GPCA Newsletter December 2001
GOLDSWORTH PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GPCA LATEST NEWSLETTER. DECEMBER 2001 VOL. 21. NO. 11.
Created Sun 16/Dec/2001 Update Sun 30/Dec/2001
IMPORTANT! Please read the disclaimer on the home page.
Also available at Forbuoy's Newsagent shop at G.P. Centre and through your letterbox! This was printed at the beginning of the month and some events may be out of date by the time you read them!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL GOLDSWORTH PARK RESIDENTS
GOLDSWORTH CARE
As Goldsworth Care goes live after 15 months of preparation, we are sorry to hear that Tim McCloy-Glenholme has stood down due to ill health. When we first proposed that there appeared to be a need for this service Tim was the only person to respond in a positive way. So, without his enthusiasm and efforts this project would not have got off the ground. So, we say a big thank you to Tim and wish him a speedy recovery.
POSTAL SERVICE
As we have said before, this service has shown a decline over the years. The second delivery long since slipped to a silent death many months ago. It was interesting to read in the press recently about staff shortages. A spokesman for the Royal Mail stated that the area as a whole has a crazy level of unemployment. How can low unemployment be crazy? He also stated that the Royal Mail had just begun a trial of recruitment and retention of new employees related to their length of service. The spokesman then declined to give further details of the scheme. If this is the level of management, no wonder locally posted first class letters take three days to arrive. Also, a regular postman is sometimes still delivering by late morning. Could it be about more chiefs than Indians, or is it bonus-driven cost cutting?
CYCLING ON FOOTPATHS
Over the years, we have received many reports and complaints about reckless cyclists. It was interesting to read recently that a councillor was nearly knocked down by a cyclist. Lo and behold, the Council bids for a Department of Transport Local Goverment and the Regions (what a mouthful!) grant to fund a Warden project. The duties are said to include checking properties, dealing with minor incidents and anti-social behaviour, and reporting street problems such as graffiti or dog fouling. I am sure our residents will be hoping that this person will regularly find his way to Goldsworth Park!
BASINGSTOKE CANAL A GOOD IDEA
Recently, a local councillor, Geoff Smith, put forward as a proposal to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee that the canal towpath should be renovated. This towpath runs through most of the council wards in Woking. It is, therefore, a benefit to all parts of Woking. I am sure that the state of the towpath surface is one reason why it is not used more frequently, particulary in wet weather.
LAKERS YOUTH CENTRE
The GPCA welcomes the new appointment of Paul Shimmin as the full-time Neighbourhood Youth Worker. It is hoped that he and his colleagues will be here long enough to actually see through development of this much needed facility. It is then down to the younger people to support the centre and repay the efforts of the staff.
BEST OF THE BUNCH
Winners in the Annual Woking in Bloom Competition included some of our local residents:
First in the Best Tub/Container, Chris and Pat Surey.
Second in the Best Small Front Garden, Mr and Mrs Turner.
First in the Best Community (Shared) Garden, Hartshill Sheltered Housing.
Third in the Best Community (Shared) Garden, Mr and Mrs Elliott, Brookfield.
Well done to you all.
FIREWORKS ON GOLDSWORTH PARK
Beaufort Primary School held a bonfire night on Wednesday November 7th in the school grounds. This was the first time such an event had been held on the Park since the GPCA stopped their annual event on Goldsworth Park, due to the competition of the big event in Woking Park. The event at the school was the idea of Colin Dartnell (Premises Officer). It was a great success even though part of the display was in drizzle. It is hoped that, in conjunction with the school's PTA, fireworks at the school will become an annual event.
GARDENING FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
Beaufort School has started a project to interest the pupils of all age groups in gardening. Various areas of the school grounds will be converted into flower beds by the children, led by David Innes (a school governor). Support for this project has already been obtained from Botany Barns Garden Centre at Knaphill. David would be interested to hear from anybody who would be willing to donate garden tools or other items that could be used by the children. If you contact GP News, details will be passed on to David.
CYCLEWAY
Work is continuing on the construction of the cycleway from Harelands Roundabout to Bullbeggars Lane. We hear that some residents are unhappy with this project as it comes close to housing. It is also stated that some people did not know of the proposal. If local residents have any problems with this new cycleway they should contact their local councillor. The GPCA would, as an alternative, pass on any problems.
GOLDSWORTH PARK LAKE AND RECREATION USERS GROUP
Last month we made comments about this group. I now find a meeting did take place on Wednesday November 26th 2001. As was thought, the local residents were only represented by one local councillor and Ian Rickard of the GPCA. The other ten present represented other user groups. The minutes of this meeting appear not to show the points made by Ian Rickard about the involvement of people who live around the lake area. The point I make is that these people who live in the vicinity must be given the opportunity to have a say. This is not just my view, as one council officer stated at the last AGM; a number of you in the area have made this point. You will read this item too late to attend the AGM in November but you can still make your views known. The next meeting of this group is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23rd 2002 at 6pm in the Council Offices, so you will have time to write with your view to: Councillor Ian Eastwood and Ian Rickard of the GPCA. It will do no good later saying "I don't like this, or that", so contact the two representatives now with your comments, not just tell me when we meet in the street. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
YOUR NEWSLETTER
We again remind all organisations, clubs and schools that their contributions are always welcome. You can provide information on any event or activity. Please remember to contact us at least four weeks before to ensure publication.
Peter Winter
GARDENERS DIARY FOR DECEMBER
By Bernard at Botany Barns.
In the Garden. Clear away debris from around fruit trees and roses to prevent carry-over of diseases and pests. Any diseased leaves or twigs should be burnt. Encourage pest-eating birds, such as tits, into your garden by feeding them throughout the winter. This will encourage them to seek out aphids over-wintering in your trees and shrubs while they are waiting for their turn to feed. Prepare the ground for planting trees and shrubs, provided the weather is not too wet or frosty. It is still possible to plant shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heathers, Roses, etc. Firm plants loosened by gales, especially if recently planted, and also check tree ties, adjusting if required. Deciduous shrubs which look neglected can be pruned now. Remove any dead wood and branching crossing over or back into the plant, then shape the plant so that it looks good. The herbaceous border will benefit from a general clean-up, removing old flower heads and stalks from last season as well as leaves and weed seedlings. Planting can still continue during mild spells, providing the soil is not too wet. On established rockeries birds can damage the small mound forming plants in winter, so cover them with chicken wire. New rockeries can be constructed now, ready for planting in the spring. On established Rose plants shorten longer stems to about 75cm to prevent wind damage.
PLANTS OF INTEREST IN DECEMBER. Trees and Shrubs in Flower: Erica canea, Hamamelis mollis, Jasminium nudiflorum (winter Jasmine), Mahonia. Trees and Shrubs with colourful Fruits: Arbutus, Acuba, Callicarpa, Pernettya, Pyracantha, Skimmia Japonica, Sorbus (mountain ash). House or Greenhouse Plants: Azalea indica, Poinsetta, Narcissus 'Paper White', Hyacinth, Hippeastrum, Primula, Solanum (winter cherry), Zygocactus (Christmas cactus) not forgetting the Christmas tree Picea. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Work out a cropping plan for the vegetable garden, bearing in mind the need for crop rotation. Having done this, select your seed from your local garden centre. Some of the early sowings can be made in January if you have a heated greenhouse for veg such as summer cabbage Hispi, Primo or Golden Acre. In frames or under cloches sow radishes, carrots 'Nantes' varieties. In mild spells watch out for slugs and, if around, scatter slug pellets. To force rhubarb outdoors wait till after Christmas, cover crowns with straw, hay or bracken, then place a box or bucket over the top, excluding all light. Plant fruit trees, bush and cane fruits, provided the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. Cut back newly planted cane fruit to 23cm above soil level and blackcurrants to 3cm. Prune apples and pears if not already done, dispose of all pruning, check tree ties, then spray with a tar oil winter wash. Check grease bands and remove any dead leaves that may form a bridge across them. Now you can sit back and enjoy Christmas, and ride the Santa Specials!
All the staff at Botany Barns wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope to see you all at the Garden Centre next season.
GOLDSWORTH CARE LAUNCHED
Goldsworth Care was finally launched on 14th November with its first AGM and a party, including a cake that was cut by the Mayor, Cllr Barry Pope. The photo in the paper newsletter shows some of the new committee.
LEST WE FORGET
The annual service of Remembrance was again held outside the Health Centre on Sunday 11th November.
NO EASY ANSWERS
This article is linked here to its original location in "Surrey's Enviroment News". It is is PDF format.
For further details on all aspects of waste go to this location.
* Since this article was written permission has been granted for an incinerator at Capel and refused for two more at Guildford and at Redhill.
GOLDSWORTH PARK IS ONLINE!
The Goldsworth Park Community Association has its own website. It has local news, events and links to other useful sites. It also has a forum section that allows you to talk to other residents and discuss local issues. You can contribute in other ways by sending us ideas, stories, poems, local events, website link suggestions and anything else you can think of, to our e-mail address. goldsworthpark@yahoo.co.uk To visit the site use the url: http://uk.geocities.com/goldsworthpark (Please note this isn’t a www. site) You can also visit the Woking Borough Council website first (http://www.woking.gov.uk). We are found on their community links page. We can also be found on at least 2 search engines, http://www.yahoo.com and http://www.google.com. Type in the words "woking gpca". Remember this is your site as well and you can help us to make it even better.
SUSTRANSMAN TO THE RESCUE!
Sustrans, as you will know, is short for sustainable transport and it is a charity principally formed to construct pedestrian/cycle paths out of disused railways. They have already created over 5,000 miles of path and are now looking to the next 5,000. Soon after it was formed Woking Cycle Users Group suggested a leisure route from the Thames to the Sea, 'The Wey South' to all the local councils. Apparently, about 2 years earlier Sustrans had met Surrey County Council with a view to creating a 'Wey to the Coast'. The routes were similar in concept but do have difference. Unfortunately, Surrey's anti-cycling policy meant that Sustrans went elsewhere and helped other councils create their part of the National Cycle Network. There is no shortage of councils throughout the land begging Sustrans for help. We now feel that another stab should be made at encouraging Surrey to promote cycling in this way. Although essentially a leisure route, we would like to think that it would help all cyclists. Interestingly, Sustrans paths are used more by pedestrians than cyclists. Leisure cycling last year earned \u00A3635m within the UK while air tourism resulted in \u00A33m going out of Britain. Sustrans have been approached and are more than willing to come to Surrey to give an idea of what is possible. Indeed, John Grimshaw, the chief engineer, has agreed to come, providing there is some support. Hopefully, a 'feasibility study' will be commissioned from them. We have also approached Sustrans with regard to their Safe Routes to Stations initiative. They will be coming to Woking soon. Why not write to your Surrey and Woking councillors with some ideas on how we can make Woking a better place.
(This article is reproduced by kind permission of Woking Cycle User Group)
MEN IN TROUBLE - AS USUAL!
This article is about the Woking's New Cinema Club and will be put here soon.
DONATE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
Please give your European currency to Woking Hospice before the Euro arrives in February 2002, after which it will no longer be legal tender. You can take it to the Hospice at Hillview Road, Woking (tel 881750) or any of the 6 Hospice shops.
Thank you, John Quinn
INNOVATIVE COUNCIL HAS GOOD REASON TO CELEBRATE
(See the original article here on the WBC website)....
An organisation which gets things done and should be proud of its achievements. That’s the key message from findings of a review of the way Woking Borough Council works, just completed by an independent team of specialists. It was at the direct invitation of the Council that the team from the Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA) came in to help it assess the way it manages its business and to identify things it is doing well and things it could improve upon. Throughout last week, the review team met and talked with a cross-section of councillors and staff and also with representatives of partner organisations, businesses and the general public from across the Borough, to assess how the Council was performing in three main business competencies: Leadership, Democratic and Community Engagement and Performance Management. Summarising the main findings at a feedback session for staff and councillors, Bill Murphy, review manager and Assistant Director of the I&DeA said: “We found much evidence of first class work here in Woking. This is a council which gets things done and where innovation and creativity are encouraged. You are striving to be even better and there are no major criticisms of what you are doing. There is much to celebrate. However, there are also some useful messages from the review which should help you to drive forward the excellent progress you have already made.” The report has yet to be finalised but some of the main points raised include:
\u00B7 Leadership: On the positive side, the Council can be proud of what it has done for Woking. It is clearly a highly innovative organisation, for example in its achievement of the Queen’s Award for Industry, its work on energy conservation and its offer of free swims to the over 60’s. It is also receptive to external ideas and has demonstrated good evidence of success in partnership working. However, there is scope for further work on developing a longer term focus and a vision for its business, ensuring all of its staff have the opportunity to fully contribute in its work and celebrating its successes more often.
\u00B7 Democratic and Community Engagement: On the positive side, the review team found that councillors have a real commitment to the Borough and are open to new ways of doing things. The Council provides good services for its customers, for example in reception areas and community centres. There is also evidence of good practice in communications and positive work being done to consult with stakeholders, particularly through the Citizen’s Panel and the Sheerwater/Maybury Partnership. There is scope for further work by councillors to ensure that they contribute fully to the strategic direction of the Council and for the organisation to support them in developing new ways of working. More work could also be done on using customer comments and complaints to further improve services offered and to ensure that consultation also plays a fuller part in this.
\u00B7 Performance Management On the positive side, the Council is making real efforts to value and support its staff through training, flexible working arrangements and office facilities. In addition, it has achieved debt free status and made good progress on corporate /service planning reviews. Scope for further work in this area includes developing a system of evaluation for initiatives, improved communications within the organisation and setting up a planned approach to quality assurance. Cllr Jim Armitage, Chairman of the Council’s Executive Committee said: “I was personally very keen that we should invite the I&DeA in to undertake this review. I believe we have a good Council, but it is always constructive to get an outside view. The team’s observations will help us to improve further over the next two to three years which will benefit everyone who has a stake in the Borough’s future - residents, businesses, local groups and the Council alike. There is good cause for us to celebrate and be encouraged by the very positive findings . But it will also stimulate discussion about how we do things and how we might do some of them better - a discussion I have asked the whole organisation to be involved in.” A detailed feedback document will be written by the review team and sent to the Council early in the New Year. It will be carefully considered by the Council and both the report and the Council’s response to it will be published. The report will be available on the Council’s web site – www.woking.gov.uk - and at www.idea.gov.uk All members of the I&DeA team are knowledgeable about, and experienced in, local government and were visiting as ‘critical friends’.
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