The Chipstead Village Preservation

Society

 

1. OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of the CVPS is to help conserve the natural environment in the village of Chipstead, Surrey. Our motto is 'Preserving Chipstead as a special place to live - for today and into the future'.

We aim to promote the preservation of Chipstead's special assets acting as:

the Steward for the CVPS' owned village assets

a Resource for village preservation action and activities  

a Voice for village issues and threats

The CVPS currently owns approximately 50 acres of land. This has been acquired over a number of years to protect the environment and to give access to recreational areas for residents to walk and enjoy the countryside.

2. GOVERNANCE

Structure, governance and management

CVPS CIO ('The Society')  is a Registered Charity (Charity Commission registration number: 1189409). The CIO was established in May 2020 to replace the original CVPS (Charity Commission registration number: 275408) that was established in 1977.

The Society is managed and administered by a committee comprising the Officers and other Trustees. The Officers are the Hon. Chairman, the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer. The number of Trustees (including Officers) shall be no fewer than 5 and no more than 15. The Trustees shall have no less than 3 meetings in any one year in addition to an Annual General Meeting. The Society has in place a Risk Management Plan which identifies the risks likely to be faced by the Society and the actions required to mitigate those risks, this is a “live” document and is regularly reviewed by the Trustees.

The finances of the Society are overseen by a Finance sub-committee. This sub-committee reviews the finances of the Society at least twice a year and makes recommendations to the Trustees.

The CIO's constition can be read by clicking on the following link CIO Constitution

Method used to appoint new trustees

CVPS Trustees and Officers are appointed by the members of the Society at the Annual General Meeting generally for a three-year term, upon the expiry of which, if eligible, they may seek re-election for further three-year terms. Officers and other Trustees may be proposed prior to an AGM by notice in writing and signed by a member.  In the event that a vacancy arises during the year, the Trustees may appoint any person who is willing to act, on a temporary basis, the Trustees so appointed shall resign at the next AGM but may then be proposed for election as a Trustee.

 

Current Trustees

Ian Baker - Hon Treasurer

Stella Bury

Mark Fineman

Chris Hayman

David Higham

Annette James

Simon Kolesar 

Rosemary Selfe

Iris Spooner – Hon. Secretary

John Stephenson - Hon. Chairman

Registered address

The Honorary Secretary: Ash Keys, 21 Hollymead Road, Chipstead CR5 3LQ

3. OWNED ASSETS

The CVPS owns the following property in the village:

Neale’s Field	This 24 acre field alongside Coulsdon Lane is rented out to a local farmer. There is a footpath across it.
Embers Shaw	This area of 12 acres comprises the woods that border Elmore Lane and the open space known as Colin’s Field. There is a footpath in the woods and Colin’s Field is an area of maintained shrubs and grassland that is for use by all.
The Grove	These 6 acres of woodland are located at the intersection of Hogcross Lane and the High Road. there is a footpath across it, known as the Coffin Path
Cricket Club Field	This area of 2 acres, with its pond, is located between the Cricket Club and The Grove. Embers Shaw and The Grove are linked via a footpath leading behind the Cricket Club and joining a path behind the Football Club.
Court Meadow	This area of just over an acre is located immediately next to St. Margaret’s Church.
Longshaw	The CVPS owns the freehold of this large house in Hazelwood lane, Longshaw has been converted into 8 flats on long leases

 

4. OTHER ACTIVITIES

In addition to maintaining its ‘owned assets’ the CVPS has been involved in other tasks and activities to benefit the Chipstead Community:

Ponds

The CVPS maintains Elmore Pond and the smaller Vincent Pond on Starrock Lane and the Church Green Pond near St Margaret's Church, this involves a considerable amount of work, the CVPS has paid The Downlands Partnership to maintain the ponds and worked with them to clear unwanted and invading pondweeds such as the New Zealand Stonecrop and also thin out Reed Mace, Pennywort, Fringed Water Lily and Bur Reed.  

Signposts

CVPS replaced the 8 original metal signposts located in and around the Village with wooden posts more in keeping with our rural surroundings.

Notice Boards

Eleven CVPS hardwood notice boards are installed around the village and at Mugswell. These are used to publicise local events and notices by societies and organisations within the village

History of Chipstead

Chipstead's local history is an important assets and the CVPS has an interest in preserving it.

In 1979 the  'History of Chipstead' by the late Charles Pringle, an eminent local historian, was published. As a Millennium project the CVPS published a second edition, which included 'Memories of the 20th Century' by Francis O'Donnell, a local resident. This book provides a fascinating insight into the history and life of our village from when it was first recorded in  Domesday Book. Copies of this can be purchased from the newsagents in Chipstead Station Parade or from the Hon. Secretary.

In 2020 Jon Grant published his book 'Discovering Old Chipstead' which takes the village's story through to 2020. A summary of the village's history can also be found on this village website. under the 'About Chipstead' caption.

Clubs and Societies

Clubs and societies help foster community spirit and over the years the CVPS has made grants or interest free loans to village clubs and societies recognising that they are a very important element of the community and occasionally might need financial assistance.  Applications should be made to the Hon. Secretary for a decision by the Trustees.

Working with the Chipstead Resident’s Association

The roles of the CVPS and the CRA are quite different.

The Chipstead Residents Association (CRA) deals with the wide range of matters of day to day concern, such as planning applications, traffic problems, speed restrictions and the upkeep of the village roads.

The CVPS aims to work with the CRA to protect the Village from adverse concerns. Co-ordination between the two organisations is maintained by having a close working relationship and by a regular exchange of minutes. The CRA and the CVPS jointly fund a number of projects including traffic calming projects and the development of the village website www.chipsteadvillage.org

5. HISTORY OF THE CVPS

1977 - Neale's Field

For many years the CRA successfully opposed the development of housing on Neale's Field, situated between Coulsdon Lane and How Lane. Developers  purchased the land in 1947 and had subsequently submitted many planning applications, including one to build 46 houses; all of these applications were turned down. The birth of the CVPS came about in an unexpected way. Richard Kelsall, then living at Court Mead, which backs onto Neale's Field, had the use of his company's helicopter, he wrote to the developer to request if it could land on Neale's Field. The reply was 'NO', because of horses grazing and "they were considering selling it" the price was £26,100. The field had to be protected if at all possible,

A working party was swiftly formed under the Chairmanship of Bill Parkinson, then Chairman of the Resident's Association, together with the Rector Christopher Blair-Fish, Alan Croft, Miss Vivien Rhys-Davids, Councillor Dorothy Day, Len Jarrad, Marion Brewster, Richard Kelsall, Arthur Sievers and several other residents whose properties bordered the field. The money needed was raised by loans and donations from generous residents and at a Public Meeting at the Peter Aubertin Hall on 6 September 1977 the CVPS was born. 

Neale's Field was prepared for arable farming by local farmer 'Mac' Maiklem, who cleared the WW2 bomb crater and ploughed and restored the land. A footpath was created across Neale's Field, later kissing-gates installed. Today Neale's Field is farmed by Richard Kent of Crossways Farm.

 

1978 – Longshaw, Hazelwood Lane

Since 1920 Longshaw was home to the Stoddart family, upon the death of Colonel K B Stoddart the estate was sold to Surrey County Council and then became an old people's home. In 1978 the CVPS negotiated with the RBBC to buy the Longshaw Estate at a cost of £100,000, this was well in excess of the Society's resources. However, the coach house and stable block were sold on to the Chipstead Players who later built the Courtyard Theatre there and the land behind the house and a farm worker's cottage was sold to private buyers. It was essential that all the sales were completed simultaneously so that the monies from the transactions could be used to pay for Longshaw, this was achieved thanks to the expertise of surveyors within the CVPS Committee. The main house, the freehold of which is still owned by the CVPS, was converted into 8 flats sold on long leases, however, the Lodge at the entrance to the property was not sold in 1978, as a life tenancy had been granted to it's occupant, Mr Beadle, the former chauffeur to the Stoddart family. After his death, this property was sold and the proceeds invested. 

CVPS members who request to be placed on a waiting list for Longshaw flats can receive prior notice of forthcoming sales.

1982 – The Granary

The timber framed and clad Granary is situated next to The Ramblers Rest on Outwood Lane and was originally part of Dene Farm.  In 1982 the CVPS attempted to buy it from Surrey County Council but this was declined. Instead the CVPS were granted a 25 year lease for a nominal rent on the understanding that it would be renovated to the Council’s satisfaction. The work was carried out and this traditional barn provides an excellent scenic link with Chipstead’s agricultural heritage. The lease expired in 2007 and the maintenance responsibility has reverted to Surrey County Council.

1997- Elmore Pond

A major renovation effort took place in 1997. Over the years an increase in traffic and a continual littering and dumping of rubbish had heavily polluted Elmore Pond and as a result the wild life had disappeared. Water analysis showed that high levels of oil, metal and rubber were draining from the High Road into the pond, apparently encouraging the New Zealand Stonecrop to thrive and it could not be eradicated by the use of pesticide. The CVPS, Surrey County Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the Downlands Partnership (a voluntary organisation) joined forces to tackle this problem. Surrey County Council raised the footpath to prevent drainage from the road and installed an interceptor to filter the rainwater from the road before it ran into the pond. The trees next to the Peter Aubertin Hall's drains were felled, the pond was emptied and dredged and the silt drained and removed. This action ensured that Elmore Pond continues to be an attractive feature of our village and a natural wildlife habitat.

2002 - Millennium Path

In 2002, a local farmer,Simon Woodruffe donated a three acres of woodland adjoining Elmore Road and Embers Shaw to the CVPS.  Also in 2002 a path was cleared creating a safe walk from opposite the Peter Aubertin Hall down Elmore Road to St. Margaret’s Church Green, this is known as the Millennium Path.

 

2008 - Cricket Club Field

In 2008 the CVPS was made aware that a two acre field next to the Cricket Club, known as The Pond Field, was to be auctioned as a possible land-bank investment. With only two weeks until the auction the CVPS was fortunate to be able to negotiate a deal with the vendor to remove the field from the auction list and it was sold directly to the CVPS. At the same time the Trustees contacted local residents and with their help managed to raise in excess of £50,000 in donations to meet the cost of this purchase.

2009 – Court Meadow

In 2008 the small area of land next to St. Margaret’s Church at the top of Star Lane was placed on the market and there was concern that it might be acquired as a permanent site for travellers. In order to prevent this, and to protect the historic view of the church, the land was acquired by the CVPS with the assistance of significant contributions from the owners of Court Lodge Farm and Court Lodge Cottage and St. Margaret’s Church.

2010 - The Grove

In 2010 the CVPS purchased The Grove from a local farmer, six acres of ancient woodland between the Cricket Club Field and Hogscross Lane. Again, a fund raising campaign was launched and a sizeable proportion of the sale price was raised from resident's generous donations, with the CVPS making up the balance from reserves. With the help of the Downlands Partnership the enormous task of removing the invasive laurel and much of the rampant undergrowth was undertaken, thereby giving other trees a chance to flourish. The Grove was fenced, gates and styles were erected and signposts positioned to indicate rights of way. Work continues with clearing the woodland and creating habitats to encourage insects and wild life, including dormice. Local residents and ramblers enjoy walks through The Grove and local pre-schools holds ‘Forest Days’ there during term time.

2012 - Embers Shaw

In 1999 a past Chairman of the CVPS, Colin Vaughan, bought the nine acre field adjacent to Elmore Road from Simon Woodruffe to fulfil his desire to create an Arboretum in the village. Rubbish was burned and buried on the site and the undergrowth was stripped away. Several varieties of trees, shrubs and hedging were planted along with grass, bulbs and meadow flowers. Seats 'In Memory' of residents were also donated and installed. Paths were cut through the grass and Ember’s Shaw was opened to the public for their enjoyment.

In 2012 Colin Vaughan offered to sell his 9 acres to the CVPS at a very generous price on the condition that the Society undertook responsibility for the maintenance and insurance of the land. This purchase was once again enabled by resident's generous donations from more than 50 households in the village. This also secured a pathway for walkers from the Meads car park through Ember’s Shaw, on to the footpath behind the Football and Cricket Clubs and through The Grove to the western end of Hogcross Lane.

 

6. JOIN THE CVPS

All Chipstead residents are strongly encouraged to be involved with  the CVPS. If you would like to become a member, simply download and print the CVPS Membership Form below.  Alternatively, please contact us on cvps@chipsteadvillage.org.

The CVPS Data Protection Policy securely protects member's data. All information held is used to communicate with members and will not be used for any other purpose or passed on to any third party.The data kept is name, postal address, email address, telephone number(s), details of subscription payments, details of Gift Aid commitments. Access to the data is restricted to the Trustees.

All members are invited to attend the CVPS Annual General Meeting and discuss and vote on current issues.

Donations or bequests received will continue the work of the Society in preserving the village, contact a Committee member and this will be handled with complete discretion.

Any member or resident who feel that they can contribute their time (volunteering for clearing/maintaining/monitoring fields, ponds and woods), their knowledge (e.g. legal or professional advice), or their skills (e.g. IT and marketing) we would love to hear from you!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM