Tag Archives: Featured

South Nutfield and Horley FIrst XIs enjoy their cricketing weekends

South Nutfield and Horley escape a wet weekend to record big wins.

South skipper Jack Bellars makes a hundred in the local derby against Nutfield CC, while Sam Remfry sees Horley home, Horley’s evergreen Trevor Stevens grinds out a damp draw for the 2nd XI, and Newdigate U13s emerge victorious from a tight finish with Lingfield.

Report by David Jay

To include your club’s news, results and reports, please email your information to David.Jay@susyradio.com

Covid-19 Surge Testing in Reigate and Banstead area

Coronavirus surge testing has begun in the Reigate and Banstead area.

It is after case numbers have dramatically increased in the past few weeks.

Area one is focused around Banstead, Walton-on-the-Hill and Tattenham Corner, while area two is Reigate town centre.
Extensive surveillance of Covid-19 has identified that case rates in the borough of Reigate & Banstead have been increasing for the past few weeks. This is especially evident in the younger age groups, including secondary school age children. In addition to this, an increasing number of these are the Delta variant, which not only is more transmissible than the Alpha (Kent) strain but may also be associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation nationally, for those who have not been fully vaccinated.

Cllr Mark Brunt, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council spoke with SUSY Radio’s Neil Munday:

Visit the postcode checker for quick reference to see affected areas: www.surreycc.gov.uk/surgetesting.

 
In response to this, working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, Surrey County Council and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will stand up additional mass testing in the two affected areas. Anyone without symptoms who lives, works or studies in these areas is strongly encouraged to take a PCR Covid-19 test this week. This includes adults and children. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should not take part in the surge testing, but should instead book a PCR test via 119, NHS.UK or the NHS Covid-19 app.

Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space and following national guidance, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus.

Positive tests with a high enough viral load will be sequenced enabling a better understanding of the variant(s) and the potential spread.

Four mobile testing units specifically for this additional testing will be positioned across the borough.

Cllr Mark Brunt, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, explained: “The ask is two pronged – we are asking everyone who lives, works or studies in the affected areas to get a PCR test, but also to ensure they get vaccinated as soon they are offered – both their first and second doses. We know that two doses offer much more protection.
“While overall case rates are nowhere near the rates we saw at the beginning of the year, they are rising. We are taking this proactive approach to reduce the spread so that we can all continue to enjoy our returned freedoms. Please play your part.”

Details of where and how to get a test

Testing units will be positioned in the following locations from Friday 18 June to Sunday 27 June.
• Tadworth Leisure Centre, Preston Manor Road, Tadworth KT20 5FB
• Banstead High Street car park, 58-60 High Street, Banstead SM7 2LX
• The Mound car park, Royal Drive, Tattenham Corner KT18 5QB
• Reigate Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate RH2 0SH

Unit opening times:
• Friday 18 June – 10am to 8pm
• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June – 8am to 6pm
• Monday 21 June to Wednesday 23 June – 10am to 8pm
• Thursday 24 June to Sunday 27 June – 9am to 5pm

Please note:
• The units are not bookable; people should turn up when they can
• We anticipate they will be busier outside working hours, during lunch times and after school drop offs, so we ask that anyone who can avoid the busy times does so
• Results will be sent to individuals directly, usually within 48 hours
• Individuals are not required to isolate while waiting for the results, only if you receive a positive test
• Anyone who tests positive, must self-isolate immediately and pass on details of their contacts to NHS Test and Trace.

Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, Surrey County Council said, “We’ve been seeing rates rising in Reigate and Banstead for some weeks, and we now have evidence of community transmission of the Delta variant. Surge testing in the affected areas is the best way we have of identifying cases and making sure anyone who tests positive isolates, in order to prevent further spread of the variant.
“We know that the Delta variant is more transmissible, so it’s even more important for people to follow the guidance at this time – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance and cover your face. If you test positive, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.
“From Friday 18 June, anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for the vaccine, so please make sure you book in for your jab, and get both doses, to protect yourself and everyone around you.”

For more details, please visit our website at
www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/surgetesting.

Further information
• Latest coronavirus figures across Surrey can be accessed: Coronavirus statistics.
• Working in partnership with local authorities, NHS Test and Trace is targeting specific areas where the variant has been found: List of locations deploying surge testing.
• If a person tests positive, has any symptoms, or are contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive, they should self-isolate immediately.
• People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way: Get tested for coronavirus.
• We know that mutations form a part of the virus cycle and we are well prepared to sequence new variants and assess what action may need to be taken.
• If residents have any questions about the testing, they are asked to contact Reigate & Banstead Borough Council on 01737 276000.

Map: Surrey County Council

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Nominations invited for Volunteer Awards

An incredible 700 people in the borough of Reigate & Banstead volunteered at some point in the past year to help the local communities respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the recent national Volunteers’ Week, the Council is launching its newly branded Reigate & Banstead Volunteer Awards to celebrate the role of the borough’s many volunteers and show appreciation for their time and commitment to helping others.

Individuals and teams can be nominated in five categories, including a brand-new Crisis Response Volunteer category, to recognise those individuals who supported the local community to ensure vital services and support, such as food, medicine and calls to vulnerable residents, were delivered to members of the community during the pandemic.

Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Jill Bray, said:
“Never has volunteering been more important than it is now. It’s thanks to the selfless contributions from many individuals in our borough that our most vulnerable communities have felt supported and looked after in some of the most challenging of circumstances.”

The annual award scheme, now in its eighteenth year, was set up to recognise the unrewarded heroes who do a great amount of valuable work for the borough and its community and to show appreciation for their selfless service. The scheme is organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in partnership with Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead (VARB) and were previously called the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.

Alisdair Semple, Trustee of VARB, said:
“In our charity’s 25-year history, we have not seen anything like the multi-generational response to help and support those most in need that we’ve seen in the past year.

“What an incredible time to shine a spotlight on those that served, to note something of their contributions and to celebrate the silver-linings of generosity and kindness under pressure that have been shown by so many.”

To nominate, visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/volunteer-awards or email mayor@reigate-banstead.gov.uk to request a nomination form. Alternatively, contact VARB by emailing info@varb.org.uk or calling 01737 763156.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 30 June 2021. Successful nominees will be invited to a special awards ceremony in September at The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema in Redhill, subject to Government guidelines at the time.

Cricket: Two wins in a row for Newdigate Ninjas Women

George Hyde,
Horley CC
Image courtesy of Horley CC
One third of the way through the league season, in a weekend of sunshine and centuries South Nutfield’s Alex Smith makes 154, 18-year-old Luc Hutter from Headley Old Freemen’s smashes 128 not out from just 38 deliveries, and Horley’s George Hyde breaks the club batting record with 182 from 121 deliveries (29 4s and 3 6s) – but ends up on the losing side.

Meanwhile Newdigate Ninjas women make a record total and win two in a row.

Featured image: Newdigate Ninjas Women Cricket Team
image courtesy of Newdigate Ninjas Women Cricket

Report by David Jay

To include your club’s news, results and reports, please email your information to David.Jay@susyradio.com

Merstham House Fire

Photo courtesy:  Neil Munday

Several homes in Merstham suffered severe roof damage following a house fire on Saturday afternoon.  Six fire engines attended the scene at a row of terraced houses on Worsted Green at the junction with Sunstone Grove. 

Susy Radio’s Neil Munday spoke with local residents Charlotte and her Mum Rachel, and Graham Norris who has set up a support group to help those whose homes have been damaged. 

For more information on how to help, see the Merstham Community News and Updates Facebook page.