September 2008 Archives

Runnymede Council has made it into the top 20 of the nation's best councils to work for.

The prestigious competition, which is undertaken by The Times, is based on the views of employees and the policies and processes of the employers.

GOGMORE Farm Park is undergoing a transformation following a recent spate which has seen the park become overgrown, littered and terrorised by vandals. It has become an issue over the past year, with
Chertsey resident, Delia Mills, 62, of Green Lane campaigning to restore the park's former glory to the way it was when she moved to the area 30 years ago.

Following an initial clean up, the park is going to be monitored, with emphasis on litter collection. Chris Hunt,

Runnymede's head of leisure said: "We have spoken and worked with Mrs Mills and the cleaning up of the area will be dealt with accordingly."
Mrs Mills said: "It goes to show what a bit of effort can do, I'm looking forward to letting the other campaigners know."

MAYOR of Runnymede Cllr Jim Broadhead has appealed to the people of Chertsey to help with the annual poppy appeal.

Last year, donations to the British Legion Poppy Appeal for Surrey reached £912,000, and this year's appeal was launched on Monday (September 29).

But Cllr Broadhead has said there is a shortage of volunteers to help with collections, particularly in Chertsey.

Chertsey Museum's new exhibition, Vanity Fair, traces the history of fashion in the 19th century and its many different styles of dress.

The display from the Olive Matthew Collection includes exceptional examples throughout the decades ranging from the simple and classically inspired soft muslin empire-line dresses to high Victorian garments made in heavy silk satins.

Dress in the 19th century would not have been complete without a whole myriad of accessories and accoutrements. Crinolines and bustles which gave that distinct shape to women's dress; silk and leather footwear, heavily embroidered shawls, bonnets, gloves and bags can all be seen at the exhibition. Beautiful examples of men's dress are also included with luxurious waistcoats and a superb frock coat.

Would you like to record your memories of life in Runnymede for future generations to hear? Chertsey Museum is looking to interview up to 60 people from across the Borough for its new oral history project In Your Own Words.

The recordings will be theme based and anyone who has lived in the Borough for more than 10 years can take part. The themes will include "going out", "school days" and "special occasions". As well as becoming part of the Museum's archives for future generations to access, the recordings will be used in a temporary exhibition planned for autumn 2009.

If you have a story to tell, complete an application form available from Chertsey Museum; just telephone 01932 565764 and one will be posted to you.

The project is being funded by grants from BAA Community & Environment Awards, the Co-operative Membership Community Fund, Grassroots Grants through the Surrey Community Foundation, the Feoffees of Chertsey Market and the Friends of Chertsey Museum, who are co-ordinating the project.

Chertsey Town's football match had to be stopped on September 24 and fans were ordered to move their cars after firefighters became trapped in a narrow street.

A crew from Chertsey fire station was called out to a kitchen fire in Alwyns Close at about 8.15pm on and immediately afterwards, were called to a fire alarm in Surrey Towers, Addlestone.

A man who collapsed in Pyrcroft Road and hit his head on the pavement has died at St Peter's Hospital.

He was in his mid 60s and fell to the ground opposite Phoenix Plaza at about 7am on Monday September 29, suffering serious head injuries in the fall.

He was taken by ambulance to St Peter's Hospital, but declared dead on arrival.

Burglars have raided a home in Waverley Drive, Chertsey, stealing a laptop and other valuables.

The couple who live in the house went on holiday on Sunday, and the break-in came to light when neighbours spotted a patio door open this morning (Tuesday).

A source said on closer inspection it was discovered that the thieves tried unsuccessfully to force the front door, back door and kitchen window before forcing the lock on the patio door.

Clive Thompson has stepped down as chairman of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals Trust after six and a half years in the post.

Staff held a farewell party for him at the Guildford Road, Chertsey, complex, which was attended by colleagues present and past, including former chief executive Glenn Douglas.

Mr Thompson, who is retiring, described his tenure as "rewarding and often humbling" and told staff: "I leave you in good health, good heart, and in good hands".

A New crossing is set to be built in St Ann's Road, Chertsey, to allow pedestrians to cross the busy street.

Surrey County Council studied traffic levels and speeds, and the number of people who crossed the road over the course of a day.

After assessing the need, officials consulted with police, and decided to go ahead with a pedestrian refuge island in the middle of the road, which would provide a safe place to cross.