Oil Exploration in the Surrey Hills

By on 27 March, 2017   /   latest news  

Pat Smith of Brockham Oil Watch (BOW) writes:

Oil exploration and drilling in the Weald is changing and this has huge implications for cyclists.  Recently passed plans for Leith Hill involve extensive movements of huge lorries along Coldharbour Lane (from the village of Coldharbour to Dorking) which is narrow and constantly used by cyclists. The road surface is fragile to start with and will probably not be repaired until the 18 weeks of exploration finishes.
BOW is a non-political group of concerned local people who want to raise awareness of the implications of the changing face of oil developments in this area.  We are increasingly worried about loopholes in regulations and this has received a lot of media attention. 2 BBC News items / front page of The Times / article in The Independent / current edition of Private Eye (p11).
We are holding an event on Easter Sunday: come along to Brockham Oil Watch’s ‘All About Oil’ on Easter Sunday April 16th, 2.00 – 4.30 at the Village Hall, RH3 7JJ. Find out more about controversial drilling proposals near Brockham and Leith Hill and discover the wider picture about oil-drilling in the Weald and how it will affect cyclists. Knowledgeable speakers, stalls, activities and videos to watch. Then relax at the first of Brockham’s famous Teas on the Green with delicious cakes and treats in aid of Children with Cancer UK.
Feel free to phone me on 07867558284 if you have any questions.
Editor’s note: see also: http://www.surreycommunity.info/lhag/ regarding the Leith Hill Action Group. Here’s an article from a recent edition of MBR: http://www.mbr.co.uk/news/trail_news/surrey-hills-under-threat-from-oil-drilling-353179
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This weekend’s events

By on 16 March, 2017   /   latest news  

I hope you are all now well prepared for a strenuous weekend.

On Saturday it is the Phil Hampton Memorial Ride, organised by North Hampshire CTC, starting in Medstead at 10am.  Phil lived in Farnborough, was a keen member of Audax UK, and often rode with us, being a key member of the WSDA team that was highly placed in the CTC’s DAs’ Touring Competition:  9th in 1989, 2nd in 1990 and winners in 1991-3.  Sadly, Phil was killed in 2002 by a lorry driver who was under the influence of drugs.  The entry fee for this ride in his memory is a donation of at least £5 to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund.  There is a choice of routes, 30 or 50 miles, see http://nhampshirectc.org.uk/phil-hampton-memorial-ride/.  I am planning to do the 50, which ranges over the scenic Hampshire lanes to the south, out to Bishops Waltham and Hambledon.  A treat!

On Sunday we have our own ‘Bicycle Icycle’, starting from Mark’s house in Godalming at 9.30.  Slightly shorter, but a bit more climbing.  Details from our events page:  http://westsurreyctc.co.uk/rides-and-events/cycling-events/.  Two treats in a single weekend.  Wow!

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Annual Dinner 4 March

By on 13 February, 2017   /   latest news  
The annual dinner and awards presentation will take place in just over two weeks, and this is the final reminder to book your places if you have not already done so, taking advantage of the subsidy which has been made available by the Club.  Simply e-mail me (johnmatsouthview@btinternet.com) with your menu choices by this coming weekend; see the Latest News Post of 5 December, and Blog Post of 3 December, for further details, including menu.
John
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Ride Cancellations – Sunday 15 January

By on 14 January, 2017   /   latest news  
In view of the weather forecast for tomorrow, Sunday 15th January (heavy rain after a cold night), the planned rides  for both the Guildford and Godalming Wayfarers and the Woking Sunday Riders have been cancelled.
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Paul Holmes

By on 8 December, 2016   /   latest news  

paul-holmes-with-group

Helen Juden writes:
We are very sorry to report that Paul Holmes passed away on 8 December from the effects of a brain tumour.
Paul started cycling with Notts CTC in the 1970s and even as a schoolboy was known for his affection for a traditional style of riding, loving the simplicity of fixed wheel.
Later he studied economics at Durham University, where he was a contemporary of Kevin Mayne, former CTC Director.
Paul moved to Surrey and took up a teaching post at Godalming College. He rode with the Hardriders and was fond of exploring the UK by bike, staying in Youth Hostels.
Approaching retirement, Paul was looking forward to becoming a volunteer seasonal Youth Hostel warden. Sadly, his plans were thwarted by the incidental discovery of a brain tumour affecting his balance. After surgery he experienced some improvement and was able to meet up with one or two rides, before his final illness.
We send our condolences to his wife, Sue, and daughters Chloe and Lizzie.
The funeral is at 12 noon on Friday 23 December at the South Downs Natural Burial Ground at the Sustainability Centre, East Meon, and afterwards at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, Hindhead.
Picture: Paul meeting the Sunday Riders at Kirdford in July 2016
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