Compton Village—Past & Present
If you have ever wondered who lived in your house or street, what they or your neighbours of yesteryear or indeed what Compton itself might have looked like fifty, one hundred, or one hundred and fifty years ago, then you will hopefully enjoy this new book, Compton Village—Past & Present.
The book was written by past-resident and Chairman of the Parish Council, Fiona Curtis. Thanks to contributions by more than fifty residents, it has everything from old photos to newspaper cuttings, anecdotes, and several private collections. The village is rich in history, and this great quality, fully illustrated A4 hardback book covers a wide range of topics from people to houses, events, and changes, from the famous to the infamous and all in between. Some images are unlikely to have been seen before (several were sent from relatives of former residents, who are now living in the USA)!
The impact of war and unusual incidents are presented alongside events that take place today. Who knows, you might even be in it!
The book will retail at £25 and will be available to buy at Watts Gallery. Residents can however purchase it for £20 at the BOOK LAUNCH on October 11th at the Compton Club [6.00pm-9.00pm], thanks to a discount provided by the Compton Village Association (CVA).
If you are unable to attend the launch and wish to buy the book, you can do so by contacting: David Hunt david.hunt0808@gmail.com or Jane Turner janewturner@mac.com
Payment will be cash on collection or pay the Compton Village Association online; Sort Code 30-93-49, Account No. 00115047 using the reference BOOK. The cost will be £25 plus £5.50 for tracked postage and packing or £20 for Compton residents (address will be required to obtain the discount). Further details about this exciting project can be found on www.compton-village-history-book.com
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Building
The construction of a new Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice building for people in Surrey and Hampshire moves one step closer as the charity’s “Your New Hospice Appeal” hits a major £5 million fundraising milestone. There is the final £1 million left to raise to reach the £6 million appeal target, to complete this vital project. The new facility will replace the old Hospice in Farnham, which was no longer fit for purpose, nor able to cope with the increasing demand for palliative care in the local area, which is being driven by an ageing population and the pressures facing the NHS. The new Hospice will include wellbeing and therapy suites, consulting rooms and a specialist 18-bed In-Patient Unit. Donations large and small are urgently needed to finish building this much-needed Hospice, which has not received NHS funding. To get in-volved or to find out more information please visit www.pth.org.uk/newhospice. Phyllis Tuckwell is seeking volunteer retail drivers and drivers’ mates to help move stock between its shops and warehouses, located throughout its catchment area of west Surrey and north-east Hampshire. It’s a physical role, with a lot of lifting and carrying involved. In addition to being fit and healthy, drivers must also hold a full driving licence. Volunteers will be given introductory and ongoing training, including manual handling training. To find out more about this rewarding role, please contact Phyllis Tuckwell’s Voluntary Services team on 01252 729400 or email voluntary.services@pth.org.uk.
Compo drivers needed.
Compo needs drivers. The weekly shopping service to Godalming aboard Compo is a vital community resource that relies on the generosity and commitment of volunteers. The service provides a much-needed connection for those who may otherwise find it difficult to access essential goods. If you have the availability on a Tuesday morning approximately once a month to drive the bus, thus contributing to this valuable service, contact Jon Maslin at j_maslin@hotmail.com or Richard Paxton at paxtonrichard@gmail.com.
Playpark Refurbishments
Playpark refurbishments on Spiceall are complete. There is now a zip wire, a multiplay unit, for young children, and an accessible ‘rock and bowl’. There will be an official opening of the playpark on Thursday 3 October at 5.30pm, which will be attended by the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Sallie Barker. Refreshments, including “bubbly”, will be provided by Nick and Charlotte Wyschna (of Guildford Fringe and The Fallen Angel bar).
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Tuesday 8 October at 7pm, in Pucks Oak Barn.
Compton Traffic Calming
Compton is not a candidate for average speed cameras, according to Surrey Highways and Transport and Surrey Police.
Despite three very recent accidents in the village, numerous serious accidents in the last few years and countless other dangerous driving incidents recounted by residents, average speed
cameras will only be used as a “last resort”, Surrey Highways and Transport told the Parish Council in an email dated 27 August. Despite clear evidence that average speed cameras are the
most effective way to reduce speeding through rural villages, the approach will be to implement “traffic-calming” measures. Surrey Police told Compton NEWS “the permanent installation of speed cameras would only be considered once other alternative engineering highway improvements have been explored, which Surrey County Council will lead on”.
WELCOME PACK FOR NEWCOMERS TO COMPTON
At last, the Welcome Pack, published by Compton Village Association, has been updated by Jane Turner and over 30 copies have been sent out to people who requested one or who have recently moved into the village.
“Recently” means within the last 5-7 years, or even if you’ve been in the village a long time but would simply like to be reminded of what we offer. It’s full of information about organisations, societies, venues for hire, history and a lot more. The Welcome Pack is FREE. If you would like a copy, contact Jane Turner on 07763 146448, janewturner@mac.com.
Harrow Pub Development
A revised application has been filed with Guildford Borough Council’s planning department for the Harrow redevelopment. It can be viewed at https://publicaccess.guildford.gov.uk/online-applications/, using the reference 24/P/00449 (Change of use of building together with extensions and alterations following partial demolition to provide 5 dwellings with associated amenity space and car parking. The Harrow Inn, The Street, Compton, Guildford, GU3 1EG). The deadline for comments and objections is Friday 3 May and a minimum of 20 is required for the revised development application to go to a planning committee decision.
Compton Phone Box
Compton Phone Box’s festive inspiration is “Food Glorious Food”, with pudding, mince pies, turkey drumsticks and sprouts. It runs until 6 January and is in aid of Crisis at Christmas. To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/c-sharples-1702038646881. Thanks to Hans Christmas Andersen for trees, All for Love London for decorations and Sarah Louise Dix Upholstery in Farncombe for the fabric and materials to make the giant mince pies.
After the decommissioning of the telephone box by BT, Compton residents wondered what to do with it. It was agreed that it should remain where it was as it was part of the village scene, but sadly it was rusty and the glass was either broken or replaced by plastic.
An anonymous benefactor assisted the Parish Council in covering the costs of repairing the box and Cllr Chris Sharples and another anonymous helper went about restoring the box.
Its central position made it a great place to advertise the village's support for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This was followed by Armistice Day when it stood as a prominent act of remembrance.
Later it sported a gold cup for the World Cup and latterly it bore a kilt and matching headwear for Burns Night and beautiful Chinese Lanterns for the Chinese New Year.
Spring saw a beautiful array of purple both inside and outside the box to raise awareness of The Meath and the common, but often stigmatised problem of epilepsy. This was followed by a nod to our Dutch neighbours and friends, one of whom provided initial funding and motivation to cheer up the phone box when it was looking rather derelict.
Compton residents love the various incarnations and Cllr Chris Sharples will hopefully go onto surprise us with future transformations, which not only entertain residents, but also bring a smile to the users of the B3000.
