GXCA Announces a Season of Celebration: From Historic Restorations to Santa’s Secret Grotto

Summer Successes and Historic Restorations
This summer at Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre has been one to remember. The sun shone, the community came together, and behind the scenes the GXCA team worked tirelessly to improve facilities and host much-loved events.

The car park has undergone vital patch-up works (with a full resurfacing planned as future funds allow), while the World War I Memorial Building has been revitalised. Commissioned in 1926 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the elegant space is now home to The Move Room GX, Kiran Deol Tailoring, Sculpt Pilates studio, and the newly restored GXCA Snooker Club. Thanks to the generous donation of a 1920s Burroughes & Watts snooker table, the club will officially launch on 21 November 2025.

A Summer of Community Spirit
Events since May have captured the very best of Gerrards Cross – from a raucous VE Day Lunch and popular Open Mic Night, to gleaming engines at the Classic Car Show and the triumphant return of the Gerrards Cross Summer Fair in August. The annual Jumble Sale in September mobilised over 140 volunteers and raised more than £15,000 for the Association.

These activities, supported by Gerrards Cross Town Council, continue to strengthen the role of GXCA as the beating heart of the community.

What’s Next?
The coming months promise even more excitement. Highlights include:

• Diwali Celebration – 24 October

• Family Fireworks Night – 2 November (early start for younger children, with food trucks, a bar, and a spectacular 20-minute display). Gates open 3:30 PM; fireworks at 5:30 PM. Tickets: Adults £8; Children (4–14) £5; Family £20; Children under 3 free.

• Santa’s Secret Grotto – 13–24 December. This ten-day festive event is being brought to life by Sonja Klaus, an award-winning production designer with credits including Gladiator, Prometheus, Kingdom of Heaven, and Taboo. Having spent a decade as Artistic Director of Lapland UK, Sonja is now bringing her world-class vision home to Gerrards Cross. Expect enchanting encounters with Santa’s helpers, a candy cane treasure hunt, hot chocolate, letter-writing to Santa, gifts, and more. Tickets: Child £18; Adult £12; Early bird family ticket £45 (limited).

Clubs, Classes & Community
Autumn also welcomes the return of much-loved clubs and societies, from the Sailors Association to Art Appreciation. New groups such as Table Tennis and Gerrards Cross Primary School PTA “Morning Mingles” are joining the fold, ensuring fresh faces and ideas keep flowing into the Centre.

Chairman’s Comment
“This is the essence of GXCA: a place where history, community and creativity meet. Whether you come to learn, play, celebrate or simply connect, the Memorial Centre remains the true heart of Gerrards Cross.” – Marcia Bell, Chairman, Executive Committee