Trusteesl Annual Report for the period
Period start date
Period end date
31
March
From
01
2024
2025
Section A
Reference and administration details
Charity name
Community Support in the Countryside (CSCI
Other names charity is knoivn by
Brockham Emergency Response Team {BERT)
Registered charity number (if any)
1171175
Charity's principal address
28 Oakdene Road, Brockham, Surrey
Postcode
RH3 7JX
Names of the charlty trustees who manage the charlty
NAme of person {or
body) entltled to
gppolnt trustee (If
Sn
Trustee nAme
Offl¢e (If any)
Date5 acted If not for whole year
Robert James Thomas
Whole year
Whole year
Whole year
Whole year
Whole Year
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Trevor John Anderson
Treasurer
Simon Budd
Isobel Fiona Heppenstall
Trevor Hizzard
Craig Scott
Chairman
April 24 to February 25 (passed away on
14 February 25)
Whole year
Whole year
Whole year (appointed Interim Chairman
in March 25)
Whole year
Name5 of the trustees for the charity, if anyg (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name
Dates acted if not for Ivhole
ear
N/A
N/A
Daved Robert Shanks
NIA
N/A
N/A
Ann Went
Michael Philip Went
Interim
Chairman
10
Alessandra F N Truran
Secretary
N/A
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
ype of adviser
Name
Address
I/A
ame of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
I/A
2024-25

Section B
Structure,
overnance and mana
ement
Description of the charity's trusts
CSC is governed by a Constitution document, which was set out when the
charity was incorporated on 18 January 2017.
Type of governing document
How the charity is constituted
CSC is a charitable incorporated organi5ation (CIO) governed by the
Foundation Constitution document.
Trustee selection methods
The original trustees were appointed from the people who had historically
helped BERT, were willing and able to act as trustees, and were able to
give an appropriate range of knowledge and skills to cover the legal,
financial, technical, operational, promotional and other needs of CSC as a
charity.
New trustees are appointed following existing trustees, approval and
follow the same principle of creating a group with an appropriate
knowledge and experience to run the charity effectively.
Additlonal governanee issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include
additional inforniation, where
relevant, about:
The formal business of CSC is conducted through trustee meetings, which
are usually held quarterly. Progress of agreed actions is managed through
regular follow up.
policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees;
the charity's organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
BERT carries out operational tasks with the support of volunteer team
leaders. These are typically long-standing BERT volunteers who have been
committed to our activitles and been willing to undertake the training
necessary for the role.
CSC/BERT has adopted a set of policie5, which are reviewed regularly, to
cover the health and safety, safeguarding, and the protection of personal
data of trustees and volunteers.
relationship with any related
trustees, consideration of
major risks and the system and
procedures to manage them.
csc/BERT regularly engages with Brockham Parish Council, Mole Valley
District Council, Surrey County Council and with relevant government
bodies to manage flood risks, to report incidents or concerns, and to
support the local community.
2024-25

Section C
Objcctives and activities
The purposes of CSC, as set out in the founding document, are:
To relieve persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress as a result of a
natural or other disaster or emergency, to promote public safety and to protect the
lives and property of residents of Brockham in particular but not exclusively by:
l. Developing the capacity of residents with the aim to prevent and reduce the
likelihood and consequences of local flooding, particularly from drainage
ditches and surface water,
2. Recruiting and training volunteers to enable Brockham Emergency Response
Team {BERT) to provide assistance and undertake preventive activities when
the village of Brockham is threatened by severe weather, its consequences or
other local emergency or disruption,
3. Assisting the Brockham community in setting up and organising community
Information and awareness raising events using BERT'S expertise, volunteers
and equipment for the benefit of local residents and
4. Developing technoloEY or systems to enhance the capacity of rural
communities to monitor and warn local residents of the risk of flooding from
rlvers, streams or significant drainage ditches.
Summary of the
objects of the
charity set out in its
governing
document
2024-25

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects
(include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the gllid2nee
issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
7 April 2024
Working party held to carry out three main activities:
l. Removal of a tree down in Tanner's Brook to unblock the flow of water.
$7
PERI
6ERr
2024-25

2 - Clearance of congested drains in Kiln Lane, which were causing the road to flood.
2024-25

3 - Maintenance of the drainage ditch in Oakdene Road, towards Warenne Road
27 April 2024
Covid Immunisation: BERT volunteers supported six vaccinating nurses at Brookwood Medical Practice on
Saturday from 9am to 12pm. A total of 365 patients were vaccinated.
Il
2024-25

7 May 2024
BERT community email after a period of heavy rain:
Betchworth bridge is open bt4tflooded and impassablefor many cars.
Thefootpath between the Grumpy Mole and the Bowls Club is well under water and unsafefor little
or unsteadyfeet.
Little or nofvrther rain is expected tofall today
The river level at Brockham bridge is rising but not expected to exceed its normal range.
All other bridges are also open.
Bowls, Club bridge 07am - 7 May
12 May 2024
BERT kit check: Trustees gathered to undertake a full and detailed inspection of all equipment, including
ensuring generators and pumps were fully functioning and the emergency lighting equipment was operating
effectively.
21 May 2024
A report was received from a BERT member of a tr¢e down on Snowerhill, Betchworth blocking the road.
A further BERT member picked up the message and reported th¢ closure to Surrey Highways.
2024-25

21 May 2024
BERT Chairn]an Craig Scott and his wife Annie were guests at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham
Palace hosted by the Prince of Wales. Craig was invited following his significant contribution to residents
of Brocltham.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, Peter Pliillips and Zara and
Mike Tindall joined the Prince of Wales for the Garden Party.
26 May 2024
BERT supported Teas on the Green, the fundraiser event for th¢ Village Fair weekend. A good number of
helpers were on hand to set up, serve and tidy up.
i¥
2024-25

28 June 2024
PERT
Celebratin9 our 10th Anniversary
l (Y Birthday Celebrations
The Lord Lieutenant Mr. Michael More-molyneaux and his wife Sarah came to Brockham to attend
BERT'S tenth birthday celebrations at The Pavilion. They were ￿ected by the chainnan Craig Scott and
other BERT members. The Lord Lieutenant was joined by about 80 guests, including the previous Lord
Lieutenant Sarah Goad (who support¢d BERT from the start), Lady Corinna Hamilton, Lady Louise
O'connor DL, Mrs Johanna (Joosje) Hamilton DL and other distinguished guests. Many BERT volunt¢¢rs
were present.
A local catering company "Too Many Cooks" ensured the tables were dressed and everyone treated to an
excellent te￿ served by Joanna's staff. This admirable tea was donated by the company in recognition of
BERT'S contribution to the village particularly during the Covid pandemic. The Lord Li¢utenant presented
his certificate of recognition to the chairnian for the work undertaken by so many volunteers during Covid
times.
BERT Trustees arranged for an inscribed bench thanking Covid volunteers, to be at the gathering. It was
later taken to The Green and erected close to the church hall. Two children from North Downs School and
a local member of the Air Training Corps were presented with awards by the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of
BERT Trustees for their contribution to the community.
2024-25

Chairman greeling the honoured guests
ijThi I
2024-25

J6
Jrb
Trustees wilh ihe certificate and new inscribed bench
Ladiesfrom Brochvood Medical Practice
2024-25

fjT
Team leaders on their best behaviourl
Catering team
12
2024-25

P•
Dame Sarah Goad and Lady Corina Hamilton
Chaimian Craig Scott: "Just wanted to say thank you again.for all ofyour support last Friday - it was a
lerrijic day and a great showcasefor BER T to the whole community and beyond. '
BERT received many emails of thanks and cards one of which said, "Dear Craig and BER T Trustees, Thank
youfor inviting me to the celebration tea to recognise the Covid volunteers, It was an honour to be seated
al the top table. It is a pleasure to work with such an inspiring team which puts the community at its heart.
With best wishes. Julia Hatto BEM"
Message from the Lord Lieutenant:
To Craig Scott
Thank you so much for you and BER T's very warm welcome to Sarah and I on Friday. Fyhat a wonderfyl
afternoon ofcelebration, with fine Mjeather and so many oldfriends present. Some of whom I haven 't seen
for over 20 years I I so enjoyed chatting with so many ofthe BER T team. All of them are so commilled and
it is wonderfyl to see in a community which has been in existencefor over ten years. A really outstanding
exatnple of how a community shouldfynclion. Thank you also for the delicious tea which I could see was
13
2024-25

appreciated by all concernedl The three young award winners were a delight to meet and to hear of their
commitment to the cause, well done them I
In closing, Sarah was thrilled to receive her lovely bouquet of flowers. Our renewed thanks and
appreciationfor giving us such an enjoyable afternoon with you all. It was an afternoon we shall remember
with great affection wilh a considerable time lo come.
Sarah joins me in sending our best wishes,
Michael
Mr Michael More-molyneux
HM Lord-Lieutenant ofsurrey
Lo]-d-LieufcJiaiLltySiin-ey
IierelJyiEcoi if,f li IJ ¢12iififiid
BERT
In appffaatton ofyour servicc
to thc community
over the last1 Oyear8
The Lord Lieutenantpresented his certificate ofrecognitionfor the work undertaken by BER T volunteers
over the past ten years.
14
2024-25

Impromptu inauguration of the new beneh by the Rev Jonaihan Willans
13 July 2024
th
BERT set up at ' l O anniversary, stall at the Brockham Victorian Fair which was well attended. Thc
purpose was to raise awareness of BERT and recruit new volunteers. The event was a great success.
15
2024-25

Yf RT>
The cutting of the cake by a BER T volunteer
CRT?-
Life President andjointfounder ofBert Bob Bartlett
16
2024-25

16 July 2024
Happy Birthday, BERT- Community email: As ever. BER Tfinds itselfsaying thankyou to all who helped
us and visited us at our stand at Brockham Village Fair on Saturday. We met many of our exisling
voIz4nteers and welcomed new volunteers who have signed up to help infyture.
Thank you to volunteer Victoria who cut the enormous cake to mark BER T's 10th birthday. And thank you
for the donations from Two Many Cooks, the SPAR, and Chitty's the butchers, who donated towards the
cost of the cake. No BER Tfynds were used. Andfi1￿1/y, thankg to Putty Cakes (and coffee shop) on Iyest
Street in Dorkingfor making it yummy.
Organising the annual Brockham Village Fair takes an enormous amount of work and effort done by
volunteers to help make Brockham the wonderfyl place it is to live - thank you very much for everything
you do.
The BER T Trustees
21 July 2024
BERT volunteers repaired the doors of the Red Barn where some BERT si￿age is k¢pt. The barn is also
used by other organisations to store large but not valuable artefacts and equipment.
17
2024-25

18
2024-25

1111, 1.1.
3 September 2024
Craig Scott, BERT Chairn]an, attended a full day's training delivered by The Surrey Local Resilience
Forum (SLRF) and hosted by Surrey County Council at their Reigate ofTice5. The topic focussed on
'Emergency Assistant Centre Training,. Whilst there were some good learnings and stimulus to enhance
BERT'S own Village Response Plan, it proved BERT'S existing plan is robust and comprehensive. The
additional learnings will be applied to the 2025 review of the Village Response Plan.
19
2024-25

15 September 2024
Over 40 BERT volunteers attended the arll]ual ditch clearance working party. Ditches cleared included:
Main drainage ditch in three sections, Middle Street Allotments to Pavilion via Oakdene and
Warrenne Road
Ditch north of Glenfield Road
Wheelers Lane Blind Lane to the allotments
Wheelers Lane ditch opposite Blind Lane
Duke's Head path to the river bridge
Over 40 volunteers tookpart
Tools readyfor action
20
2024-25

IBERIh'
BERI,
gi
BERT-
Duk"e of Ediiiburgli volukileers
21
2024-25

lea wagon
22
2024-25

Blind Lane off Wheelers Lane by the allotments
23
2024-25

.0}
Oakdene Road main drainage ditch
¢.•
24
2024-25

yr
OakdL2nLJ Road main drainage ditch
25
2024-25

l •
Glenjield Roddpaili lo Old Scl7001 Lane
Main drainage ditch bypavilion
26
2024-25

17 September 2024
Community email..
Thank You. BER T Volunteers
A huge thank you to the 40 plus (l) residents who came to help BERT'S annual ditch clear this past
weeknd, As we had hoped, it did indeed turn out to be our biggest effort ever and we now have sparkly
clean ditches in preparationfor the winter.
Thankyou everyone I We 'll do It all again next year.
BER T Trustees
23 September 2024
Following a period of heavy rain the following circulated on BERT community email:
Mondayg 23rd September, 5..00 pnt
Brockham bridge is clear, although water levels are still rising rapidlyfrom the earlier rain.
Flanchford bridge, Wonham Lane by the Dolphin, and Old School Lane each have water on the
road. Although most traffic was recently able to cross, water levels are rising throughout the
area. The water is already too deepfor many cars at Wonham Mill.
Thefootpath belween the Grumpy Mole and the Bowls Club is well under water and unsafefor little
or unsteadyfeet. Somefolks may still be able to venture safely in Wellies.
We have received no reports ofpropertyflooding. though additional rain isforecastfor this evening
and during the night.
27
2024-25

Tuesday) 24th September, 7..30 ani
Brockham bridge is clear and water levels are dropping, with no more rainforecastfor today.
We don't have timely reporting on this morning's water levels at Wonham Lane, Betchworth bridge.
or Flanchford bridge.
The footpath behveen the Grumpy Mole and the Bowls Club is knee- to waist-deep (depending on
where your knees and waist are).
There are still no reports ofpropertyflooding or any problems with the recently cleared drainage
ditches.
12 October 2024
th
th
The final event of the year celebrating BERT, s l O anniversary was held on Saturday, 12 October in the
forni of 'BERT's Big Bash,. The evening was in the style of a harvest supper barn dance at the Village
Hall. Tickets were sold at £20 per person and were deliberately kept low so not to be a barrier for those
wanting to attend - it was never intended to be a fundraiser but rather an opportunity to say thank you to
all of BERT'S supporters and volunteers as well as marking BERT'S birthday. A total of l 00 guests
attended the sold-out event. The hall was decorated and tables and chairs laid out the evening before.
111 #'1 Illi•
(Trn¢Y,ii&
The evening opened with a few words of welcome and thanks by BERT Chairnian Craig Scott followed
by an amusing and anecdotal speech by BERT'S chaplain Doug Ross. A meal of beef chill was served
followed by chocolate muffins and ice cream. The floor was then cleared to make space for dancing and a
raucous evening of county dancing followed being led by the folk band Darcy Spice. BERT has received
multiple messages of thanks for organising the evening.
28
2024-25

, BERT
29
2024-25

14 October 2024
Ditch maintenance in Tweed Lane
•1
After a period of heavy rain, BERT received a call for assistance at Wheelers Lane. BERT members
responded.
30
2024-25

16 October 2024
BERT Comrnunity email: Your Reporting Works I
Just one day after many residents joined BER T in reporting a flooding problem in Wheelers Lane, a
representative ofsurrey Highways and Transport has reached out to let us know that.,
We have visited the site twice this week and seen thefyll extent offlooding.
Today (Wednesday) we have a jetting lorry attending the site to hopefvlly clear the culvert under the
road.
This is a short-termfix and we will work on a more permanent solution to prevent regularflooding.
Clearly, as a community, we can effeclively pressure local services to address issues that could othenvise
turn serious. Our thanks to everyone who participated.
-BER T Trustees
31
2024-25

24 October 2024
Coniniunity eniail.. Surrey County Council- FloodAction Week
We all know how unpredictable British weather can be. and with autumn rains upon us. now is the perfect
time to prepareforpotentialflooding. This week, we're encouraging I'esidents to take simple steps toprotect
their homes andfamilies. A little preparation can go a long way.
This reminder is especially important as we approach the one-year anniversary of Siorm Babet, which
caused widespreadflooding across the UK. With the wettest 18 months on record leading up to Febrnary
2024, flood risks are higher than ever. Jn]act, flood alerts have already been issued this week in parts of
Surrey.
Flood Preparedness nps..
l. Sign Upfor Flood Alerts.. Stay in the know by signing upforfreeflood warnings through
the Flood Wai'171PI
J17
oi'iiialioi? SLI"iyjc'e. You 'll get real-time updates via phone, email, or text, so
you can act quickly if needed.
2. Make a Flood Plan.. Having aflood plan helps everyone in your household know what to do if
flooding happens. Think about what )Jaluables yoii 'd need to move to safety, how to turn offgas
and electricity, and where to go if evacuation becomes necessary.
3. Pack a Flood Kit.. Aflood kit can be a lifesaverl Fill it with essentials like waterproofclothing, a
battery-operated radio, bottled water, important documents, and any medications you migkt need.
Store it soniewhere easy to access.
4. Protect Your Home..
a.flood warning is isstied, move items like electronics andpersonal
belongings to higher ground. You might also want to invest in Jlood barriers or sandbags to help
keep water out.
32
2024-25

2 November 2024.
BERT is pleased to have contributed to the smooth rLmning of the 2024 autumn Covid and flu vaccination
clinics with Brockwood Medical Practice by providing volunteers to help Marshal patients through
Brockham surgery. BERT recruited and organised volunteers over five consecutive weekends from the
th
5 October to the 2 November. BERT is tantalisingly close to having delivered 1,000 volunteer shifts
since September 2000 with 953 shifts being completed since the Covid pandemic.
lj
33
2024-25

November 15 2024
BERT provided training to volunteers on the use of its inspection camera
14V
"••-
-4f.
try
34
2024-25

20 November 2024:
Craig Scott, BERT Chairnian, was invited to speak at the National Consortium of Societal Resilience
webinar on Wednesday, along with other leaders of community groups, Pang Valley Flood Forum in West
Berkshire and the Flood Lowdham Action Group (FLAG) in Nottinghamshire. The event, titled, 'The
Anatomy of Resilience,, was attended by 350 audience members made up of council counsellors
nationwide as well as new and prospective community resilience groups. The puryose of the talks were to
share how these well-established community resilience groups were started, how they are resourced and
managed and how they have become particularly ¢ffective at what they do to solve problems at a local
level.
24 November 2024.
The named stonn BERT blew in from the west with a range of weather patterns across the UK including
snow, strong winds and heavy rain which in many areas of the county led to flooding. BrockhaTn had a
great deal of rain and high winds for about 24 hours, but the ditches and culverts hgld and no significant
difficulties have occurred within BERT'S area of operation.
25 November 2024
A call was received from a resident of Jubilee Terrace, Strood Green concerned that there was a blockage
in a significant drain off the ditch to the south side of Tweed Lane. Two volunteers went to the site and
met the infonnant. Four members of the team attended and established that the ditch was free flowing and
the difficult task of drain manhole cover lifting was unnecessary. A member of BERT living close by said
the water flows were not unusual following heavy rain. The inforniant was seen and thanked and agreed to
contact SCC Highways should he have further concerns.
27 November 2024
Community ¢mail on Storn] Conall:
Following substantial volumes of rain through the night (as much as 16mm in some places), we are
receiving reports ofwidespread Jlash'flooding where water is generally running offlocalfields
faster than it can drainfrom the roads.
On the bright side, virtually no rain isforecastfor the rest of today.
We are not aware ofany major bridges being closed as yet, but the river levels are still rising very
quickly.
Thefootpath bettveen the Grumpy Mole and the Bowls Club is well under water and unsafefor
little or unsteadyfeet.
Old School Lane is severalfeet under water near Felton's Farm and beginning tofill at the Coach
Roadjunction.
A25 and Old Reigate Road are both under Kjater East ofthe road closure at Brockham Lane and
farther along to Bucldand.
35
2024-25

Although most ditches areflowing at speed, standing water in the roads (generally passable) has
been reported at Brockham Row. Tanners Meadow, Kiln Lai?e at Nutwood Avenue. Wheelers Lane
at Blind Lane, Wellhouse Lane at Wheelers Lane.
28 November 2025
Community email: BER T volunteers undertook a survey ofthe roads and bridgesfrom 0630 and reported
to residents on Facebook and email asfollows.
Watch outfor ice l No reports yet, but the mercury is in the negatives.
No rainforecast until Sunday.
River levels are steadilyfalling.
A25 Reigate Road is clear to Redhill.
Brockham bridge is open.
Foolpaih by the Bowls Club is closed.
Old School Lane is closed by Felton s Farm and by Coach Road.
Betchworth bridge has lols of water.
Wonham Lane and Sandy Lane have lots of water.
Wonham Mill is closed.
Snowerhill still closed due to a Jallen tree.
The Royal Oak pub on the green sought assistance of an electric pump. Two volunteers attended and by
1340 a pump was. In operation taking water from the cellar.
41-
.lJ
36
2024-25

7 December 2024
Stomi Darragh: report to BERT of a tree down Wellhouse Lane. Two volunteers attended and cleared the
obstruction.
Ji
Report to BERT of tree blocking Root Hill. A volunteer attended and worked with the famier to reopen
the road.
37
2024-25

23 December 2024
Community Email How to Contact BERT
With winter upon us, we are conscious that Brockham may experience wetter weather andpossibly more
storms. So you may be wondering who to call in the event ofneeding help.
In an emergency, call 999first. Ifyou need BER T's help urgently, please call BER T on 01302-4623 78.
Even ifno one pickg up your call you can leave a voice message and that voice message will be emailed to
ten peoplefor immediate action. Tliis is ilie
C131esl ii?a
lo i"eac17. BLItT.
fyou want to contact BER T on a less urgent matter, simply reply to any email message you have received
.from BERT, or email us at bei'l.brockhanz
Iiiail.coni, or message us on our Facebook page. These
communication channels are not monitored JO0% of ihe lime, hence the2r being recommendedfor less
urgent matters.
Please keep in mind ihat all ofBER T's staffare iiolunteers. Whilst we always endeavour to help others, our
volunteers may be away or working and uncivailable or have to prioi'itise their own families or properties
in times ofneed.
Thank you, BER T Trustees
31 December 2024
Community Email:
2024 Has Been a Big Yearfor BER T
Starting with call outs to manage flooding on the 4th ofjanuary due to Storm Henk, His Majesty's Lord
Lieutenant ofsurrey's visit in June, going large at the Victorian Fair in July, the biggest ever annual village
ditch clear in September, BERT'S big Bash in October. the arrival of Storm BER T in November and, to
bookend and Close the year appropriately, call outs due to storm Darragh on ihe 7th ofDecember.
We Couldn'tHave Askedfor a Better Year...
in which to celebrate and bring to an end tlte marking of BERf's 10th anniversary since oL4rfounding.
There has not been a single m017th in 2024 where BER T has not been actively helping local residents.
And, of course, those same residents help us through donations, volunteering, and good wishes o/
appreciation and support.
Thank You to Everyone Who Has Been Behind Us
We lookforward to doing it all again in 2025.
A very happy and peaceful new year to you all.
Yhe BERT Trustees

4 and 5 January 2025
Snow and heavy rain overnight and on into Sunday morning. Grill by church congested mainly leaves but
the inevitable crisp packet. Two volunteers cleared the glills and increased considerably the water flow. In
the ditches.
The grill in Fyheelers Lane was heavily congested wilh litter at the seat of tize blockige
39
2024-25

5th January 2025
Community email:
Brockliain bridge is open o12d, sofar, conipletely clear ofwatei".
Tl?e watei. level is appi"o.i-IP71alely 3.5 nietei"s. i"IS£77g cibotit 0. 4 meters pei. hoiii.. With rain conliiiiiipig
tlii'oiigh n?Iich of tlie ei)Elliiig and ecLrly 1g101.niiig, we a17ticipate closiire befoi"e ilie n701.ning 111sII.
Befclzwortli bi'idge is in7passable witl? sevei.al driijers Iipparently iiite171 iipon gettiiig stiick iliere.
Flanchford bi.idge ES M'er, biit stillpassable.
Woizltani is.faii"Iv deep iindei. wo¢er, aiid Eiiipassable.foi" Inosl, M'ltli one iie17Ecle lai.gely bloclczng tli
way.
Old Scliool Ldne is now, linder Miatel., Ilioilgh still (briefly) passable.
Wciter at tlie s171allei',footbi'idge iiear tlie Bowls Cliib is Miaisi dec)
This afieriioon Lind eiJei?i17g, BERT It(Is deployed thjo piii?Ips cil a,flooded I'esidence on Midcllc
Sii'eet. We are ti.ying to detei'n?ine ihe caLise/soui"ce and l?ope ¢0 lalle pi'eiJeiilEI)e ac1i017 if/wltLJpi
possible.
26 January 2025
A small team worked on a drain in Tweed Lane that links with a further and larger system on the junction
with Middle Street which has received significant attention in the past. Blockage was caused by nylon
thread netting, large sticks and vegetation that were inhibiting flow.
J.
TWEE
LANE
About ten volunteers took part in an exercise at a secondary equipment storage area clearing space and
tidying all manner of chunky items of equipment belonging to a range of local organisations. Surplus and
worthless materials will go to the tip. An area has been set aside for storage of sandbags which of course
will be available south of the river. A further store is being established to the north of the river. There are
more photos available but in the interests of security it is best to be discreet with the location.
40
2024-25

S<-
Raised storage areafor sandbags
27th January 2025
Community email:
Brockham bridge is open and, so.far, completely clear ofwater.
The water level is less than 3.5 meters and zhe rise (recently 0. 4 meters per kour) is beginning to
slow. With rain expected on and off until 5 pin. a Brockham Bridge closure is uncertaiii but
entirely possible.
Betchworth bridge has water across the road along with one abandoned car.
Flancllford bridge also has water across the road.
Wonham is closed.
Old School Lane is now under water, thoiigli still (briefly?) passable.
The walknngpath near the Bowls Club is closed.
Sofar, we have had no reports of residentialpropertyflooding.
9 February 2024
A working group Wheelers Lane by Star Builders where ditch is very full of leaves. Farnier Jolm
Muggeridge made available a tractor bucket to collect the leaves which would be spread on the fann.
41
2024-25

Bucketfrom Bushbury Farm - also litter collected the length 0]. WheelÉrs Lane.
42
2024-25

10 March 2025
Ann Went, BERT Trustee, presented at Manchester University on community resilience. The talk was very
well received.
11,All I
*1
The organiser, Professor Duncan Shaw, was really pleased with Ann's contiibution in delivering the
'ingredients for success, Attendees Teferred to BERT as the 'five stars, community resilience organisation
in the country.
ury
'*
There were representatives from various government organisations including Fire & Rescue, local
resilience fonjms, volunteer organisations and businesses.
43
2024-25

30 March 2025
BERT leaders and volunteers attended water safety training at the Surrey Fire and Rescue Services station
in North Holmwood.
There was briefing on water safety and operating pumps, with practical exercises. It was emphasised that
the role of BERT is not to enter water in att¢mpts to save life. This is not what they are traincd or equipped
to do. However. there are simplc safety rules for entering mostly surface water to assist people in distress.
41WXARA
44
2024-25

Ai
lllwllllllillllllllll
lllllllHIHIII
45
2024-25

46
2024-25

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
During 2024, BERT held a series of activities to celebrate its tenth anniversary and the contribution of its
volunteers. This included the visit of the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, The stall at the Victorian Fair and
BERT'S Big Bash event. BERT also held a series of working parties, including the annual ditch clearance
event, which was attended by over 40 volunteers.
On page 16 of this report, we refer to Robert (Bob) Bartlett as BERT'S Life President. Bob, one of the
founders of BERT, stepped down as trustee in January 2019. He was then appointed by the trustees as
Life President. Bob continues to support BERT as a trusted advisor and takes part in many BERT
activities.
BERT Chairman Craig Scott suddenly passed away on 14 February 2025 at the age of 56. Craig was the
driving force behind the vaccination clinics volunteering activity, during the pandemic and beyond, and
of BERT'S 10th anniversary celebrations. Craig was an accomplished leader and will be very much missed
by all.
Michael (Mick) Went has kindly agreed to step in as interim chairman for the time being. The trustees
are grateful for Mick's support.
Section D
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity
during the year
As listed in Section C- Objectives and (7Ctivities of this report.
Section E
Financial review
Brief statement of the charity's
policy on reserves
Trustees continue to consider the optimal 'save/spend' approach to
remain aligned with the objectives of CSC as detailed in its constitution.
Details of any funds materially
in deficit
None to report
Further financial review detalls (Optional information)
The principal sources of funds are donations made by local residents and
supporters.
You may choose to include
additional inforniation, where
relevant about:
the charity's principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising).
how expenditure has
supported the key objectives
of the charity"
During the period April 24 to March 25 there were no grants received
from government or local authority funded organisations.
Detailed information on receipts and payments is available in the Annual
Accounts (CC16a).
47
2024-25

investment policy and
objectives including any
ethical investment policy
adopted.
information.-.
Further to your re
uirement we declare that there were no serious incidents to report.
' Section G .
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Michael Philip
ent
Position (eg Secretary? Chair,
etc)
Interim Chainnan
48
2024-25

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Community Support in the Countryside
1171175
Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
For the period
from
To
0110412024
3110312025
Section A Receipts and payments
UnTestrlcted
funits
to thè nèarèst
Restrlcted
funds
Endowrnent
funds
Total funds
Last year
to the n8arast£
to thè n￿rÈ$t £
to the nearest
to the nearest
A1 Receipts
Donations
Gift aid reclaimed
Anniversa
dinner
Villa
e Fair leas
Other fund raisin
Bank deposit inleresl
1.086
207
1.700
143
1,086
207
1,700
143
2.317
230
687
687
331
Sub total (Gross incom8 for AR)
3.823
3,823
2,878
A2 Asset and investment sales,18ee table).
Sale su
luse
ment
500
Sub total
a£££
500
Total recelpt8
3,823
3,823
3.378
A3Pa
ments
Insurance
General m8inlenanc8, fu8181c
Credit l Oebit card fees
Coronavirus support
Donation website admin fees
Bank chargas
IT c081s
1.059
1.059
1,001
318
32
332
216
32
408
35
35
216
32
346
216
32
Anniversa
dinner
Villa
e Fair teas
Village Covid memorial bench
Award Pfesenlalion
Vi118ge fair stall costs
Socièty Resiliénce Conference
1,700
143
700
454
201
405
1.700
143
700
454
201
405
Sub total
6.735
6,735
2,339
A4 Asset and Investmgnt purchases, (see
tsblo
Tools
Protective Clothing
Flood alert equipment
928
406
299
928
406
299
960
87
Sub total
1.633
1.633
1,047
8.368
8,368
3.386
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
(4,545)
(4,5451
(8)
32,447
27,902
32.447
27,902
32,455
32,447
CCKX R1 accounts {SSI
1110512025

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestrlcted
Restrlcted
funds
funds
to r￿areSt £
to nea￿St£
Endowment
funds
to nearèst £
ateuories
B1 Cash funds
8ank
27,902
Petty Cash
Total cash funds
27,902
lagr•• b￿an¢￿With recelpts payments
accountlsl
Unrestricted
funds
to neamte
Restricted
funds
to ngprest£
Endowment
funds
to noar•st£
Details
Fund to whlch
asset belon
Current valu•
t10nal
Detalls
Co•t {optFonall
B3 InvMtm•nt a88•t8
Fund io whlch
8$s¥1 belon
Unreslricled
Currènt valué
tiortal
Details
Storage equipment
Drain sc8nnlng equipmant
Pumps and generators
Tool$
Cost loptlonall
B4 Assets retained for the charity's
own u89
Unrestricted
Unrestrictéd
Unreslrlcted
Safety equipment
Other equipment
un￿strICted
Unrestricted
Fund to whlch
relate$
Amount du•
Ilonal
When due
tional
Details
85 Liabilitias
Signed by one or tsvo trustees on behalf ot all the
trustees
Signature
Print Name
Date of
roval
kn9E•b )
CCXX R2 accounts (SSI
1110512025