Hambledon has handed over its crown as Surrey Village of the Year to Ewhurst, voted the winner of the 2009-10 competition.  In the final act as 2008-9 champions, Hambledon hosted the ceremony at the village hall on Saturday (July 25th).  

The contest, sponsored by Calor and organised by Surrey Community Action, saw stiff competition between villages from across the county. Ewhurst was voted the overall winner by a team of judges that included Hambledon Parish councillor Derek Miller. Chobham took the runners-up place.   During the ceremony Hambledon received its certificate and a cheque for £500 for winning the sustainability category in the regional Village of the Year awards.

This is on top of the £500 prize money the village received for winning the county title last year.   The presentation was made by Jason Whitwell of Calor to John Anderson, parish council chairman, and Stewart Payne, the parish councillor who coordinated the village entry. (See picture on right)

The event was attended by members of Surrey Community Action and the guest was Geoff Marlow, chairman of Surrey County Council.

At the end a tea, highly-praised by the participants, was provided by members of the Wednesday Afternoon Group. Pictures of the event can be seen on the photos section of this website.

* The village has received a thank-you letter on behalf of Princess Alexandra, who visited earlier this month in recognition of Hambledon's success in the competition. "The Princess greatly enjoyed this occasion and congratulates you all on winning the Surrey Village of the Year competition 2008-9, as well as your success in the Sustainability category in the south of England regional competition." The letter continues: "Her Royal Highness was so impressed by your thriving Village Shop and it was interesting for her to hear about the organisations and activities which contribute so much to the lives of the people of Hambledon."