HannahCochrane

June2010

WRAYSBURYNEWS

IssueNo93

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WRAYSBURY NEWS

Published by Wraysbury Association

Issue number 93 June 2010

Wraysbury Parish Council

There appears to be some misunderstanding regarding the respective roles of the

Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. The Parish

Meeting must assemble annually between 1st March and 1

st June. Members of the

public including the press may be present but only registered electors of the parish

may speak or vote. Although chaired by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Parish

Council the parish meeting is not a meeting of the Parish Council. Any resolutions

passed at the Annual Parish Meeting are persuasive only and although taken forward

for consideration, are not binding on the Parish Council.

The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is always held in May except in election

years when it must take place on the fourth day after the election or within fourteen

days thereafter. The first business on the agenda must be the election of chairman

followed by election of Vice-Chairman. This election takes place between

Councillors present at that particular meeting. Once this formal business has been

completed other matters can then be discussed. This year’s annual meeting was held

on Monday 10th

May 2010.

The Annual Parish Meeting took place in the Village Hall on Tuesday 20th

April.

There was a better attendance than in the past few years which was good to see. There

was much interest which gave rise to comments and discussion on a range of issues.

Some of these such as the registration of the Eight Yards, the re-establishment of a

doctor’s surgery in Wraysbury and the opening hours of the container library are

already under active discussion by the Parish Council. A number of other matters

considered such as Queensmead Lake, communications, CCTV at Hythe End, and

public liability insurance will be placed before the Parish Council for their

consideration at future meetings.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Eight Yards, please take the time to read an article

written by Mr. John Sleep which appears further on in this publication. You will

almost certainly find it interesting and informative. In the past the Parish Council has

applied to register the land under the Commons Registration Act and later have

attempted the registration of ownership with the Land Registry, but both without

success. Blenheim Angling Society has recently applied for and subsequently

registered the bed of the Colne Brook and is now contemplating such an application

for the Eight Yards. The Parish Council has taken legal advice and has made it clear

that objections will be raised if such an application is made. We are of the opinion

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that the Council may not own the land but the inhabitants of Wraysbury most

certainly do. We have invited the Blenheim Angling Society to meet with Councillors

as we feel that this could be advantageous to both parties.

We have continued to work hard to assist the Datchet Health Practice in finding

suitable premises for a site in the village for a surgery. We must thank Mr. Mike

Smith particularly for his efforts in this respect. In the summer of last year premises

became available in the Village Hall where there was a surgery many years ago. This

was offered as such once again, but after six months of negotiations and an offer via

the Parochial Charities of a grant to assist with the cost of conversion, the Datchet

Health Practice decided that the premises did not comply with clinical governance

guidelines and thus declined the offer. Unfortunately it has become increasingly clear

that there is no support for a surgery in Wraysbury on the part of the PCT or Datchet

Health Practice. Meanwhile we continue to support our Borough Councillors who

recently submitted a resolution to the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead for

the formal establishment of a taxi service to Datchet which could be used by patients

in need of assistance in travelling to and from the surgery. A questionnaire will

shortly be sent to all former Wraysbury patients giving them the opportunity to

comment on the present level of service.

As advised in the last edition of Wraysbury News, the hours of opening of the

container library are being reviewed by the Royal Borough of Windsor &

Maidenhead. We are informed that public consultation will take place and will take

the form of a questionnaire which will be available both in hard copy and on line.

However following suggestions made at past meetings, if the revised schedule is

implemented we are seeking a later closure time of 8.00 pm.

Plans for work on the traffic strategy were approved at the meeting of the Parish

Council held in October last year. At the time of writing the work is largely complete

although there were some delays as a result of changes made to the scheme at Hythe

End.

Proposals for a new flood relief channel as part of the Lower Thames Flood Strategy

have been considered following a display held in the Village Hall on 27th

October last

year. A sub-committee was formed to discuss and a submission made to the Royal

Borough in November. Overall the project was considered to be excellent and the

Council was pleased with the proposals to protect the village from flooding. However

there were some areas of concern including practicality and effects on the

environment. A letter was also sent to Mr. Adam Afriyie, M.P. urging that dredging

of the River Thames be resumed as an interim measure until any work on the new

flood channel is completed. A meeting was subsequently sought with the Project

Manager and although this has proved somewhat difficult to arrange it is anticipated

that it will take place during May.

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At the meeting of the Council held in February the recommendations of the Finance

Committee were accepted whereby a precept of £56,315 was set for this financial

year. This represents £26.57 per band ‘D’ equivalent property being an increase of

1.8% over last year. This low level of increase was achieved through careful and

conservative budgeting.

We have recently erected signs on the Village Green warning motorists of the dangers

of parking their vehicles on The Green (road) whilst a cricket match is in progress.

Hanging baskets have also been ordered once again and will shortly be in place.

We have been fortunate is achieving funding for the development of a play area

primarily targeting children aged from 8 to 13 years. This will be a move away from

traditional play equipment and offer natural play elements to maximise the play value

for children and young people. The existing play equipment has not been forgotten

and will be refurbished. Our thanks go to Mr. Peter Knott for his assistance in the

latter.

The Parish Council is a supporting partner in the Neighbourhood Action Group

(NAG) which includes Thames Valley Police and the Royal Borough Community

Safety Team. We have assisted in the circulation of questionnaires in which residents

were requested to identify their three highest levels of concern. These will become the

three community priorities for the coming year. When the priorities have been

collated they will be published on the Parish Council website. Should anyone wish to

contact NAG please ring one of the numbers below:

Chairman: Mrs. Betty Marlow Tel. 01753 682482;

Email: dhw_nag@yahoo.co.uk

Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Team Tel. 0845 8 505 505;

Email:DatchetHortonNHPT@thames valley.pnn.police.uk

Community Safety Team (RBWM)

Tel. 01628 796126; Email: Communitysafety@rbwm.gov.uk

Roger P. Marlow, Cambia,

Clerk to the Council Stanwell Road,

Tel: 01753 682482 Horton ,Berks.SL3 9PA

Website: www.wraysburyparishcouncil@gov.uk

Friendly village

The nice part about living in Wraysbury is that when you don't know what

you're doing, or where you are going someone else does.

Anon

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WRAYSBURY FAIR 19TH

JUNE 2010

Wraysbury Fair 2010 looks to be our biggest fair to date run by this committee. It is

always a challenge coming up with fresh ideas and particularly those that are suitable

for all age groups. We are keen this year to have a return of some traditional fair

attractions, and bring back some “old fashioned fayre” entertainment.

Definitely our biggest new event is the Craft Show. A traditional craft show that gives

villagers of all ages the opportunity to show off their skills and crafts in a competitive

show.

As I have said we are always looking to improve the fair for everyone and we hope

that this will become an annual event. I am sure it will be well supported by all. Show

schedules have been available around the village, with entries due in by the 5th June,

so if you have not yet entered then you still have time.

This year Sue Whitehead has done an amazing job with the arena and has come up

with an action packed programme which includes circus acts, the ATC band and

Wraysbury Primary School entertaining us with another of there wonderful

performances. Please contact me if your dance troop, drama group would like to be

included in future years as we are always keen to find new entertainment.

We also have a very highly recommended Punch and Judy show and of course our

train will be doing laps of the field fundraising for Huntingdon’s Disease. Once again

quality food will be on offer from the Scouts who will be doing the pig roast and their

famous Burgers.

As I already said 2010 is going to be another big event!! Please do remember that

many charities rely on your support, so please attend rain or shine.

Many thanks for your support

Mark Foster Wraysbury Fair Committee

PLEASE KEEP WRAYSBURY & HORTON

GREEN AND TIDY

TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME WITH YOU

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EDITORIAL

Welcome to the June issue of the Wraysbury News. In this issue we have articles

and adverts for many up and coming events which need your support. This edition

is bigger and I hope better.

Wraysbury Fair is on June 19th

and lots of money we anticipate will be spent on

good causes. The theme this year is “An Old Fashioned Fayre”. This is followed

by Wraysbury Primary School’s Summer Fair on Saturday 3rd

July, and their

theme is "Around the World". The St Andrew’s Garden Party is on September 4th

.

We thank all our advertisers, old and new, contributors and distributors for all

their help in compiling and circulating the Wraysbury News and wish all our

readers an enjoyable summer.

Maggie Gardiner

Contacts

Invoicing/Accounts/ Publishing Maggie Gardiner 01784 482520

Distribution Anne Blake 01784 481310

All future articles, offers of help, comments and enquiries:

Post to: 24 The Avenue Wraysbury TW19 5HA

Tel: 01784 482520

Email: wraysburynews@hotmail.com or

maggie_gardiner@btinternet.com

All formats will be gratefully received, but if you can email or send me your

article on a CD, DVD or floppy disk you will save me having to type or scan it.

Please try and make the deadline. I’m a one woman ‘band’ and need your help.

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES, DIRECTORY OR ADVERT CHANGES

FOR THE DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE: OCTOBER 31ST

2010.

FRONT COVER

DESIGNED BY

HANNAH COCHRANE

All articles in the Wraysbury News are the views of the contributors and don’t

always reflect the view of the Editor.

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The Green, Wraysbury

TW19 5NA

comprising

The Thames Hall, The Colne Room, The Lake Room &

The Windsor Room

BOOKING NOW FOR 2010 - 2011

The Thames Hall spacious, with a fully equipped stage, accommodating up to 200 is an

ideal setting for that really special occasion - a wedding, a stage show, a conference, a

dance or social.

The Colne Room holding up to 55, is an attractive room perfect for Children's Parties,

Meetings and is used for staging Art & Craft Exhibitions.

The Lake Room boasts a patio with views over rural Wraysbury. Its elegance makes it

just right for Surprise Parties, Wedding Anniversaries or Children's Birthday Parties.

Accommodates around 50.

The Windsor Room is the latest addition and holds up to 65, so is ideal for the larger

party. It has its own disabled toilet and changing room.

The Thames Hall, Lake Room and Windsor Room can be integrated to accommodate

larger parties.

Wraysbury Village Halls have full disabled access, disabled toilets, a well equipped

kitchen, an attractive foyer, a hearing loop and plenty of car parking. Our resident

Managers, Dave and Louise, can advise on catering, hire of bands/disco and decorative

specialists. To make your event special give them a ring on 01784 483240.

Web Site:-www.wraysburyvillagehalls.com

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WRAYSBURY VILLAGE HALL

2009/2010 has been a bumper year with record level of bookings. However, it is

tinged with sadness as our very popular Managers, Dave & Louise have decided after

four years to move on. They are going to be a hard act to follow and will be sadly

missed.

We wish them well in their new life in Wales.

We are now in the process of interviewing, never an easy task, but I hope by the time

you read this we will have found the right people. When we do recruit them we ask

that you are all patient while they settle in and find their feet.

By the end of May we will have re-equipped the kitchen with a new floor and units

which should be of benefit to all users. I hope you all approve.

My personal appreciation goes to the stalwarts on our small committee who are

always on hand to help and advise and to our Secretary/Treasurer, Rosemary.

So looking ahead to next year we hope we enjoy the same level.

Mike Smith, Chairman 01784 483452

WRAYSBURY ART SOCIETY

The Art Class meets every Monday morning in the Village Hall from 10 - 12.

Anybody is welcome to join us whether you haven’t dabbled for a long time or you

are an artist of long standing.

We have a showing of our paintings outside the cricket pavilion at the Wraysbury

Fayre on Saturday 19th

June, where you can vote for your favourite painting and

another exhibition is held later on in the year usually before Christmas and a few of

them are for sale. Some of our works are also on display in the foyer of the Village

Hall. For further details please contact Lorna or come and just join us on Mondays.

Lorna Pullen 01784 481430 lornawatersmeet@hotmail.co.uk

WAR BABIES REUNION 2010

We are planning another get together for September 18th

2010 in the Village Hall.

Contact Anne Blake on 01784 481310 for further details.

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WRAYSBURY HISTORY GROUP

Our list of members continues to grow. In fact we are thinking of introducing a

waiting list as our seating is getting rather crowded.

We had some interesting speakers during the first half of the year. Unfortunately we

had to cancel our January meeting due to the bad weather, but Colin Parrish, our

speaker for January has kindly agreed to come in June instead.

A visit to Kew Gardens has been discussed. The main purpose of this visit is to view

the Marianne North Gallery that first opened in 1882 and has been recently

refurbished. She was one of the Victorian Lady Adventurers who travelled abroad to

paint flowers and animals in their natural surroundings. The gallery has now 832 of

her paintings. One of our speakers in 2008, Hester Davenport gave us a most

entertaining talk about Marianne’s life.

Our programme for the second half of this year is as follows:

JUNE 10th

2010 Colin Parrish The Royal Elizabeths

SEPTEMBER 9th Sally Botwright London Oddities

OCTOBER 14th Kay Webb Swan Lifeline and their rescue work

NOVEMBER 11th Martin Woolner Ancient Yews

DECEMBER 9th Xmas Social Evening

We meet at the Cricket Club Pavilion on the Village Green on the second Thursday of

the month at 7.30 sharp. For any further information please contact:-

Jill Hopkins 01784 482947 Margaret Rooks 01784 483056

STAINES BRASS BAND

On Sunday 5th

December 2010 come and hear Staines Brass Band at their Christmas

Concert in Wraysbury Village Hall at 7.30 and organised by Wraysbury Jazz Club.

See posters and banners for ticket details.

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EGHAM, STAINES &

WRAYSBURY COMMITTEE

Our main fund raising activity this year is our bottle tombola at Wraysbury Fair. This

has proved a great success for the past three years, but only because of the wonderful

generosity of local residents. So many people give us bottles, or money to buy some,

but we can never have too many. So if you have spare bottles of champagne, vodka,

brandy etc (only joking, we will take anything) hanging around them please give me a

ring on 483452.

We will be taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 24th

September and holding our Christmas Fair on Saturday 27th

November. Both these

events are at the Village Hall and we hope you can join us and your friends for a

pleasant chat and coffee while helping Macmillan.

Last year due mainly to local support we raised £7,500 which is very good for such a

small group. We are always so grateful to you all and marvel how your support

continues.

DON’T FORGET THE BOTTLES!

Rosemary Smith Treasurer 01784 483452 micro500@btinternet.com

KINGSMEAD SAILING CLUB

Have you ever fancied dinghy sailing? There are several clubs in the area to choose

from. However, we would like you to seriously consider Kingsmead Sailing Club.

Kingsmead Sailing Club Datchet Road, Horton SL3 9QE Tel: 01753 686016

www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk

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The parishes of St Andrew Wraysbury

and St Michael Horton

The purpose of our church is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to

increase the Christian family through our prayers, our worship and our God centred

lives.

www.stmichaels-horton.org: www.standrews-wraysbury.org

PARISH MINISTRY TEAM

Fr Simon Douglas Lane: Vicar

The Rev’d Andrew Parry: Curate

Mrs Beryl Walters: Parish Reader

Mr Mike Miller: Parish Evangelist

Well I held fire until the election was over and the deadline for the News means that

as I write this the old Government is still with us and the shape of the new

Government is unknown. Certainly a case of watch this space and of course the

remedies of reducing the budget deficit will be painful for all of us.

In the Christmas issue I mentioned the arrival of Andrew Parry as our new Curate and

how he balances full time work in industry with two busy parishes is a miracle: he has

certainly made an impact and at 5.00pm on 27th

June at St Mary’s Slough he will be

one of Deacons in the Burnham and Slough Deanery to be ordained Priest and he will

then be fully operational: this is just as well as the baptisms continue to flow in and

we have for the season 2010-2011 21 wedding services booked into the parishes

which would have been quite a work load for one person: with two? We are able to

provide a really excellent pastoral experience for the many couples coming to

Christian marriage. Baptism preparation on 2nd

Saturday mornings continue under

Mike Miller and his team, funeral services and our bereavement team continue to help

those through the loss of loved ones, and candidates will start preparing in July for

confirmation at St Peter’s Iver on 19th

October: and finally on the pastoral front a

successful Alpha course was run located at Wraysbury Baptist Church during a very

cold winter!

Our New Life and New Life plus services on the 3rd

and 1st Sundays continue to bring

in new members wanting to know more about the Christian faith, and you will see a

separate advert for these services elsewhere in the News. Please refer to the website

address for all the latest information, and the two websites for both parishes are now

interlinked and have been revamped with my thanks to Andrew Parry, Alison

Maitland, Carolyn Wheeler and Jill Wheal for their efforts with a technology with

which I still have to come to grips!!

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The Parish Share is now complicated by the economic outlook referred to above and

having considered our mission and outreach, together with the maintenance of two

lovely buildings, we set our decision for 2010 which was not as much as the Deanery

asked for but we have stuck to our guns, and with a ministry team of 4 (only one paid)

and covering two parishes we do provide efficient service. The serving team is stable,

but we do need new recruits to the bellringers (we have two) and the St Andrew’s

Choir which I run, so if you can sing, and your voice is alto, tenor or bass please see

me and off we go!

On the fabric front at St Andrew’s we are still experiencing a few problems with the

vestry roof, but the Library area is almost there, and the new carpet at St Andrew’s is

certainly there! The Vestry Wall at St Andrew’s is about to be dealt with and our

quinquennial inspection (every five years) is imminent. May I thank you all for the

wonderful response to the Friends of St Andrew’s envelope drop, and we cannot

thank you enough: even before the economic downturn the grant money for Grade 1

listed buildings was hard to come by which makes the effort at St Michael’s to install

effective central heating for the first time really remarkable: this winter has really

tested the system, and we thank Kathryn Harries for her wonderful concert in March

which made significant inroads into our loan repayments!

On the project front the news is not so good: the Youth Project is failing to attract

charitable funding and we have been turned down by four grant bodies, and have to

send back £5,000 to the Youth Opportunities Fund because we had not started the

project. Funding from the Parish Council and Parochial Charity is dependant on a full

time outreach worker being employed and we are a long way from that: one of the

Slough parishes has also had to halt its youth initiative and in times like this the

wrong areas seem to be starved of money. We have also discovered that the Safe as

Houses scheme ran out of money (Thames Valley Police trying to help here) and the

Early Years Learning Initiative for pre school playgroups also ran out of money two

months early: our re-elected MP has been approached to see what can be done: it is

admitted that these villages on the boundary of so many authorities(both church and

state) often fall off the radar, and I am determined to do what I can to change this.

I am still involved with Wraysbury School on the music front as well as taking

assembly when asked, and remain on the Governing body: the 26 squadrons in the

Middlesex Wing of the Air Training Corps all have padres now, and we are involved

this year with Cadet 150 and Battle of Britain celebrations.

It is a little early to give you details of our Christmas events, but keep your eye open

for all the events we will be holding this year. The Parish Garden Party is at the

Grange on Saturday 4th

September with a Medieval theme of Wenches and

Vagabonds. The Horton Village Fair is on 7th

August, and can I thank everybody for

supporting church events as and when they take place. As always look out for

publicity!

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And finally, I have just passed 5 years as Vicar here: the time has rushed past!

Progress over a whole range of fronts has been steady but the maintenance of the

Christian Faith in the United Kingdom becomes daily more difficult: whether it be

government legislation, legal decisions or the all pervading scourge of political

correctness, the faith heritage of this country is being weakened and diluted daily: I

have to say I’ll have none of it: this is a Christian country and no longer can we enjoy

the luxury of being denominational: we are all in this together which makes the

increasing co-operation and fellowship with Wraysbury Baptist Church even more

special. The Parish Churches are at the heart of their communities and all agencies

must work together for the benefit of all.

So in the very difficult years ahead where our material world will be under scrutiny as

never before, let those of faith hold to the principles espoused by our Lord Jesus

Christ and show that in the midst of economic turbulence there is a spiritual and

eternal alternative.

With my affectionate best wishes and every blessing

Fr Simon

IN MEMORIAM

Since last Summer’s issue the list below names those people who have sadly died and

for whom Funeral Services were undertaken at St Andrew’s, St Michael’s or a

Crematorium: Those names with an asterix were forwarded by Anne Blake.

Rosarie Lynch Valerie Green Marjorie Berry

George Simons Frank Fletcher Jean Beckett

Joan Herbert Christopher Moore Geoffrey Rayner

Peggy Willatts Norma Brown Elsie Cobb*

Jesse Cole Kay Ellis William East*

Hyla Horenz Wilfred Pond Charlie Coomber*

David Price Peggy Martin Sid de Horne*

Derek Lansiaux Bill Chitty Norman Gibson*

Our sympathies are extended to all the families of those who have died in the last

twelve months and for those who have died unknown to us.

Fr Simon and Beryl Walters

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REGULAR SERVICES

St Andrew’s Wraysbury

1st Sunday of Month 11:00am: New Life Plus with Informal Communion

2nd

and 4th

Sundays 11:00am: Parish Communion

3rd

Sunday 08:00am: Book of Common Prayer Communion

11:00am: New Life Service (Family Service)

5th

Sunday 11:00am: Group Eucharist at St Michael’s Horton

St Michael’s Horton

1st Sunday of Month 09:30am: Sung Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion

2nd

Sunday 09:30am: Family Service

3rd

and 4th

Sundays 09:30am: Parish Communion

5th

Sunday 11:00am: Group Eucharist with St Andrew’s preceded by Fairtrade

Breakfast at 9.45am (Breakfast started in March 2008)

Other Services

Midweek Eucharist Tuesday Mornings 11.00am at St Michael’s

1st Tuesday 1.30pm: Pop In Service at St Andrew’s

3rd Wednesday 2.30pm: Informal service for Angels Delight at St Andrew’s

Tuesday Morning Church Family Prayer Group at St Andrew’s 9.30 – 10.30

All main services 9.30am at St Michael’s and 11.00am at St Andrew’s

Sunday Schools operate at all main services with children and young people actively

involved with the Morning Praise, Family/New Life services

Contact Number: Parish Office: 481258 (Closed Fridays)

House Groups: Contact 482092

Weekly news of all three village churches is available on the Sunday Link news sheet.

A monthly newsletter covering news of the two Parish Churches is delivered free on

request. Please telephone 01784 482092. Information also available outside all the

churches and in the St Andrew’s Noticeboard on the side wall in the Village Car Park.

ST ANDREW’S GARDEN PARTY

SATURDAY 4TH

SEPTEMBER 2010

AT THE GRANGE

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REGULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

Saturday Quest/Trekkers:

4.00pm – 6.00pm Church Club for 7 - 14’s Annexe in term time plus other locations

as arranged. (Derek Beesley 07976 633783)

The Pop In Club:

Social club meets on Tuesdays between 2 - 4pm. in Annexe (Vicki 483551)

Men’s Breakfast:

Meets irregularly in St Andrew’s Annexe (Simon 481258): see publicity for events.

Woman2woman: Evening Women’s Group in the St Andrew’s Annexe at 7.30.

Contact details from Mary Townsend 483845

Men’s Pub Night:

Meet 8 pm. 2nd Friday of every month alternating between 5 Bells, Horton and The

Perseverance, Wraysbury (check with Mike 01753 689751 for next meeting date)

Ladies’ Fellowship “The Better Portion”:

1st Saturday of each month 12-2pm Baptist Church (Mary 483845)

New Life, New You

New Life and NEW LIFE+ SERVICES

Every 1st and 3

rd Sunday in each month at 11 am

St Andrew’s Church, Wraysbury

See www.standrewswraysbury.co.uk for further details

or speak to Beryl Walters on 01784 482092

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WRAYSBURY SUPPORT GROUP FOR THAMES

HOSPICECARE

First I wish to thank everyone who has been generous this year in supporting the

Hospice. In this recession it is more difficult to find the £5 million pounds it costs to

run such a wonderful place. I would like especially to thank all the bereaved families

who have requested donations instead of floral tributes to the Hospice.

Our small committee is gearing up for two big profitable events. The first is in July

and we are holding our usual plant and cake stall at the Hospice’s Annual Fayre. This

year it will be held at Dedworth Middle School on 10th

July and is animal themed.

Contact Michelle on 01753 848963 for more information.

Secondly we will be present once again at the Grange Garden Party with our Beauty

Tombola on 4th

September. Hope to see you there.

Rona Pitt Secretary 01784 483165

THE GRANGE GARDEN PARTY 4TH

SEPTEMBER

On September 4th

with the generosity of Debbie and Glyn Larcombe we are holding

another Garden Party. We hope all members of our local community both young and

old join in the fun.

The theme this year is Medieval Wenches and Vagabonds, so this gives a terrific

scope to the stall holders and the children’s fancy dress competition.

There will be stalls run by local churches, village organisations and charities. There’s

a great raffle and many games and sports for the under 12’s. The final important

services are a Hog Roast and Cream Teas.

We look forward in seeing you. Stall areas can be hired for £15. Contact Rona on

483165.

Tony Kimber, Vicki Lipscombe and Rona Pitt

LITTLE QUOTES

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday along came today.

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CHARITABLE CLOTHING COLLECTION SERVICES

There are many commercial companies who claim to collect clothes on behalf of

charitable organisations when they are in fact sold for profit.

Typical messages may vary from ‘your donation will go to poor families’ or 'proceeds

will go to help the needy'. In reality however the commercial nature of the venture is

the same - to make profit.

There are a number of guidelines that can help determine genuine charities from the

shams -

Is the organiser’s full name, address and telephone number given on any

leaflets or literature?

Does the leaflet or collection bag show a registered charity number? Many

companies display a company registration number - this is purely for

registration at Companies House and has no bearing on the company’s

charitable status.

The company must indicate how much of the donation or sums realised will

actually go to the Charity.

If the company collects on behalf of one specific charity then the charity

should be named in any fundraising material. 'Needy Orphans' or 'Sick

Children' is not specific enough.

House to house collection requires a licence or permit from the local

authority. Without one it is illegal to collect.

If you wish to check any charity or company involved then you should

contact the company itself. If you are not satisfied with the response then do

not donate.

If you have any queries or doubts about the legitimacy of organisations you

can contact the Charities Commission help-line on 0845 300 0218

www.charity-commission.gov.uk or Trading Standards on 01628 683802

email; trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

It is also worth remembering that you can send clothes and unwanted items directly to

the charity. Some like the British Heart Foundation and ThamesHospice Care shops

do a house collection. BHF shop Staines 01784 464903. By doing so the charity

benefits fully from your donation.

Both St Andrew’s Church and Wraysbury Primary School do regular collections and

finally why not take it to People and Pets for sale at the Wraysbury Fair on the white

elephant stall? Phone Lynn on 020 8568 4797 or Daphne Rix on 01784 483231 for

details and see their article in this issue. Don’t give it to the shamities.

Editor

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WRAYSBURY’S JAZZ CLUB

Last December the Jazz Club presented the Staines Brass Band in their Christmas

Concert. We took this over from the Music Society, which has sadly has closed, as we

thought it important to the Village that this seasonal treat continued. Of course, it

meant extra work for the volunteer band of committee members, but it was certainly

worth it. The Hall was full, the Band was marvellous and the mince pies were hot! A

really great evening which will be repeated this year on Sunday 5th

December. Please

come along.

We held our AGM in April and considered dropping the fish & chips, a tradition at

the Club for most of its 30th

years, but thankfully the ‘heart ruled the head’ and the

fish & chips are to stay. One change was agreed, so from now on we will have two

longer sets instead of the three that we have had for many years. All our Officers &

Committee Members were re-elected with Ray Alletson heading up the team as

Chairman.

Our monthly concerts at the Village Hall continue to provide the very best of live jazz

and we bring the very top bands to Wraysbury. These include the wonderful Chicago

Teddy Bears, Savannah Jazz, the lovely young clarinet/saxophone player, Amy

Roberts, Richard Leach, Digby Fairweather and many more.

If you feel you would like to find out a bit more about our Club you can sample us in

August. This is the one concert in the year that is open to non-members so why not try

us out. The date is Tuesday 10th August at the Village Hall. Just £8.50 a ticket and, of

course, that includes the ‘traditional fish & chips’. For tickets ring Maggie on 482520

and to ask about membership ring Rosemary on 483452.

Rosemary Smith Secretary 01784 482452 micro500@btinternet.com

22

WRAYSBURY FARM

BUTCHERS

Spit & Hog Roast Hire & Catering

TITHE FARM, TITHE LANE,

WRAYSBURY TW19 5NQ

01784 481698 MOBILE 07729 872452

IT’S B B Q TIME ALL ITEMS FRESHLY PREPARED ON THE PREMISES

MINTY LAMB CHOPS, 2 VARIETIES OF HOME MADE BURGERS,

4 VARIETIES OF HOME MADE SAUSAGES EVERY WEEK

KOFTA KEBABS, PORK, LAMB OR CHICKEN KEBABS

CHINESE, BBQ OR KING RIBS

STEAKS, CHOPS, CHICKEN

ALL MEATS MARINADED FREE OF CHARGE

(6 OPTIONS AVAILABLE)

COOKED GAMMON HAM & CHEESE

FREE RANGE EGGS CHICKEN, DUCK & GOOSE

FRESH SEASONAL LOCAL VEGETABLES

Visit our website: www.wraysburyfarmbutchers.co.uk

23

24

DATCHET HEALTH CENTRE

The primary health care team works closely together in order to offer you a safe and

convenient service. The team includes six GPs who as individual doctors provide

general medical services to their patients. The GPs work as a partnership to direct the

running of the practice team as a whole.

Dr Martin Chan Dr Adrian Dalton Dr Nicola Wallbank

Dr Mick Watts Dr Ruth Ferguson Dr Corinne Shepherd

Telephone numbers at the Health Centre

Urgent problems 01753 541268 Home visit requests 01753 541268

Enquiries 01753 541268 Appointments 01753 546088/541268

Facsimile 01753 582324 Health Visitor 01753 636500

District Nurse 01753 636500 Appointment cancellation by text 07815 006990

Website www.datchetdoctor.co.uk

Additional health services available locally

A&E Department, Wexham Park Hospital 01753 633000

A&E Department, St Peter’s, Chertsey 01932 722321 adults, 723624 children

Walk-in Centre, Upton Hospital, Slough 01753 635505

Ashford Hospital 01784 884306

Minor Injuries Unit, Heatherwood Hospital 01344 623333

Walk in Centre, Ashford Hospital 01784 884306

NHS Direct 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Out of hours service

Some of you may have read in the national newspapers recently about patients being

unhappy with their out of hours GP service. Rest assured those complaints were not

aimed at our local service. We thought it would be a good idea to explain to you how

the service works.

Our Out of Hours services provide care to our patients between 6.30pm and 8am

weekdays and 6.30pm Friday to 8am Mondays. This service is intended for our

patients who have a medical condition that cannot wait until The Datchet Health

Centre is open. Out of Hours services for this practice is run by East Berkshire

Primary Care. This is a mutual company, originally formed by local doctors to share

responsibility for out of hours services. In this area we are very lucky to have a really

well organised service, where the vast majority of doctors you might see are local

GP’s. The latest satisfaction survey shows more than 80% of respondents are satisfied

with the service they receive, which is well above national average for this type of

service.

25

a) To contact Out of Hours services simply ring the surgery during the Out of Hours

period and your call will be diverted directly to them. Alternatively phone them direct

on 0118 936 5390.

b) The call centre will ask for basic patient details and brief details of the medical

condition.

c) You will be contacted shortly afterwards by a family doctor to discuss the

condition and plan further action. This can either be advice to enable you to look after

the condition at home, an appointment for attendance at our local primary care centre

in Slough (currently The Herschel Medical Centre, Osborne Street SL1 1TT), or, for

those who are elderly, frail or with severe medical condition making it unsafe to

travel, a home visit can be requested at the discretion of the doctor. Occasionally,

where there is great concern, the doctor may arrange for you to be seen at Accident

and Emergency at Wexham Park Hospital.

d) Your doctor at Datchet Health Centre is informed the following working day about

any consultation.

In the out of hours period there are also several other sources of help available to you.

NHS Direct allows you to speak with a nurse by ringing 0845 4647. The NHS walk-

in-centre in the grounds of Upton Hospital is open 7am to10pm. The Minor Injuries

Unit at Heatherwood Hospital Ascot is open from 8am to 10pm. The Ashford Health

Centre based at Ashford Hospital is open 8am to 10pm each day. Always remember

that our local pharmacies are sources of great help and advice for minor ailments.

Dr Mick Watts

WRAYSBURY VILLAGE PHARMACY

58 High Street Wraysbury Staines Middlesex.TW19 5DB.

Contact us by telephone on 01784 482430

email: email@wvp.co.uk website: www.wvp.co.uk

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 8.45 to 18.00 Saturday 9.00 to 13.00

PLEASE SUPPORT

OUR LOCAL SHOPS

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM!

26

27

28

WRAYSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH

As we approach the longest day of the year, the time since our last edition of

Wraysbury News seems amazingly short. However, looking back over the last six

months, we have definitely packed lots in and made steady progress.

Back in December, our Candlelit Carol Evening, our main Christmas midweek event

to which we invite as many people as possible, was again a great success. The church

and hall combined into one were practically full as we shared in the retelling of the

Christmas story through carols, readings, poems and humorous drama, following a

buffet supper. Many people made a point of telling me what a special evening and

how moving it was. We will therefore be holding another one this year, so if you have

never been before and would like to come, or have been before and don’t want to

miss this year’s, then get the date of Wednesday 15th

December (7.30pm) in your

diary now before it gets booked up with something else! It was also good to see those

of you who came to our Sunday Family Carol Service and our Christmas Day service.

A new venture in February was to hold a supper evening on Valentine’s weekend

which we called ‘Actually Love’. We based its format on our Christmas event, food,

readings and humour, which everyone seems to enjoy so much, and adapted it to a

Valentine’s theme. There was a delicious 3-course, love-themed menu and then a

presentation on the theme of love. It was a great success and we will aim to repeat the

event in the future if enough cooks are available!

Hot on the heels of that was our Open Weekend at the beginning of March. You may

have seen one of our advertising leaflets, which we delivered to every house in the

village (except those whose letter boxes were a too well-kept secret!). This marked

the completion of various pieces of upgrading work to our building and was therefore

an opportunity to invite all our community in to see it. We held a Fairtrade café all

weekend. There was a stall of all kinds of fairly traded goods (it being Fairtrade

fortnight) and there was a second-hand book sale on the Saturday and face-painting

and story-telling for children on the Sunday afternoon. It was good to meet everyone

who came.

We were fortunate to obtain various grants towards our building improvements. The

upgrade to our reception area, church office and disabled toilet (which now has baby-

changing facilities) was funded from a grant from the Baptist Union and we are

grateful to the Parochial Charities for their generous contribution towards improving

our side entrance and rear exit. The elderly unsafe steps and uneven surfaces have

been transformed into new, railed access points conforming to the latest building

regulations. This has brought us to the point where we are happy to make our building

available as a resource for our community. Whilst our rear hall continues to be used

by the Extend exercise group on a Monday afternoon and various ad hoc groups, there

are many other times when it is available, both mid-week and at weekends. Details of

how to hire it can be obtained from Robin Urwin on 01784 482553.

29

The upgrade to my office has meant that I can work on the church premises for a

greater amount of time during the week. We are therefore trying as much as possible

to be open as a Drop-In on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10 till 1) and Thursdays (10

till 3) in addition to our regular Wednesday Coffee mornings. This is an opportunity

for anyone to drop in for a chat with me or another member of the church or to ask us

to pray for people or situations of concern. It also means we can more easily host one

or two other daytime groups, for example a Parent/Carer Drop-In on a Tuesday

morning or a Grandparent and Toddler Group on a Thursday afternoon. Get in touch

with me if you are interested in either of these. The monthly short midweek service

after our Coffee Mornings on Wednesdays at 12 which we started a year ago has

gradually grown in numbers and is something we plan to continue during the coming

year, so do drop in for that if you are free.

Whilst the special grants we have obtained for these specific projects have been really

beneficial, we still have a need to increase our income in order to be able to fund a

paid minister and resource events for our community. Hiring out our hall more

regularly is obviously one way we can seek to bridge the gap but we have also been

exploring other means. As you may be aware, for the past year we have been selling

various forms of cards with photos of Wraysbury on them, principally packs of note

cards and Christmas Cards. These have been quite popular and it has been suggested

by some outside the church that we produce a card with several photos of the village

giving greetings from Wraysbury as a Christmas card, so we will aim to produce

some of those ready for this Christmas. Images of our cards can be seen on our

website, www.wraysburybaptist.org.uk. All our cards are available when the church is

open or from stalls at various village events see the advert on page 31 and their sales

really do make a big difference for us.

It will be great to see you during the next few months so do either call in to the

building, ring me or introduce yourselves when I’m out and about. If we can be of any

help we would like you to know that we are there for you. For full details of our

programme please see the opposite page.

With best wishes

Carolyn Urwin

Revd Carolyn Urwin, Minister, Wraysbury Baptist Church

Tel:01784 482553; email: minister@wraysburybaptist.org.uk.

For information about us and our forthcoming events, see our website:

www.wraysburybaptist.org.uk

30

WRAYSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH WEEKLY

PROGRAMME

Sundays10 am Prayer Together (prayer meeting)

11 am Sunday Worship (drop in 12.15 - 12.45)

Tuesday10 am – 1 pm Drop-In (as often as possible)

Wednesdays 10 am – 1 pm Drop-In

10.30 - 12 noon Coffee Morning

12 noon Midday Prayer (short service on 1st Wednesday of the

month)

Thursdays 10 am – 3pm Drop-In (as often as possible)

10.30 am Midweek Prayer (praying specifically for people’s

needs)

7 pm Prayer (fortnightly)

7.30 pm Discipleship Group (fortnightly)

31

WRAYSBURY PHOTO CARDSfor sale in aid of Wraysbury Baptist Church

Wraysbury in Summer Note Cards 5 Pack £2.50

Wraysbury in Winter Note Cards 5 Pack £2.50

Wraysbury Photo Christmas Cards 6 pack £2.50

NEW FOR 2010!

Greetings from Wraysbury Single Christmas Card with 5 views

of Wraysbury – as requested by village residents.

Available from the church during Drop-In times, Sundays (12.15-12.45)

and at village events e.g. Wraysbury Fair, The Grange Garden Party and

Macmillan Sales in the Village Hall.

32

Wraysbury Village ClubAnd Institute

The Wraysbury Village Club was founded in May 1894 as a workingmen's cluband institute and received its first license to sell alcohol in 1933. It is located at theheart of the village of Wraysbury some 3 miles from Staines and is surrounded bythe Cricket, Tennis and Bowls Clubs, the Wraysbury Windmill, the Scout Hut, theVillage Halls, and the Wraysbury Football pitches.The Club exists for the benefit of its male & female members and is a registeredFriendly Society with affiliation to the Club & Institute Union (CIU). It has ademocratic constitution which assures fair play at all times.The active Management Committee ensures The Club and its facilities aremaintained to a high standard. The bar is well stocked and its members andguests are always given a warm welcome.

Events Bingo every Tuesday evening 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Quiz Night every Thursday evening 9.00 pm to 11.00 pm

Quality Entertainment on Saturday Nights, Live bands, discos, karaoke,comedy nights etc.

Lounge Bar The lounge is the main hub of the club and is the scene of most entertainmentevents. Food is provided by Pearl Kitchens and is served Tuesday to Saturdaylunchtimes. A smart/casual dress code is encouraged at all times.

Members BarThe Members Bar is the quieter of the club bars and offers seclusion from anyclub functions taking place in the Lounge. A television is housed in the MembersBar for viewing of most sports channels.

Snooker & PoolThe Snooker room houses two full size snooker tables which are kept in goodcondition. Other games include Pool, Darts, Dominos and Cards.

Club GardenThe garden overlooks the village sports fields and lake and is open throughoutthe summer months. It is the perfect spot for family get together.

Check out our new FACEBOOK group!! For more information see our websitewww.wraysburyvillageclub.com or contact the club secretary atsecretary@ wraysburyvillageclub.com

Wraysbury Village Club, 39 The Green, Wraysbury, TW19 5NA. - 01784-482155

33

34

MAGNA CARTA

COUNTRY WINEMAKERS

Much has been written about the winemakers over the years since it was founded in

the early 70s. Nobody at that time would have forecast the success it has today. So

many Wine Circles as they were called sprung up in the early days when making

homemade wine was a pleasure and something of a necessity with the price it was in

those days. But sadly they have all but disappeared with the supplies of cheaper wine

available, but nonetheless our club has not only survived but has flourished with a

membership to date of over 200.

This is due to the wide variety of activities it offers the members on the social side,

but still retaining its original purpose of making homemade wine with competitions to

encourage members to take part. On the social side there are dances, as always were

held, the last being a Casino Night and a forthcoming Summer Dance in August and

always followed by our Gala Night Dinner Dance. Outings are provided for the

members. In January it was to see The Jersey Boys and a weekend at Sandown on the

Isle of Wight. Further trips are planned in June and finally a Tinsel and Turkey

Weekend at Sinah Warren in November.

All these attractions appeal to the members and the committee spends considerable

time planning the talks and tastings to please an ever growing membership.

Harold Hutt 01784 482944 harold.hutt@yahoo.co.uk

KM DUNSTER ANTIQUES

HALF PAGE ADVERT

Page 33 No changes

FAIRFIELD COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

35

The Club still offers the members a monthly evening of country music and

dancing with a supper provided at reasonable price. The music is played by the

very best in country by the likes of Garry Blackmore and Glyn Long with

Longshot. As has always been the custom new bands on the scene are booked

such a Flying Visit and Muscles and Curves with another the Hayley Oliver Band

later in the year. Hopefully this will encourage the members to show a little more

enthusiasm, as at times it has become a problem filling the seats. All these new

bands were highly successful and hopefully we will be able to carry on booking

them in the future.

It has always been the Club’s policy that all seats are pre-booked, so do not walk

up on the night. This is necessary if we are to cater efficiently. The Club has been

running since 1987, so hopefully it can continue to please its members in the

foreseeable future.

Harold Hutt 01784 482944 harold.hutt@yahoo.co.uk

36

WRAYSBURY LAWN TENNIS CLUB

For those of you who haven’t managed to find us, yet, we’re by the Village Hall car

park, next to the bowling green. We have three all weather courts, two of which are

floodlit, which allows our members to play all year round. The bleak winter meant

there wasn’t quite as much play in the early months of this year, but we’re now

making up for the lost time and hoping for a rather better summer than we had last

year! We’ve already had our first “Fun” Tournament of the new season and were

blessed with a glorious sunny day for our Maureen Burr Trophy tournament. Good

tennis and a lot of fun! Congratulations to the winners – Bob Grasswitz and Charlotte

Glazzard.

At senior level, we run Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed teams in some of the local leagues

– in which we have been known to do quite well, even when up against much larger

clubs.

We have thriving junior and intermediate sections, who have also managed to do very

well in the various leagues we play in. Credit for those victories is due in no small

way to our experienced coach, Steve Savage, who has been with the club for several

years. He provides coaching not just for the “youngsters”, but can give you lessons,

too, whether you are thinking of taking up tennis, or if you want a “refresher” to get

you back into the game after a few years not playing. Both individual and group

lessons are available. Just arrange with Steve – 01483 212981 or 07956 493529.

There are a number of social events throughout the year and we have regular adult

“Club” sessions throughout the week – Monday afternoons from 13.30, weekday

mornings, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 to 12.00, Wednesday and Friday

evenings from 18.30 to 22.00, Saturday afternoons from 13.30 to 17.00 and Sunday

mornings from 9.30 to 12.00.

We cater for everyone, whether it’s serious competition tennis, social tennis for

“average” players, or even if you’re a complete beginner. If you want more details,

contact Sue Smith, our Membership Secretary, on 01784 245127, or just pop down to

any of our club sessions to have a look and a chat. You can also have a look at our

website, which we are currently updating: www.wraysbury.org.uk.

Clive Ferguson, Honorary Secretary

Wraysbury Lawn Tennis Club 01784 481154

37

38

39

HOME GROWN SERVICES

Brian FosterTel: 01784-482223

Wraysbury Handyman Company

I specialise in doing the jobs that you either do not want to do or cannot do, I have

many years experience and am able to turn my hand to most tasks, always offering

the most cost effective solutions and honest quotes.

I am…• Fully insured for Public and employers liability

• Police Checked

• Professional and Reliable

• Committed to fulfilling your Needs

• A family run business

• Offering an affordable service.

My services include: -Home Interior: Painting and Decorating, Hanging Doors, Flat Pack Assembly

Home Exterior: House Painting including windows and doors, Gutter Clearance.

Garden: Garden Clearance, Grass Cutting, Hedge Trimming, Fencing

Small Jobs: Curtain poles, Picture hanging, fitting shelves, etc.

I am always willing to help customers with other jobs, Please always ask for advice.

Please feel free to contact the office on the above number if you have any

enquiries or if you require a FREE quotation.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOONHome Grown Services Ltd, 4 Poulcott, Wraysbury, TW19 5DN.

WRAYSBSURY HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY

The first visit of the year was an enjoyable trip to Newquay to visit the Eden Project,

the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trebah Gardens. Our annual picnic trip on Friday

2nd July is a trip on the Arun and Wey canal, which as usual includes a buffet lunch,

a cream tea on return and even morning coffee before embarking. The annual concert

this year visits Highclere Castle on July 31st for the Battle Prom concert. We hope the

weather is kind to us again this year.

A six day trip to Lake Annecy and the French Alps follows in September, with the

final outing of the year in October to Compton Acres in Poole for the Autumn colour.

All these trips are fully booked, but we do have a 'wait list' should anyone drop out.

So by all means if you are interested please contact us.

We are already planning our trips for 2011, although it does seem sometime away.

Arundel Castle, Great Dixter, Broadview Gardens or St Mary’s garden are all under

consideration. The dates and venues for 2011 will appear in the next edition.

We are also awaiting final details of a planned river cruise on the Danube visiting

Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava in September 2011. Many people have already

expressed an interest in this holiday, but should you like details of this or any of our

other proposed trips please let us have your address or email address and we will let

you have the information as soon as it is available.

Ray Alletson

Chairman

01784 482545 or email alletson@aol.com

WRAYSBURY CONTAINER & HORTON MOBILE LIBRARY

The Container is open at Wraysbury on Wednesdays 2pm – 7pm and Saturdays 10am

– 1pm. These times can be found on the website at

http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_container.htm

The Mobile is at the Crown Pub in Horton every third Tuesday from 11.45.- 12 noon.

These dates and any changes to the schedule can be found on the website at

http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_mobile.htm

Angela Gallacher Business Performance Manager LIHAS Maidenhead Library

Tel 01628 685641 email Angela.Gallacher@RBWM.gov.uk

40

NEWS FROM THE BOROUGH COUNCIL

Christmas seems a year ago and we have had some very severe weather during that

period and seen snow 8-12 inches deep. For those of us old enough remember this last

occurred 30 years ago. Great for the first few days but extremely inconvenient

thereafter. This was followed by minus temperatures and we then had the ice to

concern ourselves with.

The Council were working throughout the nights gritting the main roads and the

footpaths adjacent to schools, nursing homes, hospitals etc. Your Council had the

foresight to ensure there was a good stock of salt and grit in hand unlike many other

Councils who were caught out. Using email “trees” your Local Councillors contacted

as many Residents as possible to inform them of changes to refuse collection dates

due to the weather conditions

Potholes have become a national problem following the very bad winter weather. This

is a big disappointment for RBWM following the increased investment over the last

three years. This had seen a demonstrable improvement in the condition of roads

within the Borough, particularly our main and secondary roads which had by last

year, seen an improvement which exceeded Government targets.

However, with the prolonged period of freezing conditions, the worst recorded for 30

years, the small cracks and fissures in road surfaces are prone to open up to cause

individual potholes. Unfortunately, this is inevitable due to the majority of roads, both

locally and nationally, being historic and built with different sub-structures. But the

Council can and is doing something about it by:-

Making Safe

£75000 extra money from the Council was poured into the budget for roads and

instructions went out to all Councillors and officers to identify the large pot holes so

that repairs could ensue quickly. 4500 potholes have already been plugged across the

Borough since December. Residents were equally helpful and contacted:

streetcare@rbwm.gov.uk Please let Cllr Rayner know of any we have missed or any

fly tipping etc. – Cllr.Rayner@RBWM.gov.uk

The Council’s 7 Highways Inspectors are out constantly inspecting the roads to

identify potholes which are potentially dangerous and need urgent attention. The cold

and wet conditions of late mean that the Council cannot undertake permanent repairs

and thus, a “temporary plug” is undertaken to make the road safe for local residents

and road users but recognise that with the poor conditions. This will not last and may

either need a further plug or, hopefully, a more permanent repair as soon as

reasonably possible.

A Programme of More Extensive Patching - where an extensive number of potholes

have occurred, it is clearly more cost effective and efficient to undertake more

41

extensive patching rather than individual in-filling of potholes and as the weather

begins to improve, we are able to bring forward a programme of extended patching.

This has already commenced. Additional resources have been brought in by way of

contractors to support our team who are focusing their activities on the potholes.

Permanent Repairs - we have also commenced a programme of more permanent

repairs to the potholes by using a specialist contractor with infra-red equipment which

heats the surrounding material within an existing pothole to ensure that the new

material bonds effectively and creates a permanent repair.

Council Tax

This is the big news coming out of the Council. The RBWM Council Tax is the

lowest in the country – MINUS 4%. For an illustration - the cut equates to £41 a year

off band D properties. The savings have been made by a significant reorganisation of

back office staff. This has enabled the Council to both cut tax and push more money

into frontline services.

Your council tax…Your choice. You may have seen a consultation document –

called Participatory Budgeting and I hope you will have had the opportunity to

partake in this consultation. This was the chance for residents to influence how the

council spends £�m of its 2010/11 capital budget.

The council set aside an additional £�m which could provide a cash injection for

several one-off local projects, depending on how residents rank a list of eight different

schemes in order of priority. Alternatively, the choice could have been not to opt for

spending the money at all.

Transparency and Accountability

The Council have introduced every expenditure over £500 to be listed so that you –

the Council Tax payer can see where your money is being spent and can hold the

Council responsible. We wait and see how many other Councils will follow this

move.

Third runway

The third runway has been stalled for the time being following the High Court ruling

that the Government’s decision to give the green light to the proposed third runway at

Heathrow ‘does not hold any weight’. The judge dismissed the Government’s claims

to the contrary as ‘untenable in law and common sense’.

The challenge to the government’s proposals was brought by the Royal Borough and

five other members of the 2M group opposed to Heathrow expansion and a number of

other residents groups and aircraft noise campaigners. The court ruled that if the

Government wants to pursue its plans for Heathrow expansion it must now go back to

42

square one and reconsider the entire case for the runway.

The implications of today's ruling are profound, not just for Heathrow but for airport

expansion plans across the UK. Lord Justice Carnwath ruled that the 2003 Air

Transport White Paper – the foundation of expansion plans across the country – is

obsolete because it is inconsistent with the Climate Change Act 2008 – a typical

example of bureaucratic bumbling. However air travel continues to grow and the need

for additional airport capacity in Southern England remains.

Obviously much more has been going on in the Council since we last wrote to you

and if any resident would like an update on any of their concerns with the Council,

please do email: Cllr Colin Rayner and Cllr John Lenton and we’ll attempt to get as

much information as we can for you.

Kind regards from the two of us

John Lenton & Colin Rayner

Councillor Colin Rayner

By Post: Berkyn Manor, Stanwell Road, Horton, Windsor SL3 9PE

By Tel: 01753 685480 or Mobile: 07778 547542

By Fax: 01753 686626

By email: cllr.rayner@rbwm.gov.uk

Councillor John Lenton

By Post: 92 Welley Road, Wraysbury, Staines TW19 5EP

By Tel: 01784 482001 or Mobile 07889 991877

By email: cllr.lenton@rbwm.gov.uk

WRAYSBURY PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE

We have put an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed on the Wraysbury Parish

website; www.wraysburyparishcouncil.gov.uk which, if you subscribe to will

automatically notify you of significant changes without you having to continually

revisit the site. This is available from an icon on the front page. If you need more

information on how to use it, there is an article about subscribing to RSS feeds on the

Articles page and a link to further information on the Further Help page.

Also you can always email me Roger Marlow: cambia3@yahoo.co.uk or Councillor

Lord: peter_lord@wraysburyparishcouncil.gov.uk for any help you need or for

suggestions about the site.

Roger Marlow,

Wraysbury Parish Council Clerk

43

44

NATIONAL GRID ESSENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO GAS

NETWORK IN DATCHET

National Grid is replacing 1.3km of gas mains in Datchet as part of an essential

project to ensure the local community enjoys safe, secure and reliable gas supplies in

future years.

On Tuesday 4th May engineers began replacing the old iron gas mains with new hard

wearing plastic pipes between Majors Farm Road and Horton Road in Datchet. It is

anticipated that the work will take up to 14 weeks to complete.

To ensure work is carried out as safely and smoothly as possible, temporary traffic

lights will be in place along Horton Road near the waterworks at various times until

around mid August.

The project has been closely planned with the Royal Borough of Windsor and

Maidenhead to ensure that it is delivered with a minimum of disruption.

National Grid project manager Mark Whittaker said: “We will doing all we can to

ensure that this essential upgrade is delivered with a minimum of inconvenience to

the local community. We will be inserting the new plastic pipes through the old mains

wherever possible which will reduce the need for large scale-digging. Our engineers

will also be working seven days a week in order to complete the work as quickly and

safely as possible.”

He continued: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused but this essential project

will help ensure local people continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe, secure and

reliable gas supply in future years.”

Work is being carried out by the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between

National Grid and Skanska. If any local people have enquiries about the work they

can call our helpline on 0800 096 5678.

This work forms part of National Grid’s ongoing project to replace 17km of iron gas

mains in Slough and Windsor. The project is part of National Grid’s nationwide

mains replacement programme agreed with the Health and Safety Executive which

involves replacing all metallic mains with new plastic pipe within 30 metres of

property.

http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/

45

46

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Citizen’s Advice Bureau 01784 461727/461728, Monday to Friday 10am - 3:30pm.

Cesspools & Septic Tanks 01628 796156 Sewerage 0845 920 0800

Electricity 0845 7708090 Gas 01784 451411

Water 0845 782 3333 Police 0845 8505 505

Datchet Health Centre 01753 541268 Floodline 0845 988 1188

Wraysbury Village Pharmacy 01784 482430 Mon - Fri 8:45am - 6:00pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

COUNTY COUNCIL 01734 875444

DISTRICT COUNCIL Maidenhead 01628 683888 Emergency 01753 853517

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Colin Rayner 01753 685480 John Lenton 01784 482001

LIBRARIES:

Staines 01784 454430 Slough 01753 351665

Egham 01784 433904 Datchet 01753 545310

Staines Information Centre 01784 463071

CONTAINER LIBRARY 01784 482431 - Please make use of this library which is sited on the

Village Hall car park, Wednesday 2pm - 7pm, Saturdays 10am - 1pm

CHURCHES:

St Andrew’s Wraysbury: 1st Sunday of the month: 10am morning praise, 11:15 am Parish

Communion (483845)

2nd, 3rd & 5th Sundays: 11am Parish Communion

4th Sunday of the month: 8am Holy Communion; 11am Family Service

Children & young people are welcome at Sunday Quest from ages 0-14 during the main service

St Michael’s Horton: 1st Sunday of the month - 8am Holy Communion, 9:30am Morning

Service. All other Sundays: 9:30am Parish Communion

Sunday School welcomes all children in term time- ring 01753 685145

Weekly news of all 3 local churches available via Link news sheet from Church on Sundays.

Monthly newsletter by 2 Parish Churches on 1st of month. Delivered free please ring 481258.

Baptist Church, Wraysbury: Every Sunday Prayer 10am, Service 11am. Communion 1st Sunday

each month.

PUBLIC HOUSES:

The George, Windsor Road 01784 482000 12pm – 10pm 7 days a week www.thegeorgeinn.net

The Perseverance, High St 01784 482375 email perseverance@wraysbury.net

Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm & 5:30pm - 11pm

Fridays & Saturdays 11am - 11pm, Sundays 11am - 3pm & 7pm - 10:30pm

OFF LICENCES:

Hythe End Stores 01784 483522, Open for breakfast TV until 10pm every day

The Off Licence 01784 481680, Open 10am - 10pm 7 days a week

OPEN ON SUNDAY MORNINGS: Pennyfields, Hythe End Stores, Wraysbury News & Sai

News

TAXI SERVICE: Liaise Taxi Services Wraysbury 07778 873658

47

WRAYSBURY AGE CONCERN Secretary: Mrs J Elderfield 482864 AGE RESEARCH Chairman: Mrs P Laister 482766

ANGELS PRE SCHOOL Jane DeCecco 07944 848347

ART SOCIETY CLASSES Secretary: Mrs L Pullen 481430

BADMINTON CLUB Chairman: Mr B Holloway 482419

Treasurer: Mr M McLachlan 483516

BOWLS CLUB Chairman: Jack Pengelly 482309

Secretary: Shirley Kibble 482188

BRITISH DISABLED WATERSKI ASSOC. Manager: Steve Klima 483664

Village Liaison: Mr R Nichols 482715

BUZZ KIDZ (After School & Holiday Club) Derek Beesley 01753 539923

CANCER RELIEF (Wraysbury Branch) Treasurer: Mrs R Smith 483452

CHURCHES

BAPTIST WRAYSBURY - MINISTER Revd Carolyn Urwin 482553

DEACON Pam Hillman 482296

TREASURER Robin Urwin 482553 ST. MICHAEL’S HORTON - VICAR Fr Simon Douglas Lane 481258

PARISH CURATE Rev’d Andrew Parry 07972 142073

P.C.C. SECRETARY Beryl Walters 482092

WARDENS Mrs A Inger 01753 685145

Carolyn Wheeler 01753 682918

LICENCED LAY MINISTER Beryl Walters 482092

PARISH EVANGELIST Mike Miller 01753 689751

BELLRINGERS Roger Lewiston 07973 725682

ST. AUGUSTINE’S DATCHET Fr Sean Rynn 01753 542862

WRAYSBURY CONTACT Mrs D Kirkwood 482877

ST. ANDREW’S WRAYSBURY - VICAR Fr Simon Douglas Lane 481258

PARISH CURATE Rev’d Andrew Parry

P.C.C. SECRETARY Becky Smith 01753 682890

WARDENS Tony Hermes 251642: Gina Jefcoate 482616

LICENCED LAY MINISTER Beryl Walters 482092

PARISH EVANGELIST Mike Miller 01753 689751 BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM Mike & Diane Miller/Lesley Hanson 01753 689751

POP IN Vicki Lipscombe 483551

BELLRINGERS Roger Lewiston 07973 725682

CHOIR Fr Simon 481258

ANNEXE (Bookings) Lorna Pullen 481430

ALPHA NURTURE COURSE Mike Miller 01753 689751

SUNDAY QUEST- 0 TO 14’S Mary Townend 483845

SATURDAY QUEST CLUB Derek Beesley 07976 633783

TREKKERS 10+ Derek Beesley 07976 633783

FRIENDS OF ST ANDREW’S Secretary: Mrs M Townend 483845

PASTORAL VISITOR Vicki Lipscombe 483551

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Co-ordinator: Sheila Ferguson 481154

ANGELS DELIGHT (Parents/children 0-4) Diane Miller 01753 689751

CANAAN (STAINES) BOOKSHOP REP Mrs Beryl Walters 482092

CRICKET CLUBPresident: A.M.E. Beadle 482991 Chairman/Secretary: Mr T A Rooks 483056

Groundsman: Mr F Burry 483383 Pavilion 481134

DATCHET HEALTH CENTRE Appointments 01753 541268

FAIR (WRAYSBURY) Mark Foster 488262

FAIRFIELD COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB Organisers 482840/482944

FLOODWARDEN Dave Francis 483053

FOOTBALL CLUB Secretary: Mr J Rice 01753 652780

GREENPEACE (SAVE THE WHALE) WRAYSBURY A. Clements 483546

GREYHOUNDS IN NEED Carolyn Davenport 483206

HISTORY GROUP Organisers 483056/482947

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 482545

JAZZ CLUB Secretary: Mrs R Smith 483452

48

WRAYSBURY

DIRECTORY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Mr R Colgate 482095/483468

Mrs M Lenton 482001

Mrs H Phillips 483699

PARISH COUNCIL Chairman: Mr A Davies 481451

PLANNING COMMITTEE Mrs D Hughes 482729

GREENS COMMITTEE Mr T Rooks 483056

PROPERTIES COMMITTEE Mr D Martin 483689

CLERK TO THE COUNCIL Mr R Marlow 01753 682482

MEALS ON WHEELS Mrs J Crame 483528

MIDWIFE contact Maternity Dept. Wexham Park Hospital 01753 633000

MUSICAL SOCIETY Mr D Godfrey 482624

NATIONAL TRUST Joanna Saunders 432891/07901511357

OPERATIC SOCIETY Contact: Mrs D Colton 483180

PARKINSON’S DISEASE (Slough & Dist) Chairman: Mr D Pollard 01628 725354 PUMPKINS PRE-SCHOOL Kellie Fairhall 07956 055725

PEOPLE & PETS Mrs D Rix 483231

PLAYERS (Wraysbury) Secretary: Dennis Williams 453302

POLICE 24 Hour Service 0845 8505 505

REGATTA (Wraysbury & Old Windsor) Secretary: Bob Silvey 01344 627040

SCHOOLS CHURCHMEAD, DATCHET Head: Mrs G. Goodman 01753 542707

WRAYSBURY Head: Alison Fox 482603

Chairman of Governors: Lesley West Caretaker: Mr S Johnson 483478

PARENTS, TEACHERS & FRIENDS ASSOC. Secretary: Jackie Lightstone 464518

SKIFF & PUNTING (Wraysbury) Secretary: Imogen O’Neill 01753 856337

SAILING CLUBS - SILVER WINGS Commodore: Roly Lewitt 483134

WRAYSBURY LAKE Commodore: Mr Chris Ryder Richardson (Clubhouse) 483044

Membership sec: Jackie Taylor (Clubhouse) 483044

KINGSMEAD Membership sec: Anthea Wright 01753 662355

SHORT MAT BOWLS Secretary: Mrs N Fuller 482418 SWAN LIFELINE Wendy Hermon (24 Hours) 01753 859397

SWAN SANCTURY Felix Lane Shepperton Mrs D Beeson 01932 240790

TENNIS CLUB Hon. Secretary: Clive Ferguson 481154

THAMES HOSPICECARE 08456 128812

VILLAGE CLUB & INSTITUTE President: Mr A.M.E. Beadle 482991

Chairman: Mr T Rooks 483056

Secretary: Mr Steve Lewis 482804

Club Telephone 482155

VILLAGE HALLS Chairman: Mr Mike Smith 483452

Bookings: Dave & Louise Smith 483240

VILLAGE TRUST (250 CLUB) Chairman: Mr David Martin 483689

Secretary: Mrs Janet Wheeler 481339

VOLUNTARY CARE Mrs J Crame 483528

WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD VOLUNTARY ACTION Jane Pengilly 01753 622433

WINEMAKERS, Magna Carta Country Chairman: M Rolfe 483947 WRAYSBURY ASSOCIATION Vice-Chairman: Mr M Smith 483452

Treasurer: Mrs M Gardiner 482520

WRAYSBURY ACTION GROUP (WAG) Su Burrows nfo@wraysburyactiongroup. 481492

WRAYSBURY ARCHIVES Anne Blake 481310

WRAYSBURY SCOUT GROUP

SCOUT GROUP LEADER Peter Knott 482665

SCOUT LEADER Paul West 07931 561666

CUB SCOUT LEADER Barbara Hearne 01753 682971

BEAVER SCOUT LEADER Pam Morris-Hunt 01753 687166

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN Andy Bouch 483493

BROWNIE/GUIDE LEADER Giovanna Cochrane 449477

WRAYSBURY PAROCHIAL CHARITIES Secretary: Sue Chapman 483186

IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS PAGE UP TO DATE, PLEASE BE SURE TO INFORM MAGGIE GARDINER ON

482520 OF ANY CHANGES IN YOUR ORGANISATION. THANK YOU.

49

DIRECTORY

USEFUL INFORMATION Transport:Heathrow: 0870 0000 123, Gatwick: 0870 0002468, Stansted: 0870 0000303

Luton: 01582 405100, London City Airport: 0207 646 0000

National Rail Enquiries: 08757 484950 www.nationalrail.co.uk

Eurostar: 08705 186186 www.eurostar.com

Congestion Charge: 0845 900 1234

Oyster Card: 0845 330 9876 (08:00-20:00, 7 days a week).

London Travel Information: 020 7222 1234 (24 hours a day)

London Underground: 0845 330 9880 (08:00-20:00, 7 days a week)

Public Transport info: www.traveline.info, 0871 200 22 33

Train Times: check on www.southwesttrains.co.uk

Wraysbury to Waterloo (approx. 47 mins)

Monday - Saturday 0602, 0632, then at 2 mins past each hour and half hour until 2332

Sundays 0710, 0810, then at 10 mins past each hour until 2310

Wraysbury to Windsor (approx. 10 mins)

Monday – Saturday 0611, 0641, then 11 mins past each hour and half hour until 2356

Sundays 0734, 0834, and then 34 mins past each hour until 0004

Remember also when buses replace the trains the bus stop for Wraysbury is at the Old

School and not Wraysbury Station.

Buses 60 and 61: Eton Wick - Heathrow via Wraysbury, Datchet and Slough

Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays)Slough, Bus Station dep 0510 0555 0635 0755 0925 1025 1130 1240 1340 1455 1605 1715 1835 1935 2135

Wraysbury, High Street 0526 0613 0656 0821 0949 1049 1154 1304 1404 1520 1630 1740 1856 1951 2151

Wraysbury, Windsor Road 0608 0648 0749 0903 1022 1123 1228 1338 1438 1603 1724 1824 1933 2037 2237

Slough, Bus Station arr 0626 0707 0828 0924 1043 1144 1249 1359 1459 1624 1745 1845 1951 2053 2253

Saturdays Slough, Bus Station dep 0510 0620 0720 0820 0925 1025 1130 1240 1340 1455 1605 1715 1935 2135

Wraysbury, High Street 0526 0637 0738 0838 0949 1049 1154 1304 1404 1519 1629 1739 1951 2151

Wraysbury, Windsor Road 0555 0720 0822 0922 1022 1123 1228 1338 1438 1603 1723 1833 2037 2237

Slough, Bus Station arr 0611 0736 0838 0938 1043 1144 1249 1359 1459 1624 1744 1852 2053 2253

Sundays and Public HolidaysSlough, Bus Station dep 0510 0620 0725 0925 1130 1340 1545 1740 1935 2135

Wraysbury, High Street 0526 0637 0742 0944 1151 1401 1606 1801 1951 2151

Wraysbury, Windsor Road 0555 0705 0822 1022 1228 1438 1638 1837 2037 2237

Slough, Bus Station arr 0612 0722 0840 1043 1249 1459 1657 1853 2053 2253

Ashford Luxury 305 Staines to Poyle via Wraysbury & Horton

Mondays to FridaysStaines Bus Station, Stand 3 0740 0910 1200 1335 1435 1700 1800

Wraysbury, Old School 0750 0915 1214 1348 1448 1715 1815

Wraysbury Old School 0811 1012 1252 1417 1640 1740

Staines Bus Station (BR) 0822 1025 1305 1430 1655 1755

Saturdays Staines Bus Station, Stand 3 1015 1230 1430 1700

Wraysbury, Old School 1028 1245 1445 1715

Wraysbury Old School 0912 1112 1415 1515

Staines Bus Station (BR) 0925 1025 1425 1525

50

BACKGROUND

The Hythe End Action Team (HEAT) was formed in early 2006 to ensure that

planning decisions prevent the creeping over-industrialisation of Hythe End (the

gateway to Wraysbury village) and do not add to the risk of flooding. The common

elements with all the issues affecting Hythe End were poor planning decisions and

lack of enforcement on illegal developments. Issues being addressed include: The

Feathers, Charles Morris, BCP, meadows between Ferry Lane and Hythe End Road,

La Garenne/Kotan, Dearsley Estate, Ferry Lane/Colne Way factory units, Dearsley

Island and the Car sales/MOT garage.

HEAT has been successful in its actions to preserve the rural environment in Hythe

End with the active support of the local residents, borough councillors Colin Rayner

(Con) and John Lenton (Con), our MP, Adam Afriyie (Con) and Andrew Davies,

Chairman, Wraysbury Parish Council. We also have developed open lines of

communication with the RBWM and the Environment Agency.

SUCCESSES TO DATE

CHARLES MORRIS: CONCRETE CRUSHING STOPPED; HGV PARKING

OVERNIGHT APPLICATION REFUSED; WASTE MANAGEMENT

LICENCE INCREASE REFUSED; TREE PROTECTION ORDER (TPO)

APPROVED, OTHER ANTI SOCIAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS

WITHDRAWN

BCP: NEW FENCING AND REPLANTING OF THE MEADOW

THE FEATHERS: CHANGE OF USE FOR HOUSING GRANTED AND

REDEVELOPMEMT OF THE SITE, PLUS APPROVAL OF THE IN-FILL

FOR ONE DETACHED HOUSE

MEADOWS: ILLEGAL USAGE AND BUILDING STOPPED, PLUS

STOPPING OF COMMERCIAL WOODBURNING AND OTHER ANTI-

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Latest news since the December copy was published

LOWER THAMES FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

HEAT has been in consultation with other resident groups in Wraysbury regarding

providing a ‘united’ response to the Environment Agency (EA) on the comments and

concerns raised by them.

Although it took some time to get a common understanding, well over a hundred

residents in just a very short time signed a document which was produced by HEAT

that outlined a common response to the EA.

51

The intention was to ensure that the EA is very clear on how important flooding is to

the residents of Wraysbury, and to ensure that a communication method is established

to the resident groups in Wraysbury as this strategy moves forwards.

There are bound to be conflicting ideas of what we all think should/shouldn’t be done –

but this initial response was simply one to demonstrate to the EA that we do not want to

be forgotten here in Wraysbury, and we want our voices heard.

Those of us that lived here in 2003 fully understand the impacts of flooding; in fact

those that have lived here longer have experienced flooding many times before.

The key message in the document which embraces the EA’s feedback questionnaire is

that we want to make sure that the EA does not shelve the Datchet/Wraysbury channel

thereby leaving us to certain flooding in the future and that the channel must not be

excluded from the current strategy.

Although in just a short time we managed to gain over 100 signatures to the document

given time we feel that most of the residents of Wraysbury if not all would sign up to

the fact that we do not want to see channel one excluded from the strategy – in fact we

would like to see it bought forward and be the first phase of the development.

The residents associations and action groups of Wraysbury want the EA to officially

recognise them and to formally consult with them as well as the other bodies as this

strategy becomes a reality.

FEATHERS PUB IN-FILL APPLICATION

An application to in-fill the remaining part of the Feathers pub site still left derelict

following the new houses and flats was recommended by the planning officer for

refusal.

Following HEAT’s consultation with many local residents there was broad support and

favour for this proposed development of the Feathers site. There were over 50 letters of

support and nearly 250 signatures on a supportive petition, the majority of the

signatures coming from the village of Wraysbury and not from Hythe End.

Although in fairness the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse was based on the

flood plain directives – the local residents who understand only too well that there are

issues relating to flooding also know that history shows the Feathers development area

was not flooded in 1947 or in 2003 - In fact Hythe End residents parked their cars there

in 2003 as it was the nearest dry land. There have been a number of historic

inconstancies relating to the Environment Agency and recommendations on building on

the floodplain and this point along with other factors were challenged at the Windsor

Panel meeting by HEAT, supported by the Parish Council and ward councillors.

Thankfully the decision from the panel was to recommend approval for the build which

is now underway.

52

CHARLES MORRIS

HEAT are now concentrating their efforts in working with a number of bodies to ensure

the Charles Morris Waste management site is fit for purpose in the short term and

medium term to find an alternative more appropriate location for this operation and to

restore the land to its former glory. The egress back into the River Thames on the

Lower Thames Strategy – Channel one from Datchet to Hythe End - will be through the

Charles Morris site however this plan is far too long for the residents to wait for to

finally rid the area of this blot on the landscape, if indeed it ever happens; therefore

they will continue their campaign until its objectives have been achieved. A recent

victory was the approval of a Tree Protection Order (TPO) on both sides of Hythe End

Road.

HEAT requested a TPO for both sides of Hythe End Road in 2006. It was refused and

only one side updated. As a result many healthy trees have been cut down or bulldozed

on the Charles Morris site. The loss of trees has destroyed habitat for wildlife and

created - a harsh barren scene which is clearly evident and has damaged this previously

visual amenity for local residents.

It was the view of those who live in Hythe End that there was a real risk of further

destruction of the environment and wildlife and that is why we believed a Tree

Protection Order (TPO) was essential.

The Borough’s, - local plan requires the improvement of the environment at Hythe End.

Quote from the local plan: “the encouragement of landscape enhancement measures -

on areas of degraded or poorly managed land, especially Hythe End, Wraysbury - there

are also many other references in the Borough’s local plan that supported the need - in

this case - for a TPO yet the Arboricultural Co-ordinator recommended refusal.

Once again with over 30 letters of support and the full support of local residents, the

local tree warden and the Ramblers’ Association and specifically a quote from a

resident who has lived in Wraysbury saying

“We have always enjoyed the avenue of trees East and West of Hythe End Road. This

was in the days of when the industrialisation of Charles Morris site was not evident as

the site opened 2 to 3 times a year, and there was an orchard and wood in its place.

It is within the Council's remit to grant a protection on this arbour of trees, one of the

beautiful green pastures we have today. By placing a TPO you are upholding your

environmental duty. The Charles Morris site has already decimated trees within this

arbour.

I am at the end of my lifetime at 86 - but I implore you to consider this TPO. We must

start to take a stand and stop the destruction of our world around us.”

The refusal of the TPO was once again challenged by HEAT at the Windsor Panel

meeting supported by the Andrew Davies and ward councillors. Again thankfully the

decision from the panel was to recommend approval.

53

STAINES ROAD/FEATHERS LANE - TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The changes at the Feathers Lane junction of Staines/Wraysbury Road are as a result of

the good work of the Parish Council who along with the Highways Department and

with support from our ward councillor Colin Rayner came up with schemes for the

village, for Hythe End, for the Railway Bridge on Station Road and a walkway/

cycleway from Hythe End to the village.

Unfortunately as the Feathers Lane scheme did not receive formal consultation there

was a view that whilst it was agreed that urgent work was required to calm traffic at

Hythe End to avoid a fatal accident that this particular scheme should be subject to

consultation with the local residents as the it was different to the scheme proposed at

the last parish consultation.

HEAT, WAG and other residents associations in Wraysbury carried out an email

consultation over the weekend before the work was due to commence and nearly a 100

people supported the HEAT proposals for a more rural and less urban approach to the

planned works

HEAT was delighted that both the Borough and Parish Council listened to the voice of

the local community and agreed to a much softer look to the works at Hythe End with

the extended area being grassed and not tarmac. Feedback from residents now the

works have virtually been completed has been excellent.

HYTHE END AND WRAYSBURY IN GENERAL

HEAT will continue to work with local residents and other action groups and

associations in Wraysbury to ensure that local interests are always taken into account.

Charles Collins CONTACT: heat@hytheend.wanadoo.co.uk

Picture of trees now protected thanks to all those concerned

54

55

WRAYSBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTFA SUMMER UPDATE

Chairperson: Claire Lunnen-Kay Vice Chairperson: Pamela Morris-Hunt

Treasurer: Surendra Chahal Secretary: Jackie Barber

The PTFA organised several events this school year which not only raised much

needed funds, but were a great success with the children and parents. The Christmas

Shop and the Christmas Fair made over £1,200! The Easter Fair, organised by the

teachers with the PTFA providing teas and cakes, raised £434. The Spring Disco

raised £504 and the PTFA tea stall made £43 at the Art Exhibition. Thank you to all

who came and supported the events. A special thank you to those who helped at the

events or donated cakes or prizes. We also raised a fantastic £456 from our

Wraysbury Primary School tea-towels which made excellent Christmas gifts and £348

from Bag2School.

We have been able to fund a variety of items for the school. We recently helped to

pay for a cosy reading area for the school library with soft seating, book boxes and a

carpeted area. This term we will provide leaving gifts for the Year Six children.

We are now ‘fun-raising’ towards purchasing a climbing wall for the junior

playground and a playhouse and outdoor classroom for the infants. These will make

playtimes even more fun and stimulating for the children.

Look out for the PTFA stall at the Wraysbury Fair on Saturday 19th

June. We will

be selling old-fashioned sweets and cakes so why not treat yourself to something

‘naughty but nice’!

Our most exciting event this term will be the Summer Fair on Saturday 3rd

July. It

will have a Multi-Cultural theme, encompassing lots of different countries. There will

be lots of fun stalls from around the world plus Drive a Car, swimming in the outdoor

pool, tombola, raffle and face-painting. We hope to have a British hog roast, Indian

samosas and American Krispy Kreme donuts, along with teas, cakes and a licensed

bar. Hopefully the weather will be glorious so come and support us!

Our last Disco of the year will be on Friday 16th

July. The children will enjoy the

latest tunes and old favourites at the tropical themed disco. We plan to purchase a PA

system before the disco which can also be used for school events such as Sports Day

and productions.

PTFA stands for Parents, Teachers and Friends Association. New members are

always welcome and it would be great to have some local people on the committee.

We get together once every half-term for an informal meeting so why not come

along! We always need prizes for our events and fairs. If you or your company are

able to donate any prize, product or service that we could include in our raffles, it

would be gratefully received! Please contact us via wpsptfa@hotmail.co.uk or

through the school office.

56

WRAYSBURY PLAYERS

At the Wraysbury Players we take pride in offering entertainment to the village with

our three productions a year and thoroughly enjoy hosting the Society Challenge

every September.

In September 2009 the new format Society Challenge was supported by many other

local clubs and raised a whopping £300 for the Pop In club. Congratulations to the

team from St. Andrews Church who won. This year’s Society Challenge is on

Wednesday 15th

September.

In January 2010, the vibrant pantomime “Treasure Island” was staged, pleasing

audiences of all ages over all five performances. Seeing some members from the

previous year’s junior cast make their way into the adult line up was exciting as

Natalia Varga and Scott Gillan appeared alongside long standing members.

Despite adverse weather conditions throughout rehearsals, the stage was also filled by

a lively chorus and the Performance Academy dancers who did us all proud. Overall

very positive comments were received from NODA (National Operatic and Drama

Association) who always come to review our shows.

Next we looked forward to the May production of “Run for your Wife”, which saw

Ben Wood debuting as director for the Players. This hysterical comedy tells the tale

of a London cabbie with a double life and a knife edge schedule. When a bump on the

head gives him a mild concussion, chaos ensues involving his two unknowing (and

unimpressed) wives, the police, the press and his unwilling friend Stanley until he

confesses the truth – but no-one believes him!

Our next production is in October and runs from 14th

– 16th

. Look on our website

www.wraysburyplayers.com or posters nearer the dates for details.

Putting on three shows a year is enormous fun and a great deal of thanks must go to

all members who help. Maybe you would like to come along and join in? There’s

always plenty to get involved in!

We meet every Wednesday at Wraysbury Village hall from 8pm. You could come

and see one of our plays to get a feel for it, or come and talk to us on our stall at

Wraysbury Village Fair on June 19th!

Lora Andrew Lora.Andrew@quest.com

57

WRAYSBURY CRICKET CLUB - SEASON 2010

The Club looks forward to a good season in the Chiltern League after just failing to

retain our championship of division one by one point in 2009.

In 2010 the 1st eleven will be captained by Gordon Morgan and the 2nd

eleven by

Andy Davies. The Vice Captains are Andy Prasad and Tom Dibley respectively. The

Sunday eleven will be captained by Raheel Yassin with Vice Captain Liykat Chougle.

All Sunday matches will be played on the Green in a 40 over format.

The Club has entered the National Village Cup and the first round is on Sunday May

15th at home to Rowledge with the final at Lords.

Our Cricket Week Festival starts on Monday 2nd August. All matches start at 2pm

apart from the highlight of the week which is a visit by the MCC on Thursday 5th

August at 11.30 am. The Club thanks our sponsors for the week HP Plant (Jim

Swanson) Bill Fairburn, Liz Dean, Jays Transport (Neil Johnston) AYS (Jason

Scrace) and the Thames Motor Group, Slough (Sanjay Sobte). As holders of the

Chiltern League Cup our defence starts at home to Binfield on Monday May 7th

at 6

pm.

Our Pavilion and Social Committee consists of Chairperson Ann Glazzard, Louise

Knight, Chris and Sam Baxter, Bill Glazzard, Gaz Milner and Andy Addison. We can

only say thank you to all the above, because it is their efforts that help to keep the

Club going.

Our Club is very proud of the Village Green. It is not only me saying this; it is the

visiting clubs that say it is one of the best grounds in the area. The major factor for

this is our groundsman Frank Burry, whose dedication and presentation of the playing

area is first class. Our thanks also go to the Parish Council for keeping the Green and

the practice nets in such good order.

Our Club is open to all who want to play cricket and particularly welcome players

from the Village. We have a good social side and our seasons’ subscriptions and fees

are among the lowest in the area.

If you are a local resident, come along and support your local club. Have a cup of tea

and look at our collection of memorabilia of cricket in Wraysbury since 1926. For a

copy of the cricket and social programme contact Tom Rooks on 01784 483056.

For further information contact Andy Davies 01784 481138, Tom Dibley 01784

483175 or email dibbs.3692@hotmail.com www.wraysbury.play-cricket.com/home

Tom Rooks Chairman and Secretary

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POP - IN

Another year has now passed. Pop-In is still very busy, enjoying different activities

each week. There have been several new members join us, although they do not all

attend each week. Most weeks there is an attendance of approx 30+.

For the past few years we’ve enjoyed an afternoon at the pantomime at the Beck

Theatre in Hayes Middlesex. Tickets were bought this year for the pantomime

Sleeping Beauty. We have a few members who meet and create a varied programme

of visiting speakers, outings, quizzes, games and a lunch of fish and chips.

This year Pop-in was invited to see a musical performance by the pupils from the

Village School. The Wraysbury Players also invite Pop-In to see their performances.

Simon takes us on an outing with his Route Master a couple of times a year.

Sometimes the local police call into see everyone and keep an eye on the members.

We welcome any person to join us for a cup of tea and biscuit. We would like more

male members if possible. We meet every Tuesday from 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

I know those who join in each week find Pop-In an important meeting place where

there is time to meet others and have a chat.

Vicki Lipscombe 01784 483551

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WRAYSBURY SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB

The Wraysbury Short Mat Bowls Club held their annual presentation dinner in the

Wraysbury Village Hall on 26th

February 2010. It was ably conducted by Bill Stewart

as “Master of Ceremonies”. Men’s first place was won by Mike Dilly, closely

pursued in second place by Bert Greener and Bill Stewart in third place. Ladies’ first

spot was secured by Doris Thompson with Julia Cream in second and Nancy Fuller

close on their heels in third slot.

Short Mat Bowls is an extension of the outdoor bowls and for anyone liking a change,

particularly in the bad weather. The Short Mat club is open every Monday and

Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm, where you can play up to three games or less if

wanted. We stop for tea and biscuits after the second game and then have one more

afterwards. Beginners come on Mondays for the first few weeks. After that they are

welcome both days. The sessions end around 4.30pm.

Harold Hutt 01784 482944 harold.hutt@yahoo.co.uk

Nancy Fuller 01784 482418

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People & Pets Animal Welfare

Registered Charity - Number 292902

Daphne L. Rix (Founder) Shenandoah

52 Ouseley Road Wraysbury TW19 5JH

Dear Friends,

People & Pets is now 26 years old and was initially funded by money donated in

memory of my dear husband, Cliff, who sadly died far too young in May 1984. Cliff

didn’t have a great deal of contact with animals apart perhaps from the seaside

donkeys of Great Yarmouth where Cliff was born! But he grew to love animals – I

suppose it was a case of having to, if he was taking me on!

Our Christmas Bazaar and annual Prize Draw took place as always in December in

our Village Hall and with donations and we raised just on £4,000. So thank you to

everybody who contributed to these events, be it time, gifts, prizes and attendance,

but please, we do so want more local folks to attend. So please watch out for our

posters just before early December 2010 and come along. I promise you will enjoy

this event and find plenty of Christmas bargains too.

By the end of February, all the money we raised at this event had been used to cover

veterinary costs for the winter period especially neutering costs. It’s so very important

to cut down the numbers of sad, unwanted puppies and kittens. We’ve helped owners

with ever increasing veterinary costs due to advanced treatment and operations that

would never be possible or successful only a few years ago.

One such case was Honey, a much loved family puss who disappeared in January.

Honey’s worried owners searched without success, placing ‘Lost’ posters around their

area. Meanwhile, another family were having problems with their car. On their third

journey of the day, it stopped completely. When the bonnet was lifted they found a

poor Tortie cat trapped by the fan belt. Thankfully, the car owner had seen the appeal

poster, so was able to make contact. A happy but sad reunion was made. They

immediately contacted the vets, agreeing to pay the out-of-hours costs. With four

young children, they couldn’t possibly pay for the operations and treatment Honey

would require for serious injuries, so they felt there was no choice but to put Honey to

sleep. Thankfully the vet of their choice was our vet, Alma Veterinary Hospital who

suggested the owner should ring People & Pets as we may be able to help this genuine

case. Now after two months mostly spent caged at home, Honey is almost as good as

new!

Thankfully our small charity with a big heart can continue to help animals of all

kinds, due to two wonderful very old ladies who sadly died at the beginning of this

year. One lady was from Staines and the other a resident of Isleworth. Both followed

news from our charity through our newspaper articles which started in the Middlesex

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Chronicle over 35 years ago. They not only remembered our charity, but also

remembered another 20 charities, including children’s hospitals. What marvellous,

caring ladies, though it is always sad to realise when we hear of these legacies, that

we are unable to say thank you. But at least we can make sure their gifts are carefully

used to help animals in need as was their last wishes.

Because of their generosity, we have been able to help two other wonderfully

deserving animal charities, both struggling in the current economic climate.Many of

our members and supporters were able to add to our funds by using the Gift Aid

scheme. That brought us a tax refund from the government of just under £1,000, a

nice little windfall, thank you.

We continue to give help and shelter to animals when we can, though it has been a

sad winter for me watching the demise of two of my old ladies – Jade, an Alsatian and

Fudge, a lurcher. Both 16 years old and both ill over the Christmas period, rallying,

then losing both of them in January, gently helped while still in their beds by Tim,

their vet from Alma’s. Sadly Billy-the-Kid, my younger lurcher, couldn’t understand

why his devoted pals had both disappeared, which caused even more tears. He is not

Billy-the-Kid any longer, just a lonely Bill.

As always I want to thank the locals who often leave sacks and surprise parcels

containing petfood, bedding, towels and blankets on my doorstep, extra useful for my

‘old ladies’ I’ve told you about. Sadly many of the gifts including food are from

owners losing their beloved pets. My four-legged visitors benefit, so again thank you.

Thanks too to all who support People & Pets, and a special thank you to Alma

Veterinary Hospital in Windsor, always there with support.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at our stall at the Wraysbury Fayre.

Yours sincerely, Daphne Rix 01784 483231

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1st WRAYSBURY SCOUT GROUP

The Scout Group has started to refocus on its Scouting activities now that the

procurement of our new headquarters and water activity area have been completed.

All three units are nearly at full strength with a total membership of 73 Beavers, Cubs

and Scouts. They are supported by 18 adult leaders, instructors and supporters. These

figures are approaching the peak levels achieved in 2003, 1997, 1982 and 1974.

Additional skill instructors are always needed particularly in climbing and to a lesser

extent kayaking. We also have the support of a few young leaders and a number of

young people doing the service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The Beavers have been very busy with a wide range of activities. It started with

Country and Morris dancing and then a chance to have a go playing the Bagpipes and

Drums. They had a visit from an animal sanctuary who brought along Owls and other

small wild animals and gave a “talk on the Wildside”. The Beavers then had a tasting

session of foods from around the world and ended with them making their own

Pizzas. They had a talk on energy conservation and steps to take to reduce energy

consumption. The local Police community officers came along and gave the Beavers

a talk on road safety and a chance to see inside a Police van.

The Cubs programme had an international theme. The Chinese New Year was

celebrated by making lanterns. This was followed by Burns Night which involved

tossing the caber and eating haggis. For the “Eyes of March” the Cubs dressed up in

Roman togas, made honeyed dates, laurel wreaths and mosaics. An indoor Winter

Olympics was held involving ice hockey, ski jumping, tobogganing and slalom

events. As part of their astronomers badge they had a visit from a Langley Scout

leader who brought along his telescope for them to view the stars. At their winter

camp at Runway’s End in Farnborough the Astronomers badge was completed, as

was their Science badge. The Cubs also took part in a night hike to the Magna Carta

memorial to test their map reading skills.

The Scout troop took first prize at the District Scout swimming gala held at Eton

College. Their freeze out camp to Bragger’s Wood near Christchurch on the South

Coast was well attended. During the camp they visited the beach to go fossil hunting,

but it was very windy and the tides were badly affected.

The troop has been practicing its camping skills by erecting the eight man patrol tents.

As regard to cooking they all made pancakes with some actually tossing them. Good

use has been made of the climbing wall with most scouts reaching the top and

attempting the more difficult routes.

Once again the Scout Group attended both Remembrance Day Parades in Horton and

71

Wraysbury and more recently St George’s Day Parade in Windsor. All the Scouts,

Cubs and Beavers were well represented. The Group also held the annual Bonfire and

Fireworks night and provided a Christmas Mail Service. We were able to organise a

gang show with the Guides in our new headquarters which members and parents

greatly enjoyed.

Once again may I take this opportunity to thank all those people who have supported

us and helped us to provide scouting for our young people.

Peter Knott - Group Scout Leader

THE GREATEST GENERATION

Each June and December I am reminded of the countless sacrifices the men and

women of World War II endured. December 7 1941 was the American entrance to the

war with the surprise bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. My late husband, Bill and I

were fortunate to be in Hawaii on December 7 2006 for the 65th

ceremony honoring

the nearly 1200 men that are forever entombed on the USS Arizona. We were able to

speak to many of the survivors that attended the commemoration and felt honored to

be there. In 2002 Bill and I had a personal tour of the D-Day landing beaches on the

Normandy coast of France. It was very important for us to see the beaches and the

beautiful hallowed ground in which some of our friends and family were laid to rest.

In the USA we refer to the veterans of WWII as The Greatest Generation. These

brave people came home from the war, got to work and rebuilt cities, lives and

futures. I know that the war started much earlier in England, but your brave men and

women, who endured so much more did the same thing by getting back to building

London and other damaged areas.

The WWII vets are dying at the rate of 1000 a day. My father, who is 86 years old, is

a WWII veteran. He was wounded by a kamikaze plane while on a destroyer in the

Pacific 1944. I have learned so much about his years in the Navy and I have come to

appreciate him so much more.

No matter what your politics are, if you value your freedom, you can thank a veteran.

If you have a parent, grandparent or know of any WWII veterans, thank them and ask

if they will tell their story. This is history, some of which you may never hear about

again.

Thank you to all of the brave men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice

and to those who are here among us living quiet, unassuming lives. There are heroes

among you now. Thank them! Freedom is never free!

Sue Morse Highland, California Emmastrunk@aol.com

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WRAYSBURY BOWLS CLUBAs you read this the season is once more in full flow with the county games against

some of the leading teams in Berkshire and also The Chiltern and Thames League

with the lady members participating. Also combined with these games we have the

domestic competitions which in all means the green becomes a busy place.

In early April we had an Open Day to encourage anyone who might be interested in

the game to come along and give it a try. This brought along several prospective

members who will hopefully join the club eventually and enjoy this pleasant relaxing

game. Anyone is welcome throughout the year to come along on either a Friday or

Sunday morning at 10am. If they feel they would like to give it a try, all you need is

flat soled shoes. The bowls are supplied.

Team shirts will now be seen on the players to keep us in tune with other clubs in the

area. These have the club emblem of the windmill and collars and sleeve ends in the

Club’s maroon.

The pavilion has undergone some improvements and update the kitchen facilities and

provide more seating. It is now a more welcoming building providing all the

necessary facilities for the members’ enjoyment.

Harold Hutt 01784 482944 harold.hutt@yahoo.co.uk

ARCHIVES

We continue with enthusiasm at our Thursday Club from 10am to 1pm every week.

There has been a lot of work done on two particular problems these past few months.

The Eight Yards has raised its head again and Arthur has been working hard with

John Sleep to try and find a solution in the reams of paper work we have on this

subject. See John’s article on page 90 of this edition of the News.

Queensmead is another weighty problem and we have been helping Graham Sinclair

with his mission. We are hoping for a solution soon, so again see his article on page

88 and contact him with your support.

We still have many visitors’ phone calls, letters and emails from people, who are

researching their families’ roots in Wraysbury. Our rate of success is very high.

Don't forget when you are doing your spring cleaning or moving house, if you have

anything you think may be of interest to us please pass it on. Have a good summer!

Anne Blake 01784 481310

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EA plans for Wraysbury Village to become an island?

Transposed from a 2007 EU Directive and with infraction imminent the Flood Risk

Regulations 2009 came into effect in December without scrutiny or debate. These

regulations impose significant duties on the EA and the newly designated lead local

flood authorities (in this case the RBWM) to prepare flood risk assessments, flood

risk and hazard maps, and flood risk plans. Fortunately for anybody at risk of

flooding, the lead local flood authority is now obliged to consult the public, but I am

concerned that this administrative exercise will increase costs without reducing the

probability of flooding.

I actually attended many of the sittings as the Flood and Water Management Bill

made its way through the Houses of Parliament - and very educational it was too. The

sight of adults arguing about the precise definition of ‘groundwater flooding’ had to

be seen to be believed. Unfortunately the General Election led to much of the bill

being dropped due to lack of time, but hopefully there will be an opportunity for

another look at flooding in due course. The new legislation is now called the Flood

and Water Management Act 2010.

The Environment Agency’s Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy

consultation closed in December. This consists primarily of three new Thames bypass

channels downstream of Datchet at a total cost of some £300m. The EA would claim

that they have consulted on their LTFRMS proposals, but in my opinion their current

plan glows with optimism, but is short on detail. A large proportion of Wraysbury

Parish will become an island separated from both Wraysbury Station and most of

Hythe End. I will wait patiently for the planning application and the compulsory

purchase orders and have no doubt that I will be listing the failings and the unresolved

problems with the Jubilee River and the Thames in my submission. The Environment

Agency seems to believe that they can spend huge amounts of public money using

contractors to design and build nice new flood defence schemes, without maximising

existing conveyance and defence capacity.

Recently the EA discreetly consulted on Ministerial Directions for Reservoir flood

plans. Knowing that the national stock of reservoirs and dams is ageing, the idea was

that the Minister could order the reservoir operator to produce a flood plan, and

simultaneously instruct the operator to neither publish the plan nor make it available

to the public. I am unhappy about these proposals and believe that any reservoir flood

plans and inundation maps should be formally incorporated into the lead local flood

authority’s flood management plan.

Finally it appears that the EA and the National Flood Forum are now promoting a

range of flood protection products and my advice is ‘caveat emptor’.

Ewan Larcombe May 2010

www.jubileeriver.co.uk ewan@jubileeriver.co.uk

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77

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WRAYSBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Christmas was a busy time as always at Wraysbury, a fantastic Foundation Stage and

Key Stage 1 play entitled Santa’s on Strike reminded us all of the true meaning of

Christmas! Then there was a very moving Carol Service at St Andrew’s Church that

was attended by many of our junior pupils and their parents. We all looked forward to

the spring term being a little less hectic, but how wrong could we be!

The spring term started with cold weather and the heavy snowfall at the beginning of

January. The school looked beautiful like a winter wonderland. We were very

relieved that we had introduced a new texting system and all of our school community

think that it is one of the best inventions ever! The 5th

March was completely mad in

school! We celebrated World Book day by dressing up as famous book characters

with the teachers swapping classes to share books and with a competition to dress a

lolly stick as a book character! Great fun was had by all; yes even the teachers dressed

up and got into the spirit of world book day. The dressing up theme didn’t end there.

Soon Sport Relief was upon us and we did not need any encouragement to “do

something funny!” We were all in red and white or stripes or sports clothes and then

the whole school joined in a sponsored mile run around the school grounds. We raised

over £1500!

Just before the end of the spring term the lower juniors (Year 3 and 4) put on an

amazing performance of “Wish me Luck” a play set in the Second World War and

everybody who came was amazed at the talent of our young super stars. They

performed like true professionals and enjoyed every minute of it! We were delighted

that we were able to put on an extra performance to the “Pop In” Club.

Just before the Easter holidays we held the Spring Fayre. This time it was the turn of

the pupils to come up with the ideas for the stalls and to run the event. They did an

amazing job raising nearly £500 in about an hour!

Our busy summer term is well underway now. By the time that you read this the Year

4 pupils will have been to the Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire for three days and

our Year 5 and 6 children will be just about to leave for Ross on Wye. No doubt many

other days out will have taken place and hopefully preparations will be well underway

for the school Summer Fayre. We do hope that you will come and join us on July 3rd

.

Some building work is planned for the summer term and into the holidays. We have

been saving hard and the Infant and Lower Junior toilets are being completely

refurbished. The designs are wonderful and many of the choices on colours etc will

have been made by our School Council. Our long planned Foundation Stage outdoor

development will take shape this summer along with an extended playground for the

infants. This will truly enhance our learning facilities. Wraysbury Primary school is a

busy, but fun place to learn. Do look at our website to find out more about us.

Alison Fox, Headteacher www.wraysbury.windsor-maidenhead.sch.uk

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87

ACCESS TO QUEENSMEAD LAKE

I am Graham Sinclair and I have lived in Wraysbury for almost 75years. I have fought

for the right of Wraysbury people to enjoy this landscaped park and lake for over 25

years. This was my playground as a schoolboy and for many other children living in

the Wraysbury Road during the war and post war years.

Queensmead Lake is some 34 acres of parkland, east of the M25 to the right of the

Wraysbury Road. 20 acres was owned by the Wraysbury Parochial Charities and sold

by Compulsory Purchase Order in July 1973. The remainder was owned by the

Gorrod family. All was sold to the South West Suburban Water Company.

The company said they would like to maintain the land surrounding the lake as a park

for the enjoyment of local residents, and they would be pleased to co-operate with the

appropriate authority to investigate ways in which access could be restricted to local

people.

The General Manager said that the planning conditions would make the site a quiet

and attractive area for the locality, and the company wished to develop the amenities

of the area for the use of the public in such pursuits as fishing, sailing and bird

watching, and was willing to co-operate with the local authority in this direction.

Over the years I have repeatedly entered this property to force the company to bring

this matter to a conclusion. Eventually I joined the Parish Council, and with the help

of Andrew McKay MP and Michael Trend MP, I forced a site visit. Later I was asked

to the now Three Valleys Water Company to meet the managers and the Company

solicitor. On seeing my evidence and hearing my ideas for controlled access, I got a

positive feel. It seemed Three Valleys Water were of a friendly nature to local people.

The result was that I had won the day. An agreement was drawn up, a pedestrian gate

was built at a cost of around £4000 and half paid for by the Parish. Insurance was

found, and a bailiff appointed. Me! JOB DONE or so I thought.

In the Wraysbury Parish Council Minutes of 17th

May 2004 a letter had arrived

regarding Queensmead Lake from the Three Valleys Water Company. They MAY

wish to delay public access to Queensmead Lake due to the "International Situation "

No comment was made by the Council. Almost six years passes. Six years and

nothing is done by the council until I get on the case once more.

In the Wraysbury Parish Council Minutes of 21st September 2009 it states that another

letter had arrived. The Company is now the French controlled Veolia."Such was the

level of concern that public access had now been discounted" That is probably the

only discount an Englishman has ever had from a French water company.

88

Our Parish Councils reply was "Councillors expressed their support for this view"

Seven words, and this council has given up 34 acres of Parkland and Lakeland, of

which Wraysbury people should have the right to enjoy, forever.

Graham Sinclair 01784 482761 graham@riverside34.wanadoo.co.uk

If you feel this matter should not end here and that Wraysbury Parish Council should

take this company to task on this issue, please support me. Wraysbury cannot keep

losing its open space like this.

Can you sign this page or make a copy of it and post to:

Roger Marlow, Clerk to Wraysbury Parish Council, Cambia, Stanwell Rd, Horton,

Berks. SL3 9PA

I support Graham Sinclair in his fight for local people to have access to Queensmead

Lake.

Signed................................................. Date.............................

Address

................................................

..............................................................................................

.........................................................................................................

.........................

90

COMMENTS ON THE COLNE BROOK AND THE EIGHT YARDS

Let me take you back to the year 1799. Before 1800 the land which is subject to the

planning application was common land and waste ground. The Lord of the Manor of

Wraysbury in 1799 presented a Bill before Parliament which would divide this.

Individuals would then own the freeholds. A number of villagers objected to this Bill

and presented a petition to the Lord of the Manor. To ensure a smooth passage of the

Bill he agreed to insert a clause which awarded eight yards on either side of the Colne

Brook in perpetuity for the use of the inhabitants of Wraysbury. Where each of the

enclosures was divided the boundaries all ended eight yards from the river. The Bill

became an Act of Parliament and the usage of the eight yards cannot be changed, nor

can the land be bought or sold.

The usage of the eight yards cannot be changed by any individual or council - only by

a further Act of Parliament. Regarding the Colne Brook the inhabitants of Wraysbury

have the right of 'throwing mud' and the 'cutting of weeds' out of the said river, as

well as such other usage and purposes they enjoyed prior to this Act of Parliament.

I personally think that the inhabitants were given the right to 'throw mud' and 'cut

weeds' in order to maintain the flow of the river. I have in my possession an old

document showing parts of the river where mud was dug out, as well as where it was

deposited. In my opinion Wraysbury owns the river.

One hundred and twenty years after the passing of this Act of Parliament, a man by

the name of Benson produces a deed claiming that he owned the river and associated

fishing rights. Let me tell you about Benson - he was a tenant in Ankerwycke House.

He was not a land owner and during his stay in Wraysbury he was prosecuted for

fraud. Even had this document once held rights, with the passing of the Act of

Parliament creating the enclosures, anyone that had previously held rights lost these

and were compensated for this lost - thus any rights held prior to 1799 were thereafter

invalid.

In later years Blenheim Angling Society obtained the Benson document and by use of

this had registered the bed of the Colne Brook as theirs. They now want to register the

eight yards as theirs as well. Others and including myself wrote to the Land Registry

and objected strongly. I sent the Land Registry copies of the enclosure awards and

they wrote back saying my objection was groundless.

In 1958 a proposal was made by Amey Roadstone Construction to divert the river and

compensate the Parish for the loss of the eight yards. An offer of £3,000, plus the

exchange of land was refused by the Parish Council. This clearly shows that both

ARC and the Parish clearly knew of the rightful ownership of the Colne Brook and its

adjoining eight yards.

Later in 1962, Lord Denning offered the following opinion:

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"I know of no way in which the inhabitants of the parish can lose a right of this kind

once they have acquired it, except by an Act of Parliament mere disuse will not do

and I do not see how they can waive or abandon it. No one or more inhabitants can

waive or abandon it on behalf of others, nor can all the present inhabitants waive or

abandon it on behalf of future generations, they have no common seal and cannot do

any corporate Act of waive."

Blenheim Angling Society is based in High Wycombe and maintains they were the

only ones to have maintained the river banks. Their idea of maintenance is using

chainsaws and strimmers to cut down everything in sight. I, myself and so many other

people say they are destroying the natural habitat of birds, plants and other riverside

wild life. There is a wealth of wild life and plant life that does not need this sort of

interference.

We are probably one of the oldest families in Wraysbury and for years have walked

the banks of the Colne Brook. For years this was a meeting place for all the

inhabitants of Wraysbury and Hythe End. Generations of children have fished and

swum in the river, but Blenheim have tried to stop this, claiming they had the

exclusive rights to the River and the adjoining eight yards.

I personally have no objection to any person fishing the Colne Brook yet Blenheim

Angling Society seem to think they hold the sole rights to the river, chasing the local

children away. A local resident was riding a horse along the river bank, when she was

threatened with a chainsaw by three men. She was very distressed at this and called

me. They claimed that the horse was dangerous.

We would encourage other people of Wraysbury to join us in protecting their rights to

the usage of the Colne Brook and the eight yards.

John Sleep - March 2010

Editor’s Note: It is the Colne Brook that flows through Wraysbury and enters the

Thames at Hythe End not the River Colne as John referred to in his original

manuscript. The River Colne splits at Uxbridge Moor and part forms the Colne

Brook. The Colne flows into the River Thames in Staines. For further information

look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colne_Brook

SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

A big thank you to everyone who gave a donation at Christmas to the Shooting Star

Children’s Hospice. Please consider doing it again this year and go to the website to

find out what other exciting things are happening this year www.shootingstar.org.uk

You can also ring 020 8481 8180 and enter the 5p Challenge or go round the Hospice

in Hampton on their open days on Friday 25th

June and Saturday 26th

.

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THE WRAYSBURY SKIFF AND PUNTING CLUB (WSPC)

WSPC is one of the best kept sporting secrets in the area, but we’d like to change that by

introducing more people to what we have to offer.

Formed by a group of keen river sports enthusiasts back in the summer of 1931, the

objectives of the Club were to promote and encourage the traditional sports of racing in

Thames skiffs and punts, and this is still true today.

The Club still uses equipment donated by its first benefactor Eric Haines of Haines

Boatyard on the Straight Road in Old Windsor, who provided a clubhouse and both

skiffs and punts before the Club could buy its own.

Why Wraysbury? The minutes of that first meeting shed no light on this question and the

Club has never actually been located in Wraysbury, always being on the opposite bank.

Perhaps those who lived in Wraysbury held the majority at this meeting.

In 1975, the Club left Old Windsor and relocated some two miles downstream to its

current location on a picturesque site adjoining the historic Runnymede Pleasure

Grounds, the site of the signing of the Magna Carta. In 2007, the Club opened its new

modern purpose built clubhouse and boathouse, providing a valuable sports facility to the

Borough of Runnymede.

What is a skiff? A skiff is a traditional clinker built rowing boat with fixed seats

originally used by ferrymen or pleasure boats on the Thames but, is perhaps best known

as the boat used by Jerome K. Jerome’s, Three Men in a Boat.

Racing skiffs come in two types; singles for one sculler and coxed doubles for two

scullers. They are sculled with two oars, rather than rowed with one and have fixed

seats with an adjustable foot stretcher to cater for different leg length. They have no

riggers. The oars are held in a gate bordered by two thole pins. The oar stays in place

with the aid of a leather button, which is inside the skiff, while also ensuring that the

oar feathers easily and goes through the water at the correct height. All skiffs are made

to the same specification and are always made in matched pairs or threes. All races are

conducted in matched boats. This ensures crews win on skiffing ability, not because they

may have a lighter, newer or technically innovative boat.

Events are offered in Singles or Doubles for Men, Women and Mixed crews. You start

with a status of Novice and with sufficient wins at each status, can move through to

Senior. You have a separate status for each of the three disciplines; Men’s/Women’s

Singles, Men’s/Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Races are also offered for

Juniors and Veterans with handicaps on time based on the age of the crew.

In the early years of dragon boat racing in this country, the Club represented Great

Britain at international events in a number of countries including Borneo, Canada,

Holland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. The

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Club is first and foremost a racing club and participates in leagues for all three sports.

The skiffing and punting season runs from May through to October, when some 20

regattas are held at various locations between Henley and Teddington on the River

Thames. The season starts and ends with long distance races with the town and club

regattas offering sprint racing in the middle part.

A typical sprint course is some 600-700 metres in length with the course taking 3-4

minutes to complete, depending on the competence of the crew. By contrast, the long

distance races can vary from 25 to 40 minutes in duration.

The Club hosts 4 of these regattas (2 town, 1 Club and 1 long distance) the oldest of

which, Egham Amateur Regatta, dates back to 1909.

The highlight of the skiffing season is the Skiff Championships Regatta held at Henley in

August. This regatta also incorporates the Teddington Reach Regatta which celebrated

its centenary in 1992.

The sport has always had a close association with rowing and over the years the Club has

produced some notable rowers including internationals, Henley Royal Regatta winners

and National Coaches.

The highlight of the punting season is the Punting Championships held at Maidenhead in

August. These championships have been contested since 1886. The Club’s original

benefactor Eric Haines was the Professional (as distinct from Amateur) Champion in

1948.

The dragon boat season is held over the same period when National League events are

held around the country and there is also a series of long distance races held at Henley

over the winter months. National League events race over a distance of 200 and 500

meters where a top crew takes approximately 1 and 2 minutes respectively to complete

the course.

The highlight of the dragon boat season is the National Championships held at the

National Water Sports Centre at Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont in October.

The Dragonboat section has provided representatives for several Great Britain teams.

The Great Britain Grand Masters Men’s (over 50’s) crews currently use the Club as their

base for training before international events.

The Club also has a thriving junior section which introduces children to the river in

single and double dinghies and canoes as a step towards the larger boats. The skiffing

and punting regattas often offer such events especially for children.

During the racing season, organised training with coaching is provided on Tuesday and

Thursday evenings, and Sunday mornings; there is also Children’s Boating on Sunday

mornings.

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During the winter months, the new clubhouse is used for circuit training on a Wednesday

evening, with organised waterborne sessions on Thursday night and Sunday mornings.

The Club is also open on other nights or during the day for training sessions to suit a

members training programme.

The training regime for skiffing, punting and dragon boating is not as intensive as

rowing, with members putting in as much or as little effort as they want into their

training, but the racing is just as competitive.

All the equipment you will require is owned by and supplied by the Club, so once a

member, you are entitled to participate in all the disciplines offered; skiffing, punting,

dragon boating and children’s boating.

The Club has a current membership of about 200, of which about 25% are still actively

competing. The Club welcomes new active members and further details can be found on

our website at www.wspc.org.uk.

If you are interested in coming down for some taster sessions, please contact the Hon.

Secretary Mrs Imogen O’Neill on 01753 856337.

Dave Taylor

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 27th

June 2010 Egham Regatta

Saturday 21st July 2010 Wraysbury & Old Windsor Regatta

Saturday 11th

September 2010 WSPC Club Regatta

The water bills are dropping through the letterbox again. Please check your bill and

confirm that you are not being improperly charged for surface water disposal.

To get a form for a rebate phone 0845 9200 800 or write to:

Thames Water, PO BOX 286, Swindon, SN38 2RA or go to:

https://forms.thameswater.co.uk/surface-water-drainage and download one.

Ewan Larcombe

www.jubileeriver.co.uk ewan@jubileeriver.co.uk

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