Editorial

At the moment of writing the weather is not at all seasonable and winter still is awaited - undoubtedly it will catch up on us.  Although it is so early in the year a lot of work is going into events well into next summer.  The Village Day committee meets regularly to plan and Frances Poulton is doing her utmost to persuade families to offer their gardens for Open Gardens Day.

The end of last year saw two very successful events, Community Entertains and Late Night Shopping.  Community Entertains seems to get better every year with glorious singing, dancing, acting and music.  We must always recognise how much work goes into these performances not from just the individual performers but all the unseen helpers and organisers.  It's all this that makes Bookham what it is today.

The beginning of January saw the opening of South Bookham SPACE (SPorts And Community Environment) which forms a youth centre for South Bookham.  It is in Dorking Road and at the south end of the Chrystie Memorial recreation grounds.  It is staggering how much money was raised to restructure the old building and provide new facilities, some £180,000.  You can read about it in the separate article (SPACE).  It still has to have the area at the back completed to form a muti-games area for such activities as five-a-side football and netball.  To complete this a further £44,000 has to be raised.  The achievement is under the enthusiastic chairmanship of Trevor Goul-Wheeker and the BRA under Peter Seaward has had a big hand in achieving its financing.  You should read the article.  Already organisations have taken 70% of the weekday slots for its use.

It is so good to see facilities being provided for youth (perhaps it should be said youthful as some are past their initial prime) activities with the Youth Centre in the Guildford Road and now SPACE.  They deserve everybody's support.

The Bookhams Bulletin has been printed by Surrey Litho since 1971. Our printers have now been honoured by being granted the Royal Warrant to the Prince of Wales - congratulations!

Martin Warwick