Category Archives: Features

Community, Features

Appeal launched following Jordan Heights Scout Camp break-in

Jordan Heights is set within a secluded area on the side of Reigate Hill.

Named after a former Guide commissioner and used for guide camps up until almost a decade ago the Campsite, set on National Trust property was taken on by the scouts providing a safe camping place with many activities including archery and climbing. The grass plateau is surrounded by woodland with a small outdoor Chapel set into the trees and perfect for traditional camping and survival skills to be learned. Access is on foot up some steps then a newly laid back trackway. Certainly a test on fitness on arrival.

Jordan Heights Scout Camp is a registered charity, locally run by a team of volunteers.

The break in was a few weeks ago and a lot of work has been completed to restore the site to its former glory after storage boxes were ripped open, fences torn down, lighting smashed and solar panels damaged. This has been a significant set back, and an added burden to an already hard working team of volunteers.

Spencer Mitchell (Warden)
Photo credit: Neil Munday

The Warden, Spencer Mitchell following in his father’s footsteps as a warden (his father warden of Reigate Fort when that was a Scout site), is very passionate about his duties and the site has been improved and tidied for the scout camping season.

Spencer spoke with Neil Munday:

He has asked if people can support the site with donations or physical help and more details of the help required can be found on the Jordan Heights Scout Camp Facebook page, along with information on how to donate. Spencer can also be contacted by email at spencer.mitchell@reigatescouts.org.uk

Website: https://www.jordanheights.org

Community, Features

Heritage Open Day at St John’s, Redhill

The church of St John the Evangelist built in 1843, and later enlarged (1889-95) by architect John Loughborough Pearson, the famed exponent of Victorian Gothic, will be open for guided tours from 14.30 hrs to 17.00 hrs on both Saturday, 11 September and Sunday, 12 September.

St John’s splendid 185 ft spire is a familiar landmark visible from much of Redhill, Earlswood and Salfords. It houses eight bells, installed in 1895, and hung for full circle ringing with the peal considered to be one of the easiest going in Surrey.

The church features the original Victorian stained glass windows, and an outstanding organ installed in 1897 built by Henry Willis, (famously known as Father Willis), who also built or rebuilt around 1,000 organs, including Alexandra Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Musical Events
On Saturday 11 September at 17.00 hrs the choir of St John’s will give a special recital conducted by Director of Music Clement Hetherington entitled “Music in the House of God”.

On Sunday 12 September, at 16.00 hrs, there will be an organ recital by Robert Cooper, featuring music by Alfred Hollins, organist of St John’s from 1884 to 1888.
Although blind from birth, Hollins became a world-famous composer and recitalist and returned to St John’s in 1897 to give a recital marking the opening of the refurbished church on the then new organ.

For further information about St John the Evangelist see the website:
https://www.stjohnsredhill.org.uk/news

Photo credit: St. Johns, Redhill

Features, SUSY News

Crawley Citizens Advice support Lung Cancer Awareness campaign

On Wednesday 8th September at 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Citizens Advice in West Sussex are hosting an event on Zoom to help you understand more about lung cancer and where support is available should you ever need it.

By learning more about lung cancer, you could spot symptoms in loved ones and encourage them to see their doctor. The more people are aware of the symptoms of lung cancer, the earlier people will be diagnosed, leading to a greater prognosis.

The event will include:

  • An introduction to the project
  • A chance to talk to a Lung Cancer Specialist
  • Advice on support available to patients
  • A lung cancer survivor shares his story
  • What you can do to help
  • A Question and Answer session with attending speakers

    •  
    To join the event on Wednesday 8th September, register your interest here and if you have any questions please email the team at: community.engagement@westsussexcab.org.uk.

    Website:
    https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/lung-cancer-awareness

    Image credit gov.uk and Citizens Advice in West Sussex

    Features, SUSY News

    Happy 9th Birthday to us!

    At midday on 15th July, SUSY Radio celebrated nine years of full time broadcasting to the communities of East Surrey and North Sussex.

    Following two trials in 1994 and 1995, SUSY Radio began its campaign for a full time local community radio service in 1996.

    A licence was subsequently granted authorising full time broadcasting to the area which commenced on 15th July, 2012 at noon.

    Read more about our story HERE

    A rare vintage clip of the legendary Ray Alan with the famous Lord Charles appearing at The Belfry, Redhill during the very early days of SUSY Radio.
    Ray used to live in Reigate with his wife, Jane, and was a strong supporter of SUSY Radio during the campaign for a full time licence.

    Archive courtesy of Ian Rennison

    Features

    Covid: Managing feelings about lockdown easing

    Many of us struggled to maintain our mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    In full lockdown things might have felt more certain or predictable, but now that lockdown restrictions are easing things might feel less clear. It can feel stressful when things are changing, and it takes time to readjust.

    Lifting of restrictions can bring about new anxieties and challenges such as restarting a business, visiting vulnerable family or friends, feeling safe or even understanding the new guidance. You may worry about there being an increase in COVID-19 infections or have anxiety about having the vaccine. The world may seem unsafe now, whether or not you felt like this before the pandemic. You may be grieving for people who have died, or from other types of loss, such as the loss of a job, opportunities or a sense of community.

    Remember


    ► There’s no ‘normal’ response to changes to lockdown. Your feelings may be affected by lots of things that are out of your control.
    ► Your feelings might change. You might feel one way one day, and another way the next. It might not feel logical.
    ► You are not alone – it’s ok to ask for help for your mental wellbeing.
    ► There is a wealth of information, support and advice you can access: Healthy Surrey website or MIND

     
    It’s ok to ask for help for your mental wellbeing, you are not alone. To find local services and tips on self-help go to
    Healthy Surrey website or MIND

    Article by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council