Welcome to the October edition of the Tandridge Independent!
Well, it’s definitely feeling autumnal now, isn’t it?! Much as I’m sad to see the end of the wonderfully warm, long summer days, I do love how this colourful season prepares us for the gradual onset of winter, with its chillier mornings and darker evenings: I’m already looking forward to getting out all my woolly jumpers again! And is there anything more evocative of autumn than a dew-soaked cobweb woven amongst an explosion of red, orange and yellow leaves?
Paying respects
Obviously, we can’t go much further without mentioning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a hugely respected figurehead for our country for 70 years, and her funeral was an excellent tribute to her, and a unifying moment for every British citizen. I’m sure I’m not alone in being mesmerised by the entire event, from the moment the procession left Westminster Hall, to her interment at St George’s Chapel: it felt like the perfect way to celebrate her life, not just as a monarch and a stateswoman, but as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well.
There have been many books of condolences open across the district, and we have an example in this month’s paper, along with a beautiful mural by local street artist Chris Shea, which many of you will have seen in Warlingham.
What else have we got for you?
Our front page story covers the critical financial situation faced by the Westway Centre – an invaluable community resource that is a lifeline for many local residents. We spoke to the team there to find out what’s been happening, and what they need to help them survive.
There has been a lot of concern around the amount of luxury cars that have been stolen in Tandridge recently. We’ve been speaking to residents who have experienced this horrible crime, and we’re also passing on advice from Tandridge Beat on what you can do to beat the thieves.
The Accessibility Project has grown considerably since we featured it in April this year, so we asked founder Abi Chapman to bring us up-to-date. You can also discover why MP for East Surrey Claire Coutinho is looking to bring people together through her Friendship Project. And, talking of friends, Tandridge Voluntary Action are looking for befrienders, so keep an eye out for their article if you think that might be you.
All our regulars
I say ‘all’ our regulars, but this month we are without the fabulous Christelle, from Keep Calm Nutrition. Having provided us with some great nutritional advice over the last couple of years, last month was her final column for us. Thank you, Christelle – we hope you’ll keep in touch with your favourite local newspaper!
As we watch our gardens change colour, Hever Castle’s head gardener Neil Miller tells us about October in the garden, Gina Nicolas from EJ Coombs Solicitors talks about the cladding crisis, and budding chef River swaps his recipe book for a microphone, as he interviews Crystelle Pereira from last year’s Great British Bake Off. There’s so much more, but I’ve almost run out of space, so I’ll let you discover the rest for yourself!
Don’t miss it!
If you have the chance to get to Hever Castle before 9 November, make sure you have a look at their current exhibition, Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court. We were lucky enough to spend some time with Hever’s historian, Dr Owen Emmerson, and he captivated us with stories of Anne’s childhood, and the influences that made her the incredible woman she was. Be sure to read our article about it, and visit the exhibition if you can – it’s fascinating.
Before I go, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to the fantastic Callum from Clarks in Caterham for helping me deal with the drama of buying last-minute school shoes for three children – he was an absolute star!
Have a great month!
Louise.
