Gridiron: Chobham and Valley End parish magazine

06/05/2026

Superb maypole display by the school! Well done to all!

06/05/2026

Another fantastic day at the Rec - even the weather behaved!

Chobham Carnival 2026 wowed the crowds for yet another year. An amazing number of people enjoyed the show, on a day when the weather was pleasant despite the predicted showers.
The procession was the biggest in recent years, again with a collection of innovative and creative entries. The number of stalls and sideshows was again at capacity, offering a huge range of entertainments, products and refreshments.
As usual, carnival-goers were generous with their donations on the gates. We also receive fees from the stall holders, donations and financial support from many local businesses and a contribution from the fairground. This covers the cost of running the carnival and contributes to our community grants fund.
And, of course, the proceeds of the carnival ball contribute greatly to the amount we can donate to good causes. This year, the ball made a record amount from its auctions and raffle.
We are now counting up and assessing how much we can distribute in grants. It will again be several thousands of pounds – thanks to the generosity, enthusiam and hard work of many people, from the committee to the community who come along and have a fantastic time at our events.

25/04/2026

Last call for entries to our Photo Competition!

24/04/2026

Published today, the May edition of Gridiron

22/04/2026

Looking forward to a fantastic Carnival Day!

One of our most-important publicity resources is in place, thanks to the help of local businessman John Humphreys.
John, the managing director of Chimneys RUS and H.I.T. Scaffolding, is our expert who erects the High Street banner. The county council requires that the job is done by a qualified and insured construction company.
John, who helped us at no charge, is pictured with his partner Claire and carnival association volunteers who assisted with putting up the banner.
Thousands of people who pass through High Street every day will now be made aware that the carnival is happening soon.
We are also grateful for the financial support of The Cutting Room hairdressing salon and Hyland Fitzwater Solicitors, who have covered our costs for the banner – which includes £5million public liability insurance.
Our next job is to put out the signs that give advance warning of the road closures for the procession on Monday, May 4.

29/03/2026

April edition now published.

02/03/2026

Now published, our latest edition, with a challenge for all local photographers:

"You will have all noticed the fantastic photographs we use on the front and back covers of Gridiron each month to provide a flavour of our beautiful village and surrounding countryside. These have been generously provided for many years by World-famous local photographer David Fettes who has done so much to support our church (see p25) and village in the past. David and I have agreed to lay down a challenge to all local snappers.

Can you come up with a photo taken in the village or the local environment that could adorn the Gridiron cover to show Chobham at its best?

David will help pick the best entries we receive from adult and under-13 entrants and we will look to publish the winning photos later in the year.

Entries to be emailed to the editor address in the magazine by April 30th. We look forward to your entries!

01/12/2025

Top teamwork from everyone! Looking forward to seeing it in lights on Friday at Light Up Chobham.

Chobham again has a natural, organic Scots pine as the village Christmas tree, thanks to a team effort involving Preservation Committee members, parish councillors, local volunteers and Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The tree was cut down in the middle of Albury Bottom, wrapped in a tarpaulin and transported to Longcross Car Park in her pick-up by SWT reserves officer Abi Harrington.
From there, Malcolm Rought took the tree on his car transporter to Benhams Corner Green, where it was erected ready for decorating on Sunday. The lights will be switched on during the Light Up Chobham evening on Friday (December 5).
Our thanks to the county council countryside department for giving permission for the village tree, and another for Chobham Museum, to be taken from the common.

05/11/2025

One of the highlights of the advent season.

Please join us at Chobham St. Lawrence Church for our annual Christingle service on 7th December. Everyone welcome!

29/08/2025

With apologies to the Ag & Hort, we published an incorrect date for the Show in the September edition of Gridiron. It should be Saturday 20th September, not the 21st of course.

But you all knew it was on the Saturday, right?

The Chobham Show Schedules are now available from local shops and businesses. These are the trophies waiting to be awarded at the Annual Show on Saturday 20th September. Entry forms to be received by Saturday 13th September.