GPCA Newsletter 2002.2 Feb

GOLDSWORTH PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION  
 
FEBRUARY 2002 NEWSLETTER VOL. 22. NO. 2.

 
PAGE 1

ABANDONED CARS

We understand that during the Christmas period a number of abandoned cars in the Woking area were set on fire. This yet again highlights the danger these vehicles cause, not only to children, but to all local residents and property. Our photograph is an example of how close some of these vehicles are to property. Petrol, or the residual vapours in the tank, is a potential danger to property should it be torched. The thoughtless act of abandoning these vehicles is even harder to understand when Woking Council is currently offering to remove unwanted vehicles FREE OF CHARGE. A 1979 Road Traffic Act sets out the requirement to remove vehicles even if the road fund licence is not out of date.

YELLOW LINES OUTSIDE SCHOOLS

Parking outside our local schools is still a problem. It is understood that it is now a motoring offence to stop in these areas. In some areas the police have issued on the spot fines. Thoughtless parking can put others at risk. A few extra yards to walk will not exhaust anybody - in fact, it will make a person fitter.

MEETING BARRY THE BURGLAR

On a Saturday morning in January, a small gathering of interested parties met a reformed burglar at Goldwater Lodge. As GP News is not an education vehicle for would-be burglars, we will skip his comments on how to gain entry to property and select property. However, the following crime prevention points arose from Barry's comments and in question and answer forum:

Doors with double locking rim and mortise.

All windows locked

Prevent entry to rear of a property

Security sensor lighting

Good street lighting

Continued on Page 2

Goldsworth Park Community Association CAR BOOT SALE MONDAY 1 APRIL Goldsworth Park Centre. To book a pitch call Arthur on xxxxx xxxxxx

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Please note, Merlin Print is closing at the end of February. We would like to thank all those who have used our services or advertised in this publication over the ten years we have been associated with GP News and wish the GPCA every success in the future.

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

MEETING BARRY THE BURGLAR

(Continued from Page 1)...

Don't make your property too secluded

A real dog (not a tape recording)

It should be pointed out that these comments were his views. Burglars all develop their own methods, for example some only go out at night, others in daylight. Also remember that what you may think is a good hiding place for property in your house - he has seen them all before. Nothing you do is original. Individual crime prevention advice for your property is free from Surrey Police. Contact Kevin O'Grady, our local Crime Prevention Officer at Woking Police Station. One other interesting comment made by Barry was about his background. He was not from a broken home environment. His regrets in hindsight were lack of attention at school and lack of qualifications. Also, not having the strength of character not to run with the wrong crowd. He thought a good education would have been a great help in keeping him on the straight and narrow.

Peter Winter

BEAUFORT COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL WEBSITE

On 4th February Beaufort School went on line. The inauguration took place in two parts. In the morning key stage 2 was visited by the Member of Parliament for Woking, Mr Humfrey Malins, who opened the website on their behalf. Later key stage 1 and reception class were visited by the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Barry Pope, who pressed the mouse to open the site on their behalf. For up-to-date information about the school the website address is: http://www.beaufort.surrey.sch.uk/index

GOLDSWORTH PARK LAKE

During the recent spell of very cold weather, residents, police and council officers were very concerned about children playing on the ice. PARENTS MUST ENSURE THAT, WHATEVER THEIR AGE, CHILDREN ARE MADE AWARE OF HOW VERY DANGEROUS THIS PRACTICE IS. Fatalities regularly occur during winter when people walk on frozen water only to find it is not nearly as thick and strong as it looks.

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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....

GOLDSWORTH PARK RANGERS FC

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC are having mixed fortunes having reached the halfway stage of the season. The senior squads have both been knocked out of their respective League Cup Competitions, but are both still involved in the League Charity Cup Competitions. The First Team are lying third in division one. The reserves are looking to finish mid-table in their first season in division two. Of the eight junior age groups, five are still involved in their League Cups and two age groups have very realistic chances of lifting their League titles. All in all, again meeting our main objective of giving regular football to local people, we are again having an enjoyable season, and there is still plenty to play for and win!!

SPRING CONCERT

Woking Choral Society's spring concert features the following two fine pieces: Mozart's Mass in C Minor and Vaughan Williams' Dona nobis pacem, which will be performed in the H G Wells Suite at 7.30pm on 23rd March 2002. Mozart's Mass in C Minor, like the Requiem, is an unfinished work. It was written to fulfil a vow that when he brought his wife Constance, whom he married in 1782, to Salzburg to meet his father and sister, he would have a new mass performed there. By the time that visit came about in the summer of 1783, Mozart had completed the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Benedictus, together with two movements of the Credo. However the bulk of the Credo and the Agnus Dei remained uncomposed. The surviving movements of the Mass are a pinnacle of Mozart's achievement, combining lyricism and contrapuntal skill in a blend of sublime and passionate intensity. Vaughan Williams wrote his great cry for peace, Dona nobis pacem, in 1936, when the Second World War was approaching. The first performance was by Huddersfield Choral Society. The parallels with Britten's War Requiem are quite striking. There is the same contrast of text from the Mass and the Bible with settings of modern war poetry - in Vaughan Williams' case three moving poems by the poet Walt Whitman. Dona nobis pacem lasts about 40 minutes and is scored for soprano and bass soloists, chorus and a large orchestra. It has six movements and, again like the War Requiem, ends on a note of reconciliation and hope. Tickets are available from the H G Wells Box Office, the Information Centre, Hammicks Bookshop and Surrey Music Store, all in the centre of Woking, and Britten's Music, West Byfleet. For more information ring xxxxxx or xxxxxx or visit our website at www.wokingchoral.org.uk.

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Botany Barns Garden Centre....

GARDENERS' DIARY FOR MARCH

BY BERNARD AT BOTANY BARNS

ORNAMENTAL

Shrubs: Renew or repair supports of climbing shrubs before new growth starts, treat supports with Cuprinol. Trees: Prune any ornamental trees, except flowering cherries. When removing thick branches with a pruning saw make an undercut first, to stop bark ripping, cut flush to main stem. Provided conditions are suitable you can carry on planting Shrubs, Trees, Heathers, Rhododendrons, Azaleas etc. An unheated greenhouse can be used to protect and bring on potted plants such as wallflowers, polyanthus, bulbs or even some early flowering shrubs. If your greenhouse is heated then maintaining a night temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius allows the sowing of begonias, cyclamen, salvias, lobelia, antirrhinums, sweet peas and other hardy bedding plants.

PLANTS OF INTEREST IN MARCH

Trees and shrubs with either berries or flowers: Corylus Avellana, Daphne odora and mezereum, Erica carnea, Hamamelis mollis, Mahonia Charity and Japonica. Rock garden and borders in flower: Crocus, Eranthus, Galathus (Snowdrops), Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose). Lawns and paving: With all the wet weather we have had recently, help to drain the lawn by spiking over the water-logged areas with a garden fork, pushing the tines in to their full length. Brush sharp sand into the holes; this will assist with the drainage. Paving: algae and moss on concrete paving is very slippery and dangerous, wash down with either Jeyes fluid or armillotox, scrubbing with a stiff brush. (Remember to use gloves when handling chemicals and follow manufacturer's instructions). Remove deep-rooted weeds growing between cracks or through gravel, apply a total weedkiller such as Pathclear or Roundup (follow maker's instructions).

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

In sheltered areas and if conditions are right sow peas (Feltham first for picking in May and June). Also plant broad beans (Aquaduice, Claudia or the Sutton) incorporating bone meal into the soil prior to sowing. Plant shallots using varieties such as: Gourmet or Red Sun for good keeping qualities. Plant rhubarb roots (crowns) 1 metre apart in well-manured soil or incorporate bonemeal or Vitax Q4. To force rhubarb outdoors, cover crowns with straw, hay or bracken then place a box or bucket over the top, excluding all light. Select your seed from your local garden centre; some of the early sowings can be made in February, if you have a heated greenhouse, such as summer cabbage hispi, prime or golden Acre. Seed Potatoes, onion sets and shallots are all now in stock at the Garden Centre. Potatoes should cost approximately £2.99 for 3 kilos or £1.25 for 1 kilo, with onion and shallots 99p per 500g bag. Also, in frames or under cloches sow radishes, carrots Nantes varieties. In mild spells, watch out for slugs and scatter pellets. Plant fruit trees, bush and cane fruits, provided the ground is not water-logged or frozen. Suggested varieties to select: Blackberries: Merton. Blackcurrants: Boldwin, Ben Lomond, Ben Sarek. Loganberries: Rumbus, Thornless. Raspberries: Autumn Bliss, Glen Clova, Heritage, Leo, Malling Admiral, Malling Jewel. Cut back newly-planted cane fruit to 23cm above the soil level, and blackcurrants to 3cm. Prune apples and pears if not already done, dispose of all prunings, check tree ties, then spray with a tar oil winter wash. Check grease bands, remove any dead leaves that may form a bridge across them. Treat trees and bushes grown in grass with a nitrogen feed (sulphate of ammonia or nitro-chalk) before the middle of February, as roots become active early in spring. With all the rain we have had, nitrates will have been washed out of the soil. Other tress grown in cultivated soil will need feeding in March.

Botany Barns (Knaphill Garden Centre) is in Barrs Lane, Knaphill.

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Ian Allan Garage....

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OUT OF THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE

The National Film Theatre on the South Bank of Waterloo is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. As part of the 1951 Festival of Britain, it first opened as the Telekinema and brought in the crowds with its programmes of innovative 3D shorts. Since then, the National Film Theatre has become firmly established as the leading showcase in the United Kingdom for all aspects of the moving picture. From the early days of silent cinema to the latest digital technology, from the Russian revolutionary propaganda and German expressionist classics to the best that Hollywood has produced, the range of moving images has been truly astonishing. The magnificent example set by the NFT in London is one which Woking's New Cinema Club constantly seeks to emulate. WNCC's selection this month is a perfect illustration of this. Coming up are two fascinating films which you are most unlikely to see anywhere else - except, perhaps, at the NFT! The title may be totally unknown to you but, rest assured, they are an accurate description of their quality content! So, do go and see "The Show of Shows on Thursday, 14th March. Warner Bros. made this extravaganza in 1929 - shortly after the coming of sound - and claimed that it was "a connoisseur's collection of the supreme examples of almost every form of stage and screen entertainment". Partly filmed in Technocolour, the cast alone makes this historic rarity worth seeing. John Barrymore, Beatrice Lillie, Myrna Loy, Ben Turpin and Lupino Lane are just some of the legendary stars. There are also appearances by Ted Lewis and his Orchestra and Rin-Tin-Tin. Among the many songs to be enjoyed are "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody", "If Your Best Friend Won't Tell You", "Pingo Pongo" and "Singing In The Bathtub" - the latter performed by a "well-rounded" lady! Equally unmissable is "After Life" which the Cinema Club is screening a fortnight later on Thursday 28th March. This Japanese film is set somewhere between this life and the next. Staff there help newly-deceased arrivals to review their lives and identify the time when they came closet to perfect happiness. That moment then becomes their personal future heaven. Sounds strange doesn't it? Tony Rayns in the magazine "Sight and Sound" regards "After Life" as a masterpiece. Alan Stanbrook states in "The Daily Telegraph" that it "is one of the great films of the Nineties". Certainly, "After Life" is charming, moving and completely original. Be open minded! Go and see what you think of these films. Both start at 8.00pm. One thing is for sure. You will get a warm welcome at WNCC's regular venue of Mayford Village Hall - a short distance down Saunders Lane and not far from Mayford roundabout on the A320 Woking-Guildford road. It costs only £3.50 (£3.00 concs.) per film if you come to the Club as a guest. It costs even less if you become a member. For further information about subscription rates and forthcoming attractions, phone xxxxxx (daytime) or xxxxxx (evenings) or visit the Club's website at www.wncc.org.uk. Joining the NFT is also highly recommended but there's no doubt that WNCC beats it for friendly atmosphere and home made cakes!

GOLDSWORTH PARK ONLINE

Don't forget to visit the GPCA's very own website at: http://uk.geocities.com/goldsworthpark or visit the Woking Borough Council website first (www.woking.gov.uk) and find us on their links page.

REMEMBER

The Goldsworth Park Community Association welcomes contributions from all organisations, clubs, schools, etc from The Park. You can provide information on any event or activity, just so long as you contact us at least four weeks before publication.

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CRIMEWATCH GP

VICTIM SUPPORT TRAINS MORE VOLUNTEERS

Victim Support in North West Surrey Division has just completed a major new training programme, which now means that 23 volunteers are working in the boroughs of Woking and Camberley. (Webmasters note: Camberley should read Surrey Heath?) The training programme for volunteer visitors who help people who have suffered the effects of burglary, theft and criminal damage was completed with the help of other Victim Support schemes across Surrey. North West Surrey Victim Support co-ordinator Liz Partington said: "We recognise that suffering a burglary or a handbag snatch can be very distressing and our volunteers can provide a listening ear and help with practical issues such as insurance claims." Victim Support has also trained a record number of people to help with more serious crimes such as domestic violence and rape so that people who have experienced this type of crime can be supported too, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police. In addition, in North West Surrey police division there's a team of volunteers specially trained on a new course, which was developed following the report into the death of Stephen Lawrence, to help victims of racially aggravated crimes. Liz says: "Anyone can telephone us on xxxxxx. Our service is confidential, independent and free of charge."

44 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Once again CCTV cameras in Woking and Camberley town centres have led to the arrest of thieves, drunks and the violent, as well as helping those in trouble. Last December there were 44 arrests, 35 thanks to the cameras in Woking and 9 in Camberley town centre. In Woking one Thursday morning a missing 14-year old girl was found and a man was arrested in connection with this. In the early hours of a Saturday morning two girls were spotted fighting and one was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Early one Sunday morning a man was arrested for assault following a fight in Chertsey Road, and one Monday evening two men, one with a knife, were causing problems in Wolsey Way and one was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. and camera also came to the rescue when three men ran from a taxi, after refusing to pay. They were all arrested in different parts of the town. In total there were 13 shoplifters arrested, five drunks and four arrested for assault in Woking. Of the nine arrests in Camberley, one was for drug offences at a town centre nightclub one Friday evening. A week later the cameras led police to a man who was arrested for assault after an incident outside the Litten Tree public house. Cameras monitored a problem at a High Street shop one Saturday morning, which led to the arrest of a man for criminal damage and assault. Of the four shoplifters caught thanks to the cameras, three were working together one Saturday afternoon and were tracked by cameras when they ran off. a drunken man was arrested when police attended a fight picked up by camera on the A30, and there was one arrest for public order offences one Saturday night. CCTV is the result of a partnership between North West Surrey Police and the local authorities of Surrey Heath and Woking, and the cameras are monitored by specially trained police officers at Woking Police Station.

Crimestoppers Surrey 0800 555 111

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WOKING BC LEISURE REVIEW

Woking Borough Council recently carried out a wide-ranging review of its arts, leisure and recreation services. This has now been subject to an independent inspection and the report was published in January. The Inspectors said the Council provided a 'good' arts, leisure and recreation service with 'promising' prospects for improvement. Good equals two stars on a scale of 0(poor) - 3 (excellent). Among the factors that make it good are:

.High user satisfaction in most areas.

.Community access to art, leisure and recreation is generally good with excellent access to community theatre.

.High quality facilities in the town with substantial investment from the Council - eg Ambassadors Theatre complex, HG Wells Conference and Events Centre and the Pool in the Park.

.The service compares well with other councils and Woking is in the best 25% of districts for swim/Leisure Centre visits.

The full Best Value Report is available on the Audit Commission's website: www.bestvalueinspections.gov.uk - select Woking then Leisure Report. The report has highlighted areas for further improvement and the Council will consider all the Inspectors' recommendations and revise the improvement plan accordingly.

COULD YOU BE AN INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER?

The advantages of independent travel are that you can go where you want, when you want and stay in the sort of accommodation that suits you and your pocket. You can stay put in one place or tour an area, as you wish. If you have only ever been abroad on a package holiday so far, does the idea of making your own arrangements fill you with trepidation? Going it alone is now easier than it has ever been before thanks to the Internet. You can thoroughly research where you want to go and what is the best way to do it for you and your family from the comfort of your own home and at whatever time of day or night suits you. You can find out what the weather is likely to be and what there is to do and see in your chosen destination. For starters, you can usually find tourist information by using one of the available search engines (eg www.yahoo.co.uk, altavista.com, ask.co.uk (Ask Jeeves) or lycos.co.uk) and entering the name of the city or area you are thinking of visiting. The next step is to decide how to get there. There are a number of 'no frills' airlines flying to Western Europe and they all have their own website: www.gofly.co.uk, easyjet, buzzaway.com, ryanair.com, flybmi.co.uk. (Webmaster's note: also try www.ba.com and www.opodo.com). Alternatively, you can seek the cheapest flight deals worldwide on websites such as travel select.co.uk, expedia.co.uk or ebookers.com. These three offer accommodation and car hire deals. These are not by any means exhaustive lists - the fun of the internet is that once you start you just keep trying and see where you get to. The travel sections in the weekend papers are full of ads that give websites and telephone numbers that are worth trying. Why not give it a try - good luck.

THREAT TO YOUTH HOSTELS?

Everyone knows what last year's Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak did to Britain's farmers but did you know that the Youth Hostels Association in England and Wales was also badly hit? The number of overnight stays was hit hard. As a result, the YHA is having to do everything in its power to avoid the need to sell a significant number of youth hostels. It would be a great shame if they had to sell hostels because the number of members has been increasing in recent times and the YHA had been intending to expand its network. If you would like to support the YHA, write to or visit your MP to ask for his help and/or become a member and see what the YHA has to offer. www.yha.org.uk

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EXCERPTS FROM THE WEY LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PLAN 2ND ANNUAL REVIEW

(SUMMARY VERSION, DECEMBER 2001)

The Environment Agency is the leading public organisation for protecting and enhancing the environment in England and Wales. Much of the major pollution which began in the 19th century with the Industrial Revolution has been dealt with. The challenge now is to address new issues such as global warming and air pollution as we help our economy and society make the longer-term transition to sustainable development. Local Environment Agency Plans (LEAPs) help the Agency identify, assess and address the environmental problems which are related to our departments and help us take into account the views of the local community. Here are some articles from the summary:

AGENCY PLANS PARAGON OF DEVELOPMENT WITH TAG MCLAREN AT PARAGON.

Based in Woking, the TAG McLaren group is developing a site at Paragon, near Woking, for a research facility and museum. The development will enable the public to see the history behind this automotive research, design and engineering company, and to have a greater access to the Mill Bourne and Bourne rivers. This 50 hectare site was the result of a five-year search in which 70 potential locations were considered. Construction of the development started this year (2001) on the site, which is no longer viable for agriculture and vulnerable to fly-tipping. The Agency is overseeing the creation of sustainable urban drainage systems, river restoration, improved public access, increased ecological and landscape value and a clean up of contaminated land due to landfill. Existing agricultural buildings are being demolished and land around the new buildings is to be extensively landscaped. Close to the centre of the site a new lake will be formed and to the south-west of the site a nature reserve, consisting of trees, grassland and a picnic area. Access will be gained by an existing public footpath crossing the site which will be re-routed along the lakeside. A complete drainage assessment by the developer to integrate management problems within the development. Solutions include regrading of the Mill Bourne to improve flow capacity, minimising development in the floodplain, control of runoff from impermeable areas through balancing lakes and reed beds to clean water flowing into the lake. The newly created channel was filled with silt following severe flooding in November 2000. This opened up an opportunity to incorporate a reed bed into the design and served to improve the in-channel habitat.

£17,000 of Flood Monitoring Equipment Installed

In 2000 Woking was badly hit by flooding, with nearly 150 properties suffering from a combination of excess surface water and floodwater from the Hoe Stream. Recurring heavy downpours that autumn, particularly in September and October, ensured that it was the wettest recorded period for over 40 years and the second wettest since records began in 1882. The Environment Agency has installed £17,000 of new equipment on the Hoe Stream in Woking to automatically monitor river levels in order to provide early warning for any future flooding. The monitoring site is downstream of Mayford Bridge on the B380. The level of the stream will now be logged and fed back to the Agency's area incident room at Frimley, Surrey.

The Environmental Vision

In 2001 we published our new vision; a healthy, rich and diverse environment in England and Wales for present and future generations. aims and objectives include: A better quality of life. An enhanced environment for wildlife. Cleaner air for everyone. Improved and protected inland and coastal waters. Restored, protected land with healthier soils. A "greener" business world. Wiser, sustainable use of natural resources. Limiting and adapting to climate change. Reducing flood risk.

PAGE 10

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 10:00am 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.

ADVERTISING IN GP NEWS

If you are interested in advertising in future issues of Goldsworth Park News, please contact Peter Winter on xxxxxx or write to him at xxxxxx, Goldsworth Park.

COMING SOON

Sat 2 March, St Andrews Barn Dance, St Andrews Church, Goldsworth Park Centre - see Social Committee for tickets.

Sat 23 March, Woking Choral Society's Spring Concert, H G Wells Suite, Woking. 7.30pm. See page 3 for details.

Fri 29 March, Good Friday Service, St Andrews Church, Goldsworth Park Centre. 10am. All welcome.

Sun 31 March, Easter Sunday Service, St Andrews Church, Goldsworth Park Centre. 10am. All welcome.

Mon 1 April, GPCA Car Boot Sale, Goldsworth Park Centre. Telephone Arthur on xxxxxx.

Mon 6 May, GPCA Car Boot Sale, Goldsworth Park Centre. Telephone Arthur on xxxxxx.

SAT 29 JUNE 2002, GPCA PARTY IN THE PARK - put the date in your diary now!

Mon 26 August, GPCA Car Boot Sale, Goldsworth Park Centre. Telephone Arthur on xxxxxx.

If you would like your event to be publicised in this listing, telephone or write with the details to Peter Winter, xxxxxx, Goldsworth Park, telephone xxxxxx.

HELP STILL SOUGHT

Remember, as we told you in the last issue, we need some help. More volunteers are needed if we are to hold the annual Children's Christmas Party this year. So, can you help organise the 2002 Christmas Party for the GPCA? We will, of course, give the organisers all assistance and financial support. If you'd like to know more contact Irene Watson on xxxxxx.

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Fox Garage Bisley....

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Curchods....