November 2021 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Dorking Bandstand,

We are glad to report several significant items of progress since the last newsletter.

First, we are really pleased to welcome Nina Hoeve to the team. Nina has agreed to help manage our social media communications – much needed specialist input! We have already had our first meetings with Nina and a communications strategy and plan of action is being prepared to aid our fund raising.

Second, equally pleasing to report, we have submitted a planning application to Mole Valley District Council. This is of course key to getting a decision in principle that the project can go ahead on council land at the Meadowbank Park. The process has been delayed by the need for a Flood Risk Assessment and problems with the Environment Agency, but these issues are now resolved.

The registration number is MO/2021/1989, and the application will be available to view on the MVDC website (https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/home/building-planning/planning-applications). There is a three week consultation period during which the planners will accept comments, both supportive and critical of the proposal and in line with those matters relevant to planning. Representations can be input directly onto the website, or by email to planning@molevalley.gov.uk or by post.

We continue with our process of engagement with key community organisations and between us we have now given presentations to Dorking Choral Society; Mickleham Choral Society; Dorking Business Breakfast Club; The Dorking Society/Dorking Museum; Dorking Town Forum; Dorking Town Partnership/BID. We have further presentations planned to LHMF and  Beare Green and Newdigate Choral Society. After half term, we will be seeking to engage with local schools and many other organisations.

If you are part of a group – or have contacts with a group – that might like a brief outline of the project, please drop us an email. We are very keen to spread the word!

Looking ahead, we are starting fund raising with local businesses and organisations, looking for donations; pledges of support when we get a firm decision on planning; or sponsorship to help both build the bandstand and to cover the costs of running the programme of concerts going forward. As ever, happy to hear from you. We will be developing our crowd funding plans with Nina. 

Finally, our sign up lists show overwhelming support for the scheme so we are optimistic it will proceed!

Thank you for your encouragement.

Kind regards,
The Trustees
Pandemic Community Bandstand CIO