Effingham Eye: Looking Back on Two AGMs and Forwards to Local Events

Published on: 10 May, 2019
Updated on: 13 May, 2019

Chris Dick’s personal view on recent news such as a new magazine, two annual general meetings and some up and coming events in Effingham…

It is always a pleasure to announce a new local hardcopy magazine. In a world full of online news, blogs and websites it is great to see Effingham Parish Council (EPC) launch a new glossy 64-page village magazine called Roundabout Effingham.

The brainchild of Cllr Cliff Hackett introduces readers in Effingham, Effingham Junction and Little Bookham to a view of village groups, businesses and societies. Self-funded through advertising it is sure to be a hit particularly with residents who have recently moved into the area. Well done Cliff!

EPC held its well-attended annual general meeting on April 9. By tradition, the meeting covers the good works carried out by the volunteer councillors and is chaired by the chairman supported by the parish clerk. In this instance, Ian Symes was supported by Jon Short.

Leaving aside the disruption caused by one individual and reported in The Guildford Dragon on April 12, “Tired and emotional Councillor Upsets Parish AGM,” it was an interesting and informative meeting.

Effingham Parish Council AGM

An account of the council’s activities and the Smith Charity can be found on the Chairman’s Report at: https://www.effinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk/assets/documents/chairrep2018-19 and on the parish council website dropdown menus. Anyone wishing to contact the Smith Charity should, in the first instance, contact Jon Short the parish clerk.

Effingham Residents Association held its annual general meeting in the St Lawrence Church Hall on April 29. The well-attended meeting lasted 15 minutes. It was chaired by Vivien White and then followed by a fascinating talk and slideshow about Effingham Common, its history and its wildlife. Martin Smith provided his own beautiful photographs for his presentation and as a result clearly enthralled the audience.

Effingham Residents Association AGM and presentation on Effingham Common  took place on April 29

This good-natured meeting culminated with free drinks, nibbles and an opportunity to have a good catch with residents.

Up and Coming Events

On Saturday, May 18, Manor House School has kindly agreed to host a card playing evening and supper in aid of “The Friends of Little Bookham Church”. The evening starts at 6.45 pm and is suitable for all age groups. Please see poster above for details including where to obtain tickets.

Leaflet giving details about Dr Robert Owen’s Talk on Saturday, June 8, 2019

Readers may recall last year when Effingham hosted a popular talk on the Dambusters World War Two raid given by 617 Squadron historian Dr Robert Owen. That time St Lawrence Church was full to capacity and – even with a repeater screen and speakers in use – some latecomers were obliged to listen from outside the main door.

This year Dr Robert Owen returns to Effingham to give another Sir Barnes Wallis related talk. This time it will be about the sinking of the Tirpitz

Remember, it is worth arriving early to be sure of getting a seat. Entry is free of charge although there will be a voluntary collection at the end as well as a free glass of bubbly and cakes. There will also be an auction – see poster.

The Tirpitz was the second of two Bismark-class battleships built for Nazi Germany’s navy during World War II.

Tallboy replica bomb at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge

On November 12, 1944, British Lancaster bombers from 617 and 9 Squadrons, equipped with the 12,000-pound (5,400 kg) “Tallboy” bombs (pictured above) scored two direct hits and some near misses which caused the ship to capsize rapidly.

A deck fire spread to the ammunition magazine for one of the main battery turrets, which caused a large explosion. Figures for the number of men killed in the attack range from 950 to 1,204.

Effingham Open Gardens event Sunday, June 9, 2019

This will be a first-time event for Effingham and one for which I was fortunate enough to have a sneak preview. Several homeowners in the Effingham Conservation Area have kindly agreed to informally open their gardens to the public. The event is not necessarily intended to be a display of perfect gardens wonderfully manicured without a blade of grass out of place. It is more about general interest in gardens near the St Lawrence Church. But wow they are beautiful and definitely worth visiting.

The aim is to encourage a sense of community and raise more much-needed funds to maintain St Lawrence Church Effingham and All Saints Church Little Bookham. See poster above for details.

Tickets, teas and cakes will be available from the Jubilee Gardens off Crossways throughout the event between 2pm and 5pm Sunday, June 9.

Charity Art Sale weekend June 8/

There will also be a Charity Art Sale of work by the celebrated Effingham artist Moo Muriel. The sale proceeds will be in aid of Effingham with Little Bookham Parish and The Queen Elizabeth Foundation, Leatherhead.

The artwork will be on display over two days in St Lawrence Church on Saturday, June 8 10am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 4pm and on Sunday, June 9: 2pm to 4.30pm.

Borough Council Election

The elections for borough and parish councils took place on May 2. There is no need to report on this well-covered event in this column. At the risk of blowing our own trumpet, there is probably some of the best election reports, comments and analysis available in The Guildford Dragon NEWS.

See:

Comment: Parties Start Their Stalk For Partners to Help Them Battle in The Political Jungle

The Dragon Says: Out of Touch, Out of Reach, Out on Their Ear

Comment: Analysing the Most Dramatic Local Election in Living Memory

What Awaits Guildford After Voter Revolution Topples Tories?

Party Leaders Interviewed in the Wake of Dramatic Council Election

Tories Lose Overall Control of GBC – Election Results As They Were Announced

Quite a turnaround across the borough. Here in Effingham ward, Liz Hogger (Lib Dem) won again, convincingly, the borough council seat. Congratulations to her and commiserations to the losing candidates. Hats off to all of them for standing and being prepared to give their time for our community.

On the other hand for Effingham residents, there will be no significant changes to the parish council line-up. Former councillors Tony Jones and Alison Mayell indicated that they would not stand for re-election. This meant that there was no need for voting as there were insufficient applicants to fill the vacancies.

As some residents will be aware, due to an oversight, James Nicholls will need to go through a competitive re-selection process should he wish to be considered for one of the remaining unfilled vacancies.

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