We had visitors from far and wide for Heritage Day when our team were sharing information about the project at the Arts Centre. Howard Barratt, one of our Trustees, lead heritage walks around the historic buildings nearby, braving the inclement weather.
We had a few more members sign up to the 1000 Club, which continues to share substantial prizes while helping to raise funds for Cranleigh Heritage Trust, the 1170 charity and of course Cranleigh Arts charity. The September prize of £445 was won by Karen. If you haven’t joined yet, the Christmas Draw in mid-December will offer a prize of £1000 but you need to register by early November. Head to www.cranleigh1000.club or contact
Showing people the interior of the Cottage Hospital is not realistic currently, but we were able to show round a small group from the Cranleigh Youth Council.
The group were stunned at the thought of this humble building being erected over 500 years ago, before the High Street existed. It can be quite an experience to stand on historic floorboards, especially with the current state where restoration is urgently required. Hearing the immediate reactions of young people to tales of the Victorian operating theatre gave us much enthusiasm and food for thought when it comes to organising educational visits and enhancing close relations with local schools. This will be a tremendous aid to appreciation of local history for current and future generations.
Added to that we now have the beautifully restored doctors’ desk back from the wonderful craftmanship of local resident Brian Kilduff. This is planned to be exhibited when we reopen in the Summer of 2026. We believe it is over 100 years old and possibly used by Dr Albert Arthur Napper, son of the founder, Dr Albert Napper. We are extremely grateful to Brian for his tremendous work. The desk and old chest are safely stored, and I am looking at them both right now.
As I write in mid-September we are evaluating the tenders for the renovation and deciding on the final finer details. Of necessity it is a balance between those aspects which are a ‘nice to’ and those which are a ‘must do’. Money is not unlimited, sadly.
The MyCranleigh website (mycranleigh.org.uk) now sports a splendid video guide to Cranleigh’s historic buildings courtesy of Michael Miller, renowned local historian and made by Peter Morgan. Click through to ‘videos’.
We also have a new website, cranleighcottagehospital.org that focuses on the restoration of the old Cottage Hospital specifically. We are very grateful to Nigel West, another of our Trustees for his time and expertise.
So, soon, we hope you’ll be able to see some evidence of work starting proper. Sadly, we will require screens for security, much like those outside the recently renovated Oliver House, but it will herald that much-promised fresh start.
FURTHER SUPPORT
FOR THE PROJECT
Cranleigh Heritage Trust has been joined, recently, by some volunteers, helping plan the future uses and develop our plan to benefit as much of the community as possible. We are actively seeking new members to join the team now that we have a live project. If you believe you have skills and time to use them that would be helpful to a heritage project, please contact us.
To get in touch email the
team@cranleighheritage trust.org.uk.
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities please write to us with the following information:
1. Brief description of what you offer and the benefits to clients and customers.
2. Say if and where you currently offer this service and why people would use the cottage to meet you.
3. Brief declaration of support for the project in general.
4. Return name and address and any website or social media links.
Thank you so much!
Trustees Trevor Dale – Chair; Howard Barratt; Jane Briggs; Chris Bulley; Sue Dale; Nigel West. Advisors Bob Callard – architect; Joanna James – business advisor, Michael Miller and Joy Horn, history advisors.
Visit our website: www.cranleighheritagetrust.org.uk
