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Government Housing Officials Visit Hambledon Affordable Homes Site

Hambledon Parish Council hosted a visit by 20 civil servants from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who arrived in the village to look at the Orchard Farm affordable homes project.

The officials are part of the government’s housing team with responsibility for affordable housing strategy. They left their offices in Whitehall to see three schemes being run by English Rural Housing in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Hambledon, Dunsfold and Chiddingfold.

These picturesque villages, in beautiful countryside and with good schools and transport links, are highly desirable and, consequently, house prices are high – on average 34 per cent more expensive than in surrounding areas and almost 23 times the average household income, according to recent figures published by English Rural.

This means that many local people struggle to afford to get onto the housing ladder. English Rural, a housing association whose patron is The Princess Royal, works with local councils and communities to provide homes at lower than market rent or part-ownership in rural areas.

In Hambledon it built Duncombs Cottages on Hambledon Road, Hydestile, which were opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2003. Now it is working with Waverley Borough Council and Hambledon Parish Council to build seven affordable homes and two open market bungalows at Orchard Farm, a disused livery yard between Wormley Lane and Petworth Road.

The civil servants were escorted by officials of English Rural and, in Hambledon, were met by parish council chairman John Anderson and vice chairman Stewart Payne, who explained the background to the scheme, the pitfalls along the way, and the overall support of the village for a small development of affordable homes for local people.

Work has yet to start on the site, so the civil servants were shown the empty farmhouse, which is to be renovated and sold on the open market, and the abandoned buildings that will make way for the new homes.

Nick Hughes, who is leading the scheme on behalf of English Rural, showed plans and drawings and explained the various issues that the scheme encountered before finally being approved by Waverley Council in November last year.

The visit, which took place on January 29th, was welcomed by John Anderson as an opportunity to explain the many difficulties that the parish council faced in helping to deliver a scheme that most villagers had welcomed, but some had opposed vociferously. Legitimate concerns by some residents had to be balanced against the benefits the scheme delivered.

Commenting on the visit, English Rural’s Chief Executive, Martin Collett, said he was pleased “to welcome representatives from the Ministry of Housing to show the affordable homes we have built and are developing in the villages of Hambledon, Dunsfold and Chiddingfold.

He said the visit focused on how parish councils and local; authorities can work effectively with rural housing associations to form strong partnerships that ultimately benefit local residents. “This has a positive impact on their own circumstances and the wider community”, he said. More information can be found here: https://englishrural.org.uk/ministry-of-housing-team-view-affordable-rural-homes-in-surrey/

 

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Meet your Borough Councillors – Surgery on 22nd February

Waverley Borough Councillors, Jan Floyd-Douglass and Trevor Sadler are jointly hosting a surgery at Hambledon Parish Church’s church room on Saturday 22nd February from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is an excellent opportunity for villagers to meet Councillors who represent them at borough level where they can discuss concerns, or simply go along to introduce themselves.

Cllr Floyd-Douglass says the following:
“We are holding our first ward ‘surgery’ between 10.30am-12.30 at Hambledon Village Church Hall. Please come and talk to us about any matters specifically affecting Hambledon residents or more widely, the Borough”.

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London’s West End Comes To Hambledon – Saturday March 7th, 8pm

After a sell out run at The Guildford Fringe Festival, Olivier Award Nominee Elinor Collett & West End regular (and Hambledon resident) Joanna Kirkland bring their cabaret “Back To Before” to Hambledon Village Hall.

Best friends Ellie and Jo met in the West End working on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman In White.

They went on to star in many West End shows including Les Mis, Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Parade, The Witches of Eastwick, Showboat and The Pirates of Penzance.

1 blind date, 2 weddings, 3 dogs, 5 children and 15 years later they come together to celebrate and sing the last 15 years of friendship, love and musical theatre.

Tickets at £12 each are available now at the Village Shop and on line at backtobefore.hambledonfestival.co.uk.

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Update! – Hambledon Midsummer Festival 2020

It’s been a busy month….

The Midsummer Ball – Saturday 20th June

Tables for the Midsummer Ball sold out in minutes. Extra space has been added to accommodate more tables and we hope that, when the dust settles, calm will once more descend on the village. Please note that full payment for tables should be made by 31st March.

Jazz On The Green – Friday 19th June

Tickets are selling fast for Jazz On The Green, they are available for purchase on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk. Adult tickets are £15 each and tickets for under 16 year olds are free.

NEW! Theatre On The Green – Sunday 21st June

A lovely way to end the weekend. Sherlock Holmes – light hearted open-air theatre for the whole family. Sunday afternoon 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson through their paces as they tackle their most fiendish case yet in this delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages featuring live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at.

Tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s are on sale now at hambledonfestival.co.uk.

Classic Transport Rally – Sunday 21st June

Once again the Classic Transport Rally will be taking place on the morning of Sunday 21st June. Starting at Hambledon Village Shop, then following a (pot-hole free) scenic route finishing at The Merry Harriers. If you’d like to participate please email rally@hambledonsurrey.co.uk.

The Midsummer Festival – Public Meeting Tuesday 4th February

The first public meeting for the many people involved in the Festival will be held at the Village Hall at 7:30pm on Tuesday February 4th. If you would like to help out in any way, please come along. We’re looking for helpers for the entire weekend, but particularly for Jazz On The Green and the fete.

Show Me the Money

As well as benefiting various Village organisations, the proceeds for the weekend will also benefit the following charities: Cancer Research, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Leonard Cheshire Homes.

Anything else…..

If you’d like to contact the organising committee please email hamblefest@hambledonsurrey.co.uk.

In particular if you would like to have a stall at the fete, can offer a prize for the prize draw/auction or are interested in sponsoring the weekend in any way.

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Hambledon Nursery School is “Outstanding”…Again

Hambledon Nursery School has entered 2020 in a mood of celebration after receiving an “Outstanding” grading following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Kate Walford, the head teacher, said that she, her staff and parents were all delighted with the news. The school, at Rock Hill, was judged Outstanding in all four categories; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

She said: “I feel so very proud of the team of fantastic individuals with whom I have the pleasure of working with. This outcome is only achieved with the collective hard work, drive, passion and commitment of all staff members.” Kate, front row in green jacket, is pictured below with her staff.

The report is extremely complimentary about all areas of school life. It can be found here:

https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50138477

Ofsted – the Office for Standards in Education – is a non-ministerial body that carries out official inspections and regulation of schools and other places of learning. After visiting a school, usually with very little notice, it then issues it with a grade: 1. Inadequate, 2. Requires Improving, 3. Good and 4. Outstanding.

The nursery school was last inspected in 2014, when it was also given an “Outstanding” rating.

In summary, the latest report, carried out in December, said:

* The head teacher and her extremely enthusiastic staff succeed in achieving their strong ethos, which they describe as providing a highly stimulating environment ‘where skills to last a lifetime are taught and lifelong memories are made.’

* Children demonstrate exceptionally high levels of confidence and security in the setting.

* Children have immense fun as they learn. They behave impeccably.

* Staff demonstrate exemplary teaching skills through which they provide children with wonderful opportunities to use critical thinking skills and to extend their thoughts

* Staff have an extensive understanding of each child, their interests, abilities, cultures and backgrounds. They ensure every child has the best possible opportunities to meet their full potential.

Kate added: “The level of support from the parents was overwhelming. Their positive feedback and testimonials, shared with the inspector on the day of the inspection, was mentioned as being especially unique to the nursery when she delivered her feedback.

“We are very lucky to work with such inspiring young people and their families and we will continue to strive to provide the very best possible early years’ environment that we can as we look to the future and continue with the very important task each day at the nursery…. of having plenty of fun!

  • The school was originally the village state primary school. When it closed in the 1980s residents were determined to see it remain at the heart of the community as a place of learning.  A campaign led to the acquisition of the Victorian school house complete with playground and its reopening as a nursery school run as a business by a charitable trust. It caters for children aged 2 to 5 and retains its strong links with the village, the church and the parish council.
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Tomorrow at Badger Park

Hambledon Reserves welcome Cranleigh Reserves to Badger Park for a 2pm KO tomorrow. This is a cup match in group B for the Cyril West Trophy. The Dons have one win from one so far and are looking to have one foot in the quarter finals with a win tomorrow.

The pitch has held up with all the rain so come down and support the lads. The clubhouse will be open serving drinks and hot dogs.

Come On You Dons

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It’s The Hambledon Film Night! Showing ‘Yesterday’ on Saturday, January 18th

Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle joins celebrated screenwriter Richard Curtis for a new comedy starring Lily James, Himesh Patel and Kate McKinnon.

After a freak accident during a global blackout, aspiring musician Danny wakes up to discover that he is the only person in the world who remembers the Beatles……

Tickets £5 each available at the Village Shop.

Licenced bar, cake and popcorn!

Doors open 7.30pm Saturday, film starts at 8pm.

 

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Hambledon Midsummer Festival 2020

It’s that time of year again! Planning is fully underway for Hambledon Midsummer Festival Weekend, Friday 19th June – Sunday 21st June 2020.

The Midsummer Ball – Saturday 20th June

Tables for the Midsummer Ball will be available to reserve on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk from Monday 13th January 2020 at 10.30am.

Tables of 12, 10 and 6 seats will be available. To secure your chosen table you will be required to pay a non refundable deposit of £70 at the time of booking.

2020 table costs are as follows:

  • 12 seats £420
  • 10 seats £350
  • 6 seats £210

Please note there will be a limited number of tables available on a first come, first serve basis.

Individual Tickets

If you do not wish to purchase an entire table, please note there will be one village table available, for which, you will be able to purchase single tickets at a cost of £35 per ticket (only 10 single tickets available). These tickets will be on sale via The Village Shop, not online and will not be sold in bulk. Available from Monday 13th January 2020.

Jazz On The Green – Friday 19th June

Jazz On The Green will follow a similar format to two years ago – a relaxed, kid-friendly evening of music from the 17-piece Junction 4 Big Band, The Hambledon Village Shop Choir and others, accompanied by sunset and local food and drink.

Tickets are now available for purchase on-line at hambledonfestival.co.uk. Adult tickets are £15 each and tickets for under 16 year olds are free.

The Summer Fete – Saturday 20th June

The first public meeting for the many people involved in the Summer Fête will be held at the Village Hall at 7:30pm on Tuesday February 4th. If you usually help with a stall, would like to help with a stall or run a new one, or would like to help out in any way, please come along.

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Christmas Celebrated, And New Year Greetings

Hambledon’s festive celebrations concluded with community carol singing outside the village shop on Christmas Eve which an estimated 200 people attended. It just gets bigger every year!

Following on from the equally-successful carols in the Merry Harriers and the Christmas Dance at the Village Hall (see earlier news item), it was then left to St Peter Church to bring home the Christmas message with midnight communion on Christmas Eve and a Family Service on Christmas Day.

Now all that remains is New Year’s Eve. There will no doubt be many private parties around the village and the Merry Harriers has live music and a buffet, beginning at 9pm and going on until 1am. Midnight will be celebrated with complimentary bubbly.

Finally, from all of us at the Hambledon Village Web Team, we wish you the very best for 2020.

We leave you with some photographs taken by David Edmiston of the Village Shop carols and our thanks to all those who organised and participated in a wonderful Christmas community gathering.

 

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Presidents Cup

Tomorrow at Badger Park sees the First team take on the Reserves for the Presidents Cup, kicking off at 12pm. We would love to see you down to the support the lads and the bar will be open. Unfortunately this will be the first year without Mick Coleman as our President. With his son Tim Coleman filling the big man’s shoes.

Come down and raise a glass to Mick and enjoy a cracking game of football.

Come On You Dons

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Joan Hardy

Those of us who’ve lived longer than others in Hambledon will still have fond memories of Joan Hardy.  It’s now over three years since she moved to a nursing home in Ross-on-Wye, to be closer to her nephew, Phil Bancroft.  It’s one of those nursing homes that looks after people superbly and treats them like real people. 

Despite a good deal of physical and mental deterioration (not surprising, at the age of 97), Joan remains well and happy.  She enjoys her food;  recovers from whatever minor illnesess nature chooses to throw at her;  and participates in all the activities which the home offers, including opportunities  to interact with visiting children and animals – which she really enjoys.  She appreciates family visits and has just revelled in becoming a great-great-great-aunt on 2 December (do we see the Guinness Book of Records looming?).  And in spirit, she remains very strongly rooted in Hambledon.

So, from all her friends in Hambledon, “Happy Christmas and happy new year, Joan”.

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Christmas in Hambledon

Hambledon has kicked off its Christmas celebrations with a sell-out dance at the Village Hall and packed community carol singing at the Merry Harriers.

Still to come, there will be another carol singing session, this time outside the village shop on the Cricket Green, on Christmas Eve, between 12 noon and 1.30pm.

To celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, there is the midnight communion at St Peter’s Church beginning at 11pm on Christmas Eve and the Family Service on Christmas Day at 10.00am.

For parents with young children there is a Crib Service at St Peter’s at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve.

The Hambledon Christmas Dance, organised by the Festival Committee, was held at the Village Hall on Saturday December 14th, with a licenced bar and a counter selling local Vann Lane gin. Once again music was provided by Toxic Sausage, featuring Hambledon’s own Mike Blanchard on keyboard.

Just over 100 tickets were sold and £1,500 raised. Of this, £750 will go to Cancer Research and £375 each to the Village Hall and the community-run village shop.

On Tuesday evening (December 17th) the Merry Harriers resounded to carols with musical accompaniment from the church and with Hambledon’s recently-arrived vicar, Simon Willetts, on the keyboard.

 

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Welcome To The New Team At The Merry Harriers

The Merry Harriers has a new general manager and head chef as Jake Andreou and David Totterdell take up their appointments at Hambledon’s 16th Century pub.

They arrived in mid-November and have been warmly welcomed to the village by staff and regulars. Together they have set about introducing new menu ideas and working to expand the appeal of the accommodation while maintaining the pub as a traditional “local”.

By coincidence, both are from Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire, although they only met on being appointed to their new jobs by Peter and Lana de Savary, owners of the Merry Harriers.

Jake, 26, is already a familiar face in the bar and restaurant area, introducing himself to regular customers and getting to know the village. David, inevitably, is seen less as he leads his small team in the kitchen. But his changes to the menu have already been favourably received.

Jake, pictured left above, said: “We are working together on many aspects of the pub. As far as food is concerned, we are trying out various ideas with traditional pub food and some interesting specials, including vegetarian and vegan options. We have changed suppliers and now have daily deliveries of locally-sourced meat and vegetables.

“Our plan is to have a fairly small, quality, seasonal menu changing every few months as well as specials. We hope to have evenings set aside for locals to sample the menus and let us know what they think”.

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