Local News ….
Closure of permissive path across the fields on south side of the Mount
Many of you will have seen that in the last few days Loseley Estate has closed off access to the fields on the south side of the Mount. Whilst Loseley are perfectly within their rights to do this, we are all deeply disappointed at the loss of this favourite walking spot and the amazing views that we were able to enjoy. Lorimer Burn, chair of St. Catherine’s Village Association is facilitating a discussion with those at Loseley Estate to see if an arrangement can be made to regain access. OVRA have pledged our support and will do what we can in this endeavour. Below is an article which Lorimer sent to The Guildford Dragon, Guildford’s local online newspaper expressing the latest situation:
“I live in Guildown, on the Western edge of Guildford. It’s a 15-minute walk into town and a 5-minute walk up onto the Hog’s Back behind me. I write as a local resident of 30 years and also as Chairman of the St Catherine’s Village Association (SCVA). I’m now on my 4th collie and I walk on the Hog’s Back morning and evening every day, as I’ve done for the last 30 years.
It has caused me concern to see the “coppicing” of the hedge at the top of the field on the South side of the Green Lane. But I have to agree that the hedge has not been managed for many years. A “Dead Hedge” has been constructed out of the foliage, which I understand will provide a haven for birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. It looks awful at the moment, but once the remains of the hedge have sprouted, it should look more normal once more.
What has particularly concerned me is the blocking of all access points to the field so dog walkers can no longer access one of their favourite walks along the top of the field which provides such beautiful views to the South. This has caused consternation amongst the adjacent communities of Guildown, Wodeland Avenue and Onslow. This path is valued by literally 100s of those who own dogs, or simply seek a walk providing views over our beautiful Surrey countryside.
About 15 years ago, the Chairman of our SCVA committee (Ron Johnson) and I (Secretary), arranged a meeting with Michael More-Molyneaux in the Green Lane by the N.E. corner of this South-facing field. The purpose of this meeting was to explain to Michael More-Molyneaux why this particular walk along the top of the field was so important to us because of its beautiful views and the opportunity to see the sunset. He saw our point and agreed that we could continue to use this path as a Permissive Path. The Estate subsequently put up notices explaining that this is a Permissive Path and current permission for use could not lead to a future Right of Way.
So it has been for the last 15 years or so.
On Wednesday evening I had a long phone call with Jim, the Loseley Estate Manager, to discuss the current turmoil. My main point was the importance of the Estate maintaining good relations with the local community. Jim agreed with this. I told him that I’m the first to recognise that this particular field is private land and it is only due to Michael More-Molyneaux’ good will that we have had permission to have access to the field at all. But should that goodwill be withdrawn, it will cause great unhappiness in the local communities. Jim spoke of “damage” to the field. But I really feel that a 6’wide path at the edge of the field is insignificant damage in relation to the size of the field.
Together with Councillor Angela Goodwin, and Jo Rew I’m having a meeting with Jim, to further discuss this early next week.
On Wednesday afternoon I met a group of five elderly women who described having walked into the field and had walked much farther than intended because they couldn’t get out due to all access points having been blocked with tree trunks and foliage. One of them muttered that she would no longer be visiting Loseley or buying any of their products again. I fear that this is just a hint of ill-feeling which will become prevalent if the local community is excluded from accessing one beautiful walk which means so much to so many people.”
By Lorimer Burn, Chair of St. Catherine’s Village Association
OVRA’s AGM. Tuesday March 10th 8pm – 9.30pm in the Village Hall
We’d love to see everyone at this year’s AGM! Business will be kept to a minimum so that we have plenty of time to meet one another and socialise during the interval (tea/coffee/wine provided) and for you to give your feedback and ideas. Then in the second half you can test yourself on some previously unseen questions from our recent Great Big Community Quiz – yes, there’s more art works from the preschoolers, more famous theme tunes recorded by our local musicians, more photos from the Travel Club, more cryptic book summaries from the Book Groups and more questions from the sports questionnaires!
Whilst all the current committee members are happy to stand again, one or two people would be happy to step aside if others are keen to join the committee. If we have more than 8 people wanting to put themselves forward we will elect our new committee on the night, (officers are in position for 3 years so will not be elected this year). If you would like to put yourself forward, or would like more information about what is involved, please email us at info@ovra.org.uk.
Likewise if there is anything in particular that you would like us to discuss at the AGM please could you let us know as soon as possible. There are currently no specific motions that we will be voting on, but if you wish to submit one, it needs to be submitted to us (on the email above) before Tuesday 17th February, with a proposer and seconder.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Young women aged 16 – 19 needed for a University Research Project (£35 gift voucher in return!)
Do you know a young woman aged between 16 and 19 years? Would they be available for an online interview? This is an exciting opportunity to participate in research! I am running a research project to hear from young women their views on the effects of alcohol on health, and in particular on pregnancy, and what steps can be taken pre-pregnancy to prevent this. The Interview session will take place online via MS Teams and last about 60 minutes. Participants will receive a £35 gift voucher following completion of the research interview session. Gift vouchers will be sent to participants via email within a week of the interview session. Click here for more information.
Interested? Contact me, Kemi Akagwu via email: o.akagwu@surrey.ac.uk or by sending a text message to 07934 548435 to learn more about how to participate.
Take part in a University of Surrey Paid Research Project!
Psychology researchers at the University of Surrey are seeking 7-10-year-old children and their parent/guardian to participate in paid research (£50 voucher). The study involves a presurvey and a lab session at the University of Surrey (travel costs reimbursed). For more information click here.
Volunteers needed for a university study which aims to reduce injury from falls amongst older people
Silas Purja, a research postgraduate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey, is conducting a study “Investigating the Effect of Floor Stiffness on Standing and Walking Movement in Healthy Younger and Older Adults“. The research is being conducted to help improve safety and prevent injuries from falls in older adults.
He is looking for volunteers particularly in the 65+ age group, but also anyone aged 18+. The study involves walking and balancing on flooring of different hardnesses whilst being monitored. The session, in the Duke of Kent building on the Stag Hill Campus, lasts for approximately 2 hours. A parking permit is available together with a small payment of £10.
If you would be interested in volunteering please email Silas at sp00447@surrey.ac.uk Aside from helping with the project itself its quite interesting to see the experimental set-up and the visualisation of the data collected.
For more information if you are 65+ please click here
For more information if you are 18+ please click here
