Welcome to the LOSRA Website
As with any other local neighbourhood, the policies and actions which affect the character and future of Lower Sunbury are generally framed and implemented by a combination of local and national government, along with the vested interests and market forces which operate within those frameworks. Lower Sunbury is by no means unique in being under threat from a creaking infrastructure brought about by rapid urban development, the growth of traffic, and other pressures affecting the quality of life and the character of the area.
Working with the local authorities, we see it as the responsibility of residents’ and amenity groups such as LOSRA to address the underlying issues which fundamentally affect their members’ lives, as well as the minutiae of everyday life with which such groups are often concerned.
Please sign up to receive our regular e-bulletins by subscribing via the facility at the top left hand of this page. It goes without saying that, without your continued support we would cease to function so we urge you to join, or renew your membership now Subscriptions (£5 per household) for 2024 are now payable.
Tony Kinsey Big Band to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Embroidery Gallery Opening
One of Sunbury’s biggest musical events of the year is taking place on Friday March 11th when The Tony Kinsey Big Band is giving a concert at which Tony will perform his major work “The Embroidery Suite”. The event is on Friday March 11th at Sunbury Cricket Club, the performance beginning at 8.00 pm.
The event is being promoted by Sunbury Millennium Embroidery, and marks the beginning of the celebrations this year of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery in the Walled Garden, Thames Street. The Embroidery Suite was composed by Tony as part of the fund-raising effort to build the Gallery and was originally performed at St. Mary’s Church well over ten years ago.
In addition to the Embroidery Suite, the 16-piece orchestra, plus vocalist, will perform other Tony Kinsey compositions, including two new pieces which will be having their first airing. The concert is being recorded for CD release.
Tickets are £15.00, available from the Embroidery Gallery, which is open from 10am to 4pm every day except Mondays. For a donation of a further £5.00 on top of the ticket prices, you can have your name included as a supporter of the project in the CD booklet.
A long-time Lower Sunbury resident, Tony has been one of the major figures in British jazz for well over 60 years, and is highly respected as a drummer, bandleader and composer, and opportunities to see him performing in our area are relatively rare. This will be a very special occasion, and tickets will be in considerable demand, so you are advised to book in advance.
The Big Band includes some of the top performers in the British jazz scene. See flier by clicking here
Internationally Renowned Soprano to Perform at St. Mary's Church Fundraiser
On Saturday 27th February St Mary's Church presents Kathryn Harries in concert. The Internationally renowned soprano and Director of the National Opera Studio will be joined by stars of the future in a programme of popular music that has something for everyone.
The concert is being held within the Church itself at 7.30pm and is in aid of the Church Restoration Fund. Tickets £10. Box Office 01932 232068.
Jazz Guitarist Maciek Pysz Comes to the RAC on 6th March
On Sunday, 6th March, the Riverside Arts Centre, Thames Street will be the venue for a performance by guitarist Maciek Pysz.
Maciek is a jazz musician, guitarist and composer. He is known for his clear lyrical phrasing, his virtuosity and his imaginative, cinematic compositions inspired by people, places and experiences.
"One of the most melodic and innovative guitarists I've heard for many a year...all compositions are as melodic and harmonically satisfying as his solos" Lance Liddle (Bepop Spoken Here). "Pysz is a quiet virtuoso who has developed into one of the most distinctive guitarists around" **** Ian Mann (The Jazz Mann). "There is some beautiful stuff here - a must for jazz guitar fans **** Stephen Graham (Marlbank).
Maciek will be accompanied by Terence Collie on piano, Max Luthert on bass and Eric Ford on drums.
Tickets £8 via website: www.moodindigoevents.co.uk or £10 on the door.
New Play Area Opens in Orchard Meadow
Readers of this site will remember the proposal to build a children's play area in Orchard Meadow (see article of 17th July followed by a public consultation announcement on 23rd July). Spelthorne Council is pleased to announce that the play area is now open.
Designed for the under 11s, the play area is made using natural wood materials and includes a range of equipment including climbing logs, balance structures and play boulders.
Spelthorne Council obtained external funding for the project from the Surrey County Council Community Improvement Fund and Fields in Trust. An official launch is planned for the Easter holidays.
Application for 16 New Houses at Former Homewood Nurseries, Fordbridge Road
One of LOSRA's key objectives is to protect what remains of our Green Belt and a recent application by Heronslea Ltd to build 16 houses at the former Homewood Nurseries on Green Belt land at Fordbridge Road is no exception.
The application (Ref: PT/15/01423/FUL) may be viewed by visiting the Council Website: my.spelthorne.gov.uk/planning/ and representations may be submitted online, by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post to Planning and Housing Strategy, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB. Representations should be received by 25th February.
LOSRA has forwarded a letter of objection to this application, the salient points of which may be viewed by clicking here
Almshouse - Single Pensioner Vacancy
There is a vacancy at the Almshouses for a single pensioner of limited means who lives in or has close connections with the Parish of Sunbury.
The Vigne-Bremmer Almshouses are situated at 30/44 Nursery Road, Sunbury, TW16 6LE and the accommodation consists of a ground floor bed-sitting room with a shower room and kitchen, newly decorated, and one of eight homes sitting in a pretty communal garden at the end of Ravenscroft, off Nursery Road. The monthly contribution is £410.00, incl. heating and water rates.
The Almshouses are a registered charity (No.213816) and applications should be made to the Administrator for further information: Ms A Dixon, 74 Darby Crescent, Sunbury, TW16 5LA. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tel: 07771 872656.
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'Eco Park' - What's Going on?
If you are considering using your private vehicle to take household or garden refuse to the Community Recycling Centre at Charlton Lane, you should be aware that local residents are being restricted to quantities which can be fitted into the car boot only.
Unless you have an estate, it is possible you will have filled your car by flattening the back seat. If so, you are likely to be refused.
One would have thought that maximising the load per visit is the most efficient on grounds of both car transport and site usage. It seems that basic logic is lacking in this arbitrary policy which has not been formally communicated, or consulted upon, by Surrey County Council.
We need clarification and a proper description of a sensible policy worked out with SCC and for which the County is responsible, not one made up by SITA employees on the gate. Residents pay for this service and have a right to expect nothing less. The additional increased risk of fly-tipping must also be a concern.
To see the latest progress report (which makes no mention of the restrictive policy), click here
The Blue Bishops Return to Sunbury Cricket Club, 19th February
The next Music Night at the SCC falls on Friday 19th February, when the Club welcomes back The Blue Bishops, another band who are long overdue a re-appearance at the Club. Their style is very much at the up-beat rocking end of the blues/R&B spectrum, and their line-up features musicians with an impressive musical heritage.
Guitarist/vocalist Simon Burrett is a veteran of many bands since his time as an artist with Mike Vernon’s Blue Horizon label in the ‘60s, and Geoff Grange (guitar/harmonica/vocals) is a former collaborator of Bill Wyman and Nicky Hopkins. The Club is especially pleased that bassist Jim Rodford, of The Zombies and Argent (and rarely available these days because of his touring schedule with them) has confirmed he can do this gig; and Jim’s son Steve Rodford, who now also plays with the Zombies, is on drums. More info at www.bluebishops.co.uk.
Their album “In The Red” was produced by former Abbey Road luminary John Leckie, producer of Bebop Deluxe, Argent and Radiohead. Find out lots more and hear some tracks at www.bluebishops.co.uk. It will be an exciting evening of music ranging across blues, rock and R&B, and the Club looks forward to seeing you there.
Food will be available once more, with a new menu, and with hours extended so that it is served up until 9pm.
Interested in Developing the Arts?
The Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association (SSAA) is looking for one or two people to Chair/co-chair their Association. This is a voluntary position run through the Riverside Arts Centre in Thames Street, Sunbury. The SSAA runs the Arts Festival for Sunbury & Shepperton and also organises Coffee Concerts during the Spring & Autumn each year; and other events, from time to time, as they arise. For example, in 2014 the SSAA facilitated ‘The Restoration of Nell Gwyn’, an excellent show written by Steve Trafford and superbly acted by Elizabeth Mansfield and Angela Curran.
Their current Co-Chairs feel that it is time for them to retire and let other people take the SSAA forward. Your plans for the SSAA will shape its future.
To apply, contact Catherine Black on 07864 057760 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and/or Carmen Souchet 01932 567365 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by the end of March and come in for a discussion with them and other members of the committee. They would love to hear from you.
Local Sunbury East Councillor Elected as New Leader of Council
Cllr Ian Harvey, who was elected to the Council in 2013 as ward councillor for Sunbury East, was elected as the new Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council at an Extraordinary meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 2 February.
Cllr Quentin Edgington tendered his resignation as Leader prior to the vote.
Speaking after his election, Cllr Harvey said: "I am honoured that my fellow Conservative councillors have entrusted me with leading the controlling Conservative group at such an important time for Spelthorne. I look forward to working with my Deputy, Councillor Tony Harman, our Cabinet and fellow councillors as well as the Council staff to ensure we deliver excellent and cost effective services for residents."
Are you planning the perfect Valentine’s meal?
If you’re planning to eat out this Valentine’s Day, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether the restaurant takes food hygiene seriously.
The truth is, you can’t tell much about a restaurant’s hygiene standards from its appearance but there is one easy way to set yourmind at rest - check the food hygiene ratings. These tell you about hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses.
Check online at http://ratings.food.gov.uk/authority-search/spelthorne or, if you’re out and about, look for the green and black sticker. If you can’t see one just ask the staff.
The ratings reflect the findings of the Council’s Environmental Health Officers and range from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning that the hygiene standards are very good.
Currently in Spelthorne, 52% of food businesses are rated as very good and 82% are rated as satisfactory, good or very good - so there are plenty of places to choose from.
For more information visit https://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/foodhygiene
Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association - Spring Coffee Mornings
The Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association is pleased to announce their Spring Coffee Concert programme.
Performance times, venue and box office details are given on the attached information leaflet.
"To Billie with Love" - A tribute to Billie Holiday, 7th February at the Riverside Arts Centre
To Celebrate Billie's 100th birthday, Marta Capponi is pleased to present a night dedicated to her music. Marta's voice will bring the audience into the charming atmosphere of the old 40's when Billie Holliday was at the top of her short and intense career. Marta will be accompanied by an excellent jazz trio featuring Hampton based pianist Terence Collie, Richard Sadler on bass; and Emiliano Caroselli on drums.
The performance will start at 7.30pm (doors 7pm) with tickets at the door £10. Alternatively you may book online for the reduced rate of £8 at www.moodindigoevents.co.uk
Patients Participation Group Open Meeting, 8th February
The next open meeting of the Patients' Participation Group will be held at the Sunbury Health Centre from 6.30pm - 7.30pm on Monday 8th February.
The meeting, which has previously generated much positive feedback will, as before, be of limited duration and those wishing to attend may like to refer to the latest set of minutes from the Core Group for an update.
