July 2009 Archives

Flames up to 40ft high threatened a two-storey block of flats and about 20 houses as they swept across a field of wheat on Saturday evening.

High winds whipped the blaze into an inferno which destroyed 12 acres of wheat and put the lives of firefighters and residents in Chertsey Lane and Bowes Road in jeopardy.

The fire, which police believe was started deliberately, was spotted on the border of Egham and Staines by firefighters from Egham just before 8.30pm as they were making their way back to the station from a previous call-out.

Firefighter Matt Wilkins, of Red Watch, Egham, said: "As we began to tackle the blaze the wind suddenly got behind it and we had to relocate ourselves quickly to get in front. The flames swept across the field in less than 10 minutes and destroyed five hectares.

"Luckily, as we were fighting to keep it back from the houses, the wind changed direction at the last minute and the fire stopped about 20 yards short."

Staines watch manager Karl Bowen added: "It was difficult for firefighters to keep up because the wind was blowing the fire faster than we could put it out."

Residents of Cornwall Way have told the Herald & News they were also at risk when the fire first started and had to clear their vehicles from a car park near the field.
Are you a Cornwall Way resident? Did you feel your home was at risk from the fire?
Tell us your comments on the fire below.

The Annual Show of the Egham Gardens and Allotments Association will take place at the United Church of Egham, on Wednesday, August 15 at 2pm.

The show takes place in the Pastoral Centre. Entry is free.

Blood donors are required to give blood on Sunday, August 2 at Egham Youth Centre, High Street from 9.30am.

The NHS run sessions take place from 9.30am until 12.30pm, then 2pm until 4.30pm.
To make an appointment, call 0845 7711 711.

An unexpected and colourful visitor to a Thorpe couple's birdfeeder was a bright alternative to the average starling.

This stunning golden mantle rosella first appeared in the back garden of bird lovers Kim Fletcher and Clive Anderson at their home in Burway Crescent, Laleham Reach in June, but had returned several times since.

Ms Fletcher said they regularly had green parakeets and other birds visiting, but this was a visitor completely out of the blue.

She explained: "Clive was working at his computer when he heard an unusual bird call, he knew it was different as we are avid bird lovers and have several feeders in the back garden, visited daily by hoards of birds and a few hungry squirrels.

A mini car boot sale will take place at St Paul's Church, Thorpe Road on Saturday, August 1, from 9am-12noon.

Entry to the public is free. A hard standing pitch costs £10, set up is from 8am.
For more details contact www.stpauls-eghamhythe.org.uk

A male driver suffered minor injuries after a crash in Sycamore Walk around 7.53pm on Friday, July 17.

A black Renault Clio was in collision with a red Citroen Saxo. The driver of the Saxo sustained minor shoulder injuries and was taken to St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey.

The road was blocked while the scene was cleared and fully reopened just before 9pm.

Two vehicles were involved in a crash on Vicarage Road, Egham, shortly after 8pm on Saturday, July 18.

A white Ford Transit panel fan was in collision with a white Ford Fiesta.

The road was blocked until 9.45pm while the cars and debris were cleared.

Blood donor sessions will take place at Egham Youth Centre on Sunday, August 2 from 9.30am.

They will take place in the main hall of the centre, on Egham High Street.
Sessions run from 9.30am until 12.30pm, then 2pm until 4.30pm.

A ten week course to explore the meaning of life and discuss Christianity takes place a Hythe Fields Gospel Hall on Wednesday, July 22 at 4.30pm.

The course at the hall in Thorpe Lea Road, is an opportunity to meet new people and explore ideas and includes a light meal at the beginning of each session.

For more information call 07791 324918.

The Egham Chamber of Commerce is holding a networking summer party on Friday, July 31 at Egham Cricket Club from 8pm.

The party will feature a hog roast, disco and the chance to meet like minded people from Egham businesses and exchange details.