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If you want to know more, read our cookie policy To make sure you get the most from our website \n These allow our website to work properly and gives us anonymous\n information about how the website is used.\n \n The website will remember you (for example for faster login) and help\n us understand how you use the site.\n \n You\'ll see tailored adverts you will still see\n adverts but they may not be relevant to your interests.\n \n Find out more about how we use cookies\n Key investor informationThe fund is run by a very experienced team the majority have more than 20 years industry experience having worked at Pyrford for at least 10 of those Long term performance has been delivered with much lower levels of volatility compared to broader global stock markets The fund is on our Wealth Shortlist of funds chosen by our analysts for their long-term performance potential We believe this fund could be a good option for a more conservative portfolio, or a way to bring some stability to a broader investment portfolio. Simons and McDonagh have handed over their previous Head of Portfolio Management roles for the Asian and European regions, to Stefan Bain and Peter Moran respectively. We view these changes as part of longer-term succession planning for Cousins and consider them to be both sensible and positive. Once complete, his focus will be on investing and he will remain significantly involved in all investment related decisions. These changes also offer important career progression for four other senior members of the team at Pyrford, which we also view as positive. The Pyrford Global Total Return Fund launched in 2009 and Cousins and the team have three key aims. Their first is not to lose money over a 12-month period. Their second aim is to deliver an inflation-beating return over the long term, and thirdly, to do this with low volatility – fewer significant ups and downs in value than a fund invested entirely in shares. In order to achieve this, the team invest flexibly in three main assets - shares, government bonds and cash. They can invest in companies across the globe, with the flexibility to invest in emerging markets, which increases risk if used. The shares are expected to perform well and generate most of the fund's growth over the long term, but can be quite volatile in the short term. The bonds and cash are expected to perform differently and bring some stability to the portfolio. When the team is more positive in their outlook when stock markets have fallen a lot and have the potential to rebound, they invest more in shares. They have a structured approach to decisions about how much of the fund to invest in different assets such as shares or bonds. In 2024, the team reduced their exposure to shares, following market rises during the first half of the year. They reduced their overall exposure to shares from 35% to 30% during July and invested the proceeds into government bonds. At the moment, the fund has around 30% invested in company shares, 68% invested in government bonds and 2% in cash. The managers haven’t made many changes to the shares held in the fund over 2024. They have added DHL Group, the German logistics company, to the fund and sold Brenntag, the chemicals and ingredients distribution company. Please note as this is an offshore fund you are not normally entitled to compensation through the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Pyrford International was established in 1987 and previously owned by the Bank of Montreal. Pyrford is now part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the global asset management business of Ameriprise Financial Inc, following an acquisition completed on 8 November 2021. Pyrford continues to operate as a fully independent boutique and retains control over its investment activities, staying true to the philosophy it's developed over many years. The fund does not apply strict exclusions though and the team are happy to invest in some companies that others would consider uninvestable on ESG grounds. Examples include tobacco and oil companies. Overall, the expected return profile of an investment is considered more important, however we believe that the framework the team has in place allows them to adequately identify material ESG risks, which helps them pick companies to invest in. This fund has an ongoing annual charge of 0.92%, but we've secured HL clients an ongoing saving of 0.26%. This means you pay a net ongoing charge of 0.66%. Part of this discount is achieved through a loyalty bonus, which could be subject to tax if held outside of an ISA or SIPP. The HL platform fee of up to 0.45% per year also applies, except in the HL Junior ISA, where no platform fee applies. The fund’s official benchmark is the retail price index (RPI). RPI is a measure of inflation. Since launch at the start of 2009, the fund has performed in-line with this benchmark, returning 83.95%* compared with 83.51% for RPI. For a long time, the fund was ahead of this benchmark, however the fund significantly lagged the high levels of inflation during the 2021-2023 period. The growth delivered by the fund since launch has been achieved with much lower levels of volatility compared to the broader global stock market, limiting losses in times of hardship. Since 2009, the managers have lost money in just one calendar year – 2018. This is an impressive achievement, though it's a reminder that even conservative funds can lose money. Past performance isn’t a guide to the future. Over the 12 months to the end of November, the fund produced a positive return of 7.33%, ahead of RPI. Positive returns came across the board at a high level, with overseas shares and UK government bonds providing the biggest returns within the fund. As the amount invested in UK government bonds has been around 50% over the year, it’s expected that their performance will have had a big impact on overall returns. Cash and UK shares also added value overall. More recently, investments in the shares of National Grid, British American Tobacco and AIA Group have been some of the best performers. However, some of their other investments have lost value, including the shares of BP, ASM Pacific Technology and Nestle. While the fund’s conservative positioning will limit returns if markets rise, it should cushion against market falls, and we expect the team to remain prepared to capitalise on any opportunities to add risk at more attractive valuation levels. Hal is a part of our Fund Research team and is responsible for analysing funds and investment trusts in the Fixed Interest and Multi-Asset sectors. so you could get back less than you put in We're here to help - call our helpdesk or send us a message. Contact us All rights reserved.Hargreaves Lansdown is a trading name of Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management Limited a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01896481 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Information about us can be found on the Financial Services Register (register number 115248).Registered Office: 1 College Square South This “exquisite” home for sale is believed to be 500 years old and comes with grounds that are a “gardener’s paradise”. Henry VII Cottage, in Pyrford, is thought to date back to the 1500s in some parts, with local folklore suggesting that it was originally used by monks visiting the nearby Newark Priory. The property spans more than 3,000 square feet including a garage and a gym, while the grounds stretch to more than half an acre. Entering the property, the entrance hall features slate floor, which continues through into the lounge and dining room, which includes an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams. Moving further into the home, there is a farmhouse-style kitchen and breakfast room which also features slate flooring, while completing the ground floor is a bathroom, a utility room, and an en-suite bedroom. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms on the first floor, one of which is also an en-suite and includes beamed ceilings and arched wooden doors. As well as the main house, there is a detached double garage block, which contains an upstairs gym or office and a wine store. Outside, the grounds span 0.7 acres and are described as a “gardener’s paradise”, with a lawned area and a weeping willow tree, a vegetable patch, and a lily pond. To the rear there is also a courtyard area with a raised patio, which would be suitable for barbecues. The property is for sale with Seymours Prestige Homes for a guide price of £1,250,000. The agent said: “A rare opportunity to acquire this exquisite four-bedroom cottage standing in 0.7 acres, and located in an idyllic setting yet within easy reach of all amenities, such as Woking and West Byfleet town centres and mainline train stations from where trains take around half an hour to reach Waterloo. “Believed to date back some 500 years, this enchanting property boasts a huge amount of charm and character and extends to over 3000 square feet (including garage/gym).” Comments Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar Environment Agency Updated: 14:49 (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 Despite a damp start to the day, this year saw the largest turn out for the Pyrford & Wisley Village Show.  Thousands of people went to experience the Big Top Circus Extravaganza with The Black Eagles Acrobatics headlining the arena events. Following tradition, the show was opened by the mayor of Woking Cllr Louise Morales, who was joined by Woking MP Will Forster. “Yesterday was the ever fantastic Pyrford & Wisley Village Show where I joined our newly elected MP Will Forster,” Morales said post-show. “I had a go at a small golf game, visited the many stalls, including Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum put together by a horde of volunteers. “Including and best of all, admired the hundreds of entries into the show from floral arrangements, fruit, vegetables, handmade items and childrens entries on the theme of circus.  This year saw a record number of stalls, comprised of local charities, businesses and schools. Plus a variety of food vendors that you will have to go back next year to try the ones you couldn’t squeeze in. Hundreds of people flocked to the arena to watch the acrobatics display and other performances from local schools and dance groups. Pyrford Little Theatre performed their circus show, which included firing someone out of a cannon.   The other side of the show saw live music performed on the stage throughout the day. This Is Queen got the crowd going wild, singing One Vision and We Will Rock You. They certainly didn’t disappoint and it was an incredible way to finish off what was another amazing Village Show. The committee thanks the army of volunteers who gave up their time. Whether it was to set up or help out on the day. They said: “Without volunteers to help there would be no Village show.” Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Get Golfing has confirmed the appointment of Alex Wright as General Manager of Pyrford Lakes Golf Club.  Wright will replace outgoing General Manager Daniel Lucking who has been promoted to Sales Director at the expanding golf course operator “I am delighted to be handing the reigns to Alex whom I’ve been mentoring as my assistant since he came on board April 2021,” commented Lucking “His promotion is richly deserved and comes at what is an exciting time in our journey Alex will be tasked with taking the club to the next level in terms of furthering its growing reputation for great golf and service excellence for all who visit.” After graduating with a degree in Planning Wright spent his early years as an assistant consultant at a top London practice a deep love for the game of golf led him to consider making his passion his profession Wright researched several industry options before speculatively approaching Get Golfing the result of which culminated in a job offer at Pyrford Lakes conveniently Wright’s local course.  “I remain hugely impressed with Get Golfing’s approach not to mention its commitment to developing young talent,” said Wright who has recently completed the Golf Course Managers Association ‘Principles of Golf Club Management’ course I could not be more excited to be taking on the GM role at this special club.” Stewart Golf has expanded its range of golf bags with the launch of the all-new NEXAS Hybrid bag and an upgraded version of its popular NERO Cart bag La Reserva Club in Sotogrande has completed significant upgrades to its sports facilities further enhancing the range and quality of recreational experiences available for members and guests Golf Ireland and Bridgestone are to continue their commercial partnership with the leading tyre company extending its sponsorship of the Bridgestone Tours which have recently begun their 2025 schedule of events for men and women GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use We are independent of all special interest groups Click here to sign up for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary View the latest newsletter here 5/7 High StreetDorchester-on-ThamesOxfordshire OX10 7HHUnited Kingdom publisher@golfbusinessnews.com © 1999-2025 e.GolfBusiness.com Limited | All Rights Reserved. | GBN Privacy Policy Get Golfing is to carry out a £1.5m renovation of the clubhouse at Pyrford Lakes Golf Club in Surrey in order to bring the already high quality of the off-course facilities in line with the outstanding experience offered on its championship golf course Having seen significant investment to the golf course in recent years Get Golfing expects the new and improved clubhouse to make Pyrford an all-round destination casual dining and events facility like no other for people in Surrey and the surrounding region to enjoy With a complete interior renovation already under way the new clubhouse will be the home of exciting new Player’s Lounge A model recently tried and tested at another Get Golfing venue the Player’s Lounge is set to become the social hub for golfers With a contemporary food menu and stylish furnishings the Player’s Lounge will also allow people from the community the chance to relax with friends and family in an engaging Events are at the forefront of the new design There will be a fully customisable space capable of hosting up to 200 guests for weddings The build also includes a new separate entrance for functions with full bi-fold doors allowing for indoor/outdoor access with views of the lakes.  The clubhouse renovation is not limited to just the building’s interior A completely remodelled patio and wedding pier will allow for casual dining outside when the weather allows This 16th century home for sale is “steeped in character” and was once the village workhouse.  Glebe House, in Pyrford, is 400 years old and is Grade II listed, with timber frames and mixed period windows.  In the 1800s, and possibly before, the property was the village workhouse - otherwise called the ‘poorhouse’ - which housed those who were unable to support themselves.  The property has been updated over the years, with extensions and renovations.  On the ground floor, there is a drawing room with a feature inglenook fireplace and exposed beams, mirroring the same features in the dining room.  The kitchen is in the traditional farmhouse style leading to a breakfast area with two sets of French doors, a triple aspect garden room  with a vaulted beamed ceiling, and a study.  Upstairs, there are four individually designed bedrooms, three of which have built-in storage and en-suite bathrooms, plus a family bathroom with underfloor heating.  Outside, there are wooden gates to a York stone courtyard and off-street parking for several cars, plus a double garage with a gym above.  There is also planning consent to convert the gym into additional living space.  The garden is laid to lawn and includes flowerbeds, mature trees and shrub borders.  The property is being sold by estate agent Savills for a price of £2,250,000.  Simon Ashwell, head of Savills Surrey region, commented: “Situated in the quiet village of Pyrford is Glebe House - a stunning Grade II listed family home bursting with character. Located on a country lane, this four bedroom home enjoys a semi-rural setting, sitting opposite Pyrford Golf Course and surrounded by fields and while also benefiting from a small and close knit community. “The kitchen takes on a traditional farmhouse style and features two sets of French doors leading out to a terrace seating area and pretty side garden – ideal for entertaining. The triple aspect garden room also floods the home with light and with its vaulted beamed ceiling, log burner and leaded light windows gives an authentic country home feel.   “Having been extended over the years, the accommodation and large secure garden would be well suited towards a young or growing family, particularly given the number of schools nearby.” Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us A THIRTEEN year old schoolgirl from Pyrford is working hard to make her neighbourhood bloom. Allegra Cesar volunteers with the West Byfleet Community Gardening Group and what started out as a need to amass volunteering hours towards her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award has now become a labour of love for Allegra on Saturday mornings. A Year 9 pupil at St George’s College, Weybridge, Allegra particularly likes studying English and biology. She has been weeding, planting spring bulbs and plants, and sweeping up leaves at West Byfleet station, Birch Green and in the centre of the village.  She also tops up and tidies the community bookcase in the station booking hall. “I didn’t know what to expect when I joined the group,” said Allegra, “but I found that I enjoy gardening and helping my community. The volunteers are friendly and made me feel part of the group. I feel I’m making a difference.  I look forward to gardening on Saturday mornings as it gets me out of the house, working in the fresh air and I’m learning new things. I don’t even mind if it’s raining!” Recently the group has taken over tending the five big wooden containers in the centre of West Byfleet which Woking Borough Council used to maintain. “After speaking to the council, we put out a call for plants and were overwhelmed with donations,” said the group’s Diane Cozens. “Allegra has helped us plant up these containers too, making the village look cared for again.” Recently Allegra helped to weed the kerbs in her Pyrford street, much to the delight of her neighbours who came out to help. Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Bright sunshine bloomed for the 72nd staging of the annual event which this year had Our Wonderful World as its topic The show opened with the procession from Dane Court to the arena at Pyrford Cricket Club led by the Friary Brass Band and including the flower princess and prince and their attendants riding in classic cars with Army cadets and members of the Pyrford Guide and Scout groups marching proudly with their banners There was enthusiastic competition in a large range of traditional horticultural,domestic and floral classes with prizes to be won in homecraft said: “We couldn’t have put on such a wonderful show without the backing of our sponsors committee members and the very many helpers.” For the full story and special picture feature Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Thought of the Week, with Suzanne Lees-Smith of Parish of Wisley with Pyrford With everything in the news at the moment, it could be easy to suppose that if there is a God, surely it is a God who must be pretty mean, angry, spiteful and unforgiving?   Yet as a Christian, I believe in a very different God, in particular through the history of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walking on the Earth and as I see him working through his followers today for good.   God is the source of life and creativity, joy and compassion. People continually testify to God bringing goodness out of tragedy and hope in times of despair.  I believe it is these stories that we need to seek out and hold on to, not revel in the drama of destruction but rejoice in inspiring news of selfless love, miracles, rebuilding and transformation.  How good it would be to hear more of how people are rebuilding lives in those countries, when after initial reports of crisis, are simply left to fade away from the public eye.   What inspirational endurance, perseverance and forgiveness has been shown and continues to be shown? What support can we continue to give? I am thankful to believe in a God that does not look away, who is there with incredible human beings, in these awful situations across the world, working, serving, loving the broken and fearful.   So today I’m going to take a moment to think of the people who are not in the news but who are rebuilding their lives and hoping against the odds for a better future and pray for them.   Closer to home, I’m also going to take a moment to thank God for the people who have helped me, and who continue to be there, in difficult times.   I’m going to smile and keep rejoicing and grab that attitude of gratitude, because life is a gift and Jesus promised hope and strength in the darkest valleys.  Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us CHILDREN at Pyrford CofE Primary School have moved into bright new classrooms which make learning much more fun The old-fashioned school premises in Coldharbour Road have been replaced by a £5.6 million building as part of a Government priority programme was built by off-site construction specialist it is part of £28 million Surrey and Kent batch of the Priority School Building Programme Each scheme has been designed in line with stringent Department for Education standards for helping children to learn The teaching areas are wonderful learning environments for children and we now realise what poor conditions we had to endure in our old buildings for so many years.” “The Portakabin team has been brilliant throughout and the finishing and attention to detail is to a very high standard.” She said teachers had been on a tour of the factory in York where the new school was pre-fabricated and they had shared this experience with the children “Parents and governors have been really delighted and astonished with the new facilities and what has been achieved in just a few months,” she added The outside of the new building has been finished in a brickwork neutral white render and metal panels in white Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us A WET start to the day did nothing to deter the thousands who visited the 76th Pyrford & Wisley Village Show at Pyrford Cricket Ground.  One unofficial estimate put the crowd at around 3,000 and there was plenty for them to enjoy as the afternoon weather turned bright and sunny. The show was opened by the mayor of Woking, Cllr M Ilyas Raja, who was joined by Woking MP Jonathan Lord. The theme of Inventions, Past, Present and Future attracted more than 1,500 entries in the juniors, domestic and handicraft and horticulture sections. There was also a variety of arena performances throughout the afternoon, with musical acts running into the evening. An ABBA tribute band closed the show and was a real hit as many danced under the stars. Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Look inside this “stunning” period property for sale that was created by a renowned builder and includes its own cinema room. Ellesmere, in Pyrford, was built by W.G. Tarrant, who was a ‘master builder’ in the early 1900s.  There are period features throughout the home, including original fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and bay windows.  As well as the period aspects of the property, there are also high specification modern features such as built-in ceiling speakers, sensor-controlled lights, and integrated appliances.  On the ground floor of the property is a dual aspect sitting room with a period fireplace and a concealed door into a family room, which is currently used as a study.  The formal dining room includes bespoke floor to ceiling wine display shelving, a square bay window and period coal fireplace.  Adjacent to the dining room is a library, which is custom-designed with solid oak bookcases and bi-fold doors.  The kitchen and breakfast room is also bespoke and includes integrated appliances, a central island with a breakfast bar, and a quartz worktop.  Upstairs, there is a master suite with fitted furniture, a dressing room, and an en-suite bathroom, while three further bedrooms also feature dressing rooms and en-suites.  Moving up to the second floor, there is a cinema room with wine fridges, a popcorn machine, a hotdog machine and reclining seats.  Completing this level is an additional bedroom with an en-suite shower room, a cloakroom, and laundry room.  Outside, there is a triple garage and external parking, while to the rear there is a mature garden laid to lawn, along with a paved terrace area featuring a pergola and wall lighting.  The property is being sold by Seymour’s Prestige Homes for a guide price of £2,500,000.  The agent described the home as: “a stunning period property which over recent years has been completely refurbished to a very high standard by its current owners.  “Whilst retaining its delightful period charm this beautifully presented family home is also well designed and arranged for modern day family living offering substantial, well balanced and versatile accommodation throughout, totalling 6,372 sq ft (including garage).  “This attractive family residence was built by W.G Tarrant, a renowned local builder who left a significant imprint on the local landscape with houses of quality and excellence.” Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us A landowner and their contractor have been prosecuted and fined more than £18,000 for the unauthorised felling of more than 100 protected trees on land adjacent to Upshot Lane by a judge at Guildford Magistrates’ Court pleaded guilty to the unauthorised felling of more than 100 trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) as well as causing damage to a further seven protected trees pleaded guilty to the unauthorised felling and causing damage to the protected trees  A Tree Preservation Order protects specific trees groups of trees or woodland that benefit the wider community the landowner and contractor received substantial fines  Burhill Developments Ltd were ordered to pay a total of £15,140 a victim surcharge of £2,000 and council costs of £2,140  P&A Services were ordered to pay a total of £2,900 a victim surcharge of £400 and council costs of £1,500 Woking Borough Council’s strategic director for place said: “We welcome the outcome of this important case Whether you permit or cause wilful damage to our environment we will take legal action wherever necessary  “It is important that landowners and their contractors take the necessary steps to understand what consent is required before commencing tree works.” Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us A trial of work to reduce noise from the concrete section of the M25 that has plagued Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford is working well, according to National Highways. The agency gave an update on the M25 Southwest Quadrant Pavement Strategy to the M25 J10-11 resurfacing action group and Woking MP Jonathan Lord. The latest trial on the London orbital motorway between junctions 8-9 involved removing the old damaged concrete edges, filling the gaps with a bespoke epoxy-based hardened concrete and then using a grinding machine to provide a new quieter surface. The grinding technique was previously trialled on the M1 from 2018 to 2022.  Representatives from National Highways and Connect Plus described the details of the trial, explaining the difficulties, and  said that they were working in collaboration with the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange project team to use planned closures on the network and were hopeful to start the work next year.  The work will be carried out at night to cause the least disruption.  Amanda Boote, the borough and county councillor for Byfleet and West Byfleet and chair of the M25 J10-11 committee, said: ‘‘We are delighted to hear that the trial is showing a successful reduction in the noise levels on the concrete stretch of the M25.  ‘‘This will not only be beneficial to my residents but it will also benefit the drivers and motorcyclists who use this stretch. We will continue to work with National Highways and Connect Plus to monitor the progress and will keep residents informed of any new updates.  ‘‘It has taken an incredible amount of lobbying to get us to this point and I am thrilled that we have some good news to share with the thousands of residents and many drivers who are adversely affected by this.’’ Mr Lord said: ‘‘I am extremely pleased to see the progress made on this M25 concrete project.’’ Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us THIS week’s Peeps into the Past looks back on a boozy night at the Anchor Inn beside the River Wey Navigation at Pyrford in 1908 and it is possible that he was related to the Mandeville family of Pigeon House Cottage The family appeared in other Peeps features recently Researcher Mark Coxhead found a report of the inquest into William’s death published in the News & Mail in March 1908 William’s body was found by police on Wednesday 11 March told the inquest that William was her brother The last time she saw him alive was when he left home on the morning of 1 March said William came in just after 1pm and left at closing time that afternoon Dennis said he served William a pint of beer in the afternoon His sister-in-law served William in the evening Dennis added that he did not sell much beer that evening The inquest revealed that William spent most of the evening with some other men in the tap-room of the Anchor Inn probed the landlord to find out how much beer was consumed He asked whether William would not have been better “with a little soda water” Dennis replied that William did not seem to be drunk and when he left he seemed sober Dennis said that at one time during the evening the group of men were singing but he told them to stop as it was a Sunday He also denied a row had broken out between the men a labourer who was lodging at the Anchor Inn He told the inquest he could not remember how much beer he served to those in the tap-room The coroner appeared to not have believed all the evidence the witnesses called so far had given He told them: “I am going to adjourn this inquest for about a week to give you an opportunity to refresh your memory as to what happened on this particular night.” John Mandeville – who the report said was William’s cousin – gave evidence He said he and William “had a drink or two together” It is possible that John was the seventh-born of the 15 siblings who lived at Pigeon House Cottage Witness Harold Smith told the inquest there was “a little bit of sparring” between William and a man called Elijah Hill Harold added that Thomas Longhurst stepped in and William then scratched Longhurst’s face “and made blood come” also gave evidence and confirmed he and William had been sparring the group of men walked off and Elijah fell into a ditch and you could not see where you were going.” But he added William was not one of them and had left earlier Police constable Pearce told the inquest that William’s body was found after “dragging the canal” the coroner said it was always difficult to get reliable evidence as to what took place in a public-house He added: “There was something going on the tap-room that day and there was no doubt that all these men had had more beer than was good for them “Whether the deceased fell in accidentally The only conclusion they could come to was that the deceased had drowned there being no evidence how he got into the water.” If you have some memories or old pictures relating to the Woking area Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us NONE of the seven local golfers aiming to qualify for The Senior Open achieved their goal. The Senior Open, at the Royal Porthcawl club in South Wales, ended last Sunday, with Alex Cejka winning the title. Jim Christine (Worplesdon), Berni White (Sutton Green), Peter Jackson (Woking), Simon Cho (Pyrford), Guy Shoesmith (West Hill), Jason Saunders (Windlesham) and Rob Jones (Queenwood) were all looking to secure a place alongside Cejka and the likes of Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh and Bernhard Langer. But none of the locals won through to the main tournament from qualifying events in South Wales. Best of the bunch was Jackson, who shot a par 71 in his qualifier at Pyle & Kenfig to finish equal 14th. Also at Pyle & Kenfig, Cho was equal 62nd with a five-over 76, Christine finished equal 121st with a 14-over 85 and White retired. In the qualifier at Ashburnham, Jones came equal 16th with a one-over 73, Shoesmith was equal 34th with a three-over 75 and Saunders finished equal 72nd with a five-over 77. The Senior Open is for male players aged 50 or above. Previous winners include Tom Watson, Sir Bob Charles and Gary Player. Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information chief executive and chief investment officer of Pyrford International the global equities arm of BMO Global Asset Management discusses the opportunities he sees in Asian stocks markets He speaks with Shery Ahn and Haidi Stroud-Watts on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia." (Source: Bloomberg) Woking MP Jonathan Lord has launched a petition to seek residents’ views across Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford regarding proposals for 461 homes and 15 traveller pitches on land near West Hall Mr Lord said he joined hundreds of residents in attending the public exhibition last month to see the proposals for himself and ask many questions of the developers about their plans Mr Lord said: “Protecting and enhancing our green spaces remains a top priority of mine I presented a strong Protect Our Green Belt Petition to Parliament about this particular site (and two smaller sites in Byfleet) and I have continued to work closely with the Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association to oppose any development on our green fields in the three villages I have huge concerns about the potential impact on Byfleet West Byfleet and Pyrford’s infrastructure – particularly with regard to the roads but also our healthcare and educational facilities and services “I also have significant concerns about whether the proposals sufficiently alleviate the surface water flooding that the site is so prone to  “I remain implacably opposed to what I regard as totally inappropriate development of these beautiful green fields.” Independent borough and county councillor for “the Byfleets” “It’s disappointing that a planning application is being brought forward given that none of the major infrastructure problems that I have campaigned about relating to this development have been addressed,” she said the A245 Parvis Road is almost permanently grid-locked and the medical centre in West Byfleet over capacity with more than 30,000 patients.” News & Mail readers can make their views known at www.jonathanlord.co.uk/West-Hall-Proposals by adding their name to the petition and completing a short survey.  Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Award-winning owner / operator Crown Golf has put eight of its golf clubs on the market following a strategic approach to focus on its member and resort businesses Seven of the eight clubs for sale are from the company’s ‘Pay and Play’ estate The addition of one of Surrey’s premium proprietary members’ clubs by reason of its shared course maintenance facilities The properties for sale are mainly located in the London area Total roundage at the eight clubs was 440,000 in 2009 with a combined turnover of £9.6m delivering a profit of £2.4m EBITDA “This sale represents an exceptional business opportunity” said joint agent Ben Allen from Humberts Leisure remains committed to owning and operating a significant golf business in the UK for many years to come,” said Crown Golf Chief Executive Officer “Crown Golf plans to continue to lead the golf industry with the quality of our customer-focused initiatives.” The clubs are being offered to the market as a portfolio of prime well-located golf businesses with strong historical trading records All enjoy excellent local reputations for having well-conditioned golf courses which stay open all year round Each of the properties have good food and beverage encouraging high levels of secondary spend and some have developed strong conference and banqueting revenues with several having nationally-recognised golf academy facilities Humberts Leisure and DTZ have jointly been appointed as agents and will market the portfolio both in the UK and internationally “This sale represents a unique opportunity to acquire a portfolio of prime golf businesses in the UK’s most prosperous region,” said DTZ’s Richard Candey The seven properties near London are all close to the M25 motorway near to areas of high population density where demand for quality golf facilities is high is in a stunning location bordering the New Forest National Park which is one of the south coast’s largest cities “A portfolio of clubs clustered around London provides a number of key operational benefits,” said Lewis “The new owner will inherit a large database of local golfers which offers many opportunities for growth and commercial development; the ability to offer London-based customers a variety of golfing experiences within the same group; the ability to promote group-wide offers within a relatively small geographic area; and of course the economy of scale including management across all business aspects “There is a strong mixture of freehold and long leasehold properties in the portfolio so it has a strong asset backing which is an attractive aspect “This portfolio of golf properties represents a considerable land-holding in well-positioned and provides the purchaser with various opportunities for substantial future gain There are many exciting opportunities for further development such as an additional 9-hole course at Paultons or new clubhouse facilities at Orpington.” Crown Golf acquired the former American Golf group of clubs in December 2004 adding three further clubs in the following three years After a major investment programme at its flagship property St Mellion International Resort the group as a whole will continue to experience significant growth in profitability in 2010 and after this sale will still remain the largest golf club owner / operator in the UK our long term objective has always to be the best at what we do and we believe a new focus on our remaining group of predominately membership and resort clubs will better enable us to do this “We continue to run all of our clubs in the normal way – it is very much business as usual The next phase for Crown Golf will be to strive ever harder to deliver operational excellence across the remaining portfolio whilst exploiting property and other growth opportunities.” Humberts Leisure:         Ben Allen, +44 (0)1962 835960 / ben.allen@humberts-leisure.com DTZ:                            Richard Candey, +44 (0)20 3296 3000 / richard.candey@dtz.com Crown Golf www.crown-golf.co.uk At five storeys high and a “maze of weather-boarded walls at ever-changing angles tiled roofs with varied gables and jutting dormers,” was how J Hillier described it in his book Old Surrey Water-Mills He judged parts of the building to be more than 300 years old Newark Mill was exceptionally large and a well-known building throughout Surrey and beyond while in 1991 Send & Ripley History Society published a booklet charting its history For the full story get the 5 December edition of the News & Mail Tel: 01483 802700[email protected]Follow us Sun 8 Mar 2015 at 03:00If there's one thing that Ireland's wealthy really like… it's property They own some of the finest houses on the planet ranging from sprawling stately homes in Surrey to beachside pads overlooking the surf in Hawaii or Malibu which was immortalised in the 1975 classic horror movie The Omen starring Gregory Peck Originally built in 1910 for the 2nd Lord Iveagh of the Guinness brewing dynasty it was one of a number of stately houses built around that time on the profits of the stout business Fact: Cult classic 'The Omen' was filmed here in 1975 The 15-bedroom house on 20 acres was last on the market in 2010 The value is likely to have risen sharply since then The house is listed as Grayken's residence in corporate filings The private equity mogul is also said to have bought the 'La Bergerie' - the sprawling mansion overlooking Lake Geneva - from Switzerland's richest man Ernesto Bertarelli for around €40m in 2010 Limerick billionaire JP McManus also has an extensive residential property portfolio He built a massive faux-Palladian mansion at Kilmallock The bill for the home - said to be Ireland's largest private residence - was said to be close to €20m McManus has also been building a stupendous beachside getaway beside his Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados The home has 15 ensuite bedrooms with local coral featuring heavily in the design Glassblowers were flown in to help create a magnificent chandelier Sandymount-born Hilary and Galen Weston are Canada's second richest couple They own lavish properties around the world including the exclusive Windsor Resort at Lake Vero in Florida They also own the 'Fort Belvedere' stately home in Surrey was where Edward VIII signed the documents abdicating from the British throne in 1936 before setting off for his new life with Wallis Simpson owns the 500-acre Stackallen House near Navan in Meath The pre-Palladian house was built in 1716 and features a garden designed by Capability Brown The home was formerly owned by Dunnes Stores' supremo soon after buying it for a then record €2.3m Fact: Madonna and Guy Ritchie married here in 2000 Sunderland FC owner Ellis Short is another Texan with Irish citizenship The distressed asset buyer owns a townhouse in Mayfair as well as Skibo Castle - where Madonna got married But he also has a €40m beachside house in the highly exclusive Kukio neighbourhood on Hawaii's Kuno Coast This is some of the most upmarket and expensive real estate in the world with nearby homes owned by billionaire Michael Dell KKR chairman Paul Hazen and Citadel hedge fund boss Ken Griffin Coolmore stud chief John Magnier spent an estimated €30m building a huge villa in Marbella next door to the exclusive Marbella Club Footballer David Beckham rented the house for his holidays in 2006 Fact: The finale to the BBC's 'Sherlock' was filmed here spent around €36m building a futuristic eco home in North Nibley an indoor bowling alley and an enclosed winter garden - so they live in a nearby converted barn The stunning house was used in the finale of the BBC hit drama Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch featuring as the home of an evil newspaper baron have been hoovering up land and buildings at a ferocious rate to take advantage of the fall in asset prices Luke spent around €10m buying the Courtown demesne house in Kilcock Hollywood legend John Huston and his daughter Anjelica lived there in the 1950s and played host to some of the world's most famous movie stars Fact: It's the former home of Ireland's first President Douglas Hyde Riverdance and Lord of the Dance tappety-toe merchant fell in love with the Castlehyde Estate in Cork He spent over €27m restoring the period mansion having purchased the building - a former home of Ireland's first president Douglas Hyde - in 2004 including an entire first-floor suite for Flatley eight-bay garage for the star's collection of Ferraris Derry actress Roma Downey is best known for her long-running role on TV soap opera Touched by an Angel but she is also one half of the most powerful reality TV production team in the US she lives in a €25m Malibu mansion on the beach front was bought back in 1997 and has dramatically increased in value Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Billionaire private equity baron John Grayken may seem possessed His Lone Star private equity group has possibly made the single biggest bet on the Irish recovery distressed loans and properties being sold as part of the epic bank deleveraging who took out Irish citizenship in the early 1990s according to an SEC filing for Continental Building Products in which he has disclosed a 51pc stake in recent weeks is listed as Grayken's "principal business address" which also notes "Mr John P Grayken is an Irish citizen" Pyrford Court is an Edwardian country pile built in 1910 for the 2nd Lord Iveagh from the Guinness brewing dynasty The Grade II listed 15-bedroom house sits on 20 acres of farmland It was sold in 2003 for €8.5m before returning to the market in 2010 The house is probably best known for being the location for the 1976 classic horror film The Omen (pictured) starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick Private equity tycoons are supposed to be scary - but surely this is going a little too far