Spring is in the air

Well, it looks like we’re finally on route for warmer, drier weather and longer light evenings. Our committee are coming up with some wonderful crafting ideas for Tuesday evenings. We’re also exploring places for pub evenings and trips and events with Merstham Horticultural Society. 

In February we hosted Ian Thiele and Alan Atkinson who entertained us on their violin and guitar with folk songs and tunes. Their performance was very well received and enjoyed by all.  We’ve taken note of where they’ll be playing locally for those who may wish to hear them with their larger band. They regularly practice once a month at The Old Chestnut Earlswood and perform properly at places such as Pilgrims Brewery and other establishments around Redhill and Reigate.

Upcoming this week we have our spring craft session, making cards and flower displays in time for mothers’ day and Easter.  Our craft sessions are always popular so do come down and bring friends. In April we look forward to seated yoga, suitable for all levels of fitness and none.   Sally Harper is an excellent yoga teacher and runs many classes locally if you’re keen to follow up afterwards for further sessions.

 Our book club is now meeting regularly again. Ask about joining the WhatsApp group to be included on the list – meeting evenings and book choices will be announced there.

Our regular Tuesday breakfast meetings and Friday and Saturday crafting groups still regularly meet at the Merstham Hub during the day. All welcome.

We have now booked stalls at All Saints fair on 7^th June and Quality Street Fair on 6^th September. We will be hosting a jam making session in April. If you have donations if jars and fruit please may we have these and let us know if you’d like to join the jam making. No experience necessary. It’s a fun day and we’ll provide lunch.

We also welcome donations of knitted toys, homemade cakes and raffle type prizes to sell. Both fairs act as a fundraiser and an advertisement of our group to new members. Plus, you get free entry to both events if you volunteer on the stall for an hour or two. Both fairs are great fun and usually blessed with good weather and interesting stalls and some great raffles to enter.

If there’s interest, I hope to run (walk actually) some easy and longer walk routes over the summer. Locally around Merstham and one or 2 further afield. One is a three-kilometre tree walk around South Nutfield finishing at the pub. Accessible by train or plenty of free street parking.  Another is a possible longer walk up to Chaldon Church (with a possible bus ride back or lifts if we’re exhausted!) I also have three or 4 local walks around Merstham/Gatton too. The Bluebells at Gatton are stunning in May. Pubs can be involved!

I have posted a couple of ideas for theatre trips on the WhatsApp group but do suggest any theatre and films of interest you’d like to attend with friends. We’re also open to suggestions for garden visits, pubs and other events you may know off.

Again if you have any crafty stuff you'd like to teach or learn, please do suggest anything. I'd be happy to show anyone our bees at Gatton when we're established and facilitate training if anyone interested.

Please do check out the website and Facebook page for upcoming events. We look forward to meeting you

I attach a group of interest below which would welcome members from MWG or any other local groups you may be involved in.  Email or ring MCFT or check out the MCFT (Merstham Community Facility Trust) Facebook page for the link

MERSTHAM NEEDS YOU! Do you live in Merstham? Do you have your community’s interest at heart? Whoever you are, whatever age (18+) or experience you have, help shape Merstham Community facility Trust (MCFT)’s programme. Apply to join this new resident advisory group 😊 Deadline is 20th of March 2026

WHAT WILL I DO AS A RESIDENT ADVISORY MEMBER? - Listen to your community to find out about local issues and what people need - Represent your community - Influence decision-making around MCFT’s new community projects - Commit for 1 year and meet (in person, online) with the group every fortnight

WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT? - A chance to steer MCFT’s community projects’ programme - Gain research and collaboration skills - Be part of an exciting group of friendly people by volunteering at MCFT!

EASY TO APPLY: -  call +44 (0) 1737 333 461 - Or email jeanne.constantin@mcft.org.uk