THE name of a 93-year-old woman lives on – thanks to an arts festival and a memorial lecture which have taken Oxted by storm.
When lifelong Limpsfield resident Irene Snelling died 10 years ago, she left a legacy which has brought household names to the district.
Because of her, the likes of Birdsong author Sebastian Faulks, BBC presenter George Alagiah, former MP Baroness Shirley Williams and, this year, Falklands veteran Simon Weston, are among the top-name participants.
Mrs Snelling left the proceeds of the sale of her house in Detillens Lane, Limpsfield – an amount "well into six figures" – to Oxted United Reformed Church in Bluehouse Lane.
Because she was passionate about the arts and music, the fortnight-long Bluehouse Festival is held at the church every other year, as well as an annual Snelling Memorial Lecture.
And a showcase of talent is lined up for this year's festival, starting on October 21.
Former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion will read some of his work, Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time panelist Pippa Greenwood will give a talk and Never Mind The Buzzcocks panellist Joe Stilgoe will sing.
In addition there will be youth drama performances, children's story time, plus concerts and music from classical to big band.
This year's lecture, by Simon Weston on October 27, sold out two months in advance.
Jane Damesick, a former secretary of the festival, said: "I think Mrs Snelling would be delighted at the legacy she has left to the Oxted area.
"There's something on offer for just about everyone. Each time the festival and lecture attracts a lot of interest, with some people travelling from London for different events."
For full details, visit www.oxtedurc.org.uk/bluehouse-festival
