Sadly our President, Gordon Mills, has passed away

Disraeli said

“Never take anything for granted” but, of course, we all do. We may live in Cobham or pass through it, but I wonder if we ever pause to appreciate its interesting features or stop to reflect that it takes careful thought, skilful planning, and a great deal of effort to preserve the things that give us pleasure."

These words were written by our President, Gordon Mills in the Foreword to the Short History and Guide to the Cobham Conservation Areas in November 1980. He was, at the time, the Chairman of the Cobham Conservation Group. Sadly Gordon passed away on Monday 11th March 2019 and he will be a great loss to the community.

Gordon was born in Cardiff on the 22 September 1931. He moved to Cobham when he married Olive in 1956. He worked for the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group all his working life, being their longest serving employee when he retired as a Chief Surveyor. The nature of his work gave him a great insight into the architectural features and history of Churches, Cathedrals and Stately Homes.

The demolition of Gamage’s store on Cobham High Street was the catalyst to create Cobham Conservation Group in 1973, with others who were passionate to preserve Cobham. He was Chairman of the Group for many years and was proud of the group’s achievements, with conservation status being awarded to various parts of Cobham and Downside. When the Conservation Group was relaunched in November 2005 as the Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust, Gordon became it’s President.

Gordon was an active member of the community, being involved with the Labour Party, 1st Cobham Scouts, School PTA’s, and in the restoration of Cobham Mill. He was a JP, and as a magistrate sat mainly in the family court, initially at Walton until it closed, and then at Guildford. He vigorously campaigned for a footpath from Cobham to Downside, and the building of a bridge at Ash Ford which has enabled thousands of people to enjoy the circular walk from Cobham, through Downside and back via Stoke D’Abernon.

Gordon was married for over 60 years to Olive with a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. To mark their diamond wedding anniversary the family commissioned a bench to be placed on Downside Common for others to enjoy the conservation area he cared about so much.

Oakdene Parade - Queens 90th Birthday Tree

The Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust has been working with Elmbridge Borough Council Leisure and Cultural Services department to make improvements to the Oakdene Parade shrub bed which has become overgrown and blocks the view between Oakdene Parade and Cobham High Street. As part of this, a tree has been planted to commemorate the Queens 90th birthday. This has been another great joint project between the Trust and Elmbridge Borough Council.

Volunteers and members of the EBC Leisure and Cultural Services worked hard to clear teh site and replant it on the 18th November 2018. An estate guard isi to be ordered to protect teh tree and an official dedication will take place in the Spring of 2019.

Here are a few photos showing the before and after and the volunteers hard at work. Click on a photo to see a larger image.

New Cobham Heritage Book Available - Church Cobham, A Guide and History

Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust is delighted to announce the publication of its latest book in the series "A Guide and History" written by our local historian Dr David Taylor.

"Church Cobham, A Guide and History" provides a brief history and guide to the many interesting buildings that still exist in Church Cobham - the first Cobham Conservation Area.

This book together with "Cobham Tilt, A Guide and History" and "Downside, A Guide and History" make ideal Christmas gifts and will be available for sale at the Trust's Open Meeting on Wed 12th December 2018. Each book is is normally £7.99 but are only £6.99 each if you buy them direct from the Trust. The proceeds from these books will go to help fund the work of the Trust and we thank Dr Taylor for his support.

All three books are also available from the Cobham Bookshop or direct by downloading and completing the order form below.

Download the Order Form

'Silent Soldier' silhouette on display on the Tilt

Cobham Heritage has purchased a 'Silent Soldier' silhouette to be part of a movement to say 'Thank You' to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed, rebuilt and changed the nation. The silhouette has been positioned on the Tilt near to the WWII memorial as an act of Remembrance and to support the valuable work of The Royal British Legion.

The silhouettes are being displayed across the country by businesses, local authorities and individuals as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War.

WW1 Silent Soldier in position on the Tilt alongside the WW2 Memorial

Sir Gerry Acher - Cobham Heritage Chairman, David Tipping - Cobham Heritage Vice Chairman and David Bellchamber - Cobham Royal British Legion Chairman positioning the 'Silent Soldier'