Here's what the BCA is all about.

The Burpham Community Association (BCA) is a non-profit, volunteer run organisation that is committed to representing the community of Burpham. Formed in 1973, it provides a forum where people can bring their concerns for our community and know they will be listened to. Wherever it is appropriate, the BCA represents Burpham in matters of general concern. It acts to bring local issues to public attention, and to explain their implications for our community. It is organised by a committee of volunteers. It holds public meetings every two months, which usually have a speaker who has insight into local concerns and interests. BCA is politically neutral in its views and actions.

We all contribute towards making Burpham a great place in which to live, work and learn. The way we achieve this is by:

  • Providing a clear voice for the community, based on popular consensus
  • Creating a forum for everyone in the village to get involved and have their say
  • Using the expertise, knowledge and experience of members of the community to influence and contribute the plans and strategy that affects Burpham
  • Contributing to local events, activities and supporting community groups

How we work

The BCA is run by volunteers, and we rely on the community to get involved. Everyone is a member by default, with full membership costing just £8 per household or £4 per individual. 

Getting involved

It's easy to get involved with the BCA - from just £8 per year per household and £4 per individual, you can help support our efforts. Click here to get involved. 
How we spend your subscriptions

  • Membership of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Open Spaces Society (that seeks to protect open spaces, common land, public paths and village greens).
  • Affiliation to both East Guildford Residents Association (EGRA) and the larger Guildford Residents Association (GRA).
  • A double page news sheet in the bimonthly magazine Burpham Pages.
  • Maintaining and developing the BCA website.
  • Hire of halls and other venues for public meetings and funding a small token of appreciation to invited speakers
  • Professional and legal costs for advice and representation when major planning issues cause concern.
  • Contributions and donations to support local events, activities and displays
  • Refreshments at the AGM.
What we do

  • Liaise with our MP, local borough councillors and county councillors on a variety of local issues, for example, planning, road and traffic problems, the serious flooding and drainage problems endemic in Burpham and protection of amenities.
  • Write letters of objection to contentious planning applications, which may include organising and collating surveys on behalf of our members.
  • Prepare responses to GBC Planning Department documents.
  • Attend a variety of briefing meetings on matters that affect Burpham.
  • Organise speakers for our public meetings. Recent past speakers include our MP, the Leader of GBC and the Lead Members for Development and the Environment, SCC Councillors, our local police team, the National Trust lengthsman responsible for the canal between Guildford and Burpham (he also leads our regular July walk through the Riverside Nature Reserve), and a church representative outlining proposals to commemorate 1914 – 2014.
For a copy of our constitution, please click here

BCA Committee
If you would like to speak to a member of the committee, please call 07513 366072

The team was elected at the Annual General Meeting which was held in June 2024.