http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.bookhamresidents.org.uk en-us Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:29:55 +0100 Rocketspark http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26532/free-kids-summer-holiday-activities/ Mole Valley District Council is partnering with local sport and leisure providers to offer a free programme of fun, inclusive activities for children throughout the summer holidays. Running from 23 July to 28 August, the sessions include everything from soft play, swimming and dance to yoga, golf, Pickleball and even new additions like boxing.Activities are delivered by trusted local providers in safe, supportive settings across Mole Valley, including Bookham, Leatherhead, Ashtead and Dorking, w... Sun, 24 May 2026 21:19:00 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26532 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26525/east-surrey-council/  The newly elected East Surrey Shadow Authority met for the first time on Wednesday 20 May 2026, marking an important milestone in the creation of the new East Surrey Council.Following elections earlier this month, councillors representing Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge came together to begin preparations for the new authority, which will be established on 1 April 2027.The Shadow Authority replaces the previous Joint Committees and will lead t... Fri, 22 May 2026 18:20:44 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26525 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26524/the-build-begins/ The ground-breaking ceremony took place on 12th May 2026. Present were representatives from BYCA & BRA as well as, SCC Leader Tim Oliver and County Cllr Clare Curran. Also present were representatives from SCC Land & Property, Project Managers, Campbell Reith & Beard Construction.David Cox, Chair of BYCA, said:  “The original youth club & work was delivered by the Leatherhead Youth Project with support from Bookhams’ Churches Together and BYCA. It thrived and the young p... Fri, 22 May 2026 18:12:36 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26524 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26485/oak-processionary-moth/ The oak processionary moth (OPM) is a tree pest and a health hazard affecting oak trees across parts of the UK. First introduced accidentally in 2005, it is now established mainly in Greater London and surrounding counties, with government programmes in place to limit its spread.OPM caterpillars feed on oak leaves, weakening trees and making them more vulnerable to other diseases and environmental stress. The caterpillars also carry tiny toxic hairs that can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, so... Sat, 16 May 2026 21:25:51 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26485 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26448/polesden-lacey-plans-primary-expansion/ Polesden Lacey Infant Academy and LEO Academy Trust are consulting on a proposal to extend the school’s age range from 2–7 to 2–11, creating Polesden Lacey Primary Academy from September 2027. The change aims to secure long‑term sustainability amid falling pupil numbers and to offer families a complete primary pathway. The plan includes reducing the Reception PAN from 30 to 15, introducing mixed‑age classes, and growing the school year by year up to Year 6. The consultation runs from 1... Fri, 08 May 2026 08:21:13 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26448 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26395/youth-centre-construction-starts-may/ The Bookham Residents’ Association is pleased to share an important update from David Cox, Chairman of the Bookham Youth & Community Association (BYCA).Construction of the new Bookham Youth & Community Centre will begin on 5 May 2026, with Beard Construction appointed to deliver the project. Their Letter to Residents is available to view on the BYCA website.This milestone has been a long time coming. Back in May 2012, the then Leader of Surrey County Council instructed that a replaceme... Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:07:57 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26395 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26339/letter-from-the-bra-chairman/ Each year the BRA faces new challenges and 2025 and the start of 2026 have been no different. Mole Valley District Council has confirmed that its  Community Governance Review (CGR) showed that Bookham Residents were against creating a Parish Council, and in 2026 our village will be facing the transition to the new East Surrey Unitary Authority in 2027.  All of this has, and will continue to take much time and resource. We are very appreciative of the posit... Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:08:34 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26339 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26338/a-glorious-verge/ This verge was a real highlight in April, with daffodils and flowering cherries looking absolutely superb. The cherry trees are now well established, and late‑flowering daffodils were deliberately chosen to bloom alongside them, creating a beautifully timed spring display. It’s a wonderful example of what thoughtful community planting can achieve. Projects like this don’t just add colour – they genuinely enhance our local environment and bring pleasure to everyone who passes by. Looking ... Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:57:10 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26338 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26286/recycling-just-got-easier-in-bookham/ Great news for Bookham households — from 31 March 2026, your mixed recycling bin will take even more everyday items. Wherever you live in Surrey, you’ll now be able to recycle foil, aerosol cans, squeezy metal and plastic tubes, cartons, and non‑black plastic plant pots.A few quick steps help make sure everything gets recycled properly:Scrunch clean foil into a ball at least the size of a tennis ballRinse foil traysMake sure aerosol cans are emptyEmpty squeezy tubes (toothpaste, tomato pur... Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:16:34 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26286 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/post/26245/local-elections-7-may-2026/ Electors Encouraged to ‘Get Ready to Vote on 7 May’ in Elections for new Surrey CouncilsOn Thursday 7 May 2026, electors in Surrey will get the opportunity to vote for who they want to represent them on their new East Surrey Council or West Surrey Council, depending on where they live. All Surrey residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in these important elections.Local government in Surrey is changing. From April 2027, the existing county council and 11 district and bo... Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:07:18 +0100 http://www.bookhamresidents.org.uk/blog/#post26245