Celebrations have been taking place this year at the Peace Memorial Hall, to mark its 80th anniversary.
Its very creation was itself impressive considering the population of Ashtead at the time was between 4-5,000. The foundation stone was laid on 21 June 1924 and the distinguished Lord Mayor of London Sir Rowland Blades (later Lord Ebbisham) officially opened the building to the public just four months later on 3 November 1924.
The opening took place in the same year as the British Empire Exhibition - which attracted 17.5 million visitors and was a huge boost to trade and commerce between Britain and its colonies. Local companies played their part: Ashtead Potters, with a range of commemorative items, and Goblin, famous at the time for its vacuum cleaners, both took eminent roles.
Many of the charities support mission programmes in developing countries as well as helping organisations closer to home. In past years, more than £5,000 has been raised from the event, and organisers are hoping to match this sum in November.
Offers of help would be greatly appreciated. If you have goods to donate, can bake a cake or could give an hour of your time, please call one of the organisers - Viviane Sinnock 274796 or Linda Maynard 279684.
