WSVA AGM 13th April

WOOD STREET VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 13th April 2026

8.00PM
St Albans Hall

Agenda

1. Welcome

2. Apologies for Absence

3. Minutes of previous AGM (April 2025)

4. WSVA Chairman’s Report – Mr Alex Waugh

5. Treasurer’s Report and accounts for 2025– Mr Terry Wright

6. Guildford Borough Council

7. Parish Council Report

8. Election of Hon Treasurer and Hon Secretary

9. Appointment of honorary auditor

10. Election of Committee

11. Other Business

WSVA AGM 13 April 2026
Report for 2025-6

During the winter, The Village Association has been meeting via zoom on the second Monday of every month but now that the weather has improved, we will start meeting again in St. Alban’s Church. Everyone in the village can attend meetings and new members would be most welcome.

Hester’s Yard

As anticipated at the 2025 AGM, the developers for Hester’s Yard submitted a new application for development following rejection of the original proposal at appeal. The new proposal, which has still to be determined by Guildford Borough Council, is very similar to the original apart from a change to the proportion of affordable housing, now proposed at 50% of the total of 50 residential units on the site. It retains the original proposal for an office to be provided to the Parish Council virtually free of charge. The main change since the original proposal was rejected is that a revised planning framework is encouraging for developers building on “grey belt” sites. The developers for this site and also Hillplace Fram (see below) argue that they fall withing the grey belt definition. Although a planning decision has not yet been made, the owners have given notice to existing tenants on the site.

Hillplace Farm

During the course of the year, proposals were submitted for the development of 18 houses on the site of Hillplace Farm, along with the enlargement of the existing listed farmhouse and the creation of a new barn/outbuilding to be associated with the farmhouse. As with Hester’s Yard, no decision has yet been made by Guildford Borough Council on this proposal.

Litter picks

The Association has planned regular litter picks (thanks to Ali Johnson for organising all who turn out for these). There has been a record number of people helping out, and it really makes a difference – if only for a short while. The VA has also linked up with WSV School which also gets its children involved in litter collection.

Summer Show

The village show is run in partnership between the VA and the Horticultural Society, which has its annual exhibition and competition in the marquee. The financial side of the show is covered in the Treasurer’s report. It was very wet on the morning of the show in 2025, meaning that attendance was somewhat lower than the excellent turn out in 2024. Once again there was a very good mix of stalls (congratulations to Caroline Hanford for managing that) and entertainment including Wood Street’s own maypole dancers. Despite the weather, the showground filled in the early afternoon and people were well distributed round the green. The event helps raise money and awareness for local groups such as the Scouts (who also help with car park management), the Church (who run the tea tent), and small local charities. There are many people who help with the day from both the Horticultural Society and the Village Association. We are very grateful to everyone who helps in any way, but especially to members of the show committee who put in the hours in the months leading up to the event.
The 2026 show will take place on 18th July, so please avoid booking your holidays and come along to join in and help out. The show is the core of a weekend’s entertainment including the band playing in the evening (thanks Terry Wright for organising) and the Jazz festival on Sunday in support of Challengers. It really is a special weekend in the life of our village and helps raise funds for local causes.

Carol Singing

The communal Carol Singing on the village green in December was, once again, a very memorable occasion and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves as well as raising around £500 for The Children’s Society. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event.

Local Pubs

During the course of 2025, both the White Hart and the Royal Oak have been closed. The latter was sold to a group of investors who are now trying to resell it (most likely for an alternative use). The White Hart is owned by Stonegate Ltd, a company which owns thousands of pubs. However, they are having difficulty in finding a suitable tenant. In the meantime the building is boarded up and some essential repairs are being undertaken.
In December 2025 the VA organised a meeting to discuss the situation, attended by more than 100 people. There was much discussion and several individuals expressed enthusiasm for the community to purchase and run one of the two sites. We have benefitted from the help of local surveyor Tom Norris-Jones and hospitality consultant Radford Chancellor. However, at present there are no plans in place to take on either prospect as (a) the acquisition costs are high; (b) there would be considerable further investment required, especially at the Royal Oak; and (c) hitherto there have not been enough people indicating they would be prepared to back the venture financially.
It is possible that there will be further developments in 2026. Stonegate, in particular, seems determined to find a new tenant for the White Hart.

Newsletter

Thanks to Richard Trinick and his team of distributers, a village newsletter has again been produced three times during the year and is an important part of informing residents of village events and news.

Flood Action Group

Following the closure of the Flood Forum convened by Worplesdon Parish Council, a new Flood Action Group has been set up with the support of Surrey County Council and the National Flood Forum (an independent charity). Several villagers have been involved and developed thinking about how to protect against a repeat of the flooding that took place in 2024/25. Ensuring regular maintenance of existing capacity by local authorities and riparian owners are a priority. Worplesdon Parish Council has done an excellent job in ensuring culverts are clear during 2025/6, which is nominally the job of Guildford Borough Council. A first meeting of the action group involving other authorities is due to take place on 16th April.

Footpath between Broad Street and Fairlands

During the course of 2025/26 this footpath has been completely refurbished and now offers a firm, mud free walk way between Wood Street and Worplesdon schools. Thanks are due to our SCC Councillor Keith Witham who has pursued this project tirelessly.

Thank you Evening

A successful event was held at St Alban’s Hall on 30th September to thank everyone who helps in the village in any way – the Show, litter picking, delivering newsletters attending meetings, clearing footpaths ….. It is one event where nothing is expected of anyone, just come along and meet the many people who help out during the year.

Other matters

A range of other matters have also been discussed at Village Association meetings including the SANG beside Frog Grove Lane, damage to the village green, antisocial behaviour (and how to contact the police) and the Connect bus service in the village.

Local Councils

The Association works closely with members of the Parish Council, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council who all come to the meetings. It should be noted that the arrival of a new unitary authority will mean that there is no longer a Guildford Borough Council, and Surrey County Council will be divided into two, with west Surrey incorporating the Guildford area. It remains to be seen how the new arrangements will work in practice, with the full effect likely to be visible only in 2027/28.
We are very grateful to our councillors for the time they put in and their willingness to explain what is happening at VA meetings. By the same token, the meetings are an opportunity for members to raise matters of concern with their representatives.
It is always good to see members bringing forward issues and to know that the Village Association is a useful meeting place to discuss different ideas and new projects for our community.

Thank you to all who participate and support the Association.

WOOD STREET VILLAGE ASSOCIATION AGM

Monday, 13^th April 2026

Alex Waugh welcomed everyone to the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Wood Street Village Association.

There were apologies from: Alison Johnson, Keith Witham, Belinda Baker, David Grey, Nicky and Martin Parsons and Richard Watson.

Present: Alex Waugh, Bob McShee, Terry Wright, Jennifer Wright, Caroline Mankelow, Janet Sutton, Robert and Linda Grimmond, Dave Strike, Louise McCann, Nuala Crampin, Reverend Dawn Lucas-Brown, Philip and Honor Brooker, Richard Trinick, Pam and David Hypher, Malcolm and Sue Orchard, Helen Bell and Bilal Akhtar.

The minutes of the previous AGM had been distributed before the meeting.

The minutes were then proposed as being a correct record of the meeting by Bob McShee and seconded by Janet Sutton. There were no matters arising.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT- Alex Waugh

During the winter, The Village Association has been meeting via zoom on the second Monday of every month but now that the weather has improved, we will start meeting again in St. Alban’s Church. Everyone in the village can attend meetings and new members would be most welcome.

Hester’s Yard

As anticipated at the 2025 AGM, the developers for Hester’s Yard submitted a new application for development following rejection of the original proposal at appeal.  The new proposal, which has still to be determined by Guildford Borough Council, is very similar to the original apart from a change to the proportion of affordable housing, now proposed at 50% of the total of 50 residential units on the site.  It retains the original proposal for an office to be provided to the Parish Council virtually free of charge.  The main change since the original proposal was rejected is that a revised planning framework is encouraging for developers building on “grey belt” sites.  The developers for this site and also Hillplace Fram (see below) argue that they fall withing the grey belt definition.  Although a planning decision has not yet been made, the owners have given notice to existing tenants on the site.

Hillplace Farm

During the course of the year, proposals were submitted for the development of 18 houses on the site of Hillplace Farm, along with the enlargement of the existing listed farmhouse and the creation of a new barn/outbuilding to be associated with the farmhouse.  As with Hester’s Yard, no decision has yet been made by Guildford Borough Council on this proposal.

Litter picks

The Association has planned regular litter picks (thanks to Ali Johnson for organising all who turn out for these).  There has been a record number of people helping out, and it really makes a difference – if only for a short while.  The VA has also linked up with WSV School which also gets its children involved in litter collection.

Summer Show

The village show is run in partnership between the VA and the Horticultural Society, which has its annual exhibition and competition in the marquee.  The financial side of the show is covered in the Treasurer’s report.  It was very wet on the morning of the show in 2025, meaning that attendance was lower than the excellent turn out in 2024.  There was a very good mix of stalls (congratulations to Caroline Hanford for managing that) and entertainment including Wood Street’s own maypole dancers.  Despite the weather, the showground filled in the early afternoon and people were well distributed round the green.  The event helps raise money and awareness for local groups such as the Scouts (who also help with car park management), the Church (who run the tea tent), and small local charities.  There are many people who help with the day from both the Horticultural Society and the Village Association.  We are very grateful to everyone who helps in any way, but especially to members of the show committee who put in the hours in the months leading up to the event.

The 2026 show will take place on 18th July, so please avoid booking your holidays and come along to join in and help out.  The show is the core of a weekend’s entertainment including the band playing in the evening (thanks Terry Wright for organising) and the Jazz Festival on Sunday in support of Challengers.  It really is a special weekend in the life of our village and helps raise funds for local causes.

Carol Singing

The communal Carol Singing on the village green in December was, once again, a very memorable occasion and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves as well as raising around £500 for The Children’s Society.  Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event.

Local Pubs

During the course of 2025, both the White Hart and the Royal Oak have been closed.  The latter was sold to a group of investors who are now trying to resell it (most likely for an alternative use). The White Hart is owned by Stonegate Ltd, a company which owns thousands of pubs.  However, they are having difficulty in finding a suitable tenant.  In the meantime, the building is boarded up and some essential repairs are being undertaken.

In December 2025 the VA organised a meeting to discuss the situation, attended by more than 100 people.  There was much discussion and several individuals expressed enthusiasm for the community to purchase and run one of the two sites.  We have benefitted from the help of local surveyor Tom Norris-Jones and hospitality consultant Radford Chancellor.  However, at present there are no plans in place to take on either prospect as (a) the acquisition costs are high; (b) there would be considerable further investment required, especially at the Royal Oak; and (c) hitherto there have not been enough people indicating they would be prepared to back the venture financially.

It is possible that there will be further developments in 2026.  Stonegate, in particular, seems determined to find a new tenant for the White Hart.

Newsletter

Thanks to Richard Trinick and his team of distributers, a village newsletter has again been produced three times during the year and is an important part of informing residents of village events and news.

Flood Action Group

Following the closure of the Flood Forum convened by Worplesdon Parish Council, a new Flood Action Group has been set up with the support of Surrey County Council and the National Flood Forum (an independent charity).  Several villagers have been involved and developed thinking about how to protect against a repeat of the flooding that took place in 2024/25.  Ensuring regular maintenance of existing capacity by local authorities and riparian owners is a priority.  Worplesdon Parish Council has done an excellent job in ensuring culverts are clear during 2025/6, which is nominally the job of Guildford Borough Council.  A first meeting of the action group involving other authorities is due to take place on 16^th April.

Footpath between Broad Street and Fairlands

During the course of 2025/26 this footpath has been completely refurbished and now offers a firm, mud free walk way between Wood Street and Worplesdon schools.  Thanks are due to our SCC Councillor Keith Witham who has pursued this project tirelessly.

Thank you Evening

A successful event was held at St Alban’s Hall on 30^th September to thank everyone who helps in the village in any way – the Show, litter picking, delivering newsletters, attending meetings, clearing footpaths. It is one event where nothing is expected of anyone, just come along and meet the many people who help out during the year.

Other matters

A range of other matters have also been discussed at Village Association meetings including the SANG beside Frog Grove Lane, damage to the village green, the Connect bus service in the village and antisocial behaviour. A drop-in session was organized by WPC for villagers to meet the police and talk about any issues; this led to an increased police presence in the village for a short time.

Local Councils

The Association works closely with members of the Parish Council, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council who all come to the meetings.  It should be noted that the arrival of a new unitary authority will mean that there is no longer a Guildford Borough Council, and Surrey County Council will be divided into two, with West Surrey incorporating the Guildford area.  It remains to be seen how the new arrangements will work in practice, with the full effect likely to be visible only in 2027/28.

We are very grateful to our councillors for the time they put in and their willingness to explain what is happening at VA meetings.  By the same token, the meetings are an opportunity for members to raise matters of concern with their representatives.

It is always good to see members bringing forward issues and to know that the Village Association is a useful meeting place to discuss different ideas and new projects for our community.

Thank you to all who participate and support the Association.

Pam asked whether anyone had contacted The Surrey Advertiser regarding the closure of the pubs in Wood Street. Richard explained that the issue had been widely reported on social media and on Radio Surrey but had not been included in The Surrey Advertiser.

TREASURER’S REPORT- Terry Wright

The 2025 Summer Show may not have equalled the roaring success of 2024 but, taking all into account, it was not without merit and the success still helped towards the VA funds.

Footfall at the Summer Show was somewhat down on that of 2024 probably for the main part due to the poor weather overnight and into the morning of show day and since we spent far less on publicity than in previous years. However, the sun eventually came out and the show gave a lot of enjoyment to all those who came along.

Sadly, even the late sun was not enough to make people rush to the drinks tent and whereas in 2024 we completely sold out of drinks, this year we had much left over and, as a result, our 2025 drinks surplus fell short of our expectations. 2025 gave us a surplus of £450 whereas in the previous year our surplus on drinks sales was in excess of £900.

However, as in previous years, Bourne Estate Agents gave us a contribution towards the general cost of holding the show and having spent little of that on publicity banners, their £500 contribution helped us maintain our overall surplus.

Looking back, it was fortunate that 2024 was such a good year for our funds since we were even able to set aside a reserve of £300 towards future maintenance and replacement of our gazebos. So, when we were offered two bell-top gazebos in very good condition, we were able to put that reserve towards the cost and, consequently, the 2025 accounts have only had to bear the cost balance of £700. As well as providing a good attraction for our future shows, there may, of course, also be an opportunity to recoup some of the cost of those gazebos by hiring them to other local events.

Further showers during the afternoon did nothing to help the Fun Dog Show but it continues to grow in popularity, helped in part by the ability for owners to now reserve their dog’s place in the competition on the Show Website, https://www.woodstreetvillageshow.co.uk. The same facility will be open soon for the 2026 show.

2025 was not entirely without national celebrations and we were able to successfully celebrate VE Day the cost of which was offset by specific grants and donations.

To summarise, the Summer Show still provided a healthy contribution of nearly £670 to the Association’s funds and the other events during the year, provided a further surplus of £176.

Remember, the Summer show this year will, as usual, be on the third Saturday in July and this year that will be the 18th July. Save the date!

(The accounts can be found at the end of these minutes.)

Janet suggested that a timer could be used so the Christmas Tree on the green was only lit up at night, thus reducing the electricity costs.

The acceptance of the report was proposed by David Hypher and seconded by Alex Waugh.

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

There was no report from SCC.

GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL REPORT

Alex thanked all three councillors for coming to the meeting.

Honor Brooker gave the report on behalf of Guildford Borough Council.

1. Not much is happening at GBC at the moment as we’re all in election mode. Polling for the West Surrey Unitary Council takes place on 7th May and each division will have 2 candidates elected.
2. At Full Council on 16th March 2026, it was resolved

• That the Council agrees to recommend to the Executive of the future West Surrey shadow authority that it creates a parish council for Guildford from 1 April 2027.
• That the Council approves a supplementary estimate of £300,000 from reserves to be used to fund the set-up costs for the Parish Council in the event that the future West Surrey shadow authority agrees to its creation. So it will still need approval from the new authority.

1. At Full Council on 7th April 2026 a motion was passed to:

• formally endorse the Guildford Town Centre Flood Alleviation Scheme and to working in partnership with the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council and the West Surrey shadow authority (once elected), to secure its delivery.
• Write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging the Government to prioritise funding approval
• Request a meeting with Guildford’s MP to seek their support.
• No funding is expected to be provided by GBC

1. A major fire broke out at the John Gunner Waste Site on the Aldershot Rd, caused apparently by a lithium-ion battery. No one was hurt but significant damage was done to buildings.

Bilal was asked about the Hillplace Farm planning application. This was not discussed at GBC’s April meeting but will hopefully be brought to committee at the May meeting.

The SANG saga continues and it is hoped that the Land Trust will eventually take control of the site.

Alex asked about GBC’s debt and Bilal reassured him by saying GBC does have debts but also has many assets.

PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Bob McShee gave the report on behalf of the Parish Council:

• Pond Maintenance (Algae Control) Barley straw has been deposited in all ponds managed by the Parish Council, including Wood Street Village Pond. This is intended to reduce algae blooms, which have previously impacted water quality and oxygen levels.

Works were carried out by Steve Gunner on behalf of the Parish Council.

• Wood Street Village Pond – Verge Protection Temporary signage has been installed adjacent to Wood Street Village Pond. This is intended to discourage parking on the verge and prevent damage to the surrounding area.
• Great Crested Newt Survey Pond testing for great crested newts is scheduled for 1 May 2026.
• Graffiti Removal Graffiti has been removed from the Broad Street bus shelter by Parish Council groundstaff.
• Parish Council Vacancies There are currently councillor vacancies. Further information is available on the Parish Council website: worplesdon-pc.gov.uk
• BT K6 Phone Kiosk – Frog Grove Lane Repeated vandalism has resulted in damaged glass panes. Will WSVA confirm if they will continue to fund replacements on an ongoing basis?
• Reporting Issues

Potholes: Report to Surrey County Council via https://tellus.surreycc.gov.uk/ or call 0300 200 1003 (urgent cases).

• Fly-tipping: Report to Guildford Borough Council in the first instance.
• Bonfires/Burning (Clasford Common): Report to the Environment Agency pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

• Clerk to the Council Gaynor White has announced her retirement, effective end of July 2026.

Alex asked Bob to express the thanks of WSVA for all that Gaynor has done for the Association over many years. She will be sorely missed but we wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Alex thanked all the members of the committee for their support and hard work over the year.

Alex had asked if the Treasurer and Secretary were willing to stand again and they both agreed:

Treasurer – Terry Wright

Secretary – Alison Johnson

This was proposed by Alex Waugh and seconded by David Hypher.

The auditor of the Association has sadly passed away and Alex suggested that Louise become the auditor for WSVA and also to be elected as Deputy Chairperson for the Association.

It was agreed that the rest of the committee should be voted back ‘en bloc’.

This was proposed by Alex Waugh and seconded by Janet Sutton.

The Chairperson will be voted in at the next WSVA meeting in May.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cheesmans are planning to have a van selling coffee there soon. There is also a new van selling coffee during dog walking hours in a drive on Frog Grove Lane opposite the SANG.

Robert questioned why a pink cherry tree and not a white one has been planted near the roundabout at Rydes Hill to replace one that has died. There are already two white cherry trees there. It was suggested that the choice had been made so that they will flower at different times.

Janet talked about the field of crocheted and knitted poppies she is organising for the roadside outside both churches for Remembrance Day. Anyone can contribute to this project: patterns and wool can be obtained from Janet or the Parish Office.

Louise has created a WhatsApp group that anyone in the village can join and which could be a useful method of communication for village events. Please contact her to join the group:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dv3qqqqyGP8KBc7VzasYzL?mode=gi_t

The meeting closed at 9.20pm.

The next Wood Street Village Association meeting will be held on Monday, 11^th May at 8pm at St. Alban’s Church.

WSVA Accounts to 31st December 2025

WOOD STREET VILLAGE ASSOCIATION AGM
Tuesday, 8th April 2025

Alex Waugh welcomed everyone to the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Wood Street Village Association.

There were apologies from: Honor and Philip Brooker, Hilary Barker, Alison Johnson and Richard Trinick.

Present: Alex Waugh, Keith Witham, Bob McShee, Terry Wright, David Grey, Jennifer Wright, Belinda Baker, Nicky and Martin Parsons, Chris Webb, Caroline Mankelow, Janet Sutton, Robert and Linda Grimmond, Nuala and Leon Crampin, Pam Hypher, Helen Bell and Bilal Akhtar.

The minutes of the previous AGM had been distributed before the meeting.
The minutes were then proposed as being a correct record of the meeting by Linda Grimmond and seconded by Robert Grimmond. There were no matters arising.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
During the winter, The Village Association has been meeting via zoom on the second Monday of every month but now that the weather has improved, we will start meeting again in St. Alban’s Church. Everyone in the village can attend meetings and new members would be most welcome.

Hester’s Yard: The Village Association continued to monitor the proposed development of Hesters Yard, plans for which were rejected by Guildford Borough Council early in 2024. The developers appealed the discussion, and an inquiry was held by the appointed inspector in October 2024. The VA decided to attend the inquiry as an observer as the main point of appeal concerned Green Belt infringement (a matter of planning law) rather than loss of business accommodation which had been the concern of the majority of members. In the event, the inspector rejected the appeal. It is anticipated that a renewed application will be made during 2025.

Litter picks: The Association has planned regular litter picks (thanks to Ali Johnson for organising all who turn out for these). There has been a record number of people helping out, and it really makes a difference – if only for a short while. The VA has also linked up with WSV School which also gets its children involved in litter collection

Summer Show: The village show is run in partnership between the VA and the Horticultural Society, which has its annual exhibition and competition in the marquee. The financial side of the show is covered in the Treasurer’s report. 2024 saw near perfect weather and an excellent level of attendance. There was a very good mix of stalls (congratulations to Emma Jones for managing that) and entertainment. As a result, the showground was full throughout the event and people were well distributed round the green. The event helps raise money and awareness for local groups such as the Scouts (who also help with car park management), the Church (who run the tea tent), and small local charities. There are many people who help with the day from both the Horticultural Society and the Village Association. We are very grateful to everyone who helps in any way, but especially to members of the show committee who put in the hours in the months leading up to the event. The 2025 show will take place on 19th July, so please avoid booking your holidays and come along to join in and help out. The show is the core of a weekend’s entertainment including the band playing in the evening (thanks Terry Wright for organising) and thee Jazz festival on Sunday in support of Challengers. It really is a special weekend in the life of our village and helps raise funds for local causes.

Carol Singing: The communal Carol Singing on the village green in December was, once again, a very memorable occasion and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves as well as raising around £370 for The Children’s Society. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event.

Newsletter: Thanks to Richard Trinick and his team of distributers, a village newsletter has again been produced three times during the year and is an important part of informing residents of village events and news.

Flooding: 2024/25 saw a number of flooding events in the village. Blocked ditches and drains certainly contribute to these, and the situation is not helped by the many different agencies and landowners with responsibilities. Worplesdon Parish Council has done an excellent job in trying to cajole others into action through the flood forum, but this is now being suspended as others seem unwilling to take action. Within the village, thanks must go to Chris Webb and Mark Covington who have persisted in efforts to make progress on blocked ditches along Frog Grove Lane.

Fly Tipping: There have been too many incidents of fly-tipping during the year. However, on a few occasions it has been possible to identify the source of the material and Surrey County Council has taken action against the relevant property owner. We are very grateful for the prompt action of Worplesdon Parish Council, where the team do a great job in facilitating action and clearance of the mess.

Thank you Evening: A successful event was held at the Royal Oak on 24th September to thank everyone who helps in the village in any way – the Show, litter picking, delivering newsletters attending meetings, clearing footpaths etc. It is one event where nothing is expected of anyone, just come along and meet the many people who help out during the year.

Other matters: A range of other matters have also been discussed at Village Association meetings including the SANG down Frog Grove Lane, planning applications, damage to the village green and the new Connect bus service in the village.

Local Councils: The Association works closely with members of the Parish Council, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council who all come to the meetings. We are very grateful to our councillors for the time they put in and their willingness to explain what is happening. By the same token, the meetings are an opportunity for members to raise matters of concern with their representatives.
It is always good to see members bringing forward issues and to know that the Village Association is a useful meeting place to discuss different ideas and new projects for our community.
Thank you to all who participate and support the Association.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Was 2024 the year we finally said ‘Goodbye’ to the Covid years? Judging by the results of the Summer Show both for the Village Association and for the Horticultural Society, it certainly seemed that way.
We started the year on a cold note and Spring was later getting started than usual. As a result, the Spring flowers were no sooner with us than they were gone. However, Spring duly arrived and Janet Sutton and her merry band of helpers again presented us with a wonderful display of dancing around the village Maypole mainly by the Village children. Long may this wonderful annual quintessential tradition heralding the arrival of Spring continue.
We were soon busy with arrangements for the Summer & Horticultural Show. The number of members registering entries for the Horticultural show some three days before the event itself was for the first time back up to pre-Covid levels and that heralded a fantastic day on the Village Green on 20th July. Emma Jones together with her Show team all headed by Chairman Alex Waugh gave us the very best show for many years. Even the draught beer and draught cider completely sold out before the afternoon was out and the music provided by the Key of Jay band in the marquee in the evening was its usual success.
The success of the Show is clearly reflected in the attached accounts. The income from the stalls and sideshows was over £1000 higher than 2023 and even after paying for the replacement of the gazebo that ‘walked’ in 2023 and creating an Equipment Reserve to cover any future such losses or damage, the show surplus still remained comfortably above that of 2023.
The general activities of the VA also showed a surplus for the year, albeit no doubt helped by the absence of costly celebrations although £90 was spent for mince pies and hot drinks at the annual traditional singing of carols around the Christmas Tree on the Green, all proceeds being donated to the Children’s Society.
So, at the end of 2024, a net surplus of over £1100 remained which will give a good start to the current year’s activities. Let’s just hope the weather is again kind on Show Day 2025 and that a safe and enjoyable day is had by all the residents of Wood Street Village and our neighbouring villages.

Terry talked through the accounts in considerable detail.
Pam has suggested that The History Society could transfer money from their account into the WSVA account as the WSVA is now paying the annual website cost of the History Society.
The electricity cost has gone up this year compared to 2023 because last year some of the cost was shared with the Horticultural Society to cover the Summer Show.

The acceptance of the report was proposed by Alex Waugh and seconded by Bob McShee.

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
Keith referred to his monthly newsletters for all local information
He then talked about the government proposal to abolish GBC and SCC. There has been some form of local government since 1257 and the reign of Henry II. This new unitary process will probably involve either 2 or 3 councils being established in Surrey. It will be interesting to see how the county will be split up, especially as it will need to take over the debts of the previous council. A mayor will also be elected. A final decision by the government should be made by the Autumn.
A question was asked about whether parish councils will continue to exist. There is talk of new community councils being established but with the caveat that they will have no tax-raising powers.

GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL REPORT
Bilal Akhtar gave the report on behalf of Guildford Borough Council.
The next local plan has started to be written and will cover the next 15 years. The housing target for Guildford has increased.
A new planning application will be submitted for Hester’s Yard which will include more social housing. The government changes regarding Green Belt development may influence the decision on Hester’s Yard.
Bilal has continued to put pressure on the relevant councillors regarding any further developments on the SANG. The Council has sent the relevant documents to the landowners but they have yet to respond. Once these have been agreed, the Land Trust can then take over within a matter of days.

Chris Webb asked whether planning enforcement is being pursued about the ditch situation down Frog Grove Lane because mixed messages are being given by the different parties involved. Bilal offered to investigate the situation.

PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Bob McShee gave the report on behalf of the Parish Council:
1.Worplesdon Flood Forum – The Parish Council is not planning any Flood Forum meetings for the foreseeable future. Administering the Flood Forum since the beginning of 2024 has become exceptionally time-consuming and unduly burdensome, to the detriment of the Parish Council’s other work. Worplesdon Parish Council has no statutory responsibility for flooding, its only responsibility for flooding is that of riparian ownership of land for which the Parish Council has a direct responsibility. Surrey County Council remains the Lead Local Authority for flooding issues. The County Council officers continue to work closely with officers at the Borough Council, Environment Agency, and Thames Water.
2.Flood Awareness and Resilience Event 25.2.25 – This event, facilitated by the Parish Council, was well attended. Stall holders included the National Flood Forum, The Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council, FloodRe, and Surrey Fire and Rescue. A total of 48 residents attended the event.
3.Peter Trevena’s last working day – Peter will be retiring on 11 April 2025. We thank Peter for all his help over the past 15 years and wish him every happiness for a long, healthy, and happy retirement.
4.Wildlife Pond – Nevins Copse – Our Groundstaff have dug out a new wildlife pond at Nevins Copse as part of the Parish Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
5.No horse-riding sign – A temporary sign has been attached to the rear of the White Hart Lane
T-Junction sign. It is up high to make it easier for horse riders to see.
6.WWII war memorial Merrist Wood Golf Course – The plaque has been resecured to the plinth by Peter Trevena.
7.Fly-tip near Wood Street Village Cricket Club – This has been reported to Surrey County Council, we understand.
8.Bonfire beside Wood Street Village Pond – Monday 7 April 2025 – Steve Gunner kindly spoke to the teenagers who had created a bonfire next to the pond. Steve ensured the bonfire was immediately extinguished. We are most grateful for Steve’s assistance with this matter in the absence of our Groundstaff.

Bob also talked about speeding through Wood Street and particularly along Broad Street. The police are monitoring the situation on a regular basis.
Bob will ask Gaynor about the situation regarding the caravan parked in the layby by the green but thinks it might be the responsibility of Surrey County Council.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Alex thanked all the members of the committee for their support and hard work over the year.

Alex asked if the Treasurer and Secretary were willing to stand again and they both agreed:
Treasurer- Terry Wright
Secretary – Alison Johnson
This was proposed by Alex Waugh and seconded by Janet Sutton.

The re-election of the honorary auditor – Richard Everall- was proposed by Terry Wright and seconded by Alex Waugh.

It was agreed that the rest of the committee should be voted back ‘en bloc’.
This was proposed by Alex Waugh and seconded by Nicky Parsons.
Alex made the point that any resident of Wood Street Village is allowed to come to meetings and become part of the committee.
The Chairperson will be voted in at the next WSVA meeting in May.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Saturday, May 8th: Maypole Dancing and the Horticultural Plant Sale will take place. At present, there are only 10 maypole dancers.
Thursday, 8th May: We will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A group of elderly residents will be meeting with Year 2 from Wood Street School at 1pm to enjoy fish and chips together and to chat about what it was like to live through the war. They will also be sharing some craft activities. At 6.15pm, there will be community singing on the green, live music and the beacon will be lit at dusk. The fish and chip van will be there if you want to buy food. Please bring your own chairs and drinks.
The Royal Oak has been sold and is now closed and The White Hart seems to be struggling. The idea of a community pub was discussed but it would need a group of very enthusiastic and committed people to pursue this course. It was suggested that we need to be proactive at this time and so it was agreed that a letter should be written to the owners of The White Hart, Stonehouse Gate, on behalf of the villagers, to ask about the situation and the long-term plans for the pub.
David reported that two applicants for the position of Rector would be touring the parish the next day, followed by supper with the PCC the same evening. Interviews would be held on Thursday, 10th April. He is hopeful that there will be a successful candidate.

The meeting closed at 9.40pm.

The next Wood Street Village Association meeting will be held on Monday, 12th May at 8pm in St. Alban’s Hall.