Claygate Courier—issue 56—March 2025

Pages 1 and 5

HUGE RISE IN TARGET FOR HOUSEBUILDING

The government has increased Elmbridge’s housebuilding target by 139 per cent – a huge rise on top of a figure that was already considered unachievable without encroachment on the Green Belt.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in December, imposes drastically increased housing targets for the vast majority of planning authorities outside London. It contains a “presumption in favour of sustainable development”, although a variety of protections are included for the Green Belt, various types of conservation area, and other land.

These designations become especially relevant if a local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of land for housing and/or does not have a valid Local Plan in place. Elmbridge’s current Local Plan expires in 2026, and a new Draft Local Plan is unlikely to be in place before 2028, the version previously submitted having been found to be “unsound” by the Planning Inspector. This is likely to make it increasingly difficult for Elmbridge to refuse applications for developments which satisfy the generalised requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Claygate Parish Council will, of course, continue to oppose any development on the Green Belt around the village.

But the planning turbulence does not end there. After Elmbridge’s Draft Local Plan was found “unsound” and requiring extensive revisions, the Parish Council learned that the government will not permit extensions to the standard six-month period for revising Draft Local Plans after an Examination in Public. The Elmbridge Planning Department has therefore recommended that the existing Draft Plan be withdrawn and rewritten.

To make the process even more complicated, the timetable for the rewriting of the Elmbridge Local Plan overlaps with the accelerated timetable for the planned reorganisation of local government in Surrey. Elmbridge’s new Local Plan timetable calls for it to be ready for Examination in Public by May 2028.

But in May 2027, the government’s proposed new unitary authority in Surrey will, in principle, take over the planning function, as Surrey’s borough and district councils disappear. It is not known how this transition will be managed or what effect the reorganisation of Surrey may have on the timetable for a new Local Plan.

Anthony Sheppard, Planning Committee Chairman

Page 2

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Donna Holt, who chairs Claygate Parish Council, highlights the level of rapid and drastic changes with which councillors are having to wrestle.

The past few months have been eventful, with the new government’s policies becoming apparent, particularly regarding devolution and housing, plus the adoption by the Parish Council of the Claygate: The Way Forward initiative. These have shaped how we will function in the future.

Amid these developments, however, we have continued with our regular activities. The Council has been participating in village events, maintaining our regular communication with the village via noticeboards, website, social media, and the Courier. We are organising a Flower Show stall, two Litter Picks a year, arranging the Remembrance Day Parade, hosting Green Elmbridge, holding quarterly mee􀀣ngs with Elmbridge Borough Council and on an ad hoc basis for Claygate: The Way Forward, running the Village Meeting and participating in the upcoming Claygate Village Association’s Get Involved Day, from which we will run our bi-annual Litter Pick from the car park on April 26.

We have reviewed more than 100 planning applications over the year and are dealing with the impact on Claygate of the rejection of the draft Local Plan by the Planning Inspectorate, as explained by Councillor Anthony Sheppard.

The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee has been addressing various issues raised by residents, such as removing dead trees on the Meadow Road traffic island, reviewing mobility and accessibility concerns within the village, addressing street appearance issues due to weeds, organising a new bench for The Parade, and considering the environmental impact of on-street parking, among many others.

I have been discussing secondary school admissions policies for Claygate children with the leader of the Hinchley Wood School Trust and Sandra Cunningham, Head at Claygate Primary School. And I have made representations from the whole Parish Council on behalf of the Claygate community on this issue.

The council has also been participating in Elmbridge Borough Council’s review of community centres, which seeks the views of local residents. The Parish Council is well placed to contribute, as Councillor Jenny French is our expert on this topic, thanks to the important work she has carried out establishing Lower Green Community Centre in Esher.

Claygate: The Way Forward continues to shape our thinking, of course, and over the past six months, we have been collaborating with Elmbridge to develop a vision and an implementation plan based on the village survey and report recommendations. These documents are now drafted and will be published by Elmbridge for consultation in April. Notably, our recommendation for 30 minutes of free parking in the two main village car parks has already been implemented.

Regarding the future of Torrington Lodge car park, Elmbridge says it will consult on various mixed-use scenarios and the Parish Council will collaborate closely as this proceeds.

While the Parish Council does not engage in party politics, we must address the impact of recent legislation and policy, particularly concerning building and devolution. On housing policy, Claygate Parish Council maintains its position against development on Claygate’s Green Belt. The government's revised National Planning Policy Framework and increased housing targets for most local authorities outside London will add pressure for denser development and encroachment on the Green Belt. The Parish Council will monitor developments closely and resist any attempts to build on Claygate’s Green Belt.

Under the government’s devolution plan, the transition to a single unitary body covering our area is set to be in place by May 2027. The Parish Council is working with Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to ensure that Claygate's voice is heard during this transition. The role of parish councils is expected to continue. Claygate has the only parish council in Elmbridge, leaving us better placed to ensure that we are represented effectively, despite these changes.

The Annual Village Meeting takes place at 7.30pm on March 20 in the Village Hall and all are welcome. Graham Dear from the Grace Dear Trust will speak on Youth Mental Health and Social Media Impacts. His talk is suitable for ages 11 and up and young people are welcome to attend.

There will also be a panel discussion on Devolution with Councillor Tim Oliver, Surrey County Council leader; Councillor Mike Rollings, Elmbridge Borough Council leader; and Chris Howard, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Chair of the Surrey Association of Local Councils. A half-hour public Q&A session will be held on these topics, followed by a 30-minute session for general questions on village issues.

Finally, on behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to thank you, the residents of Claygate, for electing us as your unpaid representatives. We look forward to addressing the above challenges and continuing our work this year.

Page 3

NEW FOOTBRIDGE LIFTED INTO PLACE

A spectacular operation to lower the replacement railway footbridge into position at Claygate station took place in January, using a giant crane. Work then followed in February to secure and make the bridge ready for opening.

The original bridge was closed two years ago after being found to be dangerously corroded. For a short time, villagers had to cope without a bridge before the temporary structure was put in place.

Network Rail says it took 10 weeks to build the new footbridge: “It’s lighter than the old one, as we used modern materials such as glass reinforced plastic for the treads and decking. It’s been designed to replicate the look of the original footbridge.” It weighs about 10 tonnes and because of the lifting radius required to swing the new bridge into place, engineers used a 300-tonne crane, requiring The Parade to be closed.

Further painting and lighting work is still needed to finish the footbridge even after opening, as weather hampered completion of the final touches.

STATION REACHES GRAND OLD AGE

The work on the footbridge coincided with Claygate Station reaching 140 years of age. It was built in 1885, and a goods yard—now the car park—helped Claygate bring in supplies for its farms and brickworks, and enhanced the transport of their produce.

Page 4

A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY IN VILLAGE FUNDING

The modest annual levy of about £16 per household enables Claygate Parish Council to support village improvements, such as maintenance of prime highway garden sites, and ensures Claygate is part of the local government system.

The Parish Council Precept rises by just 2 per cent this year, which means that from April a Band D equivalent property will pay £16.17 a year. This follows a significant rise in the precept of 12 per cent in 2024, which was needed to make up for no rises in the previous eight years. All the money collected for the Parish Precept is spent in Claygate, by Claygate residents, for Claygate residents.

The precept is an annual levy raised on all council taxpayers and based on the value of their property and their means. It is separate from the council tax which goes to Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council, and the levy raised by Surrey Police.

HOW WILL THIS MONEY BE SPENT?

For 2025/26, the Parish Council budget is £61,305 (funded solely via the precept, with no release from reserves as happened last year). This is £4,099 lower than 2024/25, and has been allocated as follows:

• £32,949 covers the running of the Parish Council, including the Clerk’s salary, councillor training, and insurance.
• A full contribution to council reserves in 2024 to fund the Parish Council elections in May 2027, due to good cost control last year.
• £9,586 to Environment, Highways and Transportation. This covers additional maintenance of six prime Village Highway Garden Sites over and above those that Surrey County Council provides for, including The Firs verge, The Green and the Foley Road Triangle, as well as summer and winter hanging baskets (pictured right) and trough displays.
• £8,367 to Grants and Public Projects, which is £3,063 more than last year and supports a stance taken by the Parish Council to contribute as much as possible directly to the local community.
• £2,000 on a Shops and Businesses Survey to understand the views and needs of local shop owners following the Claygate: The Way Forward initiative and also a number of recent representations by local businesses to the Parish Council. (See Page 8)
• £5,103 on communications, which is an £897 reduction and includes the two Courier Newsletter publications and Parish Council website improvements.
• £3,300 on Planning, which is a rise of £1,300 and recognises the unique challenges in the current planning environment due to changes in government policy. This money allows councillors to access consultants (if required) to support Green Belt protection efforts.

AWARDS TO COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The Parish Council can support local projects that benefit the village by either awarding grants from its budget, or via the Community Infrastructure Levy, which Elmbridge Borough Council, as the local planning authority, is able to charge on specific new building development. Fifteen per cent of this levy is paid to the Parish Council by Elmbridge for developments in the infrastructure of the village that meet the requirements. This money can be spent on projects that benefit the village but that would not normally be covered by the precept or other funding sources.

This year, the Parish Council has made grants to support the following community projects:

• £10,679 to the Claygate Village Hall Association towards new curtains and chairs for the Village Hall. (See Page 11)
• £480 to Claygate Village Associa􀀣on towards the cost of the stage at the Christmas lights event on The Parade.
• £480 to the Claygate Village Association towards the cost of the Christmas tree on The Green.
• £16,050 to Claygate Primary School towards drainage for reinstatement of its playing field (pictured above).
• £6,000 to the Claygate Youth Hub towards the cost of a new quiet space.
• £187 to the CVA towards the cost of the Get Involved Day. (see Page 12)
• £9,800 has been allocated to the Holy Trinity Church Way Maker project.
• Unfortunately, it has not been possible to pay the £50,000 CIL funding allocated to The Winning Horse project due to the government closing the Community Ownership Fund. The Winning Horse pub project team is now seeking new funding. (See Page 5)

Any local group or organisation planning a project to benefit the local community might be eligible for a Parish Council grant or Community Infrastructure Levy support. Please visit the council’s website claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk or contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk to find out more.

Page 5

WINNING HORSE PROJECT IS YET TO LEAVE THE STABLE

The project to buy the closed Winning Horse pub and turn it into a community hub remains firmly in the stable – the Claygate Community Benefit Company (CCBS), set up to pursue the plan, sadly reports that it has hardly moved in the past few months.

The group had hoped to apply to the Community Ownership Fund for help in purchasing the building, which remains on the market at an asking price of £595,000 plus VAT – but the government recently closed this fund.

Although a considerable setback, the CCBS team has not given up and has been pursuing other funding: it is preparing a bid to the Nattonal Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund, as well as looking at raising funds through a Community Share issue and fundraising events.

The team is also working its way through the list of people who offered their services last year. Anyone who has yet to hear from the team and would like to be involved at this stage, please email claygatecbs@gmail.com.

It is too soon for offers of help with the refurbishment, but CCBS would like to hear from anyone with professional expertise, and time, to help with finance, project management, property acquisition, etc. Scan the QR code to join our mailing list for further news and updates.

CCBS Management Team: Geoff Eden, Jenny French, Donna Holt, Leo Tye, Pam Jarvis, Andy Maddocks, Mary Marshall, Mark Sugden

FOUR BURGLARY SUSPECTS REMANDED IN CUSTODY

Following an investigation into a series of burglaries that occurred in Claygate in late December, the North Surrey Proactive Investigation Team identified and arrested four males suspected of being involved in these and a number of other offences.

Stolen property from the burglaries was recovered and returned to its owners. The four males have been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary for 13 offences. They were remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance later this year. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the investigation and provided witness accounts and CCTV. This evidence was very valuable.

Anyone seeing anything suspicious should report it to Surrey police. CCTV/video footage can be reported to the online suspicious activity portal at www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/campaigns/suspicious-activity-portal/

Page 6

RANGERS MEAN STREETS SHOULD STAY SMARTER

The streets of Claygate are almost free of weeds and looking much smarter than they were a few months ago. The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee had raised the unkempt appearance of the village’s roads with Surrey County Council through the latter half of last year and received the explanation that Claygate had “fallen out” of Surrey’s weed-spraying roster early in the season, and was therefore attended to later than planned.

With this issue successfully resolved, it is hoped future problems will be avoided by Surrey’s formation of a group called “Roadside Rangers” who, on the recommendation of a Surrey County Councillor, will undertake roadside restoration. Residents who are aware of any stretch of road needing attention can contact the Parish Clerk, or County Councillor Mark Sugden at Mark.Sugden@surreycc.gov.uk

TRAVEL AND ROAD SAFETY

More than 290 zones have been identified throughout Surrey for the possible introduction of 20mph speed limits as well as other proposals to promote active travel and improve road safety. One zone covers all of Claygate, except for land to the west of the railway line and the Ruxley estate, making it potentially eligible for a largely government-funded Local Street Improvements project.

But because government funding for these projects is linked closely to the imposition of 20mph limits, and because a significant majority of those who responded to last year’s Residents’ Survey was not in favour of a blanket 20mph limit across Claygate, the Parish Council will not be pushing to take part and will instead seek other ways to improve travel and safety in Claygate.

This decision was taken following a mee􀀣ng held by Surrey County Council’s Local Street Improvements Project Team last month and a􀀶ended by three Parish Councillors and one member of the Parish Council’s Transport and Parking Advisory Committee. The Parish Council decided to work with Elmbridge Borough Council in seeking opportunities for putting in place the street and road safety improvements recommended in the Claygate: The Way Forward report.

OTHER ISSUES

Dropping the kerb on the south-west corner of The Parade: The kerb at the end of the pavement in the Parade nearest the station is almost double the height of most kerbs, and a severe obstacle to wheelchair users and those with wheeled luggage or unsteady on their feet. It has taken some time, but the Committee has identified that, strangely, South Western Railway owns the parcel of land. Parish Councillors have begun discussions in the hope of finding a remedy. Also being debated are the issues of illegal parking around the entrance to the station, and signage to the station car park.

Tree Surgery on Meadow Road Island: The Environment, Highways and Transport Committee worked with a local resident to execute, and pay for, necessary tree surgery work on the island.

A Community Garden for Claygate: The Committee’s approaches to The Crown Estate about two plots of land on Coverts Road were not fruitful. Instead, the idea of a community garden is being pursued with BT, the leaseholder of the Exchange site in Hare Lane.

New bench in The Parade: Work on this is progressing. A favoured location is outside the pharmacy.

Removing the “Bubble Gum” signs on The Parade: The Committee was approached by a number of residents after the pavements in The Parade were cleared of bubble gum, asking why a number of brightly coloured signs had appeared. It was a condition of the funding for the gum clearance that the warning signs remain in place for six months a􀀴er the work was finished. We shall be asking for them to be removed in May.

Developing an Action Plan: Councillors have been working with Elmbridge Borough Council to develop action plans for the two advisory committees, formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward project, that now assist the Environment, Highways and Transport Committee. We will publish these as soon as possible.

Church Road Crossing: Work on this is progressing and funding is in place.

“Fix My Street” app: The Committee recommends this new mobile phone app, recently adopted by Surrey County Council, to enable residents to report almost any defect on local streets. The Parish Council believes this is a very effective tool and encourages residents to use it, especially in reporting of potholes, defective road markings, white lines, etc. Visit tellus.surreycc.gov.uk

Overhanging Trees and Shrubs: Residents are reminded of the needs of others for access to the full width of pavements and to cut back hedges and shrubs where they cause obstruction or hindrance to fellow villagers. Residents can report such issues to Surrey County Council, using its website or the “Fix My Street” app.

Page 7

HOPES HIGH THAT DIRT PATH WILL BE UPGRADED

The Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has taken on a number of projects. It was formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward initiative and is now an advising Claygate Parish Council’s Environment, Highways and Transport Committee. It is a volunteer body that is drawing on the findings of the village-wide survey to improve transport and parking in Claygate. These are some of its projects:

Paths/Pavements/Footways: One member of the Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has been working hard with Elmbridge Borough Council to redevelop the pathway across Hare Lane Green opposite The Swan on Hare Lane. While this is outside Claygate and sits in Esher ward, upgrading the existing dirt path to its original pathway improves access to the village from the Littleworth Common/Esher railway station direction. We hope to have some progress later this year when the weather improves.

Some pavements and paths in the village are not in a great condition, with uneven surfaces, cracks and tree roots common. The group plans to undertake a survey of pavements and pathways to see where work is needed and, with the Parish Council’s support, liaise with Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to make improvements.

Road Safety: The Transport and Parking Advisory Committee has been working with residents of Red Lane and Surrey County Councillor Mark Sugden to introduce vehicle-activated signs – road signs triggered by the speed of a vehicle – as part of efforts to address excessive speed on this road.

Parking and Car Parks: Working alongside the Shops and Businesses Advisory Committee and Elmbridge Borough Council, the transport group has helped to secure 30 minutes of free parking in both Torrington Lodge and Hare Lane car parks. It is also lobbying Elmbridge to improve the signage for the village car parks, to encourage use and increase awareness of the free parking period. These improvements should help to alleviate congestion on The Parade and reduce the level of illegal parking on double yellow lines on Hare Lane near the Co-op.

The group is also working with the Parish Council in discussions with South Western Railway over improving signage at the station car park, and addressing some of the issues with parking at the station end of The Parade. All ideas and contributions are welcome and the group is keen to hear from those wishing to be involved. Please get in touch with the Advisory Committee via the Parish Clerk at clerk@claygateparishcouncil.gov.uk

ENVIRONMENTALISTS BRING GREAT IDEAS TO CLAYGATE

The first surprise of the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee was to discover how many important activities are already taking place in Claygate and realising that one of its roles would be to increase awareness of what is going on. It has also learned how all these groups always need more volunteers.

The group advises Claygate Parish Council’s Environment, Highways and Transport Committee, having been formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward programme. It also discovered that across Surrey and elsewhere many innovative projects had been set up to protect, improve and enhance the environment. A few had been running for several years.

Then, in December, Surrey County Council issued a guidance document, “Creating Climate and Nature Action Plans For Parishes”, which brought together all these ideas that could guide our efforts in Claygate.

One very promising plan is to set up a Claygate Community Energy Scheme. There are dozens of such schemes elsewhere, but none in Surrey. It would have two goals: to help villagers in Claygate reduce their home energy use by offering, for example, advice on improving home insulation etc; and to create a system of solar panels on large public buildings in Claygate to create a mini electrical grid. Money made from selling this power could be used to support other environmental initiatives.

The Surrey Action Plan also suggests many other ideas, such as bicycle repair cafes. This one has been taken up enthusiastically by The Hub youth organisation in Claygate.

Surrey also lists general repair cafes, installing electric vehicle charging points, electric vehicle car sharing, encouraging more cycling, protecting wildflower verges, tree plan􀀮ng, encouraging greater use of charity shops, and a community fridge that recycles surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants that is not needed by food banks.

The Environmentalists Group will continue to seek out the most successful environmental initiatives from other towns and villages – and see if Claygate can do even better.

Page 8

SURVEY WILL SHAPE FUTURE FOR SHOPS

Shops and businesses are at the heart of a thriving village and Claygate’s Shops and Businesses Advisory Committee, working with the Parish Council, is busy building local support by conducting surveys and learning how other villages and towns nurture their businesses.

Under the banner Claygate: The Way Forward and advising the Parish Council, the group aims to help shops and businesses by increasing footfall and fostering collaboration. As part of this initiative, it is launching a survey of Claygate's shop and business owners to gain insights into their experiences, challenges and ideas.

The group has looked at successful approaches elsewhere, which has informed the questions it is asking – focusing mainly on how we can enhance the local shopping experience, promote Claygate businesses more effectively, and explore ideas. One recent recommendation from the Residents’ Survey that has already borne fruit is the introduction from April of 30 minutes of free parking in car parks run by Elmbridge Borough Council.

Feedback from the survey will be put in a report to the Parish Council and serve as a foundation for initiatives. Later in the year, the group will share the survey findings at an event hosted by the Parish Council.

The group encourages all shop or business owners with premises in the village to take part in the survey and help shape the future of Claygate. For everyone else, each purchase made locally helps to sustain the heart of Claygate’s community.

POPULAR STREET MARKET RETURNS ON MOTHERS’ DAY

The street markets in The Parade have proved so popular that another is being held on March 30, from 11am-3pm. Ruth Westlake and Milda Rakauskaite are the joint ins􀀮gators of the markets and they are inviting everyone to visit the growing range of stalls selling a choice of foods, crafts and more at the Claygate market on Mothers’ Day.

Milda also runs Ecocentric Us, the refill shop in The Parade. It has proved so successful it has outgrown its tiny space and is moving next door into the larger premises recently vacated by Elliot Barbers. After 22 years cutting hair in Claygate, Howard Elliot has hung up his scissors and retired – and will be greatly missed by his many customers. With Ecocentric Us established in the former barber’s shop, its original premises are becoming a delicatessen selling local produce and items for refillable containers.

Also leaving The Parade are Roger and Christine Rushton, who have run the shoe repair and luggage shop in The Parade for half a century. Their shop, with its large selection of bags and cases and buzzing repair workshop at the rear, has become a landmark. These well-known village characters will also be greatly missed.

Page 9

‘SMALLER HOMES WOULD CREATE BETTER BALANCE’

Many residents spoke passionately about the need for a better balance of housing in Claygate at the public meetings held in the village as the Claygate: The Way Forward project was being formed. The prevailing view was that there were too many large houses and not enough smaller units suitable for young members of the community and for older residents wanting to downsize within Claygate.

Research from several sources supported this sentiment – Claygate has a significantly higher proportion than the national average of houses with four bedrooms or more. The last national census in 2021 identified that more than 55 per cent of the housing in Claygate has four bedrooms or more and the village has half the national average number of inhabitants between the ages of 22 and 44.

The New Development and Housing Advisory Committee is now examining these issues. It was one of the groups formed as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward project and is now operating within the Parish Council. The group attracted a variety of members, including an architect, two surveyors, an accountant, lawyer and several others with an interest in Claygate’s housing stock and the changes perceived to be necessary.

The Housing Group therefore aims to support a better balance of small to medium-sized houses. Meetings have been held with Elmbridge Borough Council officials who have pointed out that its planning department can only decide on planning submissions submitted to it. The Housing Group therefore sees a role in pressing Elmbridge to enforce government requirements for the correct proportion of affordable housing in any larger applications made locally.

The group has also had to consider the impact the government’s increased targets for house building might have on Claygate. All local authorities are under strong government pressure to build significantly more homes and Elmbridge is working on a new Local Plan which, once finalised, is sure to reflect this pressure. The Housing Group, working closely with parish councillors, will also be seeking to influence how this new policy is implemented and be alert for any move for a big increase in the number of new housing developments in and around the village – particularly in the limited Green Belt areas between Claygate and Chessington and Hinchley Wood.

WELLBEING GROUP SEEKS HELP WITH WARM HUB PLAN

Opportunities for improving health and wellbeing provision for Claygate residents are being targeted by the Health, Wellbeing and Leisure Advisory Committee. Much of its work, as one of the groups set up as part of the Claygate: The Way Forward project, now working with Claygate Parish Council, relates to maintaining and enhancing existing health, wellbeing and recreational facilities and services, with longer-term actions and target dates. But it is also looking for short-term benefits.

One gap in provision is the lack of local access to a food bank or warm hub for people living in Claygate. Parish Councillor Jenny French, who set up and runs the Community Support Hub in Lower Green, has attended Elmbridge Borough Council engagement workshops facilitated by Roretti, Elmbridge’s consultancy firm, to hear the views of voluntary sector organisations and she used the opportunity to highlight this issue. The group is keen to hear from anyone with ideas about how the village can come together to support those in need using existing venues and community groups, with one aim being to provide a warm hub in Claygate next winter as well as a local Community Fridge.

Members of the group have also been involved with the work Elmbridge is undertaking on community support in the borough, with the objective of helping people of all ages, particularly those facing financial hardship, as well as older people and the socially isolated. John Bamford, in his role as a Trustee of the Friends of Claygate Centre, has helped bring the needs of the current users of the Claygate Centre to the attention of Elmbridge and Roretti.

The Advisory Committee is also a keen supporter of moves to create an outdoor gym at Claygate Recreation Ground – one of the recommendations made in the Claygate: The Way Forward report. It is delighted to see the Claygate Recreation Ground Trust driving this project forwards.

Page 10

WINGHAM FORGES VILLAGE LINKS WITH WOODS PLAN

The residents of Wingham Court, the care home on Oaken Lane, feel a strong connection to the Claygate community through regular participation in village events and by welcoming local groups to visit.

Emerie Burns, the home’s senior activities lead, says: “Ensuring our residents feel a connection to the wider community is vital in building our activities calendar, as we like to invite community groups to visit us, and we strive to take residents on day-trips whenever we can.

“For example, we have a very close connection to the local church, which our residents really value. We are always on the lookout to connect with more community groups and urge more to get in touch to see how we can work together to make our residents feel connected to those around us.”

Attending Holy Trinity Church services on Sundays has become a regular activity that many residents hold dear. Wingham Court also hosts pop-up coffee mornings once a month for residents and churchgoers to enjoy.

The home has an art room and art facilitator who collaborates with residents on many projects, with their Bigger Trees art project being displayed in the Church.

Residents also enjoy going into the village for community-led activities, such as the annual Claygate flower show, visiting the village for coffee, to shop, or for lunch at the village’s pubs. Staff also organise visits to community events such as the Claygate pantomime and Sandown fireworks display.

Wingham Court is a Bupa Care Home that offers 24-hour care and support for those living with complex needs and long-term neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, as well as spinal injuries and strokes, with residents aged 18 to 70 years old. It is home to 66 residents and employs 144 staff.

The home has four acres of grounds and is surrounded by woods and it has recently planned a re-wilding project which has already seen wildflowers and grasses being planted in the grounds. The plan is to invite the Claygate community to visit for wildflower walks when the project is complete.

On top of this, the home provides and maintains sports facilities for villagers: a bowling green and tennis courts. The residents enjoy watching Claygate Bowls Club playing and can use the tennis courts themselves during the summer with the help of the physiotherapy and activities teams.

Other regular activities organised by the physiotherapy lead, the senior activities lead, and with input from residents, include swimming at the Claygate Community Pool with the physio team, Tai Chi, darts, and more.

CAPELFIELD PATIENTS MEETING PRODUCES INSTANT RESULT

The first Patient Participation Group (PPG) meeting to be held by the Friends of Capelfield Surgery was a lively and well-attended event at which patients learned about the working of their surgery and gave feedback on their experiences and needs.

One outcome of the meeting, held in November, was the introduction of one-to-one learning sessions by surgery staff for patients in need of guidance on how to use the online appointments system.

All GP surgeries are required to have a PPG, made up of patients and carers who meet regularly with practice staff to support the running of the practice and ensure patients are involved in decisions about the range, shape and quality of services provided. No ongoing commitment is required to be part of the PPG, and all patients of the practice are invited to attend meetings to hear updates, ask questions, give feedback and make suggestions. For further information, or to join a PPG meeting, click on the “About” link on the Capelfield Surgery website: https://www.capelfieldsurgery.nhs.uk/service/join-our-patient-group/

The PPG meetings are organised by the Friends of Capelfield Surgery (FoCS), which meets about four times a year with practice partners and staff. Please think about joining FoCS, as it urgently needs new members of the committee, including a secretary.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

All patients are warmly invited to:

• The AGM of the FoCS: Friday March 14, 7.30pm, Claygate Village Hall. This will include the annual Practice Report, with guest speakers talking about the work of the Mary Frances Trust, a Surrey-based mental wellbeing charity, along with the local GP integrated mental health service.
• PPG meetings: Wednesday May 14, 12.30pm at the surgery; Wednesday September 17, 7pm at the surgery.