News

20th July 2024

Walk at Whitmoor Common

 

The walk at Whitmoor Common took us across the common via the boardwalk past Yew Tree Cottage, once owned by the Prime Minister Lloyd George, and on to St Mary the Virgin, the parish church of Worplesdon, which dates back to the Norman period. There we were given a guided tour of the church which included some wonderful examples of stained glass including the marital coat of arms of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII – although why it is there is apparently a complete mystery. We then travelled on to the Sime Gallery where we were able to see a number of original oil paintings by the famous Victorian artist and illustrator Sydney Sime who lived in Worplesdon for many years and was clearly heavily influenced by William Blake. The next walk will take us along the Wey Navigation and includes a cream tea at the Village Hall.

6th July 2024

Summer Barbeque at the Cordingley's

 

Mercifully the rain held off for the annual AMEN/AWIT Summer BBQ at the Cordingleys. Some of us watched England limp through to the next round on penalties – so frustrating when we seem to have such an abundance of talented players. Winning is important I know - but we want to win in style. Anyway, it was amusing to watch the male population gather around the coals taking charge of the barbeque.  What is it about men and barbeques? – maybe it’s an opportunity to waggle your tongs a bit and wear a funny apron? Having said that the food was very tasty indeed so maybe they knew what they were doing. For me, what is really nice about these occasions is meeting up with new neighbours who have cast up on the shores of Abbotswood and hearing their stories – and also just relaxing with old friends and chewing the cud – or maybe I’m just getting old. As usual, Nick and Sarah put on a fantastic evening – so a big thankyou to the Cordingleys for putting up with us all and a special thank you to their lovely poodle doggy thingy for keeping us all entertained.

6th July 2024

Walk at Painshill Park

 

As part of the series of this year’s Summer Walks, a group of local residents visited Painshill Park on Saturday. Painshill Park near Cobham is a very fine example of an 18th Century landscape garden in the picturesque style featuring an impressive array of lakes and follies including the Temple of Bacchus, the Turkish Tent and the Crystal Grotto. It was created by Charles Hamilton in the early part of the 18th century following a trip to Italy on the Grand Tour. His creation was among the earliest to reflect the changing fashion in garden design prompted by the Landscape Movement which started in England in about 1730. Many of the trees and shrubs planted by Hamilton were sent to him from Philadelphia by the naturalist John Bartram. The garden was visited by many well-known figures including William Gilpin, pioneer of the Picturesque Movement; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams future presidents of America; and Prince Albert and Queen Victoria when they were staying at nearby Clermont in the1840’s. Then as now, there was a particular route to be taken around the park, designed to bring the visitor upon the successive views with best effect.

29th June 2024

Walk at Frensham Little Pond

 

A group of local residents enjoyed a walk at Frensham Little Pond on Saturday in the sunshine. Few were aware that Frensham Common was originally owned by the church and that the two ponds were created in the 13th century to provide fish for the Bishop of Winchester when he visited Farnham Castle. After the dissolution of the monasteries, Frensham Common fell into private hands and was eventually given to the National Trust in 1919 by the Robertson family in memory of two of their sons who were killed in the First World War. An obelisk built in memory of the two brothers still stands overlooking the great pond. In the Second World War the ponds were drained fearing they might serve as a navigational aid to the bombers. Over time, these ponds have become a sanctuary for wildlife and a place for recreation and today they are a popular spot for activities such as walking, sailing, bird watching and angling.

2nd June 2024

Summer Walks

 

These walks are organised for the residents of Burpham and are free. If you are interested in coming on any of these walks, please contact Sue Hackman on sue.hackman1@gmail.com

 

 

Chilworth Powder Mills. Saturday 15 June

This is an easy walk along the ruins of an old gunpowder factory strung along the Tillingbourne river. At each stop, we will learn about the stages of gunpowder production as it progressed along the line of buildings, getting riskier at each stage.

Frensham Ponds. Saturday 29 June

A circular walk around Frensham Little Pond including lovely views over Frensham Great Pond and a visit to the Robertson memorial and Lowicks, a beautiful weekend cottage designed by Voysey. Niels Laub will guide us on our way.

Painshill Park. Saturday 6 July

Enjoy the glorious 18th Century gardens of Painshill Park in Cobham including follies such as the Crystal Grotto, the Ruined Abbey and the Greek Temple. Entry is £10 each if we go as a group. Andrew Plumridge, an expert on follies, will be our guide.

Whitmoor Common. Saturday 20 July

A walk over the sandy heath of Whitmoor Common taking in the boardwalk and the woodland house once owned by Prime Minister Lloyd George and then visit the romantic graveyard of St Mary’s church on the edge of the common. Walk will be led by Sue Hackman.

The Wey Navigation. Saturday 27 July

A walk along England’s oldest canal - the Wey Navigation - passing England’s first lock then on to Stoke Mill, now the home of the Surrey Advertiser, but previously a corn mill, where we will be taken on a rare tour of the building. Walk will be led by Niels Laub.