Open for business and available to serve our community
Napper Centre opened officially on 4th September and swiftly followed up with several events for many of those who had helped the project, the History Society and the general public on National Heritage Weekend. We are delighted to have received a multitude of compliments about the finished craftwork and the sheer transformation of the virtually derelict old cottage. Many of the visitors had seen the cottage in its run-down state and could scarcely believe the change. Of course, one or two aren’t happy but we hope to have explained reasons why decisions were made. I can assure you none were taken lightly!
The reaction to the audio experience in the operating theatre has been terrific. It is a recreation of a typical surgical intervention in about 1860. We used local amateur actors with a variety of accents as displayed by the known characters here at that time. Such as nurse Smith who hailed from the West Midlands. It’s fun but also paints an audible picture of life at the time.
Some people have asked why the porch roof was extended across and the answer is that was a requirement of the Listed Building Consent from our local council. Why the fake grass? Simply because we have used our marquee for hospitality for the opening and Heritage Weekend, the weather had not been suitable to plant grass or turf, so we wanted to try and keep visitors’ feet clean and also minimise mud and grime on the new floor. Planting the garden up with medicinal plants has started, and we are wishing for rain!
The first official hiring has taken place, art appreciation with the U3A. Yoga has been practised too and the warm wooden floor courtesy of the underfloor heating has been greatly appreciated. We have received enquiries for Pilates and other relaxation and exercise classes. The Trustees are hoping to bring in new mental health resources, not currently available here. There are more activities booked in and we are actively seeking new services to the village under the generic term health and wellbeing. The aim has always been to work with providers, both public and private, of therapies and social prescribing, which is a non-medical approach that connects people to local community groups, activities and services to improve their health and wellbeing.
If you are interested in hiring, or have information about services that are currently not available here, please use https://www.nappercentre.org.uk/contact-us/
Bookings and availability are also shown on our website www.nappercentre.org.uk/our-rooms/napper-centre-bookings/. Where it states ‘private event’ it simply means not publicly available.
This article first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Cranleigh Magazine. Pick up your free copy around the village, or read more at cranleighmagazine.co.uk.
