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By David Grantham
News in brief
Reigate Business Guild’s Christmas Fayre takes place today, Saturday, 11.30am – 5pm, one of the most popular events in the town’s calendar. The guild has said: “As well as the stalls in Church Street there is a lot of entertainment for all the family including our main stage in Church Street and also The Yuletide Tunnel in Tunnel Road. The Christmas lights switch on will take place at 16:30”. More on the guild’s Facebook page (Opens in a new window) and website (Opens in a new window).
Santa is due to make his annual helicopter arrival in Priory Park, also today. The event (Opens in a new window) runs from 9.30am with landing “approx 10.30am depending on air-traffic control/weather”. Organisers Redhill & Reigate Round Table have also posted (Opens in a new window): “It’s always busy so get there early. Come and join me and my elves for lots of food, drink and gift stalls and fun things for all the family to keep everyone occupied. Santa will also be in his grotto after landing.”
£500,000 has been awarded to 11 community projects in the latest share-out (Opens in a new window) of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. Recipients included the Pathfinder Scout Group, Salfords Village Hall and Merstham Football Club. Some 36 bids were made, for more than £5 million. The council hopes there will be more funding next year, perhaps including some of those who missed out this round. CIL is a charge levied on developers.
“You’re their person” is a campaign launched (Opens in a new window) by Surrey Fire & Rescue, encouraging loved ones, carers and others to look out for vulnerable people this winter by referring them for a free “Safe and Well (Opens in a new window)” check. The visits look at fire safety as well as other issues such as falls prevention, home security and connecting with other support services if needed.
Local artist behind season’s stamps
This year’s Christmas stamps – “a fresh and vibrant interpretation of the Nativity story” – were designed by an illustrator who lives in Reigate, Paula Doherty.
When Royal Mail unveiled the set of five stamps earlier this month, Doherty said: “I’m so delighted that my designs will finally be out in print and feel excited and slightly overwhelmed to think that they will be on envelopes flying all around the world this Christmas.
“The hardest part of the whole process was keeping my involvement under wraps as the unveiling of the Christmas stamps is part of the magic so I couldn’t tell anyone until their release. It was a long time to keep a secret.”
Royal Mail said: “The illustrations for this year’s Christmas stamps celebrate the beauty of surface and texture.
“The designs evoke the richness of inlaid marble, enamelling, marquetry, and collage—each suggesting a tactile, crafted quality.
“These techniques share a common thread: assemblage.
“Through various fragments brought together in harmony, Paula’s work offers a fresh and vibrant interpretation of the Nativity story.”
More of Paula Doherty’s work is here (Opens in a new window).
Former councillors recognised for service
Three former Reigate & Banstead councillors have been honoured for their services to the borough by being made aldermen, allowing them to be invited to and participate in civic events.
As well as their time as councillors and committee members, Jill Bray was mayor 2021-2022, Mark Brunt did five years’ service as leader until 2023, and Dr Lynne Hack served as council leader 2007-08 and mayor 2013-14.
Cllr Richard Biggs, current council leader, said (Opens in a new window) of the three: “Their service to this great borough has been exemplary.
“Mark guided the council through Covid – a time of great need – ensuring that help was provided to staff, members, and residents in need of physical and other support. He was a strong advocate for Merstham and involved in much of the regeneration work that the council has provided for the area.
“Jill was a long-term member of Raven Housing Trust when it was establishing itself as a social housing provider for this council. She sat on the planning committee, and as mayor, excelled in her rapport with residents – often catering many of her mayoral events.
“Lynne chaired the licensing and regulatory committee as well as the employment committee, and as leader of the Council, she advocated strongly for local issues.
“I am delighted to see the three honoured for their exemplary service.”
Councillors conferred the awards at a special council meeting (Opens in a new window) earlier this month.
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