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March 3rd 1936

The Meeting was called by Mr. Wallace Elliot and Messrs. Acworth, M Aukitile, Bretell, Elliot, Lascolles, Sir Edward Le Marchant and Major Wickam were present. Mr. Acworth was appointed Hon. Sec & Treasurer. A scheme was outlined, with the aid of Map of the Manorial Land whereby Lord Onslow was prepared to hand over the care of the manorial common land to the Committee. This he had incorporated in a letter, a copy of which it was proposed should be sent out to obtain subscriptions for the expenses of the project.

Applications for the post of Common Keeper were discussed. Retd. Police Sergeant Bond appointed subject to agreement between himself and Committee re: his duties and salary. Disagreement between members as to salary, a figure of £40 being mentioned but Mr. Lascelles thought Bond would be satisfied with considerably less. Mr. Acworth asked to negotiate the business.

The Committee finally agreed that £200 would be necessary to carry out the work. Members agreed to canvass their areas for donations.

20th April, 1936

The Committee considered various drafts and agreed on a letter to send out to possible subscribers. A draft of the duties of the Common Keeper was also discussed.

26th April, 1936

Mr. Bond had been appointed as Common Keeper at a salary of £65 p.a. It was agreed that the appointment should be subject to three months' notice on either side.

The Chairman reported on the meeting between himself, the Secretary and Mr. Merriman, Lord Onslow's lawyer. 18 notice boards had been ordered at a cost of 12/6d. each.They agreed that an account should be opened at Lloyds Bank, Woking and that the Treasurer should sign cheques. It was also agreed that the deed promised by Lord Onslow should be lodged in the bank.A long discussion took place re: parking places on the Common. It was considered important that whatever place was accepted, that place should be adhered to. Some of the points raised were
danger of fire
danger from cars parked on the road
damage caused to the verges and road edges if cars were parked by the side of the road
damage by indiscriminate parking.

On the advice of Mr. Merriman, the Chairman thought that gypsies and fair people should be allowed to camp in the usual place during Ascot Week, but that it should be pointed out that this was a concession. Agreed this should be granted some members thought it would be impossible to withold it.

13th May, 1936 The meeting was held at the gates of Chobham Place. The Chairman pointed out the damage done to the Common by army mechanical transport and also refuse of all kinds deposited by gypsies. The Meeting was completed at Valley Wood Place. The Chairman read Lord Onslow's authority given to the Committee for the care of the Common and, also recorded the receipt from Lord Onslow of a Deed Poll dated April 7th, 1936.

The Committee agreed on one car park at Staple Hill and possibly another at the place where the gypsies generally encamped during Ascot week. With regard to the gypsies both before and during the Ascot Races the Chairman expressed a strong view about refusing them permission to camp anywhere. Sir Edward, Mr. Lascelles and Mr. Acworth held the opposite view, it was not only unwise but not right to interfere with a privilege which the gypsies had enjoyed. Mr. Lascelles and Major Wickham suggested that the encampment pitch should be changed from its present position to a spot on the Longcross Windlesham Road. The matter was deferred to the next meeting. 24th May, 1936

Two car parks agreed
one at Staple Hill and another south of the Queen's memorial. Demarcation of these two sites was thought best by means of bounding by a ditch. The Common Keeper reported to them that the police were now empowered to deal with gypsy encampments under the new Act. In the meantime, a pitch for the Ascot week was fixed at the bottom of Oyster Hill. Discussion of notices for parking places.

In June 1936 Mr. Bond gave notice of his resignation.

2nd June, 1936

The Secretary read out a letter from Mr. Bond explaining that he would have to resign due to problems with his feet. The Committee agreed to provide him with a small car in order to try and retain his services.

After some discussion the Committee agreed unamimously that in future gypsies should be disallowed at any time from encamping on the Common under the provisions of Section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925 thereby rescinding the resolution of the meeting held on 13th May.

 The Committee agreed that a representative from the Parish Council should be appointed to the CCPC.

G.O.C. Aldershot were sending out a representative to talk to Sir Edward re: damage done by the troops.

It was agreed that two more notices should be put up near Chobham Place, one in the Chestnut Avenue and another where the road crosses the drive, due to nuisance from motorists.

28th August, 1936

The Committee was informed that Mr. Bond had had to resign due to ill health. In the interim a Mr. Abley had been appointed on June 20th. However, on August 21st Mr. Abley had attempted to commit suicide. Mr. Philip Abley (the son) had been temporarily appointed

2nd November, 1936

Major General Commanding London District had written seeking permission for O.T.C. contingent of Imperial Service College and Beaumont College to hold tactical exercises on Chobham Common on the 12th November and to use blank ammunition during the exercise. This was granted.

The Committee agreed to grant permission for the Whitgift 0.J.C. to hold exercises on the Common.

Mr. Elliot reported that he had ordered a notice that "no vehicles be permitted beyond this point except those in use by Commoners in exercise of their rights" be placed in certain places on the Common and that such action had been effective.

Discussion as to Lord Onslow's authority to Bond to prosecute over Sturt's builders yard. The Chairman undertook to write to Mr. Merriman and get Bond's name on the authority altered to the Common Keeper.

19th February, 1937

The Chairman read out a report on the meeting of himself and Sir Edward Le Marchant with the County Surveyor re: the New Arterial Road from London to Southampton. (A copy of this report said to be pasted in Minute Book no sign of it).Offer by Mr. Curwen to clean out the big pond on the Common generally though wrongly known as Gracious Pond. The Committee while grateful for the offer thought they might spend money on it later as it would be a large project and Mr. Curwen might not be able to complete it with the labour at his disposal.The problem of fire risk on the Common discussed. Some Members offered to lend manpower.

9th August, 1937

The Balance of funds was given as £298 19s. 10d.

The Committee approved the Common Keeper's salary being raised to £8 per week, purchase of field glasses at £5 15s., erection of seats on the Common near bus stops, and near Mimbridge.

Damage to the Common by the Bat. of the Coldstreams. The Chairman had been visited by Major Sands, the Compensation Officer of the Aldershot Command.

Mr. Elliot had had correspondence with the Town Planning Officer as to Common Land at West End and also with the Ottershaw Preservation Society, asking that they should act conjunction with them. They had written a polite refusal to Ottershaw.

Permission was given to the Woking District Model Aeronautical Club to use the Common for practising so long as there was no danger of fire.

The Chairman stated that to keep fires at bay in the tracts of gorse on the Common he had cut lanes to help isolate fires.

The Manager of the S. Railway should receive a letter of thanks for the help his men gave in putting out fires caused by cinders from the trains.

The Committee decided to take over the care of trees planted by private people at Staple Hill, and to consider the planting of more trees on the crown of some of the other hills on the Common.

The Sec. read a letter from Mr. Lascelles saying that a member of the Parish Council was concerned about the land which the Sunningdale Golf Club had recently laid out. It was thought that the Lord of the Manor was paid his share while the rights of the Commoners were not recognised.

20th October, 1937

Mr. W. T. Panes appointed as Common Keeper in place of Abley at 55/ per week. Permission granted to another Model Aircraft Club to use the Common. A discussion took place about the possible danger of bonfires on Guy Fawkes day. Discussion of prosecution of gypsies from Addlestone dumping rubbish at Staple Hill.

Major Wickham reported on the planting of new clumps of trees on the Common. It had been suggested that plantings should be made on Fox Hills and on two hills to the north of the Longcross Windlesham road. That on Fox Hills would need wire fencing and the estimated cost was about £70. After some discussion it was decided to spend £50 as a beginning to plant Fox Hills and on other sites in the proximity of Oyster Hill, the latter to be called the Coronation Clump.

4th February, 1938

The Committee stood in remembrance of their late Chairman, Mr. Wallace Elliot.

The Committee were informed that trees had been planted at Fox Hills and Oyster Hill at a cost of £48, the one at Oyster Hill would be known as the Coronation Clump.

4th April, 1938

A letter was read from (?) Mrs. Martin asking if she could come on to the Committee. It was not thought advisable to have women on the Committee.

A discussion took place re: the new agreement between Lord Onslow and the War Office which would come into force in 1939. It was decided to fall in with Mr. Merriman's suggestion that the agreement be arranged between Lord Onslow and the War Office should be accepted by the Committee.

Mr. Acworth reported an alleged encroachments at Paradise Farm and at Gracious Pond. Mr. Acworth was asked to deal with these matters to the best of his ability.

Common Fires
a boy Godrick had been before the juvenile court at Woking charged with causing a fire by throwing matches down. Because Godrick was joining the Navy he received a severe reprimand and made to'pay 15/ towards the costs of the case. The informer was M Tunnell of Brick Hill who had given much voluntary help to the Common Keeper in putting out fires, etc. The Secretary informed the Committee that in view of the reward that had been offered to those giving information about fires and in view of Tunnell's voluntary work, he had given Tunnell £3. Some members thought the sum given was more than sufficient. The Secretary felt that in this case the amount was entirely justified.

25th July, 1938

The Secretary reported that he had received a new agreement between Lord Onslow and the War Office from June 1939 for ten years. Mr. Acworth also referred the damage which was being caused by army lorries to the ditches which had been cut for the protection of the Common. Mr. Acworth had written complaining to the O.C. Pirbright and had suggested that parties should be sent at regular intervals to repair said damage. Sir Edward Le Marchant thought it would be better to get the War Office to send down their Compensation Officer to assess the damage. Committee agreed to await the outcome of letter to Pirbright.

It was agreed to allow the approach over Common land to fields being sold near Emmett's Mill to be metalled so long as the Lord of the Manor agreed.

The Secretary drew attention to the clearing of the burnt gorse in the neighbourhood of Staple Hill. Mr. Acworth also pointed out the gorse which had been a barrier to motor cars was no longer so in certain places. More trenches would have to be dug.

6th December, 1938

Major Saunders, the Compensation Officer from Aldershot, had agreed to repair the damage done by the military to trenches, etc. and to provide such notice boards as were required to keep civilian cars from encroaching on the Common.

Mr. Curwen suggested that adjoining owners round Stanner Hill should be approached and asked whether they would co-operate with the Committee in clearing up the burnt gorse round their properties.The Secretary reported correspondence he had had about:
(1)The cutting of trees in Philpott Lane.(2) Gorse provided to the Kempton Park Race Course at 5/ a load.(3) Discussions with the Highways Engineer re: trenches dug during the crisis at Fellow Green.

Mr. Lascelles drew attention to the continued use by Mr. Sturt of the Common at Brick Hill for his building material.

llth May, 1939

The Secretary confirmed that the military authorities had reinstated the trenches which they had damaged. New boards had been provided by the War Office on which it was stated that no civilian vehicles were permitted past these boards.

The Secretary had received a visit from a representative of the AA complaining that several members resented as civilians their cars being kept off the common when military vehicles were allowed access. Mr. Acworth had pointed out to him that the Lord of the Manor had an agreement with the War Office granting these privileges to troops at certain times of the year.

Amongst matters reported:

adjoining owners helped the Common Committee by keeping the Common adjacent to their boundaries in decent order.

Harry Short had been employed for some weeks in the winter to help Powers cut and clean up the worst of what had been disfigured by fire last autumn.

That the Common Keeper was keeping control in places where new tracks were being formed on the Common.

That requests were frequently made for the laying on of water, filling up holes, at the entrances of houses on the Common.

Gypsy nuisance dumping of rubbish.

Leave had been given to the County Council to erect a temporary hut and splinter proof shelter at the Cross Roads by Fellow Green in he case of an emergency.

The Treasurer informed them that subscriptions amounted to £77 0s. 9d.

Mr. Gosden referred to some of the posts which had been used in certain parts of the Common. He felt that complaints might be made by the Commoners that recognised tracks were being closed.

Discussion as to whether War Office needed more facilities. Mr. Acworth explained that under the Manoeuvres Act of June 18th, apart from now being able to use heavy 17 ton lorries, the standing agreement with Lord Onslow and the War Office was extended to September 18th.

20th March, 1940

The Committee decided in a reduction of the subscription fee to 25% in an endeavour to keep subscribers together during the war.

The Secretary reported that he had agreed with the S.C.C. to build an air raid shelter at Fellow Green at the outbreak of war. The Aldershot Command Compensation Officer hoped to rectify damage caused to ditches, trenches, each year on the Common, but that compensation for any extensive injuries to the common would have to be arranged at the end of the war.

Mr. Acworth drew attention to the large sums produced by the Horsell Common Preservation Committee by the sale of timber, sand, etc.

Mr. Curwen proposed that from patriotic and personal reasons it might be worth while to collect waste metal on the Common and get it removed and some remuneration gained from the R.D.C.

Leave had been given to Mr. Stewart to cement a new lane at Brimshot.

Only brief notes from hereon:

1942

Saved footpath over Common from Brickhill to Sunningdale when the Government requisitioned 150 acres of the Common for new Canadian camp.

Sold alder at Priests Lane to H.W. Richardson for £11.

June 1942

Sent Mr. Daborn of Lightwater to discuss with the Chairman question of felling of Scotch Firs adjoining Long Cross House.

Am keeping myself informed with Government requisitioning and military doings on the Common.

Received notice and plan from Ministry of Supply stating that another large portion of the Common was being requisitioned.

2nd July, 1942

Met Major Wickham at Higham corner and discussed with Daborn the question of felling 150 Scots Pines in that part of the Common. This would leave 25% standing. Daborn offered £112 10s. 0d.

N.B.

This is a note to say that a meeting was held at Little Donneystone in the autumn of 1945 at which were present the Chairman, Major Wickham, W. Acworth, Norman Britell, Geoffrey Curwen and Mr. Lascelles. The Minutes have been lost. From memory, the Secretary reported the following:

1. That Mr. Acworth, after the requisitioning of 150 acres of the Common by the War Office, was able to save the right of way from Brickhill to the Golf Course from being built over by getting into touch with various Army Departments.

2. That Metco (Mr. Stiles) had with Lord Onslow's consent, taken a piece of the Common for his factory, and given a piece in exchange.

3. That the Common had been requisitioned by the War Office, Ministry of Supply.

4. That some 30 acres had been requisitioned for the Tank Factory built thereon, and that Lord Onslow and Mr. Acworth had had to agree but with the understanding that it would be handed back after the war.

5. That the Secretary had sold timber, bracken, bullrushes and sand from time to time and that the money obtained thereby was passed on to the Treasurer for the benefit of the funds of the Commons Committee.

6. That there had been an encroachment by Mr. Hilling in building a bridge over theBourne by Clappers for approaching his fields on the ther side. Mr. Acworth had reported this to Mr. Waddilove of Smallpeice & Merriman who was not interested.

7. The Sec. asked to resign but as no replacement was forthcoming he agreed to stay on.

8. The Committee deferred the question of a new Commons Keeper until the Government had derequisitioned the Common.

Full Minutes resume from this date:
22nd March, 1947

The Committee noted that Mr. Beard who had lately come to Oakley Wood Place had interested himself in trying to get the position of the new arterial road altered.

all were in favour of asking him to join the Committee.

The District Council and the Committee were trying to get the Tank Factory removed and the Common restored as far as possible to its former condition. The Chairman had been in touch with the Ministry of Supply and it was understood that the Ministry had undertaken to begin its work of restoration shortly. Agreed that something should be put in the local press on this subject.

The Sec. referred to letters which had Passed between himself and the Highways Committee re: the sale of sand. Mr. Acworth felt that the Committee would resent this action of the Council and give him their support. Letter said to be included in Minutes but not there. Mr. Curwen felt strongly that the Committee was the guardian of the Commons and not the Council.

5th July, 1947

Discussed question of Commons Keeper. It was thought a man could be obtained for £4 10s. a week. Decided to try and re-engage Mr. Panes.

Some steps were being taken by the Ministry of Supply to reinstate the Common, but both Mr. Beard and Mr. Curwen thought that what was being done was quite inadequate. Mr. Curwen pointed out that damage done even in the first war had not yet been put right. Mr. Beard felt that the damage done in this war should be surveyed by a really competent firm and a claim should be made to the War Office, Ministry of Supply to reinstate the surface of the Common and particularly to put the ditches and water courses in order. At the present moment these were in a quite useless state. It was decided that a meeting should be arranged with Mr. Waddilove of Messrs. Smallpeice & Merriman.

Mr. Lascelles brought up the question of the allotments, the banks of which had been destroyed by the Tanks. These he said had been remade sometime during the War and that soon afterwards they were destroyed again.

Mr. Acworth reported that the question of the sand, which he had authorised the Highways Officer to use for the roads during the Great Frost, had been settled with the County Council and that he had received a cheque from them for the amount they owed.

15th September, 1947

It was agreed that Mr. Waddilove should, with the authority of Lord Onslow and the CCPC, instruct Messrs. Messenger Morgan & May to make a claim for compensation for damage done to the Common during the war. The Committee agreed to take liability up to twenty guineas with regard to Messrs. Messengers' fees.

After Mr. Waddilove had left there was discussion as to the future of the Common. The general feeling seemed to be that the Bagshot RDC would eventually be the most suitable body to be responsible for the Common.

Copy of letter from Mr. Waddilove of Smallpeice & Merriman to W. Acworth dated 24th October, 1947

A question will shortly arise with regard to the Ministry of Fuel & Power Pipe line across the common. The Ministry want a permanent easement. I cannot find that any grant or lease has ever been made to your Preservation Committee and I think you should examine your records. I know, of course, that the late Lord Onslow executed a Deed bringing Chobham Common under the Law of Property Act, but this does not give the Committee any estate in the Common.

Copy of letter from W. Acworth to Mr. Waddilove dated 30th October, 1947

Since receiving your letter of October 24th, I have been though all the papers referring to the C.C.P.C. and I think it is quite clear that the position of my Committee is what you say in your letter.

I enclose one paper that I have which 1 should be glad to have returned when you have perused it. This I think makes the position clear.
For the last 12 years I have done the whole work of the Committee with no help of any kind. I now find that there is no one who is ready to share the responsibility and I think the majority of my Committee would under the circumstances like to hand back their agency to Lord Onslow. This was rather the feeling represented at our last meeting.

22nd January, 1949

Mr. May of Messrs. Messenger Morgan & May be instructed to settle all outstanding claims in connection with the requisitioning of 750 acres of'Chobham Common for a minimum sum of £1,000 plus professional costs, the derequisition of this area being arranged at the same time as the settlement of the claim. Mr. May was instructed to obtain Lord Onslow's comments on this resolution before commencing his negotiations with the Ministry of Supply.

The Secretary then reported on the land handed over as a recreation ground at Streets Heath, West End to the Parish Council by Lord Onslow. Mr. Acworth reported on the forming of a footpath past West End Church and on various sales of trees, spagnum moss and bracken on the Common. He also told the Committee that he regularly received payment for the use of the Common by film making companies.

Agreed to ask Mr. Martineau to become a Member of the Committee.

Mr. Acworth resigned as Secretary.

(He was ill with cancer and died shortly after this).

9th October, 1949

Agreed that Chobham Parish Council be asked to nominate someone to serve in place of Mr. Gosden (who had resigned on grounds of ill health).

Letters read from Bagshot R.D.C. re: existence of boggy ground on the Common and lack of footbridge where a right of way crossed a ditch. Agreed R.D.C. Surveyor be invited to meet the Chairman, Secretary & Sir Edward on the Common.

The Treasurer reported a balance of £111 13s. 6d. on current account and £100 on deposit. £5 10s. Od. had been received from Slocock Ltd. for the sale of bracken. Agreed that £15 4s. 6d. expended by Mr. Curwen on clearance and repair work at Fishpool be refunded to him, with the thanks of the Committee.

The Chairman reported he had written to Mr. May concerning the position for the claim for compensation against the Ministry of Supply and War Office and had been informed that although a copy of the proposed draft letter to the Ministry making a claim of £1,000 had been sent to Lord Onslow he had made no reply except to say verbally that if £1,000 was going to be paid, he thought he had as much right to it as the Committee.

Agreed that the letter as drafted by Mr. May should now be sent, but it should not be sent for a fortnight to give Lord Onslow a further opportunity of approving or commenting on its terms and a further copy to be sent to him for this purpose.

Common near Valley Wood Place
Mr. Beard asked if the open land lying to the west of Valley Wood Farm was Common Land and if so whether he might thin the trees and scrub to improve its appearance.

The Committee considered this to be common land and agreed to Mr. Beard's proposals providing that the amenities were preserved.

6th January, 1950

The Committee referred to the death of Mr. Acworth.

The Chairman reported that most of the Common had been derequisitioned and accepted by Lord Onslow. Although the Committee had neither been informed nor consulted upon the de
requisitioning he felt that no further action could usefully be taken upon it.

Discussion took place on the future of the Common. Suggested that Bagshot R.D.C. might be approached to take over the Common. Agreed that the Chairman and Mr. Curwen should interview Mr. Waddilove to ascertain Lord Onslow's views on the powers of the Committee and the future management of the Common generally. Also agreed that they should subsequently interview the Clerk and Town Planning Officer of the County Council to discuss alternative methods of management of the Common.

A report of the meeting of the Committee held on 9th October had appeared in the Woking News & Mail.

19th May, 1950

The Chairman reported on the interview with Mr. Waddilove and that Lord Onslow had subsequently indicated that he appreciated the work done by the Committee and hoped they would feel able to continue, but if not, he would be willing to support any other arrangement for the management that the Committee considered it desirable to recommend.

The Chairman also reported on an interview that he and the Secretary had had at County Hall with Mr. Goodrick, Deputy Clerk to the County Council and Mr. Pickering, the County Town Planning Officer. They had explained the effect of the Commons Act 1899 and the Open Spaces Act 1901 and were of the opinion that probably the best solution was for the Rural District Council to formulate a scheme (as was being done by the Hambledon R.D.C.) for the control of the common by the R.D.C.

The Chairman submitted a draft letter to the Bagshot R.D.C. which he had prepared on the above lines. The draft letter had received Lord Onslow's approval.

The Committee approved:

1. That Bagshot R.D.C. should be approached.

2. The wording of the draft letter, but agreed it should not be sent until after the Public Inquiry had been held on 22nd June.

Sir Edward Le Marchant then explained that the Ministry of Supply had put forward proposals for the permanent acquisition of some 200 acres of the Common in connection with their Fighting Vehicle Proving Establishment and were offering 200 acres of Childown Hall in exchange. In addition, the Ministry proposed to buy Hersham Farm and Trumps Farm together about 425 acres, to lay down hard and soft running tracks for testing tanks. A Public Inquiry was to be held to inquire into these proposals on 22nd June. Sir Edward proposed that the Committee should be represented and oppose the Ministry's proposals.

After discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Martineau should appear at the Inquiry and should present the case of the Committee against the M.0.S. proposals in his capacity as Secretary and not as Counsel. "The Chobham Common Preservation Committee being gravely concerned at the proposals of the Ministry of Supply permanently to acquire some 200 acres of Common land which they have been occupying for upwards of 10 years, and to extend the existing Establishment which will be to the detriment of the Commoners, the Public and the surrounding district alike, fully support the Bagshot R.D.C. in the steps they are taking in conjunction with other local authorities to resist the acquisition of any part of Chobham Common and to press for the complete restoration of its amenities."

16th July, 1950

Mr. Cawley of Langshot Farms should be written to requesting the removal from the Common near Fishpool of some 20 tree stumps deposited there by Mr. Cawley. Legal proceedings would be taken against Mr. Cawley if necessary.

The Secretary raised the question of forming a Commons Preservation Society with a fairly small annual subscription and a large membership which need not be restricted to residents in the immediate district. This would be a means of both raising funds and sustaining interest in the Common. After a full discussion the members present felt this to be too large an undertaking to launch and the idea might be revived if the Rural District Council were unable to take on control.

26th January, 1952

A request from Cawley of Langshot Farm had been received applying for a wayleave for a water pipe across Common land. The Secretary had asked Lord Onslow's Solicitors, to make the granting of the wayleave conditional on the removal of the tree stumps from the Common. The stumps had now been removed.

The reply from the Bagshot R.D.C. of 11/12/50 that the Council had decided to make application to the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries for consent for a Scheme for the Regulation for the Commons in the Parish of Chobham had been circulated to members.

Approval to an overhead line for a supply of electricity to Brick Hill (along the route of the overhead line allowed for a period of 3 years to Mr. Sturt) had been requested by the Electricity Board. The Committee agreed to support the proposal of the Bagshot R.D.C. that approval should be given for such period as the camp on the Common should remain.

The new owner of Langshot Cottage had applied for permission to have an overhead supply of electricity and telephone across the Common. The Committee agreed to the alternative route (overhead cables) suggested by the Secretary.

The Secretary reported that various applications had been made through Messrs. Smallpiece & Merriman by military units and school cadet forces for permission to use the Common for exercises and field days. The Secretary had given permission subject to certain conditions relating to use of vehicles, fire precautions, etc. which he had agreed with Mr. Waddilove.

Permission was granted to the Chobham & District Scramble Club (bicycles) to use the bowl near Fishpond, providing there was no litter left and no complaints of undue noise, for a temporary period.

The Secretary agreed to try and find a part time Common Keeper.

14th December, 1952

Agreed a special meeting be called to discuss the Bagshot R.D.C. taking over the duties of the committee.

10th May, 1953

The Secretary raised the question of the method of consent given to military units to use the Common. It was agreed that the conditions of use agreed between Messrs. Smallpeice & Merriman and the Secretary were appropriate and that it was in order for Smallpiece & Merriman to give consent subject to these conditions and to notify the Secretary at the time.

The Secretary said permission had been given to a Light A.A. Unit to hold an exercise on May 9th. No permission had been asked for aircraft cooperation and in fact dive bombing and low flying had taken place to the alarm of residents in the vicinity. The Secretary was instructed to write and complain.

Agreed an Army Unit might camp and hold an exercise on the Common provided it did not camp in Round Pond Wood.

Mr. J. Little appointed as Common Keeper at weekends at £1 a day.

An application by Metco Works Ltd. to lay land drains on the Common adjoining the Factory as outfall from their new septic tank was approved, subject to the following conditions:
frequent inspection and cleaning of filter plant at least at 6 monthly intervals. land drains to be laid to approval of R.D.C. Surveyor, track to be kept clear and any drains under track to be cemented.

The Secretary reported that the Electricity Board had at last agreed to lay an underground instead of an overhead cable across some 150 yards of common to Brick Hill.

6th December, 1953

The Committee had received a letter from H.Q. Aldershot District apologising for the low flying in May last.

The Secretary read a letter of 10th November from the Metallizing Equipment Co. Ltd. asking for permission to carry out further gravel resurfacing of the right of way to the works to improve and enlarge the access to the works by making up and levelling part of the Common to form an increased area of approach and turn about. The Secretary estimated that the maximum height of made up ground was some 3 feet and the additional area approximately 80 ft. x 50 ft. The Company undertook to slope off the edge and grass over the slope and plant some flowering plants for amenity purposes. The Secretary reported that most of the work had already been done before permission had been asked.

The Committee agreed that permission be granted, subject to a low post & rail or post & chain fence be set up at the top of the slope to define the area.

Messrs. Smallpeice & Merriman be informed so that they may give, if agreeable, formal consent on behalf of Lord Onslow.

The Committee turned down the request for a coffee stall near entrance to Chobham Place, considering there was a lack of demand and it would have been on a dangerous bend. However, they would be willing to consider an application for public holidays, or Sundays, on a site near the Clumps.

21st March, 1954

The Secretary reported no reply from Messrs. Smallpeice & Merriman about the alterations to the entrance to Metco works and planting of trees on the Common nearby.

The Secretary reported that the Electricity Board had now agreed to put the cable to supply Brick Hill with current, underground from the road to a position near J. H. Sturts builders yard.

The Secretary said that there was some suggestion that Childown Hall, which now belonged to the Ministry of Supply, should become part of the Common in exchange for some 200 acres of Common near the Tank Factory and the railway line, which the Ministry now held under requisition.

While the Committee would welcome Childown Hall becoming available for public access and enjoyment, they did not consider that such an exchange involving the loss to the public and the commoners of some 200 acres of present common land was in the interests of either the public or the commoners.

Two stallholders granted a licence at £1 each for the season to stands on the Common near Staple Hill on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

lst May, 1955

The Secretary reported that the police were prosecuting a man for cutting down a tree on the Common and had asked him to give evidence.

The Secretary reported that a number of army units and school cadet corps had been given permission to use the Common on various dates, also a film company on payment.

22nd March, 1956

The Secretary reported that he had given evidence at Camberley Magistrates Court when a man prosecuted by the police had been fined ten shillings for cutting down a birch tree on the common.

Four applications for licences to sell teas and ices. Two granted.

The Secretary reported that Mr. G. Cawley of Langshot Farm had at last removed the fence which he had erected on the Common adjoining his farm enclosing about 15 acres, after pressure upon him by Messrs. Smallpeice & Merriman.

17th July, 1956

Rubbish on Common had been cleared by Common Keeper and Williamson on three occasions. R.D.C. will clear dumps of rubbish near Fishpond, and a dump that Mr. Curwen will get together.

The Secretary had received £10 from Messrs. P Osman & Co., contractors carrying out main drainage scheme, as a donation to funds. Secretary had given Messrs. Osmans permission to put pipes and gear on the Common alongside the route of the new course.

Secretary had met representatives from FWDE on 23rd May. F.M.D.E. had bulldozed a fire break on the Common along the boundary of Longcross House.

A common fire had partly destroyed a shed of Mr. Smithers at Burrow Hill. The Secretary had disclaimed any responsibility by the Committee.

Letter from Southern Electricity Board saying they would put cable underground beneath track across Albury Bottom was considered and Secretary's reply approved.

The 10th cycles scramble held in April was discussed. 7,000 people had attended, 1 dog run over and a good deal of noise. £25 had been paid, litter was well cleared up and a lot of people entertained. It was agreed that in future no permission for such an event be given without Committee's consent.

24th October, 1957

The Secretary reported that laying of underground cables across Albury Bottom was completed.

Mr. Martin reported that Col Du Vallon had enclosed a piece of common outside his garden boundary and had chickens on it. Secretary would write.