Blackheath Village Society Minutes 24th September 2024

Meeting Held at Theobalds on Tuesday 24th September 2024

Present: David, Paul, Laura, Ralph, Anne, Max, Ranald & Simon. Apologies: None.

1. Minutes of the last meeting held on 23rd July 2024 were approved with the following matters arising:
a) Fire protection signs were not required this year, and perhaps we will purchase five or six fire beaters before the summer of 2025.
b) Laura will look into a “Pickle Ball” event to be held in the Village Hall during the winter months. This will be for limited numbers only and we need to establish when the Village Hall is free. The idea is to mimic a similar event held in the Shamley Green Village Hall.
c) James Herbert has confirmed that any “wayleaves and easements" in the village will be valued, and the monies raised for the benefit of the village. The most appropriate vehicle will be the BVS, but this will need to be discussed directly with James.
d) It was confirmed that the cost of any repairs and replacement to the culverts along Blackheath Lane are the responsibility of the homeowners. Waverley Borough Council are only responsible for the upkeep of the verges throughout the village, in accordance with the agreement they have with the land owner.

2. Donations from the Village Fair
It was agreed that Paul would write to both the Village Hall and St Martins Church to thank them for making the facilities available at the Blackheath Village Fair and for their support, but unfortunately, due to the very low net receipts, we will not be able to provide any donations.

However, we are committed to donating to the following organisations as previously agreed:
The Abbey £500.
The local scouts £50.
Wonersh & Shamley Green School £250.

3. The Summer Party
We thanked Ranald for preparing excellent food for the event. Although the turnout was low, we broke even and everyone enjoyed the magician, children’s games & tug-of-war in the afternoon.

As usual, the workload fell on the same three or four Committee members. Next year, we will ask other local residents to run the event and will also publish the date earlier so that the local residents are aware of it.

4. Village Security
It was confirmed that there were a number of live cameras in the village which record movements throughout the day and night.

However, the cost of installing both permanent and dummy cameras is financially prohibitive. It was therefore suggested that we install signs at the three entrance points to the village (probably under the existing oak signs) advertising that the village has CCTV. Paul will arrange for these to be designed for approval by the committee. Cost to supply and fix in six locations by the BVS at £221.66 (including VAT).

Max will also speak to Peter to enquire whether he is interested in refurbishing the other road signs at the three entrances. If this is not the case, Paul will ask for the contractor to re-quote to have the posts secured as originally suggested. Please note the original quotation details below:
To supply and erect 8 new 4inch x 3inch concrete support spurs to broken posts on 4 village sign posts.
New spurs to be concreted in.
Area to be left clean and tidy.
PRICE FOR COMPLETE WORKS: £664.00 plus 20% VAT
GUILDFORD FENCING CO.

Paul will also arrange for the Police Community Support Officer (Nick Boxall) to visit the residents of Blackheath in the Village Hall on Wednesday 13th November 2024. It is also agreed that we should nominate a person or persons to be responsible for the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the village.

5. The Villagers Public House
Paul provided the Committee with the update since Waverley Borough Council approved the latest planning application to combine the cottage and pub into one residential unit.

It was agreed that there was a sense of injustice at the planning meeting and we have started the process of a judicial review, which comprises a pre-application appeal letter for the Council to respond to. Our solicitors have confirmed that we have a very good chance of winning the case and have even suggested a "no-win, no-fee" basis of remuneration, which we are presently considering.

In the event that we are successful, there are still no guarantees that we can purchase the pub, but the owner will be obliged to carry out the works that were originally part of the 2017 planning permission. Paul will contact Jeremy Hunt together with other interested parties, including our Ward Councillor Jane Austen and keep the Surrey Advertiser and BBC updated, as they are interested in our progress.

6. Wonersh Parish Council
Max will speak to the Council about introducing a soak-away at the crossroads as the water is building up again.
We should also arrange another working party to unblock the culverts and ditches throughout the village, which would look like a regular requirement.

7. The Village Hall
Nothing to report.

8. Cricket Club
Simon confirmed that the end-of-season dinner will be held on Friday, and there are still tickets available for anyone who wants to attend.

Curtains have now been installed at the cricket club, which adds to the warmth and atmosphere of the clubhouse. Perhaps the BVS should think about holding some charitable/social events through the winter, for example :
a) Pool night.
b) Poker night.
c) Curry night.

9. Bonfire Night
It was agreed that we would hold this on Friday 1st November 2024 and include a torchlight walk, toffee apples with chilli and baked potatoes.

Simon will arrange for the bar to be open and Dave will ask Charles to create a poster for the event. Laura asked that we are clear on the costs of the event and perhaps arrange for an entrance area outside the cricket club to collect payments.

10. Christmas Party
It was agreed that this would be held on Saturday 14th December 2024.
It would be a great idea if we could have a children’s event during the early part of the evening, including a Santa Claus and perhaps a competition for the children to enter.

11. Any Other Business
a) Simon will arrange a “heads-up " email so that residents can save the dates for the events we have arranged for the rest of this year. He will also ensure that the village hall is available for the Christmas party.
b) The idea of producing a film about Billy Hockley in her 100th year was agreed upon, and David will speak to Jane Barlow to ask if she can produce one on behalf of the village.
c) We considered the idea of a street party to be held on Saturday 31st May and this would be discussed further at the next meeting.
d) A further idea of holding a summer ball instead of a fair to raise funds for the BVS was suggested. It would be difficult to hold this at the cricket club due to the matches being played but we will discuss a date and venue at the next meeting.

12. Next Meeting
To be held on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 at Hazelhurst (Simon’s House).

Please note that both Anne and David will be away for this meeting.