by Trevor Dale
The National Lottery Heritage Fund application was successfully submitted in mid August. We will know the result by mid December. The crucial aspect of the lease and an associated licence of alteration were agreed with just days to spare.
My Cranleigh – A Digital Archive of the Heritage of England’s Largest Village.
Alongside the project to conserve the first Cottage Hospital in England, we are also creating a digital archive of the heritage of Cranleigh to help make heritage appeal to all ages.
In your feedback on saving the first Cottage Hospital there was a lot of interest in having a museum to record the history of Cranleigh. Unfortunately, this is not practical as the building is not big enough to be a museum. Furthermore, the National Lottery will not fund a museum as a matter of policy. So, our plan is to make the building a Heritage and Community hub where we can tell the story of the building, the Cottage Hospital Movement which led to the creation of the NHS in 1948 and also open the building for all generations to use.
Over recent years the population of Cranleigh has increased and many may not be familiar with the history of the village in which they live. By engaging everyone we can ensure the heritage of Cranleigh has a sustainable future.There is limited history of our village available online so this is a great opportunity to record it and make it accessible for all.
The Archive will display memories of Cranleigh and the surrounding areas as it is today and was in the past. The site will be edited by volunteers and people will be able to add knowledge memories, photos and opinions via a link form. If you wanted to find out about the history of the Lions bonfire, the High Street in the 1960s, the first cottage hospital in 1859, then this will be the website to go to.
Cranleigh has always been a lively community, and the website will reflect this for all ages. There will be photos, articles and many questions that need answering by you the public.
Anything to do with life in Cranleigh, past or present will be included to the benefit of future generations.
Would you like to get involved as a volunteer Editor?
We are looking for just a few people who are interested in the history of the area, to take on the role of editor for the new My Cranleigh website. You do not need any specialist technical knowledge or a background in web design. However, you should be comfortable and confident about using computers. Training will be provided. You will be checking and publishing content submitted by the project team and visitors to the website. Many people find the role so enjoyable that they continue for several years, but in the first instance we are hoping to find up to five people who can provide an average of up to 4 hours a week to work on the website for a year.
We plan to launch My Cranleigh in Spring 2025. The community will be able to add their own stories, memories or information to the site via a contribution form at the bottom of each page.
Please contact Howard Barratt at to find out more about volunteering.
Funding is provided by The 1000 Club grows to help even more of the Village.
Cranleigh Heritage Trust and the 1170 Charity are delighted to announce that Cranleigh Arts Centre is now a full partner and gathering new members for the Cranleigh 1000 Club. Join us for just £5 a month to be in with a chance of winning a lottery-style draw.
Every month a lucky winner will walk away with half the total cash pot. The remaining half will be split between Cranleigh Heritage Trust, the 1170 Charity, and Cranleigh Arts Centre.
Win or not, you’ll be supporting three of Cranleigh’s oldest buildings and their rich heritage. The August draw held at the Lions Classic Car Show had a £200 prize. A new website will shortly be launched to announce news and make joining easier at www.cranleigh1000.club
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
There are many opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers to join the project. This promises to be a rewarding challenge for those with an interest in history and heritage, or in helping people. Please contact us by phone, 01483 272987, letter or email to;
If you are a charity, business or therapist please do contact us to register your interest. We need long-term partners, and the Heritage Fund panel needs us to show them how we are engaging with our community.
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities please do 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
