What’s stopping you?
Christine Sciberras, Founder and Head Coach at Melita Fitness
The evidence is clear. If there’s one thing that you should do to improve your health, it’s EXERCISE.
- There’s plenty of studies showing that exercise will massively impact not just health and longevity and quality of life too.
- Exercise improves muscle strength and bone density. This is especially important for women aged 30 onwards as these decline as we age.
- It also helps improve metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- It improves cardiovascular health helping to risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
- There is evidence suggesting that regular physical activity may lower the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. Of course, it also helps manage your weight, and we know that excess weight is also linked to increased cancer risks.
- Exercise has been linked to a boost in the immune system.
- And studies suggest that regular physical activity can improve cognitive function or prevent cognitive decline. Plus we all know that exercise boosts happy hormones improving our mental wellbeing.
So if I could offer you a simple solution that hits all of these benefits, what’s stopping you from getting started? Now, the truth is I’ve been doing this a long time. So I actually know the answer to my question.
Reason #1 – “I don’t have time”
I get it – we’re busy. There’s work deadlines, endless meetings, dishes to wash, humans to feed. And so much life admin!
But think of it this way: the way we allocate time is our choice and understanding this empowers us to take ownership of our lives. Finding moments for regular physical activity can significantly impact our overall well-being.
Reason #2 – “I’m not fit enough…”
Or you might be thinking:
- “I’m scared to get started…”
- “I’m worried about being judged…”
- “I don’t know where to start…”
Making changes is hard and it can be daunting. But the hardest obstacle is in your head.
So persuade a friend to join you or find amazing supportive community that you can join!
Reasons #3 – “I’m just too lazy” or “I have no motivation”
You’d be surprised how often I hear these. Often they’re a cover for either of the previous two excuses.
But sometimes it’s a case that you haven’t quite realised how urgent and important it is to get started today. But I’ll say it one more time, if there’s one thing you can do to improve your current health and your future health it’s working out.
And while it’s never too late to start, your future self will thank you for getting started sooner, rather than later…
So if you’ve been watching us from a distance or thinking about getting fit, I really want you to remember this:
- Everyone was a beginner at some point.
- You are probably far more capable than you give yourself credit.
- We keep our classes small, so that we can make sure that you’re working at the right level for you!
- And if you join us, it’s more than just fitness. It’s about the community, the sense of being in it together, the friendships, the positive and supportive atmosphere. As well as the knowledge that we’re doing something beneficial for our health and wellbeing…
Local councillors’ update: November 2023
November & December bi-monthly update from local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson.
Come and talk to us
We hold our regular drop-in sessions where people can come to speak to us on the first Saturday of every month at Burpham Bowling Club from 10am to 11.30am. Please drop by if you have any issues we can help with, or email us at george.potter@guildford.gov.uk and jane.tyson@guildford.gov.uk
London Road consultation open until 27th November
The public consultation on Surrey county council’s proposals for new walking and cycling infrastructure along London Road has been open since 18th September. The consultation was originally meant to end on 13th November but will now run until 27th November due to delays with sending out letters to local households to let people know about the consultation.
The consultation covers both the design and the construction plans for the changes to London Road, so please do read the proposals and have your say: burpham-activetravel.commonplace.is
Find out about local planning issues
Burpham Community Association and Burpham Neighbourhood Forum will be holding a public meeting at Burpham Village Hall on Thursday 2nd November in the evening to give an update on various major planning issues affecting our area and to give people a chance to ask questions about them. Topics will include the new sewage treatment works and the impending planning application for Gosden Hill.
Planting new trees
Many thanks to the resident who got in touch with us to point out that the birch tree on the Clay Lane/London Road roundabout has sadly died. We’ve been able to arrange for the planting of two new trees on the roundabout to replace it.
Additionally, Surrey County Council have happily announced that they are about to scrap the £25 fee they currently charge residents for requesting a new tree on their street. So if you know any trees which need replacing in Burpham, or know anywhere where a new tree should be planted, please request a tree on the county council website here: surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/permits-and-licences/planting-trees
Guildford borough council announces balanced budget
In our previous updates we’ve talked about the big financial challenges facing Guildford borough council and that, unless urgent savings were made, the council faced declaring bankruptcy this year by issuing a ‘section 114’ notice. But this month we have some positive news for a change! The council finance team have confirmed that we have managed to balance the budget for the current year and avoid the immediate threat of bankruptcy.
However, there is still a great deal of work left to do to get the council back to financial stability, and this will unfortunately have to include some difficult choices over the next few years. But obtaining a balanced budget this year and avoiding bankruptcy means that those choices will be made by local councillors, who are accountable to local people, rather than by government-appointed commissioners as is happening in Woking.
Local councillors’ update: January 2024
January & February bi-monthly update from local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson.
Remembrance Day in Burpham
We were honoured and moved to attend this year’s Remembrance Service at St. Luke’s Church in Burpham Lane to remember Burpham’s war dead. With ongoing conflict and death in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine and elsewhere in the world it feels more important than ever to remember the horrors of war and to do all we can to strive for just and lasting peace. Thank you very much to Burpham Church and all the volunteers for organising and running such a lovely service.
Help with the cost of living this winter
We hope that everyone has been having a relaxing and peaceful holiday season, full of Christmas cheer. But, unfortunately, we also know that for many this time of year can be one of hardship. If you, or anyone you know in the local area, is struggling with the cost of living this winter then support is available, with details to be found at: guildford.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport
London Road & Burpham Lane
The public consultation on the much-debated proposals for an active travel scheme along London Road has now ended. We have been told that the County Council will be reviewing the consultation responses in January before deciding how/whether to proceed. We continue to support the principle of making walking and cycling safer along the London Road, but as local councillors we will be working to ensure that County authorities listen to the wide range of views expressed and, in particular, properly address any well-founded practical problems with their proposed scheme. Separately, after lengthy delays, we have been able to secure a new battery for the vehicle activated signage (VAS) on Burpham Lane, where a speed limit review (organised by George Potter as county councillor) is also due to take place in the next few months with a view to potentially reducing the speed limit to 20mph.
Planning update
It has been a busy couple of months when it comes to planning! We were delighted to see such a good turnout at the BCA’s update on local planning matters, and we’re hoping it will be possible for another to be organised in the spring. In October planning permission was granted for the 471-flat North Street scheme in the town centre.
This approval was as a result of amendments to the scheme which included reducing the height by two storeys, increasing the amount of affordable housing in the scheme, and a re-design of the proposed new bus station. Separately, the Gosden Hill development proposals on the edge of Burpham appear to have slowed down, with Martin Grant Homes recently announcing that their consultation on their plans for the site has been delayed until summer 2024.
Getting Guildford’s finances in order
Although Guildford borough council is still struggling with challenging financial pressures, we are pleased to report that, as a result of strict financial controls and a large reduction in planned borrowing, the gap in the council’s budget over the next four years has been reduced by more than half to £7.3 million. This budget gap is still challenging, and will require difficult choices to be made, but to have made this much progress so quickly is really encouraging and bodes well for the council’s ability to balance its books long-term without needing to cut essential public services.
The North Guildford Food Bank
Who do we serve and where is the Food Bank?
If you shop at Sainsbury’s in Burpham you may have noticed the collection point for The North Guildford Food Bank inside the store. Although we are based at St Clare’s Church in Park Barn, the Food Bank’s clients come from all over the Guildford area including Burpham and Merrow. We cannot provide this service without your generosity; whether that is a donation of a tin of soup, some cereal, nappies or indeed a financial donation through our web-site: northguildfordfoodbank.co.uk
Clients are referred to the Food Bank from many sources including GPs, Guildford Borough Council, Home School Link Workers, Citizens Advice Bureau and Guildford Action. Unemployment is the biggest reason for a referral followed by debt, benefit delay, sickness, cost of living and low income. Clients come to us to receive a generous package tailored to their household that includes food, toiletries, household cleaning products, dog and cat food (if needed) and sanitary items. We also keep additional foodstuffs for clients with specific dietary needs.
Where do our supplies come from?
Help comes from far and wide thankfully. Individuals donate food. Streets come together to raise funds or drop off bags of groceries. Businesses (including Waitrose and Pets at Home where donations can also be made), schools and local clubs also help. Regular donations from Guildford Lions enable us to provide fresh fruit and vegetables. Cash donations mean we can buy and give out milk, cheese, butter and bread as well as fuel vouchers for clients with pre-payment gas or electricity meters. Guildford Borough Council delivers to housebound clients.
Burpham (and Guildford) is blessed with wonderful friends, clubs, churches, schools, businesses and neighbours who all look out for those who find themselves in need. And then we have around 90 incredible volunteers.
What happens to items you leave in the Food Bank donation point in Sainsbury’s?
Each Monday our volunteers pick up the donations, taking the stock to St. Clare’s Church. The new stock is then dated, sorted and put away in our storeroom ready for our volunteer packers.
In preparation for the sessions, our volunteers pack parcels tailoring each to the client’s specific needs and preferences (for example vegetarian, low-sugar, gluten-free and so on) that are forwarded to us by the client’s referrer.
The Food Bank is open each week on Tues (1pm-2pm), Wed (9.30am-10.30am) and Fri (5.30pm-6.30pm). At these times clients collect their parcels and can also spend time in our free café chatting to volunteers. Many clients find themselves isolated and this friendship and support can be just as valuable as the food. It is also an opportunity to tell the clients about other services and help that is available to them from so many different groups in Guildford.
We are sometimes asked about clients’ reactions when they receive their packages. Clients are immensely grateful to our volunteers and of the compassion and generosity of those who have made donations. It is not uncommon for clients to become emotional when they receive their parcels. Some who have benefited from the food bank subsequently find themselves in better circumstances and go on to donate items themselves. It can be difficult to visualise the impact you are having on peoples’ lives when you place your donated items in the collection boxes. Please take it from us that you are doing something very special indeed.
Thank you, Burpham!
Local councillors’ update: September 2023
September & October bi-monthly update from local councillors George Potter and Jane Tyson.
Since our last update we’ve been working hard on local issues and continuing to hold our regular drop-in sessions where people can come to speak to us on the first Saturday of every month at (or outside) Burpham Bowling Club. Please get in touch with us if there are any issues we can help with!
Financial challenges facing Guildford Borough Council
In July the council passed a special budget in order to deal with financial difficulties caused by high inflation and rising interest rates on the council’s borrowing. The result of these financial pressures is that the council will have to make £18 million of savings over the next three years to balance the books, or else face having to effectively declare itself bankrupt. The biggest cause of the problem is high-interest rates, as previous administrations committed to borrowing large amounts of money to fund major capital projects, and the cost of repaying these loans accounts for around 80% of our budget gap. The situation has been made worse by years of government funding cuts.
The new Lib Dem administration has now imposed strict financial controls and set up a dedicated financial taskforce, and we will be looking very carefully at all of the council’s spending, borrowing and properties to find ways to cut costs, raise revenue and sell assets to restore sound and prudent finances. However, while we will have to make difficult decisions, the administration has been very clear that our priority has to be protecting the public services that people rely on, and, wherever possible, we will be looking to deliver services differently rather than just cutting them.
Proposed development for Gosden Hill
Martin Grant Homes have announced their intention to submit a planning application for the Gosden Hill Site on the edge of Burpham. The Burpham Neighbourhood Forum and Burpham Community Association will be organising an event this autumn to inform people about this and other planning issues, but in the meantime the developer has setup a website where you can register to be notified when the public consultation starts on the scheme: GosdenHill.co.uk
North Street application
A new planning application for the North Street re-development scheme has been received by the council and is now open for public comment. We don’t have the space here to give a proper update on it, so we have written a Frequently Asked Questions about the scheme on our website instead: GuildfordLibDems.org.uk/NorthStreetFAQs
Riverside Nature Reserve
Following resident concerns about the quality of work being done on footpaths at the nature reserve, the council has dismissed the contractors who were working on the project. The council has now crushed and relaid the stone footpaths to make them more accessible, and will be adding a gravel layer to provide a smoother finish.
Getting in touch with us
If there are any particular issues you’d like to discuss with us then please email us at george.potter@guildford.gov.uk and jane.tyson@guildford.gov.uk and we will be happy to do all we can to help.
Winning Schools Announced in Guildford Schools in Bloom
Guildford in Bloom held its Schools in Bloom Awards at Edwins Garden Centre in Clandon and Freemantles School walked away with an armful of awards, including a Gold Award for their Garden; Best Interpretation of the Theme (For King and Countryside) and Overall Winner of the 2023 Competition.
The event included a talk from Guildford Beekeepers Association with lots of props and photos which kept the children (and adults) enthralled. Then they had a chance to get their hands dirty by potting up some plants with Edwins Garden Centre staff which they could take home.
Each school won a book and a certificate with the overall winner getting a £50 voucher to spend on school gardening equipment, a visit to their school by the outreach team at RHS Garden Wisley, and a class visit to Guildford Beekeepers.
Judges Shirley West and Caroline Coleman visited 12 schools in total, ranging from nursery and pre-prep through to junior schools and special schools. The aim of Schools in Bloom is to get young children involved in gardening for both education and wellbeing. The children have grown flowers and food and worked to the theme of ‘For King and Countryside’ – this required them to choose 5 out of a list of 10 things to include in the garden to encourage and protect wildlife – from bug hotels to being part of a hedgehog corridor to growing nectar rich plants, as well as decorating for the Kings coronation.
Judges Shirley West and Caroline Coleman said:
“The schools we have judged have been amazing considering how tough it is for them right now. Our twilight session earlier this year brought schools to the competition who had not entered before.
We chose Freemantles School as the overall winner because they surpassed our expectations in every area we asked for. Care for wildlife was outstanding and the vegetables patches were so well watered and looked after as were the flowers.
The input from the teachers with the children just shone out with love for their garden and the icing on the cake was their superb interpretation of the theme.”
Carla and Chloe Lead Assistants, at The HEART at Freemantles – the outdoor learning department said:
“We are thrilled at the news that our school has won Guildford in Bloom. This means so much to our wonderful students. They have worked so hard to create wildlife friendly spaces as well as areas in line with this year’s theme ‘For King and Countryside’. Freemantles is a specialist school for children and young people with Autism. We have 225 students ranging from ages 4-19 who benefit from our outdoor area. Our outdoor space is used in numerous ways from teaching horticulture, growing for our catering sessions and used for wellbeing.”
Paul Spooner, Chairman of Guildford in Bloom said: “The Schools in Bloom awards are a real highlight of our year. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they get an award and hearing them talk so enthusiastically about their gardens is heartwarming.
Our Schools Award event is very special thanks to the Guildford Beekeepers Association who engaged the children with a great talk on bees. Of course it wouldn’t happen without the tremendous support we receive from Lee at Edwins Garden Centre – the children love potting up the plants to take home – a very valuable and generous gesture from Edwins that is very much appreciated.
Our thanks to all schools that have taken part and the judges feedback recognises the enthusiasm and efforts of all involved at every school. I would like to thank all involved with GiB and particularly the judges for visiting each school. GiB would not be as successful as it is without the support of sponsors and we would like to thank Chapters Financial and Unigold 2000 Ltd, our Platinum Sponsors, who along with all of our sponsors ensure we can continue to run the School Competition.”
The Schools in Bloom Award in an integral part of Guildford in Bloom and ensures that the love of gardening and caring for wildlife is firmly planted in the future generation.
The main Guildford in Bloom competition has now closed for entries, and judges are already out and about judging everything from front gardens to nature projects – winners of the main competition will be announced in September.
Further information on Guildford in Bloom can be found at www.guildfordinbloom.com
Sight For Surrey Raffle Raises £6,600
Sight For Surrey Centenary Raffle Raises £6,600
The new CEO of Sight for Surrey, Clare Burgess, drew the 22 winning tickets of the charity’s Centenary Raffle, alongside Sight for Surrey’s retiring Chief Executive, Bob Hughes.
The raffle raised £6,600 for the charity that supports people in Surrey with a sight and or hearing loss.
Clare Burgess, previously CEO of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, took over the reins from Bob Hughes, who led the charity for nearly 10 years. First prize was £250, 2nd prize an afternoon tea at the beautiful Wotton House, Dorking and 3rd prize was a £50 voucher for a delicious Indian meal at Chatora Restaurant – all winners have been contacted with the good news!
Clare Burgess, CEO of Sight for Surrey said, “our Centenary Raffle has raised a significant amount of money for Sight for Surrey, and we thank everyone that has sold tickets to family and friends, or bought tickets themselves. Every penny raised will go towards providing help and support to people in Surrey with a sensory loss.”
Sight for Surrey is a charity that supports people who are blind, vision impaired, Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing in Surrey and celebrated their Centenary in 2022. The charity are looking for schools, clubs and individuals to join them in raising funds for the charity in their 101st year. If you would like to take part in a fundraising challenge then please contact fundraising@sightforsurrey.org.uk
Mother’s Day at Mandira’s Kitchen
Mandira’s Kitchen makes celebrating Mother’s Day deliciously different.
Mothering Sunday falls on 19 March 2023 and families are planning how to spend the day with Mum to thank her for all she does for her family.
Mandira’s Kitchen invites you to a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served on their delightful patio overlooking the Silent Pool or you can order a family feast for 4 people that can be delivered to your door.
The Mother’s Day Family Feast is available as classic or vegetarian and includes some of their favourite Supper Club dishes; crispy samosas, Methi Chicken or Paneer, Jaipur Alu (baby potatoes simmered in spices) and Saffron Pulau – finished with Gulab Jamun and Carrot Halwa. Or choose the Biriyani and Bubbles feast.
For those who want to take Mum on a day out, why not book a slot (spaces limited) on either Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 March to have Afternoon Tea on the MK Patio, overlooking the Silent Pool. Set in the Surrey Hills the surrounding area is a ideal for a family walk after an afternoon tea full of Indian street food treats such as: An MK Cocktail on arrival; spinach and onion pakoras; lamb or vegetable sliders; Coronation Chicken mini pittas; Mini Papri Chaat; Khati Rolls; Spiced Cheese scones with tomato and date chutney; Rose Scones with Cardamon clotted cream; and more.
Full details of the menus can be found on the Mandira’s Kitchen website www.mandiraskitchen.com/collections/mothers-day In addition to the Mother’s Day food you will also find a wide range of gifts and tableware including Chutney sets with serving dishes, Chai tea pot and glasses and many more dishes and tableware to make the perfect gift. MK also has a range of vouchers for cookery lessons, spice tours and general spend on the website.
Mandira Sarkar, owner and founder of Mandira’s Kitchen says: “This Mother’s Day we want people to travel with us to a bygone era – my childhood amongst emerald tea bushes and blazing bougainvillea for the most amazing afternoon tea with an Indian twist. The menu reflects a gentler time and an unhurried pace – in this menu are a few of my favourites which I hope will also become yours and help you celebrate with mum.”
“This Mother’s Day we want people to travel with us to a bygone era – my childhood amongst emerald tea bushes and blazing bougainvillea…”
Of course, Mandira’s Kitchen will cater for any dietary restrictions and you can discuss your individual needs by emailing orders@mandiraskitchen.com
All items can be ordered online from www.mandiraskitchen.com and either collected from Mandira’s Kitchen at The Silent Pool Guildford or delivered to any UK Mainland address by Wednesday 15 March ready to eat over the weekend. All food arrives frozen and can be kept in the fridge for 48 hours or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Dishes can be heated in the microwave in 4 minutes, or in the oven. Full details www.mandiraskitchen.com/collections/mothers-day
‘Knife Angel’ visits Guildford Cathedral
Above: Julie Sommerville, whose son Daniel died after an altercation which led to his death in 2015, has been instrumental in bringing the Knife Angel to Surrey. [Photo by Andy Newbold Photography]
The mother of a young man who fell victim to knife crime in Guildford is welcoming the visit of the Knife Angel – ‘The National Monument Against Violence & Aggression’ to the County of Surrey on the 1st of March.
Julie Sommerville, whose son Daniel died after an altercation which led to his death in 2015, has been instrumental in bringing the Knife Angel to Surrey where it will stand outside Guildford Cathedral throughout March with a series of events planned to raise awareness of the effects of knife crime and domestic violence.
The 27ft (8.2m) tall contemporary sculpture, made up of 100,000 knives, confiscated by Police forces across the UK, was created by the artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre based in Oswestry, Shropshire.
Since 2018, it has been touring the country to highlight knife crime in the United Kingdom and educate young people on the harmful effect violent behaviour can have on their communities. Surrey is considered to be one of the safest places to live in the UK however crime of this type does not respect county boundaries and its thought-provoking message will be a powerful way to remind people that such crimes affect not just the families of victims but also the wider community.
“I am delighted that the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour will be coming to Surrey and the centrepiece, the Knife Angel, will be on display at Guildford Cathedral.”
The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams
Surrey Police, Detective Superintendent Becky Molyneux said: “We are pleased to be supporting Guildford Cathedral as they host the Knife Angel this March. We’re committed to tackling serious violence and aggression in our communities and this project will help further important conversations, discussing why people become involved in violent crimes. We would encourage the public to continue to drop off their dangerous or unwanted knives and blades at our police front counters across Surrey.”
As well as Surrey Police, the project is being supported by the High Sheriff of Surrey, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Guildford Borough Council, charities including ‘the Matrix Trust’ and ‘Your Sanctuary’ and pupils from Christ’s College, Guildford who have produced an introductory video.
The Dean of Guildford, The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams explains, “I am delighted that the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour will be coming to Surrey and the centrepiece, the Knife Angel, will be on display at Guildford Cathedral. We are working with many partners, guided by young people of our community, to provide opportunities to learn more about the effects of aggression and violence among all sections of the community and to address some of the key concerns of the young people in our County, for example Domestic Violence, County Lines, bullying and violence against girls and women. The month of March provides an opportunity to work together to make the communities of Surrey even safer.”
Guildford resident – Julie, mum to three other children said; “Daniel was just 24 when he was taken from us in such a terrible way. It devastated our family and my three other children who still struggle to accept what happened to their brother. He was a caring, loving son, would help anyone, and like all young people his age, had dreams and aspirations. The day he died, Dan was about to move into his own home – one minute we were helping his move his stuff in, the next we were clearing it out.”
Daniel was just 24 when he was taken from us in such a terrible way. It devastated our family and my three other children who still struggle to accept what happened to their brother.
“The incident was an altercation in Guildford, during which if a knife had not been available to be used in the heat of the moment would not have resulted in Daniel’s death. The message I am trying to get across is to not carry weapons – so if situations arise the opportunity is not likely to be fatal leading to families being destroyed – on both sides.”
“The ripple effect of what happened to Dan was obviously big. I’ve met a lot of lovely people as I am with quite a lot of groups mainly on social media, these people have all set up groups because of what happened to their family members and obviously I can relate to them. They all want the same thing, to get awareness out there – you see these sorts of things on the news and a lot of people don’t always take any notice, it is not until something tragic happens to you that you realise the consequences involved. We once took part in a scene in Eastenders – after a storyline involving a knife crime the producers wanted real families to take part in the funeral scene, we even held photos of our loved ones as we were filmed.”
“I went up to see the Knife Angel at the British Ironwork Centre where it was made by Alfie and we, like other families, were invited to include Dan’s name on one of the knives used in the sculpture. At the time they were doing a petition to get the Angel somewhere in London when finished but that did not happen, so it was then decided to tour it around the country. I saw other towns hosting and I wanted it to come to my town, it’s about awareness and education, it’s not just a statue it’s a very visual and powerful statement.”
Julie will bravely be speaking at the launch of the Knife Angel visit at the Cathedral on March 1st and is hoping that parents will be more vigilant and protect their children by talking to them about how removing the opportunity could save their lives. She also hopes that the children themselves will learn from the events put on throughout March and not only think twice about arming themselves when going out but also about not letting violence or aggression generally play a part in their lives.
“I do this because if sharing my story makes someone think twice about carrying a knife with them and if that potentially saves a life then It is worth telling people – I don’t want anyone ever to have to go through what I went through, so in Daniel’s name I want to raise awareness – Dan has not got a voice anymore, so I am his voice”
“I do this because if sharing my story makes someone think twice about carrying a knife with them and if that potentially saves a life then It is worth telling people…”
Julie Sommerville
Thanks to the support so far from local businesses, individuals and organisations, the Knife Angel will take its place in front of the iconic cathedral and can be visited at any time during March.
There will be talks and events centred around the monument, and Charities are being invited to highlight their work alongside it – follow the @kniveangelguildford social media pages to find out how, also to share your photos and comments during March. There is still time to sponsor the visit with a range of benefits included or donate money to help pay for security (the biggest cost), transport and coach trips for schools to attend the various workshops.
For more information and how you can help or donate please contact Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547 884 or visit headofdevelopment@guildford-cathedral.org
Church Office: 01483 547 860
www.guildford-cathedral.org
Burpham Pages: A resource for the whole community
The aim of Burpham Pages has always been to be ‘community focussed’ and with the relaunch of the magazine and its website back in September 2018 (now having surpassed our 100th issue since 2006) we have tried to focus on even more facets of Burpham life, to be as useful as possible to the local community and immediate surrounding areas.
We’ve done this by concentrating on 4 specific sectors of the local community: residents, business, ‘community infrastructure’ and organisations & associations.
For residents we hope Burpham Pages informs and entertains around subjects that concern those living in the village. Whilst remaining politically neutral, providing some news on current issues in and around the area as well as high-lighting local affairs that might affect life locally, such as the roadworks on London Road or the ‘Local Plan’. We also hope that the magazine and the website are a useful resource for those looking for local trades and services via their ads or the online Business Directory or events happening in the area. Obviously, in each case we are reliant on those trades and services placing an ad or the organisers of the events informing us of their plans.
For local businesses the magazine offers an effective conduit by which they can advertise their services to the entire community (through the 3,200 copies we distribute every 2 months) and beyond (via the website). Community magazines have been proved to be one of the most effective mediums for advertising local trades and services as they offer credibility, a resource that is trusted and local people are supportive of local business. We are often asked to recommend local trades and whilst we can’t single out any particular advertiser, we can point enquirers towards the magazine or the online Business Directory (where locals can leave reviews, and we encourage them to, of suppliers that they have used).
‘Community infrastructure’, for us, incorporates Burpham Church, roads and public transport plus facilities to support walking and cycling, our flood defences, the local schools (Burpham Primary School and George Abbot School), medical facilities, sporting, recreation and leisure facilities (e.g. the varied sports clubs using Sutherland Memorial Park) and open spaces (e.g. Sutherland Memorial Park and the Riverside Nature Reserve). These are all an important part of Burpham life and we aim to give them a voice through the magazine and online wherever possible.
And finally, we also aim to highlight the work of the organisations and associations, for example the Burpham Community Association and the Neighbourhood Forum, who do so much to ensure that life in Burpham continues in a way that is beneficial and enjoyable by all that live here.
We do hope you enjoy Burpham Pages and find it useful. Please do engage with us, let us know what you see going on in Burpham, advertise your services and let us know about your events. We are all a part of this community; we all have something offer.