Blackheath Village Society Minutes 26th November 2024

Minutes of the Meeting Held at Theobalds on Tuesday 26th November 2024
Present: Paul, Simon, David and Ralph. Apologies: Anne, Ranald, Laura and Max

1. Minutes of the Meeting Held on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 were approved with
the following matters arising:
a) Luke Dunkley has agreed to organise this year's Boxing Day Walk.
b) Max will be providing an update if Wonersh Parish Council are able to contribute to
the CCTV signs and repair/renewal of the traffic calming posts.
c) The combination of the BVS and Village Hall Committee has not progressed and most
of the Committee members agree that this will probably not be a viable option.
d) David will confirm that the donations from the village fair's proceeds have been
distributed.

2. Bonfire Night:
This was held on Friday 1st November 2024 and was well organised and very
successful. Simon estimated that the BVS made a profit of approximately £500, with the
cricket club profiting by similar amounts from bar sales.
We will ensure that next year we have enough helpers in the kitchen and bar/BBQ in
advance of the event.

3. Village Fair - 2025:
We would like to hold the event on Monday 5th May 2025 and it is important that we
discuss arrangements with Ranald, Max and Laura, who were unable to make the
meeting. A final decision will be made at the next Committee meeting on Tuesday, 28th
January 2025.
It was agreed that the biggest undertaking was persuading residents to run stalls and we
will hold a pre-stall meeting prior to next year's fair if it goes ahead

4. Street Party - 2025:
This is intended to celebrate Billie Hockley’s 100th birthday. David confirmed that Jayne
Barlow will be available to take pictures and film Billie at the event as a record of her life.
It was therefore agreed in principle that the event would take place on Monday, 26th May
2025. Ralph will be available to play on the day and we will also arrange a BBQ and
fairground activities. Residents are expected to invite friends and family and bring food to
accompany the BBQ and various desserts for everyone to share.

5. Christmas Party:
This will be held on Saturday 14th December 2024 and Charlie will be asked to design a
similar flyer to last year’s event which will be distributed throughout the village. It was
also suggested that Charlie designs a large banner, which Paul will arrange for Steve at
Gidden Place to make to advertise the event at the Village Hall.
It was agreed that there would be no talent show this year and residents would bring
food, snacks, and desserts as usual. We will ask Laura if she will lead the event's
organisation and anticipate that other residents and Committee members will help during
the build-up, on the day and after the event.

6. Wonersh Parish Council:
There was nothing to report under this heading.

7. Village Hall:
There was nothing to report under this heading.

8. Cricket Club:
It is still hoped that the cricket club will open on one Friday night per month, but Simon
did emphasise that it was up to the village to organise any events, which the cricket club
is very happy to host.
Ralph suggested a jazz night with catering during January/February 2025, which will be
discussed in greater detail at the next meeting.

9. Village Security:
The crime prevention talk, which was due to be held on 13th November 2024 was
postponed. Paul has requested that before arranging the next resident's discussion we
should canvas the village to establish if this event will be attended. We will discuss this
at the next meeting and arrange for the village to be canvassed with a possible date in
Spring 2025.
The CCTV signs have been fixed under the village signs in six locations and the entry
signs have been cleaned and reinforced with concrete supports paid for by the BVS.

10. Traffic Calming Measures:
We have received a quote from Guildford Fencing to carry out the repairs to 14 timber
posts at a cost of £1,238 plus VAT. Paul will contact Wonersh Parish Council to establish
if the contractor can bill them directly to reclaim the VAT. The BVS will be responsible for
the net amount and Paul will instruct the contractor once the above principle has been
established.

11. Villagers Public House:
There has been no further update since the last meeting on Tuesday 22nd October.

12. Any Other Business:
There was nothing further raised or discussed.

13. Next Meetings:
We will arrange a Christmas party meeting at Theobalds on Wednesday 4th December
2024 at 7:30 pm.

The next BVS meeting will be held at Theobalds on Tuesday 28th January 2025 at 7.30
pm.