Tandridge Buzz

Time is running out to nominate someone as Tandridge Citizen of the Year.

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Perkins and Vice-Chairman Councillor Sakina Bradbury, are looking for selfless service to a voluntary body or the community, or someone whose service brings distinction and quality to everyday life in Tandridge District.

But nominations must be in by 31 December.

“If you know someone who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to the community, give them the recognition they deserve and nominate them for the Tandridge Citizen of the Year Awards,” said chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Perkins.

East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah said: “I am delighted to support these awards, which recognise those people who selflessly give their time to the local community.”

There is no age barrier, but the person nominated must live within the Tandridge District.

How to nominate

• Nominations should be made in writing to: The Chairman of Tandridge District Council, Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk.

• The closing date for entries is 31 December 2011. The awards will be presented by the Chairman at the Civic Reception being held on Thursday 23 February 2012 at Surrey National Golf Club, Chaldon.

• For more details please contact Lesley Ayers on 01883 732701, e-mail chiefexecutive’soffice@tandridge.gov.uk

Tandridge District Council chairman Brian Perkins said he is “very proud” that the council is continuing to invest in schemes, such as the new £100,000 playground at Whyteleafe Recreation Ground, despite budget cuts.

The new play area was officially opened on Saturday 24 September, following a soft launch a few weeks earlier. The design, undertaken by SMP Playgrounds, was voted on by members of the public last year and incorporates a wider range of equipment for children of all ages.

The old playground was installed in 1984 and was in urgent need of refurbishment.

Council leader Perkins cut the tape along with Whyteleafe councillors Sakina Bradbury and David Lee.

“It gives a wider range of modern equipment for a wider range of children to enjoy and it is in such a lovely setting,” said Perkins.

He paid tribute to the Open Playgrounds team behind the project as Tandridge faces up to a 8% budget cut this year.

“They have won (financial) awards which have allowed many of the things going on to happen — and this is not the only one but is the most expensive one — but it has allowed Tandridge to spend a lot of money on these necessary schemes and we are very proud of it.”

Tandridge residents are invited to join Tandridge District Council chairman, Councillor Brian Perkins, for a coffee to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief on 30 September.

Tandridge District Council is taking part in Macmillan’s annual fundraising event — the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Macmillan Cancer Support helps improve the lives of people affected by cancer, both those living with cancer and their families and carers.

Two million people in the UK are living with cancer and one in three will be diagnosed during their lifetime.

Last year over £8 million was raised at coffee mornings around the country. Every donation, whether 50p or £50, will help Macmillan continue providing much needed support.

“With so many people suffering the effects of cancer, even if we don’t suffer personally we will all know people that are,” said Councillor Perkins.

“Macmillan Nurses give much needed relief and help to sufferers and their families. I hope many of you will join me to raise much needed funds.”

The event will take place at the Council Offices, Oxted, from 10am to 12 noon on Friday 30 September.

• For further information about Tandridge District Council’s coffee morning, please call Lesley Ayers on 01883 732701, e-mail chiefexecutivesoffice@tandridge.gov.uk.

Tandridge District Council has elected Lingfield & Crowhurst councillor Brian Perkins as chairman for 2011-12.

He takes up the mantle from Alan Jones with the vice-chair role going to Sakina Bradbury, who represents Whyteleafe Ward.

Perkins, a pharmacist by trade, has represented Lingfield & Crowhurst Ward since 2002 and for the past year he has been the Council vice-chairman and a member of the Housing Committee.

During the last nine years Perkins, pictured with wife Sonia, has served on many committees and was for a while seconded onto the Surrey Health Scrutiny Committee.

He also represents the Council on outside bodies, particularly those dealing with care and sport and was a district member of Surrey County Council’s Local Committee.

Perkins has chosen the following charities to support for the year:

• St John Ambulance
• Cystic Fibrosis Trust
• Tandridge Community Fund