The revived Local History group held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 20 October, the original group having folded about three years ago. The meeting was very well attended by 16 members, a number of whom were members of the original group.
Dorking Cricket Club players staged a recreation of an 18th-century cricket match on Cotmandene in July 1996
Hilda Burden gave us a fascinating insight into the history of Dorking, from its Saxon beginnings up to the more recent history of the 20th century. She covered such subjects as William the Conqueror, cricket being played on Cotmandene in the 18th century, and the construction of the Dorking bypass in the 1930s. Did you know that when the convoy of Canadian Army vehicles left the Dorking and Leatherhead area on the way to embark for the D-Day landings the convoy took 36 hours to pass Dorking!
A number of topics were suggested for future discussion: social changes to the area, the old roads running through the town, the development of local industries, and famous residents both Dorking-born and incomers.
The next meeting of the group will take place on Wednesday 17 November and thereafter on the third Wednesday of each month. Given that the group attracted so many members, future meetings will be held in Dorking town at a location to be advised.
If you would be interested in joining this fascinating group, please contact Hilda at hildaburden@gmail.com or by phone on 01737 842516.
Gareth Balle