GPCA Newsletter 2002.1 Jan

GOLDSWORTH PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION  
 
JANUARY 2002 NEWSLETTER VOL. 22. NO. 1.

 

PAGE 1

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY

This year's children's party was held on Saturday December 8. Over 30 children attended for tea and entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas. The entertainment by Puppet Panto Mania carried on over most of the afternoon. This included the making of balloon sculptures for all those present, and puppet shows. Towards the end of the afternoon, Father Christmas arrived with presents for all. The event was organised on behalf of the G.P.C.A. by Irene Watson and Aenne Hayman and ably supported by other helpers. Our thanks to Irene and Aenne for their efforts.

HELP

Now the bad news: if we are to hold a Children's Christmas Party in 2002, the GPCA needs some volunteers. So, can you help organise next year's party for the GPCA? We will, of course, give the organisers all assistance and financial support.

BEAUFORT SCHOOL

In early December the school's teachers and governors said farewell to Lyn Davies. He has had to take early retirement due to ill health. Lyn had been head teacher at Beaufort School since the amalgamation of the two school's back in the early 1990's. At a presentation in the Vyne Day Centre, Lyn was presented with a cheque and a garden sundial. In return, Lyn is to present the school with trophies for annual presentations to pupils; a tree will also be planted in February in the school ground. I am sure many residents and children and ex-pupils will wish Lyn a speedy return to better health.

John Green

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Talking to Father Christmas during his annual visit to Squires Garden Centre at Littlewick Road, I wonder if we are being driven round the bend to be politically correct. He tells me that it is being said that Father Christmas' traditional greeting of 'Ho Ho Ho' is not politically correct. If this is true, one wonders how much further a minority will go to continually erode what have long been traditional approaches to every day life. Surely this Ho,Ho,Ho, thing is a joke?

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(Michael Lawrence Painter + Decorator)....(Car Tune Mobile Tuning, Servicing, Repairs Bob Wayte)....(Bisley Removals)....

GOLDSWORTH PARK SCHOOLS

It is interesting to note that all three schools on the Park are included in Surrey County Council's Pegasus Project. This project, using specially built buses, will take children to and from schools. It will try to cut traffic congestion by using an up-to-date school transport scheme. Council chiefs are determined to break the so-called school run car culture. This scheme will be phased in over two years, starting in September 2003. We hope that all local residents will give this project their 110% support in an effort to make out roads safer. As somebody said to me, if schools did not have gates and doors a few parents would drive into the classroom. The G.P.C.A. hopes all residents will support this unique project when it gets under way. It will be interesting to see how the project evolves.

LETTER FROM MRS COLLEY

(Reproduced by kind permission from the Woking Review)

SIR There is a very special couple who live in Goldsworth Park, Arthur and Rene Harmour, who have done so much for others. They deserve a big thank you. Since 1982 Arthur has served on the committee of the Goldsworth Park Community Association. These two lovely people have arranged seaside trips with packed lunches provided, trips to France, Christmas parties and Tuesday bingo for mostly elderly people. Arthur and Rene are well into their 80s and are still carrying on, despite not being in the best of health over the past few months. They think that they will be letting others down if they give up. The Goldsworth Park car boot bookings and allocations are also done by Arthur and Rene. The thought of the telephone calls all the time would send me dizzy. So to Arthur and Rene, a great big thank you from your friends at the Tuesday bingo.

Phyllis Colley

Editor's Note: What Mrs Colley did not mention was how much money is raised for Woking Hospice by the Bingo Club run by Arthur and Rene.

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(Paul Blake Painter + Decorator).... (Hair Design by Jayne Mobile).... (MJH Services Domestic Appliance Repairs).... (Websites built to order by Gray Moose.com).... (Plumbers Mate).... (Gardener/Handy Man)....

LOST NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHES (BITTERNE DRIVE/WILDERS CLOSE)

There are 19 Neighbourhood Watches on Goldsworth Park covering over 800 homes. Each watch has a local co-ordinator plus one or more deputies depending on its size. Woking has in total 180 watches which cover nearly 9,000 homes. Over time co-ordinators resign or move away. A recent review of Goldsworth Park watches shows that two of the existing groups (Bitterne Drive and Wilders Close) has lost their co-ordinators. If a replacement cannot be found the watch will lose its accreditation and signs in the road will be removed. The role of a co-ordinator is not particularly time consuming; it requires mainly acting as a liason between watch members and the police. The Woking Neighbourhood Watch Group produces a newsletter twice a year which requires delivery. The position would suit someone who is active and maybe retired. The effort on the part of the co-ordinator need only be small but the rewards are many: above all, an average 50% drop in domestic burglaries in some watch areas. Another bonus could be a discount on household contents insurance. Insurance companies now offer discounts to members of accredited watches. Some of the Neighbourhood Watch "spin-offs", which enrich the community, have been rotas to look after the elderly or visit members' homes when they are away. Watches have also been effective in campaigning for things like better street lighting or safer roads. But the main advantage is that they provide a more caring and concerned community with the knowledge that your home and area are as safe as you and your neighbours can help to make them. If you would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch in your area, or live in Bitterne Drive or Wilders Close and would like to help your community by becoming the co-ordinator or deputy, please contact Bill Pugh from the Neighbourhood Watch Support Group. Tel: xxxxxx. The Police are very reluctant to remove accreditation but if co-ordinators cannot be found action will be taken to remove these two schemes from the accredited list.

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(Botany Barns Garden Centre)....

CARING FOR FISH AND PONDS

BY ALEX AT PENTANGLE IN BOTANY BARNS, KNAPHILL GARDEN CENTRE, NEXT TO MINATURE RAILWAY IN BARRS LANE

CHOOSING AN AQUARIUM

SITING

Firstly decide on a suitable position. Bear in mind that, if placed near a window, daylight will encourage excess algae growth. Avoid radiators and conservatories, as at various times of the year temperature fluctuations can affect the health of the tank. The aquarium will look stunning in a darker area of any room where its lighting will be shown off to best effect. If you have an alcove or an unused hatchway, tanks can be made to measure to fit the available space. "Specials" cost no more than standard sizes, as manufacturers only charge for the area of glass used. A strong base is needed even for a small aquarium so shelving is generally out. If placing in a hatchway, ensure adequate space above the tank to allow easy access for maintenance.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE

A basic glass box of standard size or made to measure can be fitted with a metal or wooden hood. Cabinet aquariums are available in melamine or polished wood finishes in various colours and styles. You should be able to buy a cabinet to complement your existing furniture.

SIZING

Make a choice that will suit the size of the room and other furniture. Do not go too small; ask yourself "will I be satisfied with this in a year's time?" Upgrading to a larger setup can be costly and little is transferable from the previous tank. For coldwater fish, larger volumes of water are preferable, as these fish tend to grow bigger and the filtration is less efficient in an unheated tank. Filtration works even less efficiently in a marine tank, so the larger the aquarium the easier it is to maintain the equilibrium. To achieve more water in the tank, you need not necessarily take up more wall space, as a taller or wider one will do this. A cube style or corner unit can make best use of the available space. Do not go too deep: if you cannot reach the bottom, maintenance becomes more difficult. The taller the tank, the thicker the glass and the higher the cost - 10mm glass is roughly twice the price of 6mm.

EQUIPMENT

Essential components are filtration, heating (tropical) and lighting. Various filters are available each with their advantages and in some cases disadvantages:-

1. INTERNAL POWER FILTERS

Easy to install and maintain but most only have a small biological capability. So it is preferable to buy a size bigger than the manufacturer recommends. Those combining biological and chemical treatment are generally a better buy.

2. UNDERGRAVEL

Provides efficient biological filtration and is very forgiving if the tank is overstocked. Live plants generally do not do well over one although certain species will tolerate it.

3. EXTERNAL POWER FILTERS

Probably the best type of practical filtration offering plenty of biological and chemical treatment. Drawbacks are that you need a cupboard underneath the aquarium in which to hide it and maintenance is more awkward and takes longer than the others.

This is one of the most important aspects of having the aquarium - after all it is going to be a major feature in any room. Use plants (real or artificial), rocks, wood and ornaments to enhance the aquarium. Be artistic: using rocks and slate, make ledges, caves and bank the gravel to make varying levels.

Then there are the fishes...

NOTE

Botany Barns Garden Centre articles giving gardening advice will resume with the February edition of G.P. News.

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(Ian Allan Garage)....

PAGES 6 + 7

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

(We have already published this on our website under the AGM Pages).....

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GOLDSWORTH PARK RANGERS

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC have formed an association with Chelsea Football Club, and on Saturday January 12th the second GPR/CHELSEA Fun Day, took place on Goldsworth Park Rec. The first such day, held last summer, was a great success, with all the young players learning new skills and refining their own techniques. Players were split into small groups and the day includes, passing, dribbling, shooting, penalty competition, prizes etc. These "fun days" are not only for the next generation of "superstars", but also for the average and below-average players who just want to join in the fun. GPR are always happy to welcome new players from age 5 upwards to adults. Home games are played on the Goldsworth Park Rec for Youths and Seniors, and at Beaufort School for the Mini-Soccer youngsters. Further information about the club is available from the Secretary, John Andersen on xxxxxx or xxxxxx.

WOKING TO LOSE HIGHWAYS AGENCY

Woking Borough Council's responsibility for highways, traffic and transportation decisions comes to an end on 31 March 2002 when Surrey County Coucil withdraws the Highway Agency. Woking has provided highways and other related services on behalf of Surrey since 1974. In the time, apart from day to day management and maintenance Woking Borough Council has carried out major projects including:

. The Commercial Way predestrianisation

. Old Woking Road and Parvis Road, 'quiet surfacing'

. Victoria Way improvements

. Camphill Road safe routes to school scheme

. Supervising the construction of the Goldsworth Road network and Hermitage Road/Amis Road mini rounabouts

. Walton Road area and Albert Drive traffic calming schemes

The majority of staff currently working on the Agency function are transferring to Surrey County Council. Cllr Jim Armitage, Chairman of the Council's Executive Committee, says, "We're disappointed by the County's decision which was taken for strategic reasons, rather than in consultation with either the Borough or local residents. "We had a great team here at Woking who have done important work with a huge amount of dedication and enthusiasm and they will be sorely missed. We wish them all the very best for the future."

CRIMEWATCH GP

BOBBY ON A BIKE AT THE PARK

Thanks to Goldsworth Park Councillor Diana Landon's generosity, the park's beat officer, PC Dave Magness will soon have two wheels to boost his policing power. Cllr Landon has dipped into her savings to give PC Magness a cheque for £2,000, as she felt strongly about the amount of crime in the area, and the need to provide effective policing. PC Magness is delighted with Cllr Landon's generosity and soon he will be able to nip along the park's alleyways and lanes when he is on duty on the estate.

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UNWANTED CARS

DID YOU KNOW...Each month some 100 cars are abandoned on the streets of Woking? Abandoning a car is illegal and if found guilty of such an offence, the driver faces a maximum fine of £2,500? The owner of every abandoned car is charged £155 for its removal and disposal? Despite the possible penalties, the number of cars being abandoned in Woking is increasing every year. Abandoned cars are unsightly, they are often a safety hazard and the administration, inspection and removal of abandoned cars costs the Council a great deal of money. In an effort to reduce the number of cars being illegally abandoned in the Borough, the Council is offering a free collection service for unwanted cars from December for three months as a trial. The trial aims to encourage owners of unwanted cars to contact the Council to arrange collection and disposal of their cars free of charge. This will help the Council to discourage residents from abandoning their cars and reduce administration and inspection costs. If successful the scheme will also help to improve the quality of the local environment and make the streets safer for all users. But the trial will only be successful if residents take advantage of the scheme. If you would like the Council to collect and dispose of your unwanted car, you must make sure that you can meet the following conditions:

i) The car must be registered to a resident of the Borough. (DVLA and Council records will be investigated to confirm this information.)

ii) The car owner must sign a declaration handing the car over to the Council for destruction.

iii) Only one car will be collected from any household during this scheme.

iv) Cars which have been reported as abandoned and are subject to a notice under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 will not qualify for free collection. THE ALPHA COURSE

An opportunity to explore the meaning of life. what is the point of life, what happens when we die? Is forgiveness possible? what relevance does Jesus have for our lives today? These are the sort of questions that can be explored on the Alpha course. It is a chance to answer that nagging feeling inside you that there must be something more to life. That's what I did, and that nagging feeling has gone and life has got so much better. Great! The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith. It's relaxed non-threatening, low-key, friendly and fun. Listen, learn, discuss, discover and ask anything. no question is too simple or too hostile. And it's supported by all the main Christian denominations. The Alpha course consists of a series of talks looking at topics such as 'Who is Jesus?' and 'Why and how do I pray?' with time for discussion after. Alpha is for everyone, especially: Those wanting to investigate Christianity. New Christians. Newcomers to the church. Those wanting to brush up on the basics. There is no charge for the Alpha course. It is running at St. Andrew's Church, Goldsworth Park, near Waitrose. There is an opening Supper on Saturday 26th January, and the course continues on Tuesday evenings, or Thursday mornings (with a creche), for ten weeks. Come to the opening supper and see what you think? Call xxxxxx to enquire.

GOLDSWORTH PARK ALLOTMENTS SOCIETY

Allotment gardening has had a long, and sometimes chequered, history, but now it would appear that the trend to grow ones own fruit and vegetables is upward and a further recent boost has been the publication of "growing in the community - a good practice guide for the management of allotments". The guide was commissioned by the Local Goverment Association and received financial support from the Goverment ie the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), the Greater London Authority and the Shell Better Britain Campaign. Whilst the guide is aimed at local authorities responsible for the management of allotments, there are many aspects covered which relate to allotment associations and individual plotholder, In no particular order these can be summarised as:- The health benefits of a quiet leisure activity in the open air. The production of quality fresh food with a saving of "food miles". The promotion of the product. The quality of the product ie toilets, car park etc. Wildlife conservation and organic practices. Involvement of all the family. Links with local schools. Seed discount schemes. Devolved management. At its Sheets Heath Lane site Goldsworth Park Allotments Society, a self managed organisation, covers all these aspects. There is a 90 plot site securely fenced with a double gate entrance, hard core vehicle access to all plots, toilet facilities, mains water via dip tanks and good company. There will probably be a few plots to let in the New Year on a first come first served basis. If you want to know more give the Chairman a call on xxxxxx.

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HIRE THE COMMUNITY CENTRE HALL AT GOLDWATER LODGE

If you are planning a Wedding, Anniversary, Party, Christening, Seminar, Meeting or any other event, then we have the place for you. The hall is available for hire for one-off functions or for regular events. Large enough to seat 70 people for a meal, or more in theatre style or a non-seated function. Modern, well-lit hall with dimmable lighting, carpeted floor, excellent decoration and furniture. The Snug Bar is also available to hire for small meetings or similar informal events for up to 25 persons.

Catering arrangements optional.

Ample free parking adjacent to the building.

Magnificent view across the Goldsworth Park Lake.

The hall is available for hiring from 10am until late every day of the week for single events or regular hirings, with a discount for regular hirers. If you'd like to know more about booking the community centre hall please ring Alison on xxxxxx.

COMING SOON

Sat 26 Januuary, Aerobathon in aid of Surrey Branch of the British Red Cross. Leatherhead Leisure Centre 10am to noon. Two hours of non-stop aerobics.

Sat 26 Januuary, Barn Dance in aid of woking Hospice. the Vyne, Knaphill. 7.30pm xxxxxx.

Sat 16th February, St Valentines Supper in aid of Woking Hospice. Rounce Farm Barn, West End. 7:30pm. xxxxxx.

Sat 29 June, Party in the Park put the date in your diary now!

GOLDSWORTH PARK ONLINE!

The GPCA has its own website with local news, events and links to other sites. There is also a forum section allowing you to talk to other residents and discuss local issues. Or you can send us ideas, stories, poems, local events, suggestions for website links to our e-mail address. goldsworthpark@yahoo.co.uk To visit the site use the url: http://uk.geocities.com/goldsworthpark (Please note this isn’t a www. site) You can also visit the Woking Borough Council website first (http://www.woking.gov.uk) and find us on their community links page. Remember this is your site as well and you can help us to make it even better.

YOUR NEWSLETTER

Another reminder to all organisations, clubs and schools etc that their contributions are always welcome. You can provide information on any event or activity, just remember to contact us at least four weeks before to ensure publication.

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Fox Garage Bisley...

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Curchods....