Gridiron: Chobham and Valley End parish magazine

22/09/2026

Another fantastic show run by the Chobham Ag & Hort this Saturday (mind you, they have had 175 years of practice!). Congratulations to all the prize winners!

Thanks to every one of you who came and enjoyed the Chobham Show yesterday, it wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of the Committee, Society Members, the Volunteers, Exhibitors and support of local businesses and our sponsors.

Thank you all for your ongoing support we really couldn't do it without you! We had a fantastic show in our 175th celebration year! Can you believe it 175 years since 1851 for the Chobham Ag & Hort !

CHOBHAM SHOW TROPHY WINNERS 2026
Centenary Challenge Bowl – Keith Hine (Highest points)
Norman Roake Memorial Bowl – Brian Barr (2nd highest points)
Reginald Coleman Vase – Ann Taylor (3rd highest points)
Section A (Vegetables) – Keith Hine
Section C (Vegetables) - Richard Duke
Fruit – Sharon Davies
Dahlias – Howard Cooper
Flowers – Keith Hine
Best in Show in Horticultural Classes – Keith Hine
Floral Decoration – Amanda Dunlop
Floral Decoration Best in Show – Amanda Dunlop
Photography – Sheridan May
Photography Best in Show – Richard Jordan
Handicrafts – Audrey Field / Frankie Vero
Art – Vanessa Page
Cakes & Preserves – Ann Taylor
Wine & Beer – Mark Coxhead
Honey – Angie Hallaways
Special Classes – Keith Hine
Children’s Classes – Eleanor Riley
Young People 12 -17 years – Tom Moqbel
Dog Show – Maisie Coulthard with Elvis
Silver Dahlia Society medal – Howard Cooper
Bronze Dahlia Society medal – Howard Cooper
Banksian Medal – Keith Hine

12/08/2026

What a fantastic conclusion to such a wonderful Carnival this year! So many local organisations benefiting from the Carnival Association’s hard work and local generosity!

IT WAS another amazing fundraising year for Chobham Carnival Association, which has again distributed a record amount in grants.
Twenty-one good causes have received a total of £13, 084 – an increase of more than £4,000 on 2025.
Last year, the association distributed £8,641, which was £3,500 more than the 2024 total.
The money donated is the proceeds of this year’s carnival fete and black-tie ball after expenses are deducted.
“It was spectacular year for our fundraising efforts,” said association chairman Tim Elwin. “Carnival-goers were amazingly generous with their donations on the gates, where we collected more than £6,000.
“The ball tickets sold out a month before the day. The auctions and raffle brought in over £8,000, so many thanks to all those who donated items to encourage the ball-goers to keep bidding.
“The demand for tickets is such that we are planning to increase the number of places for 2027. More people will be able to enjoy a night of dining and dancing at Chobham’s social event of the year.”
The grants ranged from three of £1,500 – to Chobham Village Hall (pictured), Friends of Valley End Infant School and St Lawrence Primary School governors – to £150 for Chobham Morris Dancers.
Other organisations receiving awards were Chobham Army Cadets, Quest Riding for the Disabled, Friends of St Lawrence School, Chobham Agricultural and Horticultural Society, Chobham Scout Group, Chobham Parish Council, Surrey Search and Rescue, St Lawrence Church, Chobham Museum, Chobham Tennis Club, Sheila Hancock Riding for the Disabled Association group, Chobham Recreation Ground Charitable Trust, Chobham Players, RSPCA Woking branch, Woking and Sam Beare Hospice, Woking and Sam Beare Hospice’s Chobham boutique, Chobham Country Market,
For full details of the grants and what the money will be used for visit our website, www.chobhamcarnival.co.uk.

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.