The Tandridge Independent - October 2023

Frustration builds as poor postal service continues

By Rosalind Brookman

Residents of Caterham and its surrounding areas are growing increasingly exasperated with the inconsistent Royal Mail service they have been experiencing for the past year.

Peter, from Harestone Hill, contacted the Tandridge Independent after recently going more than a fortnight without receiving post:

“Before August it was arriving every four days or so, but we’ve just had 18 days in between deliveries. Medical appointment letters and bank correspondence are only sent through the Royal Mail, and it can make life difficult when they don’t arrive.”

Confirmation of a subscription

Peter bought as a wedding present for his son and daughter-in-law never arrived; a replacement took four weeks to reach his letterbox. He says that Royal Mail are not fulfilling their statutory obligations:

“They are meant to deliver six days a

week but they are certainly not hitting that target in many areas.”

Peter got in touch with local councillor Alun Jones, who has been trying to get answers for his residents.

“When the issues first became apparent,” says Alun, “Caterham sorting office management advised that the issues were due to Covid-related issues and then more recently, industrial action. The last strikes were in December, and the industrial dispute was resolved by July this year, but residents continue to suffer with their mail.

Some people are receiving a daily service, but others get nothing. It appears to be due to the poor management of the Caterham sorting office. The Royal Mail website says where there are localised shortages, they will rotate deliveries to minimise the impact to individual customers. This is not the case locally, despite recommendations to the office to do so.”

Continued on page 2

Proud sponsors of Caterham Pumas U15 Kings football team

Letter from the editor

Three months until the end of the year and I still can’t quite compre- hend how it has gone so quickly! There’s lots to focus on, with both the paper and my children’s busy school and social lives, and half-term is on its way, so my planning for that has begun as well!

This month, we welcome our new columnist Farmer Patrick from Flower Farm in Godstone, who will be taking us through what’s happening in the agricultural world. You’ll find his first piece for us on page nine.

Upcoming journalist Matilda Gladwell joined us for work experience in September and has researched and written three excellent articles, two of which you’ll find inside, and the third will be in November’s paper. She has been a great addition to our team, and is also our first work experience student to join me on the airwaves during our weekly BBC Radio Surrey slot!

Chief reporter Rosalind Brookman has been looking at the ongoing problems with Royal Mail deliveries in Caterham and the surrounding areas, and we also have some lovely news about Charlotte Dyer, mum to baby Ruben who died last year at just three and a half months old. We’ve been following the family’s story as they raise money for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity’s research project into paediatric cardiomyopathy, and we were delighted to hear that Charlotte’s tireless fundraising has been recognised with a Pride of Britain award.

We’re also really proud to announce that we are now the official sponsor for the Caterham Pumas U15 Kings football team - we’ll be introducing you to the players over the coming months, starting with a Q&A with captain Harrison on page 18. Go Kings!

As you can see, we’ve got a lot to tell you this month - so much so that we’ve had to move MP Claire Coutinho’s letter and our River’s Kitchen recipe (chilli quesadillas, yum!) to our website. Visit tandridgeindependent.com to read them!

Have a good month, and we’ll see you in November.

Louise D’Costa

Frustration builds as poor postal service continues

Local Facebook groups have many posts about postal problems. While some seem to be receiving an acceptable service - ‘We’ve only had problems when our postie is off sick. Otherwise it’s very good’ - the majority are not:

‘Our postman isn’t covered if he goes on holidays - post can remain undelivered for up to three weeks’; ‘I’m in the valley and I get a batch every couple of weeks’; ‘Got a birthday card yesterday, only a month late!’; ‘Totally at random (deliveries) - sometimes weekly, sometimes six weekly’; ‘The situation for some roads is ridiculous, batch-delivery every two weeks, if that!’

A Bletchingley resident contacted us to say they’ve had problems there:

“I’ve changed my bills and correspondence to email, as letters were arriving late and causing problems.”

MP for East Surrey Claire Coutinho has repeatedly raised this with Royal Mail since last autumn: “I am as frus-

trated as residents with Royal Mail’s lack of progress in improving delivery services.

The underlying cause seems to be a lack of staff. I was promised in their latest letter that the hiring process for new postal workers was well underway. I have chased them yet again for an update.

If anyone is having problems with deliveries, please email me, as this is useful for strengthening my case with Royal Mail’s leadership.”

Cllr Jones continues, “Despite complaints, the service is still poor. The only way to get this resolved is for as many people as possible to escalate complaints to the most senior people so they know what a shambles the Caterham office management can be. Report missing deliveries by calling 0345 7440740 with the date of your last delivery and anything missing specifically. If that doesn’t work, call again and ask for your complaint to be escalated (include references to previous complaints). A customer service representative will call you

back and talk through your issue. The final option is to refer your complaint to the Postal Review Panel, whose details are on the Royal Mail website.”

In June, Citizens Advice research found almost one in three people had endured postal delays in the last month, with 7.3m ‘experiencing knock-on effects such as missing health appointments, fines or bills’.

A Royal Mail spokesman told us:

“We are sorry to residents who have experienced delays. Improving our quality of service is our top priority and we are committed to restoring service levels to where our customers expect them to be.

While on occasion there are delays, mail is being delivered daily throughout the area. When a person has mail to be delivered, and does not receive it on the day they expect, we will always try to prioritise them the following day.

We have plans in place to continue driving our service forward and encourage anyone who has concerns about their mail to get in touch.”

Lingfield Youth Hub offers fun, friendship and opportunities

By Matilda Gladwell Work experience

After seeing an increasing amount of negative comments on social media aimed at the young people of Lingfield, local resident Bernadette Chipp-Smith wanted to do something to make a difference:

“People were complaining about kids vaping or hanging around in the streets. But there was nothing for them to do in the village: they needed somewhere to go.”

She expressed her concerns on Facebook and was directed to Rev. Ian Whitely, vicar of the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Firmly of the belief that ‘rather than blame the young people, work with them’, Ian and Bernie teamed up to open the Lingfield Youth Hub in February this year. Now they have 40 young people who regularly attend, and a small team of volunteers who help create a safe and welcoming space for them.

Based in the Victoria Sports and Social Club, every Wednesday between 16:00 and 18:00 young people from Lingfield and the surrounding areas can make use of the pool and table tennis tables, play on games consoles, take part in organised activities, or simply sit and chat with friends, for just £1. Through collaborations with local businesses, such as Coughlan’s Bakery and the Star Pub, Bernadette and Ian also provide free food including pizzas, sandwiches and pastries, to reduce the stigma around those who cannot afford to buy something to eat.

“We never want anyone to feel excluded because of their financial situation,” Bernadette said.

As well as providing entertainment and ‘a space where young people can be themselves’, Ian and Bernadette are determined that the hub will also be a place where they can learn life skills, and hear from inspirational speakers regarding careers and future opportunities.

“We want them to learn something they didn’t know before,” said Ian. “If we can make a young person go, ‘that’s what I want to do when I’m older’ then it has all been worth it.”

The pair say the hub’s main aim is to make its attendees feel valued, and the transformation in some has been phenomenal. In particular, during the filming of the hub’s zombie movie The End is Now in July (search ‘Lingfield Youth Hub’ on YouTube), which was created and directed by the young people in collaboration with Focus Film School, they saw members increase in confidence and form friendships. Their biggest challenge centres around funding. They have received grants from various groups including Lingfield Parish Council and Your Fund Surrey, as well as assistance

Caterham pub battles rising costs

By James Highsted

A Caterham on the Hill publican has described the pub trade as the ‘worst it’s been’ as he fights to keep his business going.

Danny Foley, who took over as tenant of the Royal Oak in June, is struggling with rising costs, including business rates, energy prices and sports television.

In an effort to save money, he has reduced trading hours and encourages customers to pay with cash to avoid card transaction fees.

“This is the hardest I’ve known it, and I’ve been doing this for 27 years. There’s no help. Business rates and everything else are going up. Sky

Ukrainian bus pass scheme extended

Surrey County Council’s Homes for Ukraine bus pass scheme, which allows Ukrainian nationals free travel on their most used route, has been extended until 31 March 2024. The initiative, which was originally set to run until December this year, is open to new applicants and existing pass holders. You can find out more by searching ‘Homes for Ukraine temporary bus pass scheme’ at surreycc.gov.uk.

The Tandridge Together Community Fund is open

from the church for DBS checks and safeguarding courses, but are looking for ways to ensure the hub is sustainable for the long-term. Storage is also an issue.

“Our ultimate goal is to one day have a family hub in its own building, so our young people have a space that feels like theirs, and we have room to keep more equipment for them,” said Ian.

If you are interested in getting involved with Lingfield Youth Hub as a volunteer, guest speaker, donor or to run a workshop (they are also looking for somebody to help the young people restore an old motorbike), please visit facebook.com/lingfieldyouthhub.

The Tandridge Together Community Fund opened on 25 September, allowing charity and voluntary groups that work to improve the health and wellbeing of local people to apply for grants of up to £2,000. The fund is raised through the Tandridge Together Lottery.

Applications will be accepted up until Thursday, 30 November. The Tandridge Health and Wellbeing Board will decide on the grant allocations in January 2024. Details are available at tandridge.gov.uk.

On-demand bus service now available in Tandridge

Sports TV costs £650 a month, TNT Sports is £220, electric is going up.

The changing of the pub hours is to do with trade. I’ve tried opening from midday but nobody was coming in until 3pm and, during the week, by nine o’clock it’s like a ghost town.”

Cllr Chris Langton, chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for Tandridge District Council (TDC), said: “While we collect business rates, we don’t set rate relief. This is set by the government.

We automatically apply the current retail rate relief of 75% for 2023-2024 to all eligible business rate accounts. This was set out in the budget last autumn.”

Licensing hours and other guidelines are also harming Danny’s business.

“Other pubs are closing at midnight,

but I have to close at 11pm. I’m not being given any extension of hours and when there’s live music or karaoke I have to fork out £160 for door staff.”

Recent data from commercial real estate analysts Altus Group shows 383 pubs in England and Wales closed permanently in the first six months of 2023, three short of the total number which shut in 2022.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:

“The figures don’t just tell the story of the hard times pubs have faced the past few years but indicate what’s to come if the government fails to extend the business rates relief and implement wider business reform.

Since 2020 pubs have faced a myriad

of challenges, from forced closures to an ongoing energy crisis and for many the looming increase in business rates early next year will be the last straw.

Our pubs play a vital role in local socio-economic success all over the UK, but they aren’t able to do their best work because they are under threat from unfair taxation through business rates and VAT, duty rises and extreme energy bills.”

Surrey Connect, an on-demand bus service previously only available in Mole Valley has now been extended into five other Surrey areas, including Tandridge. Open to all residents, the scheme is designed to provide travel options to those who live in areas of the district where there are fewer commercial services. Fares are charged on how many miles are travelled, with a base fare of £2 for adults.

The buses run Monday to Friday (7:00 to 19:00), and on Saturdays (8:00 to 18:00). You can reserve your place with 30 minutes notice or up to seven days in advance. Journeys can be booked via surreyconnect. org.uk or by downloading the Surrey Connect app from Google Play or the App Store.

Above: Bernadette with the cast and crew of The End is Now.

Top right: Ian and members during a sushi tasting activity Right: Playing video games

The Royal Oak

Cost of living crisis: its effect on children’s access to books

By Matilda Gladwell

Work experience

Before the cost of living crisis, one in eight disadvantaged children across the UK did not own a single book, according to a study conducted by the National Literacy Trust. So what about now, when the country is slowly recovering from double-digit inflation and falling real incomes?

The end of last year saw the price of two major essentials, food and gas, rise dramatically. With many families feeling the squeeze of spiralling costs, how can parents be expected to afford nonessential items like books? This is further compounded by the fact that more public libraries are being forced to reduce their hours – or even close – due to a lack of funding. Since 2010, almost 780 public libraries have shut in the UK, with total funding for libraries down by nearly £20m. Between 2021 (when the cost of living crisis began) and 2022, library expenditure in Great Britain fell by 17%.

Caterham libraries have felt the effects of this. While they have been able to retain the majority of their opening hours so far, Caterham Hill Library has been forced to shut on

Monday mornings, and Caterham Valley Library is now sharing its space with Barclays bank on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Joshua Burgess, who volunteers at Caterham Hill Library on Saturdays, recognises that there have been changes in the number of visitors since the cost of living crisis:

“There’s always older people,” he

said. “But the library’s becoming more popular with families with young children.”

The rise in families depending upon public libraries is not just unique to Caterham; across the country, visits to public libraries have risen by 68% since the cost of living crisis, and the number of books borrowed has also increased by 58%. And yet the amount

spent on public libraries by central and local governments in Great Britain this year fell by £1,988 per 1,000 people from last year, according to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

But despite the current hardships faced by libraries, Joshua says that Caterham Hill has been doing more to accommodate families:

“Over winter we had a Warm Hub, where we made free teas and coffees for people visiting the library, especially elderly people and parents who came with their kids.

And there are now more events like these,” he said, motioning to a poster on the wall advertising free weekly Rhymetimes for toddlers and Storytime sessions for children.

The cost of living crisis has truly

highlighted our need to protect our public libraries, in order to ensure children have access to books.

I asked John Ingham, author of Blood-Eagle Saga, who recently gave a talk at Caterham Valley Library, why reading plays such a key role in a child’s development:

“Reading helps open up new ideas and different worlds to [children] and stimulates their imagination in ways video-games or staring at a mobile phone cannot.

Depending on the books children choose, reading should also show them how to write in clear English… Being able to write in proper, grammatical English is a life skill.

Libraries are so important in all of this, not just for children but for adults as well,” he adds. “The Victorians realised the importance of libraries as a passport to education and self-improvement but library closures across the country show that it is a lesson we seem to have forgotten.”

Moreover, John agrees that “especially in the current cost of living crisis… access to a library is essential.”

With access to books playing such a key role in the development of children’s fluency and vocabulary, now more than ever we must secure a future for our public libraries.

Caterham Hill Library

News from Caterham, Oxted & Godstone Lions

Coming up in Oxted…

By Sophie Martin Love Oxted

October is a busy month in Oxted: we’ll be running a Halloween trail around the shops during half-term, with an opportunity for you to vote for your favourite Halloween shop window, plus a Spooky Saturday of fun on 28 October, with ghouls and ghosts around the town between 14:00 and 16:00, and a fancy dress parade and prize-giving at 16:00.

October is also the month for National Recycle Week, which runs from the 16th until the 22nd.

all to recycle more of the right things. The focus is on ‘missed capture’ items: recyclable objects that are commonly missed in the home, including empty aerosols, food tins, plastic cleaning and toiletries bottles, pots, tubs and trays. Yes, you can recycle them!

Follow Hamways’ example: recycle soft plastics by placing a clear bag next to your existing recycling bins, then head to Waitrose or the Co-op in Oxted who have dedicated bins for them, making it easy for you all to make a difference.

Or follow The Deli’s example and simply do your best to make zero plastic waste - if they can do it, so can you!

Is it a British tradition that it always rains on a bank holiday? In the 30 or more years that Caterham, Oxted & Godstone have had a presence on Godstone Green on bank holiday Monday, they’ve seen it all – pouring rain, blazing heat, ferocious winds and even more ferocious wasps….. This year, thankfully, it was nothing worse than a stiff breeze and intermittent sunshine. The usual crowds descended to enjoy the stalls and the Donkey Derby and queues formed for our burgers, candy floss and popcorn and hot drinks.

So much so, that all was sold out by around 15.30. Such success wouldn’t have been possible without the help of

around 20 friends, relatives and other supporters. We are also indebted for the generous support from Stanton Van Hire of Blindley Heath, for the loan of a van to transport our marquee and equipment, and to Rawstone Hire for the generator. It seems likely the event could have raised in the region of £4k for those in need locally and further afield. The club generally makes a substantial donation to assist in the fete organisers’ distribution to worthy causes in Godstone: a tribute to the hard work and team effort of so many people who contributed to the success of the day. One notable social event was a visit to the Houses of Parliament, organised by our MP Claire Coutinho. Thirteen enjoyed a fascinating and informative guided tour, soaking up the history, the atmosphere and opulence of the

Palace of Westminster – the Mother of Parliaments.

And everybody always says that the chambers look much smaller than they do on TV!

Our fundraising Italian Dinner Evening will be held in Godstone’s White Hart Barn on Saturday, 18 November. For further details and to book your tickets contact Lion Tony on 01883 335945 or Lion John on 01883 742680 - but be quick, the tickets are selling out fast! The three-course meal and cabaret is £15.00.

To find out more about your local club, visit cog.co.uk or call Lion Tony on 01883 741809. We also have a minibus available for hire – contact Lion David on 01342 893353.

Our Facebook page has had a re-vamp – why not take a look?

The theme for 2023 is The Big Recycling Hunt - a week-long campaign that aims to encourage us

Follow @loveoxted on social media for updates and info on all the goings on this October.

BBC SURREY WEEKLY CHAT

Tune into BBC Surrey every Thursday at 11.40 to listen to Louise D’Costa talking about current local news stories. 104.6FM - BBC Surrey

By Peter Drysdal

COGs Lions in Westminster Hall

The Miller Centre Theatre Company presents:

Thursday, 26 October – Saturday, 4 November:

The Good Life Daily - 20:00

Matinee - Saturday, 4 November: 14:30

The Miller Centre Film Club presents: The Fabelmans

Monday, 6 November: 20:00

Book online: themiller.net Box office: 01883 349850

The Miller Centre 30 Godstone Road, Caterham, CR3 6RA

Redeveloping Caterham’s Croydon Road

By Catherine Sayer

Leader of Tandridge District Council

The long awaited improvements to Croydon Road, one of the key shopping streets in Caterham Valley town centre, are moving closer, with the council awarding the contract for the works to Walker Construction.

The aim is to make Croydon Road a greener and nicer place to spend time and money, to attract new businesses to Caterham and to boost economic growth and employment opportunities.

The works include:

• Extended pavement space to encourage people to stay longer - providing useable outdoor space near cafes and restaurants

• More greenery and seating in the town centre

• Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, widening some parking bays and clearly separating the road and parking areas by using contrasting materials

• Planting trees and introducing rain gardens and pocket parks. The rain gardens will absorb water running

off the road and are being planted where they can have the most impact on reducing flooding. There are currently a number of places in the street where rainwater accumulates during periods of high rainfall

• Encourage more active travel like walking and cycling and redress the current imbalance which favours car users

How is it being funded?

The Caterham Business Improvement District (BID) kickstarted the idea, recognising the need to improve an area which has been in decline for several years, and to bring in local people and visitors to shop and spend

leisure time there. The council has allocated £950,000 of the Community Infrastructure Levy to the project and has worked with the BID on the plans and to secure the rest of the funding.

These organisations are contributing to the project:

• Caterham BID (Caterham Valley for You)

• Caterham Valley Parish Council

• Tandridge District Council

•Surrey County Council

•Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership

Walker Construction won the contract after a two-stage process, with the invitation to tender scored on price

and quality. The quality questions focused on the traffic management plan, access management, parking arrangements and the ability to minimise business disruption. The council, together with the BID and Surrey County Council, is now working with Walker Construction to prepare for a start on site in January 2024. The project is scheduled to take nine months to complete.

If you have any comments/questions, please get in touch at: Cllr.Catherine. Sayer@tandridge.gov.uk.

Fundraising mum is the Pride of Britain

A mum from Hurst Green has won a Pride of Britain award for her astounding fundraising efforts after her three-and-a-half-month-old son Ruben died from dilated cardiomyopathy in January 2022.

Following their loss, Charlotte Dyer and Patrick Jones set up Ruben’s Fund to raise £200,000 for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity’s dedicated research project into the condition. Through many sponsored events, and with help from friends, family and local businesses, the fund now stands at an incredible £153,000.

Charlotte was surprised on her front doorstep by ITV London’s Daniel Henry, who told her that she’d been chosen as the London Fundraiser of the Year, after being nominated by her aunt Victoria Dyer. She will now attend the Pride of Britain awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, in October.

Charlotte said, “Receiving this award has been an honour, as I know there are so many people affected by

traumatic situations who find their call to action with fundraising. I am just one of those people, and feel privileged to have my family and community behind me in this journey. This award

gives me the extra drive to get to my target of £200,000 next year!”

You can help Ruben’s Fund reach its target by donating here: rbhcharity. org/appeal/rubens-fund.

FASHION | HOMEWARE | FURNITURE

Styled Right o ers a unique shopping experience in a beautiful setting.

Perfect if you’re looking for unique gifts, a ordable fashion, staple wardrobe pieces, and homeware to style your own space. Styled Right also has a range of designer brands which are exclusive to the local area. Not only this but you can enjoy a co ee, some bubbles or a cold refreshment whilst you shop. Talk to owners Sammy and Gaby for advice on fashion styling and home interior design, it’s what they love most!

Pushed for time? You can order for click and collect from the website www.styledright.co.uk

Styled Right will also be a Samaritan Christmas shoebox appeal hub.

Opening Hours

Monday - closed

Tuesday - 9.30-5

Wednesday - 9.30-5

Thursday - 9.30-5

Friday - 9.30-5

Saturday - 9.30-5

Sunday - 10-4

CHURCH WALK SHOPPING CENTRE, CATERHAM

Charlotte and her award at some of the Oxted businesses who have helped her raise money (L to R: Pipers Florists, the Co-op and La Maison)

A Love Oxted (Oxted BID) initiative, designed by That Little Map Shop, to give locals and visitors an idea of what Oxted has to offer on both sides of the town. You can find these maps on loveoxted.co.uk, by the pathway from Ellice Road Car Park, in Master Park and inside both sides of Oxted Station. Credit: Love Oxted

Tandridge Past: William Wilberforce in Woldingham

October is Black History Month in the UK and the museum is looking at the life of the abolitionist, William Wilberforce, who has connections to East Surrey.

The first notable references to Britain’s involvement in the slave trade date to the 16th Century, with Englishman John Hawkins transporting captured Africans from Sierra Leone to Hispaniola in exchange for commodities. By the mid-18th Century, transportation ships carried around forty thousand enslaved people across the Atlantic. Whilst an estimated 11 million Africans were transported into slavery, about 1.4 million died en route.

From the 1760s, larger scale slave rebellions in Jamaica lit the fuse for change, with the first British legal challenge to slavery coming in 1765.

William Wilberforce (1759 – 1833), a politician, philanthropist and abolition leader, was initially a background figure in the cause. But when Rev. James Ramsey, a ship’s surgeon and medical supervisor on St Christopher (later, St Kitt’s) and Leeward Islands plantations conveyed the brutal reality of life for enslaved peoples, Wilberforce took note. Reversing the status of the economic contribution of slavery to Britain’s economy (some 80 percent of foreign income) was, however, a gargantuan task. Parliament threw out Wilberforce’s first Abolition Bill in 1790. To abolish slavery, Parliament itself needed reform, as the supporters of slavery exerted political influence through unrepresentative constituencies. These were so-called Rotten or

Pocket Boroughs with few eligible voters, that returned one or more MPs – Bletchingley was one, returning two MPs from under 70 eligible voters.

In 1832 the Reform Act was passed under Prime Minister Charles Grey, and new constituencies were created for the growing industrial towns. These brought more abolitionists into Parliament, and in 1833 the Abolition of Slavery Act finally passed, at some cost to Wilberforce’s health and only with considerable – now controversialfinancial reparation. Some 800,000 slaves were eventually freed, but £20m was paid by the British government as compensation to slave owners, worth some £17bn today.

From 1821-23, Wilberforce lived at the 17th Century Marden Park, Woldingham. Here, he entertained his friends and fellow abolitionists, including Zacharay Macaulay (former governor of Sierra Leone, a colony for emancipated slaves), and Zacharay’s brother Colin – a general in the British Army, who accompanied the Duke of Wellington in 1822 to the Congress of Verona to lobby the French to support the abolition of the slave trade.

The museum has an original pen and ink drawing of Marden Park in 1814 (pictured), a view that Wilberforce would certainly recognise. But it is very different to the house today, which was rebuilt in the Victorian style after a disastrous fire destroyed the original building in 1879. The house was occupied by Canadian troops in WWII, and then purchased by the Convent of the Sacred Heart as a Roman Catholic school for girls, becoming today’s Woldingham School.

Find out more about East Surrey Museum at eastsurreymuseum.org.uk.

By Debbie Fox

Interim chair, Caterham & District Horticultural Society

The Caterham & District Horticultural Society’s (CDHS) Autumn Show took place on Saturday, 16 September at The Westway Centre, with nearly 80 entries of seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers, plus floral art, cookery and crafts. There was also a history display: the society has been making memories since the 1880s, and owns trophies dating back to 1921. Society President Jeremy Webster opened the show and thanked all the volunteers. Cllr Chris Botten, chairman of Tandridge District Council and Caterham on the Hill parish councillor, gave out the prizes, including cash prizes for the hanging basket class, which the parish council has provided for many years.

Who won what?

Debbie Fox was deemed ‘gardener of the year’, scooping the Murray Bowl and RHS Banksian Medal. She also

Top left: Produce from the society’s community garden (Credit: Avril Jones)

Top middle: The colourful show bench (Credit: Debbie Fox)

Top right: Cllr Chris Botten with Debbie Fox - Gardener of the Year (Credit: Avril Jones)

Right: Cllr Botten awards prizes to Caden, Morganna and Arwen Evans (Credit: Avril Jones)

won the W. S. Warren Silver Challenge Cup, Johnson Cup, Gratwick Cup and Garden News Shield. And the ‘Wonky Cup’ for the ugliest vegetable (a potato), hanging basket prize and Synchemicals Cup. Morganna Evans won the Chapman Plate, Chris Anderson received the Gooderham Memorial Trophy, Gosden Shield and James Skilton Memorial Cup. Margaret Davison won the Judge’s Cup, Karen Murray the Parnell SIlver Challenge Cup, Winter Thomas Silver Challenge Cup and W. Sandiford Rose Bowl. Joe Perera was awarded the Caterham Council Cup, Chaldon

Cup, Cliff Ridgeway Memorial Cup and George Faulkner Memorial Cup. In his closing comments, Cllr Botten said the CDHS is important locally and something the parish council wants to continue to support, donating a grant of £300 in support of the society growing its committee and volunteer base.

The CDHS’s next event is its annual meeting on 13 November (Caterham URC, from 19:15), with a talk and refreshments. Free entry.

Horticulture and history at the Autumn Show Introducing C + B by Sharlene

19 years after entering the world of home decor as a Saturday girl in a blind and curtain store, Sharlene is now the proud owner of C + B by Sharlene, a luxury home boutique which launched last month in Caterham.

C + B by Sharlene isn’t just a business: it’s a platform to create connections, to realise your dreams for your home, and to help you achieve them. Sharlene’s ethos is believing in the value of good old-fashioned, friendly service and a personal touch. Over her years in the industry, she has

created lasting relationships with her customers, many of whom have become dear friends.

C + B by Sharlene’s clients are offered free refreshments during their consultation, so come in, grab a cuppa or a cheeky glass of fizz, and relax on the comfy sofas while browsing through exquisite fabrics and home furnishings. It’s an opportunity for a more relaxed, one-on-one experience, whether you need technical advice or just fancy a chat.

Sharlene is deeply grateful for the warm welcome received from the

local community as she embarks on this new chapter. She and her team always love meeting new people so please drop in and say hello!

C + B by Sharlene - Let’s create beautiful spaces and wonderful memories together.

6 Godstone Road, Caterham, CR3 6RA - Instagram: @cb_bysharlene cb-bysharlene.co.uk

By Clare Corcoran

East Surrey Museum

An original pen and ink drawing of Marden Park, 1814

Advertorial

Farming News

By Farmer Patrick Flower Farm

What’s going on at Flower Farm?

I am writing to you today sitting on the train to Devon, travelling through the countryside of Wiltshire and looking at the cows grazing, pen in one hand, beer in the other. I think about my farm and my mind wanders to what we’ve been up to lately. Now, I’m no Shakespeare, but I’ll give you a run-down of what’s been going on down on the farm.

We have just welcomed a new herd of Hereford Friesan cross cows to the fields, who are very content just grazing and sleeping all day. Our sheep, on the other hand, are escape artists and attempt to tunnel under our fences! We have 1,000s of turkeys, ready for Christmas time. They came to us back in July and have been growing very well since then. Our hens are back outside when the weather is nice, laying hundreds of free-range eggs every day. If you have a look at our YouTube channel, we have an in-depth video explaining the process. Our Maris Piper potatoes are available in the farm shop, and this is the first time in 30 years that we have grown these crops on our farm, con-

necting to my Irish roots! These have been really popular, as you just can’t beat homegrown produce in terms of nutrition and taste. We also have an abundance of homegrown courgettes, beetroot, and runner beans.

What’s going on in the local area?

My fellow farmers in the Tandridge district have been busy making the most of the fantastic weather to gather in the harvest and start autumn cultivations, after the wet July caused so much stress. Did you know that

What’s going on in the UK?

Surrey is the most densely wooded county in the UK? Even though the southeast is densely populated, more than 80% of the region is classified as rural. Tandridge actually holds one of the last family farms within the M25! Farmers in the local area recently got together at the annual turkey conference, where we discussed sustainable feeding, price increases and the importance of the health of our birds. It’s important to liaise with other local farmers – we are all in this together when it comes to feeding and looking after the community.

The great outdoors

By Whyteleafe Village Council

Despite the high heat of September, the new border plants in our community garden have delivered a sparkling display, thanks to the help of the Whyteleafe Community Hub Garden Group.

All the planning and planting has revitalised this public space with beautiful colour right through into autumn. In addition, the two benches have been refurbished and the paved areas jet-washed to provide two seating areas where visitors can sit and enjoy some time beneath the trees.

Ahead of winter, we plan to re-stock the flower beds with winter-flowering perennials and spring flowering bulbs to extend the

garden’s appeal across the whole year. By the spring, the garden will have changed with the seasons. But we hope it will remain just as attractive, not only to people but also to greater numbers of insects, birds and other wildlife. So, feel free to visit, stop and take in the relative tranquillity of this ‘pocket park’ off Whyteleafe Hill at the corner with Hornchurch Hill.

For more information about Whyteleafe Village Council or to contact us, visit our website at whyteleafevillagecouncil.gov.uk.

Farmers across the UK have been lifting potatoes and onions, but potatoes have had a difficult year –wet weather has made the harvest late, and a dry June has hampered growth so while prices have soared, yields have dropped. An acre of spuds can yield up to 40 tonnes, but this year it has been more like seven-ten. My old college friends from East Anglia have been harvesting 150 acres of onions and working seven days while the weather holds. Farming works to the weather, not the time. From a national view, there are challenges and changes ahead, which I’ll discuss further in future columns.

What’s going on globally?

As many of you know, I am a strong supporter of Ukraine and its fight against its invasion by Russia, which I think may have removed me from a few Christmas cards this year. Despite the challenging times, the impact of the conflict on the country’s agricultural sector cannot be overlooked, from disrupted supply chains to loss of farmland. At the farm shop, we have a constant fundraiser for Ukraine, so

please donate if you can when you come and see us.

Across the globe, India is suffering from a tomato shortage – yes, seriously! This may affect Indian politics, as elections loom and politicians are keen to be seen to help these tomato farmers. Imagine the humble tomato, altering Indian politics! Burger King and McDonald’s have had to update their websites to explain why some of their fast-food outlets don’t have tomatoes in their meals. Watch this space!

Keep up with us!

Instagram: @Flower_Farm_Godstone

Facebook: @Flower Farm

YouTube: @FlowerFarmGodstone

TikTok: @FlowerFarmShop

Website: flower-farm.co.uk/

The new additions to Flower Farm

THREE charities, TWO performances, ONE amazing show

Celebration CHRISTMAS C A of HRISTMAS ! !

The BARN THEATRE, Oxted

Saturday 16th DECEMBER 2023 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Accessible theatre charity shortlisted for Community Hero award

Accessible theatre charity

Head2Head Sensory Theatre has been shortlisted in the Community Hero category of the 2023 Surrey Business Awards, in recognition of its work with disabled young people and their families in the local community.

Head2Head’s founder Anni Rhodes-Steere said: “We are committed to making a positive difference in our community, and it is rewarding to see that our hard work is being recognised. Our charity has improved the quality of life for many families in and around Surrey, giving them access to the magic of performing arts, a place which has

Breakfast with Santa

traditionally been inaccessible to them.

Our remarkable team of volunteers and professional actors has clearly made an impact and we are very proud of everyone who has played a part.”

The charity, which is based in Drewshearne Barn, Oxted,

Supper with Santa

has been shortlisted alongside Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, Alpha Community Outreach, Branston Adams and Right at Home GF. Winners will be announced at G Live in Guildford on 17 October. For more information, visit h2hsensorytheatre.com.

BOOK BY PHONE OR IN-STORE! All

Ignite at Warlingham Methodist Church

By Cheryl Baker

Alongside our Sunday morning church services for all ages, we continue to offer extended services and activities throughout the year, which are open to the whole community.

Ignite is a monthly Christian event, where we encourage and share the love of Jesus with others. It includes a time of contemporary praise and worship songs, with a brief talk halfway through. The evening ends with extended fellowship including pizzas and soft drinks. We are also able to pray with anyone who requests this. It is a great place to meet with others in a friendly environment, around a table of warm food.

A Tandridge resident who attends our Ignite services said:

“The reason I cherish the Ignite services is because I really feel like I’ve worshipped! The service is upbeat, with a fantastic Jesus-centred choice of hymns, beautiful singing and great talks. It is a more relaxed service with less tradition. It’s like being in someone’s lounge where we are just worshipping and singing together, very relaxed.

I really look forward to each service and find myself immersed in the Word and frequently moved to tears of emotion. I am surrounded by my church

family. Hearing the sermons brings joy to my heart!”

We also run a free monthly film club, with light refreshments. Our autumn programme has now been launched: warlinghammethodistchurch.org/ film-club.

These activities provide a safe social space, especially for those who live alone and would like something to look forward to.

And it’s not long until we will host our annual fireworks display, which will also have fun indoor activities for children, toasting marshmallows around

the firepit, and hotdogs - a favourite event of our families. Again, this is open to everyone, and free to attend and enjoy. The date will be confirmed on our website shortly.

The next Ignite service will take place on Saturday, 21 October. If you would like to know more about who we are and what we do, including the many other services and activities that benefit the community, please visit us at warlinghammethodistchurch.org/ services. You can also use the contact form on our website to get in touch with us.

Salvation Army raises money at Godstone Village Fete

A very generous £476 was taken at our Salvation Army bric-a-brac and toy stall at the Godstone Fete on August bank holiday. We would like to say a big thank you, as this will really help people struggling locally. The fete was a huge success and very well attended, with lots of positive conversations and fun, courtesy of the donkey derby and the dog show.

If you would like to donate to our ongoing community outreach work please go to justgiving.com/fundraising/tsa-community-support-000457.

By Judy Baker

Caterham Salvation Army

Warlingham Methodist Church

Will my family get their money back if I divorce my spouse?

By Megan Milburn EJ Coombs Solicitors

Financial proceedings in divorce can be stressful and at times complex, especially when it comes to unravelling arrangements involving third parties. There may be loans or gifts from parents, friends, or other family members that require consideration when determining a financial settlement. These third-party interests may be at risk during divorce, however there are things for you to consider and steps you can take to try and protect them.

Establish what the thirdparty arrangement is

It is important to understand the nature of the third-party arrangement in your particular circumstances. Loans or gifts from parents are commonly used to support a couple’s financial situation, for example, when purchasing a property, family car, or funding a business venture. Recognising whether the financial contribution is a loan, or a gift will assist in the first instance in determining whether the third-party interest can be protected, primarily as gifts are not repayable.

Gather

supporting documentation

Having clear documentation can assist in establishing whether a third-party arrangement is legitimate, and what the intentions and expectations of the third-party might be. This can include pulling together copies of any loan agreements, signed documents containing promises to repay a sum of money (known as promissory notes), gift declarations, or any other written evidence that outlines the terms and conditions of the financial arrangement.

It is also important to identify the assets or funds originating from the third-party arrangement, and if possible, keep it separate from joint matrimonial assets so there is a

clear distinction as to what the third party’s contribution is, and what is not. Keeping thorough and accurate records of transactions, bank statements, and other financial documentation may assist with this, and help to establish the third parties’ claim over their contribution.

Get on top of your cash flow

By Chantal Baker Champ Consultants

When you run a business, cash flow is crucial. Understanding your cash flow enables you to grow your business and deal with any troubling matters as they occur. I want to share some tips with you, regarding your cash flow and how to understand it. This is not an exhaustive list, and not all points will relate to every business.

Your records

may be able to add a ‘pay now’ feature to your statement or invoice reminders. Don’t be afraid to chase outstanding invoices.

Bill promptly

Sometimes we get caught up in other matters or we have a system in place which delays our invoicing. Look at what you do and see if there is a way for you to improve it and make it more efficient. Billing early means you get paid quicker.

Check your pricing

Consider

a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement

A prenuptial agreement entered into prior to a marriage, or postnuptial agreement entered into during a marriage may help to add another layer of protection to third-party interests. These agreements outline the division of assets and financial responsibilities of each party in the event of a divorce. By addressing and acknowledging third party arrangements and setting out a clear intention for them to be treated separately within the agreement, this can provide clarity which may assist in the event of a dispute later down the line. While prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are not strictly binding, so long as specific legal requirements are met, then it is likely to be upheld by the court.

Seek legal advice: If you need help with any of the issues mentioned, visit ejcoombs.co.uk or email enquiries@ejcoombs.co.uk.

Ensure you use an accounting software so you are able to run off reports and assess your position. There are a number of cloud accounting softwares but my favourites are Xero and FreeAgent (I promise I’m not on a commission!). There are lots of videos that will help you get the most out of your software, so take the time to watch some. Some software even has its own training.

Chase your customers

If you operate a service business, you issue your customers with an invoice and they pay based on your credit terms. Sometimes, customers are late in paying and you need to stay on top of this: a gentle reminder is easy to do. Your accounting software may be able to issue automatic monthly statements, and you

Bills have gone up lots over the past year or so. If you are still billing the same amount, your profits will be lower and this will affect your cash flow. Look at your pricing and ensure you are still making a profit: don’t be afraid to increase your prices/fees.

Paying your suppliers

Many suppliers have credit terms with their customers. You can run reports from your software to establish what credit period you are using with your clients, and compare this to the credit period your supplier is giving you. If you need more time to pay, contact your supplier and arrange a payment plan with them. If you do nothing and ignore them, they may charge you statutory interest on your late payment and are less likely to want to do business with you in the future.

Stock

Look at ways you can sell old stock. Even if this is sold at cost value it is better than holding onto stock that may never be sold and may end up being destroyed.

VAT

If you are VAT registered, ensure you are on the best VAT scheme and basis for your business. If you are a service business you may want to be on a cash basis, but if you are in retail or hospitality you may want to be on an accrual or standard basis.

If you regularly get VAT refunds, you may want to file monthly VAT returns so you get your refunds quicker.

Corporation tax due date

As a limited company you have the option of changing your year end, and this can be done so that your corporation tax bill is due in a month when you are cash rich. Look at when this may be and work backwards to establish the best year end date for you. (There are some restrictions to changing the year end date of a company.)

Please always seek professional advice before taking any action. We are happy to answer questions in future issues. Please send your questions through the contact us page on our website: champconsultants.co.uk.

Chantal Baker is the director and founder of Champ Consultants Ltd, an accountancy and tax consultancy practice in Caterham. Please follow them on their social media channels. You can also find Chantal on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@business_ finance_mentor

Home comforts

By Deborah Smith Menagerie Interiors

I have to say I’m definitely a summer person and we were lucky to have a last spell of warm weather this September. But October is the month when we switch from feeling sand between our toes, lazy evenings on the patio and the tropical aroma of suncream, to crunching leaves under foot, fresher mornings, dew on the lawn and that lovely smell of autumn.

We’ve already had our log burner annual check so we’re ready for the cooler nights, throws on the sofa and a hot chocolate treat while watching Strictly!

It’s all about getting cosy, hunkering down and nesting your home. I’m focusing on accessories this month: one of my favourite elements of interior design and so important in ensuring your room has those stylish finishing touches!

The best way to create a cosy look in your lounge or bedroom is to layer up and use a variety of soft textures. Waffles, soft wool weaves and velvets all create a warm environment. Think cushions, throws and even upholstery. Have you ever considered reupholstering an old-fashioned footstool, instead of buying a new one?

Fur rugs (fake obviously) are number one for adding a really warming touch and they are generally good value. I personally like to buy them from John Lewis but check out

your local interiors shops, as well as high street favourites, such as M&S.

For candles and fragrances, I personally think you can’t beat The White Company, Diptyque or NEOM. But if you have a more limited budget try looking out for autumn or Christmas fairs in your area where crafters may be selling home-made candles: it’s also a great way to help local small businesses. If you don’t mind travelling a little, the Wealdon Times Midwinter Fair is wonderful! (It’s located at The Hop Farm in Tonbridge, Kent. wealdentimes-fair.co.uk)

If you have a blocked up fireplace and your budget doesn’t allow for a renovation, fake it with either a pile of real chopped logs and/or candles or create a stylish focal point inside the recess with plants or vases. In general, shopping for accessories is all about supporting the design scheme you have chosen. Here are some great high street retailers who will help you build a particular look:

• Japandi: Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk). Our closest store is Guildford but it’s worth the journey as you also have OKA and Neptune nearby!

• Eclectic and quirky: Rocket St George (rocketstgeorge.co.uk).

Think Abigail Ahearn style with a quirky edge

• Contemporary country cottage: Cotswold Company (cotswold.com) or The White Company (thewhitecompany.com)

• Modern Danish: BoConcept (boconcept.com)

Credit: Menagerie Interiors

• Luxury boutique: Lux Deco (luxdeco.com) or Rowen Homes (rowenhomes.com)

And finally, if you have a good amount of time spare to go shopping, head to The Packhouse in Farnham, Surrey – it’s a treasure trove of interior furniture and accessories, I have to be dragged out! They do great fake flowers too.

Interior

Happy shopping!

#shoplocal

For cosy nights in front of the fire this winter visit Surrey Burners in Bletchingley village.

They supply and install solid fuel, gas and electric heating solutions and offer free site surveys (HETAS Registered Retailer). surreyburners.com

Deborah Smith is the founder and design director of Menagerie Interiors. Enquiries to deborah@menagerieinteriors.co.uk and follow her on Instagram: @menagerie_interiors menagerieinteriors.co.uk

Family Business

Telephone: 01883 340 111

Mobile: 07974 170 576

www.greenfieldinteriors.co.uk

Green Tips: grow your own dye garden

By Neil Miller

Autumn is here, and we are excited to encourage visitors to include even more colour in their lives by revealing the secrets behind our dye garden at Hever Castle & Gardens.

Twelve months ago, the trend for dye gardens began to grow and Felix Green, one of my gardeners, asked me if he could create one at Hever. I jumped at the chance to support him in his new endeavour.

Before joining my team, Felix worked as a fashion designer, in an industry he says isn’t very environmentally friendly. Felix came to work with us during Covid and began to research how natural dyes can be taken from the plants around us and how we can create our own mordants (fixers) naturally too.

Felix is keen to share his knowledge of natural dyes from the garden with visitors this autumn as part of Autumn Colour at Hever Castle & Gardens and he will reveal the plants we’ve been growing there during a special Dye Garden Workshop.

Woad, madder and saffron have been used for centuries to dye cloth, as has goldenrod, cornflower, foxglove, marigold and the aptly named Dyer’s Camomile, but lesser-known plants like dahlias and flag iris can also be used to create green and yellow dyes. And it’s not just flowers: the bark, leaves and twigs of the apple tree produce a beautiful salmon brown colour that can be used to dye wool too.

As most people who love Hever

know, the castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, but it was also Anne of Cleve’s house, and Elizabeth I visited regularly too. With these great ladies orbiting the halls, it was probably a centre for Tudor fashion! The Tudors would have grown dye gardens and used vegetable dyes like madder for red, woad for blue and walnut for brown. Some dyes were more expensive than others and the lower classes often wore brown, yellow or blue because those dyes were

easier to source. The upper classes were drawn to bright reds, purple, indigo and black (very difficult to create in Tudor times) to showcase their wealth and exclusivity.

Whilst the Dye Garden is in its infancy for 2023, it should look stunning next year. We hope our visitors will be keen to learn more about how natural dyes were used in the past and how we are using them today.

If you’d like to plan a dye garden, then the following plants are a good start:

Coreopsis (tickseed) - for dying yellows and oranges, this flowers mid to late July.

Rhubarb - using just the root of the plant, rhubarb produces a yellowy colour and additional processes can be added by mixing with acid or alkaline solution to get a whole range of colours. Mixing vinegar with water will change the colour. Even the PH level in your water will change/affect the final colour.

Rubia tinctorum (madder) - this takes three years before you can use it, but once matured it will provide a red dye.

Indigofera tinctoria (indigo) - an annual, this plant produces a fantastic blue that can be modified to vary

from pale to deep. Indigo is one of the only dyes you can keep re-dipping to achieve a darker shade.

Achillea (yarrow) - use the leaf to produce a good colourfast yellow. If you add iron it will give an olive green shade.

Solidago (golden rod) - this creates a beautiful yellow natural dye. If you want a brighter or more intense shade you can add soda ash.

There’s something for everyone at Hever Castle & Gardens this autumn, with winter container colour demonstrations and self-guided autumn tours around Lake Walk, while our younger visitors can also learn tree facts as they find them dotted through the grounds.

The self-guided autumn tour and tree-facts information is available from the information hut from 1 October - 31 October.

For further information visit hevercastle.co.uk.

Head gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens

Felix in the dye garden

Gardener Felix Green

Claire Coutinho: Q&A

MP for East Surrey Claire Coutinho was appointed secretary of state for energy security and net zero in August. We put some questions to her about her new role.

How will you deal with the transition from minister for children, families and wellbeing to your new role?

When you get appointed to a new ministerial role, you have a brilliant team of civil servants to support you and help bring you up to speed. After I was appointed, I went straight to my new department, where I met with my key officials and had lots of meetings with senior civil servants – then I was sent home with plenty of reading to keep me busy.

What do you want to achieve in your new position?

I’m going to be working with the prime minister to safeguard our energy security and tackle climate change. In the UK, we’re approaching a quarter of our electricity com-

ing from offshore wind – up from less than 1% in 2010. Combined with the first new nuclear plant since the 1990s, we’re moving to clean energy independence and away from reliance on oil and gas from hostile regimes like Russia. I also want to champion the role of private finance in financing innovative green technologies. Last week I was in Paris with His Majesty The King and President Macron, where we brought together €2.7bn of private investment by companies to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.

Will you maintain connections with the families you met during your previous ministerial post or focus solely on your new role?

I spent a good chunk of my career working in social justice and with disadvantaged families, so it was a real privilege to serve as children’s minister. I felt lucky to be working to improve the lives of children and their families every day, whether that was through our largest ever expansion of childcare, or reforms to children’s social care and special

educational needs (SEND). SEND is one area where I will definitely be maintaining those connections – parents of children with SEND make up around a third of my surgeries as a constituency MP, so I’m still taking up their cases with Surrey County Council each week.

How will you ensure a smooth change of leadership from you to your successor David Johnston?

I know David really well as we both entered Parliament at the 2019 election and worked on a number of education policy projects together as backbenchers. Before he became an MP, David was chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, working to improve opportunities for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I know he’s been getting stuck in since he was appointed as children’s minister and he is going to do a fantastic job for children and their families.

How will the UK achieve its target to be net zero by 2050?

Our target is enshrined in law,

Why voting matters

but we cannot just legislate our way there, we have to innovate too. One of the main ways we will get there is by moving to cleaner forms of energy such as nuclear, wind and solar, as we have been for many years. We can be incredibly proud that we have cut emissions faster than almost any other major country – down 48% since 1990 –and we’ve virtually eliminated coal from our electricity supply. This is alongside our move towards using innovative, cleaner technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps, and our massive investment into retrofitting homes with energy efficiency measures such as insulation.

What are your thoughts on Rishi Sunak’s recent climate u-turn? How does the government plan on maintaining the 2050 net zero target if he is ‘watering down climate commitments’?

I care deeply about protecting our environment on behalf of our children and grandchildren, but we will only achieve net zero by 2050 if we maintain the support of the public. That will only happen if government decisions feel fair. If the road to net zero is felt to be hitting the poorest the hardest, as we have felt here in Tandridge with the mayor of London’s clumsy ULEZ expansion, we risk undermining our fantastic progress so far.

Our new approach maintains our commitment to the target, but makes sure British families don’t feel the burden disproportionately. We’ve eased the transition to electric vehicles in line with other European countries such as France, Germany and Sweden and, rather than banning boilers before people can afford an alternative, we’re going to support them to make the switch by increasing our Boiler Upgrade Scheme by 50% to £7,500 – making it one of the most generous schemes in Europe. This isn’t a u-turn, but a sensible, long-term decision to make sure we maintain the public’s support for tackling climate change.

By Matilda Gladwell Work experience

Exercising our right to vote is crucial. By voting, we can choose the best candidates to legislate on matters which affect our day-today lives, from social issues to climate action.

I recently met with Claire Coutinho, and asked her to explain why she believes voting matters:

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy,” she told me. “Through voting, each of us has the great privilege of helping to decide how we should organise our shared life as a national community. It is a powerful way to express our views and interests, as well as honour the sacrifices that previous generations have made to secure us these rights.”

From the suffragettes, who fought so that women could vote on the same terms as men, to the current youth action groups who are campaigning to have the voting age lowered to 16, there have been significant movements throughout history to increase participation in democracy.

However, many young people choose not to vote. Since the 1970s, 18 to 24 year olds have had the lowest turnout in every election, with just over 50% of this age group voting in the 2019 general election.

So why is this?

Firstly, this is an extremely busy period of young people’s lives. Whether they have job interviews, apprenticeship applications or dissertation deadlines looming over them, most young people are often too preoccupied with trying to take their first steps up the career ladder to vote. Additionally, voting is a huge responsibility. With each political party having multiple candidates and policies to learn about, the amount of research that is needed before deciding the best candidate to vote for can be overwhelming. And, as students don’t have set lessons on politics in school, unless they decide to take politics A level at age 17, it can often feel like starting from square one.

When I asked Claire if she had any advice for those people who may be anxious by the responsibility of voting, she said that she understood why young people ‘might feel daunted voting’ as she agreed it is ‘a significant responsibility’.

“I would say to young people that they should research the candidates and their parties as thoroughly as they can to decide which fit best with their views on the issues they care about most,” she advised. “In a democracy, compromise is inescapable, but I hope that they will find that on the whole, the people who take the jump to become a candidate are doing so for the right reasons.”

Young people, therefore, should not be daunted by their right to vote but celebrate it, and use it to help shape a society which benefits them.

Local organisations receive funding

Tandridge Photographic Society celebrates its diamond anniversary

By Chris Fenton Tandridge Photographic Society

With excellent phone cameras to record our special memories, we are all photographers now. Over five billion photographs are taken worldwide each day and each is special to the photographer as a treasured record of happy holidays, events and people. The bigger challenge is to take photographs that mean something to others – to tell a story, generate an emotion, ask a question or capture light and colour in a way that draws the viewer in.

Organisations in Tandridge have benefited from Gatwick Airport Community Trust (GACT) funding. Bloomin’ Arts, the College of St Barnabas and St Peter and St Paul Church in Lingfield, plus The Bletchingly Skills Centre, Burstow Parish Council and Oxted’s Make a Scene Theatre Company received donations of between £1,500 and £3,400 each.

Disability arts charity Bloomin’ Arts were thrilled to be able to finally install their dream oak sprung floor at their headquarters over the summer, thanks to money from GACT and Your Fund Surrey. Having previously had an impractical carpet, the new hard-wearing floor is now a safe surface for creative activities and creates a brighter, more hygienic environment.

A Bloomin’ Arts Dance Company participant said, “When I get out of my wheelchair, it isn’t as hard as before. I like how I can move about now without getting carpet burns. It’s also easier for my wheelchair to manoeuvre around the room!”

Revd Ian Whitely from the Church of St Peter and St Paul says the money has helped them “with the set up, running and train-

ing costs for Lingfield Youth Hub, which provides a safe place for young people to meet and mix with peers from the local area, and take part in leisure activities, one-to-one mentoring and education opportunities to further their abilities and skills. Ultimately we believe the hub will lead to a reduction in both antisocial behaviour and mental health issues in young people.”

Make a Scene’s artistic director

Andrée Trotter:

“The grant from the GACT has enabled us to support local families by offering free and assisted places to young people with learning disabilities and SEND, as well as bringing free performances into the community.”

Each year, the GACT invites organisations from Surrey, Sussex and Kent to apply for grants: in 2023, a total of £200,000 was distributed to regional good causes.

Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick, said: “We know from feedback that these contributions have a significant impact, enabling charities, clubs and organisations to thrive and continue making a difference.”

Visit gact.org.uk.

Tandridge Photographic Society has been helping our members create images with impact for 60 years. Formed in 1963 in Caterham as Caterham Community Camera Club, it became Tandridge Photographic Society (TPS) in 1999. After about 50 years in Caterham, the meetings moved to Godstone, and more recently to Oxted, with approximately 70 members.

Much has changed in photography since 1963: film has given way to digital and the darkroom has moved to Lightroom, Photoshop and other image editing/manipulation software. Camera technology has moved on apace and mobile phones, not even dreamt of back then, now have sophisticated cameras attached and nearly everyone carries one.

Our aim is to help all our members enjoy and improve their photographic skills, whether beginner, enthusiast or expert. TPS holds talks and friendly competitions, and organises visits to help members improve and enjoy their photography. Whether wildlife or portrait, landscape or street, abstract or still life, there is something for

everyone. You can see some of our members’ images and find out more at tandridgeps.org.uk or contact us at chair@vtps.org.uk.

We are delighted to announce that the Tandridge Independent is now the proud sponsors of the Caterham Pumas U15 Kings. Each month we’ll be introducing one of the players. This month, it’s the team captain.

Your name, age and position? Harrison, 14, centre back

What do you like about being part of Caterham Pumas?

It’s a good team and I can play with my friends. It’s also a good way to exercise and enjoy football.

What has been your favourite moment as a player?

My first game as centre back. I played well and my team praised me after the match.

What do you hope to achieve this season?

For my team to bond together, as we have a few new players. And it will be great to get some wins!

Limpsfield Chart looking over the Weald (Credit: Chris Fenton)

Captain of Caterham Pumas U15 Kings football team Harrison

Make a Scene theatre company

AFC Whyteleafe round-up

By Adrian Van Aalst

We entered September on the back of three league wins, with our first test away to Greenways. After being around the play-off places for much of last season, and with a mixed bag of results this season, the Kent side were hard to predict.

The hosts had greater possession to begin with, but no real effort came from either side until the 17th minute. Kleon James intercepted the ball in his own half, made a one-two with Temi and tore down the right, firing a low cross into Taurz on the edge of the box, who chipped the ball onto the foot of Azza Watson: 0-1 to the Leafe. In the 33rd minute Helge found Kleon out wide, who got clattered but somehow managed to lob the ball to Azza. Azza passed to Gus, who clinically dispatched it into the bottom corner: 0-2.

A number of half-chances fell to both teams after the break but in the 80th minute a harsh handball decision saw Greenways net from a quickly taken free kick. Final score: 1-2.

Next, off to the always tough Tooting

Bec FC, last season’s play-off finalists. Their start has been surprisingly hit and miss but they never have trouble raising their game against us, their local rivals.

The opening 15 minutes were pretty even. Much of the action took place in a congested midfield before Tooting won a penalty after a Leafe defender was judged to clip their player. Our keeper got down to their low, off-centre shot but couldn’t hold on and it was tapped home by the taker, 1-0 Tooting.

Four minutes later ‘Dougie’ laid a beautiful pass out wide to Temi, who passed to Azza on the corner of the box. A quick bit of footwork found him space through a sea of defenders: 1-1. Lively Gus Ward then caused problems down the left, with two chances almost coming off through his hard work, but the scoreline remained the same.

We had the best chances in the second half, and In the 89th minute Ward whipped a corner in and Taurz bundled it home. Cue fan chaos and Tooting tears, and the three points were ours. Superb!

Another tough test against Faversham Town, whose great form had seen them win their previous four. The visitors hit a long ball over the top, crossed a low one into the box, their striker stuck his boot out and our keeper showed great instinct to get a hand to it and push it away… and there were still only 20 seconds

on the clock! A few chances for Leafe before an 18th minute Faversham free kick whipped the ball into the box, where it was met by a header from their unchallenged centre back. 0-1 Faversham.

In the 33rd min, Mike Hill found Azza on the left wing, who fired a ball across the goal that was met by Alaka: 1-1. Three minutes later, Idris took the ball uncontested to the halfway line and landed a beautifully weighted pass at Mike’s feet, who dinked it over the keeper from a tight angle: 2-1. Alaka’s driving run into the box in the 65th

minute met a defender, who pulled him back and gifted him a penalty. Mike’s nonchalant shot found the back of the net, much to the delight of the home fans: 3-1 Leafe. In the 90th minute a long ball launched from the back and was met and controlled by Azza in the middle of their half. He lost his man with a bit of magic, did a 1-2 with Helge, who set off down the wing, danced around the defender on the edge of the box, took it forward from a ridiculous angle and fired it into the roof of the net: WHAT A GOAL! The game finished 4-1: the Leafe slayed

Oxted Womens FC off to a fantastic start

By Kelly Smith

There have been a few changes in the Oxted Women’s team since last season, with some players moving on to new teams and some great new additions coming in and taking us from strength to strength.

The ladies got their season off to a fantastic start with a massive 7-1 win away vs Guildford City on 10 September, in the South East County Women’s Football League, Surrey Division 1.

The weather was a scorching 28 degrees but this didn’t seem to have any effect on the women, with goals coming from four different players. This was a great team effort, but a big well done goes to Becky Bays for her hat-trick and winning Player of the Match (POTM).

The ladies continued their winning streak on 17 September away to Guildford Saints, with another huge 7-1 win despite the torrential rain, thunder and lightning. Another strong team performance, with players showing their talents all over the

pitch and, again, goals coming from four different players. Paige Bradley netted four of those, videos of which can be seen on our Instagram! Congratulations to Ashley Collier-Stone for taking POTM, after covering a distance of almost 10km in central

another in-form team.

Next up saw the arrival of one of the current whipping boys of the league, SC Thamesmead. Playing us is probably the last thing a club wants to do when trying to discover some form. They would have been right to be worried: 7-0 to the Leafe!

A league higher and with five out of five wins so far, Steyning Town away in the FA Vase was our toughest game by far. They started strongly and we gave the ball away too easily and sent passes astray. Some beautiful moves from Azza and Temi in the 9th minute gave Taurz a chance, only denied by the keeper’s fingertips. The game became more even until the 26th minute, when we offered the tamest of resistance to their corner: 1-0 Steyning. The next few minutes saw us put them under pressure with shots on goal, a turned down Temi penalty appeal, and Steyning hitting us on the break with speedy attacks. A goal for somebody felt inevitable… but it wasn’t us: 2-0. Then another limp, avoidable goal, and we go in at the break shell-shocked and 3-0 down. We started the second half well, knowing an early goal could turn it around. Unfortunately, it came from Steyning: 4-0. Fair play to the boys for not giving up and pulling back two late goals, but it finished 4-2. Much to learn from that performance, particularly if we have hopes of doing more than surviving at the next level. Yes, we’re out of the FA Vase, BUT we’re currently top of the league with a 100% record and a game in hand. Follow us on socials and come down to a game to see what all the noise is about!

And It’s now free to watch the fantastic AFC Whyteleafe Women play, so come and support them too! #BeLeafe

As always, follow us on all of our socials for all the latest news and match information. afcwhyteleafe.com.

midfield.

24 September saw us meet the familiar but tough opposition of Old Tiffinians away from home. Last season they beat us twice and we drew once. This game proved to be a very physical battle, with us taking the lead after 20 minutes and managing to hold on until half-time. Old Tiffinians came out strong after the break, winning and converting a penalty early on and levelling the scores. This gave them the momentum and a few minutes later they scored again from a closerange header, giving them a 2-1 lead.

We kept our composure and continued to be positive, trying hard to keep possession and take our opportunities when they came. We finally got our break in the 85th minute with a fantastic team goal, winning the ball back in defence and getting it up

A battle with the weather at OWFC vs Guildford Saints

(Credit: Kev Merron

to our strikers. In the end nothing could separate the two teams, and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Both goals were scored by Kayleigh Stenning earning her the POTM votes by her teammates.

Our next game is a cup fixture vs Reigate WFC on 8 October. Follow us on our socials for more regular updates: @oxtedwfc

OWFC vs Old Tiffinians (Credit: Hollie Gallone)

AFC Whyteleafe v Forest Hill Park (Credit: Crayford Media)

Captain