8


Tandridge/Edenbridge Chronicle February 2012


Advertising: 01959 564766


Newsdesk: editorial.chronicle@tindlenews.co.uk Chancel reopens after roof restored


EXTENSIVE roof repairs have restored the beautiful 13th century parish church of St Peter and St Paul in Edenbridge to its former glory.


Deathwatch beetle had infected the chancel roof after suffering leaks for sometime, making an ideal environment for the insects to thrive.


The problem had become so bad that the area had to be completely sealed off because of the danger to parishioners. But just before Christmas the barriers were removed and the church fully restored for the season’s festivities including two very popular Christingle services.


Ellis Building Contractors carried out the restoration, working closely with church experts, architect Robin Nugent


and structural engineer Clive Dawson. The company removed all infected areas, rebuilt significant sections of the valley structure and made sure the roof was structurally safe.


Materials and techniques used were sympathetic to those traditionally employed to preserve the historical importance of the building. Parish vicar Father Stephen Mitchell said he was very happy with the work and the team had been extremely easy to work with, fitting in alongside weekly church activities.


“They behaved with consummate professionalism,” said Father Mitchell. He added that some newer members of the congregation had not known what the chancel looked like as it had been blocked


Left: Father Stephen Mitchell, contracts manager Graham Tuthill, church warden Bob Dunn and site manager Bob Stapleton


off for so long. “It was particularly nice to get it back for the Christingle services, which attracted several hundred people. We needed all the space we could get.” Father Stephen also praised local people for their generosity and understanding. “They have been great,” he said. To mark the completion of the work, a time capsule was enclosed in the roof containing a list of those who worked on the project together with an assortment of artifacts and memorabilia reflecting the church’s history.


Contracts manager Graham Tuthill said:


“We are very happy that Christmas traditions were able to go ahead at St Peter and Paul and are extremely pleased to have played a part in restoring a building with such an important historical heritage.“


Creative solutions needed to relieve lorry problems


CREATIVE solutions are needed to relieve problems with HGVs on the A25, according East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah.


Mr Gyimah was speaking after a meeting he organised and attended between members of TAG-A25, the environment agency and Surrey Highways Agency in January.


The meeting was to address the profound problems caused by HGVs travelling along the A25.


“The damage inflicted by HGVs along the A25 cannot be


measured in movement statistics alone,” he said. “At today’s meeting I heard firsthand how HGV movements were rattling houses, creating driving hazards and posing a danger to pedestrians.


“This meeting with the relevant parties may have been the first but it certainly isn’t the last. “Together we need to produce some committed and creative solutions in order to relieve the biggest pressure points along the A25 and enhance people’s quality of life that live around the A25.”


Digital switchover advice


PEOPLE with questions about the digital switchover later this year can find the answers at one of a series of Digital UK roadshows being held in Tandridge. Advisors will be on hand to explain when the switchover will happen and the options for going digital, and there will be advice about how eligible people can get a TV converted by the


Switchover Help Scheme. There will also be technical demonstrations and Digital UK’s specially trained staff will be on hand to answer questions.


The roadshow will be outside Somerfield and Ken Autos on The Green, Warlingham from 9am to 5pm on 6 February; outside Costcutters in East Grinstead Road, Lingfield on 6 March; in the High


Street car park, Godstone on 7 March and at Morrisons in Oxted on 9 March.


Anyone unable to attend the roadshow can ring the Digital UK advice line on 08456 505050 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for further information. The Switchover Help Scheme can be reached on 0800 40 85 900 and at www.helpscheme.co. uk.


Advertiser’s announcement Taxing issues on your home


MOST people expect the family house to be tax free from Capital Gains Tax when sold, however there are certain situations where tax may apply: • Where you don’t really move in before selling. • There is a large garden. • Some or all of the home is used for business purposes. • You own two or more properties.


• The home is rented out. • You develop a property with a view to making a profit. You can claim Income Tax relief for ‘use of home as office’ for business purposes of up to £3 per week and this will not normally be questioned by HMRC and should not affect Capital Gains Tax.


Additional amounts claimed


would depend upon area, time used and usage of services such as electricity. Where possible make sure any room has dual use, both business and private. The principle private residence exemption can be restricted where a part of the home is used exclusively for business purposes resulting in a potential capital gains tax problem. You should always seek professional advice before taking action as other factors may need to be considered. If you have any questions on the above, please ring 01732 865965 and speak to one of our directors – Kevin Wood, Paul Dickinson or Andy Branson Wood Branson Dickinson www.wbdaccountants.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12