Thank you for joining us at our Christmas Festival on Sunday.
As Christmas approaches, the Dorking BID has kicked off the festivities with Small Business Saturday and our Very Dorkensian Christmas Festival. We extend a warm thank you to our businesses, our BID Board, our members, our volunteers, and community partners. We appreciate the support of our Christmas grotto sponsors, Dorking Travel, the Mortgage Bureau, and Robinsons Estate Agents. This group includes: BBC Radio, sponsors, volunteers, our committee, residents, churches, schools, charities and non profits (Friends of Dorking, The Mens Shed, and Circular Dorking), Safety Advisory Group, our street clean up crew, community partners and more – all those who have joined in to support Dorking, and all spearheaded and funded by the Business Improvement District and our generous sponsors.
Congratulations Dorking
Not only did our event feature in BBC Radio’s Story of the Day, Dorking also made The Times photo of the day. Huge thanks to photographer Paul Quezada-Neiman, The Dorking Desk Shop, the Kings Arms Pub and Dorking Dramatic Arts Society for his collaboration in this effort with our team at the Dorking BID.
Shining a light on Community Spirit
This year, the celebrations extended beyond twinkling lights, with live music, festive stalls, sustainable shops, children’s activities, food and fare – we also celebrated our Dorking spirit with our Community Spirit Awards. This initiative is aimed at shining a spotlight on the incredible businesses, individuals and volunteers making a real and recognisable difference in our beloved town.
Here are the unsung heroes of our community:
The nominees in the category of High Street Hero truly embody the helpful spirit of High Street community engagement and support. Here is what the Judge Mark Carter said about the winner:
Bullimores
“The team at Bullimores clearly go above and beyond. They don’t just focus on their business but are at the heart of the local community.”
This category of Sustainability Champion acknowledges the champions of sustainability, those leading the charge for a greener, more conscious Dorking. The category was judged by Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises. And the winner is:
Tony White
“Exemplifying sustainability through action, reducing waste, and collaborating extensively within the community, Tony White is especially notable for setting up Community Fridges.”
This category of Volunteer of the Year celebrates the selfless efforts of volunteers dedicated to making a difference in Dorking. The category was judged by Clare Davies, winner of our previous Volunteer Award, and recipient of many national accolades for her own community service. The winner of the Volunteer of the Year is:
Wendy Saunders
“A tireless advocate for all things Dorking, Wendy passionately driving projects that promote business and environmental awareness.”
When we support our local high street businesses, we invest in ourselves – in our town. Events like this matter – shopping locally matters for our town’s future. We all shape it. Thank you for supporting Dorking High Street and our wonderful community.
Photos of the day
Do you have experiences to share? Tag us on socials at @hellodorking to be featured.
By Luke Whatley-Bigg