August 2009 Archives

"As long as people want to come to shows like this, they will keep running."
These were the words of Egham Royal Show's chief executive Nick Wood-Dow at the special Sunday lunch during the weekend of the show.
But what really needs to be said is that only as long as people such as Nick and his large band of volunteers continue to give up their lives to organise these events, will they keep running.
The huge event takes intense planning during a full year to get it off the ground and 151 committees over the years have made it possible for us to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.
I was at the lunch and there was quite rightly many thanks by the committe for the money given by the sponsors.
So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people quietly working behind the scenes to give us a great show and who most of the time do not get the credit they deserve.
The Herald and News is proud to be media sponsors to this event which shows a real community spirit.
And as the summer events end and the planning for winter fairs starts remember - it is likely to be the same band of volunteers who make our Christmas equally as enjoyable.

See this week's Herald and News for a full round up of the show

Potential voters in the borough are being reminded to make sure they are on the electoral register.

Runnymede Borough Council has issued 33,000 registration forms to households across the borough which need to be filled in to vote in the forthcoming General Election and local elections.

To find out more about what's involved and visit the Electoral Commission's virtual polling station at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Magna Carta School celebrated the best GCSE results in the schools history on their 50th Anniversary last week.

The School had 68 per cent of students obtain five or more A* to C grades, a seven per cent increase on last years' year elevens.

Businesses are required to sponsor the 2010/11 Runnymede Business Directory.

The seventh edition of the publication is due later this year and features lists of 1700 businesses in the borough.

A further £2,000 is required in sponsorship from one or more businesses.

To get involved contact Runnymede Council's business liaison officer, Joanna Swatridge on 01932 425272, or email joanna.Swatridge@runnymede.gov.uk

A talented new singer-songwriter will visit school children to talk and perform a song about bullying.

Suffolk-born Lotte Mullan is visiting the Magna Carta School on Wednesday, September 9, where she will talk about the bullying of her younger sister and perform her song, 'Alright With Me'.

The visit is part of an anti-bullying campaign which is touring 50 schools.

An appeal against enforcement action from Runnymede Council has been withdrawn by a horse-loving resident of Hurst Lane.

William Beach of Hurst Lodge was earlier this year ordered to remove a lean-to and barn that housed foaling horses and equestrian equipment.

Council planners deemed was inappropriate development in the Green Belt and Mr Beach initially appealed the council's decision.

High Street chartered accountants, Wilkins Kennedy, had a double celebration recently as two members of staff reached a combined 60 years of service.

Office manager Lyn Carlier completed 40 years service with the firm and tax advisor Mark Adams completed 20 years.

Partners and staff marked the occasion with a staff luncheon that included strawberries and cream and bucks fizz.

The annual show of the Egham Gardens and Allotments Association was held on Saturday, August 15 at the United Church of Egham.

Spectacular exhibits included a vast arrays of flowers, fruit, and vegetables and handicraft. Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Paul Tuley, was given a tour of the show before association president, Elizabeth Curd presented the prizes.

New member Graham Webb, scooped four prizes. With others going to Gillen Halls, Gordon and Chris Harbard, Fiona and Alan Burrows, Ray Boothby, Betty Jenkins on, Diana Gait and Marie Webb.

The children's prize was this year won by six-year-old Toby Knight.

Ever wondered where your local newsreporter is? Now you can follow him daily at website Twitter.

Your dedicated reporter, Russell Butt, (that's me) can often be found roaming around Egham hunting for stories, or sometimes in the Surrey Herald office in Chertsey.

Other times I might be seen running up Egham Hill in a vague attempt to try and keep fit, while always keeping an eye out for newsworthy stories.

Green-fingered gardeners will be rewarded for their endeavours when the winners of the 2009 Best Kept Garden competition receive their awards.

The winners of the annual competition, organised by the Egham Residents Association, will be formally presented with their awards at the Egham Royal Show, which takes place on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 at Caddey's Field, off Whitehall Lane.

The presentation, taking place on the Sunday, will also include a photo display of the winning gardens.