Taken at face value, this suggests that “almost the entire school” travelled all the way from Effingham Hill down to the village, went right through the village and then proceeded a further mile at least to reach the northern extremity (“the far end”) of the Common, almost at East Horsley. This would have been a very long journey, and an arduous one too if made entirely on foot.
Her phrase “Effingham Common” might conceivably have referred to the region once known as the Upper Common, virtually on Ranmore but not too far from the school. But then, on returning afterwards from there, would the sound of the church bells have become progressively fainter?
What is known is that a large bonfire was staged on the King George V Playing Fields in the heart of the village. Perhaps her celebration had been there and the memory of it later confused with the Common. Whatever the detail, it is clear that the staff and students enjoyed the evening.