Letter from the editor – September 2026

Artist Priyanka Rana-Iandoli, in collaboration with friend and colleague Fiona Hoppe, is aiming to raise awareness of the global problem of plastic pollution with a community art installation.

Priyanka says: ’Children need Future’ is an underwater scene, with beautiful sea creatures, made from plastic waste. It was created with the help of local children and adults, and illustrates the hugely detrimental effects of our plastic usage on the environment, especially the devastation of the seas and oceans.”

The wood may be old, the brass dull with age, but every bench plaque is a dedication to somebody who was loved. We see them across our villages and towns, these links between the present and past, and yet it’s rare we know anything about the people they commemorate.

So, we took to social media and asked you to tell us the stories behind Tandridge’s bench plaques. Who are the people they pay tribute to, and why has that particular location been chosen for them?

The site of a former office block in Whyteleafe is to be turned into flats. It will become the location for a four to five storey structure which will contain 167 flats in Godstone Road, on what was formerly the Whyteleafe House office building. Property developers, Comer Homes, will build the new dwellings which will have roof gardens, landscaping and a basement car park.
Tandridge District Council said: 'We are currently dealing with applications changing some of the approved details, relating to introducing renewable energy technologies, surface water drainage provision and recycling and waste facilities.'

Demolition of Whyteleafe House was given the go ahead in 2011 and the site has been empty since it was knocked down.

After 25 years of being in the same premises, Butterflies Pre-School in Old Coulsdon have relocated their premises into the 12th Caterham Scout Hut at Parsons Pightle, Old Coulsdon, next to Purley John Fisher Rugby Club.

The new site boasts incredible out door space and the Scout Hut provides a secure and safe environment for its children. Leaders and parents of children attending 12th Caterham volunteered post lockdown to help transform the hut and its grounds. Work included an array of roles ranging from laying concrete through to painting the toilet walls! Ultimately this has created an amazing newly refurbished HQ for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts as well as a fresh new environment for the pre-school.

On 20th March 2020, schools across the UK closed their doors to all pupils, excluding the children of essential workers and those regarded as most vulnerable. Replacing ordinary school, pupils were expected to learn the national curriculum from home.

For pupils to access educational resources remotely, however, they must also have access to a functional electronic device. Yet, for millions of children around the UK, this is not the case.
According to the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, it is estimated that between 1.14m and 1.78m children in the UK have no home access to a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Millions more only have access to a shared device. So for many, home-studying is an impossible task.

One school that has experienced this digital divide is St. Mary’s primary school in Oxted. During the national lockdown, the staff at St. Mary’s found that nearly one in ten of their students did not have access to adequate home-learning resources.

Old Cats women now train Monday evenings from 7.30-9pm at Old Cats Rugby club, CR3 6AH.

Women’s fixtures are yet to be sent out from the RFU, however we are still maintaining training whilst we can in accordance with Covid-19 government guidance.
Recent sessions have included training alongside Dorking RFC which were incredible matches!

Caterham’s own driver Michael Gibbins recently wowed spectators with his performance at the Brands Hatch circuit last month where he gained his 5th win this season.

One of Michaels sponsors, Glen from Computer Solutions (located on Caterham High Street) was there to support him. Michael’s other sponsors include Croudace Homes, Champ Consultants and Surrey Strength and Performance. Matthew Baker from ‘Champs Consultants’ recently told us; ' Champ Consultants are very pleased to have been associated with Michael Gibbins for the second season and that he’s had such success in his championship for both seasons. He is a talented driver and we look forward to seeing more success in the future'.

This month sees Michael at the season finale. We all wish him the best of luck.

After six weeks of summer holidays, the new academic year usually provides relief for most parents. However, 2020’s pandemic has left many unsure of whether it is safe for their children to return to school, and how potential further disruptions to their education will be handled. We spoke to three Tandridge parents to find out how they’re feeling.

Kate Ross* has two children at secondary school. Losing her father to Covid-19 has given her heightened awareness of the risks, particularly in regard to face coverings.

'Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.' (Vince Lombardi)
Has your confidence been hit? Are you feeling overwhelmed about the future? A few months ago, did your future looked bright but now looking bleak?
Well you are not alone. Over the past six months many thousands of people have had their lives turned upside down. Changes in life, whatever they are, can have a devastating effect on the way we feel. A sense of feeling useless, undervalued or just appearing to have no light at the end of the tunnel. All these underlying feelings result in a total lack of confidence.
I am a great believer that confidence is not on the outside of us, but on the inside. It is a state of mind. Understanding your state of mind is key to getting your confidence back. Concentrate on the positives. Reflect and list down all your achievements both personally and professionally. Look around you and think of all the people you have helped through life and on those that rely on you. Relish in your greatness.

Claudine cycled from Prattsbottom to Caterham. Claudine's father used to work in Prattsbottom and the Cemetery where he was laid to rest is there. Caterham is where her friend lives and wanted the challenge as it turned out to be the toughest ride to date because of the hills. Claudine is an experienced cyclist and has been riding since 2009 and has done the famous London to Brighton ride.

On 6th September she did 60 miles to Caterham and for the whole September challenge she has done 300 miles!