Community Update – November & December 2023

To get in touch with the BCA: Contact the secretary on secretary@burphamca.org.uk call 07513 366072 or visit the website at www.burphamca.org.uk

We represent the community of Burpham, Guildford

Japanese Knotweed

Guildford has been identified as one of Surrey’s knotweed hotspots this year; 90 infestations have been reported, 42 of them within 4km of the town centre.

It is incredibly invasive – even a small piece of the root can generate a new plant and it’s very difficult to eradicate. Knotweed can damage property and reduce the value of your home. We know that it has been found along Clay Lane and is now being dealt
with by National Highways but it will take several years to clear it completely. How did it get there – well, it usually spreads from garden waste that has not been properly disposed of, or could even have been deliberately dumped.

If you think you have knotweed in your garden, you are not legally required to report it but you can be prosecuted if you let it spread to your neighbour’s garden. Contact GBC if you see it on council land. If you want information to help you identify it, there are many useful websites – www.japaneseknotweed.co.uk is very informative, with lots of pictures showing the very distinct seasonal changes and they, and other websites, offer a free identification service.

Japanese Knotweed in autumn.

Japanese Knotweed in winter.

Riverside Park

In the last issue of Burpham Pages, we noted that the stream draining the wetland and lake overflow had been partially cleared but was still heavily silted.

There as some doubt as to whether GBC would be able to complete the clearing due to funding issues but we are pleased to say that the work has now been done, and the risk of flooding reduced.

Riverside Park: Work has been completed to reduce flooding.

Gosden Hill

Members of the BCA Committee met with representatives of Martin Grant Homes in September for preliminary discussions about the proposed development.

We are pleased to report some very positive outcomes; however, there is a deal of work ahead as we still have many concerns about essential infrastructure, especially safe and effective access and the impact on Burpham of the increased traffic.

London Road Action Group

Surrey County Council have sent a letter to all residents concerning the active travel scheme but it seems that many residents have not received it.

In a news update on 29th September Surrey County Council state that they have contacted the delivery company and the error is being rectified, so you should have received a copy by now.

The online survey closes on 13th November so there may still be time for you to have your say. Go to Surrey County Council website, London Road Burpham Active Travel Scheme.

The final public meeting is being held on November 8th at Guildford High School.

Dates for your diary

Christmas Social Evening This will be held on Saturday 9th December in the Village Hall.

Details are not yet finalised but we are hoping to have a fun evening of Christmas games and activities plus drinks and nibbles. We’ll send out final details nearer the time – looking forward to seeing you!

Winter Lectures 2024

By residents for residents

8pm at the Village Hall in Burpham Lane

Fri 5 Jan
English Pyramids
Andrew Plumridge gives us a whistle-stop tour of the surprisingly numerous English pyramids.

Fri 12 Jan
What Happens to Waste After it Leaves Our Bins?
Graham Fox enlightens us about the way we deal with rubbish.

Fri 19 Jan
The Hidden History of Nursery Rhymes
Hidden secrets, sex and violence – Henry Spyvee explores what nursery rhymes really mean.

Fri 26 Jan
The Sorry Story of the Clandon House Fire
A guide from the historic house explores its history and the consequences of the great fire in 2015.

Fri 2 Feb
Sun, Sport & Sights on the Way
Andy Clapham recounts his experiences, both sporting and cultural, following rugby around the globe.


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 2022.

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!