The LRA exists for the benefit of all Laleham residents. Formally its objectives are stated as:
The association is established for the public benefit, within Laleham and the surrounding area, with the following objectives:
- To preserve, protect and improve and to stimulate interest in the amenity, beauty, character and community of Laleham, including features of historic, architectural, landscape and public interest.
- To optimise and enhance the quality of life for the local community and individuals and groups of individuals within that local community.
- To maintain the awareness of residents to local events and to matters of local interest or concern.
There has been a “Laleham Society” running charitable and sociable events in the village since the 1940’s. In 1970, Laleham was designated a “Conservation Area” and a few years later the society was re-energised as “The Laleham Residents Association”.
We are a registered charity (from 1971), staffed entirely by volunteers. We survive only on the money we raise from memberships, from donations and from events. With this money we fund the summer hanging baskets throughout the village, organise Christmas lights, fund improvements to the common areas and plant and maintain the war memorial. If we have any surplus funds at the end of the year, we can donate to other, local charities.
The LRA is dedicated to building the community by organising affordable and fun, social events for all of our residents! We run the Laleham Garden Open Day and the Laleham Village Fair, the Village Quiz and various other events.
In 2013 the LRA produced “Jack and the Upside-Down Stalk” in the historic Laleham Village Hall, the first Laleham Village Panto for decades. Written and performed by local people it was a terrific success. With eight further original pantomimes since then, the group continues to thrive as Laleham Players Theatre Company with many founding members still playing an active role. For more information and to join please visit www.lalehamplayers.com.
As well as Laleham Players, within the village there are many other clubs, classes and interest groups, with a surprising number of opportunities to join your neighbours and learn new skills. There are a plethora of societies and hobby groups from Latin dance, photography, a Ukulele group, wildlife conservation to the W.I. There are also two U3A groups and many more clubs and societies that meet at Laleham Village Hall. Visit our Amenities & Interests page for details.
All Saints Church is a centre of social activity for many. Parts of the Church building date back over 800 years and there are architectural elements from many periods in history. The churchyard contains many memorials to well-known people, such as Matthew Arnold, the poet and the 3rd Earl of Lucan who passed the order for the Charge of the Light Brigade!
The LRA funds the Hanging Flower Baskets that much enhance the centre of Laleham Village. These are installed and maintained by the local council. This costs the LRA over £3000 per annum. LRA members in the past have been generous in donatng towards this cost – a single basket costs £71 and a double £142, but any amount will be welcome. To donate, please click here. This will take you to the membership application form, but this also supports donations to the Hanging Flower Baskets.
Of course our beautiful riverside location also affords many opportunities for leisure. You can jog along the towpath or join one of many groups who use the Laleham Park – or get onto the water with Burway Rowing Club, Surrey Canoe Club and Staines Sailing Club. You will find contact details on these pages and notices of special events are emailed to members.
Above all we want everyone in the village to feel “connected” and to enjoy living in Laleham. One of our primary aims is to be an information hub, keeping you up to date with local events and issues. We want people to feel connected and motivated to be part of a community.
Please take this opportunity to join the LRA
As a member of the Laleham Residents Association, you will receive email updates on events in the community. You will have the opportunity to contact us if you have concerns about the village or information which you would like to share with others.
Of course there are areas where we have work to do…
The LRA is here to support residents with issues such as green belt development and traffic. We meet with and pursue the relevant authorities, councils, police, and industrialists and attempt to resolve issues and maintain quality of life in Laleham.
Laleham Residents Association, charity number 262220.