LOSRA sends best wishes to all its readers for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

The first Music Night of the New Year at SCC falls on Friday 9th January, so that the post-holiday depression doesn’t have too long to set in before the fun begins again. The Club welcomes back THE NASHVILLE TEENS, who kicked off 2014 in great style on their first visit, so the Club is delighted to have them back to do the same job this year.

The Nashville Teens were one of the great R&B bands of the ‘60s and the band has been operating continuously ever since. They are best known for their big hits “Tobacco Road” and “Google Eye”, as well as their involvement in one of the best ‘live’ rock ‘n’ roll recordings ever when they backed Jerry Lee Lewis at Hamburg’s Star Club in 1964. Their storming version of “Tobacco Road” will once again be a highlight of the show, but we can look forward to a fine night of classic ‘60s R&B.

They will be led as always by original singer Ray Phillips, who has had an unbroken half-century career with the band, as well as making solo records and performing with other line-ups like the British Invasion All-Stars with members of The Yardbirds, Creation and Downliners Sect. With him in the current Nashville Teens is a line-up of seasoned performers, including Colin Pattenden, member of Manfred Mann’s Earth band when they had their big hits back in the 70s, on bass, with Simon Spratley of The Ian Campbell Blues Band on keyboards, Ken Osborn from Levee Camp Moan on guitar and Adrian ‘Spud’ Metcalf on drums. A great evening is in prospect.

Further to the article published on this Site on 24th October 2014 (Savings to Local Bus Services - Public Consultation), as part of the ongoing review of local bus services in Surrey, a number of public 'bus events' are scheduled for the New Year to which the public are invited to attend.

The venues at Walton or Addlestone on 8th January would appear to be the nearest and for full details, click here.

Spelthorne Council is offering a free kerbside collection of real Christmas trees from 12 - 23 January 2014. Please call the number below before 9 January to book your collection.

The tree must be left on your property boundary by 6am on your collection day. Trees should not be decorated or be left in pots or stands. Spaces are limited so please book your collection soon.

Alternatively from 2 - 23 January you can take your real tree to one of the drop-off points around the Borough:

• Manor Park, Shepperton
• Old Bathing Station, Fordbridge Road, Sunbury on Thames
• Fordbridge Park, Ashford

For more information call Streetscene on 01784 446411.

Many residents will be aware of an article which appeared on the front page of the Daily Mail on 23rd December. The photograph of patients queueing outside the Sunbury Health Centre served to illustrate the plight of struggling GP services across the country.

Residents should be aware that the Patients Participation Group (PPG) has been working closely with the Practice to improve current systems and tackle the issue of outdated and cramped facilities that were designed for a patient population of 6000 rather than the current 19000.

No one criticises the quality of clinical care that the Practice provides but the systems and infrastructure struggle to cope with demand. The last PPG meeting saw the beginnings of a glimmer of hope that, at last, NHS properties, who own the building, are taking the situation seriously. The Acting Practice Manager is also making progress on reviewing and developing the admin systems.

It is hoped that this national paper’s article will add strength to the PPG's cause rather than undermine the hard work it has been putting in behind the scenes.

Our Association has become well used to controversial planning applications or appeals being lodged just before the busy Christmas holiday period when residents are occupied with family festivities and Yuletide celebrations. It therefore comes as no surprise to receive a notice from our local planning authority advising us of an appeal by Cala Homes against the Planning Committee's refusal to allow a development of 17 houses at The Ridings.

The notice (click here) outlines the steps to be taken in making representations to the Planning Inspectorate and includes the original planning reference number: 14/00322/FUL which should be entered in the Planning portal of the Council Website: http://my.spelthorne.gov.uk/planning/ All relevant documents, including letters of representation already submitted and the reasons for refusal may be accessed here.

The following email extract is published as a correction to an article published in our Autumn Newsletter (See Home Page and click on Newsletters) LOSRA apologises for any inaccuracy in its original report.

"The [Newsletter] report says that Carols in the Meadow “cannot take place because there is an event at Riverside Arts Centre, which prevents them from supplying the lights”. This is not true. The problem was that the crew who rig the lighting and sound are the Riverside Youth Theatre Technical Team, who would be operating on the opening night of their Christmas production at the Arts Centre on that evening.

"I pointed out the problem to Gerry Ceaser in October who said he would try to move the event to the following week. When he told us this was not possible we made alternative arrangements to obtain wind-up lighting stands from a hire company, at no cost to the event (to save rigging scaffold towers), and found two technicians from the Arts Centre to rig and operate the equipment. We asked that Gerry should see if he could get them some help to derig, and help to take the equipment back to RAC.

"Gerry sent an email on 31st October to the churches and myself which included:

This is to confirm to you that the Carols in the Meadow will NOT take place this year due to a number of unforeseen problems that have only just come to light.

It is hoped that, provided these can be overcome, that Carols will return in 2015.

Can I thank Ian in particular for the alternative lighting arrangements that he put forward which were most appreciated but then other difficulties arose thus leading to the reluctant decision not to go ahead this year

"Myself and others at the Arts Centre have received critical comments from those who believe the cancellation was due to us saying we couldn’t help, which is unfair as we went to considerable trouble to find a solution.

"I would ask that you publish a correction in your next Newsletter, and on the website.

Thanks,"

Ian Dow

Technical Director – Riverside Youth Theatre

LOSRA wishes all its members a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Our seasonal felicitations are nevertheless tempered by the reality that cyber-criminals see Christmas as an opportunity for lining their pockets at the expense of an unsuspecting and trusting public. The City of London Police launch ‘The 12 online frauds of Christmas’ national campaign to keep you and your electronic devices safe this December.

To view, click here

It was very gratifying for the Association to read that our now much reported cycle/footbridge feasibility study has been officially recognised on the Surrey County Council Website.

To view, click here

Do you know a special young person aged between 5 and 19 years, living or receiving education within Lower Sunbury, who deserves recognition?

If so you may wish to nominate them for a Spelthorne Youth Award.

The Council is looking for nominations for the following categories:

• outstanding academic achievement
• personal achievement
• community spirit
• triumph over adversity
• sports achievement
• unselfishness, kindness and bravery
• arts achievement (including performing arts)
  
  

Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. All the young people who are nominated will be made aware of their nomination and be shortlisted for an award. The top nominees from each category will be invited to a special awards ceremony and presented with a certificate and prize from the Mayor of Spelthorne. 

For further information and to nominate online visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/youthawards. Alternatively call 01784 446433.

The deadline for nominations is Friday the 19 December.