Local & Business News

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS THIS DECEMBER It’s tough out there in retail and hospitality, as well as in pretty much every other type of business. Our local economy and all our local businesses and charities rely on us all to help them survive, so this Christmas, please go to local gift fairs…

December is always a lovely time in Limpsfield and quite often we have had a little dusting of snow – usually not over Christmas itself, but you never know…! Here’s the low-down of what’s going on this festive month… Launch of The Limpsfield Home Company at Wickham’s Courtyard: Following the departure of the Potting Shed,…

This December, Love Oxted is continuing the Christmas festivities in Oxted with some live music on Saturday afternoons and much more besides!    Festive live music Saturdays: On 7th December, the fabulous “Sing it Out” ladies will be singing their hearts out to festive tunes from 1PM. Did you catch their Fairytale of Oxted last…

Santa, Rudolph and the Titsey Rotary Elves will be back in Oxted, Hurst Green and Limpsfield this month!  Starting on Monday 2 December, Santa Claus and Rudolph will be touring the streets, playing festive songs, distributing sweets to the children and collecting cash for the charities that Titsey Rotary Club supports. Santa will be putting…

The Club held its 46th Annual Charter Celebration with a lunch at Reigate Manor. In attendance was District Governor Lion Steve Carley who gave his usual spirited address complimenting the Club on its activities over the year. Various awards were made including the Lions’ highest honour, a Melvin Jones Fellowship, to Lion Tony Carter in…

With the overwhelmed NHS as it is today, it can be a truly frustrating and stressful experience trying to get seen by a doctor if you’re not feeling well or have a minor injury or pressing health concern. Towns like Oxted used to have cottage hospitals, which were a brilliant filter away from the main…

Staff, residents and families at Barchester’s Windmill Manor care home in Hurst Green marked Alzheimer’s Awareness Month which is took place throughout September by joining together to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Research UK  Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, the loss of cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering, reasoning – which can affect…

Get Ready for a “Hoot” of a Halloween at Godstone Farm! The popular family farm park in the Surrey hills is encouraging young families to hold onto their broomsticks and embrace a spellbinding Halloween extravaganza like no udder! The farm is turning into a hauntingly happy haven this October, with a dairy-frightful line-up of activities…

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Clem Burke is a true American rock legend, having played drums for US giants Blondie since 1975. Away from his time with Debbie Harry and co, which included an appearance on the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury, Burke also plays drums for US rock…

The parade will march-off  from Oxted RBL on Church Lane at 08.45 for a service at St Mary’s Church at 09.15.  On completion, the parade will march-off from the church at 10.40 to be at the  Oxted Memorial (Master Park, bottom of Station Road West) in time for the  2-minute silence at 11.00.  There will…

August Bank Holiday – is it a British Tradition that it always rains on a Bank Holiday?  In the 30 or more years that Caterham, Oxted & Godstone Lions 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…

In the church’s year the months of October and November are ones of contrast. October is a month of mellow fruitfulness when we continue September’s theme of celebrating harvest and all the good things that we have been given. It is a time to give thanks for the efforts of farmers and for all the…

The Blues is a musical form and genre, originating in the Deep South of the United States around the mid 19th century, which has since influenced much of contemporary music permeating almost every style of modern western music. Its evolution from the field hollers, chants and spirituals of its roots has brought many different Blues…

Moor House School & College has been an integral part of the Hurst Green community for 75 years! We are situated at the top end of Mill Lane, with wonderful views of the green from our first-floor offices and classrooms. The school is one of very few in the country specialising in supporting children and…

Limpsfield Memorial Stores would like to announce that after 11 years as our well known, hard working Memorial Stores Post Office mistress and Shop Manager, Kerry Daniels has decided that it is time to move on to pastures new. Kerry has been the linchpin of this vital community hub for everyone involved with the stores…

Windmill Manor care home in Holland Village, Oxted marked Dementia Action Week which took place from 15 – 21 May. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering, reasoning – which can affect a person’s day to day life and activities.  Functions that can be impacted are memory, language skills, visual perception, problem…

This spring, Godstone Farm is launching its first ever Easter Grotto. From Friday 1st April – Monday 18th April 2022, families will have the chance to meet big ears himself, the Easter Bunny.  Children will get the chance to step inside a magical grotto, filled with curiosities and enchanted wonders. Upon reaching the Easter Bunny’s…

East Surrey Advanced Motorists will be running their popular Better Driving theory course in Nutfield Memorial Hall, RH1 4HF at 8pm on Thursdays 12th, 19th and 26th May and 2nd June 2022, completely free of charge. Our vastly and variously experienced group of highly trained and voluntary Observers will host four different informal illustrated talks…

Following the success of their previous concert last November, Hurst Green Singers is delighted to announce a special performance of beautiful music dedicated to the memory of Michael Barlow, the choir’s former Music Director, who sadly died in August 2020.  Michael was a talented pianist, organist, accompanist and performer who led the choir for 33…

On Thursday 5 May, residents will go to the polls to have their say about who should represent them in the district elections. Please make sure if you are eligible to vote, you are registered to vote, if you are not already, by Thursday 14 April. If you aren’t registered it will take just five…

Have you ever felt like you would like to have more confidence? Maybe at work, or in an area of your personal life. It’s worth remembering that confidence is not something we are born with, but rather it is intertwined with self-belief and more importantly it’s something we can develop. Self-belief is built upon layers…

Friday mornings 9.30am to 11.30am at the Woodhouse Centre, (opposite the Leisure Centre) In December we wrote about our “Hidden Gem” with 46 (now 47) years trading history, where all goods must be home cooked, hand crafted or locally grown. We really want to come out of hiding!  Easter delights are available now and we have…

Soon after the Christmas decorations had been taken down Easter eggs and hot cross buns started to appear in the shops, these for many people being the main symbols of Easter. For Christians however the six weeks leading up to Easter are known as Lent, a time when many people give up something – often…

Master Park Trustees are aiming to have 100 events (taking place on the park & surrounding area) to showcase the businesses, organisations, and charities in the area. This is to mark the 100-year anniversary of Master Park (an amazing gift given to the local community, by Charles Hoskins Master, in 1923). As a charity, Master Park…

Oxted Rotary Club is part of a Global network of Clubs and Districts. There are Rotary Clubs and Districts in Ukraine and most of the neighbouring countries, which puts us in a unique position to be able to help with the refugee crisis by getting funds directly to volunteers on the ground who can assess…

LimbPower is based in Lingfield Surry and was launched by CEO Kiera Roche in 2009 after she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident. LimbPower is a UK national disability sports organisation to engage (adults, teens and children) amputees and people living with limb differences to regain mobility and fitness in physical activity, sport and…

Sight for Surrey has announced that acting legend, star of the screen and Surrey resident, Dame Judi Dench, CH, DBE, has agreed to become a Patron of the charity for its Centenary year, 2022. Sight for Surrey supports and enables people in Surrey who are blind, vision impaired, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind to…

Established arts festivals add significantly to local image and identity and can become embedded in the social and cultural life of communities hosting them. Those attending such events generally feel more positive about the host town leaving them with improved perceptions of people and places. There are many festivals held throughout the summer months and the Queen’s Jubilee this year will see that…

HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO delighted participants at Surrey based arts charity Bloomin’ Arts when he came to visit the centre on Wednesday 22 September to hear about Bloomin’ Arts hard work throughout the pandemic and unveiled a plaque to celebrate 10 years they have operated as an incorporated charity. Bloomin’ Arts (BA),…

St Mary’s Harvest Festival Open Day – Saturday 2 October 10.30am – 4pm Please come and see our beautiful flowers, enjoy views over Oxted from the tower, bell ringing demos, slideshow, Church registers, treasure trail and cream teas! www.stmarysoxted.uk

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie will be presented by The Oxted Players from 12th – 16th October at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 16th. Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past that they are unwilling to reveal…

Tuesday 9th – Saturday 13th November 2021. Open 10am to 5pm, 4pm Saturday at Bourne Hall, Ewell. Christmas Shopping for; originality, quality, usability, great value and good service. New stalls added daily. Easy and cheap parking. Free entry. Email: giftmarket.2@yahoo.com

Record online advance ticket sales showed the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show organisers that families were eager to enjoy a very special return to the Lingfield showground this August Bank Holiday weekend – and return they did, in their thousands. The volunteers who worked so hard to put on the community show under such difficult…

Local community and voluntary organisations can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 from the Tandridge Together Community Fund. The grants will be awarded early in 2022 to local charities and voluntary groups which demonstrate the work they do improves the health and wellbeing of people living in the district. Eligible organisations are invited…

In Eggland, everyone and everything is egg-shaped including Eggbert, the star of this new series of books for children. With rhyming text and bright, colourful pictures, the stories follow Eggbert’s adventures as he travels around in his bright red Egg Car. This series has taken Oxford author, Paul Gustafson, five years to develop. Written in…

WOODHOUSE CENTRE: Friday 9.30am to 11.30am Hooray! We are still in business and finally back in the marketplace. Our new venue is the Woodhouse Centre, just next door to the Red Cross Hall where we have enjoyed many years of trading. Market day has changed; we now open on Friday mornings. We have been privileged…

Tandridge Council has launched a desperate last minute bid to save its local plan from rejection, a fate which would risk a development free-for-all in the district. Its move increases the chances that the controversial “garden village” in South Godstone’s Green Belt will never be built. After an impassioned meeting of its Planning Policy Committee,…

Which hidden disability: • affects approximately 7% of the population? • is more common than Autism? • affects, on average, 2 children in every class of 30 to a level severe enough to hinder academic progress? …yet most people have never heard of it? Could it be Language? Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is diagnosed when…

St. Mary’s Primary School, Oxted has had a swimming pool in its grounds for well over 40 years, enabling many children over the years to learn to swim, a skill that is vital and part of the National Curriculum, and allowing the older pupils to enjoy the excitement of competing in swimming galas. The pool…

Tickets are on sale online now for the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show which returns on Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday – the perfect event to meet up with friends and family for a staycation adventure. The organisers have been working round the clock to arrange an event that includes all the favourites the Show…

Community Fundraising Appeal  Limpsfield Chart Cricket Club has launched a crowdfunding appeal to make urgrent repairs to the ground which has become so uneven that it is becoming unsafe to play on. The club has over 100 family members including 50 children from Edenbridge, Oxted, Crockham Hill and Westerham and it has been home to…

NEW SHOW CARNIVAL WILL VISIT OXTED The wait is over! Following a lockdown break, Zippos Circus is back on the road with Carnival, a Big Top tour starring a diverse cast of thrilling artists from around the globe. And for the very first time, the famous circus will visit Oxted, performing from 24th to 29th…

Grange Meadow Management Committee has announced plans to host a Summer Funday on Sunday 1st August in order to showcase the facilities at their site in the village of Bletchingley, Surrey and to support the local charity Bletchingley Skills Centre who provide life skills courses for adults with disabilities. Chair of the committee, Mark Tantam,…

Following a major refurbishment, PizzaExpress on Station Road East threw open its doors to unveil its brand-new look on Monday 17th May. After closing during lockdown in 2020, the pizzeria is back and better than ever with a vibrant refresh that has been completed in time for the brand’s national reopening for indoor dining, giving…

Tucked away in the centre of Bletchingley village is a long established but perhaps under-acknowledged little gem of a charity providing life skills lessons for physically impaired adults from the areas in and around the village notably including Oxted. The charity, now Bletchingley Skills Centre, evolved from Tandridge Phab club and set up as what…

You are invited to attend a series of virtual talks hosted by CAGNE, the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, are delighted to offer you a unique opportunity to hear from international experts talking about how Gatwick Airport’s plan to rebuild the emergency runway as a second runway would further…

Godstone Farm is joining forces with Rockinghorse Children’s Charity to encourage their young supporters to ‘Get Going with Godstone’. Can you walk as far as an alpaca or run as fast as a rhea? Perhaps you can swim as far as a fish or cycle faster than a galloping horse? Whichever animal you would like…

We are currently in a home revolution. The way we use our homes has evolved during the pandemic. And it’s about time. What once functioned as a living space, now doesn’t meet the new demands of modern life. John Lewis’ recent ‘Flexible Living Report’ has identified a shift from open-plan, shared living, to flexible homes…

Conservatives around England were rejoicing early last month (May). In a rare achievement their sitting government had won stunning election victories, including gaining control of 13 councils, retaining the mayoralties of Teeside and the West Midlands, and resoundingly winning the Hartlepool by-election.  In Tandridge, however, it was a totally different story. Here the Tories lost…

Special Free Taster Sessions for local people who are not yet members of Westerham U3A. As you may know, one of the activities that we offer is the chance to hear from a wide range of speakers. This June, we are opening up two Zoom talks to non-members.  The two events are: 10th June Gilly…

We wanted to let the community know what we have been doing during the last twelve months.  It’s been a difficult time, with lockdowns came the cancellation of many of the fundraising events we had previously relied on to raise funds. However, with funds we had raised 2019/20 we managed to provide the Health Centre…

The Limpsfield Cookery School is offering a FREE full day class to one of our readers. All you have to do is email your answer to the following question:  Which of the following is NOT a culinary term? A.   Braise B.   Broil C.   Fillet D.   Knead E.    Pummel F.   …

The June Edition Oxted Local is now online to view it use this link: https://oxtedlocal.co.uk/magazines/June_2021/index.html We are now working on the July Edition. The deadline for bookings and artwork is 11th June. Thinking of advertising your products or services to residents of Oxted and surrounding areas? Here is our rate card, with options to suit…

After a successful planning appeal, Churchill Retirement Living has been granted planning permission to build 26 brand new retirement apartments in the heart of Oxted.  The new development on Church Lane will be perfectly located just a short walk from the shops and amenities of the town centre, with excellent public transport links. In the…

Its Spring, and the year ahead looks more promising than the last.  However, there is a way to go and whilst the Government decide where to spend, they are also ensuring payback. So, as much as Spring and better days are on my mind, it is also a new Tax year and I write in…

With everyone desperate to get out and explore once the tighter lockdown rules relax, YMCA East Surrey’s Y2Y Challenge event could provide the perfect goal for this summer. The Y2Y North Downs Trek will take place on Sunday 25th July and follows the North Downs Way through beautiful Surrey countryside. With two choices of distance…

Action for Carers Surrey helps Surrey’s unpaid carers of all ages, with free information, practical help, emotional support, events, advice and more.  ACS’s free events give you a chance to relax or to get vital information. For now they’re on Zoom, so no need to leave home; April’s include mindfulness, yoga, and managing stress, plus…

Did you miss out on a place for this year’s London marathon again? If so, do not fear, Sight for Surrey has 4 places up for grabs at this year’s virtual race on Sunday 3rd October 2021, when 50,000 runners will have the chance to be part of the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in…

To many people Easter is regarded as a time to think about spring lambs, Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs but to Christians Easter Sunday is the most important festival of the church’s year when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus preceded in some churches by a week beforehand of special services. The Sunday before Easter…

Conservative Party members have chosen Lisa Townsend as their candidate for the upcoming Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner election on 6th May 2021. Lisa, who has lived in the county for 12 years with her husband Ben, has a background in strategic communications and was previously a parliamentary candidate. She beat former diplomat Robin Gwynn…

Tandridge District Council has been given three months to rescue its controversial local plan – which includes a  “garden community” in pristine Green Belt at South Godstone – with no guarantee of success. The official Government inspector appointed to scrutinise the proposed plan has written the council to give it what amounts to a stay…

The March Edition Oxted Local is now online to view it use this link: https://oxtedlocal.co.uk/magazines/March_2021/index.html We are now working on the April Edition, which has a short deadline of Monday 8th March. Thinking of advertising your products or services to residents of Oxted and surrounding areas? Here is our rate card, with options to suit…

This year, Gatwick Airport Community Trust celebrates 20 years since the fund was set up through an Agreement between the local authorities and Gatwick Airport Limited who provide funding to support local communities. It launched its first grants programme in 2002 and over the last 19 years this independent charity has awarded grants to over…

Residents have until 31 March to apply for funding to help make their homes warmer, cut their bills and improve their green credentials. The Green Jump Surrey project provides up to £15,000 of funding for eligible households to make energy saving improvements like loft and wall insulation, renewable heating, LED lighting and draught proofing. More…

I am delighted to share with you the news of our recent successful bid to Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund. Freedom Leisure applied for funding to deliver a physical activity programme for Tandridge residents who are living with cancer or have a cardiac and lung conditions or any long term health issues.  The funding we…

Oxted Country Market It was every Thursday 9.30 to 11.30  – our motto:  Homemade, handcrafted, Home produced – Although we haven’t been able to run our market in the Red Cross Hall in Oxted since the first lockdown last March, the market producers have continued to serve the community in several ways. As providers of…

It was March 2020 and life was pretty good. As a single Mum to two children, Thea then 11 and Stanley 4, I had just been offered a new job working in HR for a well known retail brand. Then this word started to hit the headlines…… COVID 19. What was this all about we thought?…

Despite the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic, Oxted Rotary took on the challenge to do what we could to help others at Christmas time.  The aim was to raise funds and help the less fortunate within the community and here’s a summary of how we did.  Our Christmas Special Campaign was spearheaded by PR…

The Friends of Limpsfield Common is a small, local and not for profit organisation that supports the conservation, care and enjoyment of Limpsfield Common.                                                               …

This heading was used by a financial planner in the USA and seemed appropriate to me as with no plan at all we have no focus nor peace of mind. She continued to say “Even if you didn’t experience financial instability in 2020, it’s OK if this feels like a lost year.  Be kind to…

Every year on the first Friday in March in over 120 countries right across the world thousands of Christians from a multitude of denominations and of every race and colour, gather to celebrate the World Day of Prayer (formerly known as Women’s World Day of Prayer), by holding some special services. This year the Day…

During the dark, chilly days as we crank up the central heating, it’s easy to take warmth and comfort for granted. Not everyone is that fortunate. Henok arrived at Hillbrook House in August 2018, aged sixteen. War and conflict had driven him from his family and home country of Eritrea in search of a better…

I am litter picking to raise money for Caterham Foodbank because I want to help local families in need. Hi, my name is Alice. I am 7 years old. While we are in Lockdown, I am going to litter pick around my town, to try and raise some money for the local foodbank. I am…

A grandmother who began volunteering at Godstone charity the Orpheus Centre 20 years ago has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of her outstanding service to young people with disabilities. The 84-year-old from Tatsfield, Surrey, said: “I am absolutely…

2020 was a very different year to the previous 30 years of the Club’s Santa Float but it still managed to do all but one of its scheduled visits. It seemed greatly appreciated and also turned out to be a somewhat successful fundraiser! Although takings were expectedly well down on previous year’s the Club collected…

Tandridge House Memorial care home in Oxted was transformed into Graceland to mark what would have been Elvis Presley’s 85th birthday on 8 January. It is estimated that Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide so to honour the undisputed King of rock & roll, the staff and residents enjoyed a fantastic day of…

Tandridge Voluntary Action, or TVA as it is also known, is a charity that supports across the Tandridge district, the local voluntary, community and faith sectors. It receives funding from Tandridge District Council, Surrey County Council and the NHS East Surrey Clinical Commission Group. One of the many aims of the TVA is to support…

Tandridge District Council’s controversial plans to build over 6000 homes has been officially torpedoed – and it’s highly contentious proposal for a massive “garden community” in the Green Belt at South Godstone effectively sunk.  An official Government inspector, who must judge such plans “sound” if they are to proceed, has written the Council saying he…

This February, we want you to Get Active and raise vital funds for children with brain injury! The Get Active Challenge is a unique fundraiser, giving both your physical and mental health a boost. You can be sponsored to do any kind of exercise you like – physical or mindful – every day for the…

Do you need help with local transport? For shopping, medical appointments or transport for vaccinations, etc. East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership, (ESRTP) is a charitable organisation that works with the support from local councils & SCC to provide much needed additional community transport including North Tandridge Dial-a-ride and Tandridge Buses 4U transport services. For details:-…

I first saw yoga in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s I shared a house with a yoga teacher and my oldest friend tried to persuade me to engage in yoga in the early 90’s, but I was not for turning;  I was a high octane loving man:  squash and gym daily, running, biking, tennis and…

Surrey-based hairdresser has been crowned Southern Hairdresser of the Year 2020 at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. Thomas Hills, Owner and Director of TH1 Hair – a hairdressing salon in Oxted, Surrey – fought off stiff competition, standing out from a star-studded line-up of the city’s best-known stylists to gain the coveted…

NEWS FROM LIONS Although it is now some time ago, we wanted to share some of what the club was up to towards the end of 2020.  The Club went along to the Food Bank in Caterham at the end of November to give them a cheque for £1300. Coronavirus has meant that fundraising has…

After an astonishing 33 years of service in the role of Secretary, Jackie Shearman retired from the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show at the end of November.  Jackie has been key to the growth and smooth running of the Show since it moved to the Showground at Ardenrun in 1988. During her time in the…

The Friends of Limpsfield Common Committee were delighted with the response to our recent request to take part in a Survey. Thank you. We had 378 responses. This has provided us with lots of very useful information which will help guide our plans for the future. We have shared the contents of the survey with…

Moor House has been an integral part of the Hurst Green community for 73 years! We are situated at the top end of Mill Lane, with wonderful views of the green from our first-floor offices and classrooms. From 1947 until 2011, all students at Moor House were residential. In 2011, the decision was made to…

THE SHOW WILL GO ON THIS CHRISTMAS AS APOLLO THEATRE COMPANY HIT THE ROAD WITH DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS CLASSIC  A CHRISTMAS CAROL  Ebenezer Scrooge will be brought to life on stage this December as Apollo Theatre Company are set to take their hit production of A Christmas Carol on tour to Surrey, Devon and Berkshire.  First…

Age UK Surrey is delighted to announce that The Rock Choir is supporting our Cream Tea event to celebrate International Older People’s Day on 1stOctober 2020. The virtual cream tea is being organised to help raise funds to keep vital services available for older people across Surrey. Anyone can host an online tea party or…

Local resident Alex Kerr is set to run his first full marathon when he takes part in the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday 4th October in aid of Moor House, a specialist School & College in Hurst Green for children and young people with language disorders. With both the original and rescheduled dates for the prestigious race…

Several famous authors have uttered lines to this effect. The first was Daniel Defoe, in The Political History of the Devil, 1726 In 1696, William III of England introduced a property tax that required those living in houses with more than six windows to pay a levy. In order to avoid the tax, house owners…

After many months of lockdown, when many children and parents have been forced to stay at home, it is hard to believe that children are only just at the beginning of their official summer holidays.  It’s been a very difficult time for many, but we now have a bit more freedom and choice and I’m sure…

The Surrey Hills AONB Board were delighted to hear the news that fellow AONB, Suffolk Coast & Heaths has had approval from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to extend their current boundary. This extension is great news for all protected landscapes and shines a light on the Surrey Hills which…

The Clockwork Charitable Trust is based in Oxted and was started in response to the tragic deaths of two Oxted teenagers in 2016. Matt Hayes owner of ‘Idol Hands Music School’ began the charity because one of the youngsters, a talented guitarist, was known to Matt and had attended the music school. Matt, who himself…

Residents should ensure they are registered to vote by completing the annual canvass form as soon as possible. This year, as part of the government’s canvass reform programme to make the process more efficient, the majority of residents will be notified by e-mail or text message. Letters, asking residents to review and update their details,…

A Registered Nurse at Tandridge Heights in Oxted has received a prestigious 15 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 15 years.  Jolly George, started at Barchester in 2005 and has continued caring and nursing residents and looking after their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over all…

Fake news, scam calls, hijacked websites and phishing emails, all designed to fool you, but often for different reasons. The obvious reason is to try to trick you into handing over your money (or giving away the access to your money) however others want to fool you into believing their rhetoric in order to further…

My last article was about walking and looking out for the first signs of Spring! Then, along came COVID 19 – the most serious event in our lifetime since World War II, putting life, as we knew it, on hold!  As I write, June 30, marks 100 days since the start of Lockdown and spring…

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has refused to provide the money needed to upgrade Junction 6 on the M25. The upgrade is a precondition for work to start on the 4,000 home South Godstone “Garden Community”, and may even be needed before any substantial construction of houses whatsoever can be carried out…

Since 1st July, on street parking enforcement restarted, having been relaxed since 23 March. Penalty Charge Notices will be issued to vehicles if illegally parked or not abiding by parking restrictions, such as: Yellow lines. Loading restrictions. Yellow and white zig zag markings. Identified loading / waiting / disabled bays. As more people return to…

Pensions – which type do you have?  If in what is commonly known as “drawdown”, which many of you will have if you are making use of the pension freedoms we have today, have you taken steps to protect your investment?  I attended a two full day virtual conference recently, and amongst other speakers, heard…

An international pandemic was not going to let organisers of the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, or residents at Tandridge Heights in Oxted, stop celebrating the event, as it was moved to a digital format. Taking place between 18th – 24th May, the world’s greatest flower show went digital, and brought an exciting line-up of world-leading…

Age UK Surrey is delighted to announce that we are supporting veterans across Surrey through our Call of Friendship project.  Although lockdown has eased, many people are still restricted in going out and feeling more isolated than ever before.  The Call of Friendship project provides a range of support services to help veterans with practical…

Not one part of the UK has been left untouched in some way by Covid 19. The virus has swept across not only the United Kingdom, but most of the world. Sadly we as a nation, seem to have been one of the worst hit countries, with a total of more than 40,000 Covid related…

Lockdown has done a real number on people’s mental health. You’ll be surprised exactly how few people are capable of coping with extreme periods of isolation. It’s definitely a tough thing to try and deal with, no one’s doubting that.  However, in a radical departure from the conventional norms of mental health issues, what we…

COVID-19 has definitely been a game changer, one that will go down in the history books.  This crisis has forced us to evaluate and radically alter the way that we look at the world. Everything that we do as we emerge from lockdown will be different now, from the way we spend our money to…

The Oxted Rotary Charitable Trust is now offering help to families living with a disability. It’s a year since we launched our Grant Scheme to help single parent families and a lot has happened since then.  We’ve received applications and awarded funds toward a varied selection of projects that the families we’ve helped would not otherwise have…

Limpsfield Parish councillor, Ashley Fosdike has embarked on her own crafty little business. The Green Room studio in Ashley’s back garden (just off the A25) is the perfect setting for small groups to while away a few hours creating and painting under Ashley’s expert tuition.  “I’ve always been passionate about crafts,” said Ashley, who is…

On Friday 13th March at The Kings Arms Hotel, Market Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1AN between 11.00am-3.00pm, the auctioneers Lockdales will be holding a specialist valuation day for the following types of collectables: Coins, stamps, banknotes, jewellery, watches, silver, gold, documents, books & maps (pre-1900), medals & militaria also including swords , bayonets and de-activated…

WE  DID IT!  With your help, thank you.  A surgery pod, which will aid patients and clinicians to collect data including blood pressure and monitor information regarding a patient’s health, was purchased by OPAG after generous donations and fundraising and is now in the waiting room. All readings taken from the pod will automatically be…

Finally, The Old Printworks in Limpsfield Village (opposite Memorial Stores) has been given a new lease of life for a creative new enterprise, The Limpsfield Cookery School. Founded by local resident, Jacqueline Derbyshire, this exciting new school launched last month and provides a variety of culinary classes for small groups of all abilities. Jacqui, a…

Limpsfield Chart Cricket Club are looking for new players. We will be holding winter practice nets 18:30 to 19:30 every Tuesday from the 18 February until the 21 April. They take place at Hazelwood School, Wolfs Hill, Limpsfield, Surrey RH8 0QU.  We are a friendly welcoming club where a hearty tea and post-match beer is…

SATURDAY 28th MARCH 2020 The Bawtree Concert Hall, Hazelwood, Oxted, RH8 0QU Tasmin Little has been described as one of the supremely great violinists of our time. She has firmly established herself internationally and has played on every continent, performing at all the major festivals and venues such as Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Musikverein Vienna,…

From Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March, across the UK, the nation will be taking part in an annual Swimathon. The event is in aid of Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK. Participants will be called upon to don their swimsuits, get in the pool and raise as much money as possible for these two…

Between the 20th March and the 13th April people all over the country will be getting involved in ‘The Great British Spring Clean’. An initiative that first started back in the 1950’s with the Women’s Institute, who pledged to ‘Keep Britain Tidy’. In the 1960’s the campaign was registered as a charity and it has…

Jems companions is a new local service aimed specifically at the elderly. Jems aim to place the most suitable companion to either stay or visit the elderly person in their home.  It was set up by Judi and Emma who both work for the NHS as qualified nurses and have over 60 yrs experience between…

‘Jam4Jamie’ was a live music event held a few weeks ago in memory of the life of Jamie Blake-Thomas. A former Oxted pupil, Jamie sadly took his own life in June 2019, aged 24. To celebrate Jamie’s time at the school and his musicianship, his former band-mates and several other local bands came together to…

We will be holding winter practice nets 18:30 to 19:30 every Tuesday from the 18 February until the 21 April. They take place at Hazelwood School, Wolfs Hill, Limpsfield, Surrey RH8 0QU. We are a friendly welcoming club where a hearty tea and post-match beer is just as important as the cricket. We have two…

We have a number of exciting work experience opportunities available for hardworking, enthusiastic students, aged 15-16 years old in the Tandridge area, who are keen to learn. A work experience placement gives students the opportunity to gain and improve skills required for future careers, as well as giving them an insight into the types of…

Approx. 500 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Guides and Leaders camped at Bentley Copses’ Frost Camp which was held over the weekend of January 10-12 at Bentley Copse Activity Centre. Scouts from 1st Oxted   joined Groups from Frimley Green & Mytchett, Godalming, Woking, Guildford West, Reigate, Farnborough, Leatherhead, Caterham, Dorking, Farnham, Guildford East and Haywards…

Charity No. 262608 (OPPOSITE  TANDRIDGE LEISURE POOL) Mrs. Dee Graham (01883 715189) www.thewoodhousecentre.org.uk Thursday, 26th March: 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. at the Centre CAKES – COLLECTABLES –  JEWELLERY – GIFTS – RAFFLE – BOOKS  FANCY GOODS – TEA AND COFFEE We are well known by many customers for our skilled work in upholstery.  We…

St Mary’s, Oxted is pleased to announce that it now has a new vicar, James Ashton, who was licensed on Tuesday, 7th January 2020. Bishop Jonathan, local clergy, representatives of local schools and civic dignitaries were present and the church was packed with nearly 200 guests. The service was followed by a reception in the…

Scammers have been targeting residents, telling them they are due a tax refund from the council. If you receive one of these phone calls, texts or e-mails do not give out any personal information, bank details, card numbers or passwords, even if it seems genuine. We will never phone, text or e-mail residents to ask for…

The Eden Valley Museum, which can be found in the town of Edenbridge, will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year and will be holding many exhibitions throughout the year. The highlight will be an exhibition running throughout the year displaying some of the many achievements of the museum since its opening. Carefully chosen artefacts…

Community and environmental aviation group, CAGNE, is sending a strong message to the newly elected Members of Parliament, along with local residents: Write to the Secretary of State for Transport and demand that the growth proposed by Gatwick Airport from the main runway is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008…

Every year on the first Friday in March in over 120 countries right across the world thousands of Christians from a multitude of denominations and of every race and colour, gather to celebrate the World Day of Prayer (formerly known as Women’s World Day of Prayer), by holding some special services.  This year the Day…

As year turned, ushering in the 2020s, the future of Oxted, and Tandridge district, hung in the balance. After three weeks of intense debate, spread over October and November, an inspector was considering how they will develop over the next decades. The inspector, Mr Philip Lewis, has the immense task of  deciding whether Tandridge District…

Last night’s Community Services Committee unanimously agreed to increase the overall funding available for small grants from the Tandridge Together Community Fund from £20,000 to £30,000 in 2019/2020. Last year, the Committee agreed to award £20,000 in grants of up to £2,000 to local charities and voluntary groups, which demonstrate the work they do improves…

A colourful Mosaic created by students and staff is set to brighten the dining room for many years to come at Moor House, a specialist School and College in Oxted for students with language disorders, including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). With the support of renowned artist Oliver Budd, who helped create Mosaics already on display…

Big-hearted businesses and individuals have given the Chailey Heritage Foundation a fantastic early 2020 present which offers children and young people with complex disabilities the gift of movement. The Big Give Christmas Challenge annual charity fundraiser matched online donations to boost the charity’s drive to raise £18,000 for a specialist exercise device called an Innowalk. The…

We all know that many libraries have been under threat of closure for many years now. With government funding restricted many towns have seen their public libraries closed in recent years. It is very difficult in the modern world of technology, and with the ability to access information and knowledge through the internet, not to…

Oxted Ladies Run Club is a friendly, sociable group, who practice weekly, not just running but walking too. They meet each Saturday morning on Master Park at 7.30am and welcome members with a range of abilities. They are non-competitive, enjoying the challenge of improving their own stamina and strengths in the company of other like-minded…

This January The Oxted Players will be performing their annual pantomime at the Oxted Barn Theatre in Bluehouse Lane. This year’s offering is Treasure Island and will run from the 10th to the 18th January. I’m sure most of us know the story of Long John Silver, but the Oxted Players are offering a twist…

Just before Christmas the members of The Limpsfield Club came together to celebrate the opening of their new clubhouse renovation. This £600,000 investment was made possible by both the efforts of the club’s committee and more significantly by the contributions gained from a huge growth in membership over the last few years. The club has…

Late last year we held another great networking session with over 35 people attending – a mixture of befrienders, befriendees, colleagues,TVA Trustees, staff and volunteers. It is always an enjoyable time when you bring people who love being with other people together in one room! On this occasion we needed to refresh ourselves on the…

This letter is written to people who care about and understand the importance of high quality early years Childcare and Education. The page has been written, supported and paid for by over 300 caring providers from nurseries, childminders and pre-schools, who currently support and develop over 80,000 children every day. So far in 2019, according…

Nothing makes Henry smile more than being able to move his arms and legs in ways we all take for granted. But 8-year-old Henry has multiple physical challenges which makes exercising a real challenge. Using a specialist exercise device known as an Innowalk, Henry and other young people at Chailey Heritage Foundation are able to…

Oxted’s Christmas event is on Thursday 21st November from 4pm to 9pm and promises an evening of fun for all the family Santa Meet & Greet Face Painting, Balloon modellers, entertainers and more Lantern making workshop and lantern parade LED light show Ferris Wheel with free rides Late night shopping and entertainment Launching Oxted’s Digital…

We are aware of two council tax scams operating in this area. Scammers have been targeting residents, telling them they owe money on their council tax and advising them if they do not pay immediately they will contact the police.  Scammers have also been e-mailing residents, from what looks like a government e-mail address, telling…

Guitarist and composer Richard Durrant herald the start of the Christmas season with singer Amy and master folk fiddler Nick to serve up a festive feast of acoustic Christmas music. Two great musicians who help take this show into the heart of Christmas. This unique show mixes chart topping Christmas songs with early music repertoire,…

Last month we celebrated Hospice Care Week. Hospices provide physical and emotional care to terminally ill people and their family and friends. But to do this, they depend on the support of people in their community, and volunteers. More than 1,000 people across the areas where you live volunteer their time, energy and talents to…

The annual Snelling Lecture at Oxted United Reformed Church in Bluehouse Lane will this year be given by Isabella Tree on the theme of ‘Wilding – the Return of Nature to a British Farm’. Held on Thursday 14th November Isabella is an award-winning author and travel writer, who lives with her environmentalist husband Charlie Burrell in…

Tandridge District Council is inviting local community and voluntary organisations to apply for grants of up to £2,000 from the Tandridge Together Community Fund. The grants will be awarded in the new year to local charities and voluntary groups which demonstrate the work they do improves the health and wellbeing of people living in the…

Water is our most precious resource, yet we tend to take it for granted.  It may be hard to believe when the skies are often grey, but the south east of England is classed as ‘water stressed’ – meaning demand for water is higher than the amount replenished by rainfall, especially during the drier months….

Following one of St Catherine’s Hospice busiest ever summers, during Hospice Care Week, Sam Farr, Ward Matron at St Catherine’s, wanted to tell you what your support means. And why your continued support is so vital.  “As the new Ward Matron at St Catherine’s, I’d like to say a really big thank you for all…

Tandridge Heights care home, in Oxted have invited people within the local community to join them for free knit and natter workshops at the home. Some of their residents also join members down at the Woodhouse Centre in Oxted too, making it a real community project. Taking place every Monday guests will have a chance…

The Bull Inn, Limpsfield has been named Best Surrey Pub of the Year at the Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards. This is an amazing achievement for the Limpsfield village pub’s first year owned by Enterprising Limpsfield Limited, the company formed by local residents, which consists of over 200 largely local investors. Up against two…

One of the UK’s top gardening experts, Alan Titchmarsh, is looking for guests to join him as he steps on stage with Sir Richard Stilgoe, musician and composer, in aid of the Orpheus Centre. Leaving his garden behind for the day, the best-selling novelist and television personality is coming to Oxted’s Barn Theatre on Friday…

Come and join Hurst Green Singers to sing one of the most beautiful works in the choral repertoire on Saturday 2 November 2019 in St John’s Church, Hurst Green. Registration for singers starts at 13.30, rehearsal starts at 14.00 with a performance at 17.30.  The cost is £15 per singer (£5 for students) and £5…

Notice is hereby given that we, being Property Risk Inspection Ltd, have an interest in the matter of group of trees located between Mill Lane and Coltsfoot Lane and the nuisance in subsidence damage being caused to 80 Coltsfoot lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9ET. We are attempting to identify the relevant land owners in order to…

The public examination hearings for Our Local Plan: 2033, will start on Tuesday 8 October at 9.30am and will be heard by planning Inspector Philip Lewis BA (Hons) MA MRTPI.  A key part of the examination process is a series of public hearing sessions. Representatives including parish councils, development professionals, residents and other stakeholders, whose…

As Oxted Local readers will have seen in past issues, Oxted Rotary is renowned for helping local causes and Our Community Grant Scheme is the latest drive to help Single parent families in the RH8 area.  The grant scheme is soon to be expanded to help other target groups and news of that will be…

The Eden Valley Museum, in the heart of Edenbridge, is housed in a medieval farm house once known as Doggett’s Farm and now called Church House.  In 2020 the Eden Valley Museum will be launching an exhibition to celebrate its 20th birthday. We are looking for information about the past history of Church House. We…

Caterham Valley has a cauldron full of spooky activities planned for the half term holiday.  The hocus pocus begins with a Halloween trail through the town. Children can go on the hunt for ghostly clues in shop windows and discover sweet treats along the way. The fun, family-friendly trails take place from Friday, October 25…

What a difference a year makes! A new year sees big changes for one of our local schools.  Holland Junior School in Hurst Green has over the years had its critics, but with a new head, Miss Gill Robertson earlier this year, it’s all change at this little school with the big heart.  The children’s…

Held on The Green with the Horticultural Autumn Show in St Mary’s Church Saturday 14th September 11am – 5 pm  Westerham Town Partnership is at its best bringing together the community, with its latest event, celebrating all that is country crafts, activities and produce, alongside local vintage, retro and fashion stalls. Westerham Horticultural Society will…

A big thank you to St Silvan’s Area Charity who have donated a 24hr blood pressure monitor to OHC costing £935.  This is a very welcome addition to the surgery and will help cut the waiting list for this piece of equipment. The machine was presented to Dr Hill by Emma Evans from St. Silvan’s…

Hurst Green Singers are a thriving local choir with some 60 members and are always looking to encourage new talent. Under the direction of Dr James Meaders, rehearsals take place every Tuesday evening in term time (September – May) in St John’s Church, Hurst Green and there are two performances each year. We sing a…

Saturday September 21st, Master Park, Oxted Sellers – Bring your roadworthy and good condition bikes, prams, scooters etc down to Master Park for registration at 8:30am. You set the price (we can offer guidance) and you can complete a form ahead of time (one form for each item). Follow the Bike Sale link to the…

If you had a visual impairment or hearing loss where would you turn to?  Sight for Surrey is a charity providing support to over 7,000 people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing including 620 people in the Tandridge area.  Chris Zahner from Oxted was keen to publicly thank and fundraise…

The Oxted Sessions sets up its stall at The Barn Theatre for September and October, with a special performance of a nationally touring, critically acclaimed play; and a visit by a British TV legend! On Sunday 15th September, The Oxted Sessions, in association with The Barn Theatre, are happy to present Kick In The Head’s…

Saturday 7th September from 9am until 12noon If you are considering the independent school sector for your child, making the decision about which Senior School to choose can be quite daunting.  There are plenty to choose from, both in the local area and those located a short, but manageable, bus or train ride away.  All…

On 18th July Gatwick Airport published its Master Plan that, in effect, sets out its intention to become a 3 runway airport. It plans to increase the number of aircraft movements on the main runway by using new satellite technology; to use the emergency runway on a regular basis for departures; and to safeguard land…

The public footpath that goes from opposite The Haycutter at Broadham Green to Oxted Mill has not been ‘user friendly’ until now, despite being on the route of the Greensand Way, a major long distance path. Until recently there was a difficult stile to get over by the road and two more as you walk…

For those who have already invested, and also for those who wished they had invested first time around, but missed out, The Bull Inn Limpsfield is offering the opportunity to top-up your existing investment or become one of The Bull’s merry band of investors! Enterprising Limpsfield Ltd, the private company that owns The Bull Inn…

Citizens Advice in Oxted are very pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Wyncoll, an Oxted resident, to head up the local advice office. Catherine brings with her 10 years of Citizens Advice experience in a number of roles in Oxted, Epsom and Caterham. Catherine said: ‘I am thrilled to be taking over the Oxted…

The new play area for Bushey Croft, Oxted has now opened, with a swing set, springer, spinning carousel and an adventure unit complete with climbing net, fireman’s pole and slide. Designed for children up to 14 years old, the play area will be an inclusive play space for all abilities. This project is part of…

Shake out your picnic rug and make some space in your kitchen cupboards – the Countryside Food Festival is returning to Priory Farm in Nutfield on Saturday, September 14, and is once again raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Hosted by Surrey-based Local Food Britain, visitors will have a field day with a mouth-watering mix…

Last month the Club gathered at the White Hart Barn to mark the start of a new Lions year which meant handing over the role of Club President from Rita Reissland to Chris Frith.  As well as being somewhat formal it is also a social event which this year included a buffet lunch. Club members…

The Oxted Boot Fair has been a regular feature of summer in Oxted since 2010, starting off as a once-a year event in June and, for the last four years, twice-a-year – June and August. The next Oxted Boot Fair will be held on Sunday 18 August, as usual on Oxted’s Master Park. The Oxted…

The High Weald AONB Partnership, which includes Tandridge District Council and 14 other planning authorities across Surrey, Kent and Sussex, is carrying out an eight week public consultation on the draft Design Guide for new housing development in the High Weald. The Guide aims to give clear, succinct, practical and consistent advice on design expectations for new housing development in…

Could you help make a difference to vulnerable  families with young children in your local area?  Are you a parent or a grandparent with 3 hours per week to spare? Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. Your experience as a parent can help other parents….

The Planning Policy Committee on 25 June approved the Limpsfield Neighbourhood Plan, which forms part of the Council’s wider development plan and will be used in the assessment of planning applications for the Limpsfield area. The plan has been drawn up by local residents and Limpsfield Parish Council. It sets out what Limpsfield could look…

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex is proud to be hosting an Open Air Cinema, in association with Gatwick Airport, where they will screen the 1.21 gigawatt blockbuster, Back to the Future! The 80’s pop culture classic will be shown on a huge screen in the grounds of Gatwick Aviation Museum, in Charlwood (Surrey), on Saturday 10th August. Gates will open…

The United Kingdom is facing one of its biggest decisions for a generation – and, no, we don’t mean Brexit!  As the UK begins the process of rolling out 5G nationwide, and ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological development and innovation, it is faced with a conflict of interests.  The UK wants to…

Tandridge Heights Care Home in Oxted have teamed up with a local Primary School for a newly launched pen pal scheme, connecting residents within their homes with creative writing pupils.  Residents of Tandridge Heights, which is run by Barchester Healthcare, have been sharing their stories of the past with year four students, and making new…

Sight for Surrey support over 7000 people who are blind or partially sighted, Deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Chris Zahner is taking part in the Prudential Ride London 100 to raise funds for the charity as Chris’s daughter Chloe has a visual impairment and has had direct help from the charity. Chris says “Our…

Sight for Surrey are a charity supporting over 7000 people who are blind, or partially sighted, Deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. You may know us as SAVI. We’re delighted to have been chosen as one of the 3 Tesco centenary grant charities. This means we will be in ALL Tesco’s throughout Surrey in July,…

Our new website has officially been launched today to fully integrate with the magazine and our social media channels, primarily to help represent local business, charitable organisations and the communities of Oxted & Limpsfiled and surrounding areas. We have been wanting to make several improvements to our website, for quite a while now, finally we…

Saturday July 13th will see the return of the Lingfield Festival. Now known officially as the Lingfest. This one-day event is a must for local families and friends. An opportunity to get together and enjoy summer at its best with live music and entertainment for everyone. The event starts at noon and finishes at 10.30pm…

September 16 2019 will mark the end of what has seemingly been a very long journey for Fairfield Halls. The venue will re-open following extensive refurbishment and will offer up South London’s largest arts centre to the borough of Croydon and beyond. Sympathetically refurbished to its original 1962 splendour the venue will offer the perfect…

Making Every Drop Count in Tandridge…and beyond Did you know that the south east has less rain per person than Morocco? Where you live is classed as ‘water stressed’ so it’s really important that everyone uses water wisely so there is enough of this precious resource to go around – if we can all save…