Short film keeps memories alive at Ockford Ridge

Residents at Ockford Ridge in Godalming are helping to document the unique history of their community by sharing their stories in a new short film produced by Waverley Borough Council.

The Ockford Ridge housing estate has been an important part of Godalming for more than 80 years. It was constructed as a new garden settlement in the 1930s, but many of the original homes were no longer reflective of modern living and require significant investment.

Waverley Borough Council has been working with the community for more than 10 years to revitalise the Ockford Ridge estate for the benefit of existing residents and future generations. The Keeping Memories Alive project was launched at the very start of the Ockford Ridge regeneration. With the help of National Lottery Funding, residents created audio clip recordings and a brochure to preserve the history of the estate. The latest short film builds on that work, allowing residents to share how their lives have changed and what it’s like to live in their new homes.

The regeneration of Ockford Ridge represents a multi-million pound investment by Waverley Borough Council to deliver new and refurbished affordable housing to modern standards. The council has taken a ‘fabric first’ approach to sustainable building, which minimises the need for heating and cooling. Homes are comfortable, sustainable, more energy efficient and affordable for tenants, and they have a wider positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Many people have lived at Ockford Ridge all their lives and are proud of their local community. Waverley Borough Council has made sure to consult with local residents at each stage of redevelopment and refurbishment, holding drop in events so people could discuss the plans, meet the building contractors and help to shape the delivery of these new homes.

Councillor Janet Crowe, Waverley Borough Council Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery) said:

“For people who have been part of the community for many years, Ockford Ridge is home and will always have a special place in their hearts.

“We know that change can be unsettling, and that’s why we have taken great care to involve local people and taken their needs into consideration as we deliver these much needed improvements to local housing.

“The short film we have created is a wonderful illustration of how Ockford Ridge has evolved over the years, and the passion local residents have for this part of Godalming really shines through.

“It’s not easy leaving a house you have lived in for decades to move into a new home, but these touching films show what a difference these new homes have made to people’s lives.

“I’m delighted that we now have a lasting record of how this part of Godalming is being transformed, and I thank everyone from Ockford Ridge who took the time to share their stories with us.”

The Keeping Memories Alive film is available to view now on the Waverley Borough Council YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@WaverleyBorough

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