The WWII Avenue of Remembrance - The Tilt, Cobham

Newcomers to the Cobham area often comment on the attractive avenue of cherry trees that line either side of the Stoke Road and the entrance to Mizen Way on the Tilt Green. Typically, they flower late April or early May.

These forty four trees have a special significance as they were planted as a memorial after the Second World War by the Cobham Village Women's Institute with each tree commemorating a life lost from Cobham during the Second World War, 1939-1945. The Dedication Service for the Avenue of Flowering Cherry Trees took place on Sunday 24th February 1946.

When originally planted each tree had a metal collar with the name of a serviceman. Over time some of these trees have died and although the tree has been replaced, most of these collars have been lost. We know all the names of those commemorated but we don't know for certain which name appeared on which tree. If you know which name appeared on which tree please let us know so we can complete the list shown below? Three serviceman did not have a tree.

Trees replaced more recently have not faired so well. Following an Elmbridge Borough Council public consultation at the end of 2017, it was agreed that all the trees would be replaced to make a uniform avenue once again in honour of the brave serviceman from Cobham who lost their lives in WWII. All the trees were replaced in February 2018.

On the 26th April 2009 the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust completed a project to add a memorial plinth as a lasting reminder of those local service people who lost their lives in the Second World War. This project was completed with the help and support of Elmbridge Borough Council, the Cobham Evening Women's Institute, Royal British Legion (Cobham Branch) and St Andrew's Church, Cobham. Further details of the unveiling of the memorial plaque can be found here.

Read more: The WWII Avenue of Remembrance - The Tilt, Cobham

Cobham Heritage Publications

Cobham Heritage has a number of publications which document the rich history of our local area.

These publications can be purchased at our open meetings, Cobham Heritage Day and other events with the profits being used to further our work. The "Cobham Tilt - A Guide and History" and "Downside - A Guide and History" are also available from The Cobham Bookshop at a cost of £7.99 each.

The current publications are:-

£1

£6.99

£6.99

£20

Click on the publication for more details and to download an order form.

All publications subject to availablity. Post and packing at additional cost.

Fighting the NEW TOWN threat to WISLEY - Public Meeting 1st June 2017

The continuation of the planning battle which affects Ockham, Ripley, Wisley, Cobham, Clandon, Send, and the Horsleys continues with a four week public enquiry in September 2017.

The Wisley Action Group (WAG) have arranged a public meeting at the Ripley Village Hall on Thursday 1st June 2017 at 7:30pm.

Wisley prepares to fight plans for 2,000 houses in a 4 week public enquiry

Following a unanimous rejection by Guildford Borough Council last year, plans by a Cayman Island-based company to build over 2,000 houses on green belt land at ‘Three Farms Meadows’, the former Wisley airfield, will be the subject of a planning appeal later this year in September.

The Wisley Action Group [WAG] is fighting back. It will be represented throughout the four week public enquiry by one of Britain’s leading QCs who will present the compelling case for rejection of this devastating proposal for north east Guildford. We urge you to support WAG’s fight to protect our precious countryside.

WAG’s QC has described the plans as the wrong project in the wrong place, citing 14 planning reasons why it should be refused. The view was supported by Guildford’s planning officers’ report which said that the scheme represented inappropriate development in the green belt with a “clear and substantial impact on its openness” and failed to provide an “appropriate provision of affordable housing”.

Heritage Day 2017 Volunteers

Cobham Heritage Day will be taking place this year on Saturday 9th September 2017. As always, the trust relies on volunteers to help the day go smoothly and to be involved with the preparation for the great day.

The purpose of Heritage Day is to provide a community event for the Cobham community with the support and involvement of the local community using local volunteers showcasing Cobham Heritage to the community and to visitors.

We need about 100 volunteers each year and this year we have introduced a new system where you can register and find out which volunteering oportunities are on offer. Even if you only have a couple of hours before or on the day, your contribution of time can make the day a success.

To find out more just click on the Heritage Day Volunteer button below and you will be taken to the Volunteering Opportunities website. Click on the "Fill in an application" button, enter a username and your email address and click the "Save and Continue" button. If you have already registered, just enter your username and password to enter the system and choose the volunteer opportunities you would like to be a part of. The earlier you volunteer, the greater selection of volunteer opportunities will be available.