An estimated 5,000 people join in a celebration of the town’s heritage, culture and spirit
For Immediate Release
10 MARCH 2023: The Dorking Business Improvement District (BID) held a free DorKing Coronation on Bank Holiday Monday, 8th May from 12-4pm. Together with over 40 community partners, the BID hosted:
- A DorKing Coronation Window Art Trail featuring the artwork of Samantha Temple Milnes and supported by the Dorking LoyalFreeApp, with a chance to win special prize hampers sponsored by Waitrose.
- An open air art exhibition featuring the winners of the BID community artwork competition, where 29 artists submitted their artwork, where five winners were selected by 1750 votes cast by the public
- ‘The Big Help Out’ Volunteer Village and sustainable market with farm to table goods, art and five live musical acts.
- Kids entertainment to include: face painting, a forest school, henna art painting and a youth dance troupe – as well as ‘selfies with the Royals and corgis’.
- A Community Spirit awards ceremony celebrating a sustainability champion, a volunteer of the year, and a high street business hero.
- A Dorking Museum exhibition at the Dorking Library.
- Taster sessions every half hour hosted by the Dorking Sports Centre.
The BID installed the art competition winners’ artwork on lamp post banners, a large West Street banner, and on posters in shops around town, alongside bunting and flags that will be featured on the Dorking high street by local businesses to kick off the Coronation festivities.
Listen to the BBC Surrey on the ground coverage of the day here.
Dorking town was joined by a variety of dignitaries, from:
- MP Sir Paul Beresford
- Councillor Paul Potter, Chairman of Mole Valley District Council
- Councillors Stephen Cooksey and Margaret Cooksey
- BID Board Chairman Andrew Fuller
- Sustainability Champion Sponsor from Born Free, Carina Hibbitt
The Community Spirit Awards Judges were also present:
- Mark Carter, Acting Executive Editor of BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey
- Chris Howard, President – Surrey Hills Society
- Jarmila Yu, Founder and MD – Yunique Marketing Ltd
There was an estimated 5,000 people in Dorking on the day. The goal of the event was to shine a light on Dorking, and bring people together to create a legacy for the town, whether that’s supporting bricks and mortar high street businesses, collaborating with artists and other local businesses, to starting a new sustainable practice, or volunteering in the community.
Meet the art competition award winners
The BID asked local artists to brighten up the town with their original artwork, sharing their interpretation of what makes Dorking unique and what they love about the place. The BID held an art competition to feature Dorking’s creativity and spirit. 29 local artists shared their work and over 1,750 votes were cast.
Artists
- 1st Faith Conway-Dickens
- 2nd Tiffany Budd
- 3rd Sarajane
Highly Commended:
- Lucy Rose
- Kelly, Sienna and Riley Morgan
The BID Community Spirit Awards celebrate the independent spirit that helps to make Dorking a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and enjoy. The BID has aligned the DorKing Coronation event with the King’s ethos of service to others and his support of sustainability, volunteerism and local business.
The BID also honoured three Dorkinians who have made a significant impact on the community. The BID received over 60 nominations from the community in three areas: sustainability, volunteerism and best bricks and mortar business. Award recipients will receive £100 vouchers to be spent or donated in Dorking. The sustainability hero or shero also received a specially sponsored award from Born Free.
Best High Street Business
The best bricks and mortar business that contributes to the success of Dorking High Street.
Anni and Arthurs at the Yard / Jo Sherwood
Holmestores / Louise Holme
Mullins Coffee Shop / Basil and Susan Doha – WINNER
SC Fuller / Andrew Fuller and Liz Fuller – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Sustainability Champion
The BID sustainability champion can be any individual who is leading, or who is taking steps to lead change in their organisation, business or in society to transform our community into a more sustainable place.
Clare Davies
Lainey Hanson
Holmestores / Louise Holme – WINNER
Kirsten Johnson – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alwen South
Pat Smith
Powell Corderoy Primary School Council – SPECIAL MENTION
Amanda Wheatland
Volunteer of the Year
The BID is recognising those who do a bit extra for their local community.
Kathy Atherton – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Clare Davies – WINNER
Simon Edmands
Jacqui Hamlin
Tony Knight – SPECIAL MENTION
Di Sutherland – HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Ends –
Notes to Editors
Interviews and images are available on request. For more information, please contact Kathy Kyle at kathy@dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk or 07377 096 892.
About the Dorking Town Centre Partnership
The Business Improvement District (BID) for Dorking is committed to raising the profile of Dorking and bringing economic prosperity to the town. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @HelloDorking. Tag us to be featured at #HelloDorking.
Learn more about the Dorking BID at https://linktr.ee/hellodorking
Social Media: @hellodorking
