Dear Members
I do hope you are all (reasonably!) well and enjoying our occasional and unexpected fine days. I think that we, here in Surrey, seem to have been spared the fierce rain and bitter cold being experienced in other parts of the country!
For those of you who were unable to attend our AGM on 27th October, we now have a new Chairman, Mr. Tim Caffell, and two vice Chairmen, Mr. Metin Huseyin, and Mr. Steve Preston. They all live in Leatherhead and are fully aware of the issues that it faces at the moment. I remain as a Director (and the Bulletin producer!).
As regards our beloved Park (i.e. “Bull Hill”), a very recent email from MVDC tells us that the Transform Leatherhead Planning Application should be made public sometime in the next 2 weeks. This could mean that the start of the consultation period is only a fortnight before Christmas! If that is the case, I do hope that the Planning Department will extend the consultation period, as I am sure Leatherhead Residents will have other matters to occupy them for the 10 days of the Christmas/New Year period. Meanwhile, Mr. Duncan Clarke from our Planning Dept. is pleased to tell us that Leatherhead has got a 5.1 yr. housing land supply, unlike Epsom and Ewell with only 1.49 years or Tandridge’s 1.92 yr. supply. So, hopefully, this means that there should not be any unexpected demands for an increase in Mole Valley’s supply, at least, not yet.
The Swan Centre activities
Meanwhile, the Swan Centre staff seem to be working hard to make use of its advantages and encouraging us to do the same. Recent publicity quotes, “The Swan Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa and his band of dancing elves take centre stage, spreading festive cheer and joy to families across the community. Visitors can look forward to classic cars decorated for Christmas, hands-on festive crafts, a magical Christmas trail, and plenty of opportunities to capture perfect festive photos”.
To make the experience even more special, guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of alcohol-free mulled wine as they soak up the sights and sounds of the season and yet drive home safely. These festive events are scheduled for 29th November, 6th and 13th December and there is the added attraction that free parking will be on offer in Mole Valley on all these days!!
Countryside Matters
This group is repeating its very helpful and climate friendly offer of last year. It will be giving away 4000 trees, FREE, at various locations across Surrey. If you would like one to plant at home, go to one of the seven Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) from 9am to 4pm on Friday, 28th or Saturday 29th November or on Monday 1st December.
On offer will be a mix of small and medium native tree species, such as crab apple and Hazel. All trees will be given away with a handy guide for aftercare and should be planted within 7 days. To help the organisers manage demand, pre-booking is required. Please visit your nearest CRC and ask about this initiative.
The Leatherhead Institute
The LCA managers are putting on some unexpected entertainment for the Christmas season:
There is to be a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday 29 November from 9.30 to 12.30 in the morning and from 1 pm to 4.00pm in the afternoon. There will be 10 people per session and the cost is £45, with pre-booking a requirement. The “Brigitte Trust” charity in Dorking is the beneficiary. If you are interested, please contact Meredith on lcal@leatherheadca.org.uk or go into the LCA office any weekday morning between 9.30 and 12.30 or visit the LCA website.
The Story of Pantomime is the title of a Christmas talk to be given by Malcolm Jones on Friday, 12th December at 2.30 pm. Pantomime has remained an essential part of the theatrical repertoire for over 300 years. Mr. Jones will trace the story of the Pantomime from the 18th Century, through the 19th Century when the fairy tale plots we are all familiar with were established, and on to the music hall entertainers who created many of the traditions we know as the Christmas Pantomime. Following the talk, tea, coffee and mince pies will be served. Bookings were open from 1st October, and the above talk costs £4 if paid in advance, or £5 on the day.
Santa and his team will be returning to the Kirby Library (in The Institute) in December. The traditional, Victorian style grotto will be open from Saturday, 13th December right up until Tuesday, 24th December. There will also be the beautiful grotto Christmas tree in the library from the beginning of December. If you would like to arrange a visit, you can find out more at
Also on Saturday, 13th December but only for one day, there will be a free showing of the film “Nativity” at 11 am, plus a festive craft table. This will be followed at 2 pm by a film called “The Holiday” featuring local Surrey Scenes.
I will finish this Bulletin now, but I would also like to remind Members that there is a group of people in the Town called “Save Bull Hill,“ who are supported by the LRA, who are trying desperately to get the proposed development of The Park reduced in size. They are raising money to pay for a Town Planning expert to contest the scale of the proposals. Donations can be made to their crowd-funding site (Gofundme) for which there is a link on their website. All donations would be very much appreciated.
Meanwhile, I wish you all a happy pre-Christmas season and happy present hunting and/or Christmas card sending.
Caroline Brown (Director)