To get in touch with the BCA: Contact the secretary on secretary@burphamca.org.uk call 01483 567791 or visit the website at www.burphamca.org.uk

If at first you don’t succeed…

One of the functions of the Burpham Flood Forum has been to research the various water courses in the Ward.

Upstream from Bowers Lock is possibly the oldest stream; it appears at the rear of Abbotswood and drains into the River Wey. If you walk along the towpath from Bower’s Lane and turn left at the bend by Old Buck’s Weir, heading upstream, you may have noticed a deep ditch on your left which ends in a pipe. This is the outflow from that ancient stream.

The flow of water has been impeded to such an extent that it has flooded the towpath.

Over the years, this ditch has become choked with fallen trees, and other vegetation has been dumped in it. The flow of water has been impeded to such an extent that it has flooded the towpath. The BCA raised this issue with various authorities as far back as 2013 and there followed years of playing that well-known game called ‘pass the responsibility parcel.’

…keep on nagging.

After seven years of patient trawling through a multitude of documents, it transpired that GBC was ‘the responsible landowner’ and therefore responsible for clearing the ditch. We are delighted to report that the fallen tree which was blocking the flow has been removed and we understand that the full length of the watercourse will be cleaned out this spring.

NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day

The National Health Service came into being on 5th July 1948 and brought free health care to everyone. In the past year that service has been tested to the limit by the impact of Covid-19.

On Monday July 5th this year we have an opportunity to show our gratitude when the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day. takes place. It is hoped to hold a series of events throughout the day – flag raising, a 2 minute silence at 11am, special lunches and teas and at 8pm church bells will ring out.

The BCA hopes to do something to mark this occasion…

Money will be raised for two causes – NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association. The BCA hopes to do something to mark this occasion, perhaps working with other Burpham groups so keep a look out on social media for more information. To find out more about this event go to https://www.nhsfrontlineday.org

Litter picking

The first BCA litter pick of the year was due to take place on the 10th April (this article was written at the end of March).

Many thanks to all the volunteers. If you would like to join in, please contact the Membership Secretary on membership@burphamca.org.uk

The average household in the UK throws away around one tonne of rubbish every year; of that, 400kg is plastic waste.

The average household in the UK throws away around one tonne of rubbish every year; of that, 400kg is plastic waste. The Covid pandemic has seen a huge increase in single use plastic – cleaning wipes, disposable masks and gloves, and coffee cups, not to mention 38.5 million plastic bottles every day. Much of this ends up in landfill, or incinerators or in the environment. There are a few simple things we can do to help prevent this:

• Use a refillable water bottle.
• Take your own re-useable cup for coffee. Many businesses in Guildford accept them and some offer a discount for using them rather than disposable ones.
• Avoid single use packaging – buy loose if you can.
• Try refill shopping – there are several places in Guildford where you can refill dry foods and bathroom essentials – Noel’s Farm Shop in Sutton Green, Guild Foods Market in Woodbridge Road and Food for Thought in North Street.

For more information contact Plastic Free Guildford at www.plasticfreeguildford.org.uk or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PlasticFreeGLD

Help by joining the Burpham Community Association today!

Subscriptions are £8 per household or £4 per single occupancy and run from January to December. Join now or renew your membership for 2021.

You can pay by:
Direct Debit – visit our website at www.burphamca.org.uk which has a link to this system – an email to treasurer@burphamca.org.uk giving your details would be helpful.

Online:
Account name: Burpham Community Association.
Sort Code: 40-22-26.
Account Number: 41049194

To help the Treasurer please identify yourself using initials, surname and the first line of your address.

Please contact Liz Turner, our Membership Secretary, if you have any queries. Her email address is membership@burphamca.org.uk

BCA on Facebook & Twitter!
Join the conversation! Open to members and non-members, it’s a great way to stay up-to-date with everything that’s happening in our community.
twitter.com/burpham_c_a
facebook.com/burphamCA/

Guildford Community Lottery
A way for everyone to support local causes and be in with a chance to win prizes of up to £25,000. 50% of all tickets sold from our page go to the BCA!