Blackheath Village Society Minutes 19th August 2025

Minutes of the Meeting Held at Theobalds on Tuesday, 19th August 2025 at 7:30 pm.

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

1. The Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14 July 2025 were read and approved with no points arising.

2. Blackheath Common Fire:
We are all aware that the Heathland fire started on Friday night with serious consequences, both North and South of the Rosemary Hill Memorial. It raged for the whole weekend and the beginning of the week commencing 18 August 2025.  A number of fire engines and water vehicles were on site over a four/five day period.

We agreed that, as this was a major topic, it would be discussed in detail at the AGM on 9 September 2025 with the residents.  We will invite the Countryside Ranger (Lucie Poole) from Waverley Borough Council (WBC) - Paul sent both her and David Olliver an email inviting her and will advise the Committee when he gets a response.  The other points that will need to be discussed are as follows:

a) New signs indicating that no fires or BBQs should be allowed, with pictures. WBC could introduce possible fines if this is not adhered to.
b) Fire breaks - We will evaluate the situation and obtain an indication of whether to provide a fire break to protect the entire village.
c) Working with Waverley Borough Council and discussing any other ideas to minimise the risk of fires on the Heathland.
d) Fire Inspectors will be visiting the site to find out the cause of the fire - we believe it was probably started as a bonfire by third parties.
e) A fundraising initiative will be discussed and possibly adjusting financial contributions to the rateable value of houses in the village, to ensure that any fundraising is fair to everyone.

The BVS will write to the Fire Brigade and thank them for carrying out a wonderful job and possibly saving homes from fire damage.

3. Update on the Fair Financial Sub-Committee:
David will enquire if Jan Cope and Jill Wilkinson have received any proposals.  It was suggested that we possibly contribute the whole £2,000 to the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund. Alternatively, the BVS will consider making a donation independently.

4. Summer BBQ
Arrangements are well underway, with the brochure is being distributed around the village. Similarly, larger A3 posters will be located on the crossroads and in other locations advertising the BBQ being held at the Cricket Club on Monday, 25 August 2025.

Ranald confirmed that he has two lambs arriving on Saturday, which will be stored in the cold room at the Cricket Club, with potatoes to be cooked at the same time.  This will cost approximately £400.  Ranald will need help carving the lamb, and all of the wood for the fire will be obtained from Anne over the weekend. Update: As an alternative we can cancel the order for 2 lamb carcasses and order the equivalent of lamb shoulders and legs which we will ask residents to cook on our behalf. These can be kept warm in the cricket club and served from the kitchen. 

Games will be provided by Andy, who has co-ordinated with the Haywards, but will need additional equipment for the children's games.  We understand a lot of these are in the Cricket Club shed and Anne will provide hessian sacks, with Laura providing the equipment for the rounders game.

Paul confirmed that the children's slide has been ordered and will be located on the cricket ground during the morning, and we will also hold a tug of war which is being stored in the shed by the Village Hall.

It was also suggested that proceeds from the summer BBQ are paid to the appropriate charity representing the Fire Brigade. Dave will ask a member of the Fire Service if they are available to attend the BBQ with an “on-site" fire engine during the course of the afternoon.

5. The Village Pub/Cafe
Paul produced a flyer of the first draft of “Our Vision”, which was discussed by the Committee.  There were a number of aspects that need to be improved and David will be speaking to his son (Max) about producing some CGI pictures of the garden, car park and children’s play area for the front page.

We agreed that this should be a licensed cafe (rather than a pub) and make more of the “Pull and Pour” activity, that runs successfully in the car park.  

Paul confirmed that the Asset of Community Value application has been submitted and received by Waverley Borough Council.  The consultation period will end on 25 September 2025, and the Council will decide whether or not the nomination can be extended for a further five years on or before 16 October 2025.

6. General Meeting
This will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, with an emphasis on the Heathland fire recently experienced.

Other aspects on the agenda will include the Chairman's Report which will include other events in the year: eg Christmas Party, Boxing Day walk, Village Fair and updated security in Blackheath. 

7. The Village Hall
It was agreed that we should look at renting the Village Hall for a period of four days for next year’s Village Fair, and we will also consider a donation as appropriate.

Furthermore, it was proposed that the BVS purchase two benches for the land that has been levelled adjacent to the Village Hall, which was purchased by a local resident. Paul has investigated prices for comments by the Committee.

8. Cricket Club
Ranald confirmed that the season will end in three weeks.

We discussed the possibility of inviting either Ronny or Danny Harrison on the BVS Committee to encourage the younger fraternity to get involved with the activities of Blackheath Village.

9. Wonersh Parish Council
No points arose, as Max was unable to attend the meeting.

10. The Next Meeting
This will be held at Theobalds at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.