Welcome to the LOSRA Website
Like any local community, the policies and decisions shaping the character and future of Lower Sunbury are influenced by a combination of local and national government initiatives, alongside market forces and vested interests operating within these frameworks. As with many areas, Lower Sunbury faces challenges stemming from an aging infrastructure, rapid urban development, increasing traffic congestion, and other pressures that impact both quality of life and the distinctive character of the neighbourhood.
In collaboration with local authorities, other residents’ associations and amenity groups, LOSRA plays a vital role in addressing fundamental issues that affect its members' lives. This organisation not only engages with broader strategic concerns but also focuses on the everyday matters that shape community well-being.
To stay informed, we encourage you to subscribe to our regular e-bulletins via the link at the top left of this page. Your continued support is essential to our efforts, and we urge you to join or renew your membership. Subscriptions for 2026 are now payable at £5 per household. Donations are also welcome.
Would you be prepared to pay an extra £2 a month for additional policing in Surrey?
That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro is posing to Surrey’s residents as he launches his annual consultation on the police precept for the next financial year.
The PCC is inviting the public to fill in a short online survey on whether or not they would support a proposed £24 increase for the year based on a Band D property.
The proposed rise would mean doubling the number of officers in our dedicated neighbourhood teams which support area policing teams across the county while also helping Surrey Police invest in specialist officers to tackle serious organised crime gangs and drug dealers in our communities.
The survey, which closes at midnight on Monday 28 January, can be found here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CouncilTax201920/
One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county known as the precept.
In December, the Home Office gave PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D Council Tax bill by up to £2 a month – the equivalent of around 10% across all bands. In Surrey, every 1% rise in the police precept equates to around £1m in additional income.
For Surrey, the PCC’s proposal of £2 a month would mean the policing element of residents’ average Band D council tax increasing from £236.57 to £260.57 a year.
In return, the PCC has pledged to increase the number of officers and PCSOs in the county by 100 by April 2020. In addition, the extra money would also preserve CCTV provision in the county whilst exploring possibilities for further investment in digital technology to support officers and Surrey Police’s ability to capture and use footage.
PCC David Munro said: “Asking the public for more money at this time of year is one of the most difficult decisions I have to make as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county.
“The question I am often rightly asked by the Surrey public is “what will I get in return?” During my time in post I have spoken to many residents about policing issues in all four corners of the county and they regularly tell me they want to see more local policing in their communities.
“This has been at the forefront of my mind when I have been considering what to propose for this year’s policing element of the council tax.
“The Chief Constable and I agree we want to put more officers and PCSOs in local neighbourhoods to prevent crime and provide that visible reassurance that residents rightly value. We also want more officers to target organised gangs including drug dealers and have more detectives to investigate offences when they do happen.
“The government settlement has given PCCs the flexibility to increase this year’s precept and I don’t take this responsibility lightly. However, I believe it provides a real opportunity to help put more officers back into our communities which is what I believe the public of Surrey want to see.
“Having given this very serious thought - my proposal is to increase the precept by the full £2 a month for a Band D property in return for 100 extra police officers.
“I believe this is the right option for the Surrey public but it is really important to me to get the views and opinions of the people who will be paying it. I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our survey and let me know their views which can help me make my decision.”
To read more about the PCC’s proposal and the reasons for it – click here: www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/council-tax-2019-20-have-your-say/
Phone: 01483 630 200
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Computer Lessons for the over-50s
LoSRA has received the following email from the Council for circulation to members:
Computer Lessons for the over-50s Benwell Community Centre, Downside, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 6RT Sunbury. NOW ON Wednesdays 9am-1pm.
1-2-1 assistance. We have a computer, but please feel free to bring a laptop, tablet or smart phone.
Tel: 01932 784232 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. uk
The Sunbury Riverside Players Present Robinson Crusoe, the Pantomime, 16 -20 January
Matinee and evening performances to be held at the Riverside Arts Centre, 59, Thames Street.
A Very Happy Christmas to all our Supporters
Many thanks to all our supporters who have contributed to keeping this vital Association viable; whether through membership, donations, newsletter distributors or simply helping us to keep our focus on things that matter most to the Lower Sunbury community.
The Chairman and Committee extend our very best wishes to all our supporters for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Dave O'Higgins in Tribute to Stanley Turrentine at the RAC on 6th January
Stanley William Turrentine was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He began his career playing R&B for Earl Bostic and later soul jazz recording for the Blue Note label from 1960, touched on jazz fusion during a stint on CTI in the 1970s. He was described by critic Steve Huey as "renowned for his distinctively thick, rippling tone earthy grounding in the blues."
Dave O'Higgins, who is paying a tribute to Turrentine is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator and latterly recording engineer and producer. He has been a popular figure on the UK and international jazz scene for 30 years now, with 19 albums as leader under his belt’s tenor and soprano sax sounds are highly personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure.
A popular performer with the public, with an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. He has relentlessly pursued artistic and sonic exploration, and enjoys the learning process which is a constant advancing flow.
Venue: The Riverside Arts Centre, 59, Thames Street at 7.45pm
New Year's Eve Party at London Irish
The Amateur London Irish Club at Hazelwood will again be hosting a New Year’s eve party.
The cost of admission is £15 per head with a reduced rate of £5 for children.
Call 01932 750 190 to purchase tickets in advance.
It is emphasised that all profits will be returned for the benefit of the amateurs.
More...
Jazz Christmas Special at the RAC, 23rd December
The Christmas Jazz Special at the Riverside Arts Centre will welcome Art Themen, the saxophone-playing orthopaedic surgeon who has been an appealing presence on the British jazz circuit for over 40 years.
He will be joined by the Terence Collie trio featuring:
Terence Collie – piano; Stuart Barker – base; Rha Stranges – drums
Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be provided.
Venue: Riverside Arts Centre, 59, Thames Street, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5QF.
Starts 7.45pm, Tickets £15 on the door or £12 via the website: www.moodindigoevents.co.uk
The Mersey Legends at Christmas Party Night, Sunbury Cricket Club, 7th December
The next Friday Music Night at the Club, and the last one of the year, is on Friday 7th December with the Club’s now traditional early Christmas party night when they welcome back THE MERSEY LEGENDS for their customary beat era rave-up to kick off the festive season.
The Mersey Legends are led by Yanni, born in Liverpool and who played at The Cavern with his band The Seftons in the heyday of the beat boom – the band were top of the bill when the Cavern re-opened in 1967. He has been true to his Liverpool roots ever since, creating a band and a brilliantly honed act specifically designed to celebrate the great sounds of the Mersey Era. As ever, we will be guaranteed a rip-roaring evening of wall-to-wall Mersey Era classics just like we’ve had for the last five years. There’s more info at www.themerseylegends.co.uk.
Food will be available as usual, so put together a gang of friends for a fun night out to finish the year with a bang. The Club looks forward to seeing you.
Venue: Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5PS
Starts 8.30pm
PPG Open Meeting 3rd December, 6.30pm
All patients of Sunbury Health Centre are invited to this Open Meeting of the Patient Participation Group (PPG).
One of the doctors and other Practice staff will give an overview of the many positive developments taking place as well as highlighting the challenges faced by the Practice in our ever expanding community.
There will also be an opportunity for general comments, suggestions and questions from patients. Please note that this is NOT an opportunity to discuss individual cases or issues, these should be passed to the Practice in the normal way.
Top British Jazz Star Digby Fairweather to Play at the SCC, 2nd December
Sunday Lunchtime Jazz returns to Sunbury Cricket Club with a very special show featuring one of the most illustrious personalities on the British jazz scene, the cornetist, bandleader, broadcaster and author Digby Fairweather.
Digby has been playing jazz at the highest level for 40 years, and has been associated with many major names, as well as leading his own band The Half Dozen.
The late Sir John Dankworth called him “one of our most articulate jazzmen in both his words and his music”, and Jim Simpson, publisher of The Jazz Rag magazine wrote: “One of our great jazzmen, and the UK’s leading man-about jazz, he has assuredly taken the place vacated by Humphrey Lyttelton as Britain’s leading jazz personality”.
There is full information about him at www.digbyfairweather.com. He is appearing with a quartet featuring an important up-and-coming name in British jazz, tenor saxophonist Duncan Eagles, along with Stephane Booroff (drums), Nick Cooper (piano) and Phil Berry (bass).
The show will start at around 1pm. Tickets at £10 are available on the door, and you can reserve them by e-mailing the address below. A lunch menu will be available from about 12.15, at £13.95 for 2 courses or £16.95 for three courses. It is a real privilege to have an artist of Digby’s stature playing in Sunbury, and it will be a great occasion.
Sunbury Cricket Club, Lower Hampton Road, TW16 5PS.
Christmas Market - Thursday 6th December
The Lower Sunbury Business Community brings you the Sunbury Christmas Market on Thursday 6th December from 5pm – 8pm in Avenue Parade outside the shops.
The Market will have 30 stalls from which to stock up on gifts, treats and enjoy hot food. As in previous years, the Salvation Army will be in attendance for all to come and sing carols at 6.30pm.
Santa’s Grotto will be open at Laura’s Hair & Beauty salon (5-7pm); and there will be an opportunity to take part in the Big Community Raffle with tickets available from Laura’s, Van Wonderen or Skinners Post Office in The Avenue and Tony’s Hair Salon in Vicarage Road.
Campaign to Establish Public Right of Way from School Walk to Hazelwood Drive
Readers may have seen details of this campaign on the Sunbury-on-Thames Facebook page.
If you are, or have been, a user of the unmade road that connects School Walk to Hazelwood Drive by the London Irish Training Ground, you are urged to complete a questionnaire form intended to have this road designated as a public right of way.
For further information, please visit and scroll down to article dated 13th November here
Free trees for schools and communities
The Woodland Trust has announced the availability of free trees for planting:
“We want to make sure that everybody in the UK has the chance to plant a tree. So we’re giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities.... Every sapling that we provide is UK sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track an individual tree.”
We remember Joe Cocker: Unchained - The Best of Joe Cocker Live Show at the SCC, 16th November
The next Music Night at Sunbury Cricket Club falls on Friday 16th November when the Clube welcomes back PAUL COX with his special “WE REMEMBER JOE COCKER: UNCHAINED – THE BEST OF JOE COCKER ‘LIVE’” SHOW, marking the 50th anniversary of Joe being at No. 1 in the UK charts with his legendary version of The Beatles’ song “With A Little Help From My Friends”, which reached the top of the charts on 6th November 1968.
Paul first performed this show at the club a couple of years ago, and has put the presentation together again this year for a commemorative round of gigs during the autumn. It was a stunning evening’s entertainment with a full house last time around, so we can expect another special occasion. Paul has appeared at the club many times with his bands and headlined last year’s Beer Festival with Fire & Water; and he is one of the great showmen on the circuit – Radio 2’s Paul Jones cites him as one of his favourite singers, and says he is “one of the best voices in Europe”.
Along with Paul the band features his familiar line-up, comprising Mike Summerland (guitar), who has worked over the years with Blodwyn Pig, Georgie Fame, William Bell and others, Dave “Munch” Moore (keyboards) who was with No Dice, Mainsqueeze, Dick Heckstall-Smith and Pete Brown, Nigel Hardy (bass), Peter Stroud (drums), plus Stephanie Whitelock & Karen O'Connor (vocals). We can guarantee that this will be a hugely entertaining evening featuring hits like “Delta Lady”, “The Letter”, “Marjorine”, “Unchain My Heart”, “Up Where We Belong” and many more to mark a special occasion.
The Club looks forward to seeing you there – food will be available as usual.
