Q: What is the purpose of the Englefield Green Village Residents Association?
A: The Association (EGVRA) exists to help local residents collate their views on local issues. Most importantly it helps to put the views of local people to those in authority - this includes Runnymede Borough Council, Egham Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Police liason committee. You learn more about this under the pages for Village Residents Association.

Q: How many local councillors represent the village?
A: Six. There are more details under the Local information page.

Q: Where can local planning applications be viewed?
A: In the Staines and Egham News, on the Runnymede Borough Council Website - use the link from the village website - and on the Residents' Association noticeboard in the Post Office in Victoria Street.

Q: What do you hope to achieve by producing a new version of the website
A:

Many people use the existing commuity website. In fact Jan 2002 saw over 1900 visitors and Feb saw 1885 visitors to the site. We want to expand the use of the site and extend the benefits that current visitors are enjoying to everyone in the community. It is a community site and we want to make it better but it can only work better if it is interactive and easy to update. The new site will allow a number of people to become editors of the site and manage data under specific sections.

If you would like to help please get in touch with the site manager under contact details.

Q: Who owns the Green?
A: The Crown Estate. It is administered by Runnymede Borough Council, and managed by the Green Committee.

Q: How much does it cost to join the Residents' Association - EGVRA ?
A: It cost 20 pounds for a family life membership or 4 pound per year for a annual membership. Download an application form HERE.

Q: Was there a village pond and where is it?
A: Yes, there was - near where the cricket pavilion is now

Q: Why was the cricket pitch moved?
A: According to EU regulations, its original position was a danger to passing motorists

Q: How many pubs are there in the village?
A: Seven - The Barley Mow, The Sun, The Fox and Hounds, The Holly Tree, The Armstrong Gun, The Happy Man and The Beehive

Q: What caused the expansion of the village in Victorian times?
A: The constructions of Royal Holloway College. A lot of cottages were built for the workmen who built the College.

Q: Is there an amateur dramatic club in the village?
A: Yes, there is - St Jude's Players. Full details can be found on their page on this website

Q: Who are the St Jude's players and how did they come about?
A:

St Jude's Players was formed in 1957 and was affiliated to St Jude's Church with the vicar as President.

The first play produced was called 'Golden Rain'. The first Pantomime, in 1975 (The Queen of Hearts) was an immediate success and boosted membership. The annual Pantomime has now become part of the village tradition with a different one being produced each year in the Social Hall.

Over the last 20 years the format has been to put on a play in the Spring, a musical, variety show or play in the Summer and the Pantomime in the Winter (the first two weeks of December being the set time). To date the Players have performed in approx 102 productions and currently plans for the 26th Pantomime are underway.

The Players are always ready to welcome new members and are not only looking for new talent to swell the acting side but also backstage crew such as set designers, lighting experts, make-up artists, painters, wardrobe mistresses and last but not at all least anyone to help 'front of house' (making tea, running the bar, selling tickets, etc). If you cannot do any of these things ? don?t worry ? we can teach you!!!

In 1979 the Players took over the old cricket Pavilion at Coopers Hill and after much fund raising were able to refurbish and adapt it for rehearsals and set building - not to mention the odd party!

Q: Who runs the social hall and can anyone hire it?
A:

By 1997 the Social Hall in Harvest Road had become very run down and the Council decided it was no longer viable to keep it going. The St Jude's Players put forward a plan to take over the running and the administration of the Hall. The plan was accepted and the new arrangements have worked well - as can be seen by anyone using the Hall today. Interior redecoration, rewiring and roof repairs have been carried out and some windows replaced. At present plans for rebuilding the stage are underway and already other groups are hiring the hall for their productions.

The Hall is available for hire for various types of functions and has three rooms available apart from the main hall. So if you are planning a party or need a Committee Room don't forget to use your local hall - it is vital to keep this hall going for village use.

Q: What is the Englefield Green committee?
A:

The Englefield Village Green belongs to the Crown and is only leased to Runnymede Borough Council. The Green is much larger than most people think, as it includes not only the mown area which extends from the Barley Mow pub over to the new cricket pitch (with the pavilion and play area); but also includes the wooded area which stretches between the Cricket Pitch, Castle Hill Road and Coopers Hill Lane.

The lease dates back to 1955 and the recitals reach back to the Enclosure Acts of George III and to indentures and licences granted in the reigns of Queen Victoria, George V and George VI. The rent is £1 per annum!

It is the lease which sets up the "Englefield Green Committee" whose members include the councillors for Englefield Green and two other person selected by the Council from the tenants of the houses round the Green. The committee meets four times a year.

The committee has to keep the Green in "good and neat order" for the purposes expressed in the Enclosure Act which includes animals using and pasturing on the Green even if cricket and football seem to be more common uses nowadays. It also has to "manage and control" the Green, which, as recent history suggests, can sometimes involve a judgment of Solomon in balancing the views of all those who look onto and enjoy the Green.

Q: What is the Englefield Green Village Residents Association (EGVRA).
A:

The purpose of the Association is to represent the views of residents as well as to protect and improve the historic and natural environment of the village - not all changes are necessarily for the good of this village.

The committee meets regularly to consider all matters, which affect the community e.g., speeding, state of the pavements, planning, local shops and Neighbourhood Watch. At least three times a year such issues form the agenda for meetings between the committee and the local councillors.

Members of EGVRA can ask for topics to be brought up at these meetings. If there is a matter of vital importance to the village, a public meeting might be arranged.

We like to hear your concerns and worries in regard to our village. We are here to help, either with practical assistance, advice and support, or by forwarding your comments to our local councillors. We welcome your ideas for improvements or changes - your involvement makes the activities of the Association more meaningful.

Q: What is the Englefield Green Society?
A: The Englefield Green Society has charitable status, and holds funds which local community groups can apply for. Please refer to the Community Organisations list for contact details.

Q: What is the population of Englefield Green?
A: At May 2003 the population is around 7500.

Q: What is the local bus company in Englefield Green?
A: What is the local bus company server Chertsey?

Q: How can I find out about local travel facilities?
A: http://www.traveline.org.uk/ contains impartial information on planning your journey, by bus, coach or train... or any combination of the three!

Q: Who can take part in Pilates Classes?
A:

Pilates is suitable for any one regardless of fitness levels. It is particularly suitable for people who have had back problems (you should have approval from your GP or physio) to streghten the abdominals/back and shoulder region. It complements other sports and excersise programmes.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a series of slow and controlled exercises using the 'core' muscles of the deep abdominals/back and shoulders. It improves posture and lenghens and strengthens the muscles.

Q: How do I add information to the community site?
A: By registering on the site using the LOGON/REGISTER option you will get approved and be permitted to add information most pages on the website.