Community Clean-Up and Progress Update

It was a great success with nearly 40 villagers turning out to clean-up inside and out.

On Saturday 14 March, members of the community gathered at the pavilion site for a morning of clearing and an update on the progress of the Thursley Pavilion project. It was fantastic to see a near 40 strong turnout with volunteers giving their time to help tidy and prepare the pavilion for the coming cricket season.

After clearing up we had an update of the latest developments.The clean-up session made a real difference to the pavilion and demonstrated once again the enthusiasm and commitment within the village to see this project succeed. Many thanks to everyone who came along, whether for the whole morning or just a short time — your support and effort are hugely appreciated.

During the morning we also shared an update on progress since our last public meeting in November. One of the most exciting developments is that Waverley Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund has agreed £100,000 in funding for the project, subject to final formal ratification. This represents a significant milestone and a major step forward for the pavilion.With this commitment, total pledged funding now stands at approximately £430,000 thanks to our generous donors. Our target is £500,000 to ensure the building can be fully completed and equipped to serve the needs of the community.

We have also successfully completed the planning pre-application stage, which has provided valuable feedback and several helpful suggestions for refining the design. Community-proposed layout changes were presented and have been agreed in principle, and we are exploring the possibility of relocating the building outside the Special Protection Area (SPA). This could also allow for additional improvements, including space for a machine store and a slightly larger event area within the pavilion design.Alongside these developments, the project website has now been launched and the pavilion is also active on Facebook and Instagram. These channels will help us share regular updates and provide more opportunities for villagers to stay involved as the project progresses.

It remains very important to us that the pavilion project is open, inclusive and shaped by the community. The pavilion is for the whole community and we encourage everyone to stay involved, share ideas and help shape its future. Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone who continues to support the project — from those who donate or volunteer their time, to those who share ideas and keep the positive word spreading throughout the community. Your encouragement and involvement are what make this project possible.

The Thursley Pavilion Trustees.