Horley Community Information
Horley, the closest community to London Gatwick Airport, is embarking upon a
period of expansion and improvement. The Horley Master Plan - part of
the Surrey Structure Plan - is set, in its present form,
to bring two thousand six hundred new dwellings to Horley over the next ten
years. The development, some of which will be built in rural areas surrounding the town,
will include provision for "village" centres, leisure and social facilities, public
transport, open spaces and riverside walks.
In 1998, a committee of local residents chose a mosaic depicting an aerial
view of Horley and Gatwick Airport in the year 2000, as a Horley Millennium
project.
The Town Council commissioned the work and selected a site in the High Street
pedestrian precinct. A planning application was submitted and the Borough
Council duly consented to the laying of a mosaic pavement. Everything was
proceeding well until Transco realised that the mosaic was to be laid directly
above the route of a major gas main. Access and safety being of prime concern,
they refused to allow the project to go ahead. Subsequently, as a gesture of
support for the local community, Transco kindly offered to divert the gas main
around the site and the work was carried out in September 2000. Tessa Hunkin of
The Mosaic Workshop had completed the mosaic and, following delays caused by the
weather, the pavement was laid during a rare dry spell in late November. A large
crowd gathered to see the work unveiled by the Town Mayor and members of the
Town Council at the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Fun Day on 2 December 2000.
This unique work of art is widely acknowledged to be a beautiful enhancement to
the town centre. Many favourable comments have been received from visitors to the
town, and from residents who attempt to identify their streets and houses.
London Gatwick Airport continues to expand, bringing the prospect of new jobs
to an area that already has a very high level of employment. The town serves as
a convenient and strategic base for a number of airlines and associated
businesses including Delta, Continental, Virgin and Canada Maritime.
Annual Events that take place in Horley
Horley in Bloom
Usually takes place in July. Businesses, pubs, restaurants, hotels and residents of Horley compete
for prizes in various gardening, landscaping and decorative categories.
Chamber of Commerce Summer Fun Day
Held on a Saturday in August. A fair and other attractions in the High
Street pedestrian precinct are supported by local retailers who open late.
Round Table Raft Race
Thrills and spills on the River Mole close to the historic Six Bells in Church Road, as
teams compete against each other on rafts they have built.
Round Table Bonfire & Fireworks
A very popular event held in the A23
Recreation Ground on B"right"on Road on the Saturday closest to 5 November.
Parade & Services of Remembrance
The Memorial Gardens are opened and crosses are planted on the
Wednesday preceding 11 November. On 11 November, if this does not fall on a
Sunday, there is a short service at which the two minutes’ silence is observed
in the High Street pedestrian precinct. The main Parade and Service takes place
on the nationally appointed Remembrance Sunday.
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Fun Day
This usually takes place in December on a Saturday
before Christmas. The town centre illuminations and Christmas tree lights are
switched on and events are staged in the pedestrian precinct.