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.
A vocal & instrumental recital will be held at St. Mary's Church on Saturday 26th October. The event will feature Helen Astrid (Soprano), Frank Palmer (Clarinet) and Geoffrey Bowyer (Piano).
The recital is being held in aid of the Princess Alice Hospice and tickets at £8 may be purchased at the door.
After being informed by the Chief Executive and Head of Planning Services that a development of 14 homes was in prospect for the tennis courts site in The Ridings, we are dismayed to have received this leaflet from Cala Homes in which it seems the true figure is 29 dwellings.
We have no way of explaining this very substantial increase in an already densely developed area and hope to find out more when Cala Homes hosts an exhibition of their plans on Tuesday 5th November from 3.30pm - 8pm, at St. Paul's Catholic College, The Ridings, Green Street. All residents are urged to attend. To view the Cala Homes leaflet, click here.
The following alert from Surrey Police has been received by LOSRA and is reproduced here:
Surrey Police is warning residents to remain vigilant following an increasing number of reports of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers across the county.
On each occasion the victims reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer and attempting to convince them to hand over large amounts of cash or bank cards.
The offenders are claiming to be from the police and are using a variety of pretences including saying that the victims bank card has been used by somebody who is in custody. They are then asking the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and advising the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card.
Meanwhile the fraudster is staying on the line and obtaining the victims bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victims address saying they have been sent by the police to collect a parcel – the envelope containing the card.
Fortunately, the victims in the most recent offences all realised that the calls were part of a scam and refused to pass on any bank details, such as PIN numbers, or allowed their cards or cash to be taken. Other victims have been less fortunate and have lost significant amounts of money
Surrey Police asks that if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours that you remain alert and if you see them being approached by unexpected visitors, check who they are and ensure that they are a legitimate caller.
Police Officers and banks do not operate in this manner and would never request a customer to confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details and report the matter to the police.
Surrey Police advises the following:
If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money, bank cards or bank details, please call 101 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
LOSRA frequently gets asked about breaches of planning policy and how to enlist the support of the Enforcement Officers at Spelthorne Council. Whilst we have no criticism of the EOs and appreciate the difficult job they are required to do with limited resources, we nevertheless welcome a plan which formalises the Council's responses to complaints by our members.
We have been informed that Spelthorne Council approved a Local Enforcement Plan at its Cabinet meeting on 24 September. This sets out the Council’s approach for dealing with unauthorised development and carrying out enforcement activities.
Planning permission is needed for many types of development and changes in use of land or buildings. Permission is also required to erect many forms of advertisements and there are controls to protect listed buildings and preserved trees. When development or work takes place without permission, or not in line with planning permission or conditions placed on it, the Council has various legal powers to take what is called 'enforcement' action to remedy the problem.
The Local Enforcement Plan sets out how the Council prioritises complaints received about unauthorised building work or uses of land, sets service standards for dealing with initial complaints; and provides information on how complaints are to be processed and the range of enforcement options available. The plan states that priority will be given to dealing with those complaints which relate to actions which cause the most harm and that the Council will usually seek to prosecute those who damage listed buildings or fell protected trees.
To read the Local Enforcement Plan visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/enforcement
The next Music Night is on Friday 25th October when Sunbury Cricket Club welcomes SKELETON CREW to the Club for the first time. It's a band whose members will be familiar to many of you, as two of the stalwarts are former Sunbury residents who have played in the area many times over the years. The band’s leader is Paul King, playing guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica and squeezebox. He is an original member of Mungo Jerry, who went on to be voted the Evening Standard pub entertainer of the year several years in a row. He was a founder member of the King Earl Boogie Band, who appeared at the Club recently.
With him is bass player Colin Pattenden, original member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band in their hit-making days, and now also with Jackie Lynton and the Nashville Teens. Both Paul and Colin were regulars in the Magpie and Phoenix for many years on Christmas Day playing jug band carols along with Colin Earl of King Earl Boogie Band.
On guitar is Chris Bryant, who famously owns Bryant’s Musical Instruments in Tin Pan Alley - Denmark Street - in the West End, so you can be sure he knows his way round the guitar, and on drums is Greg Terry-Short, who has played with Ozzy Osborne, Peter Green and Jackie Lynton.
Please come along so that we have a big crowd to welcome the guys back to Sunbury for the first time in a long while – it will be a fun night.
The following email has been received by LOSRA from Thames 21 and we are pleased to reproduce it here:
Thank you for all your participation in the project at your local site throughout the past year. We have worked with more people and groups this time than last year and the sites have improved year on year, not only in terms of enhancement but the awareness of the hard work and great contributions that have been made for the River Thames and tributaries by many organisation’s and people.
Please see the latest list of Non -Tidal River Thames events for. Details of the public events are also on the Thame21 website http://www.thames21.org.uk/events/
Additional events are too be added as we develop the programme, so watch this space and please feel free to offer up any ideas for the project and new contacts.
I very much look forward to meeting you, your friends while on the riverside at these events.
Best Wishes Luke (Luke Dameron)
Our local diary dates for Sunbury Lock Ait fall on Saturday 19th October and 16th November. Thames 21 are looking for volunteers to help with bank clearance to habitat construction, litter pick and revival of an apple tree. If you can spare a few hours (10am - 1pm) you would be most welcome. Although protective clothing is provided old clothes are advised.
Progress continues as planned and LIRFC remain on schedule to complete the whole project by June 2014.
Pitches
The pitchworks are nearing completion, and the attached photographs show the progress to date. The formation of the pitches is complete, with seeding and landscaping the remaining tasks to enable project completion.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse works have started, and foundations are currently being installed. The frame of the building will start to be erected in November.
Only a very small number of complaints have been received to date and these were dealt with promptly.
Shepperton Players' next production is Life and Beth by Alan Ayckbourn. It's Christmas Eve, and Beth is remembering her husband Gordon who has recently passed away. Her first Christmas without him will be difficult, not least because Gordon's sister Connie is there to help and hinder Beth whilst drinking most of her wine. Joining the two women is Martin, Beth's son and his girlfriend Ella, whose attempts to take control of proceedings cause more chaos and mayhem than Beth would like. Add to this the local vicar David, who is revered by Connie, but who in turn takes a liking to Beth, and trouble is on the horizon. David's well meaning prayer for Beth sets even more emotional upheaval in progress, and the scene is set for a Christmas that Beth really didn't see coming. If only Gordon were there to help her ...
The play which is funny moving and dark, with Ayckbourn's typical witty dialogue and wonderful characters, will be staged at the Riverside Arts Centre on 10th - 12th October; curtain up at 8pm. Tickets at £10 may be obtained from the box office on 07505 206757.
The next Music Night is on Friday 27th September when SCC welcome back the excellent rock, soul and blues vocalist Paul Cox with his band The Proof, featuring special guest Micky Moody. Paul has been described by Radio 2’s Paul Jones as “the best voice in Europe” and he is a regular at festivals all round the Continent. The Proof comprises some regulars at the club, including Roger Cotton on keyboards and Pete Stroud on drums, both of whom have appeared with Buddy Whittington. Roger, who produces the band’s records, is a veteran of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and has played and recorded with the likes of Dr. Feelgood and Eric Bibb and was also a member of Peter Green’s Splinter Group along with Pete Stroud. Guitarist Mike Summerland has also worked with top names over the years, including Georgie Fame, William Bell, The Marvelettes, Doris Troy and Blodwyn Pig. Bassist Nigel Hardy has worked with many top American blues names, and played with Robert Palmer for many years.
The great rock guitarist Micky Moody, who was in Juicy Lucy and Snafu and then with Whitesnake through their glory years (he co-wrote some of their material including “Fool For Your Lovin’”), played on Paul & The Proof’s recently-released album “100% The Proof”, and Paul has arranged for Micky to appear with the band for this gig which is a real treat. Micky is a brilliant guitarist and an equally entertaining personality, so it’s a great bonus to have him at the Club for the gig.
It promises to be another excellent evening of top quality blues, soul, rock and R&B. Don't miss it.
LOSRA has received the following email from the BBC with a request for its publication:
Now in its third year, the awards are firmly established as an annual celebration of some truly remarkable people. From Monday 9th September, BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey will be seeking nominations in twelve categories providing the perfect opportunity to say thank you to all those who make Sussex and Surrey such great places to live and work.
The categories range from Young Achiever for anyone aged 18 or under who has demonstrated maturity beyond their years, to Good Neighbour for someone who has gone out of their way to help and support their neighbours and local community.
This year, due to popular demand, the awards have two brand new categories; Contribution to the Arts and Contribution to Education, recognising the work people do in these fields and marking their importance.
Sara David, Editor of BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey commenting on the launch of the awards said: "We are thrilled to be able to launch these awards for a third successive year. We were overwhelmed with the quality of entries received in 2012 and moved by some of the incredible stories that we heard. We are really looking forward to receiving this year’s nominations. ”
Please do have a look at the attached flyer and we’d also love you to share this with all the groups and contacts in your address book too.
If you know anyone who fits the bill and deserves a thank you – then nominating couldn’t be easier!
Nominations should say in no more than 250 words who you would like to nominate and why, including your name, address and contact number. Entries should then be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post: BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey, Broadcasting Centre, Guildford, GU2 7AP.
The deadline for suggestions is midnight on Sunday 20th October 2013 and there will be a special gala night of celebration in December. If you need any further information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you for being part of BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey!
With the evenings closing in, it's even more important that friends family and neighbours remain vigilant when it comes to elderly residents living within the community. These are just two examples of money saved through Trading Standards officers interventions this past week:
1. £4000 was saved to a lone, elderly vulnerable man in Camberley who was in the process of being ripped off following an unsolicited visit, regarding unnecessary, overpriced work to jetwash and paint his roof.
2. £4700 saved to another lone, elderly, vulnerable man in Shepperton who was also in the process of being ripped off following an unsolicited visit, again regarding unnecessary, overpriced work to jetwash and paint his roof.
Although the route by which scammers find their victims may vary (doorstep visit, phone call, post or email) - all of these scams are initiated via unsolicited 'coldcall' approaches to the victims.
To view the full version of the latest Trading Standards Alert, click here
A number of residents have been in contact with LOSRA wondering why all seems to have gone quiet regarding the Environment Agency development site in Fordbridge Road. For those residents, and any others who may have missed ealier LH exhibitions, an Information Day has been arranged by Linden Homes at the Riverside Arts Centre on Wednesday 25th September from 12 midday – 4pm.
With the site works due to start in October, the purpose of the event is to make the project and site managers available to any local residents who would like to meet them and/or understand a bit more about the development project and site works.
The effects of the proposed changes to the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service deployments in Spelthorne were computer-modelled, and the results presented on the Surrey County Council website as part of the Public Consultation.
However, we could not find any modelling results on the Surrey County Council website which included the particular configuration proposed for Spelthorne – a single fire-engine based at a new fire-station.
This omission prompted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by LOSRA to Surrey County Council and the results of the modelling relating to the particular changes proposed for Spelthorne are now available to be viewed here
With the benefit of this additional information, LOSRA has prepared a briefing note which comprehensively explains the worrying implications of reducing Spelthorne's fire stations from two to one. To view, click here.
Further to the articles published on 23rd August and 4th September, the Chairman has contacted Surrey County Council and requested an additional public meeting to be held in Sunbury and we await SCC's reply. As soon as details become known, an announcement will be posted on this site.
STOP PRESS:
Further to the articles published on 23rd August and 4th September, The Chairman contacted Surrey County Council and requested an additional public meeting to be held in Sunbury and it has now been confirmed that the meeting will take place on Thursday, 10 October, 7-9pm at the Sunbury Manor School. Residents are encouraged to register their interest and book a place, either through this email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 01737 242444 (otherwise it's first come first served).
Italian concert pianist Carlo Grante studied in Rome, in Miami, at the Juilliard School in New York, and with Aliza Kezeradze in London. He has given concerts all over the world, in renowned halls such as Wigmore and the Musikverein. He is renowned for his immense technical prowess and for the integrity of his musicianship. Die Presse in Vienna described him as “a knight of the piano, without blemish and without fear”.
Carlo Grante has made over 50 recordings, of the music of Scarlatti, Mozart, Clementi, Schumann, Mussorgsky, Debussy, Godowsky, Busoni and Ravel. This year he is playing mostly works by F. Chopin, but also the world premiere of a capriccio by Czech composer Jan Novak.
On 2 October, he is offering a recital to participants in his Riverside Piano Seminar of 3-4 October, and extends an invitation to the general public.
Click here to view the flyer which gives full details of the programme