Parts of Runnymede Deanery have been badly suffering with the recent flooding. The community spirit in the towns of Egham, Hythe and Chertsey was amazing, and the local Parish churches have been able to give assistance in many ways, relieving shortages as well as fears and showing the love of God in their communities. ***Click "Read More" for stories, pictures, links and helplines***
St Paul’s in Hythe was a centre for facilities, food and drink, clothes, toys and air mattresses to help those flooded out of their homes. Sandbagging was facilitated in conjunction with Magna Carta School.
Message from a Hythe resident: “Very disappointing was the complete lack of support or contact from community groups, organisations and people that you would assume would have helped flooded homes and families in the community. Unfortunately absolutely no help or support from Runnymede Borough Council. … What was impressive was the help and support from unexpected areas. We've had fantastic support from the volunteers from a quickly assembled new group called Egham Hythe Flood Relief (see their Facebook Page) based out of St Paul’s Church and Magna Carta School; this included a Sikh Disaster Relief Charity. They've paid for and donated all the tons of sand at Magna Carta School and supplied and delivered sandbags, food and essentials parcels to us. They were knocking on all the doors again yesterday with offers of help and support.”
The Kitchen in Egham High Street was open daily (except Sunday) as a place for chats, light snacks and hot drinks, ably manned by volunteers from the community. They had donations of cakes, bread and other good things and were always able to provide hot drinks, baked potatoes, homemade soups etc. The Kitchen was also the collecting point for donations for those affected by the floods including tinned foods, pasta, bottled water, toilet rolls, nappies etc, and these donations have been delivered by boat, foot and car by a team of volunteers. The Egham Flood Helpline 07851 405930 coordinated needs and relief action, and will continue in operation in the event of further surges.
St Peter’s was equally coordinating flood relief in Chertsey via Facebook at Chertsey Flood Helpline, keeping the church hall open for facilities, snacks and hot drinks, and coordinating free sandbagging outside the church.
