A truck caught fire on the A333 near Hindhead, causing traffic delays. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service contained the blaze swiftly, with no injuries reported.
There were dramatic scenes for motorists after a lorry caught fire on the A333 near Hindhead on Wednesday morning (April 23), causing delays for drivers heading past the M&S store.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze broke out on Portsmouth Road at around 9am. One fire engine was sent to the scene and firefighters quickly brought the flames under control. No injuries were reported, and the fire service confirmed the blaze was accidental. The ambulance service was not called.
The crew handed the scene over to Surrey Police for traffic management and left at approximately 9.29am.
The incident caused temporary disruption while recovery work took place, but the road was fully reopened later in the morning.
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There’s a light at the end of the Hindhead Tunnel for drivers as a speed restriction is about to be lifted.
The speed limit on the northbound carriageway between the A333 Grayshott junction and the Thursley side of the tunnel has been 40mph for several months.
The limit was imposed well before Christmas as a safety precaution while efforts took place to fix an “intermittent fault” affecting some traffic signals.
The southbound restriction has already been lifted while National Highways are confident of removing the 40mph northbound limit by the end of the month.
“We are carrying out final testing of the system before removing the reduced limit by the end of the month,” said a spokesperson before thanking drivers for their patience.
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The Black Down and Hindhead Supporters of the National Trust held a photographic competition to showcase the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Jane Puttock has a clear eye for detail after taking first prize with her “enchanting” close-up of the tiny red fruit of a lichen nestled in the fence at Swan Barn Farm.
Sarah Stansbury took the junior title after skilfully capturing the tranquillity of a viewpoint bench in the warm morning light of a late summer’s day.
Jane and Sarah joined the other winning photographers at Haslemere’s Raymond Reid Photo to receive their prizes.
Bob Daniels, the group’s committee chairman, and Brian Simmons of the host shop and competition sponsors, presented each winner with a framed copy of their entry, a photo mug and cash voucher.
Judges praised Jane for her “very effective reversal of the way we usually see the countryside”.
“The rotten wood makes a perfect background to the intricate detail in the lichens,” added judges, with Jane also taking third place with a macro photo of a red-headed cardinal beetle.
They added the entry submitted by junior winner Sarah could easily have been shortlisted in the adult section, calling it a “simple by strong image” which proves that “less can be more”.
Hana Gamlin took second prize in the adult section with her swampy submission which perfectly supported the competition’s “green” theme.
Louise Shanks and Jacob Ormesher took second and third in the junior section, respectively, with their snapshots of the Devil’s Punchbowl and Black Down.
The Herald website has a video showing all the winning entries, for more details about the NT group visit https://BlackDownHindheadNTsupporters.org/
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In late July, we asked our readers for any information regarding the tragic deaths of two 11-year-olds, listed as ‘civilian war dead’ in Farnham urban district.
While the case of Peter Arthur Stubbles, who died on August 2, 1944, remains a mystery, an anonymous reader has shed light on the poignant story of Peter Alan Darwell Sidey.
Peter Sidey was one of many children evacuated from the perilous bombings of London to the relative safety of Marchant’s Hill Camp School in Hindhead.
This area, known today as a PGL holiday camp, was a haven for children escaping the Blitz. The Imperial War Museum archives hold several striking photographs of these inner-city children enjoying their new surroundings on the Surrey/Hampshire border.
However, the innocence of these children’s adventures turned to tragedy on December 4, 1943. Brian Barnard, one of the survivors, recalls how the children would often search for bullets and shrapnel on the school grounds, collecting and trading these wartime remnants.
On that fateful day, they stumbled upon a live mortar shell from a nearby Canadian Army barracks, an encounter that would have devastating consequences.
Barnard remembers vividly: “We picked it up and took it back into the camp. The rumour got around at the school that we had this bomb.” The boys hid the shell in their dormitory, but a few nights later, disaster struck. “Suddenly there was the biggest bang and we heard kids running around,” said Barnard, who lived in Byron Avenue, Manor Park, and now resides in Ilford.
The explosion caused immense damage, blowing a hole in the floor, shattering windows, and puncturing the roof. The aftermath was catastrophic: Alistair McLellan, 12, was killed instantly, while James Watt and Peter Sidey later succumbed to their injuries. Barnard recounts the harrowing sight of his friend: “The last time I saw Jimmy, he was in a wheelbarrow with his legs blown off.”
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathy from the community. The Secretary for Education, Mr AA Garrad, the mayor, the headteacher, and East Ham Borough Council all expressed their condolences. A public inquest was held, and the parents of the victims were notified. Barnard returned home on VE Day, May 8, 1945, and visited the graves of his friends for many years.
Records from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission reveal that Peter Sidey was buried in Farnham and Alistair McLellan in Haslemere. However, no local records of James Watt’s burial could be found.
The BBC's WW2 People’s War project features another account from Michael Talbot, who was also evacuated to Marchant’s Hill. Talbot described the camp as a series of wooden dormitories surrounded by open grounds, located near the famous Devil’s Punchbowl.
He recounted how the children, including himself, would explore the surrounding countryside, often interacting with the Canadian troops stationed nearby. These soldiers would invite the children to their camps, providing meals, entertainment, and a temporary escape from the war’s harsh realities.
However, Talbot also highlighted the dangers that came with their explorations. “Some of us used to go out (unofficially) to their firing ranges and come back with live ammunition,” he wrote. The excitement of finding such items often overshadowed the potential dangers, leading to the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Peter Sidey and his friends.
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campaigners and musical innovators are among the 38 people from Surrey on the King’s New Years Honours list
Tilford woman and Rock Choir founder Caroline Redman Lusher is on the list along with Malcolm Carter of Hindhead. The pair have god the nod for services to charity and community, respectively.
Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Ms Ruth CAIRNIE of Epsom – For services to Industry
Mr Noel QUINN of Esher- For services to Financial Services and Net Zero
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
Dr Jalal BAGHERLI of Woking– For services to the Semiconductor Sector
Judge Sehba Haroon STOREY of Whyteleafe– For Service to Diversity and Inclusion
Officers of the Order of the British Empire
Dr Thomas Bernard David BALCHIN of Lingfield- For services to Functional Rehabilitation after Stroke
Mr Ben Commins of Caterham-For services to Early Years and Education
Ms Wendy Joan MARTIN of Banstead- For services to Consumer Safety and Business
Ms Seema MISRA of Bisley- For services to Justice
Mrs Michelle RIDDALLS of Woking– For services to Consumer Health
Members of the Order of the British Empire
Nicholas James BIRD of Epsom- For services to Paediatric Oncology Patients and Research Advocacy
Mr Robin DALY of Dorking – For services to Cancer Patients
Ms Jane Anna-Louise FRANKLAND of Dorking- For services to Women in Cyber Security
Mrs Zoe HARRIS of Lingfield- For services to Education
Mrs Vivien Mary JONES of Lingfield – For services to the Nystagmus Community
Ms Elizabeth JORDAN of Guildford- For services to cycling
Ms Erica LOCKHART of Leatherhead – For services to Adult Social Care
Mr George Grant MACDONALD of Outwood – For services to the Economy and Silversmithing Industry
Mr Christian MCBRIDE of Leatherhead – For services to Business and Philanthropy
Mrs Caroline REDMAN LUSHER of Tilford – For services to Charity
Mr James ROBERTS of Walton on the Hill– For services to engineering and entrepreneurship
Mr William James TONER of Esher- For services to Hospitality
Mrs Janet TROWSE of Bagshot- For services to the Railway and to Menopause Awareness in the Workplace
Mr Richard Andrew WILSON of Chertsey – For services to the Landscape and Garden Design Industry and heritage
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Mr Malcolm CARTER of Hindhead – For services to the community in Haslemere, Surrey
Mrs Julie CHARALAMBOUS Mickleham – For services to Elderly and Disabled People in Dorking, Surrey
Mr Robin Brian CLEMENTS of Caterham – For services to the community in South East Surrey
Mrs Gail Heather CRAMO of Shepperton –For services young people
Mrs Wendy Hobbs of Walton on Thames- For services to charity
Mr Marek REGAN of West Ewell – For services to Community Sport
Mrs Susan Caroline RODGER of Thames Ditton- For services to the community in Thames Ditton, Surrey
Mrs Suzanne Amanda RUGGLES of West Byfleet –For services to patients and carers in the NHS
Mrs Myfanwy Mair TOTHILL of Great Bookham – For services to Homeless People in Surrey
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the A3 from London to Portsmouth skirted the Devil’s Punch Bowl
scoring a divide through the heart of Hindhead Commons
I remember it being pointed out as we drove to the seaside as kids; the way it looked as if someone had taken a giant ice-cream scoop to the earth
the road now travels 1.14 miles underground — the longest non-estuarial road tunnel in Britain
this former traffic blackspot is a haven for people and wildlife
we gaze out over a lush patchwork of softly purple heather and bright yellow gorse; leafy birch
Hindhead tennis ace Jodie Burrage continued her impressive form since returning from injury with a run to the second round of the Australian Open.
The 25-year-old beat French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-2 6-4 in the first round to set up a second-round match against third seed Coco Gauff on Rod Laver Arena.
Burrage lost 6-3 7-5 against the American but gave a good account of herself and had the chance to serve for the second set at 5-3 up.
Burrage grew up in Hindhead, attended Amesbury School and received support from Sport Haslemere’s Create A Star scheme as a youngster.
Her mother, Yvonne, who still lives in Hindhead, said: “Jodie has had a lot of injuries and didn’t play for six months last season.
“The main thing for her now is to stay injury free.
“She was quite emotional after her win in the first round in Australia.
“I was surprised to see that as she usually doesn’t show her emotions.
“It would have been easy for her to give up after all the injuries, but she has shown such resilience to come back.”
Sport Haslemere chairman Chris Grimes said: “It is so encouraging to see one of our Create A Star bursary award winners performing so well on the international stage.
“Jodie has had a very difficult past 12 months with injury so to see her return to fitness and win her first-round match so comfortably was exceptional.
“Although she was beaten by the number three seed in the second round she put up an impressive performance which is encouraging for her future.
“Jodie received a bursary each year from 2013 to 2017 and we are so pleased her undoubted talent has taken her on to the international stage.
“All at Sport Haslemere wish her good health and future success in her tennis career.”
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Drivers face severe delays today after the sudden closure of the A3 tunnel due to a serious electrical fault with the tunnel's camera system, compounded by over-running overnight roadworks.
Highways England confirmed the fault and the ongoing roadworks, which have shut the A3 from Liss to Liphook and between the A333 at Hindhead and the A283 at Milford.
National Highways is working to reopen a lane in each direction through the Hindhead Tunnel as soon as possible but warned that the closure will continue through this morning’s peak travel period.
Signed diversions are in place: northbound traffic should follow the ‘hollow diamond’ symbol from Longmoor using the A325 and A31, while southbound traffic should follow the ‘solid triangle’ symbol from the Stag Hill interchange via the A31 and A325.
The unexpected closure caused gridlock on local roads as traffic was diverted through surrounding villages.
Thursley Parish Council wrote on Facebook: “As a parish council, we are hugely frustrated by the continuing problems with the tunnel; poor communications, inadequate signage etc. We will again be taking this up with Highways England and other stakeholders.”
Drivers are being advised to check traffic conditions before setting out and to delay their journey or use an alternative route where possible.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Motorists are facing severe disruption after the A3 Hindhead Tunnel was closed due to a serious electrical fault with the tunnel's camera system, compounded by over-running overnight roadworks. The closure has affected the A3 from Liss to Liphook and between the A333 at Hindhead and the A283 at Milford.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “We are in the process of opening one lane on the northbound carriageway of the Hindhead Tunnel to traffic, followed by one lane on the southbound – both with a 40mph speed limit for safety reasons. Follow updates on X @HighwaysSEAST for timings. We are working hard behind the scenes to rectify the technical issue as soon as possible and thank motorists for their patience.”
Signed diversions are in place. Drivers heading north should follow the ‘hollow diamond’ symbol from Longmoor using the A325 and A31. Southbound drivers should follow the ‘solid triangle’ symbol from the Stag Hill interchange, also via the A31 and A325.
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Success is elementary for a Hindhead school as the former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle been given top marks by Ofsted inspectors.
It’s not a mystery why Undershaw was rated Outstanding in all areas when you read the findings of their February inspection.
It’s also a story worthy of the Sherlock Holmes author, as the specialist school for SEND children and young people has grown from its humble two-parent beginnings to a state-of-the-art facility where pupils thrive.
Inspectors hailed the school’s “exceptional commitment to supporting students” and noted the “outstanding quality of teaching and leadership” in a glowing report.
They also hailed the highly supportive environment that helps students to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as OfSted Outstanding,” said Undershaw headteacher, Emma West.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion of our exceptional staff, students and the entire school community.”
She added: “We are incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, and this report reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education.
“We will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that every child thrives and reaches their full potential here at Undershaw.”
Undershaw has relatively humble beginnings as it was borne from two parents seeking a safe place for their children to learn in the right environment.
It’s now a flourishing school that offers unique and personalised opportunities to grow to several dozen children from varied backgrounds.
Inspectors were impressed with the school’s “ambition, dedication and unwavering support” and lauded the unrelenting determination of staff to ensure pupils are well-prepared for life beyond the school gates.
They noted that pupils thrived in the “nurturing and aspirational environment” at the school and praised a curriculum that is “meticulously tailored” to meet the needs of pupils.
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A few weeks ago, Peeps into the Past recounted the bloody tale of Bordon bank clerk William Hall, murdered at the hands of Lance Corporal Abraham ‘Jack’ Goldenberg in 1924. But this is not the only bloody episode in the history of the area’s army camps.
Rewind to December 1915. The Great War had started that August and Canada had sent troops to Britain to help in her fight against Germany. One such body of troops was the 41st (Montreal) Canadian Infantry.
The troops were undergoing training at Bramshott Camp before being sent to the Western Front, while officers were billeted at Chase House in Crossways Road, Hindhead.
One such officer, the Acting Adjutant, was Lieutenant Georges Codère.
Codère had a chequered history, and was known as ‘Fou (Crazy) Codère’. The nickname was well deserved - and tragically so.
He had already been cautioned in Quebec for reckless driving when, shortly before coming to England, he was thrown out of a vehicle. It was said he had behaved ‘oddly’ ever since.
There is a good chance, in hindsight, that Codère had suffered a brain injury, which could explain his murderous behaviour upon arriving at Bramshott.
Another new arrival in the camp, Sergeant Henry Ozanne of the 9th Canadian Mounted Rifles, had sought Codère’s help to exchange the regimental canteen funds from Canadian dollars into Sterling, and handed Codère about $1,500 in Canadian money.
However, the deal went sour after Ozanne refused to cover for Codère’s theft of some of the cash.
Codère, fearing he would be court-martialed, offered another sergeant of the same regiment £50 if he would “make a man disappear” by hitting him over the head with a weighted trench stick,
The sergeant, believing he was humouring a lunatic, suggested poison instead.
Codère may have previously attempted to poison Ozanne by putting some white substance in his whisky, but on December 8, Ozanne was found dead at Chase House with his head smashed, his throat cut and 45 cuts inflicted to his face.
Codère instructed a batman to help him take the body to the house's stables, but this was to prove Codère’s downfall as the batman told the Commanding Officer, and Codère was soon arrested and held at Whitehill Police Station.
He was then hauled before magistrates in Alton just before Christmas, where he was committed for trial at Winchester Assizes.
The trial heard Codère was “quite abnormal mentally, and was not regarded as being responsible for his actions; that he could not carry on a sustained conversation”.
His major said he had never intended to take Codère to France as “he was unable to handle men from the moral or mental point of view”, and evidence was given that Codère showed no emotion when confessing.
There was also evidence that his paternal aunt had been ‘insane’, as had several maternal cousins. And he was reported to have been sent away from an agricultural college in Canada because he was thought not to be ‘compos mentis’.
At his trial, the judge gave the jury three options: they could find Codère either guilty, not guilty or guilty but insane.
On February 5, 1916, the jury retired for 20 minutes and found Codère guilty of murder, and Mr Justice Darling sentenced him to hang.
However, an appeal was lodged on the grounds that Codère was not aware that what he had done was “immoral”, and his sentence was commuted to deportation and penal servitude for life in Canada.
On the day of his funeral Sgt Ozanne's body was escorted from Chase House by members of his family, his regiment and the regimental band. The parade was halted in Crossways Road to allow the trumpeters to play the Last Post.
He was buried, with full military honours, in the old cemetery in The Mount, Guildford, where his grave can still be seen to this day.
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THE A3 is closed in both directions after a massive car crash this afternoon.
The major road is affected between Liphook and Bramshott Common between Surrey and Portsmouth.
According to AA traffi reports, there are huge queues northbound to Griggs Green with southbound traffic tailback beyond Hindhead Tunnel as far as Witley Common.
National Highways said: "The A3 in Hampshire is closed southbound between the A283 near Milford and the B2131 Bramshott due to a police led incident. This also includes the closure of Hindhead Tunnel.
"Emergency Services are currently on scene. Traffic is currently stopped on the northbound for Air Ambo."
Motorists are being told to follow the diversions put in place.
The A3 spans 61 miles in the south west of England and provides links to the east facing A272 that runs through the South Downs National Park.
It is also an alternative route to London from Winchester.
It opened in 2011 to preserve a large natural area nicknamed the Devil's Punchbowl
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In the penultimate of our series of articles celebrating local Victoria Cross recipients, we recount the remarkable service of William Eagleson Gordon - a distinguished veteran of the Second Boer War who would go on to be a personal assistant of King George V before his death and burial in Hindhead.
Gordon was born in Scotland in 1866, and began a long military career aged 20 - first seeing action as a lieutenant with the Gordon Highlanders in British India in 1895.
Shortly afterwards he followed his battalion to South Africa with the outbreak of the Second Boer War in 1899, and was wounded at the Battle of Magersfontein in December 1899.
More fierce fighting followed and the Highlanders suffered severe losses. But it was in the fighting south of modern-day Pretoria in July 1900, where the 34-year-old Gordon was to make his name.
By then a Captain, his VC citation notes Gordon went out alone under heavy fire “with the greatest coolness” to recover a stranded artillery wagon. Inspired by his gallantry, several men came to to help, and when some were hit, Captain Gordon saw the injured men back to safety.
“Captain Gordon's conduct, under a particularly heavy and most accurate fire at only 850 yards range, was most admirable, and his manner of handling his men most masterly; his devotion on every occasion that his Battalion has been under fire has been remarkable.”
In 1902, the 1st battalion Gordon Highlanders, Gordon among them, left Cape Town on the SS Salamis for Southampton.
Gordon was brevetted lieutenant-colonel in the Gordon Highlanders in 1907 and later served as Aide-de-camp to King George V before his retirement in 1923.
He died on March 10, 1941, aged 74, in Hindhead and is buried in St Alban’s Churchyard.
His Victoria Cross is on display at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen.
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Two leading independent schools are set to unite this Fall, combining more than 250 years of education.
St. Edmund’s School in Hindhead and St. Hilary’s School in Godalming have announced their merger which is set for completion by the end of November 2024.
The partnership follows a year of collaboration between governors and headteachers to align the schools’ shared child-centred ethos and vision. Under the merger, St. Hilary’s will join the St. Edmund’s School Trust while both schools retain their unique identities. The move formalises a long-standing relationship, with St. Hilary’s pupils often advancing to St. Edmund’s at Year 7.
Dr Adam Walliker, headmaster of St. Edmund’s School, said: “We’re very much looking forward to maintaining the distinct community spirit that has always defined St. Edmund’s while also embracing new opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing with St. Hilary’s that will benefit our pupils, parents, and staff.’’
Mrs Whittingham, headteacher of St. Hilary’s School, added: “This is a very exciting new chapter for St. Hilary’s – a merger that brings together more than 250 years of educational excellence built on a shared philosophy of child centred learning, respect and kindness. St. Hilary’s will continue to provide an excellent all round education preparing pupils for life at senior school and beyond.”
The merger will provide educational benefits through shared expertise, better opportunities, financial advantages, and continued stability with separate leadership, while preserving each school's identity and traditions. Together, the schools aim to deliver on their shared vision of an “Education for a Lifetime.”
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Tap to find out how the Hindhead Tunnel has exceeded expectation over the last decade
It is ten years since the Hindhead Tunnel was built but how much do you know about the pioneering road project
At 1.2 miles long it is the longest road tunnel in the UK
replacing the old single-carriageway stretch of the A3
with its opening in July 2011 transforming journeys for tens of thousands of drivers every day
Government’s through the years were under pressure to balance the needs of drivers who faced the daily challenge of navigating the notorious Hindhead bottleneck
but also environmental campaigners concerned about the impact of a new road scheme
in 2006 the £370 million project was given the go-ahead
traffic would run beside the Devil’s Punch rather than under it
blighting the area of outstanding natural beauty with pollution and noise
Ten in ten - check your Hindhead Tunnel knowledge
The route is made up of around 1 mile of bored tunnel
The tunnel reaches its maximum depth at around 65 meters at Giblet Hill
737,000 cubic meters of soil was excavated when the tunnels were bored
Around 92% of the soil excavated to build the tunnel was used to cover the old part of the old A3
Traffic flows through the tunnel at around 55 miles per hour
If the Hindhead Tunnel was to be built from scratch Highways England say it would cost over £600 million
Before the tunnel opened local people were given the chance to walk through the structure
A decade since the opening of the Hindhead Tunnel
the Surrey Hills Area has seen huge restoration meeting its natural conservation targets
Breedings birds such as woodlark and nightjar have made a return while insects such as the rare heath tiger beetle have also been spotted
Air quality in the village of Hindhead has also seen significant improvements seeing a decline in pollution levels since the road tunnel opened
In 2015 the village met national standards
Highways England senior environmental advisor Henry Penner
who worked on the project said,"As we seek to build back better
the longest road tunnel in the UK to date has enhanced the surrounding environment
solved long-standing traffic problems and helped to support the economy through a better connection between London and the south coast
"I am delighted that this area has become one of the top wildlife sites in the south east of England and provides a haven for walkers
It’s hard to believe that just ten years ago
the busy A3 still ran right through the middle of this community."
There have been criticism about closures of the tunnel and the impact this has on neighboring villages but Highways England say millions have benefited from the scheme over the decade
The Hindhead Tunnel was the final piece in the jigsaw which made the whole of the A3 between London and Portsmouth dual carriageway
heavily-congested pinch point at Hindhead and through the Devil’s Punchbowl
Director of Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
"The Hindhead Tunnel Scheme is by far the largest capital investment in restoring nature
connectivity and tranquillity in the Surrey Hills since it was designated in 1958
It is also perhaps the largest single civil engineering investment in all of the country’s 44 National Parks and AONBs
The Hindhead Tunnel has been fantastic in terms of nature and people
and it’s wonderful to see how ten years after the tunnel was built
that nature has been fully restored to the area for the first time in nearly 200 years."
How lifting Covid restrictions is affecting the travel sector in the South
As part of a 6.8km dual two-lane carriageway
the £371 million Hindhead tunnel was designed to relieve local traffic
The site was also responsible for returning The Devil’s Punchbowl
We were involved in the scheme at a very early stage to prepare the design and site planning
This helped us build in cost effective innovation from the start of the project as well as ensuring all environmental concerns were addressed at the right time
One of the first actions was to remove the wildlife from the construction site
a process that saw 171 reptiles including slow worms
adders and lizards carefully moved to suitable locations
foxes and rabbits were encouraged into new homes
with more than 2,173 tonnes of timber removed and replaced by more than 200,000 native-species trees and shrubs
330,000 cubic metres of earth was reused as embankments
in landscaping and noise-reduction banking
the relevant part of the existing A3 was closed and returned to heathland
ICE Thames Valley Engineering Excellence Awards
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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service
The exercise was organised by National Highways to test planning and operational emergency response to a significant and challenging scenario within Hindhead tunnel
It saw crews respond to the scenario of a substantial road traffic collision within the tunnel involving multiple vehicles and fire
With approximately 20 casualties who needed rescue
it tested all responders and commanders in the multi-agency environment
HIWFRS Station Manager Steve Jenkins (Portsmouth
who led arranging the HIWFRS attendance and carried out assurance said:
“The opportunity to realistically train and exercise in this environment and with these committed resources is so beneficial to all
Thank you to National Highways and partner agencies for facilitating and for all the attendees for their hard work.”
“It was a fantastic commitment by all those involved
it’s unusual to exercise into the early hours
but the opportunity to participate in such a realistic scenario and environment allows us with our other responding agencies and colleagues to test
I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those involved or their flexibility and enthusiasm.”
The tunnel was fully closed to the public overnight to allow agencies to work in a realistic and safe environment
The exercise started at 22:30 and concluded at approximately 02:30
Attendees alongside HIWFRS were National Highways
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The exercise simulated a multi-vehicle crash and 20 fake casualties
There were seemingly horrific scenes in the Hindhead Tunnel early this week as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash.
Fire and smoke engulfed the tunnel while 20 people were rescued, extricated or triaged in testing conditions designed to push emergency services to the limit.
But no-one was hurt, and it wasn’t reported because it was all part of a planned exercise to test the response in the event of a real-life tragedy in the tunnel.
Firefighters from Liphook, Grayshott, Bordon and Alton were among the on-call crews who took part in the multi-agency exercise organised by National Highways.
The exercise on Tuesday night (March 19) was held to test planning and operational emergency response to a “significant and challenging scenario” within the tunnel, which is part of the A3.
A “substantial road traffic collision” involving multiple vehicles and fire was created, with 20 casualties needing varying degrees of treatment and rescue.
Steve Jenkins, Hampshire & IoW Fire & Rescue station manager for the Portsmouth, Havant & East Hampshire Group, arranged the local response from firefighters.
“The opportunity to realistically train and exercise in this environment and with these committed resources is to beneficial to all,” said Mr Jenkins before thanking the organisers and attendees for their part.
Group Manager, Paul Riddell, hailed the “fantastic commitment” of everyone involved in the operation, which led to the overnight closure of the tunnel.
He said: “It’s unusual to exercise into the early hours, but the opportunity to participate in such a realistic scenario and environment allows us with our other responding agencies and colleagues to test, learn and prepare.”
The exercise, which started at 10.30pm and finished at 2.30am, also involved figures from National Highways, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, HART and Surrey Police.
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can be fully deployed in around five minutes compared to the 25 minutes it takes road workers to put out the taper of cones directing often fast-moving traffic away from a live lane
SwiftGate is being installed at the A3 Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey which requires regular closures for essential maintenance work
To enable maintenance to be carried out safely
workers cone off the entrances on the north and southbound carriageways
During 2019 there were 14 vehicle incursions into these roadworks putting the lives of workers at risk
Now National Highways has teamed up with Kier and Highway Care to trial the automated taper gates which will be installed on the north and southbound carriageways of the tunnel
The gates clearly and safely filter traffic out of the traffic lane
Cones can then be put out beyond the taper to clearly mark out the closed-off lane
As well as avoiding the need for workers to manually set out tapers
the arms are a strong visual deterrent which will help avoid incursions
Watch how the new SwiftGate works
Head of Lean and Continuous Improvement Martin Bolt
who has been overseeing the innovation for National Highways
Installing and removing a taper of cones in the face of traffic exposes our road workers to risk
bridges or tunnels where there may not be an embankment or place of safety
SwiftGate is another step to zero live lane working for our workforce as we work towards our goal of ensuring nobody is harmed while working or travelling on our roads
The automated tapers free up workers to do other jobs and can be put out in just 50 seconds meaning work can begin straight away with less disruption for road users
We look forward to seeing SwiftGate in action at Hindhead Tunnel
One of the arms of SwiftGate currently being installed at the Hindhead Tunnel
Kier Highways Senior Project Manager Mark Sheppard said:
The SwiftGate project will give us a great opportunity to trial something that is completely new to the National Highways network
that will modernise the standard approach to road worker protection
Traffic management installation can be a high-risk activity
so the opportunity to introduce an automatic solution that has the potential to remove the need to put our workforce in the ‘firing-line’
Highway Care Business Development Director Ben Duncker said:
after many months of hard work from the project team
that we are able to commence the trial of this exciting
safety innovation working collaboratively with Kier and National Highways
We are confident that the system will be a success in not only improving the safety of our traffic management operatives but also improving customer journeys through the faster and more efficient closing and reopening of lanes
Safety through innovation is our priority and the ability to trial such new solutions with National Highways is a testament to their commitment to making the roads safer for all users
Hindhead Tunnel is the longest under-land road tunnel in the UK at 1.2miles (1.83km)
SwiftGate follows the successful trials of an automated cone laying machine by National Highways
The Falcon ACLM vehicle puts out and retrieves cones
avoiding the need for a two-man team to lift and drop cones from the back of a moving vehicle
A second automated cone laying machine being developed by King Highway Products through the National Highways’ innovation fund is due to undergo further off-road testing shortly
which is helping to maximise the opportunities offered by technologies such as automated vehicles
It is part of National Highways’ Digital Roads 2025 vision which will fundamentally change how our roads are designed
The strategy sets out how the growth of digital technology and the move to electric
connected and autonomous vehicles will create the roads of the future
Visit the Digital Roads website
Members of the public should contact the National Highways customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000
Journalists should contact the National Highways press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details
A Hindhead man has pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child after telling a ten-year-old she was “well developed” for her age and that he was attracted to her.
Paul Wright, 45, of Tyndalls, admitted the August 19 offence but denied a second charge of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 when he appeared at Guildford Magistrates Court.
It is alleged both offences took place in Southampton between August 1 and 30, 2020.
Mr Wright confessed to intentionally communicating with his young victim “for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification” but pleaded not guilty to intentionally touching his victim in a sexual way.
He will now be tried on the sexual assault charge.
The court was told Mr Wright “did not reasonably believe” his victim to be aged 16 or over.
The case will proceed to trial on February 5, 2024, at Southampton Crown Court to last three days.
Mr Wright was released on conditional bail.
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Further Links
This week Peeps into the Past looks at two lost landmarks
linked by a brutal murder – the Royal Huts Hotel and the Red Lion Inn
The Royal Huts once stood at the corner of the Hindhead crossroads on the old A3 Portsmouth to London road
The picture (above) featured is from a postcard postmarked 1906
so the scene is probably much as the area would have looked at the turn of the 19th century – long before the crossroads became a notorious traffic blackspot
prior to the opening of the Hindhead tunnel in 2011
The Royal Huts Hotel is the long building on the left
At this time it was being run by Ben Chandler
who started the first motor bus service between Hindhead and Farnham
His name can be made out on the advertisement for livery services on the wall of the adjoining stable block
The hotel was originally a coaching inn that had apparently been developed from an isolated hut from which bilberries were sold to travellers on what was once a major stagecoach route
Hindhead had become a substantial settlement
popular with celebrities such as Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who had a house
the location was notorious for robbers and highwaymen who preyed on the travelling public
One of the most infamous crimes was the murder of a sailor making his way on foot from London to rejoin his ship at Portsmouth
The seafarer had stopped at the Red Lion Inn at Thursley (pictured bottom right) where he kindly bought drink and food for three men who later repaid his generosity by robbing and brutally murdering him
Caught trying to sell the sailor’s clothes in Rake
the three killers were tried and executed with their bodies being left to hang in chains on Gibbet Hill near the site of their murderous deed
A series of five paintings depicting the events surrounding the murder used to hang on the walls of the Royal Huts Hotel for many years before being moved to the King’s Arms and Royal Hotel in Godalming and then being lost until they resurfaced at an auction and were bought for Haslemere Museum
The heavy chains in which the corpses of the murderers were suspended as a warning to other criminals were also once displayed at the Royal Huts
were taken to the Godalming pub and disappeared when it underwent refurbishment
they have never been recovered and are feared to have been thrown out after being put in a skip
it became part of the Happy Eater chain of roadside restaurants before being demolished in 2002 and replaced with a block of flats
Do you have any memories or pictures of lost landmarks? They may be houses, shops, pubs, monuments or even trees that have now been lost to communities in the Herald or Post area. Contact [email protected]
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Co-Founders of the EAGG - Will Goy and Alex Cooper
Players walking down the first hole at Hindhead Golf Club
The scenic par three 6th hole at Hindhead Golf Club
The competitive yet friendly nature of the Elite Amateur Golf League
Five of each club's leading golfers go to battle on one of Surrey’s premier heathland courses
the Elite Amateur Golf League (EAGL) has come a long way in developing a platform where golf clubs can showcase their finest talent as well as their courses in a thrilling Champions League style competition
With the majority of golf clubs only having a couple of scratch tournaments each season
this is an opportunity for the better players to play against similarly skilled players from other clubs
the Elite Amateur Golf League works on the principal that if you are good enough
This competition will see some of the best men and women amateurs play for their respective clubs in order to lift the Elite Amateur Golf League title come the end of the season
where the lower handicappers from respective clubs can play competitive golf in a friendly environment
all while playing courses in their own and neighbouring counties that they may not have had the chance to play
What started out as just 12 teams competing in 2017
has turned into 105 teams across 20 of the southern counties in England
with the idea that the league will host 400 teams across the country by 2028
The entry fee of £275 payable by each club is all that is required to enter
with the travelling team for each game receiving courtesy of the course to play in the match
Considering the stature of the clubs in this competition
that’s a phenomenal deal considering what a green fee would cost at many of the clubs each team will travel to
for one of the group stage games between Hindhead and local title contenders Bearwood Lakes
both of these clubs boast an abundance of talent on their five-man teams
with both sets of players and team captains relishing the opportunity to play against each other in this unique competition
These two clubs are part of arguably the strongest group in the competition that features Liphook
What sets this competition apart is the format
The group stages are made up of five teams
who all play two matches at home and two away
with the winner of the group advancing to the trophy knockout competition and the runner-up advancing to the plate competition
Having the plate competition is huge in an event like this as it really stretches out the season and gives these top golfers a chance to keep playing against each other and at other clubs
rather than being eliminated at the first hurdle
As well as the most prestigious golf clubs that are competing
premium brands are getting involved and sponsoring the EAGL
Motocaddy and Travis Mathew have all put pen to paper and signed deals to support the league
clearly recognizing the potential of this popular competition
Substantial prizes are up for grabs in the finals of both the trophy and plate competition
while EAGL stamped TP5 golf balls are handed out to competitors on the first tee - a nice touch and one that made us want to play
Bearwood Lakes Captain discussed his clubs ambition to play in the EAGL
"The chairman - Gary Holloway and Director of Golf - Mike Shrieve
recognised the desire to challenge an increased low WHS memberships with many entering prestigious competitions across BB&O and further afield
Entering the EAGL has been a good opportunity to compete as a team in a singles
it has been a pleasure to play against like-minded opponents and build friendships
especially when playing the reverse fixture," said Reahgan
"The club has always had a strong fixture calendar against established clubs across the South region within the junior
men’s and ladies' section," he added
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There were plenty of smiles and serious faces on the first tee and throughout the round between the Hindhead and Bearwood Lakes players as they made their way around the tight heathland layout
The home advantage proved to be a little too much for the travelling Bearwood Lakes team to handle on this occasion and a close fought battle ended with the Hindhead team taking the win 4-1
in what was their first game of the season
Despite the first league games having recently just been played
we look forward to keeping our eye on which of the prestigious clubs in this group makes it through into the knockout phases of the Elite Amateur Golf League
Could it be that one of the two clubs we followed here that go on to be crowned champions in December
offering advice on equipment to all levels of golfers
Sam heads up any content around fairway woods
putters and golf balls but also writes about other equipment from time to time.Sam graduated from Webber International University in 2017 with a BSc Marketing Management degree while playing collegiate golf
His experience of playing professionally on both the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tour
means Sam has extensive knowledge of golf equipment and what works for different types of golfer
Sam’s current What’s In The Bag
Driver: TaylorMade Qi35 9°
Irons: TaylorMade CB (6-PW) P770 (4-5)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10
Putter: Kevin Burns 9307
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
I am co-chairman of the Farnham Bunch Lane Triangle Association, although on this occasion I am writing in a personal capacity.
In earlier editions the paper have covered the controversy surrounding the proposed migration of the Royal Junior School from its Hindhead campus to its Farnham Lane campus, and I consider it important your readers should be aware of the background, as this story unfolds.
The controversy surrounds the volume of traffic that will be generated by this move and its impact on the residents of Farnham Lane, which is described by Surrey Highways as a “residential, long and very narrow sunken lane with very limited/no real scope to increase capacity” and by the signage at the bottom of the road as a ‘narrow single track road with passing places’.
The origins of the Royal Naval School, as it was known, can be traced back to Twickenham in the 1840s, but this then boarding girls’ school moved to the top of Farnham Lane during the Second World War in response to bombing.
In 1995 the school merged with The Grove School (currently The Royal Junior School at Hindhead) and in the intervening years has changed to a co-educational school with an increasing proportion of day pupils.
In 2019, having fallen into financial difficulties, the school was acquired in a last-minute rescue by United Learning, a charity with roots in the 19th century and connections to the Church of England, which today owns and operates some 96 schools in both the state and private sector.
Initially, the new owners announced they would close the Farnham Lane campus and consolidate at Hindhead, which has the advantage of good access to the A3.
At the same time, residents of Farnham Lane were concerned as to what would become of the Farnham Lane campus, a concern which was a primary driver for the formation of the Farnham Bunch Lane Triangle Association, although the association has much wider interests.
About a year into its ownership, UL reversed its strategy and announced it would consolidate on the Farnham Lane campus.
This change of strategy appears to have been driven by a number of factors. It seems UL had not initially appreciated the planning restrictions that would be imposed on the Farnham Lane site in view of its proximity to the Hindhead Special Protection Area.
The new headmistress of the senior school was drawn to the attractiveness of the site. And importantly, it appears UL were encouraged by Waverley, who saw the opportunity to fill a gap in meeting their housing requirements in their local plan by allowing the Hindhead site to be developed.
UL moved ahead quickly, and sold the Hindhead site, presumably conditional on planning consent being granted.
This, and the need to provide certainty to parents, led them to announce they would be consolidating both schools on the Farnham Lane campus in September 2023.
They submitted an application for a revision to the existing S106 agreement in January 2022 to accommodate their long-term growth plans.
The consultants employed by UL argued residents had been consulted and proposed the pupil cap be removed and replaced by a movement cap, expressed only for the peak hour in both the morning and afternoon.
This consultation had amounted only to a presentation to residents, given at the senior school in December 2021, at which no indication had been given the proposal was ready for submission.
The consultants have now submitted three applications, each intended to satisfy the concerns of Surrey highways. It remains to be seen what reaction the latest application will be given.
Unfortunately, residents’ opposition has hardened such that residents now oppose any change to the existing restrictions on pupil numbers even though the proportion of boarders has reduced, seemingly irreversibly.
Residents’ concerns are felt to have been ignored and as the implications of the proposals have sunk in, it has become clear the proposed traffic volumes will be hugely damaging – to the environment and to the lives of residents, let alone pupils and parents.
One of the biggest problems arises from the introduction of pupils in Reception class and Years 1 and 2 (an age group who have never been at the Farnham Lane campus before) who for safeguarding reasons quite obviously cannot travel unaccompanied by minibus. Movement of these pupils more than offsets the reduction in movements if all older pupils use minibuses, and the lane remains as narrow as it was when the existing agreement was made, with no realistic possibility of enlargement.
The proposals rely on complete use of minibuses for the Year 3 to 13 pupils. Even if this were achievable, the in-town proposed pick-up points are unrealistic:
These proposals and the increased traffic heading to and from Farnham Lane will aggravate the already-severe congestion in the centre of our town and in the Wey Hill area in particular.
I fear that, unless UL revise their plans, opposition from residents and the day-to-day challenge of navigating this mile-long narrow, single-file lane with passing places will lead to the failure of the school and the consequent disruption to its pupils’ education which would be a shipwreck.
The school appears to be delivering a good and broad education for its pupils. It can only be hoped that UL will amend their proposals to something that would be acceptable to the residents of Farnham Lane and the wider community.
It is patently obvious that, in the 21st century, the site would never be selected for a new school. Demand for boarding schools is declining.
The school is, however, already there and clearly needs to predominantly be a day school. My request is the school should respect the constraints the site imposes.
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Care home residents and staff in Hindhead took part in bee themed activities to mark World Environment Day on June 5
enjoyed planting seeds to create a wild garden to attract bees and creating bee-decorated mobiles using natural materials such as wood
Facilities manager Diane Barron said: “We are doing our bit for bees in particular and the environment in general
I took the opportunity to have nine more trees planted this year
Because the home is located among nine acres of woodland
deer and rabbits may eat bee-friendly flowers that the staff wish to plant so the team has to come up with solutions
Diane said: “We have done some limited planting in ‘safe areas’ and we are also trialling a wild flower bank at the front of the main building
This year we have planted out a small section; next year
we hope to plant the whole bank and a bit earlier in the season.”
Business manager Steve Stace added: “We hope we’re doing our part to support the bee population and the future of our environment.”
The UN designated May 20 as World Bee Day to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators
the threats they face and their contribution to a sustainable environment
This year’s Environment Day focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. For more information, visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links
More than 1,000 players took part in this year’s Beacon Hill football tournament
the event welcomed players from across the local area in both the mixed and girls’ tournaments from under-sevens up to under-18s
There was wonderful sportsmanship on show throughout the tournament
Beacon Hill’s women's team also took part for the first time
The club received a number of positive comments after the tournament
One comment said: “Just a quick thank you for hosting such an enjoyable tournament
This is the first time we have entered and we found it very friendly and well organised
committee members and referees for a great job.”
Another comment said: “A belated email to say thank you for hosting such a great tournament
The lads (and coaches) really enjoyed it.”
Another comment said: “It was another great weekend
Beacon Hill Football Club are a thriving local grassroots football club in Hindhead with more than 500 playing members including youth
Anyone who would like more information on any of Beacon Hill FC’s teams should visit the club’s website at www.beaconhillfootballclub.com or email [email protected] for further details
The club have strong ties with local schools, events and other clubs and organisations and are looking to establish new relationships with other local clubs and organisations.
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Churt and Hindhead cricket clubs have merged to form a new club
The England cricket teams – men and women – are exciting to watch and interest in the game is happily growing among boys and girls
Costs of running a village club have increased
whereas numbers volunteering to help run it have reduced
and the era when players would commit to playing nearly every match of the season has long since gone
That situation faced both Churt and Hindhead
Churt were founded in 1875 and were a founding member of the I’Anson competitions before moving to the Fullers League and then
they were struggling to get sufficient numbers to fill their three Saturday league teams and Sunday friendly cricket was no more
were struggling to fulfil their Saturday league team fixtures and the collapse of the club altogether was imminent
There had been a foundation for the relationship
as Churt’s third team already played matches at Hindhead’s ground and enjoyed use of the bar afterwards
The engagement started with a soft merger during the 2022 season
during which players from both origin clubs came together – both on the field and at social events
The official merger in the autumn put the seal on the emergence of a new club: Churt and Hindhead CC
These are exciting times for this sporting phoenix
The club want to offer cricket to as many people as it can
The junior section – once vast and then nearly barren – has been regrown over recent years
with seven to 13 year-olds of all abilities receiving professional
outsourced coaching and matches at a suitable level
Property Partnership founder Rufus Williams
said: “Investment in the club has had a direct impact in the community
“I have experienced first-hand the joy parents and children get from cricket – Friday night barbecues and junior training is the social place to be in the summer.”
There is a rapidly-growing women’s section at the club starting their first year in the I’Anson softball league
the club offer the opportunity to play in either the Surrey Championship
or more locally in the I’Anson League structure
For those who can only slip away for a couple of hours during the week
The club know the financial burden on families is tough and that high subscription costs can put off new
subscription levels have been capped at £50 with further reductions for new members
Club sponsor Bel and Dragon said: “Community is at the heart of everything for businesses like ours
so working with a progressive club like Churt and Hindhead – whose stunning tree-lined grounds is near our property in Churt – is fantastic
“They have changed the perception of club sport in the community and we are focused on helping them achieve their goal of sport for all and enable events for men
women and juniors to be celebrated together.”
The introduction of professional scoring software
scoreboard enhancements and even videoing of matches will help junior development but also grow the club’s member base
People in the area who are interested in the club’s various teams – but don’t want to play – can come along to watch and enjoy food and drink at the club’s grounds
Weather permitting, outdoor nets start at Churt on Thursday, April 13. Visit churt.play-cricket.com/Aboutus to enquire about joining the club.
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Cala Homes has set the ball rolling on its proposal for the part-demolition and part-conversion of The Royal Junior School in Hindhead to create around 110 new homes
The house-building giant exchanged on a conditional contract to purchase The Royal Junior School off Portsmouth Road last May
with its purchase dependent on planning consent being granted
Cala submitted a request for a screening opinion to Waverley Borough Council
querying if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will have to be undertaken as part of its planning application
The request is accompanied by an 87-page report by specialists DHA Environment outlining Cala’s intentions for the 23.5 acre site and assessing the need for an EIA
It states: “The existing Hindhead Court building (circa-1916) would be retained as part of the development proposals
with the building being converted from a school building to approximately 11 apartments
“Hindhead Court would become the focus for the development with formal communal gardens
“All other modern 20th century buildings (post-1955) on the site would be demolished as part of the proposals
“A further 99 dwellings would be constructed within the footprint of the demolished buildings and the wider grounds of the school
“A large area of the site will remain undeveloped at the southern end of the site to create Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) as means of mitigation for recreational impact on the nearby Wealden Heaths Phase II Special Protection Area (SPA).”
The report concludes that the site is located within a “sensitive area” – being within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and just 600 metres from the Devils Punchbowl Site of Special Scientific Interest and Wealden Heaths
But adds that as the development “is not considered likely to have significant environmental effects”
To view and comment on the application, visit www.waverley.gov.uk/planning and search for reference SC/2023/00439.
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the emergency services dealt with a simulated collision involving multiple vehicles
While the tunnel operators were responding to the initial collision
a second collision was simulated further back with one vehicle catching fire and filling the tunnel with smoke
Ollie Brown from the Highways England emergency planning team said:
We tested our procedures for dealing with a major incident inside the A3 Hindhead tunnels during last week’s exercise
The professionalism of all who took part in this successful exercise gives us confidence that we are ready to deal with a major incident inside the tunnels
We will review the exercise to see how anything could have been done better to further improve our contingency plans
We would like to thank drivers for their patience during the closure last week and reassure them that we are ready in the event of a major incident
The joint exercise was attended by tunnel operators and the emergency services from Surrey and Hampshire that could potentially be called to a real incident inside the tunnel
The aim of the exercise was to test the response of the emergency services dealing with a road traffic collision and fire inside the tunnel
It is a legal requirement that a full scale exercise is carried out every 4 years
The tunnel was closed in both directions overnight with a clearly signed diversion in place via the A31 and A325
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer
Hundreds of people decided to run off their Christmas dinner and raise some cash at Hindhead’s Boxing Day Run.
The run in aid of Holy Cross Hospital draws quite a crowd each year, with 538 people completing the 3.5mile cross-country route in the Surrey countryside. The drinking race, where a pint of ale is served part way around the route, was as popular as ever with tickets selling out in record time.
Speaking after the run, Matt said: “Thank you to all the runners, spectators, volunteers and sponsors who supported the 2023 Boxing Day Run and made it such a lovely, positive occasion.
“The combination of seasoned athletes running amongst families and groups of friends resulted in an inspiring blend of fitness and festive cheer.”
Frances Campion-Smith, the newly appointed chief executive at Holy Cross Hospital, said: “Within a very short time of taking up my role, I had heard all about the Boxing Day Run and the sterling effort Matt and his small team of organisers put into arranging this annual event.
“I would like to add my personal thanks to everybody who was involved in the run and confirm that any money raised will go towards helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life.”
First over the finishing line was Christopher Phillips-Hart who completed the men’s run in 20m 35s. The winner of the men’s drinking category was Daniel Titcomb who ran the race in 21m 44s.
Sarah Hill won the ladies’ drinking run in 26m 42s and Katrina Scott was the first to finish the ladies’ non-drinking run in 27m 18s.
Holy Cross Hospital in Haslemere is a charity that specialises in neuro-rehabilitation for people with complex neurological disabilities.
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Outdoor education provider PGL Travel Limited has been ordered to pay a huge £1 million fine plus costs after two children sustained significant finger injuries at an organised residential stay at the company’s Adventure Centre near Hindhead.
The company pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Guildford Magistrates’ Court in June, and was sentenced at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Monday when a fine of £1m, plus costs of £18,006 and a victim surcharge of £181, were imposed.
The offences related to accidents which took place on May 26, 2021, and October 21, 2021, both involving children attending school-organised residential stays at PGL Marchants Hill Adventure Centre near Hindhead.
The two children sustained significant injuries to their fingers following entrapment in door hinges at the centre’s accommodation blocks.
The court heard PGL, which describes itself as “the UK’s leading outdoor education provider”, had been monitoring similar incidents since 2009, and that 520 children across all its sites had sustained finger entrapment in door hinges, some resulting in significant injury and amputation.
Despite this, the business failed to voluntarily install finger guards to protect children staying at the Marchants Hill centre until officers from Waverley Borough Council’s environmental health (food and safety) team issued them with prohibition notices requiring them to do so.
Councillor Tony Fairclough, Waverley’s executive portfolio holder for enforcement and regulatory services, said: “The council takes breaches of health and safety legislation very seriously. This is a significant fine for a local authority prosecution and it is testament to the sterling work of our environmental health and legal teams.
“No parent expects to send their child on a school residential trip and for them to return injured. The children involved should have been enjoying their first independent holiday without parents but were badly wounded and traumatised by their injuries, which required hospitalisation and surgery.
“It is vitally important that businesses protect the health, safety and welfare of visitors to their business premises. They can do this by undertaking a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of work activities at their premises and implementing control measures in a timely fashion.”
PGL said in a statement: “We deeply regret the two finger injuries that occurred at our Marchants Hill centre in 2021 as well as the previous incidents between 2009 and 2019.
“During the sentencing, the judge acknowledged a change in culture initiated by a new CEO, including in respect of health and safety management where substantial investments have been made. A large number of initiatives were acknowledged by the court, including the installation of finger guards on all doors across all PGL centres. This resulted in a material reduction in the fine laid down.
“While we acknowledge these historical incidents, and unreservedly apologise for any injury or upset caused, they do not reflect the high standards in place at PGL today. Safety is one of our core values and at the forefront of everything we do. We are confident that today’s PGL provides a safe and caring environment for young people on outdoor educational visits.”
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John Tyndall would draw audiences of 2,500 or more to his talks on new scientific discoveries
Tyndall was one of the leading experimental physicists of the 19th Century and by a long way its best science educator
We aren't expecting quite as big an audience to the talk on Tyndall's life and work taking place at on Wednesday
March 27 but it will be fascinating nonetheless
is one of today's leading science communicators
a former head of the Science Museum and author of the definitive biography The Ascent of John Tyndall
Jackson will trace Tyndall's journey from humble beginnings in rural Ireland
through his determined self-education in the emerging physical sciences
to his high profile contributions to the intellectual and social debates of his time
And when not in his laboratory inventing ingenious experimental apparatus
Tyndall was examining glaciers or pioneering routes up the Alps
as well as his love of poetry and admiration and friendship with Alfred
led him and his wife Louisa to build a house in Hindhead in 1883
He spent the last decade of his life there until his accidental death through an overdose of medication
Tyndall is best remembered for his groundbreaking work on understanding the atmosphere
His demonstration of the greenhouse effects of carbon dioxide and water vapour and other atmospheric dynamics formed the foundations for modern meteorology
His key observation that carbon dioxide (CO2)
not only absorbed heat but could radiate it out again
As Tyndall put it: “The atmosphere admits of the entrance of solar heat; but checks its exit
and the result is a tendency to accumulate heat at the surface of the planet”
Variation of the proportions of atmospheric gases “must produce a change of climate”
CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels had been accumulating since the Industrial Revolution
although it took until 1938 for Tyndall's prediction to be verified
The accelerating rise in CO2 since then has brought us to our current climate crisis
The talk, John Tyndall, pioneer in understanding the greenhouse effect: how a Hindhead Resident changed climate science, takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 27 at Haslemere Hall. Entrance is free. Book tickets at http://tinyurl.com/Tyndall-talk, or just turn up on the night.
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Hindhead tennis ace Jodie Burrage achieved a lifelong dream by playing on Centre Court in the second round of Wimbledon
achieved her first main-draw victory at Wimbledon in the first round
Her reward was her first Centre Court match in the second round against 11th seed Daria Kasatkina – although Jodie was beaten in straight sets
Playing on the UK’s most famous court was a major milestone for Jodie, who grew up in Hindhead and received support from Sport Haslemere’s Create A Star scheme as a youngster.
Jodie’s mother Yvonne, who still lives in Hindhead, said: “It has been Jodie’s dream to play on Centre Court. We saw Andy Murray and asked him for advice on playing on Centre Court for the first time – although he admitted his first time was a while ago.
“Jodie was a little bit overawed at the start of the match, but next time she plays on Centre Court she will have this experience to look back on.”
Jodie’s first main-draw win at Wimbledon capped off an impressive grass court season, which included reaching the Nottingham Open final.
“Jodie has been playing really well and was hoping to get that first win at Wimbledon,” said Yvonne.
“Grass is her favourite surface, but when the draw was made we thought Caty was a tough draw.
“Jodie played really well, though, and deserved to win.”
Jodie’s attention is now turning to the hard court season – and if she is in the top 100 in the world in next Monday’s world rankings she will automatically qualify for this year’s US Open.
“At 24, Jodie is quite late to be breaking in the top 100 – but that’s probably because of all the injuries she has had,” said Yvonne. “Jodie has had to show tremendous resilience to keep coming back from injury.
“The tour is pretty much non-stop all year round now, with no off-season, apart from maybe a short break for Christmas.
“Christmas tends to be in Australia, leading in to the Australian Open in January.”
Despite her success, Jodie hasn’t forgotten her roots.
“Jodie went to Amesbury School and they were always incredibly supportive of her tennis,” said Yvonne. “The support Jodie received from Sport Haslemere was also invaluable.
“It’s not just the financial support – it’s also the fact other people believed in her.”
Sport Haslemere chairman Chris Grimes said: “Jodie showed international potential as a youngster and we’re absolutely delighted she has done so well – it’s a real feather in our cap.”
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