Mr Dowdeswell
News has come this last week of the death of Mr Victor Dowdeswell, known as Mr D to older villagers. Mr D was the chemist for some years at the shop on the A217. He was very interested in the village, while he lived here. He was a very keen supporter of the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the shop used to collect foil for this charity, with much support from villagers. He was also a very keen walker and loved the countryside around the village. He acted as manager for Mr Monk, and was there when the shop sadly closed in the middle of the 1980's. He was nearly 96 when he died on May 7th. His funeral took place in Guildford on May 22nd.
Village AGM's
The AGM of the Village Trust took place on the evening of Tuesday May 21st at the Church Hall. The Chairman Robin Hollington welcomed villagers to the meeting. He gave out apologies from three members of the committee. The minutes were read from 2012 and approved. Mr Hollington gave his report on the work of the committee for the past year, and gave news of grants given to the various organisations through 2012. The Treasurers report was given. The committee was re-elected en bloc, and consists of Robin Hollington (Chairman), Gill Utting (Secretary), Alison Knibbs (Treasurer), Jill Gunn and Diana Parfitt. The meeting was then closed.
The Residents AGM then followed this meeting, with Residents Chairman welcoming all to the meeting. After the usual opening business was completed, Mr Patel gave his report. He thanked all his committee for their work through the year, and also thanked Mr Michael Gosling for his work for Lower Kingswood, as he now no longer represents the village at SCC as a result of the boundary changes. He then welcomed the new SCC Mr Bob Gardiner to the meeting. The election of the committee was held, and Mr Patel agreed to act as Chairman again, and again all the committee were re-elected en bloc. The police representative PC Kelly Houghton, gave a report on matters arising in the village. The main worry being vehicle crime, although there have been some other crimes including burglaries. PC Houghton explained that she does walk around the village often. She will also be at the Councillors meeting on Saturday June 22nd, when any villagers with concerns can come along. The time is 11am-12noon at the Church Hall. Reports were given by Councillors Joan Spiers, Ros Mills, Simon Parnell, SCC Bob Gardiner, and Michael Gosling. There were some questions taken from the floor by the councillors who then had to go onto another meeting. David Patel thanked all for attending and closed the meeting.
Family Evening Service
The Family evening service will take place on Sunday June 2nd. Starting at 7pm with refreshments and followed at 7.30pm until 8.30pm. This is led by members of the Youth Fellowship, and includes an informal communion service.