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.
The Good Old Boys Return to Sunbury Cricket Club, 28th February
The next Music Night is on Friday 28th February when The Cricket Club welcomes back THE GOOD OLD BOYS, who have given us two really excellent evenings on their previous visits.
They feature a formidable array of experienced performers with illustrious histories in a variety of big name bands, led by Nick Simper (bass/vocals) who first played professionally with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, going on to play with The Flowerpot Men before becoming a founder member of Deep Purple. After he left Purple, he played with Marsha Hunt, that band morphing into Warhorse, who made albums for Vertigo. After Warhorse, he went on to form Flying Fox and then Fandango.
Peter Parks (guitar/vocals) was also in Warhorse, and then stayed with Nick through the Fandango era in the ‘80s. Simon Bishop (guitar/vocals) toured with Renaissance, High Society, and The Monks (of “Nice Legs, Shame About The Face” fame), while Richard Hudson (drums/vocals) was a long-time member of the south-west London scene as percussionist with high profile hit-makers The Strawbs and then Hudson Ford. He was also with Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera, High Society and The Monks. Alan Barratt (lead singer) was with the British band Jo Jo Gunne and has worked alongside the likes of Chip Hawkes (Tremelos) and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.
It goes without saying that they are a top class outfit and we know from their previous gigs that the contrasting lead guitar styles of Peter and Simon makes for a really entertaining range of rock, blues, R&B and country material and we very much look forward to seeing them again.
Central Co-ordinator for Flood Volunteers
The co-ordination of volunteers and aid to flood victims is being run by Stuart Mann at Spelthorne Council and he may be contacted on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It was recognised very early on that, in order to avoid duplication of effort, the responsibility should rest with one individual and Stuart has been taken off his day-to-day duties to devote himself full time to this role. You are urged to contact him if you have material or practical help to offer; or are in need of help. The extent of damage, and therefore relief, may not become evident until the flood waters have subsided.
Flooded Homes - Royal Mail Will Re-direct Letters and Parcels Free for 3 Months
A local resident visiting the Royal Mail Sorting Office this morning was advised that the Service will re-direct mail for those residents who have been evacuated or who have chosen to leave their homes due to the flooding. Royal Mail will continue this service for three months at no charge. Any resident wishing to take advantage of this offer should contact customer services.
Residents affected by the flooding should also note that The Government has pledged £250,000 to Citizens Advice Bureau to help victims of the recent floods.
The fund will be spent directly on outreach work in communities devastated by flooding & bad weather. To find out more click here.
Sunbury Flood Volunteers
A group of local residents who don't know each other have come together through Facebook and set up a page to recruit volunteers who want to help in the community. They have arranged a meeting for 12.30 on Saturday 15th February at St Marys Church Hall, Sunbury.
All walks of life are represented and the volunteers have varying skills to offer, from humping sandbags, coordinating groups, sourcing and providing donations to helping with waterlogged furniture removal further down the line.
It's important to stress that they are not a professional organisation as many of them haven't met each other face to face, so they do not have a hard agenda.
All residents are invited to attend and it's hoped that we can all assist the vulnerable and those affected by flood damage. If you would like to get in touch with the group by email they may be contacted on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To get an aerial appreciation of the Thames, including Kingston, Sunbury and Chertsey, click on the following BBC footage:
Flooding Update
The latest flooding update from Spelthorne Council is reproduced here for the information of members:
Flooding
Flood warnings have been issued along the whole of the Thames through Spelthorne.
Updated: 11 February 2014
There is a real risk that properties may flood. Please make sure you are signed up for the Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct and use this checklist now to prepare and protect your home from damage.
River levels
Severe flood warnings have been issued for the River Thames. This means severe flooding is imminent with potential loss to life.
Flood warning for Lower Sunbury - An Update from the EA
River levels in the Sunbury area are expected to rise slowly over the next few days as water makes it way downstream and in response to further forecast rainfall today and over the next few days. Further flooding of properties located closest to the river is expected.
The current river forecast suggests that river levels in this area could reach a higher level than those seen in January 2003. As you know, this won't happen overnight but by early to the middle of next week these levels could be realised.
The Council, in close liaison with Surrey County Council, continues to update its website information including providing links to the Environment Agency’s guidance on Flooding from Groundwater.
See also the article of 13th January 'Getting the Best out of EA Flood Warnings'.
More...
Coffee Concert, Saturday 8th February
The Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Association presents the next Coffee Concert at the Riverside Arts Centre on Saturday 8 February, featuring:
GELACHTER WIND TRIO:
Emma McGovern, oboe
Adam Slater, clarinet
Susanne Simma, bassoon
Mozart Divertimento No 1
Bozza Suite en Breve
Gordon Jacob Trio
Beethoven Variations on La Ci Darem
Coffee and croissants will be served from 10.15am. The recital will start at 11am and last approximately an hour. Tickets: £7.50
To book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01932 782788 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thames 21 Seeks Volunteers for Two Forthcoming Events
LOSRA, a great supporter of Thames 21, has received the following email together with an announcement of two forthcoming events asking for volunteers. If you have never been involved before, why not give it a try. It's a great morning out in the fresh air, close to nature and wildlife.
"Dear Volunteers and Supporters,
"Thank you for all your participation in the project at your local site throughout 2013. There have been great contributions to each area, beneficial to the Thames and its tributaries by many. With the new approach to catchment management the Non-Tidal Thames Volunteer project will work with Catchment Partnerships. I am excited in continuing this energy with all through 2014, where we will continue to improve our River Thames."
Police Notice - No Reason to be Alarmed!
Police in Spelthorne are urging the public to stay on their guard after elderly and vulnerable residents in Sunbury-on-Thames have been recently contacted by cold callers.
A number of residents have been visited by cold callers representing security companies and saying that there they are selling burglar alarms as part of a burglary campaign in the area.
Company Representatives give residents the impression that the alarm is sponsored and supported by Surrey Police and that the alarm itself is free, but that the lifetime monitoring service costs in excess of £2000.
Surrey Police has received several reports of such incidents.
Spelthorne Neighbourhood Inspector Ian St. John said: "Fortunately on these occasions no one signed up to the offer and no money was handed over but these unwanted calls can be extremely distressing for elderly people, often trying to catch them off guard and convince them to have security systems installed that they may not want or need.
"I would like to make it clear that Surrey Police does not endorse any alarm or security companies and we would urge residents to treat any free offers with caution as there may be hidden costs for monitoring.It is also worth noting that by law cold callers must offer a seven-day cooling off period before starting any work. If members of the public are considering buying an alarm they should avoid cold callers and preferably obtain a number of quotes from reputable companies. Surrey Police can provide advice about crime prevention, which could include a visit from our Crime Prevention Officer.
"The Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the borough are aware of the recent reports and we are working closely with our colleagues at Surrey Trading Standards to monitor any reports of cold calling.”
Anyone with concerns about companies should call Trading Standards' consumer direct on 0845 4040506.
Private Eye Keeps its Eye on Surrey County Council's Shenanigans
If you employ, as consultants, a company that builds and runs waste incinerators and ask for a waste disposal solution, don't be surprised if an incinerator is recommended. Not any old existing incinerator, but one that needs to be built and run by that company. If that company can call it a gasifier and then claim up to three times the financial benefits, so much the better.
Readers will remember the Private Eye 'Rotten Boroughs' article published here on 11th December.
This week's edition of the magazine features 'Old Sparky' which is reproduced here
WANTED - Partnership Governors for Hawkedale Infants School
The following email has been received by LOSRA and is published on behalf of Hawkedale Infant School:
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a school community Governor at an infant school in Sunbury. The school is looking for more Partnership Governors.
Hawkedale School is a small infants school with 90 children aged 4 - 7 years old, situated in Lower Sunbury. The governing body currently has vacancies for partnership governors (those from the outside community).
The governing body has general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. It is a considerable responsibility and in order to be an effective governor there is a need to learn about current educational developments and practices.
If you are able to commit time and would be interested in supporting our school by making one of the most valuable and worthwhile contributions to the education of young people or would like to know more, please contact Mrs Lisa Willard, Chair of Governors, on tel: 01932 789412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Also the school are looking for volunteers to help the children (ages 4 – 7) with their reading. It would be any time between hours of 10 and 2.30pm and would be for about 45 minutes or longer if they wished. Very flexible arrangements.
Many thanks
Penny
07802 717164
THE OTHERS Come to Sunbury Cricket Club, Friday 31st January
The Cricket Club is carrying on the theme of top class ‘60s R&B with what promises to be another exciting Club debut for their next Music Night on Friday 31st January, when they welcome THE OTHERS for the first time. This gig certainly seems to have caused a bit of a stir locally, and the organiser has been contacted by several people who aren’t Music Night regulars but remember the band from their original incarnation back in the early ‘60s when they were at Hampton Grammar School – they obviously had a big following then, and many of those aficionados will be coming to catch up with them again.
When they first formed they got a record deal with the Fontana label while they were still doing their ‘A’ levels, and released a highly-rated version of Bo Diddley’s “Oh Yeah”, and were jostling for position alongside the likes of The Pretty Things, The Yardbirds and Downliners Sect in the R&B market of 1964. Unfortunately, they never quite hit the big time, and eventually went their separate ways, but stayed in touch and a couple of years ago decided to re-form.
The line-up comprises four members of the original band - Pete Hammerton (guitar), Paul Stewart (vocals/harmonica), Rob Tolchard (bass) and Geoff Coxon (drums). You can find out more at www.theothers.org.uk
Brian May of Queen has stated that he was very much inspired by The Others when he was a contemporary of theirs at Hampton Grammar, and formed the band Smile with schoolmate Tim Staffel before eventually going on to become part of Queen. Brian reckoned that Pete Hammerton was one of the best guitarists he’d ever seen.
Spelthorne Council Gives its Support to Heathrow Expansion
The Council held an extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday 16 January to discuss the options for expansion at Heathrow Airport which were published on 13 December by the Independent Airports Commission.
Since 2008, the Council has supported airport expansion in principle. It reaffirmed its support for a further runway to the north west of Heathrow to best meet local and national economic interests and the importance of working with appropriate parties to resolve environmental and transport issues. The Airports Commission had published two options for Heathrow, both of which are to the north west of the airport, and one at Gatwick.
A final report is to be presented to Government no later than summer 2015.
Cattle Grazing - Sunbury Park Action Group to Hold Meeting on Saturday
The following email from one of our members has been received by LOSRA and, because of the controversial nature of the proposal, it is published here:
"As you will know a decision has been taken to introduce grazing cattle in Sunbury Park – taken without any public consultation (despite this being promised) and without ascertaining what the existing level of usage of the park is. We have been expressly told that this is not a financial decision but one aimed at promoting bio-diversity in the park.
"The park itself is an extremely important amenity to all that live in Sunbury and there is considerable opposition to the plan within the community. As such a group of us have got together and formed the Sunbury Park Action Group (SPAG) and we will be holding a meeting at the park on Saturday 1st February 2013 at 10am on the Ha Ha.
"It would be very good if you were able to attend and support us."
Kind regards,
SPAG
