The Planet Reigate Podcast
45: Awards for 700+ years of local volunteering… and more
Fri, 19 Jul 2024
Episode 45: “Awards for 700+ years of local volunteering… and more”For Saturday 20th July 00:00 – What’s in the show09:30 - The Good Time Guide: Local places to go and things to do this weekend.17:15 - GUESTS: Some of the winners of ‘long-service volunteer’ awards across the area.30:30 - The Planet Reigate area news53:30 - Planet Reigate area sport57:50 - Planet Reigate area travel news59:20 - GUESTS: More winners of ‘long-service volunteer’ awards across the area. 1:17:30 - Planet Reigate Stars - thanking local heroes. This week from Reigate. 1:18:30 - The Good Time Guide: Local things to do and places to go this coming week.1:26:30 - The 60-second Soundscape: from Pub In the Park CREDITS:The seven-note Planet Reigate Theme is ©Peter StewartOther music www.Pond5.com:GTG - inspiringaudio Item ID: 116855857NEWS - ThomPie Item ID: 75456323STARS - jwsaudio Item ID: 073206386 TRAVEL - FrauMuller Item ID: 102031400SOUNDSCAPE PolkadotFlowersMusic Item ID: 136304431GUITAR - Frogard Item ID: 114324148Listen: https://linktr.ee/PlanetReigatePodcast Web: www.ThePlanetReigatePodcast.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ThePlanetReigatePodcast X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/PlanetReigateEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is the Planet Reigate podcast.
Hello, Planeteers. This is Peter Stewart with episode 45 for Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024. Hope you are well. This is how we're reflecting and celebrating our love of life around here this week. Well, from the first of two ceremonies for the annual Reigate and Banstead Volunteer Awards, hear from some of the winners later in this week's show and their stories of what they do and why.
In the news this week, the Redhill office blocks that's costing the county council nearly £400,000 a year to keep empty. Plans to install new bus lanes down various parts of the A23 and also changes to walking and biking routes between Redhill Station and East Surrey Hospital. We have the details. An update on the Harlequin comes out next week.
I'll tell you how you can be the first to know what's going on. We'll tell you about plans to put in a raised zebra crossing on Linkfield Lane. An update on what's happening at Merstham Rec. A subway at Hawley is going to be closed for four days. I'll tell you when and why. St John's Church are looking to sell Meadvale Village Hall. Now, that has implications.
I'll tell you what you need to know later in the show. How would you make Salford's and Sidlow better? There's a way to make your voice heard. Details later. Congratulations to a local charity which has got national lottery funding. And I'll give you an update on what's happening to the old Poundland store in Redhill. Squash rumours of the town's post office.
And where could a new Marks and Spencer's food hall go locally? Yeah, intriguing. A big local pub restaurant is closed this weekend. I'll tell you why. Plus, listen for news about Red Hill Kebab House and Sea Salt in Reigate, if you are usual customers of theirs. Work going on at East Surrey Hospital this weekend, which may cause you a bit of a problem getting in. I'll let you know why.
Why Memorial Park is one of the best in Britain. And your heart will go out to somebody local after they left an unusual item on a local train this week
you may just be able to help someone whose pet wakes them up too early in sport we feature Redhill Bowls Club which is hosting a county final this weekend a double local link regarding new paddle courts which have just been opened and I'll tell you about a brand new pool hall which is opening locally and has a national claim to fame plus why one man wants to bring a little bit of France to Priory Park
Ooh la la. Plus, of course, we've got the good time guide of events across the area across the week ahead. Planet Ridegate stars are from Pub in the Park. Our 60-second soundscape before we go at the end of the show this week, again from Pub in the Park. You'll love that, what I've put together for you. Plus... Interesting news about some local roadworks and a car park closure this week.
It's news you need to know. All that and more. Yeah, I know more. It's going to be a packed programme, so let's get cracking with it right now.
This is the Planet Reigate podcast with Peter Stewart.
And we'll start off with the Planet Rygate postbag. First of all, Phil has bought me a coffee and you can do the same. Details on that in a few moments' time. Phil says, thanks for the conversation yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Me too, Phil. And you'll be able to hear the results of our conversation later.
in a few weeks' time here on the Planet Reigate podcast, because Phil is a local author, and Phil sets all of his books, his crime detective novels, in and around Reigate, Redhill, Merston, Buckland, Betchworth, Brockham, in fact. the planet Reigate area, which is really intriguing because you obviously can really picture where the crime has taken place.
So hear more from Phil a little bit later on. Yeah, Phil bought me, well, actually, thinking about it, Phil bought me two coffees. He bought me one in real life. And also, he bought me one virtually as well. So if you'd like to contribute to the running of the show, then you can do that by going to this website. On your phone, it's really easy.
And donating the cost of a cup of coffee to help me with my running costs.
Support us. at buymeacoffee.com slash theplanetrigatepodcast.
So, Phil, really appreciate that. Lovely to meet you, and thanks for your time. And Phil also interviewed me for his community magazine, for his village magazine. I'll let you know when that goes out. which should be in the next couple of three weeks. NC Yoga say, thanks very much. I really appreciate the mention last week, and I'll most definitely have a listen.
And come and join me one week as my guest. Oh, could I do yoga? There are several people who know me listening to this, and they're thinking, yeah, right, Peter, you can't even touch your blimmin' knees. I don't know. I'm getting fitter in the last few months. Yeah, I've had a bit of a life change. I'm getting fitter, slimmer, stronger, eating better. Yeah, that kind of thing.
I reckon I could do a bit of yoga. All right. A bit of Pilates, that kind of thing. Royal Earlswood Football Club say thanks for the shout out Planet Rygate podcast. And they say we are still recruiting for our under 15s for the season ahead. So if you're interested, get in touch with Casey 07368 219141 if you're interested. Another one here from WS Planning and Architecture.
They say thank you for the shout out regarding the Reigate Business Guild litter pick. Great podcast all round. Thank you, guys. Actually, they get another mention a little bit later on in the show as well.
Old Rigation Rugby Club thanks for the shout out about our Honorary Secretary and Colts Manager Kate and the Surrey Rugby Award we're all really really proud for her and grateful for all the volunteers at the club and the work they do and they say if anyone wants more information about the club and getting involved please contact info at oldrigationrfc.com and we're sure Kate would be more than happy to point you in the right direction yeah that's the Old Rigation Rugby Club
If you're interested in getting some more information about that. Oh, we had another message in from NC Yoga. Who say that they teach classes Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And get in touch if you want any more information on what they do around the beautiful Buckland Lake. Jamie mentioned him last week as well. And he's got some free songwriting courses happening in the area.
So if you... are interested in songwriting or someone in your family is interested in doing that, Jamie's a top guy, mentors at local schools and colleges and also, well, he's a singer-songwriter and he's a producer and he's worked with some big names. So if you are interested in that, get in touch with me or search out Jamie Amos. on social media, and you'll be able to go along to one of those.
Inner Art Tuition mentioned them last week. In fact, they were our keynote guest interview last week, and Katie Beth there, she said, had real fun recording this with Kirsten Barron as well. Thank you so much, Planet Rygate Podcast, for the insightful, warm, and entertaining chat. And listen to Art GCSE student Emerald talk about her art journey and preparing for her final exam.
and hear about our big art studio move closer to nature. Goodbye, Somerset Road. Hello, Horse Hills. If you want to hear more from Katie Beth, Emerald was a star last week as well. Then listen to episode 44 of the Planet Reigate podcast. We've also had a message from Family Fit with Claire. Said, thanks, Peter. I listened in. Was brilliant to hear all about all things local.
Keep up the good work on the Planet Reigate podcast. So those are some of the mentions that have come in to me at Planet Reigate HQ over the course of the week. And I've been out and about as well. I was at Pub in the Park on Sunday afternoon. Lovely to see it was larger. than last year. More people, more to see, more to do, more to buy as well. Great bands too.
The Hoosiers, Scatting for Girls, Gabrielle. And also great to see some of the bands on the New Music Night area as well. Some terrific talent there. And I kept going back to that New Music stand because they kept changing the bands and the singers every 20 minutes, half an hour or so. Really, really great bands. Some great talent, as I say.
Also recorded an interview in the Castle Grounds that you'll hear in a few weeks' time. And as I say, I was interviewed for a local magazine. I'll let you know when that is out. I was at the Redhill Business Guild meeting at the Belfry on Tuesday, hearing about what's happening in the area. And you'll be pleased to know I got a couple of mentions for the podcast in there to the group as well.
Wednesday, I was doing another interview that you'll hear next.
next week in some local woods if that intrigues you sounds a bit odd actually doesn't it when I put it like that and also I've been recording on Reigate Heath so you'll hear more about that next week as well because next week is Heath Week in the area so I thought well I've got to go and record something on Reigate Heath so as I say that is next week on the Planet Reigate podcast
This week, we're going to keep things going with The Good Time Guide for this weekend.
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
Yeah, just to clarify, when I say next week is Heath Week, it's not this coming week, it's the one after, which is why I'm... Yeah, you get the idea. The Good Time Guide. Please remember to subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode. You can do that via your favourite platform.
podcast app and if you want to mention for your event that's happening across the planet reigate area then drop me a line you'll find the form on the planet reigate podcast.com try and give me a couple of weeks notice so i can get everything sorted out get the script written and so on because then that means that you don't miss out and also if you've if you're
If you can show that you've listened to the show, you've engaged with the show, you've followed the show and so on in the past, then you kind of move up the pecking order, as you might expect. Okay, this is what's happening. Let's start off with Saturday the 20th of July then. There's a gin tasting experience in aid of Renewed Hope.
And it's going to be happening at the Town Hall on Saturday between two and half five. Christopher Heyman, who's a master distiller of Heyman's of London, is going to be indulging your palate with a handpicked selection of his family gins and lead guests through the history of gin history.
and their family distillation process, whether you're a seasoned gin lover or exploring the spirits for the very first time. The event promises to be a delicious journey into the world of gin. There's a buffet there as well. Tickets £35, including refreshments and limited tickets available. Raffle and bar on the night, reigate-bamstead.gov.uk slash merrill-events.
Bletch Fest's Music in the Meadow at Grange Meadow. Yeah, we sometimes do Bletchingly items and stories, and this is certainly a big one. It gets bigger and better each year, doesn't it? And this year's event has three great bands as well. Los Doritos Jungle Brew and something like that. Gates open at 5pm. Music in the Meadow, probably one of the region's best value outdoor music festivals.
General admission, just £10 for adults, £5 for juniors. There's no other charge. Parking is free as well. And if you want some tickets, bletchfest.org slash, well, it goes on as you might expect, but I reckon bletchfest.org is going to essentially get you there and search for events and music in the meadows there. Horse Hills Riding for the Disabled group have got a fun dog show at Lye.
In fact, it's all part of the Lye Flower Show, which is happening on Saturday from 2 o'clock. £3 an entry, fun prizes and classes, so all sorts of things going on. Most handsome dog... Best veteran, best trick, best puppy, best rescue and so on. And as I say, it's all part of the flower show and country fair that's happening at Lye Recreation Ground.
From 12 o'clock, tea tent, bar, food court, craft stalls, jazz band, rock choir, children's entertainment and rides, classic vehicles, demonstrations of chainsaw carving as well. Little Pickles Market is back in Reigate for their nearly new sale for baby and children's clothes, toys and accessories. Saturday 10 till half 11 at Reigate Park Church. £1 entry for adults.
Little Pickles, as you might expect, go free because they're twee. Book for your ticket online or pay cash on the door. Now the whole event is only cash only. So please bring some, I was going to say some coins, but some folding stuff is probably preferable. They've got a few tables left as well. Littlepicklesmarket.co.uk.
Active Prospects and Rework It Boutique have got a summer fair happening Saturday, 10 till 4, at the Courtyard at Brygate Methodist Church on the High Street, you know. It's just near Nando's, isn't it? Local stands, live entertainment. It's easy for me to say. Tombola, Lucky Dip, and much, much more as well. From Saturday, leads on to Sunday, of course, and there's the big Reigate Toy Fair.
It's been all across social media, and it's hosted by Yeti Cave Toys. As I say, it's Sunday. It's at Reigate Priory School in their sports hall, and they're going to have... All sorts of things going on there. Battle Beasts, Street Sharks, Super Naturals. Other sellers include Foley's Retro Toys, Tats and Toys, Empire Toys, Andy's Toys and Models, Out of the Attic, Warrior Prince 3D, and...
AF Collectibles loads more as well they say it's one not to be missed so if you need to do your toys your collectibles your various models and so on the details there Sunday it's at Rygate Priory School and I'm just looking for a time they say it's not to be missed I don't have a time here but search out that Rygate Toy Fair on socials and all sorts of details will be there for you if you're interested in that one
We'll continue with our good time guide with things to do, places to go, people to meet and new experiences to be had for Monday through to next Saturday, a little bit later on in the show. Plus, of course, don't forget that we've got our new sequence coming up and all sorts. There's so much news which is going on in the area this week.
That office block, which is costing £400,000 a year to keep empty. Also, I shall tell you about various things which are happening regarding refurbishment and changes. First of all, to our roads, some of our bus lanes, some of the pedestrianised areas as well. There's a local subway which is going to be closing. I'm not talking about the restaurant, I'm talking about an underpass.
and various other things that you may want to get involved with and hear about. There's changes to Merstham Rec, there's an update on that, there's an update on Harlequin Theatre coming next week too, and I'll tell you how you can be amongst the first to hear about what is going on.
But next, we're going to be saying congratulations and thank you to some of our volunteers that help keep the area moving on the Planet Rygate podcast.
from reigate and red hill buckland betchwith and brockham great stories from places you love and people you know this is the planet reigate podcast
And I don't know whether you know, but you'll find the time that all of our features are on in the show notes. So you can scooch straight through to that point so you can hear the feature or the interview or the news item or whatever it is you want to hear. You go straight to that point.
And also I put out on social media various posts during the course of the week with links that take you straight to specific parts of the show. so you can follow us on TwitterX and Facebook and Insta to get those. You'll see the little headline, and then click on that link and then press play. It'll take you just to that point in the show so you hear exactly what it is that you want to hear.
And don't forget to subscribe to the show in your favourite podcast app and tell your friends to as well. And one of the easiest ways to hear the show, no sign up, no subscription. You don't have to post your email address. You don't have to pay anything anyway. But one of the easiest ways to actually hear the show is go to theplanetrigatepodcast.com.
And the very first page on there, I've got the last five episodes. episodes of the show right there you just press play and you can scooch forward and backwards and you can hear all of the last five shows really really easy straightforward And our first guests this week are from the first of two ceremonies for the annual Reigate and Bandstead Volunteer Awards.
There's another ceremony in a couple of weeks time. Hosted by TV's Nicholas Owen with certificates and medals presented by the mayor. Let's hear now from some of the recipients of the Long Service Awards. who received their recognition at the Town Hall. So many great winners, more than 20.
Now, I didn't have time to speak with everyone, but hear now the terrific and heartwarming stories from some of those who I did catch up with, who told me what they do in their communities, who they help, and why.
My name is Mary and I work for Fernie Store, a charity which provides all sorts of household goods for the whole community. People on benefits only half price. People who are really on a hard time, we do it for... nothing, they're basic furniture and I do the linen. Make sure it's clean and nice and pack it and we sell that but we also give it away to people who need it.
We give them free basic furniture, bedding and cutlery, crockery, everything to start them off. People love to donate because the things that they're donating have still got lots of wear in them. They're maybe just changing them for their decor or whatever, but we get some lovely things. We get lots of people who buy things to upcycle, but people don't want to throw things in the tip.
So we get donations from everywhere.
How long have you been working there?
18 years. When I finished nursing, I thought, right, I've had enough of caring, I'll do something else. But actually, Furniture Store is the most caring place. So I love it, and I love the people I work with. Really lovely people, always. We take young people in who've got difficulties with learning and it's so lovely to see them blossom and then they get jobs, so we love it.
What do you get out of it?
Well, apart from getting me out of bed in the morning, I wouldn't like to just be at home all day doing nothing. I do two days a week and that's lovely.
Oh, gosh.
I didn't know that, but anyway. Thank you very much.
Dawn Martin, 5th Reigate Scouts. I do squirrels, which is 4 to 6, beavers, which are 6 to 8, cubs, which are 8 to 10 and a half, and then scouts is 10 and a half to 14.
That sounds like you're there most days of the week with all these different groups.
Yes, Monday to Friday.
Seriously? Five days a week you're doing this?
Yes. Yeah, and we do camps at weekends, and not every weekend, but some weekends. I enjoy seeing the children having fun, learning new things that they wouldn't have done otherwise. They learn to be kind to each other, to have fun, communicate with adults.
How important do you think the scouting movement is for young people today?
Very important.
And it's doing things that they wouldn't normally do in school, isn't it? And they're getting out in the fresh air rather than sitting in front of a computer console or something.
Yes, we do fire lighting, camps, barbecues, climbing, archery, shooting. Some of them don't have the opportunity to do it outside of scouting, so yeah, it's really good for them. I enjoy it. I've been doing it for ten years. It keeps me active, out of trouble. There's a shortage of volunteers.
So how do people get involved if they think, oh, maybe scouting's for me, maybe they're a cub or a scout or a brownie or a beaver or a rainbow, have I got all of those? Then how do they get involved?
Go onto the Fifth Rygate website and you can join whether you're a child or an adult.
And what did you make of this evening?
It was very good. Nice to see people recognise for what they do.
OK, I'm Dave Mills and I'm a coach at Ryegate Priory Athletics Club. Mainly it's with the endurance runners, which are the youngsters who run 800, 1500 and cross-country. I go into a couple of schools as well, so I do general athletics, but for the club it's mainly the endurance side. We've had a lot of really good star athletes.
Last year we had two, Samuel Stakeley and Lila Unwin, who both got picked up by the England Athletics Youth Talent Association. So they're on a two-year scheme where they go up to Loughborough regularly, being looked after by the top coaches in the country. The club fosters this sort of success, really.
We have so many youngsters coming through, and it is just great and very rewarding to see some make it that far. As far as athletics, it started with my daughter. So that takes us back to about 2010 when she was a good runner. I think she won the primary school's district cross-country. So I got involved with the club at that time.
And having followed my son round all the cricket clubs and the football clubs in the local area, I was now going round the athletics clubs as well. I do it because I love it. It's just so rewarding. You see the effort that the youngsters put in and the talent that comes through and it's just great to see it.
There are people here who have done many, many more years' service than me and for such good causes. So I feel a little bit surprised that I'm here.
Now, we haven't had the best spring and summer, have we, weather-wise, so it can't be that much fun standing out in the spring or summer when it's raining, or even the winter, perhaps, when it's freezing cold as well. There must be some times you think to yourself, hold on, I could be at home with a beer in my hand and watching something on Netflix.
No, we love it. We love it. Sometimes in the summer, we're searching out some shade for the runners. But in the winter, I've often stood in prairie parks, sometimes with the sleet coming down, and one side of your body gets white with the sleet. It's just great fun. The weather's been no problem at all. All the rain is actually often quite welcome for the runners.
When they're doing a particularly taxing session, a little bit of rain helps them along.
My name's Kate Hamilton and I work with Reigate Samaritans.
And how long have you been doing that?
16 years and as part of that we support High Down Prison as a branch and we train gentlemen in prison to become listeners to support their peers. We're training people... to actually respond immediately within the prison. We don't listen to the people. We just train the guys in there to be listeners.
And the skills that we give them, hopefully, will help them throughout their life in many different ways. So in the future, they will use those skills, hopefully, when they're out and back to work or whatever they're doing.
What was it that got you into working with the Samaritans in the first place?
It was something I'd been interested in for a long time. And I think I'm fortunate in that I've got many people I can talk to, but not everyone has. And I think a listening ear is a very important thing in life. And particularly with COVID, you can imagine at that time we had many, many calls from people who were isolated at home. I'm very frightened.
What do you get out of volunteering?
You help someone. As much as you put in as a volunteer, you get back in so many different ways. And it's a lovely feeling if you feel that you've helped someone, perhaps either from the brink of suicide or a general despair. They need someone to talk to.
And you can specifically see a difference, even if it's perhaps a change of their tone of voice, perhaps at the other end of the phone, even if you don't know who that person is and you don't know what the end of their story is, you feel as though you've made a difference almost immediately.
Generally, yes. I mean, you never ever know what happens, but... Just giving someone a chance to talk and actually come to their own conclusions as to what would be best for them. We don't give advice, we just enable people to work out what's best for themselves.
What have you made of this evening, Kate?
It's been absolutely amazing and I'm just awe-inspired by all the volunteers who've been here and the amazing things they do. So it's been a privilege to be here. Congratulations, thank you so much.
My name's Jill Twombly and I'm St John Ambulance, which I've enjoyed doing. I mean, it's not like work, you know, you've got to do it, but it's my hobby, as I can say.
You made mention when you went up to collect your certificate and so on that you were one of the longest-serving volunteers here tonight, you think?
It's 60 years this year.
Well, you must have had an awful lot of roles right across the area in 60 years. Can you run through some of those roles for me?
Well, I started off as a president of Redhill Cadets, the then cadet officer of the county for the nursing cadets, the girls, because the girls and the boys were separated then. She said to me, when are you going to come and help me out by doing the county? And I said, yes, I will at the right time. And in those days, we did a lot of training with the police in Redhill again.
And she said, I'll take you around the county visiting all the young people. And then she did this and then she said, I'm retiring next week. I was in it. Didn't have a choice. But it's been fun. No, it's lovely. It's a lovely organisation. And then I became a deputy commissioner for youth. And then what did I do next? Gosh, such a long time ago. I became a deputy commissioner for the county.
And the commissioner was commuting between Yorkshire and here for his work. And I thought, well, I'm really not doing anything. So I said, please, can I go back and look after the youth? because he gave me a job. And I took over from him when he'd done his six years. It's a lovely organisation. The people are lovely. I've loved it. I love meeting the people. That's me. I'm a people person.
So you get to know them, you visit them, and you become friends with them.
It's more than going to fairs and fates and football matches, isn't it? You do an awful lot of work together in the community and also with the NHS as well.
Yes, particularly we help the ambulance side and the older cadets are working in hospitals, you know, for the weekend.
And what do the young people get out of joining something like the St John Ambulance? Why do they do it?
I find that it's a certain type of person. They're a very caring sort of person and love being around people. And also they have to work hard because getting your first aid certificate isn't a matter of just reading a book and saying, I've done it. They have to be tested. The young people are doing more and more work.
of the type of work that the adults are doing on duty mind you they are trained for it so and then most of those will go on to nursing or medicine it's lovely seeing them come back and they're they're a doctor or something and when we do the derby you get a lot of doctors will come back and help us and they're ex-cadets so you know which is lovely
Well, congratulations this evening. What have you made of it?
I love these occasions, actually, because just the number of people here. It's nice to see some Redhill and Hawley, Reigate and Banstead.
And congratulations to everyone who I spoke to. And if you're one of our new listeners, because obviously I was telling people where I was from. Oh, incidentally, the Planet Reigate podcast, the only local media who were there. which is a bit of a surprise because I would have thought it was quite a significant event, but there you go.
So you'll only hear about those stories on the Planet Reigate podcast. If you're one of our new listeners, hello, welcome. This is what we do. We celebrate all that's great and fantastic and positive about love of life around here in the Planet Reigate area, Reigate, Redhill and Merstham, Buckland, Betchworth and Brockham. RH1, RH2 and RH3. On the way are sport and weather and travel.
We'll hear from some more winners a little bit later on as well. The second part of our good time guide telling you what is fantastic that you can get involved with across the area over the next seven days. Our Planet Reigate stars and our 60 Second Soundscape both from Pub in the Park in Reigate which happened of course last weekend. But next, our news sequence.
You'll catch up with what's been happening across the area, across the past week. First of all, the Redhill office block that's costing the County Council more than £375,000 a year to keep empty. What? Yeah, it's Consort House, a former admin office for Surrey County Council, which they left when they moved into Woodhatch Place yesterday.
in in reigate a few years back and and since then they've tried to sell the block ever since september 2022 in fact but no company has come forward with a decent offer and that's been costing the county council as i say more than 375 000 pounds a year to keep it going i mean they're making some use of it the red hill library has some of that space at the moment now surrey county council think they do have a group willing to let the whole building
It's been linked to the NHS, that company which may be coming in. And of course, that will mean that they get some income. And it'll mean that the County Council can keep the site as an investment to maybe sell in the future. Where is Consort House? It's on Queensway. It's got six floors, including a basement, two lifts, toilet on each floor with showers and a ground floor front reception area.
63 car parking spaces and 65 spaces available on short occupational lease. About four years remaining. Those other 63, approximately 90 years remaining on the lease. I mean, I'm giving you all this information because you may want to move in there. I don't know. Maybe you'd like to buy it. for £6.5 million.
So, as and when it does sell, or as and when new occupants go in because they've let it, what happens to Redhill Library then? We've got details in a few moments' time. Incidentally, if you want details on that full cabinet report, drop me a line and I'll pass those details on to you if you want to read that full report that the County Council's been discussing.
Or if you want to see that building listed and some more attributes that it's got and who's trying to sell it for the County Council, again, drop me a line.
Email hello at theplanetrygatepodcast.com.
Surrey County Council say they want to support people to use more sustainable travel options to help reach their target of being net zero by 2050. Now, they've got a couple of schemes which they say will improve travel options between Redhill and Hawley. And those schemes, you can go along and you can see them online, but also there's a few meetings.
I'll tell you about where those meetings are in a couple of ticks. But the whole consultation closes on the 15th of September. So they want to install new bus lanes down various parts of the A23. And also there are proposed changes to walking and cycle facilities between Redhill Station and East Surrey Hospital. So those... Areas are Station Roundabout and Marketfield Way, number one.
Number two, Brighton Road and Brook Road. Number three, Hooley Lane and Earlsbrook Road. And number four, Three Arches Roundabout and the Town Path. Now, you're probably visualising those various locations in your mind as I list them off. You may live in those necks of the woods. You may walk around there. Your kids may go to school there.
They may be on your regular journey, perhaps to visit friends or go to the hospital to commute or pick up friends or whatever it happens to be. Are you interested in what's happening at the Station Roundabout, Marketfield Way, Brighton Road, Brook Road, Hooley Lane, Earlsbrook Road, Three Arches Roundabout and the Town Path? Well, there's too much to talk about here.
And obviously, you really need to be able to see those maps and diagrams and pictures. If you are interested, drop me a line and I'll send you the link so you can look at all of those plans and what is being suggested. And or you can go to various meetings. Redhill Library, again, Consort House on Queensway, 28th August, 3pm-5pm.
Also Salford's Rear Village Hall, or Rear of the Village Hall, 5 Honeycrock Lane in Salford's, that's the 21st August, 3pm-6pm. Edmonds Community Hall and Albert Road in Hawley on the 31st July, 3pm-5pm. Again, as I say, more details on those, drop me a line.
Email...
Hello at theplanetrygatepodcast.com And someone who got in contact with me is Nikki to say she said, I wondered if it would be possible to talk about the impact of these proposed changes for all sorts of people because it looks as though there'll be no return of the bus to Earlswood through to East Surrey Hospital.
That means those living in Earlswood need to be able to walk a distance uphill to reach the bus service. It's that local knowledge, isn't it, that sometimes town or county planners don't realise some of the implications of what they've got planned. She says also, although great to see plans to improve cycle and walking, a crucial part of the system has been ignored.
Prince's Road and it could mean that pedestrians and cyclists will get to there and then be stuck she says it's a golden opportunity to put in cycle walking system throughout yeah again Nikki's got a fantastic overview of how she uses the system about how the works and the roads and the commutes work for her and the people that she knows and she went on look out for the consultation on travel improvements these will have a
Firstly, there seems to be no plan for a return for the much needed buses throughout Earlswood. Secondly, there's a major gap in the cycleway and path plans. They've left out Princes Road and Asylum Arch Road, despite these having a Surrey maintained path and also a cycle route.
And thirdly, there's no mention of a crossing for the A23 at Asylum Arch Road for the much needed access to Earlswood Common.
Nicky, thanks for sending that through and do get in touch with me if you want links to those documents so you can peruse them yourself. And don't forget, if you've got a vested interest in those plans, then you have through until September the 15th to get your thoughts, your feedback in to Surrey County Council.
Talking of whom, they're consulting on installing a raised zebra crossing on Linkfield Lane outside St Joseph's School. It's after that incident last September where three people were hit by a car. It's something that various people have been campaigning for. So those parking controls will stop vehicles parking or stopping along Linkfield Lane near that proposed zebra crossing site.
And also keep a clearer sight line for both pedestrians using the zebra crossing and also drivers who are approaching it from whichever direction. And we'll also stop vehicles from parking too close to the crossing to improve the safety for pupils. Because there's a school right there crossing in the area. Now, if you want to give your views on that, then you can write to Lucy Mone, M-O-N-E.
She works for the County Council at Hazel House, Merrow Lane in Guildford, GU47BQ. She doesn't work at a wood hatch. So that's Lucy Mone, Hazel House, Merrow Lane in Guildford, GU47BQ. You've got to do that by the 25th of July, incidentally. Quite a lot of development and plans being proposed because there's more development work at Merstham Rec, which has been going on for a while.
And I thought I'd give you a bit of an update. So they've already installed temporary access road for contractor vehicles. They've created a storage area for materials and equipment there. And that work started with stripping the topsoil, various areas, so they could start the work on the new play area, the new pavilion and new footpaths as well.
Now, some of those new footpaths have been excavated and the edging has been installed. And they've also started installing drainage pipes across the area. And what's happening next? Well, during the next five to six weeks or so, so over the summer holidays,
They're going to be finishing that drainage system, putting in the foundations for the pavilion, putting in the base for the pavilion, and also putting in some more pipework for that building as well, and also finishing off those footpaths.
And also, I thought I'd tell you about what's happening at Battlebridge Rec, an update there, because they've been converting and extending the disused bowling green there, and converting it into a small football pitch for the So essentially under nines, under tens, that kind of age group. Slow start earlier on when the contraction started. Contractors started rather than contractions.
It's nothing happening at the maternity unit at the hospital because of the poor weather. But they are now going along apace. Most of the earthworks have been completed. That included introducing over 400 tonnes of quality new topsoil. And then over the next few weeks, they're going to be putting in more drainage, add around 200 tonnes of sport sand and seed the grass as well.
And then the works are expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks, really, with the grass establishment continuing over the summer. So that can really get rooted in. Well, I mentioned Consort House earlier on, didn't I, which is being used by the library because of the continuing problem of the crumbly concrete rack at the library building.
It's also, of course, at the Harlequin, which closed in September, also affected the police station as well. Well, there is an update on the Harlequin Theatre coming this coming week. So on Tuesday at 7.30pm,
There's a council meeting at the Town Hall in Reigate and that's going to include a response to a public question asking for clarification on the current situation, the current state of play and indeed when the council plans to reopen the theatre.
And we may also find out if there are any plans to have a semi-permanent replacement while the Harlequin is closed and also any commitment from the Borough Council to reopen the theatre in the future. Now, it should be noted that, as I understand it, the building is not actually owned by the council, but obviously a lot of people have vested interests. And it's been a fantastic space, hasn't it?
It's the only theatre publicly accessible of that size, which is in the borough. Obviously, there is the Archway Theatre down in Hawley, but that's... But that is pretty small. I mean, it's really useful for community events and so on.
But if you want a big school production or an award ceremony or something like that, where parents can go along to, members of the public can go along to and have it all done in one evening, that has been a bit of a problem. Now, that meeting is open to the public, so you can go along. Again, you can contact me for details.
If you can't make it but would like to listen to what is said, there is a live webcast so you can join in from home or at least see what's happening from home. Contact me for details. Network Rail are going to be carrying out essential drainage works to help with the flooding of the subway at Hawley. Yeah, that's been going on for a while now, hasn't it? The problems there.
Now, the works are due to start on the 29th of July, and they're going to be completed by the 30th of August. The footway through the subway and the car park on the High Street, which is next to the subway, are going to be closed for five weeks, that means, while the work takes place. There's going to be signed pedestrian diversions. Oh, and if you do live in the area...
There will be some work overnight between 10 at night and 6 in the morning. So be aware of that. Save Meadvale Village Hall. Well, you may know that St John's Church are looking to sell Meadvale Village Hall. Well, various groups use that. The 34th Reigate Meadvale Scout Group have been based there. For nearly 90 years, there's a nursery which uses it as well.
Also various birthday parties, wedding reception has been held there in the past too. Martial arts classes, yoga, brownies and guides and all sorts of other events and activities as well. Would you like to know a little bit more about what is going on there, what the plans are for the future? Maybe you've got a view one way or the other.
And if you do, the details that you need to know are 07939 609 822. If you'd like some more information on that, 07939 609 822. 2024 marks the 50th year of Salford's and Sidlow Parish Council and it's a time for celebration, also reflection as well, looking back, but also looking forward as well.
And Salford's and Sidlow Parish Council have got together with Surrey County Council and they would love to know your thoughts, your ideas, your hopes, your dreams, your aspirations regarding this year. the whole community in the area going forward. Would you like to have your say in the future of Salford's and Sidlow?
Again, if you would, drop me a line and I'll pass on that 500-digit link to you.
Email hello at theplanetrigatepodcast.com.
Well, congratulations to our friends over at Include because they have received national lottery funding for their Include choirs. So 139 people with learning disabilities and autism are currently in the Redhill and Epsom choirs, plus supported volunteers as well. And they regularly perform at community events.
powerfully speaking up, singing out and instigating conversations and change across the community for people who have communication issues and difficulties. So congratulations to everybody at Include. Let's go to Red Hill. Got a few updates there. The old Poundland opposite Busy Beans and the Lloyds Bank is being fitted out. Do you want to know what's going in there? It's peacocks.
So they do cheap clothes and fashion for men, women and children. They're also after some staff to work there. UK.indeed.com if you want some more information on that. Rumours on social recently that the post office in Smiths in the Belfry is closing. It is not. We can confirm that. And we're also hearing that Marks and Spencer's. are looking for a new site locally.
Now, you'll remember that they closed their main store in Red Hills Belfry Shopping Centre next month, all part of their plan to close all medium-sized stores across the country. Again, our thoughts go out to all staff who are working there. Just got a few weeks left.
And of course, you know there's an M&S food hall in Reigate, but as I say, we understand M&S now looking for a new site locally for another food hall. Yeah, they're looking for another food hall, which is perhaps a little bit surprising. So it would be in the Redhill-Rygate area.
And the phrase we've heard a couple of times now is they're looking for somewhere between the two towns, which is an interesting idea. No word on what that would mean to the existing food hall in Rygate High Street, but any new one would likely be larger. I'm just thinking, I mean, what's between Redhill and Rygate?
Well, there's land at the police station which is going up for grabs if they were... Where else? I don't know. I can't really think of anywhere unless they're thinking of something which is a little bit out of town. So, for example, there are quite a few empty office blocks, aren't they, in Reigate? And also we've spoken about consult. Would you go to a food hall?
That wouldn't make sense, would it? It doesn't need to be that big. They would just stay on one floor of the Belfry. It's interesting, though, isn't it? Have you got any ideas about a new food hall location for Marks and Spencer's? That's interesting. OK, if you're not going to be buying your food there, do you usually buy your food at the Toby Carvery on Redstone Hill? You do?
It's just by the railway station, is it? Just going up there. Red, it's closing after this weekend. They say they're having a makeover. So, the Toby Carvery there is going to be closed from Monday the 22nd to work on a new look restaurant, but they say they won't be long before they reopen again Wednesday the 14th of August. and you'll be able to go along.
And if you desperately need a Toby Carvery to go to, the next one is the Toby Carvery, Langley Green, Vancouver Drive in Crawley. It's Vancouver Drive. That's another Canada link, which is interesting, isn't it? Another Canada link. We've got quite a few Canadian links here, haven't we?
We've got Canada Avenue, Canada Drive, Canada Hall in Redhill, Merstham, the hospitals on Canada Avenue, of course, because the Canadian troops were based here during the war. Now, what do I know about the Toby Carvery? I've never been in there, but if memory serves, it used to be called Lakers, and it was a restaurant. It was also a concert venue, wasn't it?
Because I remember back in the day, bands like The Cure... uh played at at lakers so i reckon that would be what 70s 80s set late 70s i reckon uh must do something on that building i reckon it must be one of the oldest buildings in in the town uh so if you know any more about about lakers slash um the toby carvery i'd love to know please get in touch hello at the planetrygatepodcast.com
from the Toby Carvery to the Red Hill Kebab House. They're going to be closed for their annual staff holidays. They will be reopening on the 4th of September. They say it's much longer than they had originally planned, but they were unable to find experienced replacement staff to cover. But they do wish you a very happy summer holiday.
Or maybe you don't go to the Red Hill Kebab House, but you do go to Sea Salt in Reigate. That's the fish and chip shop just up there on Lesborne Road. They're taking a summer break. They're going to be closed from Monday the 5th of August. They're going to be back on Monday the 26th of August. So that's a while yet.
It's a couple of weeks away, but then they're going to be closed for about three weeks in August. Also, let me continue to tell you about what's happening at East Surrey Hospital. They have got work to install new doors at East Surrey Hospital over the next couple of weekends. So it's going to be the 20th and 21st of July. So this weekend and also again on the 27th and 28th of July from 6 a.m.
This Saturday until 8pm on Sunday, they're going to be working on the main entrance. And then from 6am Saturday the 27th to 8pm on Sunday the 28th of July, the East Entrance at the Surrey Hospital is going to be closed. Obviously, there's going to have various diversions and signs and people helping and that kind of thing for patients and visitors and staff as well.
But just thought I'd give you the heads up if you are interested. heading there to see somebody, maybe you're running a little bit late, then you may want to build in an extra five minutes or so. 7th Reigate Scouts need your help. Heard about the Scouts a bit earlier on, didn't we, in one of our interviews.
Looking for adults to step up to the plate, being a uniformed leader to keep the sections running. They're based over Timperley Gardens, aren't they, 7th Reigate Scouts? So if you're interested in helping out the Scouts, which are ages 10 and a half to 14, I'm looking down the list of things they do.
Axe throwing, archery, sandstone rock climbing, pioneering, computer programming, air rifle shooting, bird box construction. They do camps and all sorts of things as well. You don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty, quite literally if you're going camping, and get in touch with them. Or beavers aged six to eight years old, get in touch with me and I'll put you in touch with them.
Hello at theplanetrigatepodcast.com
Congratulations to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council because two of our local parks are green flag winners again. Yeah, Priory Park in Reigate, Memorial Park in Redhill, both achieved the coveted green flag status for the eighth year running. The green flag awards are presented by the Keep Britain Tidy Group. They're an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
So congratulations to our local green spaces teams. A message on socials this week. Quote, I don't suppose anyone has seen it or handed it in. He's contacted Victoria Station Lost Property, but they haven't seen it. So did you find a suit in a suit bag on the Victoria to Reigate that got into Reigate at 6.26 Tuesday night? Get in touch with me.
I'll put you in touch with them because they would desperately like to hear from you, as you can imagine. Finally this week, also on Facebook from the Red Hill area, hello, looking to rehome our cockerel. He's become loud quite early in the morning since he lost his partners. Other than that, he behaves pretty well, but I've been let down by a couple of places who said they would take him.
If you've got space for, what should we call, Corky the Cockerel, that's what we'll call him, then they want to hear from you. Get in touch with me, I'll put you in touch with them.
See, touch, smell and try before you buy and speak to real people who can advise you. The Belfry Shopping Centre, Redhill. Woodlands Lettings, connecting landlords with tenants for over 20 years. If you have a property to let, pop into our office on Station Road by the Belfry Main entrance for a coffee and a chat, or call 01737 372 797.
In our sports news this week, starting off with bowls. Yeah, John Seddon has written to me from Red Hill Bowls Club. Says, hi Peter, this coming Sunday from 10am, Red Hill Bowls Club are hosting the Surrey Club finale. It's actually between Cheam and Egham. They chose our club because they think we've got the best green in the county. Well, of course it is. It's the best bit of Britain after all.
They welcome any visitors there and there'll be refreshments on sale. The bar will be open as well, so... If you're looking for something to do Sunday morning, why don't you go down and see the finale, the final of the Surrey Club finale between Cheam and Egham. And that's up St Anne's Drive, Red Hill. So it's kind of under the railway bridge towards Lakers. Get me. The Toby Carvery.
But sharp turn left after the sorting office. Go up Noak Drive. It's like you're going to Carrington, but then first left instead. So, John, thanks very much indeed for getting in touch and passing those details on to me.
Don't forget, if you've got anything you want to pass on to me, whether you're a sports club or maybe it's a school or maybe it's a business or a charity or any kind of event, hello at theplanetrygatepodcast.com. New paddle courts have been opened at Reigate Lawn Tennis Club this week and these are the very first in the borough of Reigate and Banstead. Paddle is an innovative form of tennis.
It's fun, it's easy to learn, it's really sociable. Played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. Groups of mixed ages and mixed abilities can play together as well. And the layout of these courts, the paperwork and so on as well, all done with WS Planning and Architecture, who are at Paul House in Reigate, on Bancroft Road there, opposite the cinema.
It's where the roadworks have been, and the temporary lights and the pipes have been there for days, haven't they? Now, I'm thinking about Pool House. I think it's called Pool House because it was built... It's not named after someone called Paul. No, no, no. Pool House. It's because it was built on the site of an old swimming pool.
And I think there was also another swimming pool, Baths, whatever you want to call it, on Castlefield Road. Wasn't there opposite the town hall? Let me know if you know any more about either of those sites. I'd be really interested to hear from you. Talking about pools, and a new pool hall is opening in Redhill. Yeah, another kind of pool. It's claimed to be the UK's largest as well.
It's going to be on Queensway over the Wetherspoons Sun Pub. You'll be able to enjoy a whole host of Q Sports and entertainment as well. 38 tables, English 8-ball pool tables, American 9-ball pool tables, snooker and billiards tables as well, including darts and Chinese 8-ball as well. I'm not familiar with Chinese 8-ball. And serving food and drinks as well. That opens in September.
Alistair Reid says, would you like to join me in campaigning for a petanque terrain in Priory Park? Petanque, it's sometimes called boule or boccia, isn't it? It's a social sport. It encourages people to get together and chat. And it's available for people of all ages and all abilities and so on and really easy to learn as well.
It requires minimal equipment and the equipment that is required is really cheap to buy. So it's cheaper to set up than a skate park or a tennis court or anything like that. And he says introducing Patong to Reigate would be a cultural enrichment activity. It would provide an opportunity for people to appreciate a sport with deep roots in European culture.
So he says it's probably a bit late for this summer, but he says, I reckon if we can start working now, we might have one in place for summer 2025, either funded by the council or our own fundraising activities. What would you like to see as far as a petanque court park? I wonder what it's called. How many lanes? Where exactly in Priory Park would it be?
If you would like to get in touch with Alistair and find out a bit more about Patong and how you could get involved with that, drop me a line and I'll drop you a line as well. Plus, one quick mention here, Rye Gate Business Guild Golf Day is going to be Thursday 26th September at Betchworth Park Golf Club. Travel news then. National Highway saying no more M25 closures this year.
Yeah, it was closed near Wisley last weekend, wasn't it? Their third full weekend closure this year. And as a result, there's now a brand new bridge and new gantries in place as well. They say there's going to be no more full weekend closures of the M25A3 this year. The two remaining closures will be next spring instead. And they'll give a minimum of four weeks notice of those closures.
and they will avoid busy holiday periods. However, they do say that the M25A3 will still be closed at times over some weekends, and there's going to be some 12-hour night closures on the M25 through the autumn as well. Let's go to Woodhatch Road, Monday the 22nd for six days.
Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 3, the road's going to be closed from 10 Woodhatch Road to Hawley Road, so they say please don't leave your car parked there. Resurfacing work going on, and even though most of their work will be done in the week, some parts of it will be done in the near future after that. And they say the work there is weather dependent.
And finally, Bell Street car park in Reigate is going to be closed Wednesday for essential relining work. So it's going to reopen on Thursday the 25th. Parking will still be available at Bancroft Road multi-storey car park and Upper West Street car park as well. What do you mean? What do you mean, Morrisons?
Planet Reigate stars and our 60-second soundscape still to come and also the second part of our Good Time Guide. But now the second part of our interviews with guests from the first of two ceremonies for the annual Reigate and Bandstead Volunteer Awards, which happened recently at the Town Hall. Let's hear more from some of the recipients of the Long Service Awards.
Together, everyone who was represented there... More than 700 years service to various community events, charities and groups and clubs and associations across the fine borough of Reigate and Banstead.
I'm Jeanette Chapman, and I work with 10th Red Hill Brownies, mainly because I enjoy it. I have fun. I try and give them fun. I see them growing confidence. We like doing fun activities, and they learn to socialise with different people, different groups of people, and they learn to be kind as well. I think sometimes a little reminder is needed that,
To be kind is one of the best things you can be. I think Roald Dahl said, if you can be nothing else, be kind.
And also it's meeting other children, isn't it, who aren't in your class at school. Exactly. It's learning how to socialise.
It's meeting children from different schools because you can get children from five different schools coming to your groups. So they're mixing with a different group of children. So if they've fallen out with their best friend at school, they've always got another group of children who come from different backgrounds and who they can mix with. OK.
And what kinds of things are you helping them with on the evening?
We do indoor games. They're doing Olympics tonight. We do outdoor games. We go away for camps. We spent a sleepover on HMS Belfast, which was a good one. I did a brownie takeover of Butlins some years ago when the brownies took over the whole of Butlins, which was absolutely mad. LAUGHTER
But that kept you up at night, quite literally.
Yes, yes, it did.
Now, I'm just looking down my notes here, Jeanette, and it says that you've been volunteering with Guiding in Redhill for nearly, this must be a typo, it says 40 years.
Well, it's 38, actually.
It was a typo.
So it is 38. I started when I had three girls of my own, and they went to the local brownies, two of them were old enough, and they were short of help. So I said I would go along and help, and I never left. When I was district commissioner, there was a rainbow group which was going to close, and I said, don't worry, I'll get someone else to take it over.
I couldn't find anybody, so I ended up doing it. So we did rainbows through Zoom, we did brownies through Zoom during COVID. It was nice to keep the groups going and to see five-year-olds turn up on the screen wearing their rainbow uniform, all ready to do a session. That was absolutely marvellous.
I've seen them grow up from being my rainbows at five years old, and I went to scout about with thousands of people the other Sunday at Ardingly. Thousands of scouts, guides, and there was one of my ex-rainbows who's now taller than me, and she was carrying the flag. So yes, you can see them grow and develop into such confident young women.
We want more strong, confident young women, don't we, particularly?
Yes, and kindness, and kindness. It doesn't hurt to be kind, it doesn't hurt to be polite.
What have you made of this evening?
I think it's lovely. I'm absolutely amazed at all these volunteers and how many years they've devoted and all the different things that they've done. And when I think, I've done it, but I've done it for fun! I'm just amazed at what everybody's done. I think it's wonderful. And it is nice to be acknowledged as well. It's very unexpected for me, but it's lovely. Yes.
Well, I'm Christine and I volunteer to live at home. So I volunteer at the Wednesday Club where they all come for the day. We have tea and coffee and activities, have a meal, play games, do coffee mornings, take them to coffee. Once a month I organise a pub lunch. They all like that. Take about 20 of them.
to the pub, not personally I've got a team of volunteer drivers that are worth everything and they pick them up from home we go to the pub to have a nice lunch and a drink and a natter gets them out for a few hours and then the volunteer drivers take them home. Some are in their 60s, Arthur's just had his 100th birthday we had a big celebration for that a lot of them are like late 80s
Some are quite fit. Some are quite good, bless them. And they love it because it gets them out of the four walls, doesn't it? In the Wednesday club, of course, it's like all tea and coffee and food. Oh, everyone's got a story to tell you. Fascinating. See, too many people think that old person arrived here old, but they didn't. They've had a fabulous life.
And they've got stories beyond stories to tell.
Stories, experiences and all sorts of tales to tell. Absolutely, yeah.
Jokes to swap. Oh, absolutely. And funny things. I've been in stitches. Then once a year we go on holiday. We're going away September this year. Monday to Friday we do, but yeah, once again, they love it, yeah. They take their pocket money and they can have what they like from the bar and get up and have a dance if they want, do nothing if they want, whatever. How did you get involved?
Well, very strange really. I went into the help shop in Hawley because my son-in-law's mother was moving into Hawley and I thought, well, I wonder if there's anything going on that would be good for Eileen. And I went in the help shop that was then and I see this live at home and I turned it over and it says, do you want to volunteer? And I thought, yes, I do.
So I phoned up, went down and saw Tanya, who was the head then. Started straight away. Well, I had my CB checked, my police, but no, I haven't been in Holloway or anything like that. What do I get? I probably get more than they do. It makes me get out of bed in the morning. It gives me a purpose. And I can be feeling gloomy to me in the morning. But as soon as I get there, I come alive.
Because they're all there and I just love them all. Have a good smile. Morning everyone, I go, you know, here comes Chrissie the nutter. Yeah, it gives me a lot back. I wouldn't stop doing it. It makes me feel better about me. I feel like I've done something worthwhile. You know, even sitting, chatting to Doris. She's adorable.
And it keeps you young at heart as well?
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I think so. I hope so. I do hope so.
Do they give you the runaround sometimes?
A little bit, but then, you know, that's OK. I don't mind.
What did you make of this evening? You were called a real gem.
Oh, yeah, fancy that. I wouldn't mind being, I wouldn't mind having a real gem. No, it's very sweet. Very nice of them to say that about me. But, yeah, I love them all. I just love it. That's all I can say.
I'm George W. Gray and it's the British Art Foundation.
So what have you been doing for the British Art Foundation over the years?
Oh, serving customers. We'll start my 25th year next week. It is a charity shop, yes. We've got a place in Rygate, we've got a place in Hawley.
You've lived in this neck of the woods all your life, have you?
Same house, 89 years.
I need to do a separate interview with you about the changes you have seen in Reigate and Red Hill over all those decades.
It'll be a big, big book like that.
Why the British Heart Foundation rather than any other charity?
I used to work for the Performing Arts Society in London and then I come back to Red Hill and Reigate and I went freelancing. Then I finished up by working for Holidays for the Disabled, which the office was in Hawley. And I used to do printing for them and sending a lot of information out. They were a charity and British Art was a foundation.
And they wanted people in the old building in High Street. That's where I started with them. And that's how it all started up. Then they moved to the present place near Sainsbury's, which is a much larger shop.
I was going to say, so it was a larger shop. That keeps you on your toes, doesn't it?
I don't know if it does. You keep your eyes open.
What are people coming in for?
All kinds of things. Ladies' dresses, men's trousers and suits and things like that. A lot of bric-a-bac, of course. But we do sell new things as well, like men's underpants and things like that.
Well, you wouldn't want them second-hand, would you?
No, no, I don't. Well, you can. It's up to them.
Each to their own.
Each to their own, yeah.
What do you get out of volunteering?
satisfaction. You're doing something for the community. It's like playing the organ. You're doing something for the community.
Oh, you mention the organ as well. So you play the organ for several churches.
There are six. I was director of music at St Matthew's. Oh, I do play at St Matthew's some time. I'm available. and Sir Luke's Reigate, but they don't have much of an organ now. But I play at Merstham, St Catherine's, Sidlow Church and Blindle Heath. They're the three I do regularly every each month.
And then you're standby.
And I'm standby, that's right, for, like, Charwood, Hawley and something like that, you see. Parachuted. LAUGHTER Oh, no.
What have you made of this evening?
Oh, it's very good. I like the food.
In all the time he's been doing this, different churches, I've only known two Sundays where he hasn't gone out and done anything.
Wow. So you're in demand? Yes.
Oh, yes. Well, young people don't want to do it now. Churchgoing isn't what it used to be. When I first went to St Matthew's in 1973, a much larger congregation, although they do quite well now, but they don't get 100 people, 150.
Finally, sir, tell me, because I'm fascinated, your grand old age and you've lived here all of your life and in the same house. What is the best thing that's happened to Redhill and what's the worst thing that's happened to Redhill over your 89 years? So what's the best thing that's happened to Redhill?
Best thing, I think, is the Harlequin Theatre, one of the things useful, and the redevelopment of some of it, making the town more pedestrianised, you know. Worst thing is, I think, some of the old shops, sad to see them go. And even the old market hall, because we used to have the music festival there, you see.
I was going to say, the Market Hall, that was a big loss, wasn't it? Because it was such a sight, and also architecturally as well.
Yes, yes. And it held more than the Harlequin. You know that, don't you? I think it was about over 500, because it had a nice balcony there. But I know it was Victorian. The late Joyce Hooper used to put all her grand operas on there, you know? Oh, she was the founder of the Radio Madrigal Singers. And she also conducted the Bach Choir. She founded that.
She's put some of her concerts on in St Matthew's and in St Mark's Ryger with professional singers. They used to come for half free. Oh, joy. Yes, they won the BBC Rose Bowl with the best singer in the South East England. With ill medical singers, they were well known.
Mike Gregory from St John Ambulance. I have spent coming up for 30 years with St John Ambulance as a volunteer within Surrey, working as an ambulance crew and also first aider. I've also done transport work all over the UK with St John. that I should be put forward for an award. I don't feel that I need to be rewarded for things because I do it as a volunteer. I enjoy it.
It's part of my social responsibility, as I feel, within the area. It was a very big surprise. I am still a brigade member. I have held a slightly higher rank, but taken it back when I moved because you can't go from one unit to another with the same rank, so you lose your rank, but it's fine.
but I've been full-time as well within St John, working as an ambulance crew, specialising in working on air crashes.
Well, there are many of those, but you need to know what you're doing when there is.
Yes. I used to work at Farnborough International. I was crash crew there, working for St John. Fortunately enough, we never had any serious accidents.
And from that end of the scale to the other end of the scale, more day-to-day work, but still very important, getting people to hospital, ferrying them around, treating broken bones and things like that.
Yeah, we do it as a normal thing. It's just part and parcel of what we do. I volunteered back in the mid-70s, came out of St John's due to work commitments, and then decided I wanted to go back into it. I wanted a first aid certificate, and it was an easy way and a helpful way that I could...
learn first aid without spending lots of money but also as I said social responsibility I'm a director of a company and companies are looked at as providing social responsibility towards the community. It enhances what we do within the community.
Even though we're slightly down on numbers at the moment, but that's because a lot of our members are at university, we do have a big presence within Brightgate and Baxter area, I would say. 12 to 15 of us meet regularly. And what did you make of this evening? Oh, I enjoyed it.
immensely, seeing other people being awarded certificates and being appreciated for what they actually do within their own charities. Reigate and Bannisters has actually got one of the larger groups of volunteers, I think, within Surrey. People themselves actually like to volunteer around this area. And when you actually look at all the different groups,
The connection between each of the different groups is actually quite close. And when you look at all the other charities, including St John, we're all very much interlinked. Different members have got different connections within those organisations. And I think it's vitally important. And I think it's the best thing that we've got in this area, is the volunteering groups.
Maggie Cox. It's Loveworks, the local food bank, and we're very short of volunteers if there's anybody out there. Demand is growing due to all the cost of living, etc. And we accept donations from the public. Me personally, I'm really a food bank volunteer, but I've been giving out the food, which is pre-packed according to the size of the family and their tastes.
If they don't like chicken soup, they don't get chicken soup. And... basically making them welcome and non-judgmental. I mean that's actually one of the jobs I seem to get is to actually greet the newcomers who will be afraid of us and embarrassed and I quite like to do that because I can imagine how awful it is. I've been round the block myself a few times. And I feel it's something I can do.
And just being, hopefully, warm and friendly. I actually worked in the Oxfam bookshop for quite a long time. I could imagine how awful it might be. My husband and I have been married a very long time. We had young children in a Fenland village. No such thing as a food bank. We managed somehow, but it would have been nice to have a tin of peaches once in a while.
A tin of peaches was a luxury to me when I was really hard up. And we get given things like crisps and chocolate and things that people have got at home and perhaps they don't want. And they can come pick up their normal parcel and choose an extra or two. It's so important.
You know, so pick me up. If I bought you a box of milk tray or something, it would pick you up, wouldn't it?
Yes, of course it would, yes.
Mind you, your husband's here somewhere, isn't he? So I've got to be careful what I say, but... What did you make of this evening?
I enjoyed it very much. I was a bit kind of polar, I would say, to have been chosen. I don't do it for my sake, but that's a side effect. I do feel good that I can. And it's appreciated. I try to put myself in the place of the people we are supporting. Unable to feed your children? Awful.
And as I say, more than 700 years of volunteering amongst those winners at the Town Hall. Congratulations again. Thank you all for doing what you do in our community and also for speaking to me. And hopefully you've enjoyed hearing yourself back or maybe other people who you work alongside on the Planet Rygate podcast.
Now, there is going to be another presentation in a few weeks' time for other volunteers who perhaps are just kind of starting off. Maybe they've just done a paltry kind of two or five or 10 or even 15 years, and they've got some way to go to beat some of those long-service volunteers, haven't they?
But obviously, everything that people do to volunteer in our community is really, really worthwhile, and we thank you for it. And I'm going to be down there at the Town Hall and interviewing some of those people. And you'll be hearing about that in an episode in a few weeks' time.
Planet Reigate Stars. Thanking local heroes who are out of this world.
Good Time Guide and the 60 Second Soundscape on the way. And of course, last weekend was Pub in the Park in Reigate. And this week's Planet Reigate Star Award goes to some people who are there. From Kimmy, who says, I took my daughter to Pub in the Park for Saturday evening. And just as McFly started playing, a lovely young couple spotted me. Thank you.
You get a Planet Rigade Star Award this week.
The Good Time Guide. Things to do and places to go on the Planet Reigate podcast.
Now our Good Time Guide for the coming week from Monday through until Saturday. Monday the 22nd of July. Well, step in time. Theatre school have got a creative holiday club for children ages 4 to 12. Three whole fabulous weeks filled with fun and popular themes of the greatest showman, movie mania, Matilda. Eight in the morning till three in the afternoon. Singing, dancing, acting lessons...
Lessons all taught by industry professionals, they say. Mornings filled with things like performing arts, the afternoons filled with messy activities. Bookwhen.com slash step hyphen in time theatre school for details on that. Gatton Park say join us for our forest school clearing to make woodland crafts and enjoy a snack around the campfire. Two to seven-year-olds, £10 a child.
10 till 12 or 1.30 to 3.30. Starts on Monday and several days after that as well, on and off. And summer holiday trails and tales. Listen to a popular story and then go for a walk in the park to bring it to life. And then create artwork linked to the story as well. Two to four years old. And various days, but essentially... These characters and these stories are going to be told.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Graffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Singing Mermaid, Room on a Broom and Deer Zoo as well. Details via the Gatton Park website. Kids Critters Limited kick things off on Wednesday at Brockham, 9 till 12. Various dates after that as well. Come along to hang out with the Critters. Tiffany at kidscritters.co.uk for more on that.
Summer holidays all kicks off on Wednesday the 24th. It's a wild thing. And then, various days and various weeks after that, Forest School and Friends, Carnival Circus Fun, and Made and Baked with Love, hours 8 till 1, 1 till 6, or 8 to 6pm. I can't be right. It must be 6 till 8pm. At various prices, all happening at Reigate Parish Church Primary School. Food included, the kids' clubs...
for more on that one. Joe Norris Art says... Looking to learn the basics, to experience artists, looking for new direction or techniques or simply inspiration. joenorrisart.co.uk Thursday the 25th of July, the Art Society Reigate says they bring people together through a shared curiosity in the arts.
Meetings begin at 2 at Reigate Park Church on Park Lane East, theartsocietyreigate.org.uk and this coming Thursday, it's a history of the National Gallery in 10 paintings. The Gary Baldy says don't forget we still have our regular events going on. Quiz and music bingo on alternate Thursday nights. And music bingo is this coming Thursday the 25th at 8 o'clock.
And that means on the 1st of August at 8 it's going to be their quiz. Thursday, the 25th of July, 10.30 to 11.30. An amazing offers an experience that will bring you closer to nature through interaction with many different animals and invertebrates. Yeah, Thursday, it's going to be happening at Hawley Community Centre. And it's all organised by the council.
Rygate-Banstead.gov.uk slash Hawley-Community Centre. Friday, the 26th of July, there's a Caribbean Cricket Day, which is at RGS, open to all and no entry fee. So Friday at two o'clock, they've got one match going on and then six o'clock happening in the evening as well. Caribbean theme, food, drink, music and a DJ as well. Harlequin Theatre say they've got a new Harlequin outdoor show.
Join them at Rygate Castle Grounds on the 26th for Mrs Armitage on Wheels. The show has it all, featuring live music, puppetry and comedy. We celebrate the power of imagination and the importance of resilience. Tickets available on the Harlequin website, they say. The pheasant of Buckland say Summerfest is back. Join us in our beautiful sun-soaked garden Friday the 26th, Saturday the 27th.
I'll be serving up some delicious beers from our outside bar as well as some tasty tipples and gorgeous gin spritzes as well and live music all weekend as well. Into next weekend, Saturday the 27th, a free Camelot-themed, jam-packed weekend coming to Reigate Castle Grounds, 27th and 28th, with walkabout characters, pop-up performances and unexpected surprises.
This is your chance to explore the Castle Grounds in a new way. King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere are celebrating their wedding anniversary and festivities in Camelot have begun. harlequintheatre.co.uk for more on that. the Royal Throne Bearers, Wandering Druids, Merlin and his apprentices. There's also going to be the King and Queen Consorts and a hobby horse jousting tournament as well.
A tabletop sale on Saturday 27th, 12 noon till 5pm. Free entry, ample free parking. It's all in aid of the lifeboats and it's happening at Redhill Rygate Seacadets to Hooley Lane. Oh yeah, right on the corner there at Redhill. And craft tables, jewellery boards, tombola, raffle, hand-turned wooden desirables, refreshments, homemade cakes, and meet the RNLI's Stormy Stan as well.
So if you want to get involved with that, that sounds good, doesn't it? As does this, Gatwick Aviation Museum. I know, I know, I mentioned Gatwick. I think it's the first time in something like 10 months. But yeah, the Aviation Museum, it It's our Cider Gatwick, isn't it? They've got an engine run day. Now, this is different. This sounds interesting. Plenty of free parking.
Hot and cold refreshments available. Tickets available on the door. Adults £18, children £9, under fives free. Gates open at 10am. Ticket price includes admission to the museum. Stay for the whole day. Experience the incredible sight and sound as we fire up not one, but two iconic aircraft. Our English Electric Lightning Aircraft. and Avro Shackleton as well.
More information 01293 862294 or visit the website gamc.org.uk There's a charity fun day Saturday 27th, 11 through till 3 for Age Concern in Mercedham on Weldon Way. So four hours there. Charity fun day. Everything going on. Charity day. Shop our stalls. Participate in the Tombola. Check our children's games. Grab a bite at the sausage sizzle as well. And also, it's all free entry.
And that's the line-up of fantastic events, of places to go and things to do right across the area over the next seven days or so. Thank you so much for the loan of your ears again this week. Got some more. exciting stuff to tell you about next week, including the second year of what hopefully is going to be an annual event happening in Priory Park. A little bit different.
You may not know about it, but all it'll entail you to have is a cowbell and a loud voice. You'll hear more about that in next week's episode. But before we go at the end of the show...
The 60-second soundscape. Local natural sounds uninterrupted.
And I thought you'd like to hear this from Scouting for Girls, a pub in the park in Priory Park, Reigate, last weekend. Have a great week.
How is this side doing? How is this side doing? How is this side doing? This side is having a better time. This side, you must have made it up to do.
Thank you so much!