For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 07:32 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 it will turn increasingly cloudy from off the North Sea Some bright or sunny spells developing by evening Staying dry with some lengthy clear skies overnight Turning chilly with a touch of grass frost in places Largely dry with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells on Wednesday with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells throughout the period Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Latest news from Mole Valley District Council Following the success of the first public exhibitions and webinar concerning initial proposals for a new mixed-use development at the Swan Centre and Bull Hill The Leret Partnership is inviting the residents to upcoming events in Fetcham and Bookham to continue the feedback process to help shape the plans further a joint venture between Kier Property and Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) held events in Leatherhead over two weeks between 11th and 20th July 2024 to listen to the public’s views on its emerging proposals to develop new high-quality homes alongside a range of new commercial facilities as part of the wider Transform Leatherhead programme In total there were 584 visits to the public exhibitions with 399 feedback forms completed in person or online to date There were 46 individual registrations to attend the webinar Demographic data among responders showed a healthy balance of age groups and genders and the vast majority of those filling out surveys were local residents of Leatherhead The information contained within the responses has given The Leret Partnership’s project team an important steer as they adapt the proposals to better reflect the needs and desires of local residents This feedback will be taken into consideration as the plans continue to evolve before a further round of pre-application consultation in due course and Bookham will be taking place between 5:30pm and 7:30pm at the following dates and locations: These events offer local residents in these villages an opportunity to find out more about the proposals and have their say The project team wants to hear what these nearby communities think about these initial proposals The consultation process will close at midnight on Monday 16 September 2024 Kier Property said: “We’re proud of our ambitions to revitalise Leatherhead’s town centre and the events so far have given us much food for thought as we adapt our plans according to the needs of the local community It was important to us to ensure turnout was as high as possible and reflected the demographic profile of the community “We look forward to further understanding what people want to see from the new developments in the next set of events.” “It’s great to see so many people engaging with our consultation We’ve been actively seeking views from residents businesses and key stakeholders who will be directly affected by the development we would like to hear from people in the surrounding areas to understand if our proposals appeal to them and whether they might visit Leatherhead more often or even consider moving here we’ve decided to add three additional sessions to our public engagement on the Leret Partnership consultation Two of these events are scheduled for September ensuring that everyone with an interest has an opportunity to find a suitable date.” For anyone unable to attend the events, the project website theleretpartnership.co.uk has information about the project and consultation along with a range of options for submitting feedback The deadline for submission of comments to this consultation is 23:59 on Monday 16 September 2024 Any feedback submitted after this date may not be considered For more information about this consultation, how to reach the event venues, or for any further questions people can contact the project team directly by calling 0800 915 3598 or send an email to info@theleretpartnership.co.uk www.transformleatherhead.com Buy tickets for Mole Valley Community Lottery View our latest job vacancies Prosperity Environment Community Wellbeing The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response the walk near the gorgeous Mole Gap is a moderate trail that's around five kilometres (three miles) long The woodlands boast beautiful wildflowers and is a great place to spot British wildlife foxes and woodpeckers are all found living in the woodlands at Norbury Park READ MORE: The ‘outstanding’ Surrey pub with ‘one of a kind’ play area and walks taken by James Bond READ MORE: The Blue Flag beach resort just 30 minutes from Surrey are a historic marvel in the park and are some of the oldest in the UK It is said the trees were used by Druids for celebrations and rituals A red brick Grade II-listed bridge can also be found in the park and a large viaduct can also be found there too this walk is suitable for most people and families can be found nearby - which is the perfect spot for sundown cocktails With a striking facade and bulbs hanging across the front garden, The Bell in Fetcham is a gorgeous place to visit The pretty front patio is an idyllic summer spot to sit and enjoy evening drinks and food featuring Suffolk sausages served with with pea and gem lettuce fricasse and jersey royals chalk stream trout with heritage tomato salad It also serves a short-crust chicken and pea pie with braised hispi cabbage On Sunday the pub serves roast dinners with beef dripping roast potatoes One review reads: “The food was fantastic; really tasty The guy behind the bar was really nice and helpful Another says: “Had an absolutely fabulous meal here with my aunt for her birthday Started off with the ‘nibbles’ of cheese balls with apple sauce which were delicious and homemade taramasalata which was equally delicious “I then had the grilled trout fillet which was beautifully cooked and my aunt had the chicken breast - again beautifully cooked and very tasty Unfortunately we felt too full to try any pudding but will definitely be back soon to try I was so impressed with the meal I asked to speak to the chef so I could extend my thanks for such a lovely evening All staff were so friendly and attentive.” To find out more about the circular route to follow for Norbury Park, follow the AllTrails link here Norbury Park car parking: Fetcham and Young Street car parks are located off the A246 And Crabtree car park is situated off Crabtree Lane in Westhumble The Bell pub is open from 11am until 11pm every day, but it shuts at 10.30pm on Sunday nights, book in here Pub address: Bell Lane, Fetcham, Leatherhead Find out more about things to do and activities in Surrey with our free What’s On email HERE. "I don't think we've completely got to the bottom of what caused this By Christy O'Brien · 30 April 2021 Disgruntled parents outside the gates of Oakfield Junior School in Fetcham Fourteen children in Fetcham have been left without a place at their local school with Surrey County Council unable to find a reason why Families of children who go to Fetcham Village Infant School discovered on Monday last week they had been denied places at the nearby Oakfield Junior School and instead may have to travel as far as Bookham for their education A county councillor representing the area says the issue has surprised him with the council unable to find an exact reason as to why the apparent anomaly happened who's daughter Evie eventually received a place at Oakfield after being omitted originally says the issue has generated anger from affected parents two or at maximum three children in the village haven't got a place at Oakfield," she said "There's obviously been huge outrage about it Six children are being sent to West Ashtead Primary School one child is being sent on his own over to Dornay School [in Great Bookham] "We're a little village with one junior school servicing that village and there are still 14 families that have no place at a school which is no more than kilometre or so away from them There needs to be a change in catchment areas and village schools actually serving village families These poor kids have been through enough these last 12 months," she added The story seems go against the county trend Surrey County Council figures show nearly 93% of all applicants had been given their first choice preference the figure rising to almost 97% for applicants given a place in one of their four preferred schools who represents the Leatherhead and Fetcham West ward said he did not fully know why the omission had happened While he suggested a surplus of siblings (who get preferential treatment in the system) and parents only putting down one school on their preference form as potential factors Cllr Hall admitted it was an "unusual" situation He also said he would have further meetings with the council's educational and school admissions teams to get to the bottom of the issue and find a "sensible answer."       He added: "I don't think we've completely got to the bottom of what caused this It's unusual for so many children who's nearest school is Oakfield not to get their nearest school "The people who have had offers are either siblings or it's their nearest school so it's not that anybody who has got a place isn't entitled it's the fact we have more pupils than we have places "It was a complete surprise when it turned up nobody had any expectation this would be an issue which is unusual "It seems very much to be a Fetcham issue which is unusual and it's the first time in a long time we've had an issue like this."   See the latest news, information, conversations and much more, all tailored to your neighbourhood, in your InYourArea live feed here LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has invested £90,000 through its Neighbourhood Fund (previously known as Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy) to completely overhaul the equipment on offer at the Cock Lane playground The new-look playground will officially open on Friday 21 October at 4pm,  in time to provide children with lots of fun during the October half-term. MVDC Chairman, Paul Potter, local councillors, MVDC staff and representatives from Kompan who delivered the project will welcome local children with balloons and goody bags The refurbished playground now boasts a range of inclusive equipment that will allow children of all ages and physical ability to be able to play together It features a range of traditional and sensory equipment including a large climbing and multi-play area Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor David Draper, said: “The completed Cock Lane Playground is a great example of how we can work with communities to shape the creative, inclusive and exciting play facilities they wish to see. The new features at the site provide children the opportunity to play, learn and imagine. This investment was possible thanks to MVDC’s Neighbourhood Fund which comes from money raised by applying a levy to new development and it is our ambition to continue supporting and promoting recreation and cultural facilities across the district to provide for residents of all ages I would like to thank our partners from Kompan for delivering this great project and making sure that together we can put smiles on faces of the youngest members of our community” Kompan were delighted to have been selected to work with Mole Valley District Council again on another exciting play area project “When we designed the new play space we took great care to consider all of the community consultation comments in particular to broaden the age ranges and to create a space that would be more accessible and would allow for all ages and abilities to play safely together.  We very much hope that the new play area at Cock Lane will attract more visitors to the park and will prove to be a great success with the local community” Over a hundred local children and parents kick-started the October half term in style by coming along to Mole Valley District Council and Kompan’s official opening of the refurbished playground at Cock Lane Recreation Ground in Fetcham on Friday 21 October 2022 Mole Valley District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Paul Potter, and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor David Draper, were joined by Fetcham’s Local Members for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to declare the playground official open in front of children and parents. Kompan the play company that MVDC appointed to carry out the refurbishment brought goody bags for children to add to the celebratory atmosphere Over a hundred children who came to the official opening took little time to test out the new range of traditional and sensory equipment said: “It was a joy to see so many local residents take the time to show their support and come to our official opening It became evident very quickly what a fantastic facility the refurbished playground is and how important it will be for so many for years to come It was a privilege to open the playground alongside the Chairman and local Members and I would like to thank Kompan for everything being ready in time to start the school holidays in the best possible way for so many.” was wanted on suspicion of murdering Patrick Kettyle The couple are believed to have known Bruzas but detectives were unclear about the nature of their relationship He was stopped by officers while driving in Oxshott shortly before 6pm Det Ch Insp Mark Preston said the tragic incident had shaken the community in Fetcham: “I hope the arrest this evening goes some way to reassure the public that we have been relentless in our efforts during this fast-moving and on-going investigation.” He thanked everyone who assisted with the search for Bruzas including members of the public and the media Another man in his 30s who was arrested at a property in Walton-on-Thames earlier on Thursday was released on police bail while the investigation continued said the person who killed the Kettyles entered their home shortly after midnight on Wednesday and “subjected the victims to a sustained attack” The alarm was raised at 12.30am after a relative who lived with them found the bodies A bloodstained meat cleaver was recovered near the detached home which has security cameras and signs warning of 24-hour CCTV surveillance Officers took the unusual step of naming Bruzas a self-employed builder from Walton-on-Thames divorced and a “good single boy” on his Facebook page Patrick Kettyle is believed to have retired recently after running his own building and electrical firms for 30 years It is not known whether Bruzas worked for Kettyle is understood to have been employed with his company as a secretary since June 2012 She used to live with Bruzas but has moved to a nearby flat in the past year Police stand guard outside the Kettyles’ home in Fetcham Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesRaj Haque whose council ward includes the murder scene said the community was devastated by the brutal murders known throughout his community as ‘Mr Kim’ is a Boots pharmacist who goes significantly over and above for his customers His care for patients is exceptional with many patients commenting on his kindness and warmth he has been recognised with a national honour The British Citizen Award In an area with more complex elderly patients than average professional skills and human kindness shines through Kim was nominated for the award by one of the local GPs the GP says: “Mr Kim knows his patients well delivers medicines in his own time to housebound patients and is patient and thorough in explanations and advice giving each of this patients a service to the highest standards gratitude and confidence and Kim is held in very high regard within the local community “In a time when prescriptions are renewed electronically and some pharmacies offer a ‘direct to you’ service it is increasingly rare to witness old-fashioned The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked Kimis one of 29 medalists who were honoured at a prestigious ceremony at the Palace of Westminster All BCA recipients have selflessly undertaken various activities in support of a number of worthy causes inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ Medalists have also been invited to use the initials BCA after their name Kim said: “I am extremely honoured to be receiving such an important award I am earnestly grateful for the recognition received from my nominator and Fetcham residents for my pharmacist’s work at the front line of healthcare in the community” Retail and Pharmacy Operations Director at Boots added: “Colleagues like Kim are at the heart of our business and make me feel incredibly proud of the work that we do every day in our local communities Kim is an outstanding pharmacist who will always make care for his patients his first priority and it’s brilliant to see his hard work being recognized in the British Citizen Awards.” The awards are sponsored by the world’s largest optical retailer Specsavers; one of the largest property and leisure management development and regeneration companies in the UK Places for People; and worldwide leader in IT and networking,Cisco Each had representatives at the assessment day and presented the awards in July Michael Underwood who stated: “Having presented the very first British Citizen Awards it’s a real honour and privilege to be invited back I am looking forward to learning more about the incredible people being recognised for their contribution to society” Boots sends congratulations to their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla on their Coronation Boots beauty experts share their savvy beauty choices for savings with no compromise Find out the latest updates from the UK’s largest pharmacy-led health and beauty chain – from new products and services to important business developments Read the views of our team members at Boots Find out what they think about the most important issues of the day – from healthcare equality to sustainability A you are a journalist looking for information and resources about Boot Visit our media resources hub to access images Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer with over 51,000 team members and over 1,800 stores ranging from local community pharmacies to large destination health and beauty destinations.*  Boots serves its customers and patients for life as the leading provider of healthcare on the high street and the UK’s number one beauty destination It offers an unrivalled depth and breadth of products which incorporates its extensive own brand range and innovative portfolio of brands Boots is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail.  More company information is available on boots-uk.com If you’d like a downloadable version of this file 70 excited visitors to the beautiful Fetcham Park House got their chance to hear historian Alexander Bagnall give a fascinating talk celebrating the launch of his new book: “The Deepdene: A Landscape Rediscovered” Audience members were entertained with excerpts and stories that inspired this new publication exploring the rich history of the owners of the Deepdene Estate and recent unearthing of The Deepdene Trail by the local community Featuring tales of owners like the Hope family holders of the infamous Hope Diamond and those responsible for both the success and decline of the Deepdene Estate Alexander Bagnall oversaw the efforts to rescue and reconnect the surviving remnants of the Deepdene from 2015 to 2018 and took a look at the story behind rediscovering Deepdene’s hidden treasures said: “It’s wonderful to see the story of Deepdene continue to develop Thank you to everyone who came to the event and purchased a copy of the book Any profits made will be put back into conserving the Deepdene and the fantastic volunteers who keep the Trail open The Deepdene Trail was created by Mole Valley District Council and partners as part of a £1million Heritage Lottery Funded project The project restored and reconnected the historic Deepdene estate and engaged visitors through events “The Trail is managed by Mole Valley District Council and supported by volunteers and a range of partners There have been over 30,000 visitors since it opened in September 2016 and there are plenty of surprises and new views to discover We hope the launch of the new book will inspire even more visitors to explore this hidden treasure.” Anyone who missed the event will have several opportunities to hear more about the fascinating stories of Deepdene at one of a series of events being held as part of this years’ Heritage open Days events between 13 and 22 September. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk to find out more News | Crime Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice A Lithuanian builder wanted on suspicion of stabbing to death a couple in their home in a rural village has been arrested on suspicion of murder was stopped by officers while he was driving in Oxshott A manhunt was launched after the bodies of Patrick and Gillian Kettyle were found in Fetcham Surrey at 12.30am by a member of the family believed to be one of their teenage children Detectives from Surrey Police appealed for information on the whereabouts of Bruzas following the double killing at the £750,000 house in Fetcham Georgia school shooting: Gunman kills four and injures nine before arrest Police seize £1m of counterfeit designer goods in raid on Camden shop Police release images of pair they want to speak to in dog walker murder probe Inquest opened and adjourned into death of fiance of X Factor star An all ports and airports alert was issued for the self-employed builder who police said was known to the dead couple The public were urged not to approach him but to call 999 if he was spotted ran a successful construction company called Kettyle Ltd from their home in The Copse They are thought to have employed Bruzas’ ex-wife as their secretary in 2012 who is originally form Kanaus in Lithuania he used to live in Forest Gate until moving to a new house in Walton-on-Thames in 2009 with his wife Kristina Bruziene Police said the victims were known Bruzas but refused to give further details said Bruzas and his ex-wife moved to the UK around 12 years ago The builder told the Standard: “He and Kristina split up about two years ago “He has been working in London and in Walton-on-Thames - all over The quiet road where the killings took place was cordoned off today as forensic officers examined the scene Neighbours at The Copse said the Kettyles lived at the detached four bedroom home with their teenage son A black Audi Q3 was parked on the drive adjacent to the white-doored garage said she and her husband had been woken by a disturbance after midnight She said : “We heard what we thought was banging we get a lot of foxes and we thought it was foxes jumping on the bins and then a few minutes later the police arrived said: “Patrick was always walking past with his dogs He was just a perfectly nice and normal guy “Last night we just heard this barking and I presume it was their dogs We were cursing that people were letting their dogs bark at night I went back to sleep and didn’t think anything of it They have a Labrador and a smaller white dog “It was really frantic barking in like two sessions We didn’t know what had happened and then the police were there this morning “Its so quiet around here you just don’t expect it said: “Patrick and Gillian were such nice people you don’t expect anything like this to happen around here.” said: “We are all surprised that something like this has happened “They have a son who is about 17 who lives with them there from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “This is a tragic incident which has shaken the close community in Fetcham "I hope the arrest this evening goes some way to reassure the public that we have been relentless in our efforts during this fast-moving and on-going investigation “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted with the search of Viktoras Bruzas including members of the public and the media.” * A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder at a property in Walton-on-Thames Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Rihanna shows off baby bump at star-studded Met Gala 2025 as singer's third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky announced Rihanna debuts baby bump on star-studded Met Gala blue carpet 20-year-old former St John's pupil had a freak training accident that ruled out her season By InYourArea Community · 25 March 2021 Written by Tom Malley for the Surrey MirrorAlpine ski racer Abi Bruce is back to her best after recovering from a nasty leg break that wrote off her 2020 season.A freak training accident meant that Bruce was out for most of last year but has since come back to win her first Parallel Slalom event in Austria before competing in the 2021 Alpine Junior World Championships in Bulgaria earlier this month.The former pupil of St John’s School admits to experiencing a tough time while out through injury and is just glad she is back to doing what she does best.She said: “I was midway through training that season and out on the first run of the day during our first day back in January when I managed to crash into some netting and break my leg.“It put me out for the rest of the season and it maybe shouldn’t have but I couldn’t get all the appointments in with the physio that I needed or wanted “I was actually tossing up the options of continuing and quitting at that point but in the end I decided to continue – thank God It was a bit of a tough time for me actually.“I didn’t really know what to do and wasn’t sure how things were going to go when I came back to skiing but luckily I eventually healed and now I’m back out doing what I love.”Bruce joined her first skiing team when she was just six years old and is now a member of Ski Race Academy Leitner an elite ski racing training group based in Austria.While out there this year the young talent won her first Parallel Slalom event as she showcased her talent on return from her long-term injury.Bruce said: “That was really exciting for me It was a very different event and it was actually my first parallel race and my coach just told me to ski my best no matter what happens really pushed and it turned out to be really fun.“I wasn’t expecting it to be quite as fun as it was but I had a great time the girls were all lovely and there was a really great atmosphere With little time to process or even celebrate her victory Bruce was setting off for the 15-hour drive to Bansko the following day in order to compete in the 2021 Alpine Junior World Championships which took place between March 8 to 10.The incredibly long commutes around Europe are often the one downfall to being a competitive skier but the 20-year-old admits it is something she has had to get used to and believes that people’s perceptions of skiing are very different to what it’s actually like.She said: “I love the sport but I think people’s perceptions of it are very different to what it actually is.“When I’m out here it’s definitely more of a job that I love and not a holiday I haven’t felt like I’ve had a ski holiday for maybe 10 years so I think perceptions of the sport are very different to the reality I look at the 15-hour drives as making my way to new countries and exploring Europe a bit more.“The whole drive is spent just looking out the window at the new places so it’s actually quite cool I don’t mind it.”After that mammoth journey Bruce once again put on an impressive performance as she finished in the top 30 at the Alpine Junior World Championships while placing the highest for Great Britain in the meantime Bruce finished in 22nd on her first race and ended up in 21st overall after her second race achieving her goal of finishing in the top 30.She said: “The first race was the GS race which was kind of unheard of really for someone of that high of a bib number "Another girl came just behind me so the two of us were the highest bibs in the split and they flip that so that if you make it when you’re in 30th and first place you go on the first and second run on the next race.“This gives you a really big advantage for passing the second run and that was my goal for the day the tactic was pretty much just to make it down and have a solid run nothing too special as I needed the result more than a special performance so I was really happy with that.”Bruce has made a great start to the 2021 season and is looking to push on from what she has already achieved participating in the Winter Olympics is the ultimate aim but Fetcham’s bright talent feels that the broken leg she sustained last year could mean that Beijing 2022 will come too soon for her I would just be happy to be considered for that definitely getting onto the World Cup circuit is a big goal of mine as well.” Main image - Fetcham skier Abi Pruce (Credit: Neil McQuoid) Mole Valley District Council has appointed play company Kompan to carry out a comprehensive £90,000 refurbishment of the playground at Cock Lane Recreation Ground Kompan’s design met the needs and requirements set out by local residents and users of the existing play facility in Fetcham during a consultation held earlier this year Feedback received during a public consultation held at the start of the year provided play companies bidding to refurbish the play facilities a very specific steer as to the style theme and type of equipment that was wanted by existing users and local residents the new inclusive playground will feature a range of traditional and sensory equipment for different ages and abilities to enjoy It will remain in the same location as the existing facilities and the build is due to be completed by early August said: “Kompan are delighted to have been selected by MVDC to install the new play area at Cock Lane Recreation Ground We designed a play area that will broaden the age ranges able to use the space and have created a space that allows for all ages and abilities to play together We have worked closely with MVDC on many previous projects and look forward to delivering another successful scheme for the whole community to enjoy for many years to come.” said: “We are pleased to have selected Kompan to deliver an impressive playground design not only for the local community The new facilities will provide an improved experience for children and young people and will feature equipment suitable for all abilities ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves.” Jimmy Bullard ‘loved every minute’ of his debut season as a manager at Leatherhead in the seventh tier By Richard Foster for The Agony and the Ecstasy of the Guardian Sport Network By Richard Foster for The Agony and the Ecstasy of the Guardian Sport Network Leatherhead is not exactly one of the hotbeds of football in the United Kingdom. In this sleepy town tucked between Dorking and Epsom on the banks of the River Mole, the annual sporting highlight comes when the London-Surrey cycle classic wends its way through the town centre A little way out of town is the football club at Fetcham Grove the club has hovered around the lower levels of the non-league pyramid switching between the Surrey Senior League and the Isthmian League for most of its 110-year history The Tanners have known better days and were once put firmly on the map by the escapades of Chris Kelly the “Leatherhead Lip” who spearheaded the club’s famous FA Cup run in the 1974-75 season Not only did they beat league opposition in Colchester and Brighton but they were also 2-0 up against Leicester before bowing out to great acclaim with a narrow 3-2 defeat at Filbert Street Kelly’s arrogance and habit of making bold predictions upset his opponents but the media lapped it up enthusiastically Bullard’s career looked in danger of being overtaken by his celebrity but he insists he moved to Leatherhead to make a genuine first step on the management ladder “In my head I always wanted to be a manager,” says Bullard “But the way I finished because of injury I fell out of love with football really I watched a bit and tried a bit of commentary So after three or four years of doing different things I knew I wanted to manage but doing all the television stuff didn’t allow me to do my badges.” The closest Bullard had come to managing before was when he impersonated Phil Brown’s half-time public dressing-down of Hull players on the pitch at the Etihad. “I had spoken to a couple of my former bosses, such as Tony Burman who was in charge at my first semi-pro club and Karl Robinson [who was his manager at MK Dons when Bullard was forced to retire] and said: ‘Can I come and ghost you.’ So I was picking up some experience The stark contrast between the Premier League, where Bullard made most of his appearances, and the lower rungs of the football ladder was best illustrated when Leatherhead were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Hendon in December just a few months into his spell in charge. Welcome to the real world, Jimmy. It also took him some time to acclimatise to the players’ fitness – or lack thereof – which is hardly surprising considering they are part-timers. Read moreBeneath his cheeky-chappy persona Bullard was a player who thought about the game “I was always intrigued by management and I wish I could turn the clock back and pick the brains of each of my managers,” he says “I was one of the few players who did challenge the manager now and again if I thought they were wrong but didn’t take it any further.” He fell out with Roy Hodgson while they were at Fulham together but he insists Hodgson “was by far and away the best tactical manager I ever played for – but his man-to-man management skills with me and a few others were terrible He was just not a good man-manager and that is what led to our disagreement.” Bullard is now developing his own man-management skills “As a player you can be very selfish,” he says Whereas being a manager you have to be constantly thinking about others Some needed a kick up the arse while others needed an arm around their shoulder I remember having to give an absolute rollicking to Gerry rather than having a pint with him in the bar he was clearly our best player in the last eight or so matches.” Jimmy Bullard: ‘Towards the end of my career I felt like a glass ornament out there’ GuardianBullard improved individual players as he steered Leatherhead away from relegation but he was frustrated by the lack of time he had to develop the side and he felt unable to fully impart his philosophy so decided to move on at the end of the season There are no hard feelings but he is keen to gain the necessary qualifications to manage at a higher level and is setting his sights on a position at the fifth or sixth tier of English football “I loved every minute of managing Leatherhead I want to go as close to full-time as possible as I need the time with the players I want to manage at Conference or Conference South level but I won’t be an assistant as my beliefs are so strong Bullard is planning to take the fast-track route offered by the Irish FA which allows former players to spend an intensive few weeks getting their badges up to Uefa B qualification he knows what he will be asking from his team: “I want my players to work their nuts off when they’re out of possession and when we’ve got the ball I want them to rest with the ball.” Delivering the news from Henley on Thames and South Oxfordshire for over 100 years vicar of the Benefice of Goring and Streatley with South Stoke died on January 31 after being ill for some time He became vicar of the benefice in May 2014 moving from Fetcham in Surrey with his wife Liz Paul gained his degree in metallurgy from Imperial College He worked for a time in Switzerland where he and Liz received a call to ministry in the church and were able to undertake a joint curacy in Guildford after which Paul became rector of St Mary’s he was invited to join the Clergy Pensions Board and the ethical investments committee of the Church of England After his appointment in Goring Paul set about getting to know as many people as possible in the three parishes by hosting a series of cream teas in the garden of the vicarage His direct and warm personality together with his enthusiasm for the Christian faith made him effective as a leader and communicator He was a gifted preacher and encouraged many in their faith partly through themed sermon series each Trinity season Paul nurtured links with the Goring Free Church and Our Lady and St John His enthusiasm for bringing the good news of the love of Christ to people of all ages led to a thriving group for young teenagers strong links with the two church schools and family services where those in their nineties were equally at home as those under five — and everyone else in between Ill-health struck while Paul was on holiday in Switzerland in August 2016 He collapsed on a mountainside and had to be airlifted to hospital eventually being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour He underwent surgery in Oxford followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy which initially controlled the tumour so that he was able to continue his ministry The arrival of Steve Johnson as assistant curate in July 2016 ensured that under Paul’s guidance and through Steve’s ministry many initiatives were continued and gathered pace Paul reduced his workload as the tumour recurred and further treatment was no longer an option he was admitted to the Sue Ryder Hospice in Nettlebed Many people visited him and he was invariably cheerful and positive in that lovely place Paul’s earthly life drew to a close on January 31 He never wavered in his belief that Christ was calling him home to be with him in heaven forever this would be a continuation of something quite simple: a faith commenced when he was a young man and pursued resolutely for the whole of his life Following a private funeral and burial at St Andrew’s Church thanksgiving and celebration of Paul’s life attended by many people from all over the country was held at St Thomas’s Church in Goring on February 16 HIGGS GROUP Tel: 01491 419400 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