Blackheath Village Society Minutes 16th October 2025

Minutes of the Meeting Held at Theobalds on Thursday, 16th October 2025 at 7:30 pm

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

1. The Minutes of the Meeting Held on 23rd September 2025 were read and approved, with the following matters arising.
a) It was agreed that the contribution towards the Judicial Review costs from the BVS can now be debited from the HSBC bank account.
b) It was agreed that Paul can make the payments to the local charities and other organisations, as set out in the previous minutes.
The Blackheath Village Hall for new external benches - £800
The Firefighters Charitable Fund - £1,000
Air Ambulance - £500
c) The Committee discussed the proposed guidelines relating to email communications from residents in Blackheath Village via the BVS. Whilst various thoughts were proposed, it was agreed that the residents' emails generally fall within our Constitution and we should (within reason) send out any requests from the local community.
d) We continued to discuss whether a "suggestions section" should be included on the website, which was agreed. This will enable residents to convey any concerns or ideas that the BVS should consider. David will speak with Charlie to see how this can be incorporated on the BVS website. It was agreed that we would not fix a box to the Village Hall (or close to the Village Hall) for any suggestions to be provided on paper.
e) Peter Walshaw has confirmed he will start work on the refurbishment of the Jubilee sign at the crossroads in the village.

2. Bonfire Night
The event is being held on Saturday, 1st November 2025, commencing at 6:00 pm, with the following aspects agreed: torches for the parade, fireworks, toffee apples, building the bonfire, the flyer, chilli & rice, and a BBQ serving hot dogs.

Peter Walshaw has agreed to be a Fire Officer on the night and Simon will complete the Risk Assessment shortly. The bar will be open (Derek) for the evening and Ralph will play some music at the start of the event.

Mulled wine will be served at £5 a glass and hot dogs in buns for the children (including onions) will be £5 each.
We will print further A5 flyers for distribution around the village to remind residents of the joint event with members of the Cricket Club.

3. Heathland Fire
Paul has distributed the comments from residents at the AGM on 9th September 2025 and has received some responses, which he will include with the final documentation. This updated presentation will be forwarded to our Countryside Ranger at Waverley Borough Council for consideration when the updated “Blackheath Common Fire Plan” is completed during the Spring of 2026.

The BVS has also received confirmation from the Area Ranger (Lucy Case) at the National Trust. A meeting has been arranged on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, to discuss measures to reduce any fire risks and show the representative of the National Trust where we believe the fire started. We will also be accompanied by residents in the local area, who have a vested interest in protecting their properties.

As the National Trust Land is a relatively small area, it will be suggested that perhaps Waverley Borough Council would be interested in including this isolated plot within the area designated under the terms of the Lease dated 27th February 2004 with the Hon Peter Herbert (deceased).

4. Summer BBQ
Anne provided an overview of the income and expenses, which, in general terms, we broke even with a slight loss.

It was agreed that the basis of this party was to thank residents with the Village Fair, but we would have preferred to see far more locals attending the party on this bank holiday Monday. On a general note, we discussed whether any future events should include mandatory charges, and we considered various options:

a) To greet everybody at the entrance of the Cricket Club for payment.
b) Introduce stickers as proof of payment in order to prevent asking people twice to contribute.
c) Have a prepayment facility available in order that residents can pay in advance for any events - Simon will investigate this as the preferred route.

5. The Villagers Public House
Paul had no update, as he had recently heard from Sam Wallis (Planning Officer at Waverley Borough Council), and no further action has been taken regarding the latest planning application. As a result, Paul has contacted Jeremy Hunt MP and requested a meeting with the Chief Executive of Waverley Borough Council to establish why this matter is not being addressed.

The renewal of the Asset of Community Value has been targeted to be finalised on 16th October 2025, and we still await hearing from the Council. It was agreed that we would finish the brochure providing a vision of the Villagers Pub/Cafe and distribute this document to the residents. We should also follow this up with a social media campaign to let the residents of Blackheath and the wider community know of our continued interest in re-opening this community facility.

6. Children’s Play Area
Paul confirmed that the area that we are considering is at the back of the car park and will need to be cleared again to show the extent of the area for a proposed children’s play area. James Herbert has no objections with our proposals, as long as we adhere to any regulations relating to Common Land.

Simon will contact Matthew, who is a local resident and is involved with the installation of children’s play areas in the area. Laura emphasised the importance of having a consultation with the village on our proposals. This was agreed once we have accumulated all of the information, which will include illustrations, costings, and how this project will be funded.

7. Wonersh Parish Council
As Max was unable to attend the meeting and there was no update under this heading.

8. The Village Hall
It was confirmed that this year’s AGM will be held at the Village Hall on Friday, 24th October 2025.

It was proposed that we could hold a Burns Night on 24th January 2026 and Simon will establish if the hall is available that night. There is a degree of organisation still to be carried out and the Committee will report further in due course.

9. Cricket Club
Simon showed the Committee a picture of their new sofas and their general relaxation area in the club and confirmed that the central heating had been installed and did make a difference.

The Cricket Club would like to arrange a jazz night and is in discussions with Ralph to establish if musicians are available. The Cricket Club would also like to arrange a curry night, which is proposed to be held on Friday, 14th November 2025.

10. Any Other Business
Village Fair - this may be held on Monday, 4th May 2026 and we agreed to delay any discussion on the possible arrangements of the fair for the next meeting.

11. Next Meeting
To be held at Theobalds on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, at 7:30 pm.