At the Council meeting on the 18th Feb 2010 it was agreed the district’s council tax increase would be just £4.69 for the whole year, for a Band D property. This is an increase of around 9 pence a week and gives a Band D Council Tax level of £193.62. Click here for more

Man pleads guilty to Felbridge Robberies of Nov 2009 (25/03/2010)

A 29-year-old Maidstone man pleaded guilty to a string of cross-border crimes when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Friday (19 March)... more . Ken Harwood has commented:" It is comforting to know that there is close co-operation between neighbouring police forces. This case reflects what can be achieved when adjoining forces come together. It is hoped that the victims in all these cases have not been permanently damaged . An excellent result. "

New Team Member (22/03/2010)

We are pleased to announce that Angie Willis has been mad enough to volunteer to come on board the felweb team. More details to follow!

Safety issues the A22,Woodcock Hill ,Felbridge

There have been increasing concerns over the safety of this section of the A22 as a result of the recent spate of accidents and resulting road closure . Many residents feel that these safety issues have been ignored by SCC for a number of years. For more information and updates on the situation please visit www.woodcockhill.yolasite.com

Lowest district council tax increase for 10 years

At the Council meeting on the 18th Feb 2010 it was agreed the district’s council tax increase would be just £4.69 for the whole year, for a Band D property. This is an increase of around 9 pence a week and gives a Band D Council Tax level of £193.62. Click here for more

The pothole saga on the A264 is not over yet!

We have all been left rather puzzled as to why, after extensive overnight repairs last week , workmen have left some holes unrepaired which are in amongst those repaired (they are the same depth as those repaired). Cars are still weaving in and out to avoid the potholes that have been left! It does tax the brain cells as to why. So please do continue to email SCC at eastsurreyhighways@surreycc.gov.uk quoting ref. no. 83062912 and voice your concerns.

Concerns about pedestrian safety during the the road works on the A264!

The local Parish Council have received a number of complaints from people using (or trying to use) the pavement on the south side of the road especially whilst walking children to school. It's patently obvious that nobody has done a health and safety exercise . People are having to walk into the road, and there is no protection. One local resident has spoken to SCC who promised they would get someone out the next day to look at the situation. That did not occur. He rang again and was told that it would be the next day and someone would ring him back . That didn't happen. And so we go on. There seems to be confusion as to who is responsible for health and safety at the site. .Southern Gas, SCC, TDC or the contactors, Morrisions. We will keep you updated but if you have any concerns then please contact any or all of the parties involved.

Proposed Imberhorne Development - have your say

If you are concerned about more development that might impact on Felbridge and the surrounding area then  attend an exhibition of a proposal to develop land to the west of Imberhorne Lane that will be on display at Imberhorne School, Imberhorne Lane on 25th Feb, 5-9pm.

Register for Tandridge News Direct

www.tandridge.gov.uk/newsdirect This is a free email information service which keeps you up to date with the latest news, consultations and events or for a map you can go to www.tandridge.gov.uk/localview.asp and find any location by address or postcode with links to information about council services, community links and planning information and many other details.

Tandridge Befriending Scheme

This scheme does a valuable job matching befriending volunteers to lonely or isolated members of the community. They are always short of volunteers to visit their vulnerable clients. Please click here for more information and contact details.

Green Belt Development - Official Statement Click here

Where's Robin?

DisabledGo - Tandridge

Tandridge has launched a new unique online access guide. By logging on to www.DisabledGo.info , people can check whether a pub is accessible to a wheelchair user, a cinema can offer a hearing loop, a hotel offers adapted rooms and a restaurant offers menus in large print or BrailleService. Click here for more details

Pig on the run!

A local farmer bought his wife 3 pigs for Valentine's day (who says romance is dead !) Unfortunately the biggest one, a black sow has gone on walk- about. Any information/sightings please contact Churchill Farm on  07802 371978

Who is responsible for clearing the ice and snow from our roads and pavements?

Click here for official  statement from our local district councillor Ken Harwood .

Fundraising joint venture?

A local experienced Magician is interested in putting on a show in Felbridge and would be interested in some sort of joint venture with the local community/organisations. If you are interested Click here  to view his website and contact details.

Core Strategy Special Town Council Meeting

East Grinstead Town Council met to discuss the detail of its submission document to Mid Sussex District Council for them then to consider when finalising the submission Core Strategy document . The Core Strategy will determine the level and quality of development at East Grinstead up until 2026.Of particular interest will be the decision which Town Councillors choose to take over the question of strategic housing on Imberhorne/Tilkhurst or Hill Place Farms. Click here for full details .

Father Christmas caught on camera in Mill Lane!

Its been a busy time for Father Christmas. .He's been seen out and about around Felbridge Village. A visit to the primary school to visit all the classes giving out presents, then the beavers/cubs/guides Christmas party giving out presents, the School Fayre and even as far afield as Kingston visiting a large crèche for very young children. He's looking forward to Christmas Day so that he can put his feet up! Well done father Christmas!

Stop Press - Please be aware

There was a series of burglaries in the area during the night (Wed 18th Nov) .As a result there was a very high level of police activity. Two persons are currently in custody and police are continuing with their enquires. Police have asked that if anyone has any information, i.e. saw or heard anything last night or has any other information they are asked to contact the information line on on 0845 1252222.This item will be updated as information becomes available. Please be vigilant and keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours.( See also item below. )Click here  for press release issued Fri 20th Nov.

Latest update Mon 23rd Nov: A male  has been charged  charged with 10 offences - 5 burglaries in Felbridge, 1 assault on  police and 4 offences in Sussex. Official statement Click here

Imp News: Burglary Copthorne Road - Ladder used - was it yours?

Last Wed, 11th Nov , at about 10pm a thief broke into a house in Copthorne Road whilst the owner was downstairs watching TV and her 2yr old was upstairs asleep and made off with a number of valuable items. The police are trying to trace the owner of a ladder used. If you are missing a metal ladder please contact Surrey police on 0845 1252222. Click here for more details .

Felbridge already has this Gordon Brown!

Gordon Brown has stated that he intends to get police to visit every victim of crime irrespective of the severity of crime so that there is integration between public and local councils and services! Well, we here in Felbridge ,thanks to local Councillor Ken Harwood have always had this service. " I always visit victims of crime and discuss with them what has happened, offer advice as to future steps regarding security, i.e. safes, alarms, lights etc . More importantly I see the visit and in many cases it amounts to more than one visit) as a way of restoring confidence in people especially where they have had their houses entered. That experience for many is just one step too far and on occasions people initially simply feel they can't stay. My kind of visit I hope will help to alleviate that kind of feeling and reaction." Well done Ken!

Felbridge Village Store - Latest News

Felbridge Village Store is going from strength to strength and is to be featured in the next edition of the local magazine RH19! Click here for full report. For contact deta

Girlguiding 1st Felbridge (St John's) needs your help!

1st Felbridge ( St John's) Rainbows and Guides are looking for someone to come and join the fun of the Girl guiding UK Centenary with them. If you like craft, Adventure, fun, games, friendship, and being part of a team then this could be for you. Rainbows are aged 5-7 years, and Guides are 10- 14 years old. Both units are looking for Adult leaders to join them at Felbridge on Friday evenings. For more details please contact Mrs Ann Tucker 01342 317283 or email  felbridge_rbg@hotmail.co.uk

Felbridge Sports & recreation Association (FSRA)

 The FRSA comprises the Felbridge football & tennis clubs, and runs the Sports Pavilion on Crawley Down Road. Want to know more ?  email:Felbridge_tennis_club@yahoo.co.uk or go to our Clubs page for more information. New members most welcome.

ils visit their webpage click here

FHS Last Summer Show

Felbridge Horticultural Late Summer Show certainly highlighted the huge talent along with their 'greenfingers' of the members, click here for more photos.

Trial bikes Enduro Fun Day in aid of East Kent Air Ambulance Sun 25th October 2009

Click here for more details . The site at Churchill farm is open every weekend for anyone who wants to come and ride their trials bikes

Independent Visitor Service Open Evening

Men & women are needed to volunteer to befriend children in Care, looked after by Surrey County Council. Open Evening has been arranged on Tuesday 15th September at Reigate please click here for more information

Attempted Burglary

During the very early hours (about 1.30am) of Wednesday 2nd September 2009, a person tried to gain entry to a house in Mill Lane, by placing a ladder up against the front of the house where a hopper window was open. Click here for full report from Ken Harwood. PLUS this warning from resident on Copthorne Road : Last Wednesday 26th Aug a man on a bike with a funny hat on and a woman pushing a pram, were seen to be walking down the driveway of No 31 Copthorne Road. When a neighbour popped her head out of her back door they ran off. Another resident encountered the same behaviour near 45 Copthorne Road .Latest ! District Councillor Ken Harwood has complained to Surrey Police asking why it was necessary to send a police unit from Epsom to deal with the attempted burglary in Mill Lane Felbridge and why there was no dog handler unit on duty either. Click here  for full letter. Ken is encouraging residents to keep an eye open as to what is going on in Felbridge and should they see anything suspicious to let us know.

InterLake Dating?

Some good news for the old swan whose mate was recently killed by a careless driver in Mill Lane? This young female swan has appeared at Hedgecourt Lake. There was a bit of grandstanding by the old chap at first but things seemed to have settled down and she was still there a couple of days later , edging closer and closer! Thanks to Ken Harwood for the photo and report -- he will keep us posted on the progress of the romance.

25 Felbridge Roshe Performers win places

Talent and plenty of hard work have helped 25 performers win places in the All England Dance competition last week. We hope they did well

Accident Copthorne Road

Emergency vehicles in the Copthorne Road held up traffic for several hours on Monday morning. Onlookers reported that a car overtaking a parked delivery van met another car coming around the bend in the opposite direction. This accident sadly confirms recent emails we have received from worried residents, who live on this stretch of the Copthorne Road complaining of aggressive speeding drivers flashing their headlights and tailgating them as they slow down to turn into their drives.

Free cotton nappies

Over 77,000 disposable nappies are thrown away EVERY DAY in West Sussex. So parents save yourself up to £500 a year and get free cotton nappies. call 01243 642106

Great Bumper Summer Fair

"This year’s Village Fair was a great success with a good crowd in attendance for the whole afternoon  ----"Click here for full report from Fair Organizer Lis Scott.

We would like to thank all of you who took part in our website raffle. As a result of your and our supporter's generosity we were able to raise £169.50 for the continuing running and improving of the website . Pictured is our very own webmaster Bert receiving the first prize on behalf of Gladys Flowers from MP Peter Ainsworth . Click here for the list of winners . click here for more photos of the day

More comments regarding SLOW DOWN PLEA

Residents (not only from Mill Lane) are emailing us regarding a plea to slow down, requesting that the lane should remain a relatively safe place for children to walk, ride bikes, and ponies. Unfortunately now the lane has become a race track for 4 x 4's and motorbikes. How can we stop this?

TAXPAYERS could end up paying twice for services under a new project. The Lengthsman scheme, currently being piloted in Dorking, is to be offered to parish councils in the Lingfield area. The parish councils would pool money and employ a contractor to carry out minor maintenance. Work would include verge cutting, hedge and grass cutting, maintenance of non-mains powered traffic signs and footpaths, as well as keeping drainage systems clear of leaves and other debris. The parish councils would have to decide in which order work would be carried out. Introducing the scheme at a recent Felbridge Parish Council meeting, county councillor Michael Sydney said: "An extra £10 per person in your precept will allow us to have a Lingfield area contractor doing what we want to be done.

"We are all, as residents, already paying for this work to be done by Surrey County Council." Members of the parish council felt residents should not be asked to pay twice for work to be carried out.

Jeremy Clarke said: "We had a contractor to get footpaths cut and Surrey County Council took that off us then didn't do to. "Residents already pay Surrey County Council to do this work and they haven't done it. Felbridge Parish Council chairman Ian McBryde added: "There is so much backlog of maintenance a lot of costs will have to be found to bring everything back to a semi acceptable standard."

Felbridge Horticultural Society Open Gardens

Six varied gardens were opened on Sunday. It has been reported that the day went very well indeed. The total collected in aid of St Catherine's Hospice is yet to be confirmed, as not all details of money from plant sales has been received.

Happy 1st Birthday to Rags Hair Studio

Rags Hair Studio has gone from strength to strength in their first year of trading and have now added a beautician and men's barber to the services they offer. In August the Studio is also planning to hold a 24 hr sponsored Hair Cut in aid of Cystic Fibrosis and are hoping Felbridge residents will support this worthy cause . Click here for full email from Rachel

Taxi!

We are pleased to add to our list of businesses and sponsors new local car hire company: RH10 Cars which has been set up by 2 long standing local area residents, Mark Osborne and Clive Chalk. They are both experienced in the car hire market and are keen to offer a good local service " --- We see it as our duty to be polite, friendly and as punctual as possible. " We wish them both very well for the future . Contact Mark or Clive on 01342 714165 Click here for Mission Statement from Mark and Clive.

Proposed Superstore Decision - Update

The plans for the proposed construction of a DIY store at the London Road and Imberhorne Lane junction (Bridge Park) have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council. Here is the link to the MSDC Planning website showing details of the application and drawings Click here. Once you are on the website, to see how the proposed building and car par layout looks in relation to the Imberhorne/London Road junction, click the link on the LH side of the section marked "Landscape proposals" under the Section heading "LATEST PLAN".

Felbridge cygnets -SLOW DOWN

Extracts and picture from an email received from Ken Harwood. 'When driving in Mill Lane by the lake will vehicles please SLOW DOWN. Please be aware that we have some new arrivals strutting there stuff on the road, and that they also like to sunbath alongside the road just before the car park area near to a blind bend. Regrettably it was reported that one poor male duck has already been killed by a 4 wheel vehicle as it came hammering up from West Park Road 2 nights ago..

Surrey County Council Elections 2009 - Results

Michael Sydney , Conservative Party , elected with a majority of 2843 votes (54%) . For more details of the results Click here

Felbridge Planning Application

Application TA/2009/497 Proposal erection 1 x 5 bed detached house, variation to plots 26 & 27 TA/2006/1611. Location Plots 26 & 27 Eden Place. Land at 46 & rear of 48 & 50 Copthorne Road. for more details: www.tandridge.gov.uk

Not too sure about contacting the Police?

Message from Crimestoppers: We rely on the police to keep us and our property safe. But in order to catch criminals, the police need our help. If you are worried about getting involved, dragged in, or named as the neighbour who went to the police don't be worried we can help. Crimestoppers have a telephone number 0800 555 111 or an online secure form where information van be left anonymously. Crimestoppers don't record, trace or take any personal details from anyone who rings or leaves information. They are not interested in who you are just what you know. The information you give is passed straight to Surrey Police foe their action. www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Pavement chaos

A number of local residents who use wheelchairs and disability scooters such as that pictured above are extremely fed up at the poor state of the footpath surface in Crawley Down Road between Rowplatt Lane and the Village Hall .Part of email from one resident about his mother reads "...After nearly falling out a few weeks ago she no longer wishes to be pushed so we have to bring the car, drive her the short distance (from the village Hall to the school) then put her back in the wheelchair. This seems ridiculous!.. Another elderly resident is fearful as these undulations cause her scooter to 'ground' and this subsequently jolts the electric battery from its mounting. This in turn, makes the wheelchair immobile. Unless she has someone with her who can replace the battery, she is effectively marooned in the street. Ken Harwood has been to the site and can confirm that the path surface is extremely poor and bumpy, caused by the roots of the trees lining the pathway ( a sample of pictures attached). He had raised the issue with SCC who have responded but are in effect saying, surprise surprise they haven't got the resources to do anything.

Do you know your Twitter from Facebook, your email from Google?

If not, then you may need Angela, pictured above who has started a new Felbridge based business to teach older beginners computer skills. Click here for more details and how to contact Angela.

Refuse Collection Information

Some residents have been concerned that in spite of putting out their refuse  as normal , it has not been collected. This is because the collection start times have been changed due to the on going road works at Judges Corner. (Near Haskins Garden Centre). Please Click here for a letter of explanation from Councillor Ken Harwood. If you do have any concerns then please contact TDC at www.tandridge.gov.uk or ph 01883 722000.

Neighbourhood Panel Meetings- Use them or lose them

The aim of these meetings is for local residents and police to come together and for the police to become more aware of the issues that concern local residents. All meetings are held at Felbridge Village Hall. Last year the meetings were either poorly attended or not attended at all. A police spokesman has warned that unless this improves this year , Felbridge will lose this service and will be merged with Lingfield. For a list of 2009 dates please visit our Local Beat page.

Well done to local fund-raisers

Gordon and Brenda Wilkinson who work as volunteers for the charity Tearfund have so far raised more than £23,000 from the sale of their cookbook" Recipes for Disaster… Relief and Development". For more details and free recipes, log on to www.recipesfordisaster.org. If you want to know more about the Wilkinsons and their book, click on http://www.recipesfordisaster.org/press-cuttings-01.html

Neighbourhood Panel Meetings- Use them or lose them

The aim of these meetings is for local residents and police to come together and for the police to become more aware of the issues that concern local residents. All meetings are held at Felbridge Village Hall. Last year the meetings were either poorly attended or not attended at all. A police spokesman has warned that unless this improves this year , Felbridge will lose this service and will be merged with Lingfield. For a list of 2009 dates please visit our Local Beat page.

Are you ready for weekly recycling collection?

Are you ready for weekly recycling? Do you have a blue bag for your plastic drinks bottles? From 02 February 2009 residents of Felbridge will be able to recycle every week and include plastic drinks bottles in a blue recycling bag. For more information and to order your free blue bag, phone SCC on 03456 009009.

Register for Tandridge News Direct

www.tandridge.gov.uk/newsdirect This is a free email information service which keeps you up to date with the latest news, consultations and events or for a map you can go to www.tandridge.gov.uk/localview.asp and find any location by address or postcode with links to information about council services, community links and planning information and many other details.

Hedgecourt Lake as you have never seen it before!

Hedgecourt Lake, Mill Lane take at sunrise on the 11th Jan 2009 by local resident Ian Johnson-- an absolutely stunning view ! Many thanks Ian.

Felbridge and District History Group

Settlements patterns in the Felbridge Area will be the topic at their next meeting on 25th January 2009. All welcome . See Clubs page for website..

Ring the Changes

From Dec 1st Surrey County Council Telephone No is changing to 03456 009009. Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than 2.5p per minute.

Register for Tandridge News Direct

www.tandridge.gov.uk/newsdirect This is a free email information service which keeps you up to date with the latest news, consultations and events or for a map you can go to www.tandridge.gov.uk/localview.asp and find any location by address or postcode with links to information about council services, community links and planning information and many other details.

Weekly Recycling to be extended to Felbridge -- but is it too late?

February 2009 will see weekly recycling collections introduced across Felbridge. However reports indicate a collapse in the market for newspaper, plastic and aluminium leaving Councils with tonnes of recycled material that is impossible to sell on. Peter Ainsworth said whatever happens recycled waste should not be sent to landfill. Our comment : Perhaps we should all re-use rather than recycle? For full report Click here

Difficult to get around Felbridge?

Email from website to Buses 4U. "As we have no bus service along the A264 Copthorne Road from the Dukes Head roundabout to the junction with Crawley Down Road Felbridge, is this a service residents can call upon- i.e. to and from Felbridge to East Grinstead.We have looked at www.buses4u.org.uk and there doesn’t appear to be a regular service listed in our area? If not, how can we get it up and running?" Response received: Thank you for your e-mail. Our Buses 4U services operate on a demand–responsive basis (similar to a dial-a-ride), so we have no fixed timetables.....Click here for full email

Felbridge Nurseries Planning Application

An application for 18 dwellings has been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council. See FPC Nov 2008 minutes.

Important Neighbourhood Alert!

We have just been informed (Thurs 13th Nov) that a suspicious looking character, male, swarthy ,about 35 years old, has been knocking on doors in Rowplatt Lane wanting to buy antiques. Please be careful, keep your eyes open and warn neighbours . The police have been alerted but if you are at all concerned please do contact them direct on 0845 125 2222

Autumn in Felbridge

Some lovely photos sent in to us of Autumn in Felbridge -- keep them coming!

Hedgecourt Lake - Outrage

We await extracts from an email from Ken Harwood on behalf of his wife Joan Harwood, FPC: "As you know the sailing club have the go ahead to build a berm. Yesterday 22nd October, Tree Surgeons turned up un-announced and promptly cordoned the road off down at the spillway with tape and their vehicle. They then proceeded to fell everything in sight. There was mayhem! Nobody could use the road, pedestrian or vehicular. Residents couldn't get out from their home and Joan and others were physically prevented from using the road. They were told by the tree people that as Crawley Mariners owned the road, they could do as they like. Joan made contact with police who attended. They told the workers they were working without permission and were told to pack their bags and go. Highways were also contacted by Joan who stated that what was happening was unlawful. The Mariners needed permission to fell the trees which they hadn't got. In addition, they needed a permit to work on the road which they didn't have. It costs £1,000 and takes six weeks to get. Highways were given the Crawley Mariner's number by Joan, who promised they would pursue the issue. As we left, the lake edge was almost denuded of all vegetation and most of the remaining trees had been felled." (Our Felweb before and after photographs show it all)

Extracts from an email to TDC from Ken Harwood 23 October "Director, Is there anything TDC can do to prevent this situation developing into a farce. Mill Lane is not as described by the Mariners," a little used country lane". It has a considerable flow of traffic in both directions throughout the day, due to Sat Navs and local traffic. For the berm to be built, the workers will need to have mechanical gear and materials on site. Where will these be put? Nobody has seen a schedule of works. Surely there must be one for work to be carried out on a highway. If the road has to be closed, isn't it incumbent upon the contractor to notify everyone in advance? Who has control of that? We can't have the road blocked as it's an access to houses and the farms. The horse riders from Churchill Stud use the lane all throughout the day to bring horses up to the main road to go over to The Gulledge for galloping".

The berm will be about 3ft - made from concrete sandbags and a bank of soil -- not very strong and not very fetching! We have emailed The Sailing Club for a response

Would you like to become a Brownie Helper?

Oct 2008. 1st Felbridge (St John's) Brownies are looking for new helpers. They are a large, busy , friendly and outgoing group of brownies aged 7 - 10 years. If you think you could help as a one off to share a new skill or to help each week, please contact Louise Tucker (Brown Owl) on 01342 317283 or felbridge_rbg@hotmail.co.uk