Newsletter ~ November 2004

 

 

From The President’s Pen

A Christmas Message …

It doesn’t seem like twelve months since I was writing to you to say that Christmas and New Year were upon us once again.  There is no doubt that Leatherhead has taken some big strides forward in this twelve months and the town is now really booming – long may it continue!

Christmas is a time for giving and sharing and I’m very pleased to have included in this Newsletter articles about two local charities – The Brigitte Trust and The Grange Centre in Bookham – both of which I draw to your attention.

A date for your diaries is December 16^th when the Chamber will be joining with Parallel Business Centres and St. Mary’s Church in Fetcham for the Business Carol Service.  The service begins in the Church at 6.00 p.m. and afterwards there will be refreshments and mince pies in Fetcham Park House.  Please let Ann Kelly (info@parallel-fetcham.co.uk) know if you will be attending.  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible that evening.

The Board of the Chamber would like to thank you all for your support over the past year and look forward to working on your behalf in the months ahead.

 

May I wish all of you and your families and friends a very Happy Christmas & a very good New Year! John Howarth, Chamber President

Leatherhead Town Centre & District`

Remembrance Tribute

John Howarth, our Chamber President, laid a wreath on behalf of the Leatherhead Chamber of Commerce during the Remembrance Ceremony at the Leatherhead War Memorial on Sunday 14^th November.

Yuletide Leatherhead

Heralding the 2004 Christmas Festivities, brightly-lit Christmas Trees will be displayed throughout Leatherhead Town Centre … due once again to the very hard work and organisational skills of David and Sylvia Sharland, who volunteer their time each year to oversee the bookings, then decorate, deliver and erect the trees.  At the end of each season, David & Sylvia take to the streets once more to dismantle the display.

We extend our sincere thanks to David and Sylvia for their tireless efforts which benefit us all ~ and wish them both a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Our thanks also to all of those businesses in the town centre who have undertaken to buy and display one or more Christmas trees, and whose goodwill will bring seasonal cheer to Leatherhead for the enjoyment of residents, workers, shoppers and visitors during Christmastime.

Test The LEATHERHEAD POPULation Update

In line with our declared objective of helping Leatherhead to survive and prosper, Leatherhead AHEAD, on behalf of the Leatherhead Festival Committee, held a Quiz Night to raise money for the Christmas Festivities in Leatherhead.  Fourteen teams battled it out, with ‘The Four Tops’ team winning by 3 points.  Over 100 people enjoyed the evening, which included a delicious fish and chip supper.  There was an impressive raffle, and we are very grateful to all the retailers and others who donated prizes, and to all those who bought raffle tickets.  It was a very enjoyable and successful evening and the final total raised was a massive £1,000.  Many thanks to everybody who supported the Quiz Night ~ LeatherheadAHEAD hope to make this an annual event.

[Press Release 1.11.04 – Wendy Reid 01372 373518 – press@leatherheadahead.org.uk]

Swan Centre Manager’s Missive

… Patricia Lawless ~ Swan Centre Manager

For a fun-packed occasion for all the family, please do come along and join the happy throng for the Leatherhead Christmas Festival taking place on Saturday the 4th of December ~ an exciting range of events are taking place throughout the day, including:

with free parking at the Swan Centre after 4.00 p.m.

If you would like further information, take a look at Leatherhead’s website at www.visitleatherhead.com or give me a call.

[Patricia Lawless, Swan Centre Manager – Tel: 01372 376358]

The Brigitte Trust

Chamber President John Howarth writes “At this time of the year, when our thoughts turn to those less fortunate than ourselves I was very pleased to receive the following message from Councillor Bridget Lewis – Chair of Mole Valley District Council:

‘The Chairman's Charity this year is The Brigitte Trust.

It is a local charity providing a free service of emotional support and practical help at home to those facing a life-threatening illness.  When an illness like cancer is diagnosed, life can change overnight.  Everyday practicalities can become overwhelming when the daily routine so often centres on hospital visits and treatment regimes.  The emotional effects can be intense and sometimes hard to share, even with other family members.

A Brigitte Trust volunteer can help share that load.  Fully trained men and women offer weekly visits, enabling carers to take some time for themselves, or for clients who live alone to enjoy regular company and a listening ear.  Often, just sitting quietly and listening is the most important help a volunteer can give.  Although not contributing to the medical care of the client, Brigitte Trust volunteers have strong links with Primary Care teams and most referrals come from District Nurses who are working in the community daily and can see the need for extra help at home.

We need to raise funds to train the volunteers, who are supported by professional trainers as they work and also have the opportunity for personal development within the training framework.

Donations from local businesses will be so welcome.  It will mean more volunteers can be trained and reach the increasing number of referrals made to the service each month’ ”.

John adds, “earlier this year, at a Meet & Mingle event, Chamber members were informed that each of us has three acquaintances who will be affected by cancer in some way – and this is true in my own personal circle of friends within the past twelve months.  I hope as many of you as possible will be able to support Bridget’s choice of charity in her year as Chair of the Council”.

If you feel you would like to support the Brigitte Trust please contact Councillor Bridget Lewis at Mole Valley District Council, telephone 01372 885001.

Police Community Partnership Group

As many of you are aware the Police and Community Partnership Group is a liaison group allowing representatives of Surrey Police and local organisations to discuss and identify community concerns.  The Group for the Leatherhead Area has not included any representation from the local business community and I have therefore been invited by our President to represent our interests.

The PCPG meet almost every month to discuss and consider a wide range of issues ranging from neighbourhood watch, shop-lifting, anti-social behaviour, vehicle theft and burglary.

I believe this is a valuable opportunity for our members to draw specific attention to any matters of concern and also to register appreciation where Police initiatives are working and where they consider there are improvements in the service provided.

I intend to use the newsletter to communicate with you on a regular basis and would ask that you contact me via the Email address given below with any matters which you wish to bring to the PCPG's attention.

[John Hickey, Buchanan & Curwen, Email: johnhickey@b-and-c.co.uk]

Business News

Why Does My Computer Crash ?

Signs your PC's under siege, and what you can do

In the past year, spyware and pop-ups have become especially problematic, leaving companies with unresponsive and unproductive PCs.

Spyware generally refers to programs that land on computers without their owner’s knowledge.  They can deliver hordes of pop-up ads, redirect people to unfamiliar search engines or, in rare cases, steal personal information.

If your Windows PC has been hit, you may notice recurring slowdowns of e-mail and Web browsing.  Or you may not be able to e-mail or browse at all.  If your PC has been infected with a network worm, a dormant Trojan horse or several other types of stealthy programs, you may not notice anything.

Users most often get them by downloading free games or file-sharing software — and consenting to language buried deep within a licensing agreement.

Microsoft blame unwanted software for up to one-third of application crashes on Windows XP computers.  AOL estimates that just three such programs together cause some 300,000 Internet disconnections per day.

What you can do…

·          Always use a personal firewall with a PC connected to a cable modem, DSL or wireless Internet service.  Free ones are listed at www.free-firewall.org.

Tip: Have the personal firewall set to at least the medium level of security.

·          Buy anti-virus software, such as Norton AntiVirus, McAfee VirusScan or ZoneLabs Security Suite, and keep the subscription current.  Set it to automatically check for updates.

Tip: New PCs typically come with a free trial subscription from Norton or McAfee.  However, you must subscribe after the trial period expires to continue getting updates.

·          Enable Microsoft Windows Auto-Update to automatically download the latest security patches.

Tip: Follow instructions to make sure downloaded patches are also automatically installed.

·          No software vendor will ever send you patches via e-mail.  If you get e-mail pretending to be a patch from Microsoft or any other vendor, delete it.  Distrust all attachments.  If you have even the slightest doubt, delete it without reading.

·          If you keep documents on your personal computer then back up all of your important work and folders at least once a month, more often if you can stand it.  Use complex passwords and periodically change passwords and PINs.

·          Beware of spyware.  If you can, use the Mozilla Firefox web browser.  If you must use Internet Explorer (IE), set the security settings to high; this will disable multimedia features of many Web sites, but also will block a main path intruders use to plant Web contagions.

Tip: To set IE security to high, navigate to Tools, Internet options, Security settings.

·          Install, use and regularly update Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy anti-spyware programs.  Both are free to download.

Unfortunately, spyware is becoming epidemic and unless users are aware of safe surfing and Internet usage it will only get worse.

Bleckfield will be offering user awareness and training sessions in December on safe surfing and Internet Usage.  To sign up please visit our website http://www.bleckfield.com/spyware for more details.

[Bleckfield Ltd, Devonshire House, 66 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8DP]

Business Rates – Can you Claim Relief ?

By now many of you will have received notification of the changes in Business Rate revaluations.  Business Rates (or, more correctly, the National Non Domestic Rate – NNDR) are collected by Mole Valley District Council on behalf of Central Government.  MVDC has no control over Business Rates, and its expenditure has nothing to do with how much businesses are charged.  It collects about £30m in Business Rates and receives back less than 10% of this from the national NNDR “pool” to support its revenue expenditure.

Recent revaluations have given an overall increase in Mole Valley of about 14% compared to a national average of about 20% – although there are wide variations within, above and below these percentages.  In the main, valuations for shops and offices have gone up, whilst those for industrial units have remained the same or even come down.

Revaluations take place every five years and if the valuation goes up then the percentage multiplier normally comes down.  For example, in 1999/2000 the percentage multiplier was 48.9% and in 2000/2001 it came down to 41.6%.  It is now 45.6% and, at time of writing, it is anticipated to come down to 41.5%.  Increases will be phased in over the next two to four years.

Small businesses may be able to claim relief – but to receive relief (which could be as much as up to 50%) they must apply.  If you think that you may be able to receive relief for your business, then contact the Revenues & Benefits Department at Mole Valley District Council.

On-Line at The Theatre

A wireless Internet access “hotspot” is now available for use by anyone with a Laptop or PDA with wireless capability, and the facility is being offered free of charge by The Theatre in conjunction with Bleckfield Ltd, who installed the “hotspot” – to be found in the foyer of The Theatre adjacent to the Café area.

This innovative facility being provided by two Chamber Members is sure to prove to be a popular and invaluable tool for visitors to Leatherhead and will assist greatly in the enhancement of the town’s profile as a business-friendly location.

Bleckfield and The Theatre have plans to add a computer terminal to the existing facility in due course, and this will again be offered free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it.

[Bleckfield Ltd, Devonshire House, 66 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8DP]

Members’ News

Membership 2005

You will shortly be receiving your renewal paperwork for another year’s Membership ~ and we do, of course, very much hope that you will be keen remain Members of the Leatherhead Chamber during 2005.  Along with your Letters and accompanying Invoices/Standing Order Mandates, you will be receiving Details Forms … so that you can let us know of any changes you’d like to be made to your records.

Once the new year’s renewals are fully complete, your Membership Directories will be printed and despatched … and your individual business page will be updated on the Chamber Website, as required.

So the sooner you respond … the sooner we can act … on your behalf !

Member’s Changes

You may like to pencil into your Membership Directories the following changes to details:

Tax Assist Direct

Owner, Ross Anderson, has let us know that his business has moved to a new address, as follows:  Devonshire House, 66 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8DP, and that he can be contacted via telephone on: 01372 224022 and 0794 9074191.

All Credit to QEFD

“Quality of our Information and Advice now recognized nationally!”

The Employment Development Department of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College were delighted to gain accreditation to the Matrix quality standard for its information and advice services.

Angela Honeywood, Head of ED, explained that “… although we have always strived to provide trainees at the College with a high level of service, it was wonderful that all the hard work by staff has now been formally recognized and the team look forward to continuing to support our trainees in their quest to gain employment”.

The department also provides an external service as a Partner with ‘In Touch with Learning and Work’, the Surrey arm of the Learning and Skills Council, which will enable the College to reach out to even more people with disabilities who require information and advice on gaining employment or furthering their education.

The strenuous assessment for this award, which is carried out over a period of around three days, requires a great deal of preparation and training but the team are all very proud and feel the extra work involved has proved very worthwhile.

Angela went on to say that she believes this award, by the Guidance Accreditation Board, is an excellent way of looking at and extending the Foundation’s services in Surrey.

[Angela Honeywood, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation, www.qefd.org]

Bleckfield’s Competition Winner …

Dan Mansfield, Managing Director of Bleckfield Limited, has announced the results of Bleckfield’s free-to-enter competition offer which accompanied your September Newsletter.

The successful entry was drawn randomly on 1^st November ~ and the very lucky Prize Winner of £500 Worth Of Web Design And Hosting is Eyes Wide Digital Ltd ~ Congratulations to Eyes Wide !

[Bleckfield Ltd, Devonshire House, 66 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8DP]

The Grange Centre: Bookham

The Grange Centre in Bookham has been providing housing and training to adults with physical and/or learning disabilities for over 66 years.  It provides care support and living support for up to fifty individuals.  Everyone can access the training facilities which include Independent Living Skills, Creative Textiles & Horticulture.  It also provides work experience training and guidance in finding a job for those ready for these challenges.

The training helps its clients to widen their range of skills thereby enhancing self esteem, encouraging independence and fulfilling the potential of every individual.  The aim is for progress towards independent living and an active role locally.

Paul Wood, the Director, commented to the Chamber “We value the help we receive from some companies in the Leatherhead area.  We also recognise the support given by a number of volunteers and appreciate the significant contribution they make, working with tutors and other staff.. We are very keen to support and encourage our clients where possible to reach this level of independent living.  Over £2 million has been spent so far on modernisation, and we estimate that we need to spend another £1½ to £2 million to complete the job.

Our thanks to those of you who have helped us over the months and years; we hope now that others will feel that they also would like to support our work in some way.”

If you would like to support the Grange then please contact either the Marketing Manager – Michael Foster on 01372 455231 or michael.foster@grangecentre.org.uk; or the Fundraising Manager – Neill Sayer on 01372 452608 or neill.sayer@grangecentre.org.uk.

 

 

Members’ Soapbox

Make your views known !  Can you suggest new ways in which the Chamber could help you and your business ?  Your feedback is valued and welcomed.  Or maybe you have news or ideas you’d like to share and discuss with your fellow Members.

 

Another quiet month in ‘Speakers Corner’ !

Do pick up your pens or start tapping at your keyboards if you’d like your to voice to be heard in the first Newsletter of 2005, towards the end of January.

 

Members’ Spotlight

(An opportunity to publicise your organisation to the Membership.  Up to two profiles will be presented in each Newsletter, and contributions are published in order of receipt.  Your next Newsletter will be printed in January 2005.)

Indian Ocean

Now the summer season has come to an end, Indian Ocean, the UK’s market-leader in quality teak outdoor furniture and lighting, has expanded its range to include:

·          A select range of indoor tables and chairs made from the finest English and French oak, teak, Italian leather and linen.

·          Fair Trade Gifts by The And Albert Foundation, which is a registered charity (no.1072068) set up to create long-term ethical trade with villages in the developing world.  Professor David Bellamy, the renowned environmentalist, is it's Patron and the products on sale include pots, mirrors, candles, ornaments, batiks, placemats, ceramics, silk scarves, vases and much more from Ghana, Indonesia, Morocco and Thailand!  Please visit www.and-albert.com to find out more about the foundation and the people and villages you directly support by buying these products.

·          Christmas Trees on sale from early December!  We have 25 years’ experience in providing top quality trees, so come and choose the perfect tree for your office, reception area, shop or home.  Non-drop trees from 3’ – 12’, tree stands and beautiful wreaths will all be available.  Local delivery can be arranged free of charge for the larger trees.

 

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

 

Soulinnis

A Coffee Shop with a Difference !

Caterers for Business Lunches, Weddings, Christenings and all your Out-of-doors Functions.

Susan Ephgrave launched Soulinnis a year and a half ago, introducing an upmarket eatery into the heart of Leatherhead.  More recently, Jane Jameson has joined the team as Head Chef, and her culinary skills have brought a distinctly Mediterranean ‘feel’ to the menu.  All food is homemade and cooked in-house, including chillis, quiches, spaghetti dishes, soups, salads and cakes.  Throughout the winter months, Soulinnis serves a variety of hot dishes to eat-in or take-away.

Offering customers both an In-House and Delivery Service,

Soulinnis is open between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

 

please do pay us a visit at

5 Bridge Street

Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8BL

and sample our excellent fare

Contact Susan and Jane for further information via

Telephone: 01372 386108 or Email: susan@soulinnis.com

or visit our Website at: www.soulinnis.com