The programme starts on 18 September with a free introductory talk from Dr John Triffitt on the history of Woldingham School. This will be followed by tea and an opportunity to wander in the formal gardens and enrol in any or all of the sessions. Running from 2 to 5pm, the introductory event is open to all the family, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on the programme’s lectures and activities.

 Lectures will run for one hour on Saturday mornings, with activities taking place over a two-hour period in the afternoons, all given or taught by experts in their field. Lectures will provide an insight into such issues as ‘life in an Arctic environment’, given by a Polar explorer, and a look at the science behind novelist Dan Brown’s best-selling novel Angels and Demons.

If you require further information please contact: contuningeducation@woldingham.surrey.sch.uk   or telephone 01883 349431

A New Challenge for Autumn?

Children back to school……the summer holidays becoming a distant memory…..evenings drawing in……maybe you are looking for a new challenge this autumn?

Why not consider becoming a Volunteer Befriender?

Tandridge runs a ‘Befriending Scheme’ which provides volunteers to visit and offer companionship to lonely people in the local area. Regular visits are arranged at times to suit both parties and every effort is made to match volunteers with those in need taking consideration of personalities and interests. This is a really valuable service for those who are isolated or finding life increasingly challenging.

Some of those visited live independently, some in residential homes and others have carers within their families. Visits to the latter group allow a much needed break for the carer, often refreshing the carer’s experience as well as providing companionship to the cared-for. Some of those visited struggle with ill health, medical conditions or are having difficulties with their sight or hearing. All look forward to and really enjoy their visits.

Befrienders are rewarded too, with a new friendship, a great deal of gratitude and the knowledge that through their companionship they are making a very great difference to the quality of another’s life. Often shared interests, such as a love of music or a skill or craft in common, can form the basis for a really strong bond. In these cases knowledge flows in both directions – this can build confidence and a feeling of value to those who often feel they are now just a burden to others. Visits from someone outside the family bring a change of perspective too. Here, encouragement and reassurance can greatly improve self confidence in those who need it most.

These are just a few of the quotes received from volunteers in the scheme:

‘I am really enjoying visiting her. She is very good company and I am getting a lot more than I was expecting out of our chats. I feel like she offers me a much needed break from my life! Thank you so much for putting us in touch’

‘She is a delight, a joy, a treasure – we hit it off straight away’

‘It is very rewarding to be able to help’

‘When I leave she says ‘’from the bottom of my heart Thank You’’. That to me says it all.’

‘They are a lovely couple and I look forward to my visits with them.’

Please, if you have even an hour a week to spare and would like to find out more about this very valuable service or know of someone who would benefit from a visitor contact Kay who co-ordinates the scheme.

Kay Singleton,  Tandridge Befriending Scheme Co-ordinator                                                       

Tel: 07796 307286 ,                                                                                                       

befriending@tvsc.org.uk                                                                                                                                    

 STREETWORKS BY UTILITY COMPANIES:

•  Road: Castle Close
•  Utility Company: Water
•  Start date 17/08/10
•  Finish Date 19/08/10

STREETWORKS – COMMUNITY GANG:

• Road: Warwick Wold Rd
• Clearing vegetation
• Start date 16/08/10
• Finish Date 27/08/10

The Open Show Schedule for Blechingley Horticultural Society’s event takes place on Saturday, 11^th September at 2.30pm including:  

Flowers & Flower Arranging, Vegetables & Fruit, Crafts, Photography, Cookery, Junior Classes.

 Start from The Fox Public House on Coulsdon Common, Surrey

 Two Walks: – 3 or 7 miles

 Refreshments available and entertainment provided

 Entry Fee £10 for Adults, £5 for children under 16.

 Dogs welcome (entry free)

 Entry forms or further information can be obtained by calling the Surrey Fundraising Office of Marie Curie on 01883 832 648

 Organized by Croydon Jubilee Rotary and Rotary Clubs from Caterham and Coulsdon on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

 In many cases they con the victim out of thousands of pounds, the work is of a poor standard, left unfinished or could be dangerous.

 Residents are advised to follow these guidelines before getting any work done:

•  Never buy from anyone who knocks on your door without an appointment.
•  Don’t let them in, if you don’t know who they are, no matter how persuasive they seem.
• Even if they have an appointment, check their identity. If you are still not sure, don’t let them in.
• If you decide to have some work done, make a plan of what you want to do and get written quotes from more than one company. Ask friends and neighbours to recommend companies.
• Agree on a written contract covering details of the work, costs, payment dates, start/finish dates, guarantees, dispute resolution etc. Don’t rely on a handshake.
• Ask for details of satisfied customers and try to check them out.
• Never pay in advance, especially not in cash. Reputable companies will always accept cheques.
• If it is a large job and the trader needs some money in advance pay in stages. Only pay if you are happy with the work done.
• If you pay or agree to pay over £35 for any services or goods sold during a visit to your home or place of work you have seven days to cancel the agreement. Any money you have paid should be returned to you and the caller must give you a written cancellation form setting out your rights when you agree the contract. If the caller does not, they are committing a criminal offence and the agreement isn’t valid.

 If you have a complaint about a product or service, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

If you suspect Rogue Traders are operating in your area, call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

Tandridge District Council’s Care and Repair Agency can help older or disabled people with house repairs, improvements and adaptations. Call the Care & Repair Agency on 01883 732818.

 The Buy With Confidence scheme is free and only has details of local businesses which have been checked, monitored and approved by Trading Standards officers. Call 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

•  Planning permission for building work, change of use, or other development.
• Advice from the Council before making an application.
• Applications and how to make comments.
• Tree Preservation Orders, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.
• Planning Committee, including items going to the next meeting and recent decisions.
• Requesting forms for various types of application, including planning permission, pre-application advice and works to trees

 The service also directs people to planning information on the Council’s website www.tandridge.gov.uk/planning. This includes forms, copies of planning applications and general advice.

 Another automated telephone service has been set up for Planning Enforcement on 0300 100 0051 (calls charged at local rate).  Residents can use this to find out how the Council investigates breaches of planning control and they can leave details of any sites they are concerned about.

• Big Common Lane: Resiting of the 30 mile Sign
• Coneybury: Drain Repair
• High Street: Repairing of hand rail on stairs
• Warwick Wold Rd: Vegetation Clearance

BUS Route 410 Redhill – Nutfield – Bletchingley – Godstone – Oxted – Hurst Green

Three earlier through journeys from Hurst Green to Redhill at 0615, 0706 and 0824 Monday – Friday.

One earlier through journey on Saturdays from Hurst Green to Redhill at 0715.