California Association

The California Ratepayers Association was formed shortly after World War II in order to monitor and promote activities in the area. Interestingly, one of the initial aims (which has yet to be realised!!) was the provision of a Halt on the railway near Soldiers Rise. The Association needed a Meeting Place and a well-wisher donated the piece of land on which the Hall now stands. This was originally part of the Walter Estate, and was conveyed to Henry William Brake in April 1922 in six parcels of land (Nos. 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and 849). Mr. Brake died on 14th April, 1945, and on 2nd May, 1949, his widow, Zillah Brake, and his daughter, Zillah Gwendolen Brake, of Rookwood, Portsmouth Road, Guildford donated this land to William Collen of Cheerio, Nine Mile Ride, Bertram Voles of Westcombe, Kiln Ride, Reginald Bowyer of Silver Birches, Barkham Ride, and Cyril Munt of Nine Mile Ride Corner. These became the original Trustees and a Declaration of Trust was made on 3rd May, 1949, appointing Mr. Collen as Chairman of the California Ratepayers’ Association.