Hambledon Parish Council has prepared and submitted a detailed response to the proposal by South Western Railway to halve train services from Milford and Witley stations.

SWT has conducted a public consultation on the changes it wishes to bring into operation when it introduces a new timetable in December this year.

https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables/timetable-consultation-december-2022

The new timetable, if implemented, would see a significant reduction in peak time services from the two nearest stations to Hambledon – Milford and Witley – used by many residents to commute to work, to schools and for services not available in our village location, such as surgeries, hospitals and large shops and supermarkets.

The response, prepared by Councillor Robin McKeith, challenges the presentation of data by SWT, examines flaws in the process and points out that a significant reduction in services will cause over-crowding, force more cars on to the road and is not in line with Government policy to encourage train use.

Local MP Jeremy Hunt was sent a copy of the parish council response. He described it as “brilliant” and said he plans to quote from it in his weekly update of constituency matters.

The response can be found on the Document Library of the Parish Council on this website, or here:

Hambledon Parish Council has co-opted Jude Milan to join its ranks after a very close-run selection process that saw three excellent candidates put their names forward.

A vacancy occurred following the retirement of John Anderson, who was a councillor for 38 years, the last 17 as chairman.

As no scheduled elections are due until May 2023, and there was no formal call for a by-election, the parish council was authorised to fill the vacancy by co-option and duly advertised the process in the parish magazine, on this website and on parish noticeboards.

The three candidates wrote, as requested, a brief submission and these were considered by the council at its meeting on September 7^th. Councillors decided that all three were suited to the role and had excellent credentials. With little to choose between them, the council followed advice from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the body that represents the interests of town and parish councils, and conducted individual, face-to-face informal interviews.

One candidate withdrew at this stage, leaving Jude Milan, from Paddock Close, and Graeme Guthrie from Warren Lane. Both were interviewed at the village hall on September 14^th, and it was clear that both were keen to work in the best interest of the village and had previous experience in areas of life that ideally prepared them for the role.

The Cricket Club won the earlier fixture this season between these two teams, taking the Mary Caroe Cup by 1 run. On Sunday 12 Sept at 1pm the two teams meet again in what should be an entertaining match. Come along and watch, bring a picnic and a blanket, the club bar will be open and the Village Shop is open until 3pm with suitable refreshments available.

There is one week left for villagers to put themselves forward to be considered for co-option onto Hambledon Parish Council.

There is a vacancy caused by a resignation and, as local elections are not due until May 2023 and there has been no formal call for a by-election, the vacancy must be filled by co-option.

Parish councillors are unpaid, non-political and their role is to serve the community at the grassroots level of local democracy.

If you feel you have something to give to the village, then please consider putting you name forward. Meetings are held once a month at which consideration is given to planning applications, support for community organisations and to address any issues of local concern.

Further details can be found here: http://www.hambledonsurrey.co.uk/?p=15075#more-15075

When the dust settles from the Hambledon Fete there is Jo Kirkland and David Kirby’s music festival “Rejoice the Voice” to look forward to next Saturday September 4th 12-10pm. A festival in a day with all proceeds going to MND and Alzheimers. Tickets available in advance only at thelittleboxoffice.com/rejoicethevoice.
With three stages including a Main Stage, Woodland Stage and Grotto Stage it promises to be a day full of music to suit all tastes, plus delicious locally produced food and drink including our very own Vann Lane Gin. Please do buy tickets, support the charities and this fabulous one off local venture.

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Raffle tickets for the Village Fete prize draw on Saturday 28th August are now available in the Village Shop. £1 a ticket or £5 for a book of tickets if you’re paying by card. Tickets will also be sold on the day with the draw being made at the end off the fete and the beginning of the Shop BBQ at 5pm.

Lots of great prizes:

• 2 nights B&B at The Merry Harriers
• 2 tickets for the 4th day of England v India in the Oval Test Match
• A handmade bracelet made by local artist Carol Ann Dickson
• £50 Waitrose Voucher
• A Hambledon Village Shop hamper
• 2 tour-for-two vouchers for Hog’s Back Brewery
• A voucher for a fitness class with Carron Wellings
• A Gin tour and tasting at The Village Spirit Collective Distillery
• A handmade Silver Bubble Necklace Pendant from Jewelled
• A handmade pot from Froyle Tiles
• A late Summer Posy from Cherfold Flowers
• An electric bike tour for 2 with Surrey Hills Cycle Hire
• A case of 6 wines kindly donated by Stuart and Ursula Cook

It finally looks like we have some settled weather, just in time. Next weekends festivities kick off with the Village fete starting at 2:30pm on Saturday, the Village Show goes on during the same afternoon, followed by the Shop BBQ at 5:00pm and on Sunday the Church service will take place on the Cricket Green.

Fete preparations are ongoing, we could do with more cakes for the cake stall and bottles for the hoopla, if anyone can offer either, please drop them in at the Village Shop.
Prize draw tickets are now on sale at the Shop, lots of excellent prizes, £1 a ticket.