Template:Courier-OCT-24-10

LINING UP MORE EVENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Claygate Village Association is a non-political charity that has played a big part in events over the past year, especially following the proposal to build a supermarket in Torrington Lodge Car Park. Concerns from residents led it to raise a petition to gather opinions, which resulted in the proposal being withdrawn.

The Association then set up Claygate: The Way Forward and conducted a survey of the whole village to find out what residents really wanted, a report on which can be read at https://www.claygatevillageassociation.org/. Several working groups were formed from the Way Forward initiative and these have now been adopted by Claygate Parish Council to continue the work. See its update on pages 4 and 5.

The aim of the Association is to preserve and enhance the character and amenities of Claygate for the public benefit and over the years it has championed many causes. It is currently busy looking after the tubs in our shopping streets and organising community events.

CLAYGATE IN BLOOM

Volunteers have been busy again this summer watering the tubs that brighten the pavements in the village. Several of the containers are ageing, falling apart and need replacing. The Association is grateful to Elmbridge Borough Councillor Mary Marshall, who has donated some of her councillor’s funds to provide seven new ones.

The new tubs have been delivered, but replacing them is time-consuming. It involves removing the plants and soil and the bricks that are below the soil, and then putting everything back into the new tub. The whole operation takes about an hour and is easier with three people. Anyone who could spare an hour to help replace one is asked to email claygateresidents@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Many residents remember the inaugural community celebration of Christmas in December 1995. It was bitterly cold and a large crowd had gathered to watch the lights being turned on. A temporary stage had been erected at the station end of The Parade and when the compère introduced Sir Cliff Richard a huge cheer went up. And then, as he sang “Mistletoe and Wine”, it began to snow! It was quite magical.

Sir Cliff opened the celebrations (without snow) for a few more years while he had an office in Hare Lane. And then, for more than 10 years, a succession of other celebrities did the honours, including Elaine Page, Bernie Nolan and Ronnie Wood. Today, the Association asks local youngsters to be the switch-on celebrities.

The event itself has now grown to take over the whole Parade with a stage, live music, school choirs, community stalls, carol singing, street entertainment, food and drink, a children’s ride, Father Christmas and fireworks. And most shops stay open. There will be a bigger stage this year and the Association is grateful for grants from Surrey County Council, via Councillor Mark Sugden, and Claygate Parish Council. So come and celebrate our vibrant community and begin the festive season in The Parade at 4pm on Saturday November 30.

Again, help is needed from anyone who could spare the time to be a marshal and assist with safety, crowd control and setting up —even for just an hour. It can make a big difference. To volunteer or find out more, please email: claygateresidents@gmail.com

NEXT YEAR

In 2025, the Association plans to organise a Get Involved Day in April, at which local organisations explain their work and invite residents to join them, and an Open Gardens event, which gives villagers an opportunity to see some of the spectacular gardens in Claygate, in June.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Association’s AGM will be held on Thursday November 14 at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall. After the business, guest speakers will report on various community activities. There is a great deal going on, so do come and hear about it and perhaps become inspired to get involved—the Association relies on volunteers and works with other village organisations and local councils to make things happen. All residents of Claygate are automatically members and suggestions and offers of help are always very welcome. Visit https://www.claygatevillageassociation.org/