Blackheath Village Society Minutes 11 November 2025

Minutes of the Meeting Held at Theobolds on Tuesday, 11th November 2025 at 7:30
pm

Present: Paul, David, Ralph, Simon, Laura, Max, and Ranald
Apologies: Andy and Anne

1. The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 16th October 2025, were read and
approved with the following matter arising:
a) Paul will contact David Allen at the Village Hall and pay the £800 for the new external
benches adjacent to the village hall.

2. Bonfire Night
It was agreed that this was a very successful event with the right number of residents
and Cricket Club members attending. The food (including toffee apples) was excellent
and well received including the torch procession and fireworks. We took £1,600 on the
night less expenses, with an approximate profit of £475.
For next year, we will increase the budget for fireworks and introduce a sticker for every
resident/guest to provide proof of payment. Thanks were extended to the team for their
efforts, including Ralph’s entertainment during the early part of the evening.

3. Christmas Party
It was agreed that we will hold the event with a commencement time of 7:00 pm ending
the event at around 9:00 pm. Drinks and some food will be provided by the BVS, with
residents bringing a savoury or sweet plate for the party.
We will encourage charitable donations on the evening to be collected for the Firefighters
Charity. This will be accompanied by a large Christmas card signed by all the residents
who attend to thank them for their help with the heathland fire. David will prepare the
usual quiz for distribution on the evening with an appropriate prize for the winner.
We discussed the possibility of a children's party from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm that afternoon
and it was agreed we would arrange this. Various ideas were suggested and it was
agreed that we would try to engage a magician for both the children and adult's events.
Ralph volunteered to dress up as Santa with music for the children, and every child will
receive a present at the event. David will ask Charlie to design a flyer which will
incorporate all of the above.

4. Suggestion Box
It was agreed that we will introduce the appropriate page on the website in the New Year.
This will be announced once Charlie has included the suggestion facility on our website.

5. Boxing Day
Luke Dunkley will arrange the Boxing Day walk to commence at 10:00 am on Friday,
26th December 2025.

6. Information Pack
Simon will complete this task in due course in order for the BVS to provide any new
residents with a welcome pack.

7. Village Fair - 2026
We have concluded that we will hold a Village Fair on 4th May 2026, and planning will
start during the early part of next year. In the meantime, we will book the necessary
items in advance of our next meeting.

8. The Villagers Public House
Paul confirmed that the Asset of Community Value was renewed for another five years
from November 2025, and he will send an email to the residents confirming this
development.
We have also completed the draft of “Our Vision” for the licensed cafe/pub. This will be
distributed to residents once Waverley Borough Council have made a decision in respect
of the recent planning application since the Judicial Review was decided. Jeremy Hunt
has shown an interest in this latest development and will be arranging a meeting with the
Chief Executive of Waverley Borough Council to find out why matters are taking so long.
Laura highlighted the success of the Elm Tree Inn in Langton Herring in Dorset, which
creative funding campaign through TikTok.

9. Children’s Play Area
The children’s play area (to the rear of the pubs car park) will be shelved due to the
sensitivity and concerns how this would affect local neighbours. We were also mindful of
the protection provided in ANOB and SSSI places on the land.

10. Wonersh Parish Council
Max stated that there was nothing new to report. He confirmed that the storm drain still
needs clearing, which is the responsibility of Highways at Surrey County Council.

11. The Village Hall
Simon reported that the small lean-to shed at the back of the garage will be demolished
for new steps adjacent to the kitchen at the Village Hall. We will therefore have to move
the signs and locate them in the stable once the gyroscope has been removed.

12. Cricket Club
Simon confirmed that the curry night will be going ahead on Friday 14th November 2025.
This will commence at 7:00 pm and about 20 villagers have already signed up to attend.

The jazz night suggested by Ralph has been provisionally booked for Friday13th March
2026, and further information will be available soon.

13. Next Meeting
This will be held at Theobalds at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 20th January 2026.
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Blackheath Village Society
http://www.blackheathsurrey.co.uk
Mobile: 07768850003 Email: paul@bil.uk.com