THE PARISH COUNCIL OF LEIGH
Information Pack
for New Residents in Leigh
Introduction
Members of the Parish Council welcome you to the village of Leigh and hope that the attached information will help you in beginning to find your way about. This pack, which can be made available in large print if required, contains details of the main services available in the district together with a brief mention of various contacts and services in the local area. More news and useful information on activities is published in the Parish Magazine which is produced bi-monthly and delivered to every house in the village. There is a brief newsletter published at the beginning of the intervening months which is available in both the local pubs, (The Plough and The Seven Stars) the Church, the AcornsSchool and the Village Hall. For those with access to the Internet, the most extensive and up to date information can be found on the parish website at
CONTENTS
Map of LeighPage 4
History of Leighpage 5
Leigh Parish Councilpage 6
Schools in Leighpage 7
The Parish churchpage 8
Medical Servicespage 9
Security – local contactspage 10
Local authority servicespage 11
Activities in Leighpage 12,13
Pubs in and around Leighpage 14
Communicationspage 15
Transport facilitiespage 16 to19
Shopping in and around Leighpage 20
MAP OF LEIGH
HISTORY OF LEIGH
Leigh, lying on the weald below the limestone North Downs, has had various spellings throughout history: Leye, Ladeghe (12th Century), Legh, Leygh (14th Century), Ley (16th Century).
Leigh is not mentioned in Doomsday Book, its name describing a clearing in the woods. It was part of the Earls of Warren estates, but in the time of Richard I it was given to the Prior and Convent of St Mary Southwark. After the dissolution of the religious houses in 1539 Henry VIII granted the manor of Shellwood to Sir Thomas Nevil for the payment of service: one knight's fee.
There are many indications of much iron smelting around Leigh in names such as Pitfield, Blackhole Furnace Field and Ironsbottom. In 1845 a school was built, providing education for 40 girls and 40 boys at a fee of 2d per week, and in 1914 it moved to its present site with space for 150 pupils.
Although Leigh boasted three shops, only two operated at any one time. The general store, incorporating a bakery, was sited opposite the Seven Stars, and the post office which included a small store, was near the village green at Orchard Cottage. More recently, the post office and general store with petrol and a garage were at the Smithy, but this closed a few years ago
LEIGH PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council is an elected tier of local government. While the major services such as education, planning, environmental health and social services, are the responsibility of the principal authorities, Parish Councils have fewer duties, but some power to take legal action. It plays a vital part in representing the community it serves and in improving the local quality of life. It acts as an advisory agency for planning matters, road safety issues and other functions of local government. It is also responsible for the care of land owned by the Parish which includes the village green, the allotments and the recreation ground.
Leigh Parish Council consists of seven elected councillors and a clerk, all of whom are residents of the village. It has an annual budget of £5,820.00. Parish Council meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday of odd months (ie January, March etc) and on the first Wednesday of even months (February, April). Parishioners are strongly encouraged to attend the meetings at the end of which they are able to question the councillors, to make suggestions and to express any concerns they have about life in the village.
At present there are two vacancies for councillors
The Councillors are:
Chair, Mrs Jean Parker, 3 Smalls Hill Road, Leigh, RH2 8PE. Tel 01306 611391
Mrs Claire Biden, 7Smalls Hill Road, Leigh, RH2 8PE 01306 611547
Mrs Harriet Hall, East House, Mynthurst, Leigh, RH2 8RJ 01293 863879
Mr Richard Stuart, Scaligero, Bunce Common Road, RH2 8NS. 01306 611181
Mr Paul Wilkinson, 2 Brook Cottages, Smalls Hill Road, Leigh, RH2 8PE 01306 611286
Clerk: Miss Helen Taneborne, Oak Farm, Clayhill Road, Leigh, RH2 8PB 01306611515
SCHOOLS AND PROVISION FOR YOUNG PEOPLEIN LEIGH
(See also the full list of activities in the village on page 12)
AcornsInfant School Leigh Base
The AcornsInfant School is federated with the Acorns Base in Betchworth, and provides education for approximately 47 young people aged between 'rising' 5 year olds and 8 years of age. At the age of 8 children progress to other primary schools.
The active Friends of Leigh Acorns Infant School organise events to raise money for the school.The village quizzesthey organize are highly successful.
BurysCourtSchool
BurysCourtSchool, off Flanchford Road, is an independent pre-prep and prep school catering for children from the ages of 3 to 12 years.Recently it has become possible for older children to go on to the Moon Hall College which shares the same site. There are approximately 100 pupils, some of whom are resident in Leigh. The school's web site is:
Leigh Lollipops
The Leigh Lollipops meet in the Village Hall on Mondays to Fridays 9.0am to 12. It is for children from two and a half to five years of age. For details telephone 01737 844492
Leigh Parent and Toddler Group
This group is in abeyance at the moment, but it is hoped to restart it when suitable premises can be found.
Playground for Leigh’s Active Youth
PLAY is a committee formed in November 2006, to raise funds for the revitalizing of the Leigh play area. After nearly three hardworking years,much fundraising has been achieved and a number of exciting items have been installed in the playground -an impressive zip wire and a remarkable stump among them. Fundraising continues and full details can be found on the PLAY website: by contacting Cathy Scott at , or by ringing Harriet Hall on 01293 863879
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THE PARISHCHURCH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW, LEIGH
VICAR:Revd JONATHAN WILLANS
The Vicarage, Clayhill Road, Leigh01306 611224
The Vicar’s day off is on SATURDAY, apart from weddings. (Please only call in an emergency)
CURATE:Revd FRANK LEHANEY, Twelve Trees, Smalls Hill Rd, Leigh01306 611201
(The Curate’s day off is on FRIDAY)
Supporting Clergy:Revd ERIC GRANT, Kingfishers, 24 The Avenue, Brockham01737 842551
Revd KEN RAMSAY, 3 Park Close, Strood Green01737 843470
Licensed Readers:Mr DAVID COWAN, Dolphin House, Harrow Road West, Dorking01306 885341
MrsJACQUELINEDEAN, Denmark House, Brockham Green01737 843389
Mrs CHRISTINE SHEARING, Mulberry Cottage, Flanchford Rd01306 611253
Mr ROBERT SLATER, 58 Oakdene Road, Brockham01737 842564
Mrs CATHERINE WOODCOCK, 2, Woodcocks Cotts, Chalkpit La01737 843572
Churchwardens:Mrs Christine SHEARING, see above for address
Mr JOHN WORSFOLD, Swains Farm, Smallshill Road, Leigh01306 611497
Hon Sec PCC:Mrs FRANCESCA WOODHAMS, The Cottage, Dean Oak Lane01293 863956
Covenant Secretary:Mr DAVID Ingram, contact via the Vicar
Honorary Treasurer:Mr David Ingram, contact via the Vicar
Organist and Mr DAVID GOSLING, 51 Bolters Road South, HorleyRH6 8HS01293 823698
Music Co-ordinator(daytime only)
Sacristan:Mrs SUE FROST, Orchard Cottage, Church Road, Leigh01306 611071
Sunday Club:Mrs Joy Barker, Orchard Cottage, Gadbrook01306 611226
LEIGH POST:
Editor:Mr ROBERT STEPHENSON, Tredington, Dean Oak Lane, Leigh01293 863304
Advertising Mr Robert Stephenson, as above
Distribution:Mr John Andrew, Rose Bungalow, Dean Oak Lane, Leigh01293 863708
Postal Copies:Mrs C. GWYNNE, Mynthurst Close, Mynthurst, Leigh01293 862353
Editorial Team:Robert
Christine Shearing
David
MEDICAL SERVICES
TANNERS MEADOW SURGERY, BROCKHAM
PRACTICE INFORMATION
Main Surgery: The Surgery, Tanners Meadow, Brockham, Betchworth, SurreyRH3 7NJ
Tel: 01737 843259
Branch Surgery: The Surgery, Rusper Road, Newdigate, SurreyRH5 5DW
Tel: 01306 631242
Surgery opening hours:
Brockham8am to 6.30pmMon,Thu, and Fri
8am to 5.00pmWed
Newdigate8am to 5.00pmThu
8am to 6.30pmMon,Tue,Wed and Fri
Practice Profile
It is a five doctor practice based in a purpose-built surgery in Brockham, with a branch surgery in Newdigate, from where drugs are dispensed. The rural practice covers an area of about 100 square miles, bounded by Dorking and Reigate in the north and Charlwood and Rusper in the south.
Both surgeries offer appointments with practice nurses as well as with visiting practioners such as physiotherapists and counsellors.
The nearest hospital with accident and emergency facilities is East Surrey Hospital,Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH. Telephone for all departments: 01737 768511. For more information about health care in the district visit:
SECURITY – LOCAL CONTACTS
Surrey Police – non emergency: 0845 1252222
Beat Officer and Neighbourhood Watch contact: PC 2303 Dominic Loraine
07967988521
Police Community Support Officer: PCSO 11525 Ivor Williams
07967988615
Police Community Support Officer PCSO Aimeé Lucas 07967986192
Local coordinator of Neighbourhood Watch: David Hall 01293 863879
Police Crime Reduction Officer: 01306 676823
Abandoned Vehicles (Mole Valley District Council) 01306 885001
Crimestoppers: 0800 555111
East Surrey Domestic Violence Forum 01737771350
Graffiti (MVDC)
Anti terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321
The Village website carries Neighbourhood Watch reports, details of police policies on terrorism and advice on burglary prevention.
Leigh has a Community Speedwatch scheme introduced by the Parish Council in partnership with Surrey Police. Regular checks on vehicle speeds are carried out by specially trained volunteers from the community.
LOCAL AUTHORITY SERVICES
Leigh comes under the Mole Valley District Council which is based at Pippbrook,Dorking, RH2 1SJ. The main switchboard number is 01306 885001
For detailed information visit their website:
For details of refuse collection, ring the above number or visit the Leigh village website.
Dorking library is well stocked and has eight computers for use on an hourly basis. Tel: 01306882948
A Mobile Library calls at Harrington Place, Leigh on the second and fourth Mondays in the month, between 1.15pm and 1.35.pm. Contact number: 07968 832382
To report potholes ring Highways on: 01372 832644
Since Leigh is on the edge of the Council boundary, you might need to contact Reigate and Banstead, the neighbouring District Council. Their number is: 01737 276000. The library in Reigate is on: 01737 244272
For pest control contact: Derek Packham on 01737 247850 0r his mobile: 0777 446859
If in need of a tree surgeon, contact Peter Foster on: 01293 871088
Citizens Advice Bureau In Dorking. Tel: 01306 876805
Domestic Violence Specialist Unit based at Reigate Police Station: 01737 386188
Surrey Women’s Aid: 01483 776822
ACTIVITIES IN LEIGH
There is a range of activities in Leigh, most of which are detailed in the Leigh Post. Below are the names and numbers of those connected with a number of organizations in the village.
LEIGH CONTACTS AND ORGANISATIONS
SURREYCOUNTYCOUNCILLOR / Mrs Helen Clack, Charlwood RH6 OEL / 01293 862221LOCAL DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
(MoleValley) / Mr Iain Murdoch, 4 Woodbine Cottages,
Capel, RH5 5JS
Mrs Jean Pearson, Capel / 01306 712737
01306 711043
PARISH COUNCIL: CHAIRMAN / Mrs Jean Parker, Leigh RH2 8PE / 01306 611391
PARISH COUNCIL: CLERK / Miss Helen Taneborne, Leigh / 01306 611515
ACORNS INFANTS’ SCHOOL / Mrs Jan Steel, Headteacher / 01306 611336
ACORNS: Chairman of Governors / Mrs Pamela Ball
ACORNS: Friends: Chairman / Mrs Jo Songhurst / 01737 842250
BELL RINGERS: Captain / Colin Clement / 01293 863195
BELL RINGERS: Master / Dr Anthony Vere Hodge, Leigh
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP / Mrs J Turner, Betchworth / 01306 611521
BOB CHUDLEY CLUB FOR THE BLIND / Mr Frank Rae, Kingswood KT20 6HY / 01737 832649
BRODERERS / Mrs P Burke, Leigh / 01293 862420
BROWNIES: Brown Owl / Mrs Yvonne How, Leigh RH2 8NZ / 01306 611410
COTTAGE GARDEN SOCIETY / Mr Brian Gills / 01306 611625
CRICKET CLUB: Hon Sec / Mr Richard Slade, Newdigate RH5 5ED / 01293 862563
CUBS: Akela / Richard Pike / 01306 743676
LEIGH PARISH WEB SITE / Mr David Hall / 01293 863879
LOLLIPOPS: Sec / Hannah Yates / 01293 862939
RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION / Mr David Hall, Leigh / 01306 611268
MAGAZINE (FRIENDLY CLUB) / Mrs Jane Sturt, Dorking / 01306 881547
SIDESPERSONS & LESSON READING / Mrs Jeanne Hobson, Reigate Heath / 01737 246551
SMITH’s CHARITY (1628): Clerk / Mrs Jane Sturt Dorking / 01306 881547
SOCIAL CLUB: Hon Sec / Mrs D Monk, Newdigate RH5 5AT / 01306 631373
SUNDAY CLUB: Leader / Mrs Joy Barker, Gadbrook / 01306 611226
SURREY UNION PONY CLUB: Hon Sec / Mrs Greenwell, Beare Green / 01306 631236
VILLAGE HALL: LETTINGS / Paul & Maggie Brittain, Leigh RH2 8NP / 01306 611110
VILLAGE HALL: Hon Sec / Mrs Judy Chesser, Leigh / 01306 611406
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: Hon Sec / Mrs Christine Waters, Brockham / 01737 842745
Activities – continued
While organizations such as the Women’s Institute and, for children, the Brownies and Cubs, are generally familiar, it may be helpful to have more detail of some activities which are peculiar to Leigh:
The Leigh and DistrictCottageGarden Society. The Society is open to anyone interested in gardening whether their garden is large, small or non-existent. Apart from putting on the annual summer show, the Society runs an informal autumn show for members to show off their produce and cookery and arranges summer outings to gardens of note around the south of England. There are also evening visits to members own gardens and, in the winter, various talks on a variety of horticultural subjects. It is a friendly and welcoming organization. Contact Brian Gills on 01306 611625 for more information. There is also a flourishing Junior Garden Society which meets on Saturdays. For information contact Vivienne Boustred on 01306 611388
The Cricket Club. The Club has two weekend teams and has matches on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer – the majority of them played at home. They are always on the lookout for new players and welcome spectators. Members of the club organize the highly successful annual bonfire. Contact: Richard Slade, 01293 862563.
Softball is also played on the recreation ground. Contact Mike Harrison for details:01293 862979
The Magazine Club (Friendly Club) This is a club for the over sixties which meets once a fortnight for a variety of activities and has a number of outings throughout the years. It is a lively and well-supported organization. Contact Jane Sturt, 01306 881547.
The Residents Association. The Association is particularly concerned to gather information about local issues and, if necessary, support appropriate campaigns. It meets four times a year when there is generally a scheduled speaker and, always, a glass of wine. For information contact David Hall on 01293 863879.
The Broderers. This group meets regularly for the purpose of creating kneelers for St Bartholomew's Church. There is also a long-term project to embroider a kneeler to cover the length of the chancel steps. Those with enthusiasm for this type of needlework should contact Mrs Pam Burke on 01293 862420.
Leigh Watercolour Group
This informal group meets in the Village Hall on Monday afternoons from 2 to 4 and encompasses all abilities. There is a small charge. For more information contact Maureen Judd, 01306 611409.
PUBS IN LEIGH AND DISTRICT
The Plough (tel no: 01306 611348) is situated on the village green.
The Seven Stars (tel no: 01306 611254) is on the corner of Tapners Road and Bunce Common Road.
The Three Horseshoes (tel no: 01293 862315) is in Ironsbottom.
The Surrey Oaks (tel no: 01306 631200) is on the southern border with Newdigate in Newdigate Road.
The Dolphin (tel no: 01737 842288) is over the boundary on the north side of the River Mole in Betchworth, providing attractive walks to Brockham.
Also in Betchworth, The Red Lion. (tel: 01737 843336)
The Fox Revived (tel no: 01293 863593) is south of the village on Smalls' Hill Road.
(Presently closed, but it is hoped that it will be reopening shortly)
The Royal Oak(tel: 01737 843214),and the Duke’s Head (Tel: 01737 845101 are both on the Green in Brockham.
COMMUNICATIONS
The principal communications in the village are:
1. The Leigh Post- the Parish Magazine which is published bi-monthly and delivered free to every household in the village. Voluntary subscriptions towards production costs are welcomed.
2. A two monthly newsletter. Copies are printed to alternate with the Leigh Post. These are available in both village pubs, the Church, the School, and on notice boards.
3. A fortnightly e-newsletter is published on the Parish Web Site, Those wishing to receive it by e-mail should contact:
4. The notice boards: one in Deanoak Lane, one at the bus stop opposite the Plough and one outside the village Hall.
5. The LeighVillage Web Site. Visit: which won the SurreyVillage of the Year IT Award for 2007.
6. The various clubs and societies listed with some reports in Leigh Post.
7. In June 2002 the Leigh Parish Council decided to take advantage of a scheme introduced by the Countryside Agency, and with help from the Surrey Community Action, to initiate a Parish Plan. All households received a questionnaire, and 83% completed and returned their forms for analysis, recording their feelings about the parish, saying what they felt needed to be done to enhance life in Leigh.
The Parish Council has followed up the Appraisal with the Leigh Parish Council Action Plan. This is a dynamic report explaining what has been done and what is intended to be done as a result of the Appraisal. For copies of the report or the original findings, contact a member of the Parish Council.
TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN LEIGH
The rural nature of Leigh does result in limited public transport serving the village.However it is served by daily bus services to both Reigate and Dorking, and more extensive bus and rail services can be accessed nearby.
The information below is a summary of services which can be accessed from Leigh, which are correct at the time of writing (July 2008). Readers are advised however to check details as timings and services can change, often at short notice. If any of the information on this page is found to be out of date please advise the webmaster so that the information can be updated.
Bus services
Leigh is served by the following bus services
Leigh to Dorking Route 21/22 and 522
Further details can be found for route 21/22 at and for route 522 at
The Leigh Post Bus has been replaced by the following service run by Buses 4U
Forest Green - Dorking - Leigh - Reigate
Timetable until September 4th 2009
Mondays to Fridays Only
Forest Green The Parrot 0919 1240 … Reigate Morrisons 1140 …
Mayes Green 0922 / … Woodhatch Angel 1144 …
Walliswood Oakfields 0924 / … Leigh The Plough 1151 …