunday, 4th September at 7.30pm to celebrate the music of John Coltrane with Terence Collie on piano, Paul Michael on bass and Rha Stranges on drums.
Simon Allen began his career with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, performing alongside the likes of Jazz Stars Art Themen, Gerard Presencer, Jamie Cullum and Peter King.
After being a winner in the Daily Telegraph ‘Young Jazz’ competition, and a finalist in the ‘Young Jazz Musician of the Year’, Simon gained a place at the Royal Academy of Music, and was selected to join UK drummer Clark Tracey's acclaimed Quintet, winning further awards and touring the UK over 7 years.
He has appeared at major UK venues and festivals including Ronnie Scott’s, the Barbican and Brecon Jazz Festival, and worked with an astonishing array of top musicians from the jazz and pop world.
Between 2005-2013 Simon was featured in the late Stan Tracey CBE’s various groups, and is featured on his final two quartet recordings, as well as octet and big band album releases. He has also appeared on the Jools Holland’s “Later” TV show performing a track from the album "Senior Moment".
Tickets £10 on the door or, in advance, £8 by booking on www.moodindigoevents.co.uk
The Manor Players Present the Indispensable Man at the RAC, 16-17th September
The Indispensable Man, a play by Terry Pattinson and Geoff Buckingham, will come to the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street, on 16th & 17th September at 8pm.
The Manor Players again push the boundaries and team up prolific local writers Terry Pattinson and Geoff Buckingham combined with a welcome return to directing by Riverside stalwart Carmen Souchet.
We are invited to come along and enjoy this original comedy, based upon the outrageous and hilarious events surrounding a major newspaper in the 1980’s. Ruthless and philandering Editor George Goldman stops at nothing to shape the nation’s events and to scoop the headlines in the battle for readership. But how much longer can he get away with it, and who will be the winners and losers?
The talented and enthusiastic cast are enjoying every moment of comedy within the play - and there are many! Robert Johnson, Robert A Hardy, Sue Dye, Natalie Harries, Rob Day, Karolina Liedtke, Bobbie Jack, Elanor Davidson and Ben Roberts look forward to giving you a great evening.
Tickets are £10 and include a Ploughman's Supper with Dessert after the performance.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - 07771 458 696 - www.ManorPlayers.org - www.ticketsource.co.uk/manorplayers
Spelthorne Council launches Get Active 50+
LOSRA has received the following email from Spelthorne Council:
Working with Active Surrey and Surrey County Council’s Public Health Team, Spelthorne Council has launched Get Active 50+, a project aimed at improving the health of older adults across the Borough.
People tend to be less active as they get older and we have an ageing population in Surrey. Almost one in five people are over the age of 65 and this is set to rise to one in four in the next 20 years. Being more active by doing something that raises their heart rate for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, can lead to both physical and mental health benefits.
Leading a healthier, more active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym; it could be brisk walking, ballroom dancing or bowls. We can help. Did you know that by increasing your physical activity levels, you can prevent and manage many conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, joint problems and obesity? Being active can also lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, improve symptoms of depression, reduce stress and prevent or manage osteoporosis, falls and hypertension.
Get Active 50+ is making it easier than ever for adults to lead healthier lives by putting on a varied programme of sports and physical activities for people to try. There are numerous sports and activities offered to encourage and inspire our residents aged 50 or over to try something new, get active and improve their health and wellbeing.
Visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/getactive50 for details on the 50+ activities on offer in Spelthorne or call 01784 446433 for further information.
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LOSRA's President, Paul Watts to Celebrate 70th Birthday with Jam Session on 19th August
Paul Watts announces:
"The next Music Night [at Sunbury Cricket Club] is on Friday 19th August, starting a bit earlier than usual, and as you may spotted, it’s rather an unusual one – August is a funny old month to do regular gigs what with people being on holiday, so I decided to vote myself a gig by hosting The Paul Watts 70th Birthday Jam Session, which also celebrates five years of running the Music Nights at the Club. It was actually my birthday in June, but it was more convenient to do this show now, and we have pulled together a dozen or more of our excellent local players, including several with an illustrious history, plus I hope one or two guests coming from further afield.
"The guitarists are Gerry Cook, well-known local jazz and rock player, originally with The Saxons in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s who were winners of the National Skiffle Group Championship; Tim Renton of 3AM, who played at the Club last year (he was formerly a Womble!); Chris Allard, who has played at the club with Venice Red; Mark Doyle of The Marshall Taylor Band, who have also played at the Club, plus a loose musical cannon in the form of cricket club stalwart Dave Boothman. Bass players are Colin Pattenden from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (and now with Nashville Teens, Jackie Lynton and Skeleton Crew); Martin House, local player who has been in Life & Soul along with all our bands since the ‘80s; Roger Harding, another local player who plays with jazz outfits like the Rebel Yell Jazz Orchestra. Keyboard players are Kevin Welling (he was once in a band with Elaine Paige) of Dave’s Not Here and The Stan Bland Band, and a likely guest appearance by former EMI colleague of mine Jon Pope, who was with Mungo Jerry back in the day. Drummers are Stephane Booroff of Edison Lighthouse, and local player and Music Night regular Alan Worrell. Harmonica players are the formidable talents of an old buddy Geoff Forester and Adam Russel of Nashville Teens and his own band. We’re delighted to say also that it now looks like Karl Green, originally with Herman’s Hermits and latterly with his band Dave’s Not Here, will be in the UK for the event and will be slotting in on vocals and guitar on various numbers. There may well also be a couple of old friends from my first 1962-3 band in Hastings, The Confederates, who have played for the last quarter-century on the south coast as Jinks, along with one or two other surprise guests. I will be singing and playing rhythm guitar – just about everybody else will also be singing.
"This fine body of talent will be loosely organised into group-sized agglomerations to do four sets of about half an hour each, which we have prepared to some extent, so it won’t be a jam session in the true sense of a disorganised free-for-all, although there will be some cast-of-thousands massed rockers and voices bits for the finale. I am sure it will be a bundle of fun all round, and although precision may not be a hallmark of the evening, we are aiming to put on a proper show worthy of the Club.
"Admission is free, otherwise it’s normal Music Night, with the usual food menu available from fairly early on, as we are aiming to start the show promptly at 8.30, so that we have some time to socialise during and after the show. We look forward to seeing you there".
Regards
PAUL WATTS
Heritage Open Day at St. Mary's, 10th September
The FOSM (Friends of St.Mary's) is the independent Charity set up to raise funds to maintain the fabric of the building and it's contents; and so ensure this much loved local landmark and centre of our Village life can be kept in good order for future generations.
Residents who have recently moved to Lower Sunbury may not be aware that the Parish Church was built on the site of a medieval church building in 1752 to designs by Stephen Wright who at the time was Clerk of the Works at Hampton Court Palace. The interior was re-modelled by the Victorians between 1857 and 1895, substantial restoration & repairs were carried out in the 1970's and the Tower was restored and secured for future generations in the early 2000's.
The Church contains 17th & 18th Century baroque wall memorials salvaged from the original building, Arts & Crafts movement stained glass windows, High Victorian decor designed by Samuel Teulon and Scraffito decoration from the 1890's; the dawning years of the Art Nouveau movement.
The Friends organise talks, music, concerts and plays and during the last 14 years have raised over £100,000 helping to pay for repairs to the tower, roof, bells and drains etc. During 2012 FOSM have helped with a donation of £28,000 towards a replacement nave roof.
The friends are now looking ahead to the Heritage Day this September 10th which will include a display from the Sunbury & Shepperton Local History Society – a society which never fails to entertain and inform with it’s in depth historical knowledge of the local area - plus a tour of the bells and a chance to 'have a go'! Please join us and support us in our work.
Why no news on the cycle/footbridge?
A number of recent enquires suggests that it's probably a good time for an update on the cycle/footbridge project. After David Cameron's pledge to kick-start a "cycling revolution" our hopes were high that funding might even become available in the lifetime of this parliament. Sadly, it seems our optimism was misplaced. Funding for cycling would have to increase thirteenfold to meet a government pledge to double the number of people travelling by bicycle (that is, people wishing to journey from A - B and does not include the out-of-town, road-racing, lycra-clad pelotons who make life so frustrating for motorists by turning Lower Hampton Road, Thames Street and Fordbridge Road into a racetrack!).
Analysis by Cycling UK showed that annual funding for cycling in England would be cut to two thirds of its present level by the end of the decade and that the annual £314 million pot for cycling over the next five years would decline rapidly. Funding will stand at £95 million this year and next before dropping to £45.5 million in 2018-19; and £33 million in 2020-21 (or 72p per person per year outside London).
All very disappointing and while it doesn't necessarily kick our project into the long grass it does mean we will have to make a huge adjustment to our expectations about seeing a bridge built in the near future.
New Charges for Disposals at Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre
If you’re planning any DIY or building work at home or in your garden, make sure you find out about new charges being introduced for some non-household waste at the nine CRCs (community recycling centres) which accept it.
The new charges will come in from 1 September, and apply to waste from construction, alterations or repair of your home or garden, such as plasterboard, breeze blocks, bricks, rubble and soil. Tyres from cars and motorbikes will also be subject to a charge.
Here are some more details about what you will and won’t need to pay for, and how much the charges will be:
- Non-household waste in bags no bigger than 50cm x 77cm will be charged at £4 a bag.
- Sheets of plasterboard no bigger than 120cm x 240cm will be charged at £4 per sheet.
- Items such as concrete fence post, ceramic bath, cistern and paving slab will be charged at £4 per item.
- If the material is loose, a charge of £50 will apply per car load.
- A charge of £5 will apply for tyres from cars and motorbikes.
- Bicycle tyres will be free of charge.
- There will be a free daily allowance of chargeable waste of one bag or one item or one sheet of plasterboard per household.
- Charges can be paid by credit or debit card.
Increased demand for essential services, coupled with reduced government funding, means Surrey County Council needs to reduce its spending in other areas, including its CRCs.
A full list of the types of waste that will be charged for is available at surreycc.gov.uk/recycling.
We can only hope that the new charges will not increase the incidence of fly-tipping!
Mayor's Charity Jazz Riverboat Cruise, Saturday 10th September
Alf Friday, our popular local Sunbury East councillor, and currently Mayor, will be hosting a Jazz Riverboat Cruise in aid of his chosen charities on Saturday 10th September.
We are delighted to publicise the Flappers and Dappers Roaring 20's themed event.
Cricket Week at Sunbury CC, 1st - 5th August
This year cricket week will take place from 1st to 5th August. The fixture list is below.
The whole week is a celebration of cricket and of Sunbury CC in particular; but Tuesday and Friday are the highlights of the week when the Club welcomes the MCC and hold the T20 Festival respectively.
Please show your support. The bar will be open all day, every day, from 11:00am through to evening closing time. Every evening will be a Club evening and there will be a post festival BBQ from about 7pm on Friday.
Walled Garden Wins Green Flag Award for 6th Successive Year
The Walled Garden in Thames Street has won the prestigious Green Flag Award for the sixth year running.
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country and this year the Walled Garden is one of a record number of spaces to receive the Award.
The historic Walled Garden in Sunbury Park was built in the early part of the 18th Century. Following years of neglect, Spelthorne Borough Council embarked on a restoration project of the two acre garden in 1985.
Expert use of trees, shrubs and climbers on the ancient walls, which are 8 to 10 feet high in places, make the garden a beautiful place to visit. It is home to the Richard Stothard Memorial Clematis Collection which has over 200 varieties, with a clematis in flower almost every day of the year.The sheer variety of plants provide great inspiration for gardeners.
The Walled Garden is open seven days a week, from 7.30am-8.30pm in the summer months.
Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex - Public Consultation on 21st July
The developers, Willmott Dixon, will be holding a public exhibition at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex, Waterside Drive, Walton on Thursday 21st July between 4pm and 8pm.
In hand-delivered fliers sent to a number of households the developers state their intention to make some changes to improve their original development proposals for the Complex. The principal change is the removal of the northern spectator stand and storage, along with minor changes to the landscaping and car park. Members of the project team will be available at the Xcel centre to explain the changes and answer questions. For those unable to attend, the exhibition material will be on display at Elmbridge Civic Centre and Walton Library between 21st July and 4th August.
The exhibition will be of particular interest to Sunbury residents living on or near the Thames opposite the Complex, and who stand to most affected by noise and light pollution.
