To get in touch with the BCA: Contact the secretary on secretary@burphamca.org.uk call 07513 366072 or visit the website at www.burphamca.org.uk

Sutherland Memorial Hall

There cannot be many people in Burpham who have not visited Sutherland Memorial Hall. It has been the venue for many family celebrations, sporting activities, a meeting place for local groups like the Brownies – and also for the BCA public meetings.

The hall, like all other public places, was closed during Covid lockdowns and the last BCA meeting was in January 2020. Back then, the hall was run by the Sutherland Memorial Park Amenities Club (SMPAC) – all volunteers from the various groups using the hall. When GBC decided to increase rents and responsibilities for the hall, every effort to keep going was made by the relevant bodies but in the end it proved too large a commitment. The running of the hall then became the responsibility of GBC.

Despite the ongoing worries over the Omicron variant of Covid, we are hoping to start our bi-monthly meetings in 2022. We knew the nursery school had re-opened so assumed the hall was open for business. GBC were asked for details of hiring procedure and charges. The response was stark. The nursery has a long term lease for use and holds the keys; GBC “have no resources to arrange ad hoc use ourselves.”

Apart from the over-subscribed Village Hall, there are few alternatives where local meetings can be based. Sutherland Memorial Hall is a valued community asset and must not be squandered. The BCA will pursue this issue vigorously.

Committee Changes

Liz Critchfield has retired as secretary, the committee would like to express their gratitude for her effort, professionalism and high quality work in over ten years in the role.

For the time being, the secretary’s responsibilities will be shared by the remaining members as so far no one has come forward to take the job on. Please be assured that someone will respond to any emails, telephone calls or letters. The email address remains the same but the contact telephone number has changed (see above) and the address if you wish to write, is Burpham Community Association, 6 Darfield Road, Burpham, GU7 7YY.

Defibrillators

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our fundraising for two defibrillators, one to be situated in Sutherland Memorial Park, the other at Aldi.

We need to raise around £6,000 to cover the initial cost, maintenance and training. The project has the support of Councillor George Potter and we are hopeful that some SCC money might be forthcoming. So far we have raised over £2,000 – if you would like to donate, please use our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/burpham-community-association

We could really use some help with fundraising so if you would like to be involved with this project please email cpad@burphamca.org.uk

Flood Forum

The next Forum, chaired by Angela Richardson MP,  is provisionally booked for the morning of January 21st.

If you have any issues you wish to raise please contact the BCA.

Burpham’s Newest Resident

This magnificent creature appeared in Jim Allen’s garden at the end of November last year and has caused a bit of a problem.

Despite much hunting through bird books none of us can be sure of a correct identification – buzzard? peregrine? Perhaps any bird spotters out there could give us some help!

Help by joining the Burpham Community Association today!

Subscriptions are £8 per household or £4 per single occupancy and run from January to December. Join now or renew your membership for 2022.

You can pay by:
Direct Debit – visit our website at www.burphamca.org.uk which has a link to this system – an email to treasurer@burphamca.org.uk giving your details would be helpful.

Online:
Account name: Burpham Community Association.
Sort Code: 40-22-26.
Account Number: 41049194

To help the Treasurer please identify yourself using initials, surname and the first line of your address.

Please contact Liz Turner, our Membership Secretary, if you have any queries. Her email address is membership@burphamca.org.uk

BCA on Facebook & Twitter!
Join the conversation! Open to members and non-members, it’s a great way to stay up-to-date with everything that’s happening in our community.
twitter.com/burpham_c_a
facebook.com/burphamCA/

Guildford Community Lottery
A way for everyone to support local causes and be in with a chance to win prizes of up to £25,000. 50% of all tickets sold from our page go to the BCA!