A TOWN councillor hoping to jump into the record books has received a surprise £500 donation from Dame Judi Dench.

Horley town councillor David Powell is skydiving from 30,000ft this June to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Mr Powell wrote to Dame Judi, who is a member of the Royal British Legion's Outwood branch, four weeks ago to explain what he was doing.

Mr Powell said: "I wrote to her and told her what I was doing and I put in that my jump won't be as good as James Bond's but it will be good enough."

He added: "I saw her donation on the website, it was a Saturday morning.

"I was very excited when I saw it."

The location for the jump is near Memphis, USA, which is the only place in the world licensed to provide such skydive arrangements for civilians.

Mr Powell, 78, completed his first skydive in May last year in aid of the Surrey Care Trust, but this time he is doubling the height.

The jump could earn him a place in the record books after 70-year-old Ray Woodcock claimed to be the oldest person to have ever completed a 30,000ft skydive in November 2012.

The cost of the jump and the training is $2,800 (about £1,700) – which is being funded by Mr Powell.

To sponsor Mr Powell go to: www.justgiving.com/david-percy-powell-rmp

A HUGE wind turbine in the countryside has been ruled out – as it could endanger aircraft.

If it had been given the go-ahead, the turbine would have soared 150 feet above its surroundings

But planners have turned the proposal down, partly on environmental grounds and also because of its possible threat to nearby Gatwick Airport.

East Grinstead firm Microgen Wind Limited applied to install the turbine at Horne Park Golf Club, in Croydon Barn Lane, near Outwood.

The proposal submitted to Tandridge District Council called for a 120-foot tall mast on a strip of the golf course, topped by its 30-foot tall sails.

There were a sea of objections from residents.

And, in a letter to the council, Gatwick Airport's aerodrome safeguarding officer Amanda Purdye warned the turbine could cause radar signals from the airport to bounce back.

She added: "Because of the rotating nature of the turbine, it could not be filtered out by the standard radar filtering of static objects.

"It could have a negative impact on the potential safety of Gatwick Airport's operation.

"We must object to this on the grounds of air safety."

The news has delighted Tracey Osgood, who chairs Horne Parish Council.

She said: "We are very pleased with the outcome.

"We thought and feared that the plan would be given permission, due to the Government's alternative fuels strategy.

"We did raise the issue of air safety, especially as the turbine would be on the flight path.

"And the safety aspect was enough to ensure the proposal could not proceed."

Mrs Osgood, who lives in Chithurst Lane, had feared that horses being ridden locally could be "spooked" by the turbine.

And she insisted the wind levels locally were not enough to warrant a turbine.

Mrs Osgood said the noise "hum" would be constant, and the turbine would have caused permanent disruption to a large rural area.

A 15-signature petition warned the plan could diminish house prices, cause "disturbing" noise levels and lead to a spate of wind turbines being installed there.

No comment was forthcoming from the scheme's agents London-based AAH Planning Consultants.

But Kirstin Skea, one of the company's officers, said previously that the impact on nearby residential properties would be minimal.

She said the installation of the turbine would provide extra income to help ensure the golf club's viability.

In its energy report submitted with the application, the company claimed the turbine would generate 236,000 kilowatts annually – which is the equivalent energy consumption of more than 70 homes.

QUESTIONS remain over the health effects of gas emitting from Redhill's landfill site after official test results were delayed.

Public Health England (PHE), the body responsible for protecting residents from health threats, was due to issue the results of its initial assessments on Tuesday.

However a spokesman for the authority said the findings will now be published by the Environment Agency (EA) later this week. No reason was given for the delay.

The two bodies were called in to investigate the landfill site, off Cormongers Lane, after 36 complaints were received about the smell emanating from the site in January. Since then, hundreds of complaints have been lodged.

The EA has since installed four air-quality monitors around the area at unidentified sites, the results from which are being analysed by PHE.

Reigate MP Crispin Blunt, who has been closely following the issue, called on residents to ensure they report any health concerns.

He said: "If people do feel sick they should go to their GP.

"So far there is no reason to suspect there's a serious health issue here, however we must be aware and that is why Public Health England is investigating."

In response to a request for an update from Mr Blunt, Biffa, which operates the landfill site, confirmed the work to resolve the gas emission problems and to contain the smell was ongoing.

The operator said it was monitoring air quality at 29 locations surrounding the area, and, in the statement, claims work to cap one area of the site – referred to as "cell 6 " – will begin at the end of the month.

The company also admits there was an increase in the number of complaints regarding the smell on March 31 and April 1.

Its statement, released to Mr Blunt, said: "Biffa continues to undertake works on site to improve gas collection."

It added: "We continue to provide regular updates and information to the Environment Agency, along with the information and works required by the enforcement notice and we are progressing well with the works identified within the timescales stipulated."

Following an inspection of the site in January, EA officers found Biffa's failure to control the release of landfill gas had caused the stench.

Officers discovered landfill gas odour emanating from five different areas and in one part of the site there was no gas infrastructure – to capture the odour – in place at all.

On March 6, the EA issued Biffa with an enforcement notice. The agency also requested the company look at how gas is managed on the site.

Biffa could face legal action if a string of measures are not put in place following the notice, but the agency says the company has complied so far.

We contacted the EA and Biffa for an update but they did not reply before we went to press.

A "HAPPY" teenager died on Monday night when he fell from a platform at Horley railway station and was electrocuted on the tracks.

The boy, named locally as 15-year-old Jesse Quincey, was declared dead at the scene.

His friends paid fond tribute to the "joker", who was waiting for a train to Redhill after spending the evening in Horley.

Emergency services were called to the Victoria Road station at 8.25pm but could do nothing to help Jesse, who had apparently fallen from the platform and come into contact with a live rail.

His friend Trent Reed, 16, said: "He was here with us [that] night.

"It was just a usual night and we were chatting and stuff."

He added: "I just can't get my head around it.

"He was with us one minute and gone the next."

Trent said Jesse, who had moved from Horley to Redhill, had had a "hard life" but was happy, funny and a joker.

He added: "You never saw him without a smile on his face."

The mother of one of Jesse's friends said: "It's absolutely heartbreaking.

"He was in my house [that] night and he was the same old Jesse.

"He had an outstanding personality and he was always there for his friends to talk to. He was always laughing.

"Despite everything he had been through in his life, I have never seen that boy sad."

A touching memorial to Jesse, featuring flowers, cards and a bottle of Dr Pepper, had already been set up at Horley station on Tuesday.

One message read: "To Jesse, my baby cousin. Rest in peace xoxox.

"Your gone now but not forever, you're always going to be in my heart Jesse. Your my cousin, my brother, my best friend and I love you so much.

Another said: "Dear Jesse, I am so sorry baby. Love you always and forever."

Police, paramedics and the air ambulance crew all raced to the station following the incident and electricity had to be turned off to allow staff to approach the scene.

Officers have not yet officially identified the boy.

British Transport Police spokesman Kelly Smale said: "At this stage, officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances and the incident appears to have been the result of a tragic accident."

The death has stunned the Horley community.

Writing on a Horley Facebook page on Wednesday, Karen Beckett said: "Was really hoping it was not anything serious when I saw a post yesterday.

"My heart goes out to his family and friends."

And Clare Souter posted that she had seen so many emergency vehicles at the scene that she thought it might be some sort of training exercise.

"So sad to hear, so tragic," she added

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040.

A SOCIAL club has celebrated a special anniversary in the presence of more than 100 past and present members.

The Double Seven Club, in Redhill, which has been running since 1947, marked 50 years at its Hanworth Road base on Saturday, with live music, a buffet and members from several generations.

Club treasurer Linda Fox said: "I came here as a child and I have now got a son and grandchildren in here and, until last May, I had my mum in here, so I had four generations of my family here at one time."

The 14th Platoon Old Comrades' Association was formed in 1947, with the objective to "further the comradeship engendered by the Home Guard and kindred services".

In 1949, its constitution was amended to allow the club's committee to be made up of seven Home Guard members and seven others, after which it was renamed the Double Seven Club.

Now, 67 years on, the club still boasts a thriving membership, with music three Saturdays a month, darts and snooker teams, bingo, and a quiz night every Tuesday.

The youngest junior member is just ten-months-old, while the oldest member is 98-years-young.

Chairman Diane Luck explained why the club has enjoyed such longevity: "I think because it is a members' club run by members.

"One generation after another follows you in. My son works on the bar when he is home from uni.

"We are known for not having any trouble. If somebody kicks off, they are out the door."

Mrs Luck, 67, added: "It is one of the friendliest places for you to go to. There's always somebody to make you welcome and introduce you to other people.

"My grandchildren are members now. We encourage the youngsters to come in.

"When we have live music we try to cater to all tastes."

The Double Seven club is currently looking for new members. Membership costs £20 a year. For more information call 01737 764915.

A MIDDLE-AGED man who lived in an air vent at Oxted Station has been given an Asbo.

The two-year order, imposed by Redhill magistrates last Tuesday, bans Nicholas Maffia from entering Tandridge District Council's offices in Oxted.

He must also not harass or cause alarm or distress to council staff "or anyone in England and Wales".

The court heard that Maffia approached the council for housing advice in May last year, saying he had no fixed address.

But his homeless application was refused as he did not have a priority need.

Several times over the next eight months he visited the council's offices in Station Road, Oxted, but was abusive to staff, making personal threats, magistrates were told.

Last December, the council arranged a place for Mr Maffia in a night shelter in Redhill – but he was banned from the shelter as he had turned up drunk.

The next day Mr Maffia visited the council offices drunk and threatened to hurt a member of staff, the court heard.

He returned on December 16 with another homeless man, carrying wine, swearing, and threatening to burn the place down and hurt staff.

On January 3, the council served a letter on Mr Maffia, banning him from entering the offices.

He returned 12 days later and made death threats against an employee, the court was told.

The council applied for an emergency Asbo hearing, which was adjourned as Mr Maffia was in an alcoholic rehabilitation centre.

In March he was arrested after making threats to visit the council offices and to kill an officer.

He also threatened members of the public in Morrisons' car park, magistrates heard.

The council proceeded with its application for an Asbo after consulting Surrey Police.

Cllr Martin Fisher, who chairs the council's resources committee, said: "Taking out an Asbo is a last resort.

"We have done everything we can to help Mr Maffia, but we must protect our staff and residents from his unacceptable behaviour."

Earlier this year, Mr Maffia, 44, was living in the air vent in Morrisons' car park.

His address in court was given as Tally Road, Oxted. An "off-and-on alcoholic", he said he had been repeatedly stabbed by an ex-girlfriend – and showed off hideous scars on his stomach as evidence.

He said his spleen had been removed, which wrecked his immune system, and he took 18 pills daily to "help me stay alive".

A former postman and tax officer, he wrote his first novel last year in a battered notebook.

Mr Maffia and another man had sleeping bags in the air vent, where members of the public dropped in donations ranging from plates of tuna casserole to pairs of training shoes.

THIS is a sneak peek of the cafe pavilion, which will form the centrepiece of a £1.5 million makeover of Redhill's main park.

The computer-generated image shows the exciting new facility, complete with outdoor seating and toilets, which will be at the heart of the revamped Memorial Park, off London Road.

Other features will include a new children's play area, a sports zone, a community orchard, and a performance area.

The park is closed until the autumn during the major overhaul.

The development firm behind the project, Buxton Building Contractors, already has experience of similar projects.

The company developed the new cafeteria and gift shop at London Zoo, as well creating new habitats for the penguins and tropical birds at the venue.

Redhill's new cafe design is likely to be well-received by the borough's residents, early comments suggest.

Paul Hunter, a father-of-two of Earlsbrook Road, Earlswood, said: "It's about time Redhill was given a boost.

"If there's somewhere nice like this in the park to have a cuppa, people would probably bring their kids to the park more often.

"It's a shame that the park is shut throughout the summer, but hopefully the wait will be well worthwhile."

Debbie Reeves, of Purbeck Close, Merstham, said: "The cafe looks great.

"I'd definitely take my kids there.

"Sometimes we go to Priory Park in Reigate, and this new building looks similar."

UNBELIEVABLE footage showing the moment a car clipped a lorry, spun across a dual carriageway and came to rest in a parking space has been caught on camera.

Miraculously, no one was hurt in the incident on the busy A217 outside the parade of shops at Burgh Heath.

The video, captured by cameras installed at electrical goods store 21st Century Service, shows the harrowing moment a white Ford Fiesta collided with a lorry as the car driver tried to change lanes on the northbound carriageway.

Within seconds, the stricken vehicle jumped the central reservation, careered across all three lanes of the southbound carriageway and came to a stop, neatly nestled between two parked cars outside the parade of shops – all without hitting anything.

Stunned staff and shoppers, including those who had been standing by both parked cars at the time of the crash, rushed to the aid of the car's female driver, who walked away unharmed, while traffic on the northbound carriageway ground to a halt.

Brenda Cooper, of JG Hair Salon, was upstairs when the incident took place.

She said: "The driver was very shaken up; we gave her a ham sandwich and some sugary cups of tea to help calm her down.

"It was a miracle she went in between the two parked cars.

"We just said it was great parking – we were trying to make light of it and calm her down."

She added: "It could have been very nasty. The poor lorry driver was very shaken too."

Fortunately for the unnamed driver, the collision happened at about 1.20pm on March 27, when the road was quiet. At peak traffic times, thousands of vehicles drive along the busy arterial road which her car was filmed spinning across.

Moments before the collision, three cars and a motorbike can be seen on the CCTV film driving past the parade of shops.

Cameras installed at 21st Century Service, in The Parade, which record goings-on outside the shop at all times, captured the hair-raising collision.

Within ten days, the video had garnered more than 4,000 views on YouTube.

Mr Arnell said: "Fortunately no one was hurt, but it could have been a lot worse.

"This is a busy road and to go across three lanes like this without hitting anything is incredible.

"I am amazed. How on earth did the car get into the parking space?"

The incident was not reported to Surrey Police and a spokesman said it was unlikely any action would be taken as no-one had been injured.

THERE was something for everyone at a free fun day at Caterham's de Stafford Sports Centre.

Energetic youngsters could let off steam on Sunday during go-karting, trampolining and basketball sessions.

Football skills, including a penalty shoot-out, were also run by Crystal Palace FA in conjunction with the Football Association.

Among other pursuits available were cheer dance for under-14s and taster sessions in kettle bells.

Creative visitors could try decorating Easter biscuits, or putting their artistic skills to good effect on an Easter garden picture.

A bouncy castle, Easter egg hunt and swimming pool inflatable were alternative attractions at the event, staged by the Tandridge Trust.

WHEN 14-year-old Bernard Shaw first laid eyes on Val, he knew he had met the love of his life.

At the time, he was a member of the Boys' Brigade and he spotted Val, then a 12-year-old member of the Girls' Brigade, at an event at Tooting Junction Baptist Church.

"He was playing the drums and I was watching him," Mrs Shaw, 81, remembers.

Sat in their home in Beech Road, Reigate, Mr Shaw, 82, said: "I looked at her and thought 'she's a lovely bird', I couldn't let her go. I didn't want anyone else to get her."

The couple, who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on March 27, now have a family stretching across four generations, including two great-granddaughters.

Mr Shaw, a retired draughtsman, married his beloved after he came out of the Army in 1954, and the couple moved to Reigate 14 years ago.

Now they enjoy spending some of their time travelling, especially to Florida and Italy.

Mr Shaw added: "I like to see mountains; I love mountains and we went to Italy to see them.

"One of our daughters lives in Florida so we visit there a lot and we have friends out there."

At home, the Shaws are involved in the local community..

Mr Shaw is a keen member of Reigate Priory Cricket Club and Mrs Shaw, a retired teacher, is a keen participant in the University of the Third Age.

And the secret to 60 happy years?

Mrs Shaw said: "The key is co-operation, consideration and a sense of humour."

with Mark Davison

Pop Inn Café, Nutfield Road, South Merstham

W HILE out and about in Merstham, near Redhill, on Monday afternoon, I was feeling distinct hunger pangs and deemed it necessary to pull up for a bite to eat.

It was nearing two o'clock when I noticed that a fairly new little café had opened. The Pop Inn was still open so I entered and took a seat, squinting at the blackboard on which were chalked up all the dishes available. These included a wide range of breakfasts, baguettes, sandwiches and so on.

I was pleased to learn there was a supply of coronation chicken, so ordered a portion in a toasted baguette.

The lady behind the counter took my order and I enquired from where she hailed.

"Lithuania," she said, almost whispering. I had to ask her to repeat what she said, for it was barely audible.

I sat down near the front door and gazed at a map of the world, displayed on the wall: My eyes wandered to the North Pacific Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean and then the Arctic Ocean. I could have pored over it for hours, conjuring up images of far-flung islands with palm trees, swatches of frozen Arctic wastelands, hot and sweaty Mediterranean resorts and places which used to be involved in the Cold War. Each country's flags were displayed at the foot of the map, which added even more interest.

A gentleman appeared with the chicken baguette and a mug of hot chocolate I had requested.

I tucked in enthusiastically after he fetched me a little mayonnaise to go with the side salad on the plate.

Sitting just a few feet away was a septuagenarian who had lived in Merstham all of his life. We got chatting and he seemed to know everything that was going on.

He was keen to tell me about a popular plant sale that would be taking place on Good Friday, and the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Easter weekend.

"It's all in aid of St Catherine's Hospice," he said. "Mike and Maureen Hooker put it on in their garden at "Brimardia", 83a Nutfield Road and hundreds of people turn up each year.

"Diane, their eldest daughter, is very involved with it," he said. "She works for St Nick's School."

"The Hookers keep saying they will not be doing another one but they always seem to have their arm twisted. It's really quite an event round here."

I gazed across the road at a shop called Juniors, a children's hairdresser's and Colin Pearse's television repair shop ("only open on Saturdays"). At the rear, Susy Radio is broadcast.

Further along was The Oriental, a Chinese takeway, and Sparkles, the launderette.

The chap talking to me said he had taken his laundry there that very morning and had it dried after the wash.

"It's very well used. Living in a flat I don't want to risk flooding so I don't have a washing machine," he said.

I sipped the hot chocolate and got up to order a cake to go with it.

"We have carrot cake, chocolate brownies and banana cream cake," the Lithuanian girl informed me.

I ordered the banana cake, took it to my seat and opened the cellophane package. Unfortunately, the layer of banana cake became detached and adhered itself to the cellophane. Once I had separated the two, I was looking forward to a mouthful, but it slipped from my grip and ended up, upside down on my shoe. I was denied the pleasure of eating it.

My new dining companion told me that Barry, who runs a hair stylist in the parade, had been doing just that for 50 years in the same premises.

My eyes drifted to various modern art pictures on the walls. The cafe was furnished with timber chairs and tables placed on a laminate wood floor. I reckoned that 16 people could be seated at any given time.

"Millers, the hardware shop closed a while back when Tony and Peggy Sansom retired, but they are still living round the corner in Albury Road."

A couple sat silently on another table, tucking into burgers and chips.

"Next door, there's the Rhubarb gift shop. Jim and Norah used to run that and when they left, it was run by volunteers. They had a big party for about 24 volunteers with loads of food in the garden."

One of the customers was talking about how dirty his car was that morning, and also those of his neighbours. He later learned it was caused by Saharan dust falling in the overnight rain.

"I thought at first it was coming from the landfill tip," he said chuckling.

Another man said: "I often come here for breakfast. The other day I had sausage, bacon, egg, black pudding and tomato. It was very reasonable."

HUNDREDS braved the drizzle to enjoy a look at Caterham millionaire David Gold's sumptuous gardens.

His 55-acre grounds off Tupwood Lane were thrown open to the public for charity on Sunday, where there was a rich array of attractions to view.

Mr Gold's top-of-the-range cars, including a Rolls Royce Phantom and a limited edition Bentley Blue Train, were on show, as was his personal helicopter.

There were also displays of everything from owls to vehicles from yesteryear.

The Oxted Band played music during the afternoon and Warlingham-based singers John Lazenby and Jenny Green sang a range of easy-listening numbers.

Visitors could also stroll around the large site, enjoying the woodland walks, array of daffodils and wildlife.

Mr Gold was on hand to sign copies of his booklet Triumph Over Adversity.

Proceeds from admission fees, together with sales of light refreshments, will be divided between St Catherine's Hospice and the National Gardens Scheme.

His grounds will be open once more this Sunday, between 11am and 4.30pm. The attractions will include falconry displays and singing by Noelle Vaughn.

PUPILS across Reigate and Banstead have been praised for making thousands of journeys to school by bike.

Thirty schools entered the national Big Pedal competition, run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, which aimed to see how many trips to school could be made by bike or scooter between March 3 and 14.

Warren Mead Junior School, in Roundwood Way, Banstead, has been crowned winner.

The school made more cycle and scooter journeys over two weeks than any other in the area, and came 20th nationally, making 2,122 trips.

It achieved this by rewarding pupils with cycle playtime every day they rode in. PCSOs also visited the school and security coded pupils' bikes.

Head teacher Sandra Cunningham said: "Children, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed the Big Pedal and a huge number of families cycled to and from school. Everyone in our school community pulled together as we crept up the leader board. We were overjoyed to win.

"As the new head teacher, I felt so proud. We could not have done this without the support of our champions and staff."

Hannah Sims, the local Sustrans Bike It officer, said: "It's been amazing to see the number of journeys our schools have made this year – particularly those who are new to the 'Bike It' project.

"Congratulations to Warren Mead Junior School on a well-deserved win, and I hope that this will see the cycling revolution among our schools continue to grow."

Woodmansterne Primary School, in Banstead, marked their participation in the event by opening a new cycle shelter, with a Bling your Bike competition.

Woodmansterne also created a cycle journey around their school grounds. Every student completed at least one trip – either on their own or on the back of a tandem.

Head teacher Caroline Welch said: "The huge improvement in the number of our pupils cycling to school is impressive.

"The Big Pedal has really focused our children's efforts, helping us to meet and exceed our target of ten per cent of children regularly cycling or scooting to school."

Meanwhile, Reception and Year 1 pupils at Greenacre School, in Banstead, celebrated the Big Pedal with their own Learn to Ride afternoon.

Twenty girls practised their balance skills and four girls successfully learnt to ride their bikes independently.