Newsletter ~ May 2004
You will see below that Bruce Andrews – our Past President – is retiring as Manager of the Swan Centre. The Board of the Chamber of Commerce wishes Bruce a long and happy retirement. However we still look forward to him continuing his role on the Chamber Board where his wide experience and knowledge of what goes on in Leatherhead provides valuable input to the Board's activities.
Leatherhead and District is clearly "on the up!" The recent successful drama festival, the opening of the new hotel and the arrival of yet more businesses in the town show that we have a vibrant and confident business and trading community – long may this continue.
John Howarth, Chamber President
… Bruce Andrews ~ Immediate
Past President and Swan Centre Manager
As a Centre Manager you get the opportunity to meet a lot of people from all walks of life and the job is not without a humorous side. One incident I remember very well is the day we received a phone call from a very distressed lady standing on the banks of a Loch in Scotland informing us of a swan in difficulty, and as the Swan Centre could we send someone to help or offer advice.
On a more serious note, you can become involved with all manner of things and need to be able to multi-task, since you may be dealing with a drunk or shoplifter on the one hand and an elderly lady or gentleman who has suffered a heart attack on the other. You are involved in all the day-to-day running of a shopping centre. You may be setting-up work schedules, budgeting for maintenance, organising refuse clearance, arranging marketing or dealing with security. You need to have a working knowledge of CCTV systems and you must be able to work within a small team.
This is only a very small part of a Centre Manager’s duties. As a Centre Manager you need to play an active role in the local community, attending many meetings with organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Town Centre Forum, Police and Community Partnership, Shopsafe and Mole Valley Community Safety to name but a few.
Leatherhead has seen many changes during my 18 years as Centre Manager, with many shops and businesses opening and closing, and The Centre itself being sold and refurbished.
The town now has some very nice eating places which will greatly aid the evening economy. With the exciting new shops in the town, the prospect of something happening on the old Bull Hill Hotel site and the real possibility of Argos opening a store, there will be very few gaps left – so I think the future is bright for Leatherhead and I feel that I shall be leaving Leatherhead in good hands.
So, to all the friends and work colleagues I have met and whose company I’ve enjoyed, I wish you well for the future. As I am not leaving the area, and will be involved with both the Christmas Lights and the Duck Race in August, I will still see many of you on my visits to the town.
Following my retirement on the 28thof May, Patricia Lawless – who has worked with me for nine years, so will know a good many of you already – will be taking over the reins of the Swan Shopping Centre. Patricia will be very much involved with the town and its various groups, and over a period I’m sure will get to know you all. I know you will afford her the same friendship and courtesy I have received during my time as Centre Manager.
My best wishes to you all ~ Bruce Andrews
Leatherhead Town Centre & District
… Lucy Hanson ~ Leatherhead Town Centre Manager
As you will have noticed, things in Leatherhead are changing. With new shops opening all the time, I’m sure you will agree that things are on the up!
Property News
A warm welcome to four new businesses which have opened in the town centre, namely Travelodge, Natural Beauty, Daddy’s Fish Bar and Vecchia Trattoria Italian Restaurant.
The hotel chain Travelodge opened its doors in Leatherhead on Monday 17th May, providing much needed accommodation within the town centre which will service the many offices in the surrounding area as well as the local community. Travelodge offer quality accommodation at low cost prices – everything you need for a good night’s sleep and nothing you don’t!
Recently opened Natural Beauty is located at 22 North Street (formerly Raggio) and offers Beauty therapies such as facials, different types of massage, tanning, manicures and pedicures.
Daddy’s Fish Bar opened its doors on 7th May and can be found at 46a High Street (former offices for e-personnel). Daddy’s provides take-away fish and chips as well as the usual favourites of chicken, burgers and sausages to name but a few.
Vecchia Trattoria, located at 24 High Street, opens for business on 1st June. The restaurant will offer traditional Italian cuisine and will be open from 11am – 11pm from Monday to Sunday.
Congratulations to Chamber Member ‘Soulinnis’ who celebrated their first birthday on 24th May.
Barclays Bank is undergoing a major refurbishment at the moment, which includes many alterations to make the branch more accessible for its customers as well as a change in décor. Alterations include a new entrance to the bank with level access and automatic doors, low level counters and a new interview room. The works are due to be completed next week and we look forward to seeing the results.
Watch this space for more announcements on new shops opening shortly.
Leatherhead Directory
Work is continuing on the new Leatherhead Directory for 2004/05, with a Royal Mail delivery deadline of 14th June. The Directory will be delivered to 30,000 households in the surrounding area and will be distributed throughout the town. So look out for your copy!
Leatherhead Farmers
Market
The Farmers Market started up again in the High Street on Wednesday 26th May after a two month break and will take place monthly every fourth Wednesday from 10.00 a.m. until 2.30 p.m.
So come along and support your local farmers market. Stalls include homemade pies and cakes, free-range eggs, fresh meat including organic beef and lamb and various cheeses.
Leatherhead Drama
Festival
The Festival was a great success with the last night being sold out. Sir Michael Caine watched the two winning performances and presented awards to the winning adult and junior drama group, the best actor and actress in both the adult and junior category and the Adjudicator’s Special Award. The winning adult group were the Fetcham Players who performed ‘An Englishman Abroad’ by Alan Bennett and the winning junior group were ECH Actors who performed ‘The Dairy Farm’ based on ideas from the actors themselves and scripted by John Soffe.
River Mole Discovery
Day
A environmental day for all the family – discover the secrets of one of England’s most ecologically diverse rivers – The Mole! The event takes place on Sunday 13th June from 11.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. within the grounds of Leatherhead Leisure Centre, between the football ground and the river. The day will include story telling, river history walks, mask-making, puppet-making, falconry display and butterfly walks – and why not also try your hand at a bit of river dipping! Refreshments will also be available.
Dates for your Diary
On Saturday 21st August the Ducks will once again be returning to the River Mole! Duck racing - 7 tote races and a mass duck race – will be happening from 2.00 p.m. on the river, followed by a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Swan Centre. All proceeds from the event will go towards this year’s Christmas Festival.
A Quiz Night, also in aid of the Christmas Festival, will be taking place on Saturday 23rd October at St Mary and St Nicholas Parish Church Hall in Church Road. So if you fancy your chances then please get together a team of eight. The Quiz Night is being organised by Leatherhead Ahead. More information regarding this event will be available closer to the time.
If you would like any further information regarding any of the above or would like to find out about more events happening in the Leatherhead area please look at the website – www.visitleatherhead.com or contact me, Lucy Hanson, via Tel: 01372 363652 or Email: lucy.hanson@molevalley.gov.uk, or pop in to see me at the Help Shop, 25-29 High Street, Leatherhead.
In the early nineties the long-awaited ‘Block Exemption’ legislation from Brussels was officially introduced – but ‘BE’ didn’t mean much to anyone outside the motor vehicle industry – frankly, it meant little to most people inside the industry, being both lengthy and complicated. The legislation was fiercely resisted by the car manufacturers, and I fear that even the bureaucrats who devised BE got lost in its meaning.
My understanding is that the powers-that-be had recognised that car manufacturers exercised too much control over their franchised vehicle networks – leading to many disadvantages for the consumer.
I’m not focussing here on the way in which cars are sold by the dealers – but will concentrate instead on the business of product after-sales … i.e. servicing, maintenance and repairs … and how the BE legislation should now filter down to the advantage of independents like Motorhouse and to consumers.
The BE legislation should have been fully up, running and policed all that time ago in the early 90’s – unfortunately, however, it was not. Under the title ‘BE Phase II’, introduced in October 2003, Brussels is enforcing BE this time around.
You may have read in the press some two years ago that Mercedes GB was restructuring its network in Britain … causing uproar within the dealer network … which was followed by court action being taken by a group of them, resulting in a humiliating defeat for Daimler Chrysler. This was, though, the first sign of manufacturer acceptance that things were going to have to change.
The main advantage is that consumers are no longer obliged to take their vehicle to an authorised dealer for servicing and maintenance … and often then paying double or more the true cost for such work … in order to maintain either their standard or extended warranty for the vehicle – and this applies to both new and used car warranties. The EU Commission considered such practice to be unfair to the consumer – which, of course, it was.
For example, one local dealer charges £98.00 per hour – whilst our own charge for that particular make is half this amount ! Despite their high prices, dealers tend not to be flexible in the way that independents are – a collection & redelivery or courtesy car service is unlikely to be made available within a few days by dealers … they will usually require a few weeks !
Consumers do get a better deal from independents – the authorities know this … dealers and manufacturers know this … the independents know this … and fortunately more and more consumers are now discovering this.
[Alan Ratcliff, Proprietor – Motorhouse – 01372 377471]
STOP PRESS ! – Alan has just alerted us to the fact that the Motoring Sections in the weekend Press carried news that the major manufacturers have announced their acceptance of the new rules – including the sale of OE parts !
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to our new Members ~ we hope they enjoy the benefits of Membership, and we look forward to meeting them at future Chamber events.
Risk Consultants International
Became a Chamber Member on the 19th of April. Providing security services locally, nationally and internationally, including manned guarding, executive protection, personnel for specialist security operations and training for travel and work in dangerous areas, RCI is based at Coveham House, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3EP. For further information please contact Mr Riaan Saunders, Senior Business Consultant, on telephone: 08702 000610 or by fax and Email respectively via: 08702 000660 and pm@rcigroup.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit RCI’s website at: www.rcigroup.co.uk.
Joined the Chamber on 13th May … at the Spring Reception, no less ! … and is run by Director, Gordon Joy. GJ Communications is located at 126 Cobham Road, Fetcham, Surrey, KT22 9JS, and following 22 years in the telecoms industry offers services including: installation of new telephone systems and maintenance of old; installation of computer network cabling with hardware supplied; ways to reduce your telephone bill and line rental costs; mobile telephones and tariff comparison; audio & video conference systems; CCTV – and FREE advice. Your can get in touch with Gordon via tel: 08000 407 842 or mobile: 0796 885 4909, and by fax: 01372 209761 or Email: gordon@gjcom.co.uk.
Taking place on Wednesday 21st April, and hosted for the first time by Soulinnis, the M&M was a great success, and much enjoyed by all who attended. Members had been invited, if wished, to make a one minute presentation to the gathering … generously extended to a length of two minutes on the night by John Howarth, who kept order by employment of a small brass bell! Our thanks to all those who supported the event, and particularly to our speakers:
Angela Bigwood of DragonRidge; David Ingle of Eyes Wide Digital; Tim Macintyre of Mary Frances Trust; Mike Menni of Wing Cleaners; guest speaker Jacquie Lynam of Marie Curie Cancer Care and John Howarth of QVD Associates, following his Presidential introduction and welcome.
And warm thanks must of course go to our hard-working hosts, Susan Ephgrave and Goran Marcetic of Soulinnis, which has just celebrated its first anniversary in Leatherhead … Congratulations ! … for both the lovely venue and extremely tasty and interesting buffet they plied us with during the evening.
Eyes Wide was delighted to be invited to ‘perform’ at the Sir Michael Caine Leatherhead Drama Awards, which took place in The Theatre, Leatherhead, between the 3rd and the 8th of May. The Awards’ Final was held on Saturday the 8th, and the occasion was honoured by the presence of Sir Michael Caine, who presented the prizes to the winners in both the Junior and Senior categories for the best amateur dramatic performances of those which had taken place throughout the week.
The festival organiser, Richard Houghton, had invited Eyes Wide Digital to apply its technical know-how to the design of the Festival logos, and also to provide the advertising banners for display at the Theatre’s main entrance to promote and publicise the event. Eyes Wide was also privileged to act as official photographer for the event, recording on film both the presentation of the awards and Sir Michael and Lady Shakira Caine's visit to The Theatre … photographs which have been supplied to the press.
It was indeed a memorable night … and Leatherhead’s answer to The Oscars !
[James Ingle, Director – Eyes Wide Digital – 01737 780789 / www.eyeswidedigital.com ]
Deborah Davis, Job Club Leader at Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Training College, would like to pass on grateful thanks to fellow Chamber Member, accountant Ross Anderson of Tax Assist Direct, on behalf of several trainees who undertook “mock” interviews with Ross. This assistance is invaluable in helping our trainees prepare for the occasion when they attend interviews for real jobs.
Ross also has one of our trainees from Book-Keeping and Accounts, Jayne Noyce, helping in his office, which is an excellent way of providing working experience so that Jayne will be fully prepared for her change of career.
If you feel you can help in a similar way at any time, please contact Deborah on: 01372 841163, or Angela Honeywood on: 01372 841136.
Taking place in The Salon at Fetcham Park House from 7.30 p.m. on 13th May, the Spring Reception was a real success and greatly enjoyed by all who attended.
Both Chamber Members and guests, including Councillors, representatives of local organisations and Sir Paul and Lady Julie Beresford, were welcomed by Chamber President John Howarth in a short speech which was cleverly both instructive and amusing.
The event offered Members an ideal occasion on which to meet and network with fellow Members, as well as presenting them with an opportunity to discuss local issues with the Chamber’s guests … whilst enjoying as always the beautiful surroundings made available at Fetcham Park House and the grounds in which it stands, along with the hospitality provided by its professional staff.
For the provision of an excellent buffet and choice of wines … much enjoyed by all … our thanks must go, respectively, to David Harrington, Harringtons Bakery, and Mike Menni, Wing Cleaners.
We would also like to extend very warm thanks to Parallel Business Centres for their continued and very generous sponsorship of our Spring Reception … and also to Matthew Duffy, FPH Centre Manager, for his kind support in preparations for the event and on the evening itself.
We look forward to welcoming you all again ~ along, we hope, with some new faces~ to the Autumn Social & Reception in September.
Don’t forget that there’ll be a ‘Members Social’ taking place at Indian Ocean next month … flyers for the event will be despatched in due course.
[NB: A quick reminder that if any Member would like to host a Chamber event, then we’d be delighted to hear from you … please contact the Chamber office on: 01372 371009.]
Is Your Membership Listing Still Correct ?
If any changes have taken place within your business since the Membership Directory was printed and published at the beginning of this year (i.e. telephone and facsimile numbers, Email and Website addresses, a new member of staff with whom to make contact or an increase in staff numbers) or you would like to add-a-new, update or completely refresh your business description, then please do let us know … we will make sure that the updates are published in the next Newsletter and that your free entry on the Chamber website is brought up-to-date.
Please do let us know if you have any news which you’d like to share with your fellow Members. Maybe you’ve: won an award … implemented a new scheme or working practice … taken part in an exhibition – or possibly you are: running a special offer … hosting an event ?
The “Members Soapbox” hasn’t been ‘mounted’ for quite some time now … but the section does remain ready-and-waiting ‘in the wings’ for such time that you’d like to comment on anything at all, whether it’s: your response to any content in this or a past Newsletter … to initiate debate on a new topic … to offer either praise or censure in any direction … we really do want to hear from you !
Your feedback and contributions are highly valued … they keep the Chamber and its Newsletter alive and kicking … and assist the Board of Directors in the decision-making process they undertake on your behalf.
… so please do keep in touch …
… and help the Leatherhead Chamber to help you ! …
(An opportunity to publicise your organisation to the Membership. Two profiles will be presented in each Newsletter, copy approximately 250 words. Contributions are published in order of receipt. Your next Newsletter will be printed and despatched in July.)
As the UK’s market-leader in quality outdoor furniture and
lighting, Indian Ocean is the first choice when you’re thinking
of purchasing the ultimate in design and quality.
Our name and range stand for craftsmanship and innovation
~ they stand for aspiration … and they stand for style. The Indian Ocean brand reflects
the very best in design for outdoor living. We offer a wide selection of solid teak
outdoor furniture … and a totally unique range of outdoor lighting.
Our
Leatherhead branch was launched in March 2002 … to bring the very best in
outdoor furniture, accessories and
service to your
area. This branch
is successfully managed and owned by Carys Fowle, operating from a
beautifully converted barn at her parent’s farm on Randalls Road, where she
grew up. Carys is able to offer you
specialist assistance and advice across Indian Ocean’s full range
of merchandise, and she is always on-hand to discuss the styles and sizes which
will best suit your ‘outside room’.
All
orders are delivered free-of-charge,
and will be fully assembled on-site (within UK) ~ so no ‘flat-pack’ nightmare …
and we take away all of the
packaging !
Indian
Ocean are hosting a Chamber Members’ Social
on the 24th of June this year … and very much hope that you will
join us then … to enjoy both an evening’s networking and socialising with your
Fellow Members, as well as the opportunity to view our showroom and quality
merchandise first-hand.
do come and visit us at:
Patsom
Cottage, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BA
or
contact carys via
Telephone:
01372 849830 or
Email:
leatherhead@indian-ocean.co.uk
you can also visit our website at:
www.indian-ocean.co.uk
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Training College is able to offer you the choice of three venues for your meetings and training sessions at its large site set in beautifully landscaped grounds in Leatherhead.
Each of the rooms can be furnished with seating and tables in a layout of your choice to suit the occasion … two of the rooms are able to accommodate up to 20 and up to 30 people respectively, with the largest able to seat 45-50 ‘theatre-style’.
Each venue can be booked for either a half or full day and there are reduced rates for charities. Audio visual equipment is available for hire … including provision of connections and a projector for laptop presentations … and on-site catering can be arranged to satisfy your needs – each of these services is available at varying rates depending on your requirements.
In addition to the particularly lovely setting we can offer to you, your colleagues and clients for your business meetings, our venue in Leatherhead also benefits from ample FREE parking.
To discuss your requirements, view and book the facilities please contact:
Diana Southion ' 01372 841135
Email: diana.southion@qetc.org
Leatherhead Court
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 0BN
www.qef.org.uk
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JUNE |
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Tuesday 1st |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Wednesday 2nd |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm |
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Thursday 3rd |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Friday 4th |
Troy
(15) (Film) 7.30 pm |
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Sunday 6th |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Monday 7th |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Tuesday 8th |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Wednesday 9th |
Troy
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm
and 7.30
pm |
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Friday 11th |
The
Magic Flute (Show – Surrey
Opera) 7.30 pm |
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Saturday 12th |
The
Magic Flute (Show – Surrey
Opera) 7.30 pm |
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Tuesday 15th |
Singin’
in the Rain (Show – Leatherhead
Operatic Society) 7.30 pm |
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Wednesday 16th |
Singin’
in the Rain (Show –
Leatherhead Operatic Society) 7.30 pm |
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Thursday 17th |
Singin’
in the Rain (Show –
Leatherhead Operatic Society) 7.30 pm |
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Friday 18th |
Singin’
in the Rain (Show –
Leatherhead Operatic Society) 7.30 pm |
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Saturday 19th |
Singin’
in the Rain (Show –
Leatherhead Operatic Society) 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm |
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Monday 21st |
The
Company (12A)
(Film) 7.30 pm |
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Tuesday 22nd |
The
Company (12A)
(Film) 7.30 pm |
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Wednesday 23rd |
The
Company (12A)
(Film) 7.30 pm |
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Thursday 24th |
The
Company (12A)
(Film) 2.00 pm* and 7.30 pm |
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* 2.00 pm showing includes a free “Tea and Cakes” interval ! |
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Saturday
26th |
Something for
Everyone (Show – In aid
of the MacMillan Butterfly Appeal) 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm |
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JULY |
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Thursday 8th |
My
Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) (Film) 2.00 pm* |
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* This film includes a free “Tea and Cakes” interval ! |
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Thursday 22nd |
Mystic River
(15) (Film) 2.00 pm* |
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* This film includes a free “Tea and Cakes” interval ! |
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AUGUST |
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Thursday 12th |
Pirates
of Penzance (Show – Stage
Theatre Arts School) 7.30 pm |
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Friday 13th |
Pirates
of Penzance (Show – Stage
Theatre Arts School) 7.30 pm |
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Saturday 14th |
Pirates
of Penzance (Show – Stage
Theatre Arts School) 3.00 pm and 7.30 pm |
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all films subject to confirmation |
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“Cinderella”
will be showing from December 14th – LOOK OUT for “Earlybird”
Tickets |
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The Leatherhead Theatre 7 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8DN For advance ticketing and further information, please call the Box Office on 01372 365141: Tues–Sat. 2pm-7pm – Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Delta and Switch cards all accepted. Alternatively call in at the Theatre or email us at: boxoffice@the-theatre.org www.the-theatre.org |
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