Welcome to the February issue of the Tandridge Independent!
I know we’re a long way past the first of January, but as this is our first paper of 2026, it still feels like I should be saying happy new year to all our readers…so Happy New Year!
This month, our front page story concerns the recent meeting arranged by MP Claire Coutinho in the hope of finding some answers surrounding the ongoing saga of the Godstone sinkhole. I really feel for all the Godstone business owners who have been impacted by this situation for an entire year now.
One of our favourite things is being able to shine a light on local heroes, and here we are able to celebrate not one, but two people who make a difference to their communities every day. John Tolley, 86, has completed an incredible 25 years of voluntary service at Limpsfield Memorial Stores and Post Office, and Mick Bamford, of Caterham Salvation Army, has stood outside Morrisons every week for the last 15 years, come rain or shine, collecting donations and chatting with passersby. It’s people like these two gentlemen who make our district the fantastic place it is!
Caterham charity Delight also makes a difference to the lives of thousands of children, parents and teachers every year. Deputy editor Rosalind Brookman went to visit founder Kathryn Mills to hear more about the incredibly positive outcomes its work has in schools across Surrey.
We also feature an appeal from St Mary’s Church in Caterham, to help restore its spire. The church, which is more than 150 years old, is unusual in that its bell tower houses a rare full peal of eight bells. The spire, which protects the bell tower, urgently needs new shingles, in order to keep it waterproof. The details for donating are on page 5 – please help out if you are able.
Our TI columnists are here as usual and this month Travel Smarter takes a trip to the beautiful Stockholm, while our resident athlete Jack Kavanagh answers questions that you’ve been sending in via Facebook and Instagram. You can also email us with questions for Jack’s future columns, on newsdesk@tandridgeindependent.com.
Whyteleafe Village Council’s column is about the new unitary councils, West Surrey and East Surrey, which will be taking the place of Surrey County Council and its 11 borough and district councils in April 2027. What are your thoughts on this big change? Let us know on newsdesk@tandridgeindependent.com!
Have a great month!
