Nick and Paul and Janet’s husband John attended the Surbiton Remembrance service this morning. The wreath from Kingston and Surbiton Conservatives was laid by Surbiton Hill resident Group Capt. David Salusbury RAF . The ward was well represented, as usual.

The attendance of the public was very impressive also, possibly reflecting, not only the seventieth anniversary of the outbreak of World War 2, but also appreciation of the sacrifices made in more recent and current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Whatever one may think about the political rights and wrongs of our involvement in these conflicts, ceremonies like this morning’s are there to remind us of the service to our country of those who have lost their lives in them. May they rest in peace.

We’re glad to tell you there is absolutely no truth – and never has been – in the idea that the Government has banned the Red Arrows from the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Prime Minister was delighted to see the role the Red Arrows played in the celebrations on the Mall after the Beijing Games, and they have always played a significant part in great festivals of celebration in Britain in recent years. Indeed, the Red Arrows played a memorable role when they flew over Trafalgar Square in 2005 to mark London winning the Games.

Decisions on the nature of the Olympic opening ceremony are a matter for the 2012 organising committee, and with four years to go, they have not made their decisions yet. However, the Prime Minister has made clear he would be delighted to see the Red Arrows perform in the celebrations in 2012.

Of interest to Surbiton Hill residents will be the planning applications from Sunrise Assisted Living to demolish 3 houses in Upper Brighton Road and build an assisted living home for the elderly and consultation on development at the Red Lion pub at the junction of Red Lion Road and Ewell Road.

Christmas Tree Collection Dates

Real Christmas Trees can be put out for collection from the kerbside on your normal recycling day for a fortnight beginning on the 7 January.

The authors of the story say that the Arrows are being ‘banned’ because their military background might be “offensive” to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport are alleged to have deemed the display team “too militaristically British”.

We are indebted to Mr. Moore for his comment (attached) in which he draws attention to the RAF website which calls this story ‘rubbish’ and would recommend all readers to view Mr. Moore’s comment and the website (link http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamnews/index.cfm?storyid=66845B01-1143-EC82-).

We will hold our next advice surgery for Surbiton Hill and other residents at the Small Hall, Surbiton Library (behind the War Memorial) on Saturday 19th. May between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.

We are particularly keen to hear people’s views on waste management/collection issues in the light of the Berryllands Trial and its possible implications for Surbiton Hill residents. Wea er also keen to hear about any other concerns residents may have on any subject they think we might help with.

No appointment is needed but it might be helpful if people wishing to discuss specific problems let us know beforehand. Contact details are on the ‘About us’ page. See the link above.

The article doesn’t say that he pointed out that the School Lane estate is a venue where youths from many areas choose to ‘hang out’ when at a loose end for something to do. He also pointed out that the residents of School Lane are themselves the victims of acts of vandalism perpetrated by some of them (see entry in his blog www.pauljohnston.info on this.)

This kind of thing should be reported to the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, whose contact details are included in this blog. See below and the Useful Phone Numbers page.

“A reshuffle of the Liberal Democrat shadow cabinet last week saw local MPs Edward Davey and Susan Kramer stay on in the cabinet but change their responsibilities.

Mr Davey held on to his role as campaigns and communications chairman, but swapsped (Comet spelling!)the trade and industry portfolio for the position of chief of staff.

He said: “I am delighted with my new role”.”

Mr. Davey has been Lib Dem spokesperson on Trade and Industry ever since March 2006. His party wanted to abolish the Department of Trade and Industry.  One is tempted to speculate whether our MP will keep this new job for longer than 9 months and whether this can be seen as a reward for his role in helping to bring the Ming Emperor to ‘power’ 12 months ago.