At the last HRA committee meeting it was suggested that during this year it would be useful piece of work to create, collate and consult on a list of aspirations and projects which would benefit Hersham.
It was agreed the ‘aspirations and projects list’ could include a wide range of ambitious and more modest ideas and projects. The list would not need to specify what organisation would carry each initiative forward or exactly when.
It was felt that the list would allow the HRA and others to better prepared when new ideas are sought by:
- individual benefactors
- Elmbridge council as part of the CIL grant applications process
- those discussing the potential initiatives which a Community Council could take on.
If you have any ideas, thoughts about initiatives and projects which you think would benefit Hersham and its residents – then please mailto: info@hershamresidents.info
Rydens have provided a PowerPoint presentation to the HRA following a very helpful talk at this years AGM by Mark Vowles – who is the Assistant Head Teacher.
The presentation includes some really useful pictures /photos and artists impressions to give an idea of what the new school will look like. The HRA welcomes the new school, but remains concerned about likely increase in traffic after completion of the new housing to be built on the site of the current school.
An update from Hersham Community Council Committee provided at the HRA AGM on 19th May 2016
It was noted that Hersham Community Council Committee, Chaired by Chris Chauncy, had been established as a separate group to take this forward in an inclusive way and to avoid these discussions dominating HRA business.
A Community Council for Hersham
It was explained that promotion of a community council for Hersham had been triggered by the recent ward boundary changes which would be likely to redefine people’s perception of Hersham as covering a much smaller area.
It was stated that the creation of a community council would be the only logical active response to reinstate Hersham’s boundaries and protect its identity and also assure its future as an identifiable caring and cohesive community. It was noted that national government strongly supports the creation of community councils in these kind of circumstances where local people are behind it and want to fight for their community.
Advantages of a Community Council
With reference to a draft leaflet circulated at the meeting, some of the advantages of a community council were mentioned during the update, as follows: –
It was highlighted that a community council would direct money from a small additional council tax charge and substantial money collected from planning application fees. This money would be spent specifically in Hersham on what local people decide is important. As an official organisation representing Hersham, a community council would also be able to lever in match funding and attract grants from other organisations for the benefit of local residents – to help support existing and future local initiatives and good works in the community.
A community council would also play a significant role in providing a strong voice for Hersham and making sure the interests of the village are not overlooked or discounted. The community council would help to influence decisions about future development, individual planning matters, and the provision and maintenance of local amenities which really make a difference to Hersham and its residents.
Apart from all the above significant advantages of a community council, it would also cement Hersham’s boundaries, support the community and help secure Hersham’s sense of identify and community which makes it a desirable and great place to live.
An invitation to get involved
Chris explained that the Community Council Committee was a widely drawn group with no political affiliations and would welcome expressions of interest and support from all voluntary organisations and businesses in Hersham. Any individuals who wanted to find out more about the current discussions and how they might assist in taking this exciting initiative forward were encouraged to get in touch.
Chris can be contacted via the following email address: info@hershamresidents.info
Chair’s Report
The Chair gave a report on the main activity from the previous year (available here) and votes of thanks were made for the committee, the Chairman, Hersham Councillors and all those involved in the HRA and all the various community works and events which take place in Hersham.
During the year there had been much discussion about the recent changes in ward boundaries which would be likely to redefine people’s perception of Hersham as covering a much smaller area. The committee had discussed responding to this by creating a community (parish) council for Hersham. It was explained that Hersham Community Council Committee Chaired by Chris Chauncy had been established as a separate group to take this forward in an inclusive way and to avoid these discussions dominating HRA business.
There was an update from Chris Chauncy Chair of the Community Council Committee who set out some of the advantages of a community council with reference to a draft leaflet circulated at the meeting.
Rydens School Update – Guest Speaker
There was an update on the Rydens School development from Mark Voules, Assistant Head Teacher – and some of the detailed pictures and plans show at the meeting are due to be provided for posting here in due course. Questions were raised about the future ‘enterprise status’ of the school and how adequate arrangements will be made for the increase in traffic associated with a larger school and the housing which will be built in place of the current school.
Treasurers report and membership
The Treasurer gave and update on current funds and membership. It was decided to keep the membership the same for 2016/7 at £5 a year per household/ family with a reduction for a five-year membership of £20. It was decided for the time being that a membership option should remain available for individuals who choose to pay a lower rate of £2.50 per year with a reduction to £10 for 5 years.
Election of officers
The following officers were re-elected:
Andrew Sturgis President
Derek Williamson Vice President
David Lock Chair
Jean Campbell Treasurer
And the following members of the committee
Peter Terry, Edward Meryon, Karl Attard, Chris Allen and David Allen.
The now famous Hersham Sunflower Competition is on again – please join in
It’s that time of the year again – and time to plant your sunflowers for the 2016 competition! All the arrangements are as before, and you will be able to get your seeds from ‘Flowers and Things’ in Hersham from 9/05/16 – otherwise you can of course use your own seeds.
Depending on how it goes (or grows), let us know by 15th August whether you want your sunflower(s) to be judged as part of the competition.
Full details and completion rules are on the flyer which you can download here!
Our committee, responding to all the positive feedback about last years competition decided that we should do the same again – if you missed tañking part last year – now is your chance to take part and help make Hersham beautiful – and yellow. See details of last year’s competition.
Please note the 19th May in your diaries for the 2016 HRA AGM – venue WI Hall Burhill Road at 7.00. There will be a speaker from Rydens School to talk about the new development and what it might mean for Hersham and the children who go there.
There will also be an update on the proposal to create a Community Council for Hersham.
All Hersham residents are encouraged to come and hear about what’s happening locally; see further details here.
No vote was taken. Clearly many people are interested in the Community Council proposal.
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Boundary Changes – feedback views / implications
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Hersham’s identity
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The case for Hersham to have its own community (or ‘parish’) council
These are all really important issues for Hersham – so please do come and express your views.
Please note that the public meeting will immediately follow the HRA general knowledge quiz from 7.45 – 8.30 advertised below. These are quite separate events – but why not come to the quiz as well, both are to be held in the function room at the Watermans – so we look forward to seeing you there.
Electoral review of Elmbridge: Final recommendations
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published its final recommendations on the future ward boundary arrangements for Elmbridge Borough Council. An interactive map of final recommendations is available at https://consultation.lgbce.
Hersham downsized?
The public consultation in 2015 proposed some fundamental changes leaving Hersham with just one ward covering half the area that most of us regard as Hersham. The final result of the consultation makes no significant changes to this – with the exception that a small amendment to the boundary line along the Molesey Rd means that Hersham Library is now back in Hersham. However the following areas will not in future be in a Hersham ward:
- the Longmore Estate
- Whiteley Village
- Burwood Park
….. but does it really matter?? – what do you think – we’d like to know!
For some, this news bears out the previous concerns raised by the HRA about the future identify and sense of belonging that people will attach to Hersham. (See our HRA Autumn Newsletter 2015.) However not everyone will have this view, where do you stand on this – we would REALLY like to hear to help us gauge opinion. If you have any strong views – or if you feel apathetic about all this we would like to hear from you at info@hershamresidents.info – many thanks.
Further details
A summary of the Commission’s report setting out the final recommendations and a full copy of the report is available on, http://www.lgbce.org.uk/
The new arrangement means that each of the new wards will have three councillors. It is expected the new arrangements will be implemented at the local elections in May 2016.
The new wards which will be encroaching on Hersham are;
– Weybridge St George’s Hill, now extended east to cover part of the old Hersham South ward
– Oatlands and Burwood Park, combining the old Oatlands Park ward with the other part of the old Hersham South ward
– Esher ward will include the Longmore Estate
You might want to see HRA’s Response to the Local Government Boundary Commission consultation.
Maintaining Hersham’s identity?
The HRA feel that Hersham’s sense of identify is important – and following these boundary changes we would hope to play an even more important role in trying to maintain people’s perception of Hersham as a village community. On the other hand it has been suggested that Hersham’s longer term sense of place and status alongside neighbouring Esher and Walton could only really be secured by the formation of Hersham’s own Parish / community council.
If you have any views on this, again we would be interested to hear from you at:info@hershamresidents.info
Christmas in Hersham Flyer for 2015
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday the 12th Dec! Don’t miss the Mayor turning on the Christmas tree lights at 5.00 and some carols around the tree beforehand. Mulled wine and mince pies afterwards too!
If you have young (or not so young) children please come to the Christmas craft event in the function at the Watermans Arms from 2.00 – 4.00.
The Christmas in Hersham event has now become an annual community gathering when the mayor of Elmbridge switches on the Christmas tree lights – and festivites continue afterwards!
See details of last years Christmas in Hersham event
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